STUART, ROBERT (1833-83) was born in Scotland. He arrived in New Zealand in 1852, and after gaining some experience settled on a run at Maorirua, on the Edendale plain. In 1857 he brought his first heavy Clydesdale horse from Australia and he bred many fine draught animals. Stuart was a member of the Otago Provincial Council (representing Murihiku) from 1858 to the end of 1859. Southland being then created a separate province, he represented Invercargill (1861-64) in the Southland Provincial Council, and was speaker of the Council all the time. In the late sixties Stuart left Southland and made his home in Hawkes Bay. There again he took a part in local government. He was elected the first mayor of Napier, holding office 1875-78; and was member of the Provincial Council for Suburban North from June 1875 until the abolition. In 1876 he contested the parliamentary election against W. R. Russell. Stuart was afterwards appointed resident magistrate at Napier. He was noted for his public spirit and charitable activities. His death occurred on 7 Jul 1883.

Beattie, ii; Proc. of P. Councils Otago, Southland, Hawkes Bay; Roberts, Southland

Daily Telegraph (Napier), 9 Jul 1883

Reference: Volume 2, page 176

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