Eskdale is a farming district ten miles from Napier, with which page 420 there is a daily mail service and telephone communication. It was one of the first settlements in Hawke's Bay, and was the scene of several fierce conflicts between the Maoris and Europeans. The district lies in a valley, through which runs the river Esk, and full advantage has been taken of the rich flat land for cropping and grazing purposes. The surrounding hills are fine sheep-carrying country. The road to Taupo and the seven lakes runs through the valley, and is kept in splendid order by the county council. The public school has seventy scholars on the roll, the children coming from Petane, and the surrounding district.

Couper, Donald McLean, Sheep-farmer, “Glenora,” Eskdale. Mr. Couper's Glenora estate consists of 1,135 acres of good land, which, with “The Ridge,” another property of 1,450 acres, depastures altogether about 3,500 sheep, and 150 head of cattle. “Glenora” is fully improved and has been in occupation for about twenty years. The homestead is on this property. Mr. Couper was born in Napier, and is a son of the late Mr. William Couper, a well-known colonist of Hawke's Bay. He was educated at the Napier Grammar School and Nelson College, and then entered the mercantile office of Messrs J. G. Kinross and Company, with whom he remained two years. After a short stay on his father's property, Mr. Couper purchased “Glenora.” In public matters he has done much for the welfare of the district and benefit of the settlers. Mr. Couper married a daughter of the late Mr. J. Le Lue-sine, and has three sons and four daughters.