LEADING FARMER.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20266, 7 August 1937, Page 7

LEADING FARMER.

MR J. J. PATTERSON’S DEATH. WORLD’S LARGEST HERD OWNER. (Special to Times.) HAWERA, Friday. Repute'd to be the largest dairy farmer in the world, Mr James John Patterson, died at his home at Manaia this morning, aged 79. He was well known in the Waikato. Mr Patterson employed over 30 sharemllkers in Taranaki and Waikato and owned about 3000 cattle. His estate of 1800 acres at Tatuanul, near Morrinsville, some years ago supported nine families with 900 oows. All the employees came from Taranaki. Born at New Plymouth, Mr Patterson was left an orphan when his father was killed hy tho Maoris. He was adopted by Mr and Mrs Burton, early settlers in New Plymouth, and lived with them until ho was 10 years old. He then made several voyages In coastal vessels along the west coast from New Plymouth to Wellington, but started cattle droving at 12 years of age. For a time he toojc up blacksmithing and later contracting work, being engaged between New Plymouth breakwater and Waltara with bullock and horse teams. Eventually Mr Patterson went in for dairying and achieved remarkable success. He was widely respected and regarded a-s Just in all his dealings. He was a strong supporter of the Reform Party. Mrs Patterson died -several years ago. He is survived by eight daughters, Mrs P. Wardell (Tongaporutu), Mrs P. L. Wlchman (Wanganui), Mrs A. K. Mercer (Wanganui), Mrs C. Fendall (Manaia), Mrs G. McLean and Dr. Allison (Christchurch), Miss E. M. Patterson (Auckland) and Miss G. Patterson (England).