Mystery man

I love this photo. I think it's something to do with the intensity of the eyes - and that nice bushy beard. 

This is John Dyer. He arrived with his sister Mary Ann in 1851. Together, John and Charles Parsons (who was on the same voyage out), built the first European cottage and made the first garden in Governors Bay. Mary Ann ran a little school from their home. We now know their property as Waitahuna.

Mary Ann and Charles got married in 1855. (Ship-board romance!).

We remember John Dyer in 'Dyers' Pass' and 'Dyer's Pass Road'. The bay that curves round from the jetty to Sandy Bay was originally known as Dyer's Bay.

John Dyer was only 47 when he died -  crushed between a bullock and a gate.