This resident of the St Clements Church Cemetery in Ahipara has quite a history. James Work Reid was originally born on December 8 1830 in Orkney, Scotland, emigrated to New Zealand in 1862 on the ship "Lord Burleigh" and married Johanna Maloney (nee Currie), a widow on 1869.
 |
| Johanna Reid (possibly a mourning photo taken at the time of her husband's death) |
James had already purchased land in Ahipara so they came to the far north to settle there. They had 7 children all of whom spoke the Maori language (including James), one of them apparently could tell the rank of each individual Maori and knew the Rangatira by their tattoos and physique.
After purchasing Kauri Gum from some of the local Maori, James found his business grew and he ended up building extensively on his business to provide extra storage. He seems to have been a very astute businessman with a natural ability in dealing with the Maori and he was able to provide for his family throughout his life.
 |
| Scene at Ahipara on Maori Land Court day showing W J Reid house on the right - Alexander Turnbull Library 1/2-026780-F |
 |
| From the NZ Herald Volume XXXIV, Issue 10515, 7 August 1897 |
Mr Reid died on 29th July 1897 and was mourned greatly by both Paheka and Maori of whom he was held in great respect. Over a 6 year period he was a member of the Mongonui Council Council ( I assume they mean Mangonui), 3 of those years he was a chairman and for 32 years he was a postmaster in Ahipara.
Join us on Facebook at the Northland Heritage Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109709272401824/
Comments
Cheers