WIGMORE, Robert d.1890

Born Cork, Ireland. Arrived Auckland 1841 and visited Coromandel within a few months of arrival; in 1842 left Auckland on the Bristolian for Peru and Chile where he reported on the poor living conditions of the people in letters to New Zealand newspapers. Returning to New Zealand settled at Hahei Beach, Coromandel about 1866. Built a large house which still stands, and reflects his competency in carpentry: he is said to have been a very large man with feet in proportion (Reminiscences of Early Days by Phillips, 1897). In the 1875–76 Electoral Roll his home is recorded as “Sunnyside” Mercury Bay: he died on his farm at Hahei. His descendants, the Harsant family, still live in the area.