MACLEAN, THOMAS EVERY (1819-1901) was born in Cornwall, and came to New Zealand with his brother Robert in the Constantinople in the fifties, intending to settle in Canterbury. While the ship was being repaired in Auckland, they decided to settle there, took up a farm at East Tamaki, and became well known breeders of good stock. Later MacLean became interested with John Williamson and Thomas Russell in a large farming property at Cambridge, which was carried on under the style of MacLean and Co., and afterwards became the Auckland Agricultural Co. MacLean took a great interest in blood stock, and imported many stud Herefords and Shorthorns, Clydesdale horses and Leicester and Down sheep. The sire Musket was imported by the Auckland Agricultural Co. A later company, the New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Co., engaged MacLean's attention. He was a prominent supporter of the Cambridge Farmers' Club and the Auckland Agricultural Association.

MacLean took an active part in local government, being chairman of two road boards (Pakuranga and Paparoa). From 1865 to 1872 he represented Franklin in the Provincial Council, and for a considerable period (1868-70) he was deputy-superintendent of the province. During the war he raised and commanded the Howick troop of cavalry volunteers. In 1873 MacLean was called to the Legislative Council. He was unable to devote sufficient time to his duties and resigned his seat, which became vacant owing to absence for two sessions (1876). He died (unmarried) on 12 Aug 1901.

Cycl. N.Z., ii; N.Z. Herald, 20 Jul 1875, 13 Aug 1901.

Reference: Volume 2, page 21

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