History of MacLarens in Australia and New Zealand
In the extensive emigration from the Old World in the latter part of
the nineteenth century, the majority of the emigrants chose North America in preference
to Australia and New Zealand. The westward voyage under sail across the Atlantic could take
one month, but at least three times longer if travelling to Australia or New Zealand.
When a Scottish family chose to emigrate, its members did not always choose the same
destination. Australians of Scottish decent, including MacLarens, have found cousins
in North America and vice versa. This point should be kept in mind by family historians; for
example, a person "missing" from a family which migrated to Australia or New Zealand
in 1860, may be "found" in the American records.
Many migrant Scots named places in their new country "after home". So in Australia we
have Appin, Scone and Sterling - to name a few. And the seaport of Dunedin in New Zealand
takes its name from the earlier one of Edinburgh. Some MacLarens named their properties
or houses Balquhidder.
MacLarens have made their marks in both countries in a wide range of occupations,
including armed services, education, farming, law, medicine and politics.
Particularly in South Australia, the name MacLaren shows in early Australian history.
Unlike other states, South Australia was estabished by private enterprise in the form
of The South Australian Company. In 1837, one year after settlement started, David
McLaren took over the position of Manager, built it into a successful company and the
young colony prospered with it.
McLaren Vale, well known for its quality wines, was named after John McLaren from the
South Australian Survey Office, who surveyed that area.
Formation of Clan MacLaren Society Australia
In 1978, the late Ian F. McLaren OBE of Melbourne drew the attention of Australian
MacLarens to the Clan MacLaren Society, which had been founded in London in 1962. As
a result, many MacLarens in Australia joined the CMS and discussions started about
the formation of an Australian branch.
That was achieved in 1985 and the founder was the late Robert (Rob) McLaren of
Sydney. At the inaugural meeting of the Clan MacLaren Society of Australia in
November that year, Rob McLaren was elected Chairman and Honorary Life Membership
was conferred on Ian McLaren in recognition of his services to the Clan.
Membership of the CMSA is scattered through all Australian States and Territories,
and New Zealand.
At the present time, most of the activities which MacLarens attend are held in
Sydney. Chief of these is Sydney's Scottish Week which is held in late November,
close to St. Andrew's Day.
Our Society's Annual General Meeting is held in June, in Sydney.
A popular newsletter, Clan Labhran, published twice a year, includes news
of the Clan's activities in Scotland and articles of historical interest. It also
provides a means for Australian and New Zealand members to publish articles about
their families. In particular, the lives of the pioneers are interesting to other
readers.
A book bearing the title Clan MacLaren in the Forty-Five, is being written
by Bruce D. McLaren.
