William McConnell went to N. Zealand, as did his three sisters. He farmed on his own account but had ill health and died when he was 45 years old. He left a family of six, the eldest being only twelve. Shortly afterwards they moved to Taieri which was close to where William’s sister Martha Ann and Robert Gawn lived. It has been suggested that during this time of hardship that Robert and Martha Ann gave some support to the young family. If that were the case return for that kindness was requested in free labour by at least young William who after he completed primary school at the age of twelve worked to Robert Gawn without pay for two years before he tired of what he considered was exploitation and ran away.