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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Corpe, William Westcombe

Corpe, William Westcombe, Dairy-farmer, Makino. Mr. Corpe is the owner of the large butter factory at Makino, where he carries on a very large business, being supplied with milk by the settlers for many miles around the country. He was the first to start this industry in the district, and it can be easily seen what an immense amount of help an institution of this kind is to the small farmers. The brands manufactured by him are well known, amongst them being “Safe” brand, “Top” and “K” brands. He William Westcombe Corpe uses the Alexander Cream Separator, box churns, and all latest appliances, whilst the factory itself is a perfect gem of neatness. Mr. Corpe was born in Somersetshire in 1836, and received his education in that county. On its completion he went to Windsor and there carried on a business with his brother as provision merchants for several years. In 1858 Mr. Corpe resolved to come to New Zealand, and accordingly took passage in the ship “Robert Small” and landed in Wellington. He received an appointment as clerk to the Nelson Brewery, in which position he remained for six years. He then obtained a position as station manager in the Pelorus Valley for three years. Mr. Corpe then went to the Wairarapa, where as farmer and sawmiller he was well known for the next seventeen years. Then he proceeded to Feilding, where he busied himself in establishing butter factories in various parts of the district. He is the owner of property in the Pohangina and Kiwitea districts. When in the Wairarapa, Mr. Corpe took great interest in all local affairs, and was for five years chairman and treasurer of the Clareville School Committee. He was for twelve years a member of the Taratahi and Carterton Highway Board. Mr. Corpe is married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Crease, of Milverton, Somerset, and they have one son and one adopted daughter. As a settler in the early days in Marlborough, Mr. Corpe saw some very rough times, and he relates how he was the first to drive a cow across the notorious Maungatapu Ranges, carrying his blankets on the animal. He was also one of the first at the famous Whakamarina gold rush, but soon returned to his own business.