Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Farmers

Farmers.

Davison, George, Farmer. “Karere,” Longburn, Palmerston North. Mr. Davison was born in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England, in the year 1842. He left England in 1863, on the barque “Rose of Mont-rose,” and deserted his ship at Wellington. For a time he was employed at coal-heaving, and then worked in Stokes Valley. Subsequently Mr. Davison removed to Longburn, and took up “Karere,” where he has resided for over thirty years. When first taken up the land was covered with swamp and bush, overrun with wild pigs and wild pigeons, and infested with mosquitoes, but, with indomitable energy and perseverance, Mr. Davison cleared 332 acres, and “Karere” is now part of one of the best farming districts in New Zealand. At one time, in conjunction with Messrs. Buick and Leggins, Mr. Davison took over the Longburn Butter Factory, but the venture was, however, not successful. He also cut the first sleepers for the tramway in Wellington, on the reclamation works. In 1904 he retired from active life, and the farm is now successfully conducted by his sons. During the Maori war Mr. Davison was a member of the Militia. He married Miss Charlotte Peck, daughter of an old settler, and has four sons and six daughters.

McPhail, Robert Murray, Farmer, Stony Creek, Palmerston North. In conjunction with his farm Mr. McPhail conducts a store, the local post office, and a smithy. He is also manager of the New Zealand Farmers' Union creamery at Stony Creek. Mr. McPhall was born in the year 1864, at Brighton, Otago, where he was educated, and learned farming. In 1884 he went to the North Island, and settled in hawke's Bay, where he was engaged in farming for eight years. Subsequently he went to the Manawatu, remained there for three years, then proceeded to Palmerston North, and was appointed manager of the New Zealand Farmers' Union creamery at Stony Creek in 1894. Mr. McPhail is a member of the Stony Creek School Committee. In the year 1892 he married Miss Austin, daughter of an old settler, and has two sons and two daughters.