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- New Zealand Herald, 23 October 1894
Death of Mr. Wm. Smellie Grahame
A private cablegram was received yesterday from London by Mr. John S. Grahame, of Awitu, announcing the death of his father, Mr. William Smellie Grahame, at Richmond, Surrey, England, at the ripe age of 82, having completed his 81st year last month. The deceased gentleman was one of our earliest andmost respected merchants, the firm of ?W.S. Grahame? in the early days being a household word (Mr. Wright being his Sydney partner). Mr. Grahame arrived in Sydney from Scotland in 1838, and arrived in the Bay of Islands in 1839. He returned again to Sydney, and in 1841 came to Auckland, buying the block, on which were afterwards erected Grahame?s stored and residence, at the first Government land sale in Aucklan. The stores fronted the beach, from which was run out Grahame?s wharf, where the cargo boats landed their freight. Mr. Grahame carried on an extensive inter-colonial trade, the well-known brigs Moa and Maukin and other early colonial traders, sailing under his house flag. In 1851 Mr. Grahame greatly enlarged his warehouses, but they were partly burned down in 1856, although, through the heroic efforts of the men of the 58th Regiment, his residence on the Shortland-street frontage was saved.
In 1858 Mr. Grahame and family left for England, and with the excpetion of a flying visit to the colony, he has resided at Richmond, Surrey, ever since. Up to within the last two years, Mr. Grahame was on the London Board of the National Bank of New Zealand, but owing to the infirmities of age he resigned. Mr. Grahame was one of the foundrs of the old St. Andrew?s Presbyterian Church, Alten Road, and took a deep interest in its welfare. The deceased gentleman was noted for his business integrity, and for his high personal reputation. The tidings of his death will be received with feelings of deep regret by all our old colonist who had the pleasure of his acquaintance and friendship. Mr. Grahamhe?s wife pre-deceased him, dying in 1868. He leaves a family of three sons and four daughters, all grown up. There are only two members residing in Auckland, namely, the eldest son, Mr. J. S. Grahame, of Awitu, and the eldest daughter, Mrs. Bassett, wife of Mr. Bsasett, of Remueara.
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Bassett Family Association Database
- 1894