THE LATE MR PETER M'KELLAR

Mataura Ensign, Volume 7, Issue 409, 14 November 1884, Page 2

THE LATE MR PETER M'KELLAR

The ' Southland Times ' announces the passing away of another Southland pioneer in the person of Mr Peter MeKellar, who died on Tuesday at his residence) WellesJey, on the North Road, Invercargill. Mr McKellar was one of the oldest settlers in the district, having become a runholder there as early as 1855. He was born in Argyllshire in 1826, and belonged to a family of sheep farmers, both his father and grandfather having followed the business in that county. He began life as a surveyor in Glasgow, but emigrated to Victoria, where his eldest brother had preceded him. From Melbourne he came to New Zealand in 1855, , and, having met in Dunedin by appointment, Mr Alexander McNab, now of Kuapdale, they proceeded in company to explore Southland. What a wilderness the country was in those days can hardly be guessed by those now occupying it. But the two companions were penetrating enough to recognise it capabilities, and in the same year that they paid their first visit secured each a run, with results that are familiar to all who know anything about Southland, The business of bringing sheep from Australia to Bluff, ito stock the runs, was next proceeded with, and the incidents of the several voyages would form a curious chapter in the early history of the place. Mr David McKellar eventually joined his brother and they worked together for many years the Loagridge and Waiinea countxy, which afterwards was divided between, thorn. About 1872 Mr Peter McKellar sold his run, and in the following year purchased the suburban property of Wellesleyj where he took up his residence. He was proprietor also of the fine estate of . (S-lenure, in the Hokonuis. Although one of the best known men in Southland, and indeed in the southern part of New Zealand, Mr McKellar was extremely retiring and unobtrusive in his habits. He held strong political views, but mingled little in active politics. His judgment in all practical affairs was remarkably sound and was much deferred to in matters relating to pastoral pursuits. He had very marked natural ability, and a leaning towards literature and scientific study. For a long period Mr McKellar suffered from an internal complaint that forced inaction upon him and caused him to lead a somewhat secluded life. Year by year his ailment became more aggravated, and its course towards the last i was rapid. He died at the early age of 58, and will be regretted by a wide circle of friends for his genuine worth j of character, his geniality and friendliness of disposition and his true modesty. He is survived by Mrs McKellar, and four sons and two daughters. i