MANGERE PIONEER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 154, 2 July 1930, Page 8

MANGERE PIONEER.

MR. JAMES ROBERTSON. DEATH AT 96 TEAKS OF AGE. ARRIVED IX THE 'FORTIES. At the age of 9(T years tie oldest pioneer settler of 3langere. Mr. James Robertson, died this morning. He is one of tie few remaining survivors of those wio arrived on October 9, 1842, by tie sailing ship Duciess of Argyle. 3lr. Robertson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and* Auckland was only just starting wien as a boy ie arrived with his parents iere 81 years ago. Tiey lived for a while in a raupo whare at Mechanics' Bay. Then a small wooden cottage was built for tiem. Mr. Robertson's fatier started tie first rope walk in Auckland, wiici is still' in existence as Donagiy's Rope and Twine Works, Stanley Street. Tie venture by Mr. Robertson was too soon, because at tiat time so few ships visited tie Waitemata tiat tiere was little sale for rope. Tiat caused Mr. Robertson's fatier to take up land at Mangere, to wiici ie sent his Bon James, while ie was joined on tie staff of tie Bank of Xew Zealand. Mr. James Robertson was only 15 years of age wien ie went on to tie land at Mangere, and for about 18 months lived alone in a raupo wiare. Hβ was tie pioneer wiite settler at Mangere. Wien otier settlers, tie Hall Brotiers, took up land adjoining, tiey stayed witi Mr.: James Robertson for sis montis. Later tie rest of tie Robertson family went to live at Mangere. At tiat time tiere were large settlements of Maoris along tie siores of tie Manukau Harbour. It wa3 quite a common thing for Mr. James Robertson.to see as many as 1000 Maoris at a time cross Ms land on tieir way to tie Waikato. He was very friendly witi tie natives, and became a good Maori linguist, wiici enabled iim to settle many grievances of iis neighbours witi tie "Maoris. In later life Mr. Robertson was a lieutenant in tie Otaiuiu Cavalry, under Colonel Nixon. He was also a member of tie first council of Mangere, and was instrumental in iaving tie first metal road laid in tie district. At tie time of iis deati Mr. Robertson was still on tie farm on wiici ie went to live 83 years ago. He is survived by tie following ciildren: MeEsrs. James Charles Kobertson, of Mangere; David, of Oneiunga; Alfred, of Hawera; Mrs. H. G. Margetts, and Mrs. J. B. Crawford.