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. William Allan Stewart, Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Rakaia,” was born in 1860 at Glasgow, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Alexander Stephens and Sons, Shipbuilders, Linthouse, Govern, Glasgow, and on completing his indentures he joined the British and African Steam Navigation Company, trading from Liverpool. For two years he was with this Company, when he passed his examination as second engineer. After two years as second engineer of the s.s. “Bellair,” trading to the West Indies, he gained his certificate as chief engineer. Mr. Stewart then joined the staff of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, but had to leave China on account of ill health. Afterwards he worked for Messrs. R. Napier and Sons, Shipbuilders, of Glasgow, with whom he was for twelve months foreman, during which period he had charge of the fitting of the engines in H.M.S. “Galatea.” After serving on the s.s. “Damascus” as second engineer for three years, he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's s.s. “Tongariro” as third engineer. Two years later Mr. Stewart was is transferred to the s.s. “Aorangi” as second engineer. He served three years in this vessel, and was then sent to Newcastle-on-Tyne to take the position of chief engineer of the new steamer “Rakaia.” Mr. Stewart, who is married, is a member of the masonic fraternity, belonging to the Plantation Lodge, No. 581, of Glasgow.