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

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1905, Christchurch

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Mr. Robert Wilson , who was the seventh Mayor of Winton, was born in Midlothian, Scotland, in 1851, and was educated at Tranent parish school, Haddingtonshire, learning the blacksmiths' trade under Mr. William Kirkwood, the celebrated agricultural Implement-maker of Lothian Bridge, Dalkeith. Mr. Wilson afterwards travelled over the south portion of Scotland, engaged at his calling. In 1874, he arrived at Port Chalmers, by the ship “Parsee,” and obtained work with Messrs. Morgan and McGregor. Their first great contract was to make and fit boilers for the s.s. “Comerang,” in which Mr. Wilson took part. He afterwards started business in Winton as general blacksmith and implement-maker, his specialty being drain-ploughs, which are sent to many parts of New Zealand. Mr. Wilson has always taken a great interest in sporting matters and has been president and vice-president of the Winton Jockey Club. He was the promoter of the Winton Caledonian Society, which was formed in 1881. During his mayoralty he saw the completion of the drainage scheme and the formation of the principal back streets. In 1873, he was married to a daughter of Mr. Robert Noble, teacher of New Battle parish school, Midlothian, Scotland.