Captain David Curle, one of Otago's earliest settlers, was born in the village of Troon, Ayrshire. Scotland, in 1819. He was educated in his native place, and was afterwards apprenticed to the shipbuilding firm of Messrs Barclay. Curle and Co. of Glasgow, of which his brother was a partner. After serving his time, he decided upon a seafaring life, and later on captained various coastal trading vessels. About the year 1855 Captain Curle sailed for Melbourne, where he was engaged for some years in the building and repairing of trading ships and in managing a ferry service, which he himself promoted, on the Yarra river. In 1859 he sailed in his own vessel—a schooner of 100 tons—for Port Chalmers, and brought with him the iron hull, boiler, and engines, of a twenty-five ton screw steamer. On his arrival he immediately fitted up this steamer, chris- page 381 tened her “Victoria,” and plied her between Port Chalmers and Dunedin as the first trading steamer to run in the Otago harbour. After selling the “Victoria” he bought the steamer “Ruby,” and plied her as a steam lighter between the port and Dunedin. She was the first steam lighter used in Duundin harbour. Captain Curle afterwards bought the “Governor Arthur, built the schooner “Elizabeth Curle,” and was engaged for some years in the coastal trade. He afterwards acquired land at St. Leonards, and farmed there till his death in 1899. During his long residence in the district Captain Curle showed considerable interest in the welfare and progress of his borough, and he will long be remembered for the able and willing assistance he rendered in all matters affecting his district.