By Sorrel Hoskin

It was Wellington who visited New Zealand first, travelling from Plymouth for a brief stay in 1835. He returned full of enthusiasm for the new country and, when the opportunity arose, encouraged his brothers to shift there.

In 1840, Wellington was appointed chief assistant surveyor to the New Zealand Company. After working in Wellington (where work was washed out) and Wanganui he joined his brothers in New Plymouth. Because of his knowledge of the Maori language and customs Wellington was employed in negotiations with the Maori during the land wars and the siege at Parihaka, acting as an interpreter for Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi. 

A Justice of the Peace, a captain of the Taranaki Militia and a Master of the Masonic Lodge he was described as a quiet and well respected man. His first marriage to Meri e Motu in 1844 was the second entry in St Mary's Church registry. Meri died young and Wellington remarried Eliza Mace, sister of Captain Francis Mace, eventually having eight children. Wellington owned 63 acres of land at Tapuwae. He died in February 1890 aged 76.

Octavius Carrington was employed as an assistant surveyor for the Plymouth Company. He travelled separately to New Zealand (the Company wanted to ensure they had at least one surveyor should disaster strike one of the ships) and set about helping survey New Plymouth. Octavius was described as the reserved brother - less outgoing than Frederic and Wellington, but a quiet and capable surveyor. He married Mary Jane Roberts and the couple had six children. Among other areas he was responsible for surveying the Ngamotu area of New Plymouth. He went on to teach surveying. Octavius died in September 1901.