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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Balclutha

Balclutha.

Balclutha is situated in the valley of the Clutha, on the main line of railway and road, fifty-three miles from Dunedin, and fourteen miles from the sea. It is built on about 400 acres of alluvial land. On its north side, the river is spanned by a large traffic bridge, 600 feet long, built in 1879, at a cost of £10,000. Half a mile below this is the railway bridge, designed by the late Mr. W. N. Blair, then engineer-in-chief of the colony and erected in 1877 at a cost of £25,000. Below the railway bridge, the river divides and forms Inchclutha, famed for its magnificent crops and rich pastures. Up to the year 1857, Balclutha was covered with flax, and Mr. James McNeil was then the only settler on the flat. In that year the Provincial Government established an accommodation house and ferry, with a bonus of £50 a year to the keeper, Mr. John Barr, who afterwards bought 100 acres of the flat at ten shillings an acre; and on that land the principal part of the town is now built. In 1863, the ferry reserve of fifty acres was surveyed by Mr. R. Grigor, and sold, and Mr. Barr also subdivided a portion of his land, which sold at good prices. Since that date the progress of Balclutha, which is the county town, has been steady and sure. The town has now 1420 inhabitants. Its streets are asphalted, and they are lighted with gas, manufactured by the Balclutha Water Gas Company. There are four churches, two banks, a post office, railway station, a high school, a courthouse, four temperance hotels, a flour mill, two newspapers (the “Clutha Leader” and the “Clutha Free Press”), and numerous large stores. There are no manufactures, and the town depends mainly on agriculture in the adjacent districts. In October, 1878, there was a large flood in the Clutha river, which overflowed the town and did a large amount of damage, and destroyed the traffic bridge. The bridge was renewed, but the loss caused by the flood kept the town back for a few years. However, the Government built a large protective bank at the back of the town, at a cost of £5000, and this has since effectually kept the place clear of flood water. The Catlins river branch railway starts from Balclutha.

The Borough Of Balclutha has an area of 568 acres, and a population of 1420. It has 260 ratepayers and 320 rateable properties. Its capital value is £96,546, on which there is a rate of 3d in the pound. There is also a special library rate of 1d in the pound, and a rate of one-sixteenth of a penny for charitable aid. Since 1893 the town has been lighted with water gas, supplied by a private company. In 1902 the borough erected new sale yards at a cost of £1200, and in 1904, a new council chamber and library at a cost of £600. A recreation ground and cycling track are maintained at an annual cost of £100. Rating on the unimproved value has been in force since 1903. The Borough Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month, and the town's weekly half-holiday is observed on Wednesday. Balclutha was first formed into a municipality in the year 1871, and the first council was composed of Mr. John McNeil (Mayor) and Messrs David Page McKenzie, Peter Clarke, John McEwen, Robert Cramond, and John McDonald; with Mr. William Ralston as Town Clerk. Members for 1904: Mr. John Dunne, Mayor; Messrs Peter Mason, William Guest, E. J. Boyd, George Reid, John Rammage, John Agnew, Alexander McNeil, J. W. Mitchell, and Simon Wright, councillors. Mr. J. C. Mitchell is Town Clerk.

His Worship The Mayor, Mr. John Dunne , J.P., was born in Queen's County, Ireland, and brought up to farming in his early years. Later on he joined the Irish Constabulary, in which he remained seven years, and was latterly attached to the Mounted Drill Department, Dublin. In 1859, while still a young man, he left Ireland for Melbourne, and managed a station during the first year of his residence in Victoria. He then joined the Melbourne Mounted Police. Some time afterwards he was selected by Captain Standish, Commissioner of Police-acting on behalf of the Provincial Government of Southland-to proceed to New Zealand to take charge of the gold escort at the Queenstown goldfield, in 1863. For over one year and a half Mr. Dunne had charge of the escort and Mounted Police in Southland, but owing to the great depression which then affected that district, he resigned; but was re-appointed by Mr. St. John Branigan, Commissioner of Police for Otago, to take charge of the Tuapeka district,
Mr. J. Dunne, Mayor of Balclutha.

Mr. J. Dunne,
Mayor of Balclutha.

where he remained seven years, and had very lively experiences in connection with crimes and offences of all sorts, from sheep and cattle stealing to bank robbery. In 1870 Sergeant Dunne was transferred to Balclutha, and resigned in 1872 to start in business as a hotelkeeper. Thenceforward, until 1894, when prohibition or No License, was carried in the Clutha district, Mr. Dunne conducted the Crown Hotel in a manner which won the respect of all classes in the community. For some time afterwards Mr. Dunne resided in Dunedin, but he then returned to Balclutha, and re-entered into possession of the “Crown,” which he has since conducted as the leading private hotel in the town. During his long connection with Balclutha, Mr. Dunne has taken a prominent part in all matters bearing on the welfare of the town and district, and has been continuously a member of the Borough Council since 1874. He was Mayor for seven page 738 consecutive years, afterwards for a period of two years, and was again elected for the year 1903–1904, defeating the Prohibition candidate by a large majority of votes. Mr. Dunne has taken an active part in the work of school committees since 1864, and has been on the Balclutha school committee since 1874. He was chairman for over ten years, and was instrumental in getting a High School for the town. He was for ten years a member of the River Trust and took an active part in getting the Provincial Government to place the first steamer on the Clutha river. Mr. Dunne was also instrumental in obtaining some of its reserves for the borough, and in getting the new Council Chambers erected in 1904. He has been a Justice of the Peace for many years, president of the Caledonian Society, the Catlins Railway League, and a trustee of the local lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Dunne married in New Zealand, and has had a family of five sons and three daughters.

Councillor Alexander Mcneil was first elected to the Balclutha Borough Council in 1900, when he was returned against six opponents, of whom three were old members. He was again elected to the Council in 1903. Mr. McNeil has been a member of the volunteers for over eighteen years, and is now senior sergeant of the Clutha Mounted Rifles. He is further referred to as a builder and contractor.

Councillor George Horrox Reid , Member of the Balclutha Borough Council, was born in Victoria, and accompanied his parents to Otago in 1862. After
Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Councillor G. H. Reid.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Councillor G. H. Reid.

serving his apprenticeship with Mr. Hislop, of Dunedin, and remaining in his employment for twelve years, Mr. Reid was subsequently at Oamaru with Messrs G. and T. Young for two years, before he started his present business at Balclutha, in 1898. Mr. Reid has for some time taken an active interest in local affairs, and was elected to the Borough Council in 1903; and he had, for some years previously, been a member of the school committee. He is a vocalist, and is at present (1904) choirmaster of the Presbyterian church, Balclutha.
Councillor John Ramage , one of the representatives of the United Wards in the Borough Council of Balclutha, is the eldest son of Mr. Thomas Ramage, late of Oakley
Councillor J. Ramage.

Councillor J. Ramage.

Iron Works, Fifeshire, Scotland, but now a resident of Dunedin. Mr. John Ramage, who was born in Fifeshire in 1849, arrived in Otago with his parents by the ship “Storm Cloud” in 1860. After finishing his education, he was apprenticed to Messrs. Park and Curle, plumbers and tinsmiths, of Dunedin, and claims to be the first colonial journeyman in the province of Otago. In 1867. Mr Ramage commenced business for himself in Great King Street, Dunedin, and in 1874 removed to Balclutha, where he now carries on one of the largest plumbing and tinsmith's establishments south of Dunedin. Mr. Ramage was first elected to the borough council in 1880, and has been almost continuously a member. He is also a member of the licensing bench, and a strong advocate of the temperance movement. Mr. Ramage was married in 1875 to Julia, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Hugh Bower, farmer, of Hillend, Clutha district.

Councillor Simon Wright , Member of the Balclutha Borough Council, is a son of the late Mr. James Wright, a prominent farmer of Inchclutha, who arrived by the “Mooltan” in 1849, and died at Inchclutha at the age of fifty. Mr. Wright was born at Inchclutha, and carried on farming there for many years, until he started his present business in 1888. During his residence in Balclutha he has taken an active interest in local affairs, and was first elected a member of the Borough Council in 1900, and reelected in 1903, when he stood third highest at the poll. He has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows for eighteen years, and a member of the Clutha Agricultural and Pastoral Association for many years, and a prizetaker at its shows with light horses, crossbred cattle, and fat sheep. Mr. Wright is president of the Balclutha Sheep Dog Club. He married Miss Bradley, daughter of the late Mr. John Bradley, of Milton, who arrived in Otago in 1862; and there is a family of three children.

Mr. Robert Grigor , Borough Engineer and Returning Officer for the Electoral District of Clutha, is an authorised and licensed surveyor. He was born in Edinburgh, came to the Clutha district in 1858, and entered the service of the Government as a surveyor in January, 1861. Mr. Grigor made extensive surveys on the seaboard of Oamaru, and was ordered to the Lawrence district on the outbreak of the “rush” to Gabriel's Gully in June, 1861. He surveyed several blocks of land in the Clutha Valley and at Gabriel's Gully, and also the towns of Lawrence, Dalhousie and Balclutha. On the occasion of a large reduction of the staff, in December,
Mr. R. Grigor.

Mr. R. Grigor.

1864, Mr. Grigor retired from the Government service and settled at Balclutha, where, except for a few years when he acted as a stock and station agent, he has since followed his profession.

The Clutha County Council controls an area of 946 square miles, with a population, exclusive of the boroughs of Balclutha and Clinton, of 6445. The rateable value is £1,214,857, and there is a general rate of a penny farthing in the pound in page 739 three ridings, one penny in the pound in two, and three farthings in the pound in four ridings; and there is a further rate of three-sixteenths of a penny for charitable aid. The public debts amount to £13,676 9s 2d. The Council's first meeting was held in 1878; up to that time the district was controlled by a number of road boards. The Council now meets at its offices, Balclutha, on the last Friday of the month. Members for 1904: Mr. William Hay (chairman), Messrs James F. Ayson, James R. Mitchell, Walter Nicol, A. C. Saunders, D. A. McLachlan, William Grainger, and James Cumming, councillors. Mr. J. Walker Johnston is engineer and Mr. A. McDonald is clerk and treasurer. The Council's first chairman was Mr. John McNeil, of Balclutha.

Councillor James Fraser Ayson was elected to represent the Clutha riding on the Clutha County Council in December, 1903. Mr. Ayson is also a member of the
Councillor J. F. Ayson And Mrs Ayson.

Councillor J. F. Ayson And Mrs Ayson.

Kaihiku school committee, and an elder of the Kaihiku Presbyterian church; and he was for many years deacon, and a member of the Balclutha Presbyterian church. He carries on farming at “Albert Downs,” Kaihiku, and is further referred to in that connection.

Mr. Alexander Clark Saunders , J.P., who has represented the Catlins riding in the Clutha County Council since 1899, is a son of the late Mr. Simon Saunders, the pioneer settler of Owaka. He was born in Victoria, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1861, by the ship “Success,” of which his father was owner and captain. After receiving his education in Dunedin, Mr. Saunders settled on his father's property, Mornington farm, Owaka, where he has since resided. He was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace in 1897, and he fills the position the chairman of the Owaka school committee. Mr. Saunders married a daughter of Mr. Charles Smith, of Port Chalmers, and has one daughter.

The Clutha Mounted Rifles were formed in 1898, mainly owing to the energy of Mr. J. W. Wilson, and the corps was duly gazetted on the 2nd of June in the same year. Mr. John Dunne was first elected captain, but owing to his being over age, he was not eligible, and Mr. J. A. Harvey, of Balclutha, was elected in his stead. Two years later Captain Harvey took charge of the Southland Division of the Fourth Contingent, and was killed in action at Ottoshoop, South Africa, on the 16th of August, 1901. An orderly room was erected at Balclutha in commemoration of his death, and he was succeeded by Captain Pennycook, who left in charge of the A Company of the Tenth Contingent, and now holds the rank of Major in the Militia. Captain Pennycook was succeeded by the present captain—Mr. P. A. Watt—who now (1904) is in charge, and has as his lieutenants Messrs Grigor, Jackman, and Mackay. The corps has a strength of sixty.

Captain Peter Ayson Watt has been connected with the Clutha Mounted Rifles since their inception. He was elected lieutenant soon after the formation of the corps, and was gazetted captain in 1903. Mr. Watt carries on farming at Kaihiku, and is further referred to in that connection.

Captain P. A. Watt.

Captain P. A. Watt.

Lieutenant Marcus Thomas Jackman was one of the first members of the Clutha Mounted Rifles, and filled the positions of sergeant and sergeant-major of the corps before receiving his commission in June, 1903. Mr. Jackman is a son of the late Mr. Frederick William Jackman, and was born at Romahapa, and brought up and educated in the district. He is now carrying on business as a general merchant at Romahapa, where he also acts as postmaster for the district. Mr. Jackman is secretary of the school committee, and of the public hall committee. He married a daughter of Mr. William Hay, J.P., of Romahapa, and has one son and one daughter.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo. Lieutenant M. T. Jackman.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Lieutenant M. T. Jackman.

Mr. James Willocks , formerly Lieutenant of the Clutha Rifles, is one of the ex-champion rifle shots of New Zealand, and has the reputation of compiling the highest score at distances from 200 to 600 yards. Mr. Willocks won the New Zealand Champion page 740 Rifle Belt at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association at Wanganui in 1876, when he and Captain Pillans and Volunteers Crawford Anderson and Alexander Blackie represented the Clutha Rifles. Mr. Willocks is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Willocks, who arrived in Otago by the ship “Mariner” in 1850, and occupied the site now owned by Messrs Scoullar and Chisholm, of Dunedin, where he carried on a furniture business for four years. He then settled at Inchclutha and commenced farming, which he followed until his death in 1864. Mr. James Willocks was born in 1847, and educated at Inchclutha and the Dunedin High school. He afterwards worked upon his father's farm, of which he became manager at his father's death. Mr. Willocks is now owner of the property, to which he has added by purchase. Besides being a crack shot, he is a most successful breeder of Leicester and Lincoln sheep, and has swept the board at the various agricultural and pastoral shows held in the Clutha district. He takes an active interest in every effort for the welfare of the community. In 1884 Mr. Willocks was married to Margaret, daughter of Mr. Ralph Moir, Blairlogie, Hillend, Balclutha, and has a family of nine children. The father of Mrs Willocks is also an early settler of Otago, and his daughter was born in the district. Mr. and Mrs James Willocks reside at their homestead of “Hazeldell,” which is noted throughout Otago and Southland for the hospitality of its owners.

District High School , Balclutha. The first school in the district was opened at Inchclutha, in 1858. Settlement increasing, a more adequate schoolhouse was erected in 1866. As the “eighties” approached it was found that the building was unequal to the educational demands of the district, and another and larger school was built in 1882, which was raised to the status of a District High School in 1892. Mr. William McElrea, the present headmaster, was appointed in 1896.

Mr. W. Mcelrea , Rector of Balclutha District High School, was born in Tyrone, Ireland, and was educated at Newtown Stewart Model School, Londonderry Academical Institution, and Galway College, Queen's University. He obtained the degree of bachelor of civil engineering in 1879,
Mr. W. McElrea.

Mr. W. McElrea.

arrived in New Zealand in 1880, and in the following year entered the service of the Otago Education Board. Before his appointment to the Balclutha District High School, he was for several years a teacher in the Tokomairiro District High School.

Mr. William Wilson Turner , First Assistant Master at the Balclutha District High School, was born at Milton, in 1871, was educated at the Tokomairiro District High School, and served a pupil-teachership of four years at the Kaikorai school, Dunedin. He was subsequently for one year at the Normal Training College, in Dunedin, and was appointed in July, 1895, master of the Coal Creek pubilc school. Mr. Turner holds a C2 certificate.

Clutha Horticultural Society . This society was founded about 1870 through the exertions of Messrs McGregor and Sutherland. Executive for 1904; Mr. C. E. Naish, president; Messrs John Sandilands and John Crawford, vice-presidents; Mr. R. S. Stewart, secretary. An annual show is held in January, extending to two days, and the executive intends to combine industries as well as exhibits of floriculture and horticulture at future shows. For some time the society languished for want of support, but owing to the exertions of Mr. A. Kilgour, one of the members of the committee, it took a new lease of life, and is now in a sound and flourishing condition.

Mr. John Crawford , Vice-president of the Clutha Horticultural Society, was born at Warepa, in 1863. He is the eldest son of Mr. John Crawford, postmaster, of Toiro, who arrived by the ship “Robert Henderson” during page 741 the fifties, from Porthshire, Scotland. Mr. Crawford, junior, was educated at the Warepa public school, and afterwards assisted his father in storekeeping in that township. He afterwards entered into partnership with Mr. James Chapman at Balclutha. Mr. Crawford is an active member of the Order of Oddfellows. He joined the Loyal Dalton Lodge at Balclutha in 1881, and at present he holds the office of treasurer. Mr. Crawford was married, in 1893, to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Watt, an old settler, who resided at Brucetown, Kaihiku, Otago.

Stewart, Mary , Teacher of the Violin and Piano, Balclutha. Miss Stewart is a daughter of Mr. D. Stewart, solicitor, and studied the violin under Professor Hans Stitt, at the Conservatoire of Music, Leipsic.

The Clutha Free Press was established in the year 1890 by a company, in which the principal stockholders were residents of Balclutha, Stirling. Inchclutha, and Kaitangata. The printing business of Messrs Algie Brothers, of Balclutha, was acquired, and as it comprised a fairly complete plant, the issue of a newspaper was almost contemporaneous with the formation of the company. Mr. George Lousley was the first chairman of directors, and his colleagues were Messrs W. Christie, J. Nelson, W. M. Shore, J. S. Algie, H. Muckenzie, J. McCorley, B. J. Jeffries, and Thomas Mackenzie. The late Mr. F. A. Joseph, then or the staff of the “Otago Daily Times” and “Witness,” was engaged as first editor, and Mr. J. Stewart Algie was appointed managing director, and was also foreman of the mechanical department of the paper. The “Free Press” met with good support throughout the whole of the wide Clutha district, and also in a considerable portion of the adjoining county of Bruce, particularly in the town of Kaitangata and the districts of Stirling, Inchclutha, and Hillend. Its first editor was a man of very pronounced Liberal, not to say Socialistic views, and these he expressed with considerable vigour in the columns of the paper. After carrying on business for eight years the company went into voluntary liquidation, and the business was purchased as a going concern by the Messrs Algie. Under the new management Mr. D. G. Algie became editor. Mr. Joseph going back to the staff of the “Times” and “Witness,” and Mr. J. S. Algie continued in his old position as head of the mechanical staff. The Messrs Algie continued the paper as a weekly for some time, but improved it in various ways. In 1899, however, they launched it as a bi-weekly, the first published in the district. The sheet was enlarged, and the change proved a success from the start. Since then the paper has increased wonderfully in circulation and influence. More opinions—which an American philosopher has observed are, like other vegetables, worth just what they will fetch—were subordinated to local and general news. The paper still supported the main planks in the policy of the Liberal Government, but independent and accurate reporting and outspoken comment were placed above any political fetish. In the beginning of 1903 a “Simplex” typesetting machine, the second to reach the colony, was procured from the Unitype Company, of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, and installed in the office of the “Free Press.” As it sets movable type, this machine, although more expensive, was recognised as an improvement on the slug-casting machines then being experimented with in various country newspaper offices. By the use of the “Simplex, the appearance of the printed page was greatly improved, and the results, after several months, fully realised the expectations of the proprietors, whose enterprise in importing an expensive machine of that class to a country town and setting it up without the aid of expert help, testifies to their insight and energy as business men. It was a somewhat hazardous venture, but the output, under favourable conditions, is now eight thousand ens an hour, or equal to the setting of four first-class hand compositors. The paper's readers, as well as the proprietors, have benefited by this product of American inventiveness, for latterly the “Free Press” has been enlarged to eight pages on Tuesday and Friday, or sixteen pages for the week. As it is published at the price of a penny, it is remarkably good value for the money, seeing that it contains over twenty-four columns of reading matter each issue, as well as the advertisements of all local and district auction sales, local bodies, etc. The “Free Press” is a welcome guest in almost every home in the extensive district in which it circulates, and is read by thousands.

Mr. J. S. Algie , Senior Member of the firm of Algie Brothers, was born in Glasgow, and accompanied his parents to Otago by the ship “Andrew Jackson” in 1884. After learning printing he was employed as a compositor for some time in Dunedin on the “Saturday Advertiser” and “Christian Record.” He had a large experience of newspaper work, and in the end he and his brother, Mr. D. G. Algie, bought the “Clutha Free Fress.” Mr. Algie also published “The Musical Monthly,” which had a large circulation throughout the colony, but as it took up too much of Mr. Algie's time, he ceased to issue it after three years.

Mr. D. G. Algie , Editor of the “Free Press,” was born in Balclutha, and after working for a time in the “Daily Times” office, in Dunedin, and subsequently gaining experience on several other newspapers, he became editor of the “Clutha Free Press,” on the formation of the present partnership with his brother.

Stewart, D. And Son (Daniel Stewart and Robert Robertson Stewart), Barristers and Solicitors, Balclutha.

Mr. Daniel Stewart was educated at the public school, Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland, King's College, London, and the University of Otago. He was articled in the office of his brother-in-law, the late Hon. William Downie Stewart, then of the firm of Stewart and Denniston, solicitors, Dunedin. Mr. Stewart was called to the Bar in 1873, and began to practise his profession at Balclutha in the following year. During his long residence in the district Mr. Stewart has always taken a prominent part in local affairs. He was for many years a member of the Borough Council, and was Mayor for the years 1901 and 1902. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Otago University Council, and chairman of the Clutha River Board.

Mr. Robert Robertso Stewart , who is the son of Mr. Daniel Stewart, was educated at Balclutha District High School, and matriculated at the University of Otago. He was admitted a solicitor in 1902, and entered into page 742 partnership with his father in the same year.

O'Connor Benjamin , Chemist, Clyde street, Balclutha. Mr. O'Connor was born in Dunedin, where he was educated at the High Street school, and served his apprenticeship under Mr. Alexander Bagley, George Street. He passed his examination in 1899, and out of forty-seven candidates took fourth place on the list for all New Zealand. In the same year Mr. O'Connor established his present business at Balclutha, where his shop is up to date in every respect; and, as he resides on the premises, prescriptions can be made up at any time. Mr. O'Connor, who is very musical, and possesses a fine bass voice, is a member of the local Wesleyan church choir. He is deputy captain of the Harriers Club, a most enthusiastic tennis player, and a member of the Balclutha Tennis and Bowling Clubs.

Gunthorp, Henry H. , Dentist, Clyde Street, Balclutha. Mr. Gunthorp was born in London, and at an early age came with his parents to Otago, by the ship “Allahabad.” He was educated at Dunedin, where he studied for his profession under Mr. S. Myers, with whom he remained for seven years, during part of which he had charge of the southern country branches of the business. Mr. Gunthorp also had charge of the laboratory work of Mr. A. L. Myers's dental business at Christchurch for some time, and after passing his examination he resumed the charge of Mr. S. Myers's southern country branch at Balclutha, the interest of which he bought in 1903. His rooms are furnished with all the latest appliances. Every class of dental work, including gold fittings, crown and bridge work, is skilfully carried out, and Mr. Gunthorp pays professional visits to Kaitangata and Milton every week. He has taken a great interest in athletics, and when at Christchurch was a member of the Lancaster Park Cricket Club. He represented Canterbury against South Canterbury and Wellington, and was presented by Mr. Joe Davis with a gold medal for the best bowling averages for Canterbury in 1894 and 1895. Mr. Gunthorp was also a member of the Merivale Football Club, Christchurch, and of the Union Football Club, Dunedin, and played against the Australian Eleven and Southland Eleven. Since 1897 he has been a member of the Otago Cycling Club, of which he was formerly captain, and is now (1904) vice-president. In the year 1900 he won a stake of £50 at the pioneer wheel race at Christchurch. Mr. Gunthorp is a good draughts player, and his brother, Mr. C. Gunthorp, held the Draughts Championship at Auckland for seven years.

Stewart, Jean , Dentist, Balclutha. Miss Stewart is a daughter of Mr. Daniel Stewart, solicitor. She was educated at the Balclutha district high school, and matriculated in the University of Otago. Miss Stewart studied dentistry under Mr. Armstrong, of Dunedin, passed her dental examination in 1901, and has since practised her profession at Balclutha.

National Bank Of New Zealand , The Balclutha branch of this bank was worked originally for the Bank of Otago until the purchase of the latter by the National Bank. The building, which is a very creditable one, is built of brick and concrete and contains a banking chamber, manager's room, and private residence, besides a stable and garden adjoining. The staff consists of two clerks, in addition to the manager.

Mr. Allan Bishop , Manager of the National Bank at Balclutha, who is the fourth son of the late Mr. William Bishop, a well-known resident of Wellington, was born in that city in 1859 and was educated at Wellington College. In 1875 Mr. Bishop joined the service of the National Bank as junior, was transferred to various branches in the Colony, and in 1885 was appointed to his present position. He is very popular in the district, and an enthusiastic cricketer, bowler, and tennis player. Mr. Bishop was married in 1888 to the eldest daughter of the late Dr. Gibson Smith, of Balclutha.

National Bank, Balclutha.

National Bank, Balclutha.

Mr. A. Bishop.

Mr. A. Bishop.

page 743

Burley, W. E. And Co (W. E. Burley). Timber and Hardware Merchants, Building Contractors and Furniture Manufacturers, corner of Clyde and Rentoul Streets, Balclutha. Mr. Burley's premises hold large stocks of ironmongery and furniture, crockery, glassware, and house furnishings, and have a frontage of two chains to Clyde Street and three chains to Rentoul Street. In the adjoining yards, seasoned timber for both building and cabinet work is kept in stock. In the manufacture of the cabinet work a powerful oil engine is used and twelve men are employed on the premises. Mr. Burley is in that line, the principal manufacturer in Balclutha. Large building and contracting operations are also undertaken, and the handsome new municipal chambers were completed by the firm.

Mr. W. E. Burley , the head of the firm of Messrs W. E. Burley and Co., was born in London, and learned the business of cabinetmaking at Woolwich. He landed in New Zealand in 1878, and went to Kaikoura, where he helped to build the Presbyterian church. Mr. Burley was engaged as foreman in connection with the erection of large buildings, and was subsequently engaged in the erection of several buildings at Masterton in the North Island. He removed to Christ-church in 1881, and seven years later went to Dunedin, where he was employed on the Exhibition buildings. Shortly afterwards he started business as a cabinetmaker at Milton. In 1891 Mr. Burley settled in Balclutha, where he established a cabinetmakers' business, but sold it two years later to Mr. G. Thompson, and entered that gentleman's employment as his foreman. Five years later Mr. Burley re-purchased the business, which he has since carried on with increasing success. Mr. Burley's business engagements leave him with little leisure for public affairs, but is an Oddfellow and a member of the Balclutha Brass Band, and of the Horticultural and Caledonian Societies.

Messrs W. E. Burley and Co.'s Premises.

Messrs W. E. Burley and Co.'s Premises.

Mcneil, Alexander , Builder and Contractor, Clyde Street, Balclutha, Mr. McNeil was born at Warepa, and is a son of Mr. James McNeil, of Balclutha, and a grandson of the late Mr. James McNeil, who arrived in Otago by the ship “Mooltan” in 1849, and became the pioneer settler of Balclutha. Mr. Alexander McNeil learned the trade of a builder, and in 1886 established his present business at Balclutha, where he keeps seasoned timbers, house requirements, and building materials of every description in stock. Ten men are employed in connection with the business, and Mr. McNeil has built many of the leading business premises and private residences at Balclutha, and numbers of public schools, including eight in the Catlins district. Mr. McNeil married a daughter of Mr. Andrew Chirnside, an early settler of Otago. He is further referred to as a member of the Balclutha Borough Council.

Jack And Dunn (A. R. Jack and R. A. Dunn), Coachsmiths, Wheelwrights and General Blacksmiths, Clyde Street, Balclutha, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This well-known business was originally established by Messrs McNiven and Peters, in 1877, but in 1883 the former sold his interest to Mr. Shiels, and on the death of Mr. Peters in
Messrs Jack And Dunn's Premises.

Messrs Jack And Dunn's Premises.

page 744 1895, Mr. Jack was admitted into partnership. At the end of June, 1903, the partnership between Messrs Shiels and Jack was dissolved, and a new partnership formed by Messrs A. R. Jack and R. A. Dunn, who carry on the business under the style of Jack and Dunn. The factory, which is built in brick, covers an eighth of an acre, and is one of the most solid looking buildings in the township. It is fitted up with an office, paint room, blacksmith's shop and coachbuilding shop. All kinds of vehicles are made by the firm, which has secured a local monopoly in the industry, through its excellent workmanship, which has earned special notice at the local agricultural shows.

Mr. A. R. Jack , Senior Partner in the firm of Jack and Dunn (formerly Peters and Shiels), is the youngest son of Mr. John Fergus Jack, of Lady Bank, Dundee, where he was born in 1860. He began to learn the trade of blacksmith in his native city, and finished at Balclutha. After that he worked in Melbourne, and various parts of New Zealand, and eventually became a partner in the firm of Peters and Shiels. Mr. Jack was married, in 1896 to Mary, daughter of Mr. John Harvey, Rose Bank, Balclutha.

Mr. William Thomas Shiels Is the second son of Mr. James Shiels, of Port Molyneux, who arrived in the ship “Jura” during the fifties, and was born in Dunedin in 1860. He was educated at Port Molyneux, and afterwards learned the trade of wheelwright with Messrs Paterson and Ironside, Balclutha, and worked as a journeyman with the founder of the firm of Peters and Shiels, of which he became and remained a partner till the end of June, 1903. Mr. Shiels was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Smith, of Warepa.

The Crown Hotel And Livery Stables (John Dunne, proprietor), Balclutha. The Crown Hotel, which long sustained the reputation of the leading hotel in Balclutha in the pre-prohibition days, still enjoys the same good name as a private hotel, where visitors can be sure of good accommodation. The house contains over forty rooms, and is lighted throughout with gas. The stables connected with the hotel contain thirty-two stalls and seven loose boxes. Mr. Dunne keeps about twenty well broken in horses, which can be engaged at a moment's notice, either as saddle horses or with single and double buggies or gigs. A cab attends all trains for the convenience of travellers, free of charge. Mrs Dunne superintends the management of the hotel.

Wright, Simon , Butcher and Farmer, Clyde Street, Balclutha. This business has been established since 1888, and has been developed by Mr. Wright's great perseverance and attention to details into one of the most successful in Otago. The shop, which has been recently erected, is an ornament to the street, with its large white marble slab counters for the display of small goods. The slaughterhouse, where all Mr. Wright's meat is killed, is kept scrupulously clean, and has been built on plans supplied by the Government. In addition to his large butchering business, Mr. Wright is a curer of bacon, and cures, on an average, two hundred pigs a year. He has a fine farm property of 204 acres near his slaughterhouse, and carries on a system of mixed farming. Mr. Wright also rents two other large farms for grazing purposes.

The General Import Company , Merchants, Direct Importers, and Distributors, Clyde Street, Balclutha. Mr. T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., Director; Mr. J. Thompson, Manager. This business was purchased in 1902 from Mr. W. A. Shaw, and its foundation dates back to the early sixties. The old premises have been replaced by handsome new buildings, in which one of the largest businesses in the town is now conducted. The firm extensively imports drapery, ironmongery, and general merchandise, and goods to the value of £10,000 are kept in stock. The drapery department, which is lighted by large plate glass windows, is filled with a fine assortment of some of the choicest products of the loom in the latest designs and fashions. A well lighted boot and shoe room contains an assortment of equally well selected stocks in the latest styles of American, English, and European manufacture. The grocery department occupies the centre of the building, with the ironmongery and crockery departments adjoining, and both are fully stocked in a way to meet all the requirements of the trade. Large stores at the back of the premises are filled with bulk goods, which are constantly replenished by shipments from the English and European markets. The whole place is lighted by acetelyne gas, generated on the premises. Twelve assistants are employed in the various departments, and two travelling representatives visit the districts from Pukerau in the south to Milton in the north, and their visits are regarded as a boon by the country residents. The history of the Import Company since its start has been one of continued prosperity, due in a large measure to the intelligent enterprise of the management.

Reid, George Horrox , Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, Clyde Street, Balclutha. This well established business was bought from the previous owner by Mr. Reid in 1893, and has since been so intelligently carried on that it now has a considerably increased connection. The premises are of brick, and a fine display of artistic jewellery and ornaments is exhibited behind large glass windows, which are lighted with gas. Mr. Reid, in addition to his stock of watches and jewellery, keeps a large variety of spectacles, in gold and silver cases, and he makes sight-testing a specialty. Mr. Reid is also agent for the London Pianoforte Company, Dunedin.

Mr. John Kinder was born in Bedford, England, and emigrated to Australia in 1855. He spent several years on various goldfields in that country, and was attracted to Otago in 1861, by the reports of the gold discoveries. He first went with the rush to Tuapeka, but eight months later removed to the Dunstan. At that time the river Molyneux was at the lowest level known in its history, and Mr. Kinder and his mate were so successful that they obtained twenty-one pounds weight of gold in seven weeks. However, his operations were stopped by a flood, and he went prospecting in new fields on the Shotover, where his good fortune still followed him till his mate's ill-health compelled him to resign his claim, and return to the Dunstan so that the ailing man might receive medical treatment. Some time after-wards page 745 Mr. Kinder, with a party of ten, chartered a schooner and went on a twelvemonths' prospecting adventure to the West Coast, where they met with only indifferent success. On his return to Dunedin he determined to try the Wakamarina diggings, but remained there only two months, as the results did not come up to his expectations. Mr. Kinder again returned to Dunedin, and as he had accumulated considerable wealth, he determined to follow for some time the less exciting life of a farmer. He therefore bought a farm at Stoney Creek, near Stirling, where he successfully carried on farming and contracting until 1901, when he sold his property, and went to live in retirement at his residence in Balclutha. Mr. Kinder never took any part in general public affairs, but he has been much interested in the cause of education, and was for many years a member of the Stoney Creek school committee. He married Miss Nelson, daughter of the late Mt. James Nelson, of Lovell's Flat, and has had a family of six sons and four daughters, many of whom have had a distinguished career at college. Mr John Kinder, his eldest son, after taking his B.A. degree at the University of Otago, received an appointment at the Gisborne High School. Mr. James Kinder, his second son, studied for the profession of the law, but, after a short illness, died at the age of twenty-one. Dr. Alexander Kinder, B.S.C., M.B.B., Ch., after a successful career in the Otago High School, where he was dux and took the Board's junior and senior University Scholarships, now practices his profession at Greymouth, as assistant to Dr. Morice. Miss Jemima Kinder, the second daughter, after nine years of schoolteaching, married Mr. Jasper Clark, of Lovell's Flat. Miss Jessie Kinder, the third daughter, is a teacher at Port Molyneux.

Dr. Jane Kinder , eldest daughter of Mr. John Kinder, formerly of Stoney Creek, and now of Balclutha, graduated as a Doctor of Medicine, in the University of Otago, in the year 1900. She subsequently had charge of the plague patients at Torren's Island, near Adelaide, and became Assistant Bacteriologist of the Adelaide Hospital. However, her health failed and she had to resign her position, forego her bright prospects of success, and return to her father's home at Balclutha, where she died in 1902.

Mr. And Mrs J. Kinder And Family.

Mr. And Mrs J. Kinder And Family.

The Late Dr. Jane Kinder.

The Late Dr. Jane Kinder.

Mr. Hugh Murray , Of “Rosebank,” Balclutha, was born in the parish of Dorneck, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and emigrated to Victoria in 1854. He crossed to New Zealand at the beginning of the following year, and after a few months at Auckland left for Otago to join his brother, Mr. Robert Murray, who had arrived six years previously. When he broke his journey at Timaru, the only resident there was a shepherd in the service of the Messrs Rhodes. Mr. Murray travelled on foot from Timaru to Milton, and after joining his brother was engaged in various occupations, including contacting, roadmaking, and sheep shearing. In 1868 Mr. Murray purchased a fine property of about 400 acres at Clarksville, where he farmed until 1892, when he leased his estate and retired from active life. For four years he lived at St. Leonard's, but since 1893 he has resided upon the valuable property which he owns close to the town of Balclutha. Mr. Murray was a member of the Mount Stewart Road Board for fourteen years, and for a year he served on the St. Leonards school committee, and the Farmers' Club. He is a member of the Otago Early Settlers' Association. Mr. Murray was married, in 1868, to a daughter of Mr. William Hislop, of Tokomairiro, who arrived in Otago by the ship “Jura” in 1858, and there is a family of two sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Mr John Murray, occupies a responsible position in the Government Stamp Department in Wellington. The eldest daughter is married to Mr. Alexander, of Clarksville, and the youngest son and daughter reside on a farm near Invercargill.

Mr. And Mrs H. Murray.

Mr. And Mrs H. Murray.

Greenfield Estate is not exactly in the Clutha district, though, some miles above Balclutha, the Clutha river forms its frontage. It was founded nearly forty years ago by the late Mr. James Smith, who latterly carried it on in conjunction with his sons. Mr. Smith, the founder, is referred to as an old colonist, at page 395 of this volume, and some particulars concerning “Greenfield” are also given at the same place. During the first ten or twenty years of its existence hundreds of men were employed oh page 746 the Greenfield estate. It was then in course of reclamation from the primitive conditions of nature, and of being transformed into a well-fenced, well-roaded, highly cultivated property. The land, for the greater part, has a pleasant sunward aspect, and, especially towards the Clutha, is gently undulating in its character. So rich was the soil that, when it was first brought under the plough, the wheat in places grew to a height that overtopped a man on horseback, and a sojourn at “Greenfield” in those early days, while the crops were ripening or being harvested, was a thing not to be forgotten by an observant visitor. If the life, the atmosphere, and the progressive prosperity of the place could be reproduced now, the description would read like a veritable rural romance. The late Mr. Smith was a pioneer colonist of the first order, and the unaffected kindliness of himself and his family made any kind of contact with “Greenfield” in its palmy days a thing to be pleasantly treasured in the memory for life. [After this article was written, the greater part of “Greenfield,” was bought by the Government, in October, 1904, in terms of the Land for Settlements Act.]

Mr. James Smith , A son of the late Mr. James Smith, the founder of “Greenfield” Estate, was born in 1855, at Milton, and was educated at Nelson College and the Dunedin High School. He entered business life in the old Bank of Otago, and, after being a year with that institution, had some experience in a merchant's office. Mr. Smith was employed for seventeen years in his father's store. He joined the Farmers' Agency Company soon after its incorporation, and became manager in 1890, but is now (1904) engaged in the management of “Greenfield.” He has long taken a keen interest in agricultural and pastoral matters, has been a member of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association for about twenty-three years, and was its president for the year 1896–7. He has also been prominently identified with outdoor sports, and has been president of the Otago Cricket Association. Mr. Smith was married, in 1883, to a daughter of Mr. B. Hibbard, of Timaru, and has two sons and two daughters.