In 1874, Peter at the age of eighteen, was apprenticed to a mechanical engineering firm in Dunedin. He and another apprentice lodged with a family of Wilson's, who lived in Rosses Buildings, a four storied edifice in the Octagon. Here he had a most terrifying experience, when fire broke out. From the “Otago Witness”, 13th September, 1879:
“One of the most exciting experiences was that of two young men, Peter Grant, son of Mr. Grant of “Gowrie”, and Edward Jenkinson. Grant was awakened by a cry of "Fire", and roused Jenkinson. They lit a candle, and found the room full of smoke. Looking out of the window, they saw flames coming out of the cafe windows on the ground floor. At the same time, two men evidently attracted by their light, called out, 'For God's sake show us an outlet.' Grant opened the door, and the room filled with heat and smoke, he and Jenkinson made for the passage. Neither thought of his watch underneath the pillow, nor did Jenkinson remember a purse on the table with about £6 in it. Grant was fortunate enough to pick up a pair of trousers with £2 in the pocket. He also picked up another pair of trousers and his volunteer carbine and cutlass. They told the men to follow ...
As they reached the top of the stairs, a tongue of flame was roaring along the passage. How they reached the bottom floor, neither knows, but after getting outside and having a breath of air, the subject of what had become of the two men and the Wilson children was broached. The two agreed to go upstairs again, and although they described the heat as something fearful, especially in the second storey, they did get up, Grant leading the way. Just on the landing, Grant found Louisa Wilson whom he took in his arms. It was impossible to go further, and another scramble downstairs succeeded. Both stated when they turned to go back they despaired of reaching the bottom again. However they did so, both getting burned on the hands and also on the face slightly with the addition of a good deal of singeing about the hair. The young men escaped with nothing but coat and trousers, and Grant handed over the extra pair of trousers to an unfortunate fellow he found down stairs without any. About ten lives were lost in the fire. All of the Wilson family, except Louisa and her sister were among the dead.”
Peter became a marine engineer, and was at sea for many years. He then became an Inspector of Machinery and Surveyor of Ships.