Peter Masterton (1843-1921)
Farmer and Emigrant to New Zealand
Peter Masterton, farmer, was born in Dalmeny, West Lothian, Scotland, and was a ploughman in his younger years in Scotland. Around 1874 he emigrated to New Zealand, and was soon married to Harriett Bennett in Oamaru. In 1876, he appears in the Otago Daily Times as victim of an assault by a neighbour. Some years later he was the victim of theft by Robert Nash, at one time his agent.
Genealogy
Peter Masterton was the eldest son of Robert Masterton and Jane Martin. He therefore belongs to the large group of Mastertons that flourished in the Cramond area. He and Harriett had at least five children in New Zealand. Fuller details of his extended family can be found at this link.
Otago Daily Times
THURSDAY, 12TH OCTOBER.
(Before John Bathgate, Esq., R.M.)
Peter Masterton v. John Meikle. - Claim of L10, damages for an alleged assault. Mr Adams apeared for the plaintiff, and Mr G. B. Barton for the defendant. Some evidence having been taken, the case was adjourned till the following day.
The Court rose at 4.30 p.m.
Otago Daily Times
New Zealand
13th October, 1876
FRIDAY, 13TH OCTOBER.
(Before J. Bathgate, Esq., R.M.)
Peter Masterton v. John Meikle. - This was an adjourned case in which the plaintiff claimed L10, damages for an alleged assault, whereby the plaintiff suffered loss of blood, through being struck on the head with a saw by the defendant. Mr Adams apeared for the plaintiff, and Mr G. B. Barton for the defendant. The assault arose through a neighbours' quarrel, about six o'clock on Saturday morning, the 30th ult., concerning a boundary fence. Mrs Masterton deposed that she saw the blow struck by the defendant, and that her husband's head bled profusely. Several witnesses on each side were examined. His Worship said that the evidence was contradictory, but the assault had been proved, and it was acknowledged that there were "two acts in the drama." Judgement for plaintiff for L2 and costs.
Otago Daily Times
New Zealand
14th October, 1876
CITY POLICE COURT
(Before Messrs H. Gourley and G. Fenwick, J.P's.)
ILLEGALLY PAWNING. - Robert Nash was charged with unlawfully pawning, on February 12, three books, of the value of £10, belonging to Peter Masterton, without his consent or authority; also with unlawfully pawning, on the same day, three other books belonging to the same person. — A remand till Wednesday was granted, accused being admitted to bail in his own recognisance for £20, and two sureties for £10 in each case.
Otago Daily Times
New Zealand
23rd March, 1885
Clutha Leader
CRIMINAL SESSIONS
(Before his Honor Mr Justice Williams.)
ROBERT NASH (43) pleaded Guilty to a charge of larceny as a bailee of a Douay Bible, and to a further charge of illegally pawning certain books, the property of Peter Masterton, of whom he was the agent.
Sentence — one month's imprisonment with hard labor on each indictment, the sentences to be concurrent.
Clutha Leader
New Zealand
Volume XI, Issue 560, page 5
10 April 1885
Bruce Herald
CRIMINAL SESSIONS.
WEDNESDAY, 8th April, 1885.
(Before His Honor Mr Justice Williams.)
Robert Nash (43) pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny as a bailee of a Douay Bible, and to a further charge of illegally pawning certain books, the property of Peter Masterton, of whom he was the agent. Mr Denniston, who appeared for the prisoner, stated that he was a bookbinder, and had lived in the district for a number of years, and had always borne a respectable character. Lately he had given way to dissipated habits, whioh led to his committing the offence. His Honor sentenced prisoner to one month's imprisonment with hard labour on each indictment, the sentences to be concurrent.
Bruce Herald
New Zealand
Volume XVII, Issue 1635, page 3
10 April 1885