Danzie Cant

"Cant, Danzie. (1822-1901) Came to New Zealand in 1865 on the ship "Tudor". He described himself as a carpenter from Essex, England. Aged 42 years. His wife Sarah, 38 years and his daughter Elizabeth aged 15 years. He worked for Boags and Douglas Graham, a building firm of Burnside Road. He was a friend of Mr Robert Eaglesome. He was a pig expert and judged pigs at various shows. He lived for some time at Riccarton. He had an enormous pig which was finished and killed by a Mr James Mann, a butcher. It was thought to weigh no less than 6 cwt (300 kilograms). He also gave evidence in the "Catholic/Orange Riot" in January 1880. He described himself as a cattle and pig dealer. In describing his journey into town he said he drove a good team and it did not take him long. He and his eldest son William were charged with knocking down and assaulting a Mr John Hempelmann, a carrier. The charge was dismissed. The R.M. said that Hempelmann was drunk and all were equally to blame. In February 1882, he was evidently what was known as a "card" and a "hard case"."