McGREGOR, ALEXANDER (1829-1901) was born at Malagawatch, Nova Scotia, educated there and brought up to the sea. In 1857 he came to Victoria, and soon afterwards to Auckland, where he initiated a coastal service with Russell, Whangaroa and Mangonui. His first vessel was the schooner Fairy, followed by the Kiwi and Ivanhoe. In 1872 he built his first steamer, the Rowena, in the ownership of which he was associated with D. B. and W. Cruickshank, James Macfarlane, William Laird, George Fraser senr., R. Wyles, Reynolds, and Captain James Chapman. McGregor was master. The Iona was built in 1875, and later the Argyle, Staffa and Katikati. In 1881 the Northern Steamship Co. was formed, McGregor being general manager to 1888. He then purchased the Rose Casey for the Auckland-Waiwera-Mahurangi trade, for which the Orewa and Rob Roy were afterwards acquired, and the Kia Ora for the upper Thames. McGregor died on 11 Jan 1901.

N.Z. Herald, 12 Jan 1901.

Reference: Volume 2, page 11

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