Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Mr. William Boag

Mr. William Boag, “Burnside,” Fendalton, arrived by the ship “Cornwall” at Lyttelton on the 11th of December, 1851. He is descended from an old Scottish family at Braco, West Perthshire, was born in 1828, and followed farming until he left Home by the “Cornwall” in 1851. When Mr. Boag arrived at Lyttelton he was, like many other early colonists, not burdened with much money, but he possessed good health and strength and a determination to succeed. On landing he immediately walked to Pigeon Bay, where he obtained employment. In about a year and a half he engaged with Mr. Thompson, of Port Cooper, to manage his dairy business, which was then the principal industry in the young colony. During this time he devoted his money to the purchase of stock, with which to set up his future farm. In 1853 Mr. Boag moved to Riccarton, which was then in its native state, chiefly swamp covered with tussock and “niggerheads.” There he rented from the first Mr. John Deans about 100 acres of land, with a right to purchase at five pounds per acre at the end of five years. With his practical knowledge of farming, Mr. Boag could see how very rich the swamp land was, and chose the property on that account, as well as on account of its nearness to the embryo city of Christchurch. There were then neither roads nor fences, but Mr. Boag built a stockyard and a fine dairy of sods, which did duty for some years. At first the pioneer had to contend with many difficulties, but he worked steadily for success and won it by the right use of his property and his opportunities. The present beautiful park-like paddocks, the handsomely laid out grounds, planted with the choicest shelter and ornamental trees, and the fine residence at “Burnside,” make the property an object lesson, to the present generation as to what energy and determination can produce from rather unpromising materials. Long before the expiration of his lease Mr. Boag was in a position to purchase the freehold of the original 100 acres. That area has been added to at various times by purchase, often at a very high figure, and “Burnside” now consists of about 1700 acres of land of the highest quality. As a practical colonist Mr. Boag early saw that a demand for a high class of cattle must arise in New Zealand, and having the means, he imported from England shorthorn bulls of the best lineage. The result was that his stock soon became known throughout the Australian colonies, and grew very much in demand. For similar reasons, and under corresponding conditions, Mr. Boag became equally well known as a breeder of the highest class of draught horses. His first importation was Prince Charlie, who was followed by the Laird of Kilbryde, and by Lord Dunmore. The progeny of these famous sires are known throughout Canterbury as draughts of the highest type. The Border Chief and Marshal Keith, which took the gold medal at Melbourne for several years, fully sustained Mr. Boag's reputation as an owner of draught sires of the best stamp and quality. It was natural that Mr. Boag should, as the importer of the very best stock, become noted for his exhibits at the agricultural shows of the colony. Innumerable prizes and cups have been won by his stock. He attaches particular value to a cup which was presented by the late Mr. Peter Cunningham for competition to all New Zealand, to be awarded to the exhibitor of both horses and cattle who should succeed in obtaining the highest number of points. Mr Boag's exhibits scored the greatest number—namely, ninety-two points, and the cup is now one of his treasures. Mr. Boag has not confined his attention solely to cattle and horses, for he has been a successful breeder of a well-known strain of Leicester sheep, which are in great demand by breeders. Mr. Boag has been a member of the Riccarton Road Board since its foundation, and is at present its chairman. He was one of the first elected members of the Waimakariri River Board, but retired after holding the position of chairman for twelve years. Mr. Boag was for twelve years a member of the Selwyn County Council, and was for a number of years on the Board of Advice for Lincoln College. He is one of the oldest members, and also a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was president in 1886. Mr. Boag is a member of the Caledonian Society, and was its president for two years. He was one of the promoters and is still a director of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative and Insurance Association; also a member of the Canterbury Trotting Club, of which he was judge for years. Mr. Boag was for over three years a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board, and he is an elder of St. Andrew's Church, Christchurch. Since his original arrival in New Zealand Mr. Boag has twice visited the Old World, first, in 1875, when he was absent about twelve months, and returned via America. On that occasion he spent over £4000 in the purchase of high-class stock and machinery for his farm in New Zealand. His second visit took place in 1899, when he travelled on the Continent, and returned by the S.S. “Wakanui,” calling at Capetown, where all was excitement, war having been proclaimed a few days after the steamer left. Mr. Boag brought two purebred Clydesdale horses to Canterbury with him. Part of Mr. Boag's estate has been purchased by the Government as workingmen's settlements, and disposed of on perpetual lease, in areas of from two to five acres. These settlements are situated at Fendalton, and are thriving and prosperous. In addition to his estate at Fendalton, Mr. Boag owns a fine property
Standish and Preece photo. Mr. W. Boag.

Standish and Preece photo.
Mr. W. Boag.

page 357 of 2600 acres at Selwyn, of which 2000 acres consist of rich reclaimed swamp. Altogether Mr. Boag has been a most successful man—a fine specimen of the hardy Britons who left the Mother Country to help to make another Britain in the Southern hemisphere. Mr. Boag has been twice married; on the second occasion, in 1886, to Miss Duncan, a sister of the late Mr. Andrew Duncan, so well known in Christchurch, and of a family of nine children, two sons and one daughter are alive of the issue of this marriage.