Lieutenant Ernest Freeth, of the Marlborough Mounted Rifles, was born at Picton in November, 1876, and was educated at the Picton and Blenheim public schools. He afterwards learned the trade of a painter, panerhanger, and decorator, and established himself in business on his own account in Market Street. Blenheim, in August, 1903. Lieutenant Freeth served in the First New Zealand Contingent in the South African war, and returned to his corps as a corporal. Later, he was again promoted to sergeant-major, and in that capacity went to South Africa with the Eighth Contingent. He was elected lieutenant of the Marlborough Mounted Rifles in the year 1903, shortly after his return to New Zealand. As a Freemason, Lieutenant Freeth is a member of the local lodge, and is connected with various Friendly Societies.