MACPHERSON, DONALD (1822-82) was born in Scotland, and as a young man emigrated to Australia, where he lived for some years. In 1862 he brought a shipment of horses to the Otago goldfields. The venture was not profitable, and Macpherson went to Dunstan and opened a store. In this he was very successful and became well off. Establishing a punt on the river at Clyde, he opened up communications with the mining and agricultural country on the other side.

In Mar 1865 Macpherson was unexpectedly elected to the Provincial Council for Manuherikia. Springing a surprise upon the runholders, a large body of miners appeared at the place of nomination and proposed Macpherson in opposition to F. D. Bell (q.v.). He was elected by a large majority and attended the Council for two sessions, retiring in 1867. Benevolent and imperturbable in disposition, Macpherson encountered adversity in later years. Eventually he realised his impoverished estate and returned with his wife and daughter to Scotland, where he was killed by a railway train (in Jan 1882).

Ross; Otago P.C. Proc.; Don; Saturday Advertiser, 25 Mar 1882.

Reference: Volume 2, page 24

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