RUNDLE, RICHARD (1806-94) was born at Werrington, near Launceston, Cornwall, educated there and trained as a carpenter and wheelwright at Clawton, north Devon. Having married Ann, daughter of John Veale (q.v.), he came to New Zealand in the Amelia Thompson (1841), and at once established himself at his trade in New Plymouth. With Oxenham he built for Richard Brown the first substantial wooden house in the settlement. In 1843 he erected the Alpha flour mill (the first in the province), and he entered into partnership with Samuel Oliver (a miller), Rundle carrying on his trade as a builder. With R. Barrett he carried on a whaling station at Moturoa, and he farmed on Barrett's reserve at Ratapihipihi. In 1855 they launched the only vessel ever built in Taranaki, the schooner Taranaki designed by Cutfield. Having purchased sections in Bell Block, Rundle farmed there until 1860, when he served in the mounted volunteers, carrying despatches. He was M.P.C. for Omata (1853-55) and for Grey and Bell (1862-65). After the war he took up bridge-building and erected many of the most important bridges in the province, as well as that over the Wanganui river. He was on the New Plymouth borough council (1878-80) and was a promoter of the first New Plymouth friendly society. Rundle died on 10 Feb 1894.

Taranaki P.C. Proc.; Taranaki Herald, 12 Feb 1894.

Reference: Volume 2, page 134

🌳 Further sources