Pioneer Of Northland Timber-Milling Era

Northern Advocate, 25 January 1939, Page 8

Pioneer Of Northland Timber-Milling Era

One of the most ■ colourful figures in Northland pioneer history, Mr. Charles Grant died at the Whangarei District Hospital yesterday. Had he survived, Mr. Grant would have been 83 next Sunday. Born in Tasmania, Mr. Grant came to New Zealand at least 60 years ago, and entered the timber milling industry, becoming well-known in this capacity in all parts of the province. He was an expert at handling bullock teams, and held many positions of responsibility in bush work. Milling at Tutukaka.

Fifty years ago he secured a large block of virgin bush country near Tutukaka, on the Tutukaka-Matapouri Road, and turned the heavy timber to good account. After carrying on milling himself for a period, he let the rights to Goldie’s Mill, which was erected on the property. As the land became cleared of forest Mr. Grant took up dairying, and up to two years ago< personally ■continued milking. Recently he devoted his time to sheep-farming. Various Properties. Mr. Grant also at various times farmed properties at Tikipunga, near the Whangarei Falls, and at Akarama, in conjunction with his Tutukaka holding. For ,a while he made his home at Tikipunga, but for the post five years has been living at his old homestead. From November 1912 he served a two years’ term on the Whangarei County Council, representing Kiripaka Riding. He is survived by one son, Mr. Colin Grant, of Tikipunga.