McHARDY, ALEXANDER (1831-99) was born at Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. As a young man he emigrated to Australia, where he spent three years but, finding the climate unsuitable to his health, he came to New Zealand in 1861 and settled in Hawkes Bay. He soon had a large business at the Spit in the export of cattle from Hawkes Bay to other parts of New Zealand, especially the goldfields of the South Island. In conjunction with E. J. Coleman, he acquired Blackhead station, where he soon created a fine cattle and sheep property. In 1888 the partnership was dissolved, and McHardy became the sole owner. He was specially noted for his breed of shorthorn cattle. He acquired also a fine sheep-raising property known as Longlands. He was president of the Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral association and of the Caledonian society and a member (and at times chairman) of the Patangata county council, the Hawkes Bay rabbit board and the local road board. He afterwards acquired the Beaulieu estate in the Manawatu, and became an inspiring patron of the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral association. McHardy died on 27 Sept 1899.

Playne; Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Daily Telegraph (Napier), 16 Oct 1925; Hawkes Bay Herald, 29 Sep 1899.

Reference: Volume 2, page 12

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