SIR WALTER BUCHANAN, Kt. M.L.C.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 235, 22 June 1918, Page 3

SIR WALTER BUCHANAN, Kt. M.L.C.

*- "MANY HAPPY EETUBNS OF THE DAY." Sir Walter Buchanan, Kt., M.L.C., of lupurupuru, Gladstone, celebrates his 80th. birthday to-day, still hale and hearty - 80 years young" (says a Wairarapn paper of Monday). The settlers throughout the Wairarapa hope that he will continue so for many years yet. A brief outline of the career of the "Knight of Tupurupuru" is given in the "Age" this morning. Born in Argyleshire, Scotland, on June 20, 1838, he was educated at the parish school of Greentck. He decided to emigrate to the colonies while still in his^ , teens, a.nd arrived in Melbourne in 1857. He spent six years on Victorian stations in gaining experience. In ISG3 he landed in Otago, and after a short while ho settled on the Canterbury Plains, where he leased a farm. He was actively engaged for. a period in stock dealing with the West Coast. After spending eight years in the South Island ho came to the Wairarapa. and in 1871 purchased the Tuipurupuru estate, of 13,1100 acres, in conjunction with his brother. The estate was at that time covered in bush, and in a rough condition. By hard work and good management the property was brought into a high state of productiveness, and it is now regarded as one of the best improved properties in the Dcninion. feir Walter took the precaution to preserve portions of the native bush, and this to-day affords spbndid shelter for stock. As a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Lincoln sheep he las boen highly successful. Ho has always taken a keen interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of the' district. For many years he was a member of the South Wairarapa County Council, having also been a member of the Masterton Highway Board. He has always been one of the most prominent members of tho Wairarapa. P. and A. Society, and was largely instrumental, when president, in providing the present well-equipped showgrounds. He occupied a seat on the Wellington Education Board for over thirty years, and rendered yeoman service- to the cause of-education.•■■He entered the House of Representatives in 1881 as member for the Wairarapa. On five successive occasions he was returned with substantial majorities, until he was defeated by Mr. J; T. 11. Homsby. Ho twice afterwards defeated the later gentleman, but lit the laet election was retired by a narrow margin.. Ho was called to tho Legislative Council, and a year or two ago received a signal mark of Royal favour in the of a knighthood. Sir Walter Buchanan has taken a great part in the freezing industry since its inception, and has for many years been a director of the Wellington Meat Export Company. He also took a. prominent part, some years ago, in (he formation .if the Freight Reductioj Committee, which secured valuable concessions in thematter of shipping freights to wool-grow-ers and others. In his long career he has performed many acts of public and private benevolent. The establishment of the Buchanan Homo at Greytown for aged men will stand for all time as a monument to nia philanthropy. Since the outbreak of war Sir Walter Buchanan lias displayed intense patriotism. Ho has given thousands of pounds to the various patriotic causes. He lias been a valuable member of the Wairarapa Patriotic Association, and manifests i\ great interest' in the welfare of the returned soldiers. So far ts his health is concerned, he is still mentally and physically robust. He speeds much of his time at Tupurupuru, although since his homestead was destroyed by fire he has taken up his residence in Masterton. He can ride over his property with the youngest of men, can asist in drafting stock, and can perform many acts of endurance which would pat younger men to shame. Tho hope is entertained that he will be spared for many years yet to a community that is grateful for his services. ■'