MASTERS, JOSEPH (1793-1873) was born in Derby, and after serving his apprenticeship as a cooper was for some years in the Life Guards. On receiving his discharge, he emigrated to Tasmania and worked at his trade till 1841, when he crossed to Wellington. There he started a brewery at Te Aro and later a cooperage at Lambton Quay. In 1846 he appears as a bugler in the Te Aro militia, enrolled for the defence of the town against hostile natives. Masters was keenly interested in small-farm settlements, and in a series of letters to the Independent suggested that blocks should be reserved from the runs in Wairarapa for this purpose. On 18 Mar, 1853 a public meeting was held at the Crown and Anchor. Masters and Carter, two of the committee then set up, waited on Governor Grey and requested his assistance. Eventually Greytown, Masterton and Carterton were proclaimed in accordance with the wishes of the Small Farm Association. Masters represented Wairarapa in the Provincial Council (1856-57) and again (1865-73). He was a candidate for Parliament in 1863, but did not go to the poll (Carter being elected). In 1865 he was brought forward for the Superintendency, but withdrew in favour of Borlase. He died on 21 Dec 1873.

Wellington P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Ward; MS. Turnbull Library; Carter; Wakelin; Wellington Independent, 13 Jan 1860, 9 Jul, 1 Nov 1864, 9 Aug 1866, 1 Dec 1870, 23 Dec 1873.

Reference: Volume 2, page 38

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