| Brief Description |
This black and white photograph is identified as Mr Charles Smith of Papaiti. Facing to his right, his head, shoulders and upper torso can be seen. He is wearing a suit and tie and has a white beard and grey hair. The background around the subject has been faded out.
Charles Smith lived on his farm named Te Korito, at Papaiti, on the bank of the Whanganui River opposite Kaiwhaīki pa. Smith ran 3,000 sheep and 400 head of cattle at Te Korito. Later in his life, his neighbour, Robert William Smith, managed Te Korito, having moved to an adjoining property, Tunahaere, with his family. Charles Smith died in the Tunahaere farm house.
Born in Wiltshire, England, in 1833, Charles Smith was educated at the University College School, London, where he was a schoolmate of Mr (afterwards Sir) Julius Vogel. Smith was articled to a lawyer in London, but wished to go farming, and went to an agricultural college until1859 when he decided to come to New Zealand. Arriving in Wellington by the ship “Hastings”, he took up his farm of about 2700 acres at Papaiti. When the New Zealand Land Wars raged, he joined the Militia, eventually being made a lieutenant.
He took an interest in local politics and activities and for many years was a member of the local road board. He made a trip to Great Britain in 1881, and also in 1893. Charles Smith was a member of the Royal Colonial Institute, London, and was a member of the New Zealand Institute since its inception. He was also a friend of Whanganui Museum founder and director Samuel Drew.
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