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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. William Hurst Martin

Mr. William Hurst Martin, J.P., “Martinborough,” Mount Albert, was born at Rosslea, County Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1836. On leaving school he worked with his father, who was an extensive dealer in cattle and horses, and in that way he gained such a thorough knowledge of stock that he enjoys the reputation of being one of the best judges in Auckland. In 1863, accompanied by his wife, Mr. Martin came to Auckland by the ship “Ida Zeigler,” commanded by Captain Reynolds. Immediately on landing he was engaged by the late General Taylor to go to St. Helier's Bay to eradicate scab from a flock of sheep whoch had previously defied treatment, and he succeeded in cleaning the flock in a few weeks. Shortly afterwards he accepted an appointment from the contractors for the Commissariat to deliver forage at Papakura for the use of the soldiers' horses. He then determined to devote his attention to farming, and proceeded to Waikumete, where he had received a grant of Government land previous to his departure for New Zealand. Mr. Martin set to work with his accustomed energy; in a short time he erected a house, and in a couple of years, he had carved out of the native bush a fine productive farm. Wishing page 436 to live nearer the city, Mr. Martin sold his farm, and obtained a lease of his present fine property from the then owner, Captain Crawdie; but shortly afterwards he converted the
Hanna, photo.Mr. W. H. Martin.

Hanna, photo.Mr. W. H. Martin.

lease by purchase into a freehold. He engaged successfully in cattle dealing, and invested so extensively in valuable freehold properties in the district, that he is now a ratepayer to seven highway boards, one county council, and one city council. On taking up his residence at Mount Albert Mr. Martin began to take a prominent part in the local affairs of the district, and was elected to the Mount Albert school committee, of which he is still a member, and has acted as chairman for several years. He has been intimately connected with the progress of the Mount Albert Road Board almost from its inception, and was for many years its chairman. He retired on the death of the late Mr. Allan Kerr Taylor, who had for years co-laboured with him on the board. Seven years later he was again requested to stand for election, as the board's finances were in a bad state, and there was a large deficit. He therefore again took office, and in the course of about three years extricated the board from its difficulties, and placed its finances on a sound footing, having wiped out the old debt, with £80 to the good, as well as provided a large quantity of road metal. Mr. Martin has also done good service to St. Luke's Church, Mount Albert, where he was churchwarden for several years, and was instrumental, with the assistance of Mr. Allan Kerr Taylor, Mrs Martin, and Mrs Kerr Taylor, in thrice enlarging the church, and clearing the debt off the parsonage and public hall. Mr. Martin has been a member of the licensing committee of the district for a number of years. Although several times requested to stand for the House of Representatives, he has so far declined, owing to his personal respect for the present member, Mr. Bollard. Mr. Martin has held the Commission of the Peace for a number of years. He still takes a keen interest in his general business, but his two sons, who follow in their father's footsteps, relieve him from a large amount of the responsibility connected with his dealings in cattle and horses, and they are recognised as being almost equal to their father in their judgment of horseflesh. Mr. Martin married, previous to his departure from Home, Miss Jane Hirst, of Rosslea Manor, who has been a worthy helpmate to him during his sojourn in the Colony. Three sons and two daughters have been born of the marriage, and are still alive; the eldest daughter is married to Mr. Harper, of the firm of Petty and Harper, merchants, Gisborne, and the sons are well-known and respected colonists.