The Scottish diaspora of the 18th and 19th centuries saw large numbers of Scots emigrating to seek their fortunes around the world. Better educated than the English and with a strong Presbyterian ethic, they were unusually successful in business and politics. In New Zealand, Ross & Glendining Ltd (R&G) was founded in Dunedin in 1862, during the gold rush, by two contrasting Scottish characters - Caithness-born John Ross and Robert Glendining of Dumfries. Initially a drapery importing business, R&G opened branches throughout New Zealand. Careful management and efficient systems enabled the business to grow, despite strong competition from Australia. After the investment boom of the 70s, R&G began to diversify, investing in sheep runs, a woollen mill, other manufacturing, and even a coal mine. This history offers not only a portrait of a firm, but a window on the development of the New Zealand economy and the emergence of a manufacturing sector.