David Paterson (1876 - 1963)

Born 4 Dec 1876 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Husband of Emma May (McDermott) Paterson — married 10 Jul 1899 in Levin, New Zealand

Died 22 Aug 1963 at age 86 in Feilding, Manawatu, New Zealand

Biography

David Paterson was born in Edinburgh in 1876, and arrived in Dunedin on the 'Taranaki' in 1878.

He lived in Dunedin until 1898 when he moved to Levin, where he married Emma May McDermott.

In 1900, they moved to Kimbolton, then moved with their 3 children to Apiti in June 1903.

Another 3 children had arrived by 1907. At first they lived in a cottage, across the road from the Paterson home. They lived there for 2 years until the house was built.

David was a builder and his method of travelling around to jobs was by his bicycle. He thought nothing of biking to Fielding and back on business, and when building for a client in Rangiwahia road there as well.

He used to bike over Watson's track to the river, carry his bike across the Oroua River, and continue on this journey to Rangiwahia. After putting in 8 hours on the job, he would then return by the same route. Many houses in the area were built or renovated by him.

The New Years Day picnic was held on the Paterson property and a small stand of bush left on the property was a landmark for years.

David was the first woodwork instructor at the Apiti School as well as running a night class for adults.

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