MATTHEWS, ALFRED (1845-1925) was born in Wellington, the son of Charles Matthews, a sheepfarmer. Educated at a private school, he followed farming in south Wairarapa (at Wharepapa until 1870, and then at Waiorongomai). He was from 1875 a member of the Featherstone highway board (and chairman 1888-1901), and was also a member of the county council, treasurer of the south Wairarapa river board from its inauguration (1886-89) and chairman (1889-1925). He was on the committee of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral association throughout its existence (and president in 1896) and then a member of the Wairarapa association. Matthews was for six years a director of the Wellington Meat Export Co. He was one of the founders of the New Zealand Flock Book (1893), and was first president of the Romney Marsh stud breeders' association. He established a free public library and reading room in Featherstone in 1896, and was a member of the Featherstone Literary Institute for over 25 years. He died on 3 Sep 1925.

Cycl. NZ, i (p); Who's Who NZ, 1908, 1924; The Dominion and Evening Post, 4 Sep 1925.

Reference: Volume 2, page 39

🌳 Further sources