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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Professional, Commercial, And Industrial

Professional, Commercial, And Industrial.

Gorton and Son (Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Gorton, Norman B. St. G. Gorton), Stock Auctioneers, Commission Agents and Valuators, Bulls, Rangitikei; Telegraphic address “Gorton, Bulls” P.O. Box 22 (Bulls), and 47 (Feilding). Bankers, Bank of New Zealand; branch, Fergusson Street, Feilding. This thriving business was established originally by Messrs. Stevens and Gorton in 1878, but has been conducted by the present firm since 1892. Their field of labour is a wide one, and the firm have sale yards at Feilding, Awahuri, Hunterville, Sandon, Marton, Waituna and Campbelltown, in addition to their very large yards at Bulls. Colonel Gorton is a native of Suffolk, and came out to New Zealand to join the 57th Regiment in 1861 per barque “Mersey.” He was then captain of the regiment, and had considerable experience at the time of the disturbances with the natives during the sixties. The honour of being a Justice of the Peace has belonged to Colonel Gorton since 1863 The firm are agents for the New Zealand Insurance Company, and the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Association, and conduct a very large business generally.

Downes, Thomas William, Surveyor and Civil Engineer, Bulls. Mr. Downes was horn in London in the year 1833. and received his education in the Old Country. He learned the profession of surveyor and civil engineer under the Board of Ecclesiastical Commission. Early in 1857 his parents decided to come to New Zealand, and young Mr. Downes accompanied them to Picton. Shortly afterwards he received the appointment of drawing-master at the Nelson College. Three years later Mr. Downes was attracted by the reports of the Southland diggings, but after some experience he discovered that fortunes were not to be had, and having received the offer of a good appointment in the Survey Department at Wellington, he removed to the latter place. This was in 1861, and he remained in the service of this Department for ten Thomas William Downes years. He the joined the Public Works Service, where he remained for the following three years. Mr. Downes then came to Bulls, where he has lived since, and is engaged in the practice of his profession in that place. For many years he was a member of the Bulls Town Board and of the Bulls School Committee. He is a member of the Synod, and acts as lay reader at the Anglican Church of St. Andrew's in Bulls. In his early days in Wellington Mr. Downes was an enthusiastic volunteer, and was a member of Company No. 1, Lower Hutt Rifles. He was also a member of both Oddfellows' and Foresters', but at present is unattached. He is married to a daughter of the late Justice James Harringotn, formerly judge of the Supreme Court in the Island of Jamaica. Mr. Downes' father was for many years Resident Magistrate at Picton. Mr. Downes has two sons and one daughter.

Criterion Hotel (Mrs. Alice S. Cranmer, proprietress), Bridge Street, Bulls. P.O. Box 19. Bankers. Bank of New South Wales. The Criterion is a very popular hostelry, and contains page 1276 twenty-one rooms, including a cheerful dining-hall. The billiard-room contains one of Wright's best tables. Sixty visitors can be accommodated at this pleasantly situated hotel, which is selected by the Commercial Travellers' Club. The house was opened in 1875 by Mr Dalziell. Everything in connection with this hotel is suited to the needs of a first class hostelry. Splendid stabling is situate on the premises, and consists of thirteen stalls and nine loose-boxes.

Rangitikei Hotel (Robert Bryant, proprietor), coiner of High and Bridge Streets, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Rangitikei Hotel contains twenty-eight rooms, which include three convenient, well-furnished sitting-rooms, besides a large and well-appointed dining-room. The bedrooms number seventeen, and contain twenty-eight beds, all being clean and comfortable. The large and well-lighted billiard-room on the ground floor has a first-rate table by Alcock. Mr. Bryant was born in Auckland, and was brought up to business as a butcher with the Gear Company in Wellington. After working at his trade for three years in Palmerston North, he bought the oldest business of its kind in Bulls, which he conducted till entering into possession of this house in 1895. He is interested in sports, and acts as a member of the Rangitikei Racing Club, as well as of the local cricket club. Mr. Bryant has also a seat as a member of the Town Board of Bulls, and serves his fellows by devoting a good deal of his time to the consideration of local matters.

Clifton Hotel (W. i. Hunter, proprietor), Bulls. Established 1862.

Clifton Boardinghouse (Charles Frederick Langdon, proprietor), High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This house is centrally situated, and contains good bedrooms, ladies' room, dining-room, and every convenience. As many as forty can be accommodated when necessary. Mr. Langdon is also well known as a baker. His oven is one of the oldest in the district, and he does a considerable trade. Coming to New Zealand per ship “Cartvale” in 1874, from Leamington, his native place, Mr Langdon was farming for fourteen years, afterwards working as a baker, which trade he learned in London. Mr. Langdon served as a member of the Hutt school committee.

Main, Frederick, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Main Street, Bulls. Mr. Main has a good stock, and secures a large meed of local support He was born in London, and educated at the London University, afterwards studying art. After a number of years spent in India and Australia. Mr. Main came to New Zealand, and carried on his business in Nelson for some years. In 1894 he removed to Bulls, where he established his present business. As an Oddfellow he was well known in Nelson, and in the East Indies was an ardent volunteer. In 1867 he married a daughter of Mr. A. G. Betts, of Nelson, and has three sons and four daughters living

Stratford, Felix, Wheelwright and General Black-smith, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Stratford. Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The factory of Mr. Stratford stands on the original site occupied by Messrs. J. and C. Bull, after whom the town was named. It has a frontage of 114 feet to the main street, by a depth of 150 feet, and contains a body making shop, smithy, paint-shop, and a large show-room. In the conduct of this large and general business Mr. Stratford is ably assisted by his son. Mr. Stratford was born in the North of Ireland, where he was apprenticed to his father, and where he after “wards gained considerable experience in railway carriage-building. After this for some years he worked in several of the first class establishments in London. In 1867 Mr. Stratford came to New Zealand, per ship “Aldinga,” from Melbourne, having gone there per ship “Blue Jacket.” After visiting various parts of the Colony, he started the business in Palmerston now so successfully carried on by Mr. John Bett, and known as the Manawatu Carriage Factory. After selling out there, he went into the flax-dressing, and this venture proving unsuccessful, he resumed his own trade, and began the above business in 1890. [Since the above was in type Mr. Geo. Stratford has taken over the business.]

Westwood, E., Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Bridge Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Westwood, Bulls.” This business was established many years ago, being one of the oldest smithies in the district. In April, 1894, Mr. Westwood purchased it from Messrs. Spry and Green. The shop is a good size, 30 feet by a depth of about the same. Mr. Westwood was born at the Thames, in the Auckland district, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. W. F. Wood, of Palmerston North. After working for about three years with one of the local farriers, Mr. Westwood began on his own account its above. He is well known and well liked throughout the district. His premises are most centrally situated, being opposite the Criterion Hotel, and quite close to the Bank or New Zealand. Considering the short time he has been in business, Mr. Westwood has worked up a really good little trade. He works hard, thoroughly understands his work, and is in every way deserving of support.

Scales, C., Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Bridge Street, Bulls. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Established by present proprietor in 1879.

Bullard, W. E., Saddle, Harness, and Collar Manufacturer, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Bullard, Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Bullard is a native of Surrey, and came to New Zealand in 1875 per ship “Rooney.” in 1887 he began as above, and has succeeded in building up a good business. He imports all kinds of saddlery and harness, with all the minor articles usually kept in a first-class saddlery establishment, his specialties being ladies' and gentlemen's saddles. Mr. Bullard is a member of the Masonic Order, a Vice-Grand of the Oddfellows, and Lodge Deputy in the I.O.G. Templars. He is an enterprising, hard-working man of business and well deserving of encouragement and support.

Mansell, Frederick James, General Storekeeper, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Mansell, Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bridge Street. This business was established in 1879. The premises are of wood and iron and are two stories in height, containing an area of about 2500 square feet. They were built originally by Mr. James Bull, but have since been considerably added to. For some time Mr. Mansell had a branch at Makino. He has now sold the business though the retains the property. Mr. Mansell has a good trade throughout the district, and is agent for the Northern Insurance Company. has specialties are stationery, school requisties, novelies, and fancy goods. He is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand in 1871, per ship “Golden Lea.” He was apprenticed to the well-known firm of Messrs: Burroughs and Watts, billiard-table makers, Soho Square, London. Mr. Mansell is secretary of the Horticultural Society, and as a deacon of the Masonic Order, and also an ex-member of the Town page 1277 board. In all local matters Mr. Mansell takes a great interest, and thoroughly attends to any business which he takes in hand.

Sutcliffe, Albert Harrison, Storekeeper. Bulls. P.O. Box 23. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Sutcliffe, is the proprietor of a neat and compact general store, and does a large business in Bulls. All kinds of goods are stocked by Mr. Sutcliffe, who imports a great many of his stores direct. The shop is well stocked with every requisite in the way of crockery, jewellery, groceries, and clothing. Mr. Sutcliffe was born in Manchester, and at an early age came with his parents to Australia, and was educated in Rockhampton and New Zealand. His first start in life was in Marton in the livery stable business, but he remained in this only about eighteen mouths. He then entered his father's general store, and received his business training there. Ten years afterwards, his Albert Harrison Sutcliffe father having disposed of his business to Mr. McEldowney, Mr. Sutcliffe, junr., was sent to Bulls to open a branch for that gentleman. In 1893 Mr. Sutcliffe decided to purchase his employer's interest, and since that date has had a successful career in Bulls. In public matters in the town, Mr. Sutcliffe takes a leading part, being a member of the Town Board, of the Oddfellows' Lodge, and Rangitikei Masonic Lodge, of which he is organist; he was for many years bandmaster in Bulls. Whilst in Marton he was a volunteer, also a member of the Marton Brass Band. For a period of seven years Mr. Sutcliffe acted as organist for the church of St. Stephen's in Marton. He is also a leading member of the Bulls Cricket Club. In 1896 Mr. Sutcliffe had the honour of being appointed a J P. for the Colony of New Zealand. He is married to a daughter of Mr. Haybittle, and has four sons and one daughter.

Jones and McGregor, General Storekeepers and Merchants, Bulls. P.O. Box 14. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established by Messrs. J. and C. Bull at the foundation of the township. Conducted by Messrs. R. M. Begg and Co. from 1882 to 1895, and by present proprietors since latter date.

Coughlin, Danl., Coach Proprietor and Livery Stable Keeper, Bridge Street Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874.

Stevenson and Son (Hugh D. and John Stevenson), Tailors and Habit Makers, High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1875.

Downes, T. W., junr., Cabinetmaker, Bulls.

Fraser, Donald, Farmer, Pukehoe, Rangitikei. The subject of this sketch was born in Argyllshire Scotland, in 1835, and came to the Colony with his parents in 1840 in the ship “Benbow,” his father having an appointment with the New Zealand Company. Mr. Fraser received his education in Wellington, where he remained until 1851, leaving Wellington for Rangrtikei to work on his father's farm. In 1856 he went to the Victorian diggings, and two years later returned to Rangitrkei, which he again left early in 1859 for Hawkes Bay, where he remained till August, 1860. Leaving Hawkes Bay he went to the Otago diggings, where he spent six months with better success than on the Victorian diggings, returning to Rangitikei to manage his father's farm. Mr. Fraser subsequently bought land adjoining that of his father, and now possesses a fine estate. He has always taken a keen part in the public mutters of his district. As a breeder of blood stock, his name is well known in the North Island. In 1893 Mr. Fraser unsuccessfully contested the Otaki seat with Mr. J. G. Wilson.

Heaton Park Estate, Bulls, bounded on the west by the sea, on the north by the Turakina River, and on the east and north by the Bulls-Turakina Road and Bulls-Marton Road respectively, contains 26,000 acres freehold and 5000 leasehold. Mr. Robert Wilson, the manager, was born in Scotland and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1840. Educated in Wellington, he removed to Turakina with his father, who took up land in the Black and white photograph of Mr. Robert Wilson, manager of Heaton Park Estate page 1278 district, on which the subject of this notice gained valuable experience. Mr. Wilson took over the management of the Heaton Park Estate in 1866, the land at that time being largely covered with swamps and lakes. These swamps have been drained in the most approved manner, and now form part of the best grazing land on the property. The estate not being blessed with an abundance of timber, Mr. Wilson next turned his attention to planting, and there is now 130 acres of plantation growing the most useful and durable timber, including oak, elm, ash, and other hard woods, with a selection of pines from almost every country in the world. Mr. Wilson is going in extensively for the Pinus Maritima for planting along the coast line of the estate; to prevent the further inroads of the sand he is also using the Murram and Lupinus Arboreus with success, and it is only a matter of time when considerable tracts of the sand-hills will be covered with vegetation. In ram breeding Mr. Wilson has achieved more than a local reputation, and he is generally able to dispose of them without sending them to the sales. The woolshed and other out-buildings on the estate are most completely fitted up. The homestead is beautifully situated on a site overlooking a large lake, on which wild duck and other water fowl disport themselves unmolested, and fine views of Mounts Egmont and Ruapehu may be obtained.

McKelvie, John, Settler, “Flock House,” Lower Rangitiki. This old colonist, who was born in Scotland, came out to Australia in 1836 in the ship “Raglan,” and crossed over to New Zealand in 1853. He was very successful in his undertakings, and his estate in Lower Rangitikei is one of the best in the district, some of the rich flats and drained swamps carrying as many as six sheep
The late Mr. Jno. McKelvie..

The late Mr. Jno. McKelvie..

Mr. Jas. McKelvie.

Mr. Jas. McKelvie.

to the acre. As a cattle country, too, it would be' hard to find its equal. The homestead is built on one of the pretty hills, surrounded by a plantation of useful and ornamental trees, with a fine avenue leading up to the house. Mr. McKelvie. who died in 1893, left two sons and six daughters. The estate is now managed by the eldest son, Mr. Jas. McKelvie.
McKenzie, T. U., Farmer, Pointzfield, Paraewanui, Bulls. Born at Pointzfield, Invergordon, Rosshire, Scotland, Mr. McKenzie followed farming pursuits. In 1839 he sailed from London in the ship “Oriental,” and landed at Petone in the following year under the auspices of the New Zealand Company. He never saw the land for which his father paid before he left London. After some years in Wellington Mr. McKenzie removed to Turakina, where he took up land and remained for three years. Subsequently he removed to his present holding on the banks of the Rangitikei, for which he paid at that early period of the Colony £3 per acre. During the native trouble Mr. McKenzie maintained at his own expense eight men with their horses to secure the peace of the district. In page 1279 1842 Mr. McKenzie married Miss Margaret Fraser, and has had twenty two children, eighteen of whom survive, all being married with one exception. Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie have seventy-two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Scott, David, Settler, “Willow Bank,” Bulls, Mr. Scott is the son of one of the pioneers of the Colony, his parents having arrived in Wellington in 1841, where they settled for a few years. Subsequently, removing to Rangitikei, they settled at Scott's Ferry, called after Mr. Scott's father, who had large contracts, among others being that of carrying the mails between Wellington and New Plymouth. The subject of this sketch was only three years old when he came to Rangitikei, and, growing up with the settlement, he soon became of material help to his father, especially in carrying out his mail contracts. Mr. Scott thus at an early age came to know the value of a good horse, and has since been breeding horses for thirty-five years. He has bred and owned some of the best horses in the Colony. Among others may be mentioned Ahua, Parvenu, Omaha, Tornado, Adventurer, Waitangi, Fallacy, Cordelia, King Don, Flintlock, Lady Mary, Cornelia, Kahurangi, etc. Mr. Scott now has several youngsters running on the property, of which more will be heard in the future. Mr. Scott married Miss Higgie, of Wanganui, and has six boys and five girls. One daughter is married to Mr. McKelvie, of Flock House, and one of the sons married Miss Fraser, daughter of Mr. Donald Fraser, of Pukehoe.

The late Mr. Thos. Scott..

The late Mr. Thos. Scott..

Mr. D. Scott.

Mr. D. Scott.

Bulls Traffic Bridge, Rangitikei River.

Bulls Traffic Bridge, Rangitikei River.