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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Baird, Robert

Baird, Robert , Farmer, “Glencairn,” Isla Bank. Mr Baird was born in January, 1870, in Kircudbrightshire, Scotland, where he was brought up on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Scoresby,” and landed at Port Chalmers in 1862. He afterwards removed to Southland and worked in the Riverton district, where he was employed in breaking-in young horses to the plough and dray. He was subsequently engaged as a shepherd on an up-country station, and then resided for some time at Limestone Plains. In 1879, Mr Baird took up 800 acres of leasehold land, belonging to the Southland High School Board. The land was then in tussocks, without fences or other improvements, but has since been brought into a state of good cultivation, and is devoted to mixed farming. Mr Baird has also erected a substantial residence and outbuildings on the property. He was a member of the Western Districts Agricultural and Pastoral Association for twenty-one years, and was steward of the ring for draught horses for the same period. Mr Baird has been twice married. His first wife, who died leaving three sons and one daughter, was the daughter of Mr Archibald Brass, of Kircudbrightshire, Scotland. His second wife is a daughter of the late Mr James McMinn, of the same county, and there are, surviving, two sons and two daughters by this marriage.