Alexander, John

Christ Church''s Web Site
4 ALEXANDER John

-

Evening Post 10 May 1866
LATEST FROM THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.
The schooner Wild Wave, which arrived here this morning from the Chatham Islands after a run of 15 days, brings intelligence to the effect that the whaling barque Catherine, which we some time ago reported as being ashore there, was after very great difficulty got afloat again, but that two days after she was relaunched a heavy gale came on, when she dragged her anchors and went ashore at nearly the same place when she became a total wreck; no lives were lost. At the time the Wild Wave sailed, the Sea Serpent, hence, was lying at the Chathams loading for this port. A redoubt has been built at the Chatham Islands for the safe custody of the Maori prisoners sent from New Zealand. It appears that the Maoris originally living there express great dissatisfaction at the Hau Haus being settled there, and refuse to have any communication with them. There are only one or two who are favourable to them. A great number of the loyal Maoris have signified their intention of leaving the place on account of the rebel prisoners being sent there. A great number of intending settlers have lately gone down with the desire of purchasing sheep runs, but the Maoris refuse to negotiate with them in any way at the prices offered. They seem to entertain very high hopes of obtaining a large price or rent for the lands, without which they will not part with them. John Alexander, Esq., offered a sum of £750 for a piece of land about twenty-five miles square, for a twenty years'' lease, and he left a deposit of three boxes tobacco (value £120) until he went to Otago and returned with the balance. If on his return the balance is not paid the tobacco is to be forfeited. We understand the Maoris are rather pleased with this bargain. Some of the land requires a great deal of trouble and draining before it is made really valuable, Mr. Alexander (an Ayreshire farmer) has at present leased from the natives a piece of land known as the Naio sheep run, which for perfection of drainage, fencing, &c, can, we believe compare favorably with any station in New Zealand. The prices asked by the natives are heavy:— Bullocks £5 to £9 per head; potatoes 30s to £2 per ton; corn, none to be had; good sound hacks £5.

Hawke''s Bay Herald 2 March 1867
CHATHAM ISLANDS
...
ARRIVAL.- The schooner Rifleman, from Lyttelton, with sheep consigned to John Alexander, and general trade. Return cargo, wool and cattle.

Death details
1868/32, John Alexander, Aged: NR

Evening Post 14 May 1868
Died
On the 11th (sic) inst., at the Taita, Mr. John Alexander, of consumption. Aged 37 years

Wellington Independent 16 May 1868
Death
Alexander - On Sunday, May 11 (sic), at Taita, Mr John Alexander late of the Chatham Islands, aged 37 years

Hutt Valley Cemetery Records John ALEXANDER, Date: 10/5/1868 (sic), Burial Records St James Anglican (sic), Lower Hutt
-
Monumental Inscription, Date: 10/5/1868, Ref: 7

Probate John Alexander, Place: Chatham Islands, Occ: Storekeeper, Date of Death: 10/5/1868 (sic), AAOM 6029 294, Filed: 12/8/1868, Will, Archives NZ, Wellington