William Kinross White (1856 - 1948)

Born 22 Apr 1856 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Husband of Frances Sophia (Moore) White — married 27 Mar 1883 in St Luke's, Christchurch, New Zealand

Husband of Sarah Hyde (Allen) White — married 24 Jul 1901 in Ormondville, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Descendants

Died 15 Jul 1948 at age 92 in Omarunui homestead, Taradale, Hawke's Bay. New Zealand

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Biography

Kinross was educated at the Glasgow University, and after a twelve months' pleasure trip on the Continent of Europe, and a few years' experience of the West India trade, sailed for Melbourne, Australia en route for New Zealand, in the steamship “Lusitania,” in 1879.
He departed Sydney, Australia at midnight on the 13th October 1880 aboard the S.S. Tararua, arriving in Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand on the 19th October. He arrived in Napier aboard the S.S. Te Anau (a vessel travelling from 'Northern Ports') on December 11th 1880. On his arrival in Napier he was appointed to a responsible position in the mercantile firm of Kinross and Company, which he held until 1886, when he established himself in business on his own account.
He was manager of the North British and New Zealand Investment Company, Limited, and of the North British and Hawke's Bay Freezing Company, Limited, both of which he himself promoted. He is attorney for the London and Lancashire Insurance Company, and agent for the United Marine Insurance Company, the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, and for J. and E. Hall, Limited, manufacturers of refrigerating and ice-making machinery; besides representing many other important enterprises. In 1887 he married a daughter of the late Dr. Moore, of Christchurch, one of the earliest Canterbury settlers, and has three sons.
Bulk of the above fromThe Cyclopedia of New Zealand

H.B. PIONEER DIES AT AGE OF 92
A Hawke’s Bay pioneer, Mr. William Kinross White, died this week at his home at Omarunui, Hawke's Bay. He was 92 years of age. For almost 70 years Mr. White had been associated with the development of primary production and mercantile schemes in Hawke’s Bay and was also noted for his many sporting and social activities.

A son of Mr. Joseph White, a Glasgow merchant, Mr. White was born in that city in 1856 and was educated at the Glasgow High School, Academy and University. In 1879 Mr. White came to New Zealand, settling at Napier, where he joined his uncle (J.G. Kinross) in the mercantile firm of Kinross and Company at Port Ahuriri. Later Mr. White was instrumental in forming several companies, chief amongst them being the New Zealand Investment Company Limited, and the North British and Hawke's Bay Freezing Company Limited. Mr. White was manager of both companies throughout their existence.

After setting up in business on his own account in 1887, Mr. White began operations as a stock and station agent as senior partner in a firm which traded as White and Wenley. In the early 1390’s he founded his own mercantile firm. Kinross White Limited, which is still in operation under that name in Napier. He also acquired two farms. Married twice, Mr. White is survived by his second wife and two sons and one daughter.
Gisborne Herald, 17th July 1948

'...report having sold yesterday at auction, by order of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Omaranui and Puketapu properties for the sum of £57,260 to Mr W. K. White.' Hawke's Bay Herald, 15 February 1901

Kinross married his second wife (often referred to as Sally) who had become a governess for his children after Frances had died.

Sources

• Family and The Allens, compiled for R Robilliard by Alison Honeyfield of Evagean Publishing ISBN 0-909032-81-5