First White Child Born In Dominion

Northern Advocate, 17 July 1939, Page 8

First White Child Born In Dominion

That his father, the late Mr Charles N. Galpin, was the first white child to be born in New Zealand is the claim of Mr A. N! Galpin, Raumanga Road, Whangarei. The late Mr Galpin was born on board ship in Fort Nicholson harbour, Wellington, in 1839, on the arrival of his parents, Mr and Mrs William Galpin, from England. Mr William Galpin, who was a butcher, of Dorsetshire, and a member of a well-known English family, sailed with his wife from Liverpool on the vessel Adelaide, and among the passengers were Colonel Wakefield, Captain Daniells and the principal officers of the New Zealand Company. When the ship reached Teneriffe, the passengers were entertained to a shore banquet. It'was the wish of the ship’s company to return this hospitality before sailing, but the cook was drunk. Accordingly, Mrs Galpin filled the breach. In such good stead did this action stand the Galpins that when they anchored in Wellington harbour, and their first son was born, they were pressed to remain on board for some time until Mr Galpin was able to find suitable accommodation in the newlyestabllshed settlement of Wellington. Farming in Rangitikei. Mr Galpin recommenced his trade of butcher in Wellington. but in 1856 took up a property of 1000 acres in the Rangitikei district, where he commenced farming. Mr Charles Galpin worked on his father’s farm for some years. He joined the Volunteers in 1863, became a lieutenant in 1865, and a captain in 1869, resigning from the corps in 1881. He took keen interest in local politics, and at one time was a member of four local bodies. Upon the death of his brother Alfred, he found he had enough to occupy his time on the farm, and therefore resigned his public positions. With his brother William, he introduced the first reaper and binder into the Rangitikei district, and at one time was regarded as having the latest and most complete agricultural equipment in his district. In 1863 he married Miss Small, member of another pioneering family. Mr A. N. Galpin has been in the Whangarei district for some 25 years.