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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Taylor, Joseph

Taylor, Joseph, Wairarapa Farm, Papanui. Mr. Taylor was born near Worksworth, Derbyshire, England, and was the page 413 eldest son of the late Mr. Joseph Taylor, of Ashley Hay. He passed his early years on his father's farm, which had been in the family's possession for over two hundred years. In 1862 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Captain Cook,” and turned his attention to contracting. He imported carts and harness from England, and did a lot of work in and around Christchurch in forming streets and roads for the Leeston, Riccarton, Avon, Heathcote, Cust, Kowai, and Waipara Road Boards. He also constructed the embankments on the banks of the Waimakariri to keep that river from overflowing the adjoining country. Mr. Taylor entered into large contracts with the Provincial Government, for which he did the forming and claying at the Kaiapoi station yard in 1872, and then the ballasting and platelaying from Selwyn to Rakaia. He also constructed the Whitecliffs line, and built the bridge over the Hawkins, between Rangiora and Oxford. In 1866 Mr. Taylor bought his present homestead of 116 acres at Papanui, and in 1875 the first portion of what is now known as the Dovedale estate at Waipara. “Dovedale” consists of 3700 acres of limestone formation, admirably adapted for fattening stock. Heavy and light horses are bred on the estate, and in light horses, Mr. Taylor favours the Arab strain. He has a small flock of English Leicesters, which was established in 1888 with sheep purchased from the late Mr. Robert Wilkin, and descended from Mr. Every Maclean's flock. Whenever he has exhibited, Mr. Taylor has carried away a goodly share of of the honours. He has served on the road board and school committee, and is also a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is often in request as a judge. Mr. Taylor was married, in 1869, to Miss Ashworth, and has five sons and three daughters.

E. E. Wright, photo. Scene on the Heathcote.

E. E. Wright, photo.
Scene on the Heathcote.