A matter of life and death: William Rowe
William Rowe was born in Cornwall, England and arrived in New Zealand in 1865 on the sailing ship Victory, landing at Lyttelton.
Shortly after his arrival he went to New Plymouth and then took up farming in Waitara in 1870, where he was for seven years.
Selling his farm in 1877, he shifted to Normanby and started a wellknown nursery there. In conjunction with this, he started a seed and grain store in Hāwera. As well as seed and grain, he imported all manner of agricultural implements. He was agent for the famous Massey Harris products, as well as an importer of English, American, German and French seeds. He was also agent for Messrs Hirst and Co, of London.
He found the brisk trading of the two businesses too much and this affected his health. Later he disposed of the nursery, concentrating his efforts on his store in Ha¯wera.
William was one of the principal organisers of the Normanby horticultural show, and was president for many years.
He contributed regularly to the farmers’ news columns in the Auckland and Ha¯wera newspapers, suggesting he was to write a book on farming and gardening specialising in manures and grasses to use. I wonder if that happened and if copies survive?
Like many successful businessmen of the era, he involved himself in local affairs, being on the Normanby Town Board, school committee and licensing bench. Always ready to give advice to horticulturists and farmers alike, his expertise was well known in the district and he was well respected.