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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Captain William Farquhar

Captain William Farquhar, the well-known and deservedly popular Master of the s.s. “Clansman,” and Commodore of the Northern Steamship Company's fleet, was born at Peterhead, Scotland, in the year 1836. He went to sea at the age of thirteen, and served his time on the brig “Fortuna,” of London, Captain Currell, trading on the coast of Africa. In 1853, he arrived in Melbourne, and as the “Fortuna” was sold shortly after her arrival, he joined the brig “Diana” (Captain Lacey) trading to Sydney He sailed in the “Diana” for some time, and on leaving her joined the “Don Pedro” (Captain Grant). His next ship was the “Aurora” (Captain A. McKinnon). This was the first ship to take piles from Launceston to build the Hobson's Bay railway pier. He was in the “Aurora” till she was sold to new owners, and then he joined the “City of Hobart” (Captain Bentley), and sailed out of Hobart for several years in the “Cecelia” (Captain McDonald), “Abbey” (Captain Brown), brig page 446 “Wee Tottie,” with the same master, “Creole” (Captain Carte), “Glencoe” (Captain Thoms), “Aladdin” (Captain Crucknell). He then joined the steamer “Champion” (Captain Helpman, R.N.), and was in her at the time the “Schomberg” was wrecked at Curdie's Inlet, Moonlight Head, and took off the remainder of the passengers left by the steamer “Queen.” In 1868 he left Melbourne for Auckland, and on his arrival he joined the schooner “Falcon,” whence he was transferred to the steamer “Duke of Edinburgh,” a well-known trader to the Thames, Whangarei, and Bay of Islands, and also had command of the “Go-a-Head” for the same owners. On the formation of the Auckland Steam Packet Company, Captain Farquhar was appointed to the “Royal Alfred,” running in the Thames and Coromandel trade. When she was sold Captain Farquhar took her over to Sydney and delivered her to Captain Hazeldean. On returning to Auckland he was appointed to the Auckland Steam Packet Company's “Star of the South,” then running in the Island trade and to the coastal ports, Dunedin being the terminus. When the “Iona” was built for Captain McGregor, Captain Farquhar took charge of her, and was in her about four years. He was then transferred to the “Glenelg,” and after the Northern Steamship Company purchased the steamer “Wellington, he was placed in command and remained in her two years. On the arrival of the steamer “Clansman,” in 1884, he took charge of her, and in 1896, he was sent Home by the Company to bring out its fine new paddle boat the “Wakatere.” In 1897, he was sent to Hobart by the Company to bring over its new purchase, the “Bellinger,” and then resumed command of his old ship the “Clansman.” Captain Farquhar married an English lady and has a family of ten; two of his sons occupy prominent positions in Australia.

Captain W. Farquhar.

Captain W. Farquhar.