John [1809-1892] and Jane MacGibbon [1818-1901], from Glasgow, were the first European settlers to set up residence in the Mataura district in 1858. John accepted a government contract to operate a ferry service across the dangerous Mataura River, along with a hostelry for travellers. Consisting of a two-storied, wooden house with stables, the accommodation was located north of the Freezing Works site, on the west side of the river, at a ford just above the Falls. The MacGibbons charged six pence for any person crossing, with an additional 1 penny per horse. In 1866, the accommodation was bought by James Pollock, then later by Hugh Cameron.

SOURCES: “PIONEER RECOLLECTIONS III” BY HERRIES BEATTIE, REF: LC 993.97 BEA; “GOING ABROAD: THE MACGIBBON FAMILY AND OTHER EARLY SCOTTISH EMIGRANTS TO OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND”, LC REF: 929.2 MCG