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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Bulls

page 1271

Bulls.

Some six miles northwards of Sanson, and forty miles south-east from Wanganui, is the town of Bulls, in the Rangitoto Riding of the Rangitikei County. Bulls has a population of 521 souls, two churches, a State school, post and telegraph office, three hotels, and is the market town for the farming, agricultural, and dairying settlements lying to the north, south, and west. There is little to interest the tourist hereabout, but the land grows rich grass, and good crops of grain. The roads are fairly good for coaching, by which means all travelling is done; the town is well laid out, the streets neat and clean, and the accommodation at the hotels is good. The nearest railway station—four miles away—is Greatford, on the Longburn-Wanganui Line, and coaches ply regularly to meet every train. The township, which is governed by a Town Board, is within the Electoral District of Rangitikei. Bulls, sometimes called Bulltown, was named after Mr. James Bull, who established a store, with hotel attached, on the site of the township, in 1859. It is in latitude 40° 12' south, and longitude 175° 15' east.

Bridge Street, Bulls.

Bridge Street, Bulls.

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Bulls Town Board, of which Dr. Bennett is chairman, and Messrs. D. Coughlin, R. Brynnt, E. H. Levett (treasurer), F. J. Mansell, W. Green, and A. H. Sutcliffe are members, has its offices in High Street. Mr. T. King acts in the capacity of clerk to the Board. The Board was established in the year 1873, and the total rateable annual value of properties in the town amounts to £3695, the annual income being about £423. The Board subsidises the Clifton Public Library and Reading Room.

Dr. Thomas Bennett, J.P., Chairman of the Bulls Town Board, settled in New Zealand in 1884, and was soon afterwards appointed a Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the Town Board of Bulls since 1890, and chairman for the greater part of the time.

Mr. Thomas King, who succeeded to the secretaryship of the Town Board on the decease of Mr. C. W. Maclean, is a native of Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1876 per ship “Candidate” to Port Chalmers. He was brought up to the Civil Service in England, but resigned after six years owing to ill-health. Having recovered strength, Mr. King was for some years storekeeping in Palmerston North. He settled in Bulls about 1886, and held an appointment as accountant for Messrs. Gorton and Son from that year until receiving the appointment he now holds. Mr. King has been a member of the town board for seven years, for six of which he was treasurer. He is one of the oldest masons in the Colony, and acts as secretary of the local lodge, of which he is also a “past master.” Mr. King is also interested in sporting and athletic pastimes. He is the paased clerk of scales, a position which he has held for many years without any disputes having occurred. Both the Rangitikei and Sandon clubs retain his services in this respect.

Mr. Edward Harry Levett, who has been a member of the Bulls Town Board since 1892, when he also became treasurer, a position which he fills at the time of writing (1897), is a native of Staffordshire, England, and was brought up to military life. Leaving the army he came to New Zealand in 1881 per ship “Waitangi,” and settled in the Rangitikei District. For ten years he was farming in the locality. Mr. Levett is a member of the Anglican Church, and fills the office of clergyman's churchwarden in the local vestry. As a member of the Masonic Order he ranks as a “master mason.” In mercantile life Mr. Levett is clerk to Messrs. Gorton and Son.

Mr. Edward Bull, who was for some years a member of the Bulls Town Board, was born in 1817 in London, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand about 1876, and joined his brother in Bulls, where he managed for a number of years the store established by Mr. James Bull. On severing his connection with this firm he established himself as a brewer close to the town, and rapidly acquired a most successful business, which he carried on for ten years. Mr. Bull died in 1890, and left a son and two daughters. His widow, who is a daughter of Mr. G. Worsfold, of Chelsea, has since carried on the business in her late husband's name. As a member of the Town Board in Bulls he was well known as an energetic worker, and had the best interests of the place at heart.

The late Mr. E. Bull.

The late Mr. E. Bull.

Mr. James O'Halloran, who was for some years a member of the Bulls Town Board, was a native of Ireland, where he was brought up to farming. Arriving in New Zealand by ship “Opawa” in 1878, for some time he followed the calling of a shepherd. From 1889 to 1892 he resided in Waverley, and in the latter year he went to Bulls and took over the Rangitikei Hotel. This he successfully conducted for some years, and at the time of his death (towards the end of 1896), was the popular proprietor of the Criterion Hotel. Besides fulfilling his duties as a member of the Town Board, Mr. O'Halloran found time for recreation, and was a member of the local racing club and the Oddfellows' Lodge.

Constable J. Gleeson, Officer in charge of Police, Bailiff of S. M. Court, Inspector of Factories, and Registrar of [unclear: Dogs], Bridge Street, Bulls. Mr. Gleeson is a native of Ireland, arriving via Australia in 1874. For some time he was contracting in Auckland, and formed a good part of Queen Street in 1875. He joined the force in 1877 under the Provincial Council, but retired after twelve months service, rejoining again in Wellington in 1879. He was in charge of the native hostelry in Molesworth Street, and subsequently for ten years had charge of the Wellington Botanical Gardens. He was also in charge of the Clyde Quay station, Wellington, and afterwards was on the West Coast for some time. Constable Gleeson was appointed to his present position on June 21st, 1893.

The Bulls Public School is situated on a sunny spot in close proximity to the centre of the town. There are 134 scholars on the roll, made up of an equal number of boys and girls, and the daily attendance averages about 110. The total capacity of the school is for 200 children. The teaching staff is composed of a head-master, Mr. Arthur Gifford, an assistant teacher, and a pupil teacher, the two last mentioned being ladies.

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High Street, Bulls.

High Street, Bulls.

Mr. Arthur Gifford, M.A., Headmaster of the Bulls Public School, is a native of London, and received his early education at Somersetshire College, Bath. He came to the Colony in 1877 per ship “Lady Ruthven,” and studied at the New Zealand University, taking his M.A. degree in 1886. The same year Mr. Gifford took his A2 certificate under the Board of Education. He was for some time a tutor in the Auckland Training College. In 1888 Mr. Gifford was first assistant master at the Napier Boys' High School. He is also a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, having passed the prescribed examination, securing enrolment in 1889. Mr. Gifford was assistant master at the Boys' High School at Wanganui, from 1890 to 1892. He was appointed to the Bulls public school in 1893. Mr. Gifford is a member of the local chess club, and has displayed considerable ability as a player.

St. Andrew's Anglican Church is situated in Turakina Road, Bulls. It was erected about the year 1882, and has seating accommodation for 120 worshippers. There is a Sunday school in connection with it, numbering no less than 120 children on its roll. A convenient and nicely-finished parsonage has been built for the use of the resident clergyman, who also conducts services at Sandon, Greatford, Campbelltown, Parawauni, Heaton Park Station, and Carnarvon. About 300 adherents of the church are scattered throughout this wide district.

Rev. John Delacourt Russell, Vicar of St. Andrew's, Bulls, is a native of Hendon, Middlesex. He was educated at select schools in Harrow and Watford, and, before leaving for New Zealand in 1889, passed the Oxford local examination, taking honours in mathematics. Arriving by the s.s. “Tongariro,” he studied for the ministry in the Colony, heading the first-class list in grands I., II., and III. of the Board of Colony theological Studies, and so winning the exhibition in the two latter grades. He is now studying for the fourth and final grade. Mr. Russell was ordained to deacon's orders in December, 1891, at Napier Cathedral. He had charge of St Stephen's Church, Opotiki, for two years and five months. This church is known as that of the Rev. Mr. Volkner, who was murdered by the Maoris. Mr. Russell was ordained to priest's orders in January, 1893, at St. Faith's Church. Rotorua. The reverend gentleman was appointed to the charge of Bulis district in November, 1893. He is zealous in the performance of his duties, and is deservedly respected by all clases of the public.

The Presbyterian Church, of which an illustration appears herein, is situated in Daniel Street, Bulls. It was erected in 1875, and prior to that time services had been conducted in the Town Hall. A very comfortable manse was built two years before the erection of the church. Both manse and church, however, have been considerably enlarged since then, and in 1886 the shurch was made to accommodate 250 worshippers though it is quite capable of holding 300 on an emergency. The buildings are of wood, and are both free of debt. The minister, the Rev. J. Doull, has under his care a small church at Parawanui, and another at Carnarvon, each of which is capable of accommodating a congregation of eighty adults. In connection with the church, Bulls possesses a Sunday school with a roll number of fifty-nine children, and an average attendance of about forty. The number of adherents of the Presbyterian Church throughout the district is about 250.

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The Presbyterian Church, Bulls.

The Presbyterian Church, Bulls.

Rev. James Doull, Minister of Presbyterian Church, was born in Ceylon, and brought up in Scotland. He was educated at the Edinburgh University, and was ordained in the year 1865. Mr. Doull is a life member of the Edinburgh University Council, and as such he has a vote for the election of a member to the British House of Commons. Mr. Doull was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland in the Shetland Isles for seven years. He came to New Zealand in 1873 per ship “Brechin Castle,” and was at once appointed to Bulls. Mr. Doull has ministered to the people of the district for over twenty years with great ability. He has seen the progress of settlement from the first, the population having multiplied four times over during his ministry. In addition to the duties devolving upon the reverend gentleman he holds the important position of clerk to the Wanganui Presbytery, which has jurisdiction from Foxton to New Plymonth.

The Rangitikei Masonic Lodge, No. 38, was established in 1880, and has a hall of its own in Bulls. Mr. D. H. Guthrie is W. M., and Mr. Thos. King is hon secretary. The meetings are held on the Wednesday previous to the full moon in each month.

Lodge Rangitikei, No. 14, I.O.O.F. (Bulls), holds its annual meeting in December. The officers (1896) were:—D.D.G.M., Mr. J. E. Walker; secretary, Mr. Wm. Snell.

The Rangitikei Jockey Club is one of the oldest in the Colony, having been formed about 1866. Its first president was the late Major Marshall. The appointments of the Club are in every way admirable, and the stakes given away for the two days' meeting on the 1st and 2nd of January in each year run into close on £1000. This Club was the first, outside of hack clubs, to recognise the ability of Mr. J. Henry as a handicapper. The following are the officers for 1897:—Colonel Gorton (president), Messrs. J. Stevens, M.H.R. (judge) and J. G. Wilson (vice-presidents), T. King (secretary), J. McDonald (clerk of the course), D. Campion (clerk of the scales), J. Henry (handicapper), and F. J. Mansell (hon. treasurer).

Ward, Louis Ernest, Music Teacher Bulls. Mr. Ward is well known throughout the Rangitikei as a most painstaking and successful artist in voice production and tuition on the violin, and has a large number of pupils in Marton, Hunterville, Sandon, Turakina, and Bulls. He also holds the position of music teacher at the Classical College at Turakina, and is choirmaster of St. Andrew's Church, Bulls. Mr. Ward was born in Wellington in 1866, and was educated at the Christchurch High School. On leaving school he studied music assiduously, and soon qualifying as a teacher, followed his profession in Christchurch, Ashburton, Wellington, Palmerston, and Marton. Louis Ernest Ward Finally he settled in Bulls, from which centre he travels to his large circle of pupils in all parts of the district. He has ever been closely connected with musical matters in any place he has resided in, and has belonged to various musical societies, orchestras, and harmonic societies. In singing, Mr. Ward has also been to the fore; and has taken a leading tenor part in many of the great musical festivals. His annual concerts, held in Bulls, are looked upon as great musical treats; he is assisted by a large orchestra, including his leading pupils. When in Wellington, Mr. Ward was an enthusiast in volunteer matters, and was a member of page 1275 the D Battery of artillery in that city. He is married to a daughter of Mr. R. Kilgour, of Bulls and has one son.

Bennett, Thomas, L.R.C.S.I., L.M., Physician and Surgeon, High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Dr. Bennett, who has had nearly forty years' experience as a medical man, is an Irishman by birth. Educated at Dublin, where he studied medicine at Trinity College, he gained his diplomas in 1857. Dr. Bennett had twenty-five years' experience in the army, and was through the New Zealand and second Afghan wars, besides spending four years in India. Dr. Bennett is further referred to in these pages as chairman of the Bulls Town Board.

Bank of New South Wales, Bulls. This branch was opened in 1874, in a small building on the site of premises now occupied by Mr. Stevenson. A year afterwards the present bank was erected in the main street of the township. The building consists of banking chamber and manager's room, attached to which is the manager's residence, containing six rooms.

Mr. Edwin Herbert, Manager of the Bank of New South Wales at Bulls, has occupied his present position since 1895. He was born in London in 1855, and received his education in the Old Country. His first experience in life was as commercial reporter for various newspapers in England. In 1876 he came out to New Zealand and in the following year entered the service of the Bank in Dunedin. The next eleven years were spent in various towns throughout Otago as bill-clerk, teller, etc. Then he spent a year in Christchurch as accountant, and was afterwards appointed manager of the Temuka branch, in which position he remained five years. Twelve months ago he was promoted to Bulls as manager. Mr. Herbert has entered enthusiastically into the life of the district, and is an active member of the chess, the golf, the tennis, and the jockey club, a member of the committiee of the horticultural society, and also a member of the school committee. Mr. Herbert is married to a daughter of Mr. Johnson, of Dunedin, and has two sons.

Professional, Commercial, And Industrial.

Gorton and Son (Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Gorton, Norman B. St. G. Gorton), Stock Auctioneers, Commission Agents and Valuators, Bulls, Rangitikei; Telegraphic address “Gorton, Bulls” P.O. Box 22 (Bulls), and 47 (Feilding). Bankers, Bank of New Zealand; branch, Fergusson Street, Feilding. This thriving business was established originally by Messrs. Stevens and Gorton in 1878, but has been conducted by the present firm since 1892. Their field of labour is a wide one, and the firm have sale yards at Feilding, Awahuri, Hunterville, Sandon, Marton, Waituna and Campbelltown, in addition to their very large yards at Bulls. Colonel Gorton is a native of Suffolk, and came out to New Zealand to join the 57th Regiment in 1861 per barque “Mersey.” He was then captain of the regiment, and had considerable experience at the time of the disturbances with the natives during the sixties. The honour of being a Justice of the Peace has belonged to Colonel Gorton since 1863 The firm are agents for the New Zealand Insurance Company, and the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Association, and conduct a very large business generally.

Downes, Thomas William, Surveyor and Civil Engineer, Bulls. Mr. Downes was horn in London in the year 1833. and received his education in the Old Country. He learned the profession of surveyor and civil engineer under the Board of Ecclesiastical Commission. Early in 1857 his parents decided to come to New Zealand, and young Mr. Downes accompanied them to Picton. Shortly afterwards he received the appointment of drawing-master at the Nelson College. Three years later Mr. Downes was attracted by the reports of the Southland diggings, but after some experience he discovered that fortunes were not to be had, and having received the offer of a good appointment in the Survey Department at Wellington, he removed to the latter place. This was in 1861, and he remained in the service of this Department for ten Thomas William Downes years. He the joined the Public Works Service, where he remained for the following three years. Mr. Downes then came to Bulls, where he has lived since, and is engaged in the practice of his profession in that place. For many years he was a member of the Bulls Town Board and of the Bulls School Committee. He is a member of the Synod, and acts as lay reader at the Anglican Church of St. Andrew's in Bulls. In his early days in Wellington Mr. Downes was an enthusiastic volunteer, and was a member of Company No. 1, Lower Hutt Rifles. He was also a member of both Oddfellows' and Foresters', but at present is unattached. He is married to a daughter of the late Justice James Harringotn, formerly judge of the Supreme Court in the Island of Jamaica. Mr. Downes' father was for many years Resident Magistrate at Picton. Mr. Downes has two sons and one daughter.

Criterion Hotel (Mrs. Alice S. Cranmer, proprietress), Bridge Street, Bulls. P.O. Box 19. Bankers. Bank of New South Wales. The Criterion is a very popular hostelry, and contains page 1276 twenty-one rooms, including a cheerful dining-hall. The billiard-room contains one of Wright's best tables. Sixty visitors can be accommodated at this pleasantly situated hotel, which is selected by the Commercial Travellers' Club. The house was opened in 1875 by Mr Dalziell. Everything in connection with this hotel is suited to the needs of a first class hostelry. Splendid stabling is situate on the premises, and consists of thirteen stalls and nine loose-boxes.

Rangitikei Hotel (Robert Bryant, proprietor), coiner of High and Bridge Streets, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Rangitikei Hotel contains twenty-eight rooms, which include three convenient, well-furnished sitting-rooms, besides a large and well-appointed dining-room. The bedrooms number seventeen, and contain twenty-eight beds, all being clean and comfortable. The large and well-lighted billiard-room on the ground floor has a first-rate table by Alcock. Mr. Bryant was born in Auckland, and was brought up to business as a butcher with the Gear Company in Wellington. After working at his trade for three years in Palmerston North, he bought the oldest business of its kind in Bulls, which he conducted till entering into possession of this house in 1895. He is interested in sports, and acts as a member of the Rangitikei Racing Club, as well as of the local cricket club. Mr. Bryant has also a seat as a member of the Town Board of Bulls, and serves his fellows by devoting a good deal of his time to the consideration of local matters.

Clifton Hotel (W. i. Hunter, proprietor), Bulls. Established 1862.

Clifton Boardinghouse (Charles Frederick Langdon, proprietor), High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This house is centrally situated, and contains good bedrooms, ladies' room, dining-room, and every convenience. As many as forty can be accommodated when necessary. Mr. Langdon is also well known as a baker. His oven is one of the oldest in the district, and he does a considerable trade. Coming to New Zealand per ship “Cartvale” in 1874, from Leamington, his native place, Mr Langdon was farming for fourteen years, afterwards working as a baker, which trade he learned in London. Mr. Langdon served as a member of the Hutt school committee.

Main, Frederick, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Main Street, Bulls. Mr. Main has a good stock, and secures a large meed of local support He was born in London, and educated at the London University, afterwards studying art. After a number of years spent in India and Australia. Mr. Main came to New Zealand, and carried on his business in Nelson for some years. In 1894 he removed to Bulls, where he established his present business. As an Oddfellow he was well known in Nelson, and in the East Indies was an ardent volunteer. In 1867 he married a daughter of Mr. A. G. Betts, of Nelson, and has three sons and four daughters living

Stratford, Felix, Wheelwright and General Black-smith, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Stratford. Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The factory of Mr. Stratford stands on the original site occupied by Messrs. J. and C. Bull, after whom the town was named. It has a frontage of 114 feet to the main street, by a depth of 150 feet, and contains a body making shop, smithy, paint-shop, and a large show-room. In the conduct of this large and general business Mr. Stratford is ably assisted by his son. Mr. Stratford was born in the North of Ireland, where he was apprenticed to his father, and where he after “wards gained considerable experience in railway carriage-building. After this for some years he worked in several of the first class establishments in London. In 1867 Mr. Stratford came to New Zealand, per ship “Aldinga,” from Melbourne, having gone there per ship “Blue Jacket.” After visiting various parts of the Colony, he started the business in Palmerston now so successfully carried on by Mr. John Bett, and known as the Manawatu Carriage Factory. After selling out there, he went into the flax-dressing, and this venture proving unsuccessful, he resumed his own trade, and began the above business in 1890. [Since the above was in type Mr. Geo. Stratford has taken over the business.]

Westwood, E., Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Bridge Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Westwood, Bulls.” This business was established many years ago, being one of the oldest smithies in the district. In April, 1894, Mr. Westwood purchased it from Messrs. Spry and Green. The shop is a good size, 30 feet by a depth of about the same. Mr. Westwood was born at the Thames, in the Auckland district, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. W. F. Wood, of Palmerston North. After working for about three years with one of the local farriers, Mr. Westwood began on his own account its above. He is well known and well liked throughout the district. His premises are most centrally situated, being opposite the Criterion Hotel, and quite close to the Bank or New Zealand. Considering the short time he has been in business, Mr. Westwood has worked up a really good little trade. He works hard, thoroughly understands his work, and is in every way deserving of support.

Scales, C., Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Bridge Street, Bulls. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Established by present proprietor in 1879.

Bullard, W. E., Saddle, Harness, and Collar Manufacturer, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Bullard, Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Bullard is a native of Surrey, and came to New Zealand in 1875 per ship “Rooney.” in 1887 he began as above, and has succeeded in building up a good business. He imports all kinds of saddlery and harness, with all the minor articles usually kept in a first-class saddlery establishment, his specialties being ladies' and gentlemen's saddles. Mr. Bullard is a member of the Masonic Order, a Vice-Grand of the Oddfellows, and Lodge Deputy in the I.O.G. Templars. He is an enterprising, hard-working man of business and well deserving of encouragement and support.

Mansell, Frederick James, General Storekeeper, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Mansell, Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bridge Street. This business was established in 1879. The premises are of wood and iron and are two stories in height, containing an area of about 2500 square feet. They were built originally by Mr. James Bull, but have since been considerably added to. For some time Mr. Mansell had a branch at Makino. He has now sold the business though the retains the property. Mr. Mansell has a good trade throughout the district, and is agent for the Northern Insurance Company. has specialties are stationery, school requisties, novelies, and fancy goods. He is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand in 1871, per ship “Golden Lea.” He was apprenticed to the well-known firm of Messrs: Burroughs and Watts, billiard-table makers, Soho Square, London. Mr. Mansell is secretary of the Horticultural Society, and as a deacon of the Masonic Order, and also an ex-member of the Town page 1277 board. In all local matters Mr. Mansell takes a great interest, and thoroughly attends to any business which he takes in hand.

Sutcliffe, Albert Harrison, Storekeeper. Bulls. P.O. Box 23. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Sutcliffe, is the proprietor of a neat and compact general store, and does a large business in Bulls. All kinds of goods are stocked by Mr. Sutcliffe, who imports a great many of his stores direct. The shop is well stocked with every requisite in the way of crockery, jewellery, groceries, and clothing. Mr. Sutcliffe was born in Manchester, and at an early age came with his parents to Australia, and was educated in Rockhampton and New Zealand. His first start in life was in Marton in the livery stable business, but he remained in this only about eighteen mouths. He then entered his father's general store, and received his business training there. Ten years afterwards, his Albert Harrison Sutcliffe father having disposed of his business to Mr. McEldowney, Mr. Sutcliffe, junr., was sent to Bulls to open a branch for that gentleman. In 1893 Mr. Sutcliffe decided to purchase his employer's interest, and since that date has had a successful career in Bulls. In public matters in the town, Mr. Sutcliffe takes a leading part, being a member of the Town Board, of the Oddfellows' Lodge, and Rangitikei Masonic Lodge, of which he is organist; he was for many years bandmaster in Bulls. Whilst in Marton he was a volunteer, also a member of the Marton Brass Band. For a period of seven years Mr. Sutcliffe acted as organist for the church of St. Stephen's in Marton. He is also a leading member of the Bulls Cricket Club. In 1896 Mr. Sutcliffe had the honour of being appointed a J P. for the Colony of New Zealand. He is married to a daughter of Mr. Haybittle, and has four sons and one daughter.

Jones and McGregor, General Storekeepers and Merchants, Bulls. P.O. Box 14. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established by Messrs. J. and C. Bull at the foundation of the township. Conducted by Messrs. R. M. Begg and Co. from 1882 to 1895, and by present proprietors since latter date.

Coughlin, Danl., Coach Proprietor and Livery Stable Keeper, Bridge Street Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874.

Stevenson and Son (Hugh D. and John Stevenson), Tailors and Habit Makers, High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1875.

Downes, T. W., junr., Cabinetmaker, Bulls.

Fraser, Donald, Farmer, Pukehoe, Rangitikei. The subject of this sketch was born in Argyllshire Scotland, in 1835, and came to the Colony with his parents in 1840 in the ship “Benbow,” his father having an appointment with the New Zealand Company. Mr. Fraser received his education in Wellington, where he remained until 1851, leaving Wellington for Rangrtikei to work on his father's farm. In 1856 he went to the Victorian diggings, and two years later returned to Rangitrkei, which he again left early in 1859 for Hawkes Bay, where he remained till August, 1860. Leaving Hawkes Bay he went to the Otago diggings, where he spent six months with better success than on the Victorian diggings, returning to Rangitikei to manage his father's farm. Mr. Fraser subsequently bought land adjoining that of his father, and now possesses a fine estate. He has always taken a keen part in the public mutters of his district. As a breeder of blood stock, his name is well known in the North Island. In 1893 Mr. Fraser unsuccessfully contested the Otaki seat with Mr. J. G. Wilson.

Heaton Park Estate, Bulls, bounded on the west by the sea, on the north by the Turakina River, and on the east and north by the Bulls-Turakina Road and Bulls-Marton Road respectively, contains 26,000 acres freehold and 5000 leasehold. Mr. Robert Wilson, the manager, was born in Scotland and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1840. Educated in Wellington, he removed to Turakina with his father, who took up land in the Black and white photograph of Mr. Robert Wilson, manager of Heaton Park Estate page 1278 district, on which the subject of this notice gained valuable experience. Mr. Wilson took over the management of the Heaton Park Estate in 1866, the land at that time being largely covered with swamps and lakes. These swamps have been drained in the most approved manner, and now form part of the best grazing land on the property. The estate not being blessed with an abundance of timber, Mr. Wilson next turned his attention to planting, and there is now 130 acres of plantation growing the most useful and durable timber, including oak, elm, ash, and other hard woods, with a selection of pines from almost every country in the world. Mr. Wilson is going in extensively for the Pinus Maritima for planting along the coast line of the estate; to prevent the further inroads of the sand he is also using the Murram and Lupinus Arboreus with success, and it is only a matter of time when considerable tracts of the sand-hills will be covered with vegetation. In ram breeding Mr. Wilson has achieved more than a local reputation, and he is generally able to dispose of them without sending them to the sales. The woolshed and other out-buildings on the estate are most completely fitted up. The homestead is beautifully situated on a site overlooking a large lake, on which wild duck and other water fowl disport themselves unmolested, and fine views of Mounts Egmont and Ruapehu may be obtained.

McKelvie, John, Settler, “Flock House,” Lower Rangitiki. This old colonist, who was born in Scotland, came out to Australia in 1836 in the ship “Raglan,” and crossed over to New Zealand in 1853. He was very successful in his undertakings, and his estate in Lower Rangitikei is one of the best in the district, some of the rich flats and drained swamps carrying as many as six sheep
The late Mr. Jno. McKelvie..

The late Mr. Jno. McKelvie..

Mr. Jas. McKelvie.

Mr. Jas. McKelvie.

to the acre. As a cattle country, too, it would be' hard to find its equal. The homestead is built on one of the pretty hills, surrounded by a plantation of useful and ornamental trees, with a fine avenue leading up to the house. Mr. McKelvie. who died in 1893, left two sons and six daughters. The estate is now managed by the eldest son, Mr. Jas. McKelvie.
McKenzie, T. U., Farmer, Pointzfield, Paraewanui, Bulls. Born at Pointzfield, Invergordon, Rosshire, Scotland, Mr. McKenzie followed farming pursuits. In 1839 he sailed from London in the ship “Oriental,” and landed at Petone in the following year under the auspices of the New Zealand Company. He never saw the land for which his father paid before he left London. After some years in Wellington Mr. McKenzie removed to Turakina, where he took up land and remained for three years. Subsequently he removed to his present holding on the banks of the Rangitikei, for which he paid at that early period of the Colony £3 per acre. During the native trouble Mr. McKenzie maintained at his own expense eight men with their horses to secure the peace of the district. In page 1279 1842 Mr. McKenzie married Miss Margaret Fraser, and has had twenty two children, eighteen of whom survive, all being married with one exception. Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie have seventy-two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Scott, David, Settler, “Willow Bank,” Bulls, Mr. Scott is the son of one of the pioneers of the Colony, his parents having arrived in Wellington in 1841, where they settled for a few years. Subsequently, removing to Rangitikei, they settled at Scott's Ferry, called after Mr. Scott's father, who had large contracts, among others being that of carrying the mails between Wellington and New Plymouth. The subject of this sketch was only three years old when he came to Rangitikei, and, growing up with the settlement, he soon became of material help to his father, especially in carrying out his mail contracts. Mr. Scott thus at an early age came to know the value of a good horse, and has since been breeding horses for thirty-five years. He has bred and owned some of the best horses in the Colony. Among others may be mentioned Ahua, Parvenu, Omaha, Tornado, Adventurer, Waitangi, Fallacy, Cordelia, King Don, Flintlock, Lady Mary, Cornelia, Kahurangi, etc. Mr. Scott now has several youngsters running on the property, of which more will be heard in the future. Mr. Scott married Miss Higgie, of Wanganui, and has six boys and five girls. One daughter is married to Mr. McKelvie, of Flock House, and one of the sons married Miss Fraser, daughter of Mr. Donald Fraser, of Pukehoe.

The late Mr. Thos. Scott..

The late Mr. Thos. Scott..

Mr. D. Scott.

Mr. D. Scott.

Bulls Traffic Bridge, Rangitikei River.

Bulls Traffic Bridge, Rangitikei River.