This American buggy arrived in New Zealand in kitset form around 1900 thanks to Rangiwahia farmer Murdock Martin. It has remained in the district ever since.
Even in the olden days, buggies were sent around the world in kitset form to be made up for road use. This American “Martin Buggy” arrived in kitset, brought by the Martin family, whose long association with the Manawatu began in 1886 when the Murdock Martin family settled in Rangiwahia.
Murdock had come from the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, along with three of his brothers. Family members continued to farm the same land as originally settled. Around 1900 Murdock Martin took delivery of this buggy from a Wanganui coach builder who had arranged for its delivery in a kitset form from America.
The buggy, which has been presented to the museum for display is in its last used condition. It was driven by Martin family members in the 100th District Celebrations in 1986, and by Richard Martin and family in the 125th District Celebrations in 2011.