John Nairn moved to Palmerston North from the South Island and established Manawatu Wineries after purchasing a block of land in College Street in 1893. He built a system of glass houses, boiler houses and irrigation from the city's first artesian bore. From left to right: Stanley McDowell Nairn, Mr John Nairn, Irene May Nairn (born 24 January 1895 at the Nairn house and later Mrs S. S. Murray of Feilding) and Annie Jane Nairn (nee McDowall).