Joseph Allan

Joseph attended Union Street school, the Otago Boys' High School and the University of Otago. To qualify as a surveyor, Josesph joined the Government survey camp for 5 years, under Mr. John Strauchon. After he qualified, in 1879, he was appointed to take charge of a survey part at Roxburgh, and held the position with credit to himself and his employers.

Subsequently Joseph returned to “Hopehill,” and took charge of the estate. Like his father, he enjoyed much success as a farmer; it was said that at one time there were hardly any sheep in the Taieri that could compare with his Hopehill flocks. He also experimented with growing tobacco.

Joseph was an honorary life member of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society and also a member of the Taieri Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Ill-health eventually forced him to reduce his responsibilities and he leased the property to a tenant.

Joeseph was for ten years a member of the Otago Hussars (5th Mounted Rifles), which he joined as a trooper, and resigned as a lieutenant.

Joseph was twice married; first, in 1893, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Maitland, of the Isle of Man, Liverpool, who was owner and editor of the “Liverpool Mercury.” In 1898 he married a daughter of Dr. Salmond, Professor of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Otago.