Charles Tripp

Charles George Tripp (1 July 1826 – 6 July 1897) was a pioneering sheep farmer in South Canterbury, New Zealand. Together with his friend and business partner John Acland, he was the first to use the Canterbury high country for sheep farming.

Early life Tripp was born in Kentisbeare, Mid Devon, England in 1826. His parents were the rector Rev. Charles Tripp and Frances Tripp (née Owen). He received his education at the Merchant Taylors' School in London before studying law. He was called to the bar on 30 April 1853 and introduced his friend, John Acland, to members of the Canterbury Association, who proposed the organised settlement of Canterbury in New Zealand with Anglican ideals; introductions included those to James FitzGerald and John Robert Godley. Acland also worked in law. Both needed to obtain experience first and thus worked as cadets on established runs; whilst Tripp worked in Halswell and for one of the Brittan brothers. Established runholders did not take them seriously,

Family In 1858, Charles Tripp married Ellen Shephard Harper, the third daughter of Bishop Harper. The Tripps went to Akaroa for their honeymoon, riding there on horseback. With Acland's marriage, the former business partners became brothers in law.

In 1862, Tripp and his wife went to visit England. His ailing father did not believe the stories of success, so Tripp instructed his agent to sell Orari Gorge Station and transfer the money to England as proof. When they returned to New Zealand, he bought the station back. on 6 July 1897.