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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Captain William Scotland

Captain William Scotland, of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's s.s. “Aotea,” was born in Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland, and went to sea as an apprentice at the age of fourteen years, sailing in the West India trade. In that capacity he remained some twelve months, making two voyages between London and the West Indies, after which he served as able seaman for six years, voyaging to Quebec, New Orleans, &c. In 1859 he entered the employ of T. and W. Smith, of London, and was second officer of that firm's ship “The New Era,” for three years, in the Madras trade; he was also first mate for four years in their employ; and in the year 1868 he received his first command from that firm, as captain of the “Brisbane,” which he took charge of for one year. In 1869, the Captain entered the service of Messrs. Glover Bros., of London, in command of their ship the “Jungfrau,” and—as chief of the “Titian”—running in the fruit trade between Italy and Sieily and New York, also between Sydney, Cape Breton, and New York, was engaged seven months, and visited Hong Kong, and then Adelaide (Australia), coming first to New Zealand in 1873. Afterwards he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company, and had command of the “Rangatira” for two voyages. Captain Scotland entered the employ of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company in 1876, taking command of the “Glenloray” for some seven years, after which he was transferred to the “Crusader,” and four years later to the “Westland,” which ship he commanded for some three years. The subject of this sketch then took the superintendency of the building of ships for the Company. The “Maori” (built at Newcastle-on-Tyne), the “Pakeha” (at Stockton-on-Tees) were superintended by him, and brought out under his charge to New Zealand—also a second ship named the “Maori,” at Newcastle. The “Aotea” was built in December, 1894, under his care; but he was unable to bring the ship out to New Zealand, owing to illness. The ship was brought out by Captain McDougall, and Captain Scotland took command on her return to the London Docks in August, 1895. The “Aotea” is a splendid ship of 4915 tons net register, and 8500 tons weight-carrier. Captain Scotland has been at sea forty-two years, and has had the good fortune never to have had a mishap. His home is at Stamford Hill, North London.