Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Mr. R. M. Greenfield, who occupied a seat for Cook Ward in the City Council from January, 1874, to September, 1883, hails from Berwick-on-Tweed, where he was born in 1833. When but three or four years old, his parents crossed over to Scotland, and there he received his education. After leaving school, Mr. Greenfield had experience for some years in mercantile pursuits. In 1857 he embarked on the ship “Charlemagne,” with the intention of coming to the page 293 colonies, but this vessel was wrecked in the Clyde, before gaining the open sea, and, after some months' delay, Mr. Greenfield came out to Melbourne per ship “Commodore Perry.” After about four years' experience on the Victorian diggings, and in various parts of that colony, he crossed the Tasman Sea, arriving in New Zealand in 1861. He had been attracted to Otago by the gold rush, and for some months sought his fortunes on the Molineaux. Afterwards Mr. Greenfield visited the Havelock goldfields, but did not stay long, having decided to settle in Wellington. About 1862, in conjunction with Mr. James Stewart, he founded the well-known firm of Greenfield and Stewart (now Stewart and Co.), sawmillers and ironmongers. For a long time he retained his connection with this firm, but retired a few years ago. Mr. Greenfield was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for many years. He has been a director of the Gear Meat Company from its foundation, and is also on the directorate of the National Mutual Life Association. The subject of this notice married Miss Scott in Wellington in 1874. His family consists of three daughters and a son. Miss Mary, the eldest girl, has been very successful at school; in 1891 she gained a scholarship at the Girls' High School, and in 1892, when but fourteen years of age, matriculated “with credit” in the New Zealand University examinations. She has since gained the “dux” medal at the Girls' High School, and graduated in music at the Trinity College, London, examinations. Mr. Greenfield's son is at Dr. Grace's station at Wanganui. [Since the above was in print Mr. Greenfield has passed away. He died on the 7th of August, 1895.]