SPRAGG, WESLEY (1848-1930) was born in Madeley, Shropshire, a son of Charles Spragg (1819-90), an Auckland pioneer, and was educated at the local Wesleyan school. With his parents he arrived in New Zealand in 1863 by the Ulcoates. He took part in the Thames gold rush. In 1886, in partnership with J. C. Lovell and Christmas, he established the New Zealand Dairy Association, building their first factory at Pukekohe. The business, which was very successful, was sold in 1901 to the dairy farmers as a co-operative concern, Spragg being appointed manager. He was a member of the Congregational church, and a strong believer in temperance and supporter of the New Zealand Alliance. Before his death (on 15 Aug 1930), he made several gifts of natural bush land to the citizens of Auckland.

His brother, SILAS SPRAGG (1853-1935) was chief reporter of the Otago Daily Times for many years and of the Hansard staff from 1900 to 1924.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Philpott; N.Z. Herald, 16 Aug 1930.

Reference: Volume 2, page 162

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