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Volume 3.— Canterbury Provincial District.
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It is with much satisfaction that the Directors of The Cyclopedia of New Zealand place the third volume of the work in the hands of subscribers. The volume deals with the provincial district of Canterbury, concerning the colonisation, growth, present condition, and prospective future of which much that is of first-rate value may be gathered from its pages. When Canterbury was founded in the year 1850, the London Times described it with evident satisfaction as a slice of England from top to bottom. This statement was then in a certain sense true, and it is still true in a certain sense, but with a difference. At the outset Canterbury was a Church of England settlement, to the extent that special provision was made for the ordinances and adjuncts of that church—services by regular clergy, a bishopric, and the establishment and maintenance of a college; but the fact of men belonging to other religious bodies was no bar to their becoming settlers in the infant colony. Churchmen, however, had a great deal to do with the founding of the settlement. The Archbishop of Canterbury was at the head of the association under the auspices of which it was established, and the Archbishop of Dublin and seven English bishops were on the committee, together with many other clergymen, numerous noblemen, and gentlemen of good standing in English society and public life. Still all that this amounted to was, simply, that a body of capable and enterprising Englishmen of good repute clubbed together to do what Æneas and his companions had done thousands of years previously when, in leaving Troy for Italy, they took their household gods with them and endeavoured to perpetuate in the land of their adoption the customs of the land of their birth. Under the circumstances, it was only natural that, at first, Canterbury should be, at least on a small scale, a replica of the parent community.
But with different climatic and other conditions, colonists gradually develop characteristics peculiar to themselves, and sometimes these begin to appear at the outset of a new settlement. This was the case with Canterbury. Though the first colonists comprised a considerable number of specially selected artisans and workmen with their families, there were also amongst them many men of birth and wealth and education, and women of the utmost social refinement; yet even these had to labour with their hands in the early days, when all employers were practically only working overseers. It does not, therefore, require much imagination to realise how soon and how thoroughly a social spirit almost impossible in the feudalised England just left behind them, must have begun to
The Times, a slice of England from top to bottom.
Still its history teems not only with testimonies to the Englishman's talent as a coloniser, but to the persistency with which his dominant traits live on under new conditions in the lands which he reclaims from the wilderness. Dramatic evidences of this were especially apparent at the time of the province's Jubilee in December, 1900. In the picturesque memorial procession which was then conducted through the streets of Christchurch, the section devoted to religious bodies illustrated, in itself, the whole ethical history of the province. It contained things not dreamt of by the founders of the settlement, and which, if they had dreamt about then, would have made the dream, not a dream, but a nightmare. Foremost in the section marched corps of the Salvation Army, followed by members of the Socialist Church, after whom came Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Wesleyan Methodists, and, last of all, the bishop and clergy of the Anglican diocese of Christchurch. This arrangement showed plainly enough that Canterbury had not been kept to the plan of its founders; but it also showed something of far more importance— namely, that its inhabitants remembered how to maintain with liberality and honour the highest traditions of their native land, in the matter of that constitutionalism which gives scope to all individualities in a community of British men.
Of all this and much else, every reader of insight will find interesting, trustworthy, and instructive proofs in this volume of The Cyclopedia of New Zealand.
It will not be amiss to refer here to the Cyclopedia as a whole. The first (or Wellington) volume consists of 1525 pages; the Auckland volume, of 1024 pages; and the Canterbury volume—the third of the full set of six—which is here presented to subscribers, has, exclusive of preface, indices, and late photographs, 1111 pages. The Otago and Southland volume, now in its preparatory stages, is expected to equal in size that of Canterbury; then will come the Nelson, Marlborough and Westland volume, and the sixth volume will cover Taranaki and Hawke's Bay.
Notwithstanding this mass of work, the publication of the Cyclopedia would have been further ahead had it not been for the action of a Publishing House in breaking up copies of the first volume, cutting off the headlines, and then canvassing on these mutilated specimens. With their hold on the copyright thus threatened, the Directors were
In various ways, many persons besides the agents and editorial staff employed by the Directors have contributed to the completeness of this volume as it now reaches the reader. Some have supplied valuable information, and some have presented photographs, which give a distinctive interest to the sections which they help to illustrate. To all these courteous coadjutors, the Directors and their staff tender the most cordial thanks; fully realising that the assistance which has been thus so obligingly given, has been an effective factor in the production of a volume which must necessarily be interesting and valuable to the present generation, and which contains so much with respect to the past and present, that future writers with dramatic insight will be able to reconstruct from its pages the social and public life and industrial activity of Canterbury's first half-century.
This character of present interest combined with special literary and historical value for the future, is shared by all the volumes of The Cyclopedia of New Zealand, but that for Canterbury has it in a pre-eminent degree. Yet the fourth (or Otago and Southland) volume, which is already well in hand, promises to still further excel in this respect; and the proprietors will spare no pains to make the Nelson, Marlborough and Westland volume, and the sixth and last of the full set—that for Taranaki and Hawke's Bay— equal to the best of their predecessors.
The Cyclopedia Company, Limited.
Except in regard to such matters as the names of persons now in public and official positions, and figures connected with the census taken on the 31st of March, 1901, this summary of the history of Canterbury is, in the main, confined to the half century, which ended with the province's first jubilee at the close of the year 1900. But, at the outset, a glance backward will be of interest to the reader.
The Maori history of Canterbury extends as far back as the 15th century. About that time the Waitaha, migrating from the North Island, settled along Pegasus Bay, and moved inland. So late as 1850 the remains of an old pa at the Cust, three miles in length, testified to their strength and their numbers. After a century of rule, the Waitaha seem to have been enslaved in turn by the Ngatimamoe, who, moving down from the north, occupied Banks' Peninsula. During the latter half of the seventeenth century the Ngai Tahu— the tribe represented by the present Maori inhabitants—in their turn swept over the island from the north. They fortified an impregnable stronghold at Kaiapohia; and under their chief, Tamaiharanui, dealt with the land as their own by right of conquest. But
The earliest European settlers in the country were whalers. In “Old New Zealand” Judge Maning has graphically described the character and life of these wanderers; many of them ex-convicts, and most of them as savage and barbarous as the natives themselves. It seems that the whaling industry was established in the South Island about 1827, when settlements were formed at Queen Charlotte's Sound and Cloudy Bay. E. J. Wakefield's “Adventures in New Zealand” gives some idea of the strangely compounded nature of these sea-rovers. Courageous, but cunning, dissipated, but strong and manly, ferocious, yet kindly and generous, they combined in strange ways the vices of the European with the virtues of the savage. These men were the first to explore the coasts of the islands, and to familiarise the natives with the appearance and manners of white men. In 1834 there were eight whale ships at Kaikoura, four near Lyttelton, nine on the south of Banks' Peninsula, and eleven on the Otago coast. These employed about 650 men, and the value of their catch in 1833 was at least £50,000. These facts may give some notion of the importance and scope of the whaling industry. Even the refuse from the whaling crews— the drunken, idle, irreclaimable “beachcomber”—did something for civilisation; and when the provinces were settled there were few corners of the coast where white men had not already penetrated and prepared the way for organised European occupation.
The first transfer of native land to Europeans in Canterbury seems to date from the year 1837. Captain Hempleman, a German whaler, sailed from Sydney in November, 1835, and after many dangerous adventures reached Banks' Peninsula. Whaling on this coast was still very profitable, and Hempleman soon became familiar with the natives. According to his own statement—which is supported by credible evidence—in 1837 he purchased almost the whole of the Peninsula from Taiaroa, Tuhawaiki, and other wellknown chiefs. The transfer seems to have been freely admitted by the Maoris, and Hempleman, feeling secure in his rights, made no protest against the subsequent occupation of his land by French and English settlers between 1840 and 1850. But when in 1852 he found that the Peninsula had been included in the Canterbury Association block, he complained to the Lieutenant-Governor of this infringement of his claims. For many years after his supposed purchase he lived quietly at Peraki and at German Bay; and his diary, still preserved, gives much interesting information about the Peninsula Maoris and the feuds of the notorious “Bloody Jack” (Tuhawaiki). Hempleman died in 1880 at an advanced age, and for the last twenty-five years of his life he continually urged his claim for compensation upon the Governments of the day. He was offered various large blocks of land as a compromise, but he resolutely stuck to his original demands. It is very probable that the Maoris sold their land to Hempleman, and subsequently sold the same land again to the French settlers, from whom the New Zealand Company acquired it. In any case, Hempleman will always be a most interesting figure in early colonial history as the first European whose claim to Canterbury land was recognised by the natives themselves.
The year in which Hempleman is supposed to have purchased Akaroa was the year in which the New Zealand Association was formed. Its moving spirit was Edward Gibbon Wakefield who succeeded in developing from it a New Zealand Land Company to promote the colonisation of these islands. In 1839 Colonel Wakefield and a party of surveyors reached Wellington, and formally took possession on behalf of the company. It was not the policy of the British Government of the day to take up new colonies; but its hand was to some extent forced by the action of the New Zealand Company. Accordingly, in 1839, Captain Hobson was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of all territory acquired, or to be acquired, in New Zealand, and in February, 1840, by the Treaty of Waitangi, over 500 Maori chiefs ceded the sovereignty of the islands to the British Crown. To ensure the British claims, Governor Hobson, in May, 1840, issued a proclamation taking possession of the Middle Island and Stewart Island also in the Queen's name, and in June, 1840, the Union Jack was hoisted on the shore of Cloudy Bay.
Meantime the story of Hempleman had repeated itself in Banks' Peninsula; this time with a French whaler as hero. In 1836 Captain L'Anglois had reached Akaroa Harbour in his wanderings, and, like Hempleman, claimed to have purchased most of the Peninsula from the Maoris. In 1838 he returned to France, and through his representations a commercial company—the Nanto-Bordelaise Company—was formed, to colonise the newly acquired land. In 1840 a party of fifty-nine French emigrants and six Germans sailed in the Comte de Paris to take possession of the peninsula which L'Anglois sold to the company. In July, 1840, L'Aube, a French frigate called at the Bay of Islands, and Governor Hobson learned that the vessel was on her way to Akaroa to annex the Middle Island on behalf of the Nanto-Bordelaise colonists. He at once despatched Captain Stanley in the Britomart, with a magistrate named Robinson, to take possession of the peninsula on behalf of England. After a stormy trip the Britomart reached Akaroa Harbour, and on the 11th of August, 1840, the British flag was hoisted. On the 13th of August the French commodore, M. Lavaud, arrived, to find the English already in possession. The situation is very dramatic; but it must be remembered that the hoisting of the flag at Cloudy Bay two months before would have been sufficient to
A few months before the hoisting of the flag at Akaroa there arrived in New Zealand a party of colonists destined to play an important part in the early history of Canterbury. In February, 1840, the Bengal Merchant reached Wellington, carrying a Scotch family named Hay, who had come to take up land there. In 1841 the Blenheim brought out Captain Sinclair, who soon built a schooner, in which Mr. Hay became part owner. Being dissatisfied with their prospects of obtaining the land they wanted, Messrs Hay and Sinclair got their land orders transferred by the New Zealand Company to the South Island, and started in their little beat to explore it. They landed at Port Cooper (Lyttelton Harbour), and worked their way up the end of the bay by Gebbie's Valley; but they seem to have overlooked the possibilities of the site later chosen for Christchurch. They went down the coast as far as Otago, but saw nothing to equal Banks' Peninsula in fertility and general convenience, and so they returned to Wellington, having decided to fix their home at Pigeon Bay. They found Messrs W. and J. Deans, who had also transferred their land licenses, ready to go down to the South Island, and take up their abode on the Canterbury Plains, of which they had heard good accounts. The schooner took down the families of Deans, Gebbie, and Manson, who thus formed the first genuine settlement on the Canterbury Plains; though, as a matter of fact, the Gebbies and Mansons later on took up land among the hills and dales near Lake Ellesmere, and the Deans brothers, taking their possessions up the Avon by boat, built their home at Riccarton. The Hays and Sinclairs reached Pigeon Bay in April, 1843.
Just at this time the news of the Wairau Massacre had terrified all the Europeans in the colony, and roused the hostility of the natives against the strangers. There were rumours that the murderers of Colonel Wakefield were coming down the coast to burn and slay, and the Hays and Sinclairs and their servants—thirty men in all—prepared to sell their lives dearly. Happily, the aggressors had already retired to the North Island. But the Peninsula natives, encouraged by these reports, conspired to destroy at one blow all the European colonists in the Middle Island. Separate parties were told off to murder the Hays, Sinclairs, Deans, Mansons, and Gebbies, and the colonists at Akaroa. But the plot was disclosed by the Maori wife of an English whaler, and the natives, knowing that the colonists were strong and well armed, refrained from the attempt. Another serious danger threatened the little English community when “Blue-Cap,” the Australian bushranger, paid them a visit with some of his gang, but though the robbers did their work well at Purau (Rhodes' Bay), the Deans and the Hays were too formidable a lot of men to tackle. In 1847 Captain Sinclair was lost in his schooner, the Jessie Millar, while on a voyage to Wellington, and his family subsequently left the colony for Honolulu. A few years later the Hays narrowly escaped a similar fate, when, while returning from a trip to Wellington, they were blown off shore as far north as Auckland, and were almost starved before regaining land. The life of these pioneers was a series of struggles against privations and hardships such as few of those who arrived later can possibly realise or understand.
It would be impossible to notice in a limited space all the individual attempts
Canterbury had been thus partly settled by Europeans some time before the official foundation of the province. “Pakehas” and whalers and ex-convicts prepared the way for those who, like the Deans and the Hays, came here while the land was yet a wilderness to fight against the rude force of nature, and to prevail. The attempted French colonisation of Akaroa did something to improve the prospects for later arrivals. The gradual growth of trade with Sydney, and the value of the whale fisheries attracted other enterprising adventurers to these shores. When in 1855 the Canterbury Association fixed the site of Christchurch on the plains, the country could already boast of a long and stirring history—the record of those pioneers who led the way for the higher civilisation which was to follow them.
The fact that the year 1900 closed the first half century of Canterbury's growth may justify a few comparisons between the present and the past of the province. Taking the years 1854 and 1900 as offering an easy means of contrast, it is found that the population of the province rose, within fifty years,
Christchurch (population of Canterbury, 145,000), £1,003,000.
Wellington (population of Wellington, 132,000), £855,000.
Auckland (population of Auckland, 165,000), £819,000.
Dunedin (population of Otago, 174,000), £797,000.
Another form of evidence for the comparative wealth and prosperity of Canterbury may be derived from the statistics referring to the value of land in the different provinces. Taking the figures for 1898, the comparison works out thus: Canterbury (14,040 square miles), unimproved value £20,458,825, improvements £10,123,432 —£30,591,251; Wellington (11,003 square miles), unimproved value £16,772,591, improvements £12,133,570 —£28,906,165; Otago (25,487 square miles), unimproved value £15,270,154, improvements £10,259,776—£25,529,930; Auckland (25,746 square miles), unimproved value £14,236,611, improvements £10,538,871—£24,775,682.
These figures are given here, not for the purpose of instituting comparisons between Canterbury and the other provincial districts of the colony, but in order to indicate the progress which has been made by Canterbury itself within fifty years after its first settlement.
The land district of Canterbury covers the central portion of the Middle Island, to the east of the Southern Alps. To the north the boundary follows the Conway River and then runs over Barefell Pass up to Mount Franklin. The western boundary runs from the Spenser Mountains by Mount Barrow, past the head of the Amuri and Hurunui Rivers, and along the summits of the Southern Alps, as far south as the river Hopkins and Lake Ohau. On the south the district is bounded by the rivers Ohau and Waitaki, and on the east by the South Pacific Ocean. The total length of the district is thus about 220 miles, and the average breadth from the summit of the Dividing Range to the sea is seventy miles. The total length of sea coast is about 300 miles; but this extensive coast line is mostly gently curving beach, broken by the projecting rocky mass of Banks' Peninsula, which contains the only natural harbours. To the north of Banks' Peninsula, the sandy beach runs along Pegasus Bay for over forty miles: to the south of Lake Ellesmere, the low dunes stretch for nearly 100 miles along the shore of the Canterbury Bight. The total area of the Canterbury land district is officially stated as 9,604,045 acres. Taking the area roughly at 15,000 square miles, Canterbury ranks in extent far below Otago and Auckland —25,000 square miles each; but considerably surpasses Wellington and Nelson, which come next in order of area, each with about 11,000 square miles.
The boundaries of the present district differ considerably from those of the original provincial district. The area of the Canterbury province was at first 8,985,400 acres. But the Canterbury land district now includes also Cheviot County—about 206,000 acres, and Amuri County, north of the Hurunui—
The chief mountain range of Canterbury, as of the whole South Island, is the Southern Alps. This magnificent ridge of snow-clad peaks forms, for over 200 miles, the western boundary of the province. It rises gradually in height as it runs south, and reaches its climax more than half way down its course in the peak of Aorangi (Mount Cook) 12,349 feet above sea level. Around Aorangi there are grouped a host of lesser peaks—Mount Tasman 11,467 feet, La Peronse 10,101 feet, Mount Sefton 10,350 feet, Mount Haidinger, 10,050 feet. The Minarets 10,058 feet, Mount Dampier 11,291 feet, Elie de Beaumont 10,200 feet, and a score more, ranging from 9000 feet to 11,000 feet. The valleys between these gigantic mountains are filled by some of the largest and most picturesque glaciers in the world. But these features of Canterbury scenery will receive at a later stage the separate attention that they demand. From the Southern Alps there spring many ridges of hills, some running, like lower outworks, parallel to the main range; others projecting, almost at right angles, to the line of the Alps themselves. The great plain which sweeps down from the Alps towards the east coast is thus guarded along its edge by a line of heights lesser than the alpine giants, hut rising to an elevation which in most other countries would dignify them as notable mountains. Mount Grey, 3050 feet, between the Ashley and Waipara valleys in the north; Mount Torlesse, 6442 feet, above Springfield, on the West Coast Road, and Mount Hutt, 7180 feet, at the entrance to the Rakaia Gorge, are some of these prominent landmarks. The Malvern Hills at the head of the Selwyn, the Clent Hills along the Upper Ashburton, the Harper Range on the Upper Rangitata, the Hunters Hills south of Timaru, the Ben Ohau Range between Lakes Pukaki and Ohau—these are some of the ranges that, for the most part offshoots of the main ridge of the Southern Alps, convert western and southern Canterbury into mountainous country anywhere within fifty miles of the sea.
It should be observed that the snow
The great range can be crossed in Canterbury by several routes, but the only one practicable for wheeled traffic is Arthur's Pass, on the main road between Christchurch and Hokitika. The distance from Christchurch to Springfield by train is forty-four miles, and, within ten miles, after passing Springfield, the traveller reaches Porter's Pass, by which he crosses the first range of the system that separates Canterbury from Westland. The summit of Porter's Pass is 3102 feet above sea level— the highest point reached on the road. For twenty-five miles the road rises through rough broken country till the dividing range is reached at the Bealey crossing, where the Waimakariri sweeps out from the Southern Alps towards the plains. Twelve miles further on Arthur's Pass (3038 feet) is crossed, and the road then falls rapidly through the Otira Gorge to the level of the Westland river valleys. The Otira is a little ever 100 miles from Christchurch; the railway journey to Springfield is only forty-four miles, and the rest of the trip by coach occupies less than a day. The mountain districts of Canterbury are thus within easy access of the towns, even in the case of those lying on the east coast.
The other passes across the dividing range are: Browning's Pass, at the head of the Wilberforce, tributary of the Rakaia, 4700 feet above the sea; Mathias Pass, by way of the Rakaia Forks to the head of the Hokitika, and Whitcombe's Pass (4200 feet above the sea) leading from the head waters of the Rakaia and the Hokitika Valley. All these passes can be crossed with safety on foot, and the small hardships involved are more than compensated by the variety and grandeur of the mountain scenery. Harper's Pass, at the head of the Hurunui (3000 feet), once frequented by diggers and drovers, is now disused. Haast Pass, in the south of the province (only 1700 feet) is a remarkable break in the dividing range, but is practically useless.
Apart from the main range and its offshoots, the only mountainous district is that comprised in Banks' Peninsula. This curious knot of hills has an area
The major part of the province is included in the great Canterbury Plain, which stretches from the valleys of the Ashley and Waipara in the north as far south as the Opihi, which enters the sea a little to the north of Timaru. This stretch of country, about 130 miles long and varying from thirty to sixty miles in breadth, contains in all about 2,500,000 acres. North and south of the plains, the country is hilly or undulating; more especially in the vicinity of Mount Grey, in North Canterbury, and west of Timaru, in the south. Beyond Burke's Pass, following the road which leads to Mount Cook and the glacier regions, there lies a large extent of level country known as the Mackenzie Plains. The name is derived from that of a notorious shepherd who, in 1855, practised sheep stealing on a large scale, and used the plains that bear his name as a hiding place for his captures. The Mackenzie Plains are treeless and dry, hot in summer and subject to heavy snowfalls in winter, yet they are noted for their pasturage. Including the Mount Grey Downs and Ashley Downs in the north and the Mackenzie Country and Timaru Downs in the south—a large portion of which is pastoral land—the cultivable land of Canterbury may thus be nearly all described as level or gently undulating.
The rivers of Canterbury may be classified as snow rivers and rain rivers. The snow rivers are mostly glacier fed, and from their origin are liable to severe floods in the “nor-west” season. Running through the great alluvial plain which they have formed, they constantly shift their channels along the “line of least resistance,” and thus gradually form enormous river-beds, in some cases over a mile in width. Through this huge channel there filters in summer a narrow stream of water, which, at a few hours' notice, may swell into a raging torrent and fill the bed from bank to bank. These are the rivers which in the early days made death by drowning the most probable of all fates for those whose path in life led them across the plains. Forty years ago it was written of the Rakaia: “This stream has all the disadvantages and none of the usefulness of an ordinary river; too rapid for navigation, frequently too deep and dangerous to be forded; constantly shifting the beds of its numerous streams.”.. “The immense extent of shingle, extending in some places to nearly two miles in width, the multitude of streams rushing rather than flowing down a network of the deeper channels, the stunted bushes which fringe the opposite bank in the distance, and crown the sandhills of some of the islands in the middle, exaggerate instead of breaking the sterile monotony of the scene.” And this picture might stand, almost without alteration, for any of the great rivers that intersect the plains, from the Hurunui to the “roaring Rangitata.”
The Waiau-ua, 100 miles in length; the Hurunui, eighty-five miles (the old northern boundary of the province); the Waimakariri, ninety miles; the Rakaia, eighty-five miles; the Ashburton, sixty-four miles; the Rangitata, seventy-four miles; the Waitaki (the southern boundary) with its main tributaries, 140 miles, are the chief snow rivers. Of all these, only the Waimakariri can be regarded as navigable for any distance. This river flows into Pegasus Bay within ten miles of the Heathcote Estuary; and for many years after the founding of the province, the shipping trade centred at Kaiapoi, five miles from the month. The completion of the Lyttelton Tunnel, and the continuation of the railway line through Kaiapoi to the northern district largely discounted the mercantile importance of the town; but in spite of the bar at the mouth of the river, there is still some river-borne traffic to remind early settlers of the departed fleet.
The Waimakariri is notorious for its floods and its eccentric change of channel. A long history could be written of the desperate efforts that have been made to cope with this unruly river, and to keep its flooded stream within bounds. The level plain extending from the stream on every side, has afforded unusual facilities for a river of this character, and in 1868 the “Great Flood” extended even to Christchurch, and endangered the security of much of the outlying portions of the city. Now extensive embankments check the river's turbulent course, and it has to be content with pouring its stream alternately along different channels and sweeping away unguarded sections of the public road along its banks. The story of the Waimakariri may be repeated in different forms for most of the larger rivers already mentioned.
The smaller streams—the Ashley, flowing through the fertile district of North Canterbury; the Selwyn, running into Lake Ellesmere; the Opihi, entering the sea north of Timaru—are rain-fed rivers,
The harbours of Canterbury may be said to be limited to Banks' Peninsula. The Waimakariri, with the Port of Kaiapoi, has had a long commercial history. When the district was first settled, in 1851–1856, the deepest water in the river was at the present site of the woollen mill, near the junction with the Cam. There schooners of seventy and eighty tons loaded and unloaded, and did a thriving trade with Lyttelton and along the coast. From that time till 1872, when the northern railway reached Kaiapoi, a large fleet of steamers, ketches, and schooners plied busily up and down the river. Three steamers and eleven coasters in one week was no unusual record. The Rifleman, which Te Kooti seized at the Chathams, often came up the stream to Kaiapoi, and the Waipara, not long since wrecked on the West Coast, was specially brought out from England by Captain Borthwick for the Kaiapoi and Saltwater Creek Steam Navigation Company. Many names of note in Canterbury history are to be found in the roll of this company's directors—F. A. Weld, Captain Reader, J. D. Lance, and D. Cameron among others; and the energy they expended was well repaid. In 1867–8 500,000 feet of timber came up the stream from Akaroa and the North Island, and 5000 bales of wool and 200,000 bushels of wheat and oats went out. In 1870 the total value of exports was stated at about £147,000. In spite of the railway many farmers still find it cheaper to send their grain from Kaiapoi to Lyttelton down the river. Few pages of early colonial history are more interesting than the records of this vanished river trade.
Apart from this, the natural harbours of Canterbury lie between the volcanic ridges of Banks' Peninsula. Lyttelton Harbour—the Port Cooper of the Pilgrim Fathers—is, of course, preeminent in importance. The harbour runs west and south-west for about ten miles, but the port lies on the northern shore about five miles from Godley Head. The anchorage is protected from the ocean swell and from the prevailin north-east winds by a projecting headland. But to accommodate in safety the large fleet of vessels that trade to the port, art has supplemented the resources
The minor harbours of Port Levy and Pigeon Bay are picturesque, and are locally important; but Akaroa Harbour, on the south side of the Peninsula, is one of the finest harbours in the colony. For eleven miles of this deep and wellsheltered sheet, inlets run up among the green hills of the Peninsula. Seventy years ago it was well known to Australian whalers, and on its shore was planted the flag which first confirmed the authority of Great Britain over the Middle Island.
The unbroken sandy curve of the Ninety Mile Beach does not afford much promise of good anchorage. But at Timaru, where the hills begin to descend towards the shore, an artificial harbour has been created. Nearly £200,000 has been spent on the construction of a mole and breakwater enclosing a basin of fifty acres, within which even ocean going steamers may lie protected from the tremendous eastern swell. Timaru is the outlet for the fertile districts of Geraldine and Waimate, and ranks next to Lyttelton in mercantile importance among Canterbury harbours.
The rivers of Canterbury form outlets for the lakes. Lake Sumner is drained by the Hurunui, Lake Coleridge by the Rakaia, and the Mackenzie Country lakes–Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau—by the Waitaki. Nearly all the Canterbury lakes lie at a considerable elevation above the sea, and are surrounded by characteristic alpine scenery. Lake Tekapo, about 2300 feet above sea level, is about fifteen miles long by two miles in average breadth. Lake Pukaki is about eleven miles long and three in average breadth, and is about 1600 feet above the sea. Buth these lakes lie on the main tourist route to the Mount Cook district. Lake Tekapo is twenty-six miles from Fairlie and sixty-five from Timaru, and its beautiful blue waters afford a most refreshing spectacle to eyes weary of the unrelieved Mackenzie plains. From the head of Lake Pukaki, thirty miles further on, a magnificent view of the Southern Alps is obtained. In North Canterbury, along the tracks which follow the river courses up to the Dividing Range, there are many small lakes beautiful enough to gain wide celebrity in any other country. Lake Sumner, seven miles long, lies at the head of the Hurunui. It is forty miles beyond Waikari, which is fifty miles by rail from Christchurch. Lake Heron is about thirty miles from Mount Somers, which is seventy-eight miles by rail from Christchurch. The lake is 2200 feet above sea level, and about 1600 acres in area, and is full of huge brown trout. Along the West Coast Road there are several small but picturesque lakes. Lake Lyndon, at the foot of Porter's Pass, thirteen miles from the railway terminus of Springfield, is about two miles and a half long, and a quarter of a mile broad. Lakes Pearson, Grassmere, and Lyndon, all on the West Coast Road, are heavily frozen in the
Apart from the mountain lakes, the only lake of importance in Canterbury is Lake Ellesmere, a large expanse of water to the south of Banks' Peninsula, separated from the sea by a long shingle spit, through which it sometimes breaks. Lake Ellesmere is about seventeen miles by eight miles at its greatest length and breadth, and is a famous fishing ground.
Canterbury has never been so well supplied with timber as most of the other provinces. Its area of forest land is estimated at about 516,000 acres, though recently some additions have been made to the forest reserves. When the province was first settled, the whole of Banks' Peninsula was thickly wooded, and the early history of the province is largely connected with the vicissitudes of saw-milling there and in the Maori bush, and the Church bush, near Kaiapoi. Now the Kaiapoi bushes are extinct, and the Peninsula is nearly cleared. But there is still some matai and totara on the Peninsula, as also in the Mount Peel and Waimate districts, where a little rimu is still found. Along the head-waters of the Hurunui, Waiau, Ashley, Waimakariri, Rakaia, and Waitaki, there is a large amount of timber, mostly native birch, or, more strictly, beech; and this tree is found, almost to the exclusion of others, in the Kowai and Otarama bushes, near Springfield. The Oxford bush, in North Canterbury, once the most picturesque natural bush in the province, is now mostly swept away by fires and sawmills, but there is some rimu, totara, and matai still standing. The Riccarton bush, still preserved on the Deans' estate at Riccarton, is an interesting relie of the days when Canterbury was yet a wilderness. Though the forest land is being rapidly cleared, the mills at Mount Somers (Alford Forest), Little River, and Oxford still put through a good deal of timber.
No part of New Zealand affords such facilities as Canterbury for easy transit and rapid communication. The great plains naturally lend themselves to the formation of roads; and the rivers, broad and dangerous though they are, have proved no insuperable obstacle to engineering skill. The worst hindrance to the early development of the province was the cost of transport; and before the Lyttelton Tunnel was constructed the freight from Lyttelton to Sumner, for six miles by sea, was twenty shillings per ton—nearly half the freight from London to Lyttelton. At first a canal was projected from the Heathcote Estuary to the Avon; and the Canal Reserve along the castern side of the city is still the text for much enthusiastic theory and speculation.
The public history of Canterbury has been one lung record of efforts to open the country by providing easy internal communication, and this policy was inaugurated with triumphant success by the construction of the Lyttelton Tunnel. The tunnel is over one mile and a half long, and cost £195,000. It took five years (1801–66) to complete, and it is safe to say that no community, less than twenty years old, ever carried so gigantic a task to so successful a conclusion. Since 1870 the Public Works Policy connected with the name of Sir Julius Vogel has been actively followed out; and the result is that the province now possesses, exclusive of the Midland Railway Company's unfinished lines, nearly 500 miles of railway. From Christchurch the main line runs north to Culverden—sixty-nine miles, and south to the Waitaki—139 miles. The main line continues south to Dunedin, and thence on to Invercargill, while steps have already been taken to extend the northern line through Nelson to Marlborough, and thus connect Canterbury with both ends of the island at once. Apart from the main line, two smaller lines run south-east, and eight branch lines have been constructed westward to the hills, running close up to the foot of the outer ranges. Most of Canterbury is thus within easy reach of railway lines, and where the rail has not yet gone the roads act as connecting links. The total length of public roads in Canterbury exceeds 10,000 miles—a magnificent result attributable partly to the foresight of the founders of the province, partly to the energy of the Provincial Government, and partly to the Vogel Public Works Policy.
Prior to the advent of the railways, coaching was important phase of Canterbury life and travel. Before the northern railway reached Kaiapoi, Leithfield on the North Road, thirty miles from Christchurch, was a great coaching centre; but “Cobb and Co.” have vanished before the onward march of steam. The Akaroa Road, on the Peninsula; the West Coast Road, over
The Lyttelton Tunnel was a great achievement, but the very fact that it was indispensable to the development of Canterbury points to a serious commercial danger. Christchurch and three-fourths of the province are depondent upon this one line for their connection with the sea. This consideration has frequently caused a good deal of anxiety in the minds of those interested in Canterbury's commerce, and it has lately been brought prominently before the public by the suggestion, that the time has come to reconstruct and improve the Summer Road, part of which was constructed by Captain Thomas, surveyor to the Canterbury Association. When Mr. Godley arrived he found that the funds for public works were already running low, and as the sales of land in the first two years did not come up to expectations, the road was left unfinished. All travellers walked or rode over the Bridle Path, and all heavy goods went round by sea and up the Avon to “The Bricks,” near the Barbadoes Street Bridge. After Mr. Godley left New Zealand an attempt was made to complete the road, but to save expenses the original plan was modified, and the track was carried over the Saddle by a steep zigzag, which is quite impracticable for ordinary wheeled traffic. It is true that Mr. Fitzgerald celebrated its opening by driving a tandem over it, but that did not prove its general utility. When the Lyttelton Tunnel was begun the question of the Sumner Road dropped out of sight, and no attempt has been made since to deal with the matter. The disadvantages of the present state of affairs are twofold. In the first place, Christchurch is connected with its port by the single line through the tunnel, and an accident might block the tunnel for some time, or increased traffic might compel its enlargement; and in either case it is easy to understand the danger to Canterbury's commerce. On the second
The story of the Midland Railway is so interesting and so full of valuable colonial history that it is worthy of some brief record in any account of the Canterbury railway system. Westland is an extremely rich district; in gold, coal, and timber its wealth is practically incalculable, and its inaccessible position is the only obstacle to its delevopment. The first effort to connect it with the rest of the island was made by Nelson. From 1866 to 1869 the Provincial Council took various steps towards the flotation of a company, which, partly on borrowed capital, should construct a Nelson and West Coast railway line. But when matters had progressed so far, the central Government stepped in, and by guaranteeing to Nelson that the West Coast line should be constructed as part of the main trunk line for the Middle Island, persuaded the province to desist from its task. In 1873 Sir Julius Vogel referred to this promise of a Nelson-Westland line as fully recognised by the Government, and there can be no doubt that this railway— Nelson to Westland to Canterbury, with a branch to Marlborough—was adopted as part of the Public Works Policy of 1870, with which the name of Vogel is inseparably connected.
The agitation for the construction of the Canterbury-Westland railway began in 1878. Sir John Hall, Dr. Turnbull, and Mr. Rolleston, ably supported by the “Star” newspaper, spoke boldly for the prosecution of the scheme; but the effort ended for the time with a deputation to Wellington, which came to nothing. However, Mr. Macandrew, then Minister for Public Works, was, as he always continued to be, well disposed towards the movement, and mentioned it favourably in his Statement for the year. Mr. Rolleston pointed out in the House that of all the provinces Canterbury had incalculably the greatest claim on the consideration of the General Government. Including railways proposed in the Public Works Statement, the total amount to be expended on the various provincial railways to date was, in round numbers, as follows: Auckland £2,000,000, Wellington £3,000,000; Canterbury £3,000,000, Otago £4,500,000. But in forming any estimate of what was due from the colony to each province, attention must be paid to the amount of liability taken over from the provinces by the Government at the time of abolition. The figures stand thus: Auckland £1,000,000, Otago £1,000,000, Wellington £500,000; and Canterbury owed only £70. These figures might appeal even to the strongest provincial partisan, and they had their effect at the time. But next session the Grey Ministry went out of office, and when Sir John Hall became Premier in 1879, it was soon seen that the fate of the undertaking was sealed. Over £2,000,000 was voted for other lines, which might fairly be called less important, but the promise to Canterbury and Westland was forgotten.
Then the West Coast Railway League came to the front to promote the line. In conjunction with Christchurch, the league had the country along the Hurunui-Brunnerton and other routes examined by a commission, which did not report favourably. When Mr. Johnston, Public Works Minister in the Whitaker Cabinet of 1882, brought down his Statement, there was no mention of the line, though about £10,000,000 was to be borrowed for public works. But the supporters of the project were not inclined to let it go by default. In 1882 the Canterbury Midland Railway League was formed, and immediately began to urge its views upon the country. In reply to remonstrances from this body Mr. Whitaker stated that the money borrowed had been earmarked for specified purposes, and could not be diverted from them to the Midland Railway. However, in 1883 the Governor appointed a Commission to enquire into the possibilities of the line over eleven different routes. The Commission reported in glowing terms on the timber, coal, and gold to be found on the West Coast, and compared in detail the various lines suggested. The struggle really lay between the Hurunui and Arthur's Pass routes; and the southern route was the shorter and the better of the two, in spite of immense engineering difficulties to be overcome. However, the Commission did not think that the line could do more than pay working expenses, and once more the scheme was relegated to the background. Then came the agitation with which the name of Mr. T. Kelsey is honourably connected; and in the same year Sir Julius Vogel passed a measure empowering the construction of the line from Springfield over Arthur's Pass to Brunnerton by means of a syndicate or private company. Messrs A. D. Dobson and Alan Scott proceeded in 1885 to London to arrange for the construction of the line. Meiggs and Sons, South American contractors of repute, were prepared to undertake the work if 2 1/2 per cent, interest on expenses were guaranteed by the Government for twenty years. The total cost was to be about £3,800,000. A monster meeting at Christchurch endorsed these terms; and it was shown by statistics that the colony would save about £1,300,000 in twenty years if the work were done by the private company rather than by the Government. Sir Julius Vogel then tried to get the House to appoint a commission to consider the whole question, but he was beaten. Bitter indignation was felt in Canterbury and Westland. The Midland
The Central Government agreed to perform its share of the responsibility by granting large areas of land along the projected line to the contracting company. The Arthur's Pass route was finally chosen as the most practicable of all suggested, and work was duly begun. The subsequent difficulties with the Midland Railway Company, leading up to the seizure of the works by the Government for breach of contract, are more a matter of colonial than of purely Canterbury history. The Government has triumphantly vindicated the course it took in the matter, and the work of completing the line is now being pushed vigorously on.
In the Public Works Statement delivered in October, 1901, the Minister announced that the section of the line between Jackson's and Otira, which was wholly constructed by the Government, had been formally handed over to the Railway Department for regular working in the previous November, but goods trains had been running over it for nearly a year prior to that date. At the Canterbury end of the railway, where the works were of the heaviest description, good progress had been made. The cuttings and banks on the first four miles and a half had been nearly completed, and the tunnels on the same section were approaching completion. Tenders had been invited for the completion of the viaduct over Paterson's Creek, and that of Messrs Scott Bros., of Christchurch, accepted for the work; and plans for the larger viaduct over Staircase Gully were being prepared. The extension of the Nelson section of the line to Tadmor, authorised in 1900, had been commenced, and the earthworks were making satisfactory progress. Plans were prepared for the large combined road-and-railway bridge over the Motueka River, and tenders for its erection had recently been received and declined; but the engineer-in-chief was reconsidering the design of the bridge with a view to effecting some economy in its construction. Considerable work had been done during the year in making the necessary surveys in connection with the proposed long tunnel between Otira and the Bealey. But before definitely undertaking the construction of a work of such great magnitude, the Government had considered it desirable to obtain a report from an American or Canadian engineer of eminence and of experience in the construction of mountain railways on the different proposals that had been made in reference to the construction of that particular section of the railway. It was proposed to expend £100,000 on the line during the year. That was how things stood in October, 1901, with respect to the Midland Railway.
Apart from the Midland Railway, the only line of importance to Canterbury now under construction is the BlenheimWaipara line. The work at the northern end was completed in 1901. The bridging of the Awatere River removed the worst obstacle and greatest danger which traffic on the line had to face, and a wind-screen has been built to protect trains crossing the bridge from the violent winds. The bridge over the Hurunui is to be 376 ft. long, with two
The population of Canterbury, according to the first official census in 1854, was 3895, excluding the district south of the Rangitat river, which was then practically unsettled. Of this total Christchurch claimed 548 within its city limits; there were 362 registered at Riccarton, and 369 at Papanui. When the second census was taken the population of the province had risen to 5347, but of these 2485 were living in Christchurch and suburbs. Lyttelton, which at the first census had 919 inhabitants, had now fallen to 756, and the preponderance of the capital city was thenceforth assured.
By 1891 the population of Canterbury had risen to 129,901; males 66,753, females 63,148. At the last census, taken on the 31st of March, 1901, the figures for the province were: Total 143,040; males 72,916, females 70,124. At the same date the population for the other large provinces was: Otago— Males 90,599, females 82,552, total 173,111; Auckland—Males 92,926, females 82,928, total 175,854; Wellington—Males 74,306, females 66,930, total 141,236.
It will be observed that the number of males and females is much more closely balanced in Canterbury than in the other provincial districts. This fact is to a large extent explained by the importance—in Auckland and Otago —of those industries which are monopolised by male labour—mining, gum digging, and sawmilling.
A little over one-third of the provincial population is concentrated in and around the chief city, and the existence of large industrial centres like Ashburton and Timaru has helped to prevent the aggregation of an undue proportion of the populace in any single town. The nature of the staple industries, and the extent to which the land is divided into small holdings, have further aided the colonists to disseminate themselves over a large area without serious pressure on any one spot.
According to census returns for 1891 the total population of Christchurch City was 16,223. For 1896 the city record was 16,964; 8037 males, and 8927 females. But the slight advance in the
When the provinces were abolished in 1876 provision was made for local self government on an elaborate scale. Canterbury is now divided into ten counties—Amuri, Cheviot, Ashley, Selwyn, Akaroa, Ashburton, Geraldine, Levels, Mackenzie, and Waimate. The county councils may levy rates for roads, bridges, and other public works, and can raise loans within certain fixed limits. The towns and boroughs are similarly governed by elective councils. Christchurch has its city council; Linwood, St. Albans, Sydenham, Woolston, Sumner, and New Brighton each with its local council may be styled the metropolitan boroughs; all the rest are, in a sense, suburbs of the capital. The provincial borough towns are Lyttelton, Akaroa, Ashburton, Temuka, Timaru, Waimate, Rangiora, and Kaiapoi. Some smaller centres of population are governed by town boards, which possess powers similar to those of the borough councils. Amberley, Cheviot, Southbridge, Tinwald, Hampstead, and Geraldine are administered by such town boards. Outside the town and borough
The important shipping interests of the district are in the hands of the harbour boards. The Lyttelton Harbour Board (revenue £26,000) has constructed the dock, breakwater, and other works at the chief port. The Timaru Harbour Board (revenue £18,000) has spent large sums in transforming the roadstead into a harbour. The Waimakariri Harbour Board, Kaiapoi, controls the navigation of the river.
The river boards may be regarded as important factors in the work of local government. These bodies are supposed to provide means for the protection of land against the floods, which are, unfortunately, chronic in Canterbury rivers. For this purpose rates are levied on owners of property by the Waimakariri, Rakaia, Ashburton Forks, Mandeville, Rangiora, and Kaikoura River Boards.
Under the Alcoholic Liquor Sale Control Act of 1893 each electoral district constituted for the election of a member of the House of Representatives is a licensing district; by the Amendment Act of 1895 the licensing poll is taken at the same time as the general election of members of the House of Representatives. Licensing Committees thus elected administer the act within each district.
The provision made for primary and secondary education in Canterbury is on a larger scale than in other provinces. The special circumstances of the foundation of the Canterbury settlement, and the reservation under the Wakefield system of a fixed portion of the public funds to educational purposes, ensured from the beginning that the interests of education would be carefully guarded. Paradoxical as it may seem, Canterbury, the Church of England settlement, was the first of all the provinces to simplify its public education system by making it undenominational. The success of the settlement at the very outset attracted colonists of all sects and creeds, and in a very short time it was found impossible to regard the educational problem purely from the point of view of the Anglican Church. One of the first difficulties with which Mr. Godley had to cope was the discontent of the settlers, who found that the education facilities to which one-third of the land fund was supposed to be devoted, had not yet been provided. The want was met largely by private enterprise. By the time that representative institutions were established in Canterbury, there was, in addition to Christ's College Grammar School, a High School in Christchurch, another in Lyttelton, and a school of some sort at Timaru.
The Canterbury Provincial Council passed the first Educational Ordinance in 1857. An inspector of schools was appointed, fees were authorised, and the sum of £2000 was divided between the Church of England, the Wesleyans, and the Presbyterians. The different religious bodies were authorised to control the schools that they had established. Besides Christ's College Grammar School, which claims separate notice, the most important of these early denominational schools was the High School, founded by the Presbyterians, and presided over by the Rev. C. Fraser. Mr. Charles Cook, whose name is still honourably connected with the cause of education in Christchurch, was for some time the headmaster of the High School. But it was soon found that the State must make regular provision for education on a comprehensive scale. In 1863 a Board of Education was accordingly appointed, with authority over existing and future schools, and the power to decide on applications for grants of Government money in aid of schools. In 1864 the local school committees were invested with large powers, especially with authority to levy a school rate for the purpose of raising in each district onefourth of the cost of its school, as three fourths of the cost were borne by the general education fund. Denominational schools received special assistance, and arrangements for religious instruction in the various district schools were left to the local committee. In 1871 the educational laws were consolidated, and primary education was established on a firm basis. The provincial schools, with certain exceptions in Christchurch and Timaru, were subject for general purposes to the boards of education, and for details of management to the local committees. School fees were to end in 1873, and the funds were to be raised by an education rate with a maximum of £2 per year. The grants to the denominational schools were continued, the Grammar School and two
As early as 1863 attempts had been made to raise the standard of education by inspecting the work of the teachers. A commission, including Mr. H. J. Tancred (afterwards Chancellor of the New Zealand University), Mr. Saunders, and Mr. Rolleston, was appointed for this purpose. Later, the Board of Education arranged, through the Provincial Council, that teachers should be imported from England to fill the post of principal at some of the chief schools. These teachers, selected by Lord Lyttelton and Mr. Selfe, did a great deal to improve the educational methods in the schools of the province.
After the abolition of the provinces in 1876, the Education Act of 1877 transferred the function of the boards of education to the Central Education Department at Wellington. Mr. C. C. Bowen, then Minister for Education and member for Kaiapoi, framed the Education Act for the whole colony, embodying in it all that was most valuable in the Canterbury provincial system of school training. In Canterbury the successful working of the Act was largely facilitated by the energy and ability of the two secretaries of the Board of Education who came into office after 1876— the late Rev. W. Habens, subsequently Inspector General, and the late Mr. J. Colborne-Veel. Even then the administration of the board schools was a matter requiring unusual experience and special knowledge. In 1857 only £2200 was voted for schools. By 1873 there were eighty-four school districts, and the total vote for the year for building and other purposes was £72,000. This large sum was no longer derived solely from local rates and the general funds. The Provincial Council had wisely determined to provide for the future expansion of the system by the reservation of land. By 1875 51,000 acres had been reserved, and the resulting revenue, derived chiefly from the lease of 100 acre blocks, became part of the income of the Board of Education. Another important step in the way of providing for the future, rather than the present, of the system, was the foundation of the Christchurch Normal School as a training college for teachers. In 1874 £14,000 was voted for this purpose. In 1875 the building was finished, and stands not only an ornament to the city, but a lasting monument to the foresight and wisdom of those who founded the province's system of primary education. To the successful working of the general New Zealand system— free, compulsory, and secular, with the boards elected by the school committees —Canterbury, through the Hon. C. C. Bowen, the Hon. W. Montgomery, the Hon. H. J. Tancred, the Hon. W. Rolleston, the Rev. W. Habens, and the Hon. W. C. Walker, has contributed more than any other province in the colony.
The work of the Education Board has developed so fast within later years that it has become necessary to divide the province into two board districts— North and South Canterbury—divided by the Rangitata river. By the end of March, 1900, there were under the control of these two boards 268 schools, taught by 275 males, and 420 female teachers, and attended by 25,392 scholars. In Christchurch alone there are four schools (East and West Christchurch, Normal, and Sydenham) in which the average daily attendance is considerably over 1000. Another view of the magnitude of this educational work may be gained from the fact that for 1898 nearly £71,000 was expended in teachers' salaries, and the total expenditure for the year reached £101,000.
The Canterbury Education Boards make great exertions to bridge the gap between the primary and secondary schools by the offer of scholarships which enable the winners to receive free education at a high school. This method of reward is based on the generous scholarship system established under the Provincial Government. In 1899, the last year for which figures are available, North Canterbury offered thirtyseven scholarships, and South Canterbury, twenty-nine. This total of sixtysix scholarships was divided between thirty-eight boys and twenty-eight girls. The scholarships for North Canterbury are tenable for two years; and in 1899 nineteen of them were worth £40 a year, and eighteen £20; in South Canterbury the tenure varies, and the scholarships themselves vary in value from £28 to £2
Outside the primary school system there are a large number of private schools in Canterbury. In many cases these compete successfully, not only with the primary schools, but even with the best secondary schools. In addition to the Boys' High School, the Girls' High School and Christ's College, which are attended by about 600 pupils in all, there are in Christchurch one girls' private school, with about 100 pupils, one mixed private school with about ninety pupils, and one boys' private school with about 100 pupils. From all these schools pupils in the upper forms pass the University matriculation examination every year; a proof of the high efficiency of the city's best private schools, as the large number on their rolls is a proof of the importance attached by all classes of the community to secondary education. In all there were in Canterbury in 1899 sixty-two private schools, attended by 2969 scholars. The Roman Catholics supported twenty-one schools in the province, with a roll of 2054 scholars.
No reference to the educational institutions of Canterbury would be complete without some extended notice of Christ's College Grammar School. The College —it was for many a year the only college in the province—was an integral portion of the original church settlement, and the scheme of its foundation
Apart from the primary, private, and denominational schools of Canterbury, there is the provision for university education. From the first the Provincial Councils had seen the necessity for setting aside reserves for this purpose. By 1872 some provision had been made for the three “schools” suggested in the plan of the founders of the settlement in the “Canterbury Papers”: the “classical” school, the “school for technical science,” and the “Agricultural College.” In 1873 the Council passed an ordinance incorporating a “Provincial College,” and amalgamating all the “secondary education” reserves for its support. Canterbury College thus came into existence with revenues derived from about 350,000 acres of land, divided as follows: Canterbury College, 101,640 acres, reserved 1873; School of Technical Science, 103,000 acres, reserved 1873; School of Agriculture, 100,950 acres, reserved 1873; Boys' High School, 9220 acres, reserved at various dates; and the Classical School, 8953, also reserved at various dates. To these were added later the Girls' High School, with 2578 acres, reserved in 1878; and the Medical School, with 5000 acres, reserved in 1877. These funds are administered, and Canterbury College is controlled, by a Board of Governors, originally appointed by the Provincial Council, later elected by the graduates of the college, and now chosen in part by a mixed constituency of graduates and teachers, and in part nominated by the Crown. By 1874 professorial chairs had been established in Mathematics, Classics, and English, and Physical Science. While these preparations for academic work were being made, an unofficial body known as the “Collegiate Union” arranged for lectures to be delivered by various qualified teachers in classics, mathematics, science, and literature, and did valuable work by rousing interest in secondary education and preparing the way for the new professors. Since 1874 the college has gone on steadily extending its sphere, with unqualified success. The Classics Chair was separated from the English Chair in 1880; there is a Natural Science Chair, a Chair of Modern Languages, and lectureships have been established in Music, Geology, Political Economy, and Jurisprudence. The Engineering School attached to the college, and located in one wing of the splendid main building, now prepares students for the degree in engineering; and the lecturer in electrical engineering is an old student of the school. The other educational establishments controlled by the Board of Governors are the Boys' High School, Girls' High School, and School of Art, while the Agricultural College, at Lincoln, founded by, and once administered from Canterbury College, is now separated from the parent institution.
It is no exaggeration to say that all these schools and colleges have been managed with great ability, and have achieved a remarkable degree of success. Canterbury College itself can justly claim to be the most successful of all the colleges in the colony affiliated to the University of New Zealand. Since its establishment 118 of its students have gained the M.A. degree, and 164 the B.A. degree. Since the foundation of the New Zealand University ninety graduates in arts have received firstclass honours; forty-eight of these belong to Canterbury College, and all seven double first-class honours were gained by Canterbury College students. Of the 152 senior and Tinline scholarships
The Agricultural College, at Lincoln, fourteen miles from Christchurch, originally founded and administered by the Canterbury College Board of Governors, is now governed by a body of seven members, of whom one is appointed by the Governor, three are elected by the Canterbury members of the Legislature, and three by the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations of Canterbury. The present members are: —E. C. J. Stevens, G. Jameson, W. F. Buckley, R. Rainey, H. Knight, J. Rennie, and R. H. Rhodes. The buildings, erected in 1880, are amongst the most splendid and imposing in the colony. Their erection cost over £20,000, and they provide accommodation for a director and teaching staff and for forty-five resident students. The college is surrounded by 660 acres of land, which is worked as a model farm. An elaborate course of instruction is followed in theoretical and practical agriculture; and the low scale of fees places a most valuable course of training within reach of most of those young colonists who are likely to profit by it.
In addition to the Christchurch secondary schools there are high schools established at Rangiora, Ashburton, Timaru, Waimate, Akaroa, and Temuka. These are supported partly by fees, partly by small endowments, mostly due to the foresight and liberality of the Provincial Government.
On the whole the province of Canterbury can justly boast of the completeness and efficiency of its educational system, both in primary and secondary branches. No other province has spent so much money and enthusiasm over education with such excellent results; and though the intentions of the founders of the settlement were soon modified by the force of circumstances, Canterbury has done much to realise their original conception of education as the foremost factor in colonial civilisation.
Most known religious sects seem to be represented in Canterbury. The Episcopalians, naturally, stand at the head of the list, for the settlement was originally a Church of England colony. But it should hardly be necessary to contradict the absurd statement that the founders of the colony tried to exclude from the settlement all those who were not members of their own church. Speaking in the Canterbury Hall at the Old Colonists' gathering on Jubilee Day, the Hon. C. C. Bowen vigorously disproved this mistaken conception of the purpose of the Canterbury Association. At the same time, the original intention of the founders was to provide special facilities for church worship, and to establish a branch of the Church of England in form exactly corresponding
Canterbury is the chief agricultural province of New Zealand. The great expanse of plain country, and the richness of a large proportion of the soil naturally facilitate farming operations. The area of land under tillage will in time to come be much extended when the irrigation of the plains has covered all the ground which needs to be treated in that way. At the same time a large area of Canterbury is particularly well adapted to sheepfarming; and the province stands far before the rest of New Zealand in the degree of success which attends both the agricultural and pastoral industries. It would be hard to find better grain country than that to be met with in the Ashley district and around Rangiora in North Canterbury, in the heavy lands round Brookside or Leeston, at Longbeach, or on the great Levels estate in the south. The country is good for sheep almost everywhere—in the Amuri district, on Banks' Peninsula, along the Waiau. along all the hills that mark the headwaters of the large rivers, and on the great Mackenzie Plains running up towards the Mount Cook region. But the yields of grain and wool which will be quoted in their place are the best proof of the wonderful productivity of the province.
In total area of holdings, Canterbury comes second in the list of provinces. The figures for the four largest provincial districts are: Otago, 10,207,434 acres; Canterbury, 6,391,606 acres; Auckland, 5,063,778 acres; and Wellington, 3,663,180 acres. But the North Island generally is divided into smaller holdings than the South Island, and the total number of holdings in the four province runs as follows: Auckland, 14,806; Otago, 13,929; Canterbury, 10,965; and Wellington, 9977. In area of freehold lands, also, Auckland has a considerable advantage over the southern provinces. In Auckland the area of land held on freehold tenure is 3,256,396 acres: in Otago, 2,890,581 acres; in Canterbury, 2,754,083 acres; and in Wellington, 2,408,427 acres. In holdings under ten acres Otago and Auckland are almost level—Auckland, 4013; Otago, 4043; Canterbury comes third with 3508, and Wellington fourth with 2650. From ten to 200 acres the order is: Auckland, 7073; Otago, 5723, Canterbury, 4767, and Wellington, 4396. From 200 to 1000 acres Otago heads the list with 3357 holdings, Auckland follows with 3080, Wellington comes third with 2375, and Canterbury is a had fourth with 2018. It will be noticed that the other provincial districts posses a number of holdings from ten to 1000 acres considerably greater than might be expected from the proportion that Canterbury's total holdings hear to them. In areas from 1000 to 20,000 acres the numbers of holdings are: Otago, 716; Auckland, 615; Canterbury, 611: Wellington, 544. Here Canterbury is still only third on the list, but is very close to Auckland, while in total acreage of 1000 to 20,000 acre holdings, Canterbury is second only to Otago, the order being: Otago, 2,677,652 acres; Canterbury, 1,945,057 acres; Auckland, 1,917,013 acres; Wet lington, 1,730,526 acres. In estates of 20,000 to 50,000 acres, Otago comes first with forty-eight holdings, 1,564,309 acres; Canterbury second with thirtysix holdings, 1,178,274 acres; Auckland third with sixteen holdings, 490,997 acres; while Wellington's ten holdings cover only 279,496 acres. In estates of over 50,000 acres, Otago is easily first with forty-two holdings, totalling 4,042,346 acres, and Canterbury is second with 2,026,862 acres divided between twenty-five holders. The North Island is, in the matter of large estates, far behind the South Island. Auckland has only nine holdings of more than 50,000 acres, 754,033 acres in all, and Wellington has only two, 165,010 acres. From these figures it is evident that Canterbury has a greater number of what may be generally termed large holdings and fewer small holdings in proportion to her area than most of the other provinces.
The total area of land laid down in wheat in the colony for 1900 was 269,749 acres. Of this area Canterbury claimed just about two-thirds—181,648 acres. Otago had only one-third of Canterbury's wheat area, 61,460 acres, and no other province sowed so much as 10,000 acres in wheat. The average yield for Canterbury was 31.35 bushels per acre. This is surpassed by Otago, 35.27 bushels; but Otago's average is not lowered by any such poor return as must be expected from much of the lighter soil on the Canterbury Plains. The Wellington average, 30.43 bushels, is nearly as high as the Canterbury figure, but it represents a return from only 9829 acres, and the Taranaki average of 40.59 bushels, considerably the highest in the colony, comes from only 1273 acres. The average yield of wheat for the colony in 1900 was 31.81 bushels; which was slightly below the return for 1899, 32.76 bushels. It is instructive to compare these results with the returns for wheat from the Australian colonies. In 1900 Tasmania, from 85,000 acres, averaged 27 bushels; Queensland, from 46,000 acres, averaged 13.13 bushels; but from 2,250,000 acres Victoria raised only 9 bushels per acre; from 1,250,000 acres New South Wales produced 7 bushels per acre, while South Australia, with 1,750,000 acres in wheat, had to be content with rather less than 5 bushels per acre. A comparison of these figures with the New Zealand returns shows the wonderful advantages enjoyed by wheat-growers in New Zealand, and especially in Otago and Canterbury.
In oats the total area for the colony in 1900 was 398,243 acres. Of this, Otago accounted for over one-half, 210,043 acres, and Canterbury, for over one-third, 137,429 acres. The only other province growing oats to any extent was Wellington, 22,664 acres. The average yield for Canterbury was 40.15 bushels, which was again surpassed by Otago with 42.05 bushels per acre. The Wellington average return from the small area just mentioned was 41.99 bushels, while Taranaki, from 6000 acres, averaged 47 bushels. It may be worth noticing that the highest Australian average in oats for 1899 was 38 bushels per acre from 60,000 acres in Tasmania, while Victoria, the only Australian colony growing oats on a large scale (266,000 acres) yielded only 20 bushels to the acre, or just half the Canterbury and New Zealand average.
In barley the total area for the colony in 1900 was only 48,003 acres. Of this, over one-third, 18,000 acres, belonged to Canterbury, while Otago had about one-fourth of the total area, 12,977 acres. The average return for Canterbury, 35.71 bushels, was considerably above that for Otago, 32.24 bushels, while the New Zealand average was only 33.02 bushels. The high averages from Hawke's Bay, 40 bushels; Taranaki, 37 bushels; and Wellington, 36.85 bushels, were raised from areas so small that they afford no fair means of comparison with the yields from Otago and Canterbury.
Bye, the only other cereal grown in Canterbury in 1900, covered only 317 acres. The return, 23.5 bushels per acre, was decidedly high; the average for the colony was 25 bushels. But from the nature of its soil and its climatic conditions Canterbury was, with respect to this cereal, distinctly below Otago, which, in 1900, produced an average of 27.2 bushels from 1265 acres.
In 1900 the area of grass lands, ploughed and unploughed, in the various province ranked as follows: Wellington, 2,416,232 acres; Auckland, 1,794,481 acres; Canterbury, 1,769,871 acres; Otago, 1,729,875 acres; and Hawke's Bay, 1,714,675 acres. But the areas of surface sown in grass in unploughed lands were strangely at variance with these totals. Thus Wellington, which headed the list, had only 254,869 acres of ploughed grass lands, and 2,161,363 acres of surface sown grass. Similarly, Auckland's total was made up of 524,549 acres of ploughed grass land, and 1,269,932 acres of surface sown grass. Contrast with this the condition of things in the southern provinces. Otago had 1,436,698 acres of ploughed grass land, against 293,177 acres unploughed, and Canterbury was almost in the same position with 350,405 acres of surface sown grass, and 1,419,466 acres of ploughed grass land.
In the matter of hay, Canterbury in 1900 was easily first with 14,942 acres. Auckland and Wellington were some distance behind with 10,769 acres and 10,396 acres respectively; and Otago was still further in the rear with 8856 acres. All these returns showed a great falling off from the previous year, but less in Canterbury than in the other provinces.
Under the heading of gardens and orchards, Canterbury appears to have possessed about 7471 acres in 1900. This was considerably more than Otago, which had only 5976 acres in all, while Wellington had 6065 acres. But Canterbury was, in this particular, a long way behind Auckland, which, as the great fruit-growing centre of the colony, naturally headed the list with 13,639 acres, or nearly one-third of the area devoted to these purposes throughout the colony.
The sheep returns for 1899 placed Wellington at the head of the provinces with 4,070,737, Canterbury following closely with 4,040,456. Otago had fallen off considerably, the decrease from the previous year amounting to 245,974, and the total for 1899 was 3,745,485. Hawke's Bay came fourth with 3,291,876, and Auckland fifth with 2,082,121. The total number of sheep in the colony for 1899 was 19,348,506, being a reduction of 325,219 from the previous year, and of this total Canterbury's share was considerably over onefifth.
The cattle returns for 1899–1900 showed a grand total for the colony of 1,210,439, or an increase on the previous year of 7415. As the interests of Canterbury are rather agricultural than pastoral, it is not to be expected that cattle should figure so largely in the assets of this province as in some others. The figures for the period mentioned were: Auckland, 335,774; Wellington, 234,526; Taranaki, 202,307; Otago, 186,991; Hawke's Bay, 97,108; Canterbury, 89,242.
In horses Canterbury compared more favourably with the other provinces. The total number for the colony in 1899–1900 was 262,390—an increase on the previous year of 3741. Of these Auckland claimed 69,296, Otago 53,746, and Canterbury came third with 47,169. Wellington possessed 40,895, but the other provinces were far behind, Hawke's Bay returning 18,349, and Taranaki 17,483.
The total number of pigs in the colony in 1899–1900 was 249,751. This represented a serious decrease since 1891, when the number was given as 308,812. However, there was an increase of 56,239 on the previous year's returns. Auckland headed the list for the year
The dairy industry has received a good deal of attention from the Department of Agriculture throughout New Zealand. The Dairy Commissioner, with two dairy instructors and five dairy produce graders, have done much to improve the conditions of the this disparity in numbers, it should be possible for Canterbury to play a larger part in the dairy trade of the colonies than she has hitherto attempted. In October, 1899, there were in the colony 235 cheese and butter factories and creameries, and 171 skimming stations. Of these Taranaki had much the largest share—ninety-nine butter and cheese factories, and fifty-four skimming stations, while Otago had fifty butter and cheese factories, and twenty-three stations. As many of the factories make no statement of their output to the Department, it is impossible to state accurately the value of the colony's dairy produce, or the share of it that should be apportioned to Canterbury. In 1896 there were in the colony only 170 factories, and 105 creameries, and the output for that year amounted to 11,336,776 pounds of butter, and 4323 tons of cheese. The quantity of butter exported from the colony has increased trade in dairy produce, and to promote its success. It does not seem that Canterbury has taken full advantage of the facilities thus afforded. According to the returns for the year 1899–1900, the dairy cows and heifers in the North Island numbered 245,681; those in the South Island 137,762; and of these Canterbury possessed 40,258, as against 80,701 in Auckland, and 77,458 in Taranaki: while Otago was returned as possessing 75,223. But allowing for skimming stations, Wellington twentynine butter and cheese factories, and thirty-six skimming stations, and Auckland twenty-five butter and cheese factories, and forty skimming stations. Canterbury presented rather a depressing contrast to most of the other provinces in this respect. Though much of Canterbury is well adapted to dairying, there were till lately in the province only sixteen butter and cheese factories, and thirteen skimming 354 per cent, in twelve years, and the quantity of cheese exported has increased 89 per cent, in the same time. The value of butter and cheese exported rose from £378,510 in 1895 to £713,617 in 1899. Those figures give some idea of the magnitude of the, New Zealand dairy industry, and its value to the colony. There is ample scope for the dairy farmers of Canterbury if they choose to use their opportunities to gain a far larger share than they now enjoy
Ostrich farming has been attempted on a small scale in Canterbury. The late Mr. J. T. Matson, well known for his energy and enterprise throughout Canterbury, first introduced this industry, Mr. Matson imported his birds from the Cape Colony, and found they acclimatised easily. There is always a ready market for good ostrich feathers, and the birds soon return their expenses. On one occasion a fan was presented to her Majesty the late Queen composed of feathers taken from the ostriches reared by Mr. Matson. The birds were for years an object of great interest to all who visited Mr. Matson's home at St. Albans, on the Papanui Road. When the Springfield estate was broken up the birds were bought by Mr. George King, who has since carried on the industry on his property at Burwood, north of New Brighton. Mr. King has exported several birds to Australia to the order of New South Wales squatters, and the feathers find a ready sale on the Sydney market at £5 the clip. There is no doubt that, properly conducted, ostrich farming would pay handsomely in this province.
The staple products of Canterbury are, of course, agricultural and pastoral: but even apart from these, few countries have ever developed such various and valuable industries within the short space covered by the life of the province. At the present time the registered factories in the province employ 7650 male, and 2927 female workers—10,577 in all. The four freezing works alone employ over 1000 hands. They can together put through 18,000 sheep a day, and can store over 400,000 carcases. The works are equipped for the production of a large variety of by-products— preserved meats, tallow, bone dust, and manures. There are three woollen mills, which use up every year 1,000,000 pounds of the province's own wool; and with the clothing factories attached to them, employ fully 1500 hands. Of other factories and works there may be mentioned seventeen boot factories, eleven bacon-curing establishments, twenty-nine tanneries, ten ironfoundries, fourteen dairy factories, twenty-two saw-mills, thirty-two grain mills, fifteen brick and pottery works, and sixteen breweries. The total value of land, machinery, and buildings connected with the manufactories of Canterbury is fully £1,500,000; and the total annual value of the products is little short of £3,000,000.
The comparative statistics given in the 1896 census returns may throw some light on the industrial position of the province. In number of registered factories and works Auckland came first with 573, Otago second with 516, Canterbury third with 448, Wellington fourth with 396. In Auckland in 1895 5044 male and 1116 female hands received £406,527 in wages. In Otago 5504 males and 1551 females received £471,013 in wages. In Canterbury 4944 males and 1110 females received £411,721 in wages. In Wellington 4149 males and 524 females received £360,204 in wages. The approximate value of goods produced and manufactured in 1895 is given as follows; Canterbury, £2,629,822; Auckland, £2,163,759; Otago, £2,153,473; Wellington, £1,475,517. In this most important particular Canterbury is not only first of all the provinces, but is nearly half a million ahead of the second on the list. As to value of land, buildings, and machinery used in manufactures, Auckland stands first, valued at £1,558,706; Otago second, valued at £1,270,649; Canterbury third, valued at £1,178,112; Wellington fourth, valued at £939,749.
In respect to the average rates of wages in the various provincial districts, information brought down to 1900 by the Labour Department shows that agricultural labour is no more highly paid in Canterbury than in the other provinces. In 1899 farm labourers got 5s to 6s per day without board, as against 6s 6d in Taranaki, and 7s in Wellington. Ploughmen got less in Canterbury than in any other province— 5s per day without board; while in Auckland they got 6s to 7s, in Wellington 7s, and in Otago 9s. Harvesters on the other hand fared better; 8s to 10s per day, without board, in Canterbury, while in Auckland they got 5s to 8s, in Wellington 8s, and Taranaki 9s. In pastoral labour, which is, of course, less highly specialised than agricultural labour, there is not the same degree of divergence in the different provinces. Shepherds, with board, got £50 to £65 per year in Auckland, Nelson, Otago, and Canterbury, but in Taranaki their wages ran as high as £78 per annum. Stock-keepers got £52 to £65 per year in most of the provinces, but in Hawke's
To the artisan labourer Canterbury seems to present a more favourable aspect. Masons, it is true, got 9s to 11s per day in 1899, whereas in Auckland, Wellington, and Nelson the wages of masons rose as high as 12s per day. Plasterers were rated at 9s to 10s 6d per day in Canterbury, while in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, and Otago their wages ranged up to 12s per day. Bricklayers in Canterbury got 10s to 12s per day, which was the same as the Otago rate; but in Auckland and Wellington the average was rather below that level. Carpenters at 8s to 10s 6d per day were better treated than in Auckland, Nelson, Wellington, or Taranaki; though in Otago their wages sometimes rose to 12s. Painters in Canterbury got 8s to 9s per day, while in Auckland and Taranaki the average was 6s to 8s. Shoemakers at 7s to 8s per day in Canterbury were better off than in any other province but Otago, where they got 8s to 10s. Throughout these artisan rates it may be noticed that Canterbury wages do not cover any wide range, while in Auckland and Otago rates there is often a wide margin for variation. The reason, of course, is that in Otago the goldfields districts are comparatively unsettled, and in Auckland a large portion of the province is in the same state. This means less efficient competition on the side of labour than in Canterbury, and hence exceptional wages; and it also indicates that where work is pursued under special disadvantage, labour demands special remuneration.
These last remarks apply especially to the large class of labour that may be described as unskilled. The well settled state of the country, and the easy means of communication ensure this fact, that in Canterbury the demand for unskilled labour can always be easily supplied. General labourers got only 5s to 7s 6d per day in Canterbury, while in Auckland and Taranaki their wages ranged from 6s to 8s, in Hawke's Buy and Wellington from 7s to 8s, and in Otago from 5s 6d to 9s. Under the “miscellaneous” heading tailors get 8s to 10s per day, which is considerably above average Otago rates (5s to 10s), and also beyond the Auckland figure
It is curious that there should be so much disparity in the rates of wages prevailing in different parts of so small a country as New Zealand. On the whole it may be said that Canterbury offers special advantages to artisans and trained mechanics; but for ordinary unskilled occupations, the country is so far settled that the large supply of labour circulates easily, and prevents anything like a high level of wages.
The most important of all forms of mining is practically non-existent in Canterbury. There is no gold deposit of any value so located that it can be profitably worked. Large bonuses have been offered for the discovery and working of a payable lode, but hitherto with no results. Gold has been found in many reefs along the upper courses of the Wilberforce and the Harper (tributaries of the Rakaia), but always in practically inaccessible country. Attempts have been made to “pick up” the reefs that are assumed to run back from the Taipo and Teremakau Valleys through the main range, but so far without success. That there must be gold at the sources of the great Canterbury rivers is further proved by the occurrence of gold dust in the sand along the Ninety Mile Beach. Here a good many claims have been worked in a desultory and experimental fashion, but so far without establishing any permanent gold washing industry. There seems, however, to be a future before the Ninety Mile Beach as a dredging ground. Mr. W. Skey, Government Analyst, reported in 1897 that fourteen samples averaged eleven grains to the ton. Two of the samples went as high as one pennyweight sixteen grains, and nine ran to sixteen grains per ton. Two grains of gold per load would certainly pay, with modern dredging appliances, as the gold lies in ruby sand, from which it is easily separated. Anything over 1d per load is profit with a good dredge; and 4d a load would be the average return from this sand. The formation is very deep; boring has been carried to a depth of forty feet without reaching bottom. There thus seems to be every reason for the establishment of a successful dredging industry on the beach.
Infinitely the most valuable of Canterbury's mineral products is coal. Brown coal is found, among other places, at the Malvern Hills, Homebush, Whitecliffs, Springfield, Mount Somers, and Albury. Lignite is of fairly common occurrence. For 1899 the total output from fifteen collieries, employing about fifty hands, was 14,192 tons, bringing the total amount raised from twenty-four collieries, up to the 31st of December, 1899, to 379,881 tons. The seams worked vary from sixteen feet to two feet three inches, the average width being about eight feet. For purposes of comparison, it may be noted that the total output of coal for New Zealand in 1899 was 975,234 tons. Of this the Westland mines produced 521,707 tons, the Auckland mines 141,128 tons, and the Otago mines 297,967 tons. Canterbury coal mining thus plays but a small part in the New Zealand coal industry.
Canterbury is well supplied with valuable building stones. The Halswell quarries produce a very hard and close grained dull grey rock, which has been largely used in Christchurch for building purposes. Good limestone is found at Waikari, Malvern Hills, and Mount Somers. A blue stone, known from the place of its origin as “Timaru stone,” is used for building and for millstones.
Of other forms of mineral wealth it may be worth noting that the “Alford Forest diamonds,” about which much excitement has occasionally been raised, are worthless crystals, and that opals of some value have been found on the Upper Ashburton.
The imports of Canterbury for 1899 were valued at £1,569,239. For 1890 the total value of imports to Canterbury was £1,269,572. This shows an increase of very nearly £300,000, or 20 per cent., within ten years. For the same period Auckland progressed from £1,406,477 to £2,258,584—an increase of 60 per cent.; Wellington from £1,282,821 to £2,181,582, an increase of 70 per cent., and Otago from £1,836,754 to £2,149,567, an increase of 17 per cent. Thus Canterbury has increased its imports more slowly than any other of the large provinces, and in total value of imports for 1899 stood fourth on the list; Auckland, it will be observed, coming first, Wellington second, and Otago a close third.
In exports a very different tale has to be told. Lyttelton was far ahead of any other port in the colony for 1899 with a total value of exports of £2,311,293; Wellington exported goods to the value of £1,896,291. Auckland's exports were worth £1,896,291, and Dunedin's £1,316,385. There are various subsidiary port returns to be added to these, but they still further increase the extraordinary superiority of Canterbury. Timaru exported goods to the value of £726,476, which was only £25,000 short of the whole export trade of Invercargill and Bluff Harbour for the year. To Auckland's exports may be added £283,906 for Gisborne and £136,219 for Kaipara, giving a total for the province of £2,280,729. But the aggregate for Lyttelton and Timaru is £3,037,769; and this does not include in Canterbury's total the coastal trade, which would increase the exports largely.
For the year ending the 30th of June, 1900, the exports from Lyttelton were £2,761,839, and from Timaru £974,619; total £3,736,458, representing a large increase on the previous year. The total exports during the same period for the whole of the colony were valued at £13,368,600, so that Canterbury contributed more than one-fourth to the value of the colony's exported products.
The imports for the same period were: Lyttelton, £1,635,947; Timaru, £140,384; total, £1,776,331. This left a “balance of trade” in favour of Canterbury of £1,960,127. In Auckland the excess of exports over imports for 1899 was only £22,143. In Wellington the excess of exports over imports for 1899 was £97,334. In Otago the excess ran the other way, and the “balance of trade” was against the province to the extent of £627,573.
An instructive estimate of the commercial development of the provinces may be gained by considering the decade 1888 to 1897. In that period Auckland was the only one of the four large provinces in which the imports exceeded the exports; but the exports fell below the imports to the amount of £1,554,809. Wellington had an excess of exports to the amount of £338,831; Otago's exports were larger than her imports by £2,890,568; but in Canterbury the “balance of trade” gave an excess of £10,991,892 exports over imports for the ten years, or at the rate of more than £1,000,000 a year. Making all possible allowance for goldmining in Auckland, or for specie remittances and Government expenses in Wellington, the development of Canterbury's export trade is, in comparison with that of the other provinces, positively startling.
The population of Canterbury is better distributed than that of the other provinces. Even in Auckland by far the largest section of the provincial populace is concentrated round the one large city. There is nothing in Auckland province to correspond to Invercargill or Oamaru in Otago, Wanganni or Palmerston North in Wellington, and Lyttelton, Ashburton, or Timaru in Canterbury. This tendency to centralisation in Auckland is well illustrated in the figures of the census returns in 1891 and 1896. Between 1891 and 1896 the city of Auckland and suburbs added 6329 to their population, while the population of the outside boroughs, taken together, decreased to the number of 178. This means that there must have been a continual inflow of population from the smaller towns to the capital of the province. In Wellington the chief city and suburbs added 7568 to the previous population, but including new boroughs the outside population of the province increased during these five years by 5450. In Otago, Dunedin and suburbs increased only 1411, while the outside boroughs rose in number 2043. Canterbury does not come out of this comparison so well as Otago and Wellington, but is much better off than Auckland. Between 1891 and 1896, Christchurch and suburbs added 3484, while the outside boroughs showed an increase of only 430. At the same time it must be remembered that towns like Ashburton, Waimate, Kaiapoi, and Rangiora are not of very recent growth, and that the ease with which Canterbury was “settled” ensured the early expansion of these boroughs long before the country towns of other provinces had time to grow.
The rapidity with which the province, and especially Christchurch, has developed, has been touched upon under the head of population. One of the most noticeable features in the early growth of the towns was the transference of population from Lyttelion to Christchurch. At the first census, taken in 1854, the town of Christchurch contained only 548 inhabitants, increased by the inclusion of the suburbs to 1279. But Lyttelton at this time
The third town in importance, and second in point of population, is Timaru, in South Canterbury, 100 miles south of Christchurch. The foundation of Timaru may be said to date from the arrival of the “Strathallan,” in 1859, with about 100 settlers. By 1873 the population of the town was about 1500; today it is 6421.
Kaiapoi, on the Waimakariri, once the chief port after Lyttelton in the province, dates back as far as 1852. Within five years from the opening of the settlement thirty-three freeholds had been taken up in and around the present town. By 1873 there was a population of over 900, and though this fell off with the loss of the river trade, consequent on the opening of the railway, the advent of the woollen factory restored prosperity, and to-day the population is 1795. Rangiora received settlers as early as 1851, but the town really dates from 1853. The population is almost the same as that of Kaiapoi, being 1768. Ashourton, the most important town between Christchurch and Timaru, is of more recent growth than the others mentioned. The first house within the present borough limits was not built till 1858; and at first the town progressed so slowly that by 1871 there were not thirty people living in it. Still, by 1878, it became a borough, and though its history for practical purposes did not commence till more than twenty years after the founding of Christchurch, Kaiapoi, and Rangiora it has now a population of 2322. Other towns whose development within twenty or thirty years illustrates the vigour and rapidity of provincial progress are Temuka, population 1464; Waimate, population 1359; Hampstead, population 1118, and Geraldine, population 868.
The climate of Canterbury may be said generally to resemble that of Great Britain; but on the plains the mean daily range of temperature is only seventeen degrees Fahrenheit. Observations taken at the Agricultural College, Lincoln, fourteen miles from the city, over a period of ten years, give the following statistics: Mean maximum daily temperature, sixty-one degrees forty-seven minutes; mean minimum daily temperature, forty-three degrees twenty-seven minutes. The extremes of temperature were ninety-two degrees and twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit. The heat in Canterbury is, therefore, never tropical; and the vague talk about “100 degrees in the shade” which one often hears in nor'-west weather may be safely discounted. During 1900 thirty-three days were sunless, forty-five cloudless, and Christchurch enjoyed just half the possible number of hours of sunshine.
The rainfall for the same period averaged nearly twenty-seven inches (26.809) per annum. The extremes were 35.287 in 1886, and 14.836 in 1890. The average number of days per year on which rain fell was 123—one in every three days. The extremes were 149 days in 1887, and ninety-eight in 1891. The average rainfall for Auckland is thirty-nine inches, for Wellington fortyeight inches, while the average in Otago ranges from thirty-five inches in Dunedin, to something over 100 inches in the West Coast country among the Sounds. Canterbury is thus distinctly drier than the other chief provincial districts, a fact which may be accounted for by the destruction of the bush, the great scope of the plains, and the distance of the hill country from the sea. In Banks' Peninsula, which is composed of hills ranging from 1000 to 3000 feet, the rainfall is much heavier than in any part of Canterbury but the western hill country. The low sandhills which fringe the shore from the Waipara to the end of the Ninety Mile Beach are singularly unfavourable to a coastal rainfall. Of course the hill country in Canterbury is like all other mountainous regions, liable to heavy and continuous rains; and no one who has been caught on Arthur's Pass or in any of the river gorges in a nor'-west rain would speak of Canterbury as dry. At its worst the mountain region rivals the tropics in the intensity and fury of its downpour.
The falls of snow upon the plains are very light, and seldom remain long on the ground. On a few occasions, notably in 1862, in 1879, and in July, 1901, Christchurch has been visited by a storm which has left a foot of snow behind it, and for a few days the city has masqueraded as an Old Country town. But as a rule snow is confined to the uplands. On Banks' Peninsula, Mount Herbert is often snow clad in winter, while the plains and even the Port Hills are bare. Snow is, of course, a great feature of the mountain scenery, and the low level of the snow line—about 6000 feet in summer—makes the Southern Alps remarkably picturesque even in the case of the smaller peaks and ranges. The snow is a serious danger to the pastoral industries in the high lands; the effect of a late snow upon the flocks is most ruinous. The disastrous experiences of the Mackenzie Country and Canterbury sheepfarmers in 1896 will not soon be forgotten.
It may be interesting to compare this climatic evidence with the notes published in Archdeacon Paul's “Letters from Canterbury.” Between 1851 and 1854 it appears that there were only four falls of snow, all light. In 1849, the year before the foundation of the colony, there had been a heavier fall, which lay on the plains for three days. In 1855 the maximum shade temperature was eighty-five degrees, the minimum thirty-two degrees. These figures correspond to a surprising extent with the evidence already cited, and prove that the climate of the province has altered little within the last fifty years.
Canterbury is not so notorious for its winds as Wellington; but the early settlers found that they blew with a persistence and continuity unknown in England. The prevailing wind is east or in Christchurch and the vicinity—northeast. It is, of course, a sea wind, sometimes raw and damp, but seldom rainy. The rainy wind is the south-west—in winter, often a furious storm blast,
In 1862 Mr. H. Selfe, then Immigration Officer for the settlement, remarked that a great deal of nonsense had been written about the climate of the province. Allowing for sudden alterations in temperature, the climate, is, he says, as good as in any other part of the world; and as for hygienic conditions, he describes the province as “notoriously healthy.” The climate on the whole seems to strike a happy mean between the relaxing heat of the Auckland summer and the austere severity of the Southland winter, and is in a high degree conducive to the development of mental and bodily health.
The future development of Canterbury can be to some extent prophesied from its past growth. The figures already quoted in the sections dealing with imports and exports, and the agricultural, pastoral, and industrial resources of the province, give some idea of the phenomenal prosperity which has attended its expansion. New Zealand at the present time enjoys a high degree of commercial
The New Zealand Constitution Act was passed by the Imperial Government in June, 1852. It conferred a very considerable measure of self-government on the various provinces of the colony. The superintendent and Council were to be elected every four years; and the qualification—property to the value of £5—was so low that the Act practically decreed universal suffrage. It is noticeable that this extreme extension of the franchise was opposed to the views held by Mr. Godley, who preferred “some more stringent process to distinguish the more moral, more industrious, more educated, and more intelligent portions of the community from the rest, and to confine political power, as far as possible, to the former.” The Constitution Act represented a great advance in the Imperial conception of the value of the colonies from the days when Earl Grey and Lord Derby had refused the request of New South Wales for self-government as “irreconcilable with monarchical institutions.” The Governor of the colony was still, in a measure, supreme; as all provincial legislation was conditioned by his veto, and the powers of the provincial councils were subject to those of the General Assembly. The Governor could dissolve a provincial council at any time, or disallow the election of a superintendent within three months of his return. But as a matter of fact, the provincial councils exercised very wide and ill defined authority. The Constitution Act specified thirteen subjects on which the provincial assemblies might not legislate, such as the customs, post office, marriage laws, criminal laws, bankruptcy; but no merely negative decree could limit the authority of such representative bodies within narrow bounds. Making every allowance for the benefits conferred by the provincial system, by consolidating local interests, and familiarising the whole body of colonists with the theory and practice of government, there can be no reasonable doubt that the councils gradually came to exercise authority in many matters which the spirit, if not the wording, of the Constitution Act intended should be dealt with by the Central Government.
The Constitution Act became operative in 1852, and the first council was elected in 1853. The first election for the post of superintendent resulted in the appointment of Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald. Failing Mr. Godley, who had been in vain requested to accept this office, Mr. Fitzgerald: was probably the best choice that could have been made. He had taken an active part in the work of the Association in England; and his energy, versatility, and many accomplishments had helped him to fill a large space in the public arena of the colony. A party in favour of cheap land—at a figure far below Wakefield's sufficient price—had already arisen in the new settlement: and Colonel Campbell, one of the candidates, was regarded as the nominee of these would-be speculators. The other candidate, Mr. H. J. Tancred, held the same views on land as Mr. Fitzgerald; and the votes of the colonists who wished to keep up the price of land to the original level were thus divided. After an animated contest, Mr. Fitzgerald was declared elected by a large majority; and the “plan” of the settlement, as far as land was concerned, was thus preserved. The reduction of price to £2 per acre within the Canterbury block was the most important work of the first Provincial Council, which was elected on the same lines as the superintendent. The members were Captain Simeon (Speaker), Rev. W. Aylmer, S. Bealey, C. Bowen, J. Cookson, T. Cass, C. Dampier, J. Hall, W. J. W. Hamilton, R. Packer, R. H. Rhodes, and H. J. Tancred. This important change in the land-price, while encouraging genuine investment in land, prevented the Canterbury settlement from falling a prey to the “land sharks” who took full advantage of Sir G. Grey's “10s per acre” scheme in other parts of the colony.
The first Superintendent, Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, was no ordinary man. He was a good debater, an able writer, and a born orator. Unfortunately he was rather brilliant than successful. Gisborne, in his “New Zealand Statesmen,” says that “he would not give, and he could not command confidence… . With all his great gifts, he was impracticable and unpractical. He was rash, impetuous, and inattentive to good advice; he had too much faith in himself, and too little in others… . He never possessed in adequate measure that rare attribute of a statesman, the art of playing a losing game.” But no one ever questioned his remarkable and varied ability; and while his fervid enthusiasm did much to inspire the early colonists in their struggles and hardships, his fine instincts, his generosity and manly frankness aided to raise the whole tone of the public life in which he moved. For the two years of Mr. Godley's regime, Mr. Fitzgerald acted as police inspector and immigration agent for the settlement; at the same time editing the “Lyttelton Times,” which the Pilgrim Fathers had started within a month of their arrival. The four years of his administration were not marked by any startling crises; but the Council, in its anxiety to discharge its duties conscientiously, undertook a great deal of work that might either have been left alone or left to the Central Government. In 1857, when his term of office expired, Mr. Fitzgerald went to England as Agent-General for the province. In 1854 he had been returned to the House of Representatives as member for Lyttelton, and in that year he was appointed to the Executive Council. He was practically Premier of New Zealand, and his determined stand for responsible government for the colony resulted in the establishment of the present form of government in 1856. After his return from England, his political
Messrs Barker, Blakiston, Brittan, Donald, Sewell, Ward, and Westenra were prominent members of the Provincial Council during Mr. Fitzgerald's tenure of the Superintendency.
The second Superintendent of Canterbury was William Sefton Moorhouse. He had arrived in Canterbury in 1851, intending to practice as a lawyer: but the Victorian “diggings” and the consequent “rush” suggested Australia as a fitter sphere for his energies. But by 1853 he was again in Canterbury, assisting the “cheap land” party in the first contested election for the office of Superintendent to which Mr. Fitzgerald was elected. When Mr Fitzgerald's term of office closed, Mr. Moorhouse appeared as a candidate. In his speech to the electors he stated that he approved of the previous provincial legislation except that he considered the Council had in many respects exceeded the limits of its constitutional power. He had, he said, made up his mind that the price of land should not be reduced further; £2 per acre being sufficiently low to promote settlement. He urged the immediate prosecution of public works, but deprecated any idea of special taxation, as the land revenue was so large. The other candidate was Mr. Joseph Brittan, an able speaker, one of the first colonists, and a man thoroughly familiar with all the details of colonial and provincial politics. He had been Provincial Secretary, and had acted as Deputy Administrator during Mr. Godley's absence in Auckland. The struggle was very keen; but Mr. Moorhouse, though a poor speaker, was an admirable canvasser, and he was elected by a majority of 375 out of a voting total of 1079. From the hour of his election Mr. Moorhouse bent all his great energy and force of character to the task of extending the public works system of the province, and more especially to the construction of the Lyttelton Tunnel. As he put it himself, he had “all the talent and all the respectability against him,” but he had his way. He was not the first to suggest the possibility of the tunnel; but no one else seems to have believed that the time was ripe for the accomplishment of the work. In 1857, when he took office, the tunnel was still in the dim and distant future; by 1861 the work of construction was fairly started. Nothing but the untiring zeal and the unflinching courage of the Superintendent had made this possible. In the words of Gisborne, “he showed ability, enterprise, foresight, courage, and perseverance, in working a great idea into a great fact.” It was his greatest work, and on it his reputation may be fitly founded. Yet he was wanting in method and in patience; and he seldom found it easy to work with either colleagues or subordinates. In 1861 he was reelected without opposition; but by 1863 a strong opposition to his personal authority had been created, largely through the exertions of the Christchurch “Press,” and in that year he resigned. In his farewell speech to the electors, Mr. Moorhouse, after a generous appreciation of his rival, Mr. Fitzgerald, touched on a question which was for some years much discussed in South Island political circles—the possibility of separation from the North Island. The bitter and desolating Maori wars and the waste of money contributed by the South Island to repair the mistakes and follies of the North, had roused strong local jealousies. Associated with this question was the kindred problem: Where should the seat of Government for the colony be located? In the long and desperate struggle between Auckland and Wellington, the Canterbury members almost invariably sided with the southern province, and it was mainly through the aid of Canterbury that Wellington finally won the day. The position of Auckland made it obviously unfit for the seat of a central authority, which was supposed to guard equally the interests of both islands. In 1863 the “Press” urged that the seat of Government should be transferred to Christchurch, but the report of the Commission appointed to choose a site for the new capital in 1864, decided the difficulty in favour of Wellington. In 1865 a suggestion was made in the House that Christchurch should be the scene of the next session; in 1871 Mr. Reader Wood moved, that Parliament should hold successive sessions in the various provincial capitals in rotation, starting with Dunedin. So late as 1887, Mr. R. M. Taylor, M.H.R., for Sydenham, ventured to move that the next session of the Assembly should be held in Christchurch. The fact that this controversy so long survived the dissolution of the provinces, may suggest the intensity of feeling with which the question was debated in 1863.
During the administration of Mr. Moorhouse, between 1858 and 1862, the following well-known names figure on the roll of the Provincial Council: Alport, Bishop, Blakiston, Bowen, Cass, Cookson, Duncan, Hall, Higgins, Ollivier, Packer, Rhodes, Studholme, White, Harman, Templer, Ward, Potts, Latter, Wilkin, Westenra, Maude, Hargreaves, Peacock, Tosswill, Shand, Clark, Lance, Beswick, Buckley, Turnbull, Hornbrook, and Hawkes.
Mr. Moorhouse was succeeded by Mr. S. Bealey. In nominating this candidate Mr. John Ollivier, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Canterbury provincial politics, observed that Mr. Bealey might be regarded by some electors as a mere student and bookworm. It was rather an unfortunate admission. Captain Westenra more aptly described Mr. Bealey as a scholar and a gentleman, enjoying a large income, which he spent mostly in the province. Mr. Bealey's advent was accepted as a happy solution of the diffrences between the Moorhouse party and their opponents — differences which had now reached an acute stage. Mr. Bealey promised to carry out Mr. Moorhouse's public works policy, and fulfilled his duties with good sense and ability. During his term of office part of the harbour works at Lyttelton were constructed. One of the few distinct departures noticeable in his administration was an attempt to deal with the difficult problem of denommational education. At the Jubilee celebrations (December, 1900,) Sir John Hall recalled with admiration the excellent business qualities, shrewd common-sense, and cool head which enabled Mr. Bealey to grapple successfully with the difficulties of his position; notably on the occasion of the influx of miners to the West Coast, which was still a portion of Canterbury. But it was felt
Mr. Bealey was assisted in the government of the province by the following members of the Provincial Council: Messrs Beswick, Buckley, Clark, Cox, Hawkes, Haylock, Hornbrook, Lance, Maude, Moorhouse, Peacock, Stoddart, Turnbull, Ross, Shand, Templar, Tosswill, Westenra, Wilkin, Birch, Duncan, Fyfe, Ollivier, Aschmann, Aynesley, Bowen, Rolleston, Tancred, Hall, Macpherson, Dixon, Cowlishaw, Jollie, Prosser, Hayhurst, W. Wilson and Sir J. C. Wilson.
Mr. Moorhouse again stood for election, and was once more successful. The opposition represented by the “Press” was very strong and bitter. Mr. Moorhouse was accused of insatiable vanity, and of a love of despotism, which made it impossible for him to recognise the claims and the merits of his colleagues. He was described as regarding the Council not as the representative of the people, but as the instrument of his own will. Many men were alarmed by the heavy expenditure in which the province was involved over the tunnel and other public works. Mr. J. D. Lance, the most dangerous opponent of Mr. Moorhouse, had a high reputation among the pastoralists and older colonists. Mr. Travers, the third candidate, displayed a most unusually high sense of personal dignity and honesty in publicly releasing from their pledges all electors who had promised to support him. In the end Mr. Moorhouse's personal energy, and his fame as the promoter of the tunnel carried all before him. He received 1479 votes out of a total 2397, Mr. Lance getting 742, and Mr. Travers 176. This victory represents the climax of Mr. Moorhouse's political ascendency. In 1867 the tunnel, the great object of his life, was completed; and in the same year the southern line to Dunedin was begun. He felt that he had done his best work, and when further difficulties with his Council arose, he retired again into private life in 1868. He was elected member for Christchurch in the General Assembly, but resigned to become Registrar-General of Lands in 1870. In 1876 he was again returned for Christchurch, and in 1879 for Ashley. He died in 1881, without fulfilling on a wider stage the great promise of his provincial career; but he was the forerunner of Sir Julius Vogel in his immigration and public works policy, and his energy and zeal enabled Canterbury to lead the way in these respects for the rest of New Zealand.
Mr. Rolleston was the next and last Superintendent of Canterbury. He had come to the colony in 1858, and in 1865 had been Under-Secretary for Native Affairs in the Weld Ministry. He had also been Provincial Treasurer, and in all his public duties had displayed great industry and capacity. He was welcomed by many who believed that his natural caution and steadiness would counteract the ultra-progressive policy inaugurated by Mr. Moorhouse. He held office from 1868 to 1876, when the provincial governments were abolished. Mr. Rolleston was for many years an active member of the House of Representatives for various Canterbury constituencies. In 1894 he was defeated while leader of the Opposition in the contest for Riccarton: he was returned again in 1896, but was once more defeated by the narrowest conceivable majority in 1899. Mr. Rolleston has held office in various Ministries. He was member of the Hall Government in 1879–1882, and of the Whitaker-Atkinson Administration in 1882–1884. Mr. Rolleston, says Gishorne, “is intelligent, well educated, energetic, earnest and animated by the highest motives”; in fact, in the words of Sir John Hall, he combined the virtues of all his predecessors in the office of Superintendent. During his tenure of office he gave great attention to the land system of the Province; among other matters he began the village settlement experiment, afterwards largely extended by Mr. Ballance and Mr. (afterwards Sir) John McKenzie. But Canterbury owes most to him as an earnest advocate of the claims of education, and a farsighted guardian of its highest interests. Politically, he has always been classed as a leading Conservative, but through many years his views have undergone that broadening process which is inevitable in a country in which democratic conditions of life prevail and Radical legislation enjoys full scope.
The most prominent members of the Provincial Council during Mr Rolleston's term of office were: Messrs Garrick, Hawkes, Aynesley, Hargreaves, Fyfe, Wyld, Dixon, Delamain, Duncan, Stewart, Montgomery, Knight, Tancred, Hornbrook, Potts, Rhodes, Lee, Maskell, Mallock, Moore, Jollie, Peter, Ormsby, Matson, Kennaway, Inglis, Webb, Studholme, Sheath, Brett, Walker, Higgins, Cowlishaw, Sawtell, Tosswill, Perry, Richardson, Fisher, Joynt, Peacock, Maude, Hayhurst, Turnbull, Harper, Bluett, Macdonald, Pilliet, and Teschemaker. These lists of members of the Provincial Council are not meant to be exhaustive. They are introduced merely to remind the men and women of the present how many men of rare and tried ability presided over the destinies of the province in its youthful days. Almost every man who attained particular prominence in political, professional, or civic life was at some time or other a member of the provincial assemblies. It is especially noted that certain names constantly recur throughout the whole period of Canterbury's provincial administration; and this long and continuous acquaintance of public men with the active life and the political necessities of the growing community, goes far to explain the exceptional success which attended the system of provincial government in Canterbury.
Attention has been called incidentally to some of the most important public questions round which political strife centred under the Provincial system. The question of “cheap” land—Sir George Grey's theories against Wakefield's—engrossed public attention and roused bitter feeling during the first years of Canterbury's existence. After that matter had been definitely settled by the first Provincial Council, the public works policy of the successive councils and superintendents absorbed general interest. The tunnel, and the wholesale road and railway schemes of Mr. Moorhouse inspired as much enthusiasm on one side and apprehension on the other as the great Public Works scheme of Sir Julius Vogel. The burning question of Denominational Education more than once almost brought about a crisis in the political history of the Province. But the fiercest political excitement of the old provincial days was engendered by local jealousies or by the desire to promote local interests. The Maori wars, with their ceaseless expenditure, were a sore trial of the South Island provinces, which did not feel the danger and could see little but the expense to which the country was put. In Canterbury the objection to Auckland
The elections at which the Superintendents and the members of the Provincial Council were chosen were, in those days, incidents of supreme interest and importance. No Minister nowadays approaches the Superintendents of the Provinces in social and official dignity and authority. In addition to the real importance of the office, its value was exaggerated by the intense provincial feeling which magnified local and temporary interests to a gigantic scale. Besides the distinction attached to a seat in the Provincial Chamber, there was for the candidates the knowledge that their presence in the Council would materially influence the progress of the districts they represented. On the whole, there was far less log-rolling in the provincial governments than might have been anticipated; but the possibility of benefit to the constituency was inseparable from such a contest, and it certainly added intensity and earnestness to the struggle. In the old days there were no Corrupt Practices Acts affecting the conduct of elections; and as an old Canterbury settler words it in his reminiscences, “full scope could be given to the most exorbitant fancy.” Hotels were mostly open houses on election day; and the excitement as the hour for the declaration of the poll approached often ran very high. But it is held by most of those who remember and took part in Canterbury elections under the Provincial system, that within the limits of the province, the strong feelings roused seldom degenerated into such rancour and bitterness as have characterised such contests under the later regime.
One important excuse for the enthusiasm at these elections was the magnitude of the work which the councils had to perform. It has been observed that the Constitution Act left many loopholes for the interference of the Councils in matters of general colonial importance; and of these opportunities many of the Councils frequently availed themselves. But by far their best and most lasting work was done within their own provincial boundaries. In Canterbury especially the country was rapidly opened by roads and railways, and the amount and character of the work done can be truly termed wonderful, considering the small population of the province. Between 1854 and 1868 the work was carried on continuously; and the large land revenue derived from the sale of land at £2 per acre supplied most of the necessary funds. The work was mostly conducted by Mr. T. Cass, head of the Survey Department, and Mr. E. Dobson, Engineer-in-Chief. Between 1854 and 1868 the Provincial Government spent on roads, railways and surveys £1,864,565. It must be remembered that till 1868 Westland was a portion of Canterbury; and one of the many pleasant features of the Old Colonists' Gathering at the Jubilee in December, 1900, was the kindly message from the old “West Coasters,” recalling the days before the separation. Nearly £150,000 were spent on surveys in Canterbury, and over £31,000 in Westland. Railways and harbour works for Canterbury cost nearly £700,000. “Ordinary” public works—roads, bridges and drainage—absorbed £400,000 for Canterbury, and £221,000 for Westland. Public buildings in the eastern province cost £86,000, and in the western half, £36,000. The telegraph system in Canterbury, to 1868, cost about £15,000, and in Westland about £20,000. Over £10,000 was spent in geological surveys; and about £170,000 went in grants to the road boards and municipalities of the province. By 1864 the Great North Road had been opened from Christchurch to the Hurunui—fifty-six miles— at a cost of £45,000. The Hokittka Road over Arthurs Pass was completed in 1866. This work was a great engineering triumph; running through very rough country along precipitous river beds and over a lofty mountain range, and its 149 miles cost £150,000. The Lyttelton Tunnel line, the Selwyn line, the Summer Road, the South Road (138 miles to Waitaki), the Governor's Bay Road, the Hokitika-Greymouth Road, the draining of the Rangiora, Papanui, and Halswell swamps—such were some of the works accomplished by the Provincial Governments of those early years—a record which no young community of the same size has ever surpassed within so limited a time. The year 1868 marks a temporary cessation in the activity which had characterised the public works policy of Canterbury. Mr. Rolleston came into power as representing the party which had become alarmed at Mr. Moorhouse's bold and ingenious projects, and his audacious financial theories; and under the new ruler the province advanced with slower and more cautious step. But to Mr. Rolleston, above all Canterbury superintendents, belongs the great credit of inaugurating and developing the system of education—both primary and secondary—which has done even more than material advantages for the progress and prosperity of the colony.
Apart from these achievements, there can be no doubt that the provincial system was of great value to the young and growing colony. It encouraged strong personal interest in all local affairs, and afforded room for practical experience in political and public life, while ensuring careful attention to local necessities. But the very indefinite relations of the central and the provincial governments were sure in time to cause trouble. Mr. Godley himself, who believed strongly in provincialism as a stage of development through which the young colony ought to pass, once expressed his fears that “the province would wish to retain for an indefinite time larger powers than will ultimately be consistent with the utmost development of the national greatness and prosperity of New Zealand.” His apprehensions were by no means groundless; but a more serious danger to the provincial system arose from the vague conditions under which the local and general finances were organised. Sir John Hall has publicly attributed the destruction
Yet even the Abolitionists admitted that Canterbury was hardly treated by the loss of its provincial status. Canterbury handed over to the Central Government more than £200,000 from the Provincial Treasury, and in 1877 about one million pounds went to the general funds from the sale of Canterbury lands. But the question of liabilities was even more painful to Canterbury than that of assets. At the time of the abolition of the provinces, Auckland and Otago owed about £1,000,000 each, Wellington over £500,000, and Canterbury owed only £70. Canterbury was thus placed in the position of being compelled to pay interest on her neighbours' huge debts while contributing far more than any other province to the general funds. But not even this disadvantage has been sufficient to seriously embarrass the province or to check its marvellous development.
C.M.G., the first Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, was elected to that position after the promulgation of the Constitution Act, in January, 1853, and held office up to 1857. He arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Charlotte Jane,” one of the first four ships, in December, 1850, and brought out with him the plant for the “Lyttelton Times,” which he edited for two years. Subsequently he established the “Press” newspaper, and edited it for some time. Mr. Fitzgerald sat in the first Parliament of New Zealand, and was for some time a member of the Executive Council, without portfolio. On retiring from Parliament in 1866, he was appointed to the office of Controller, and also, soon afterwards, to the Auditor-Generalship. Mr. Fitzgerald died at Wellington on the 2nd of August, 1896. Further particulars of his colonial career are given at page 119 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopædia.
the second Superintendent of Canterbury, succeeded Mr. Fitzgerald in 1857, was reelected in 1861, and resigned in the following year. He was again elected to the Superintendency, in 1866, when he defeated two other candidates. Mr. Moorhouse was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1825, and educated for the law. After the completion of his legal training he left England, in 1851, for Canterbury, New Zealand, where he intended practising his profession. He was, however, smitten with the gold fever, then raging in Australia, and left New Zealand for Victoria, but returned to Canterbury at the end of 1853, Mr. Moorhouse became a member of the Provincial Council, and he also represented the City of Christchurch in the General Assembly. He was again returned as a member for Christchurch in 1876, and three years later for the district of Ashley, which he represented up to the time of his death. As a politician he was recognised as one of the foremost
B.A., who succeeded Mr. Moorhouse in 1863 as Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1821. He entered Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his degree in 1851, and in the same year he sailed for Canterbury, New Zealand. In conjunction with the late Mr. John Bealey he purchased 1000 acres of land in the new settlement, and erected small dwelling houses in Christchurch, then a mere village. After the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act the elections for the Provincial Council took place, and Mr. Samuel Bealey, Mr. Thomas Caas, the Chief Surveyor of Canterbury, and Mr. Richard Packer, were elected for Christchurch, which Mr. Bealey continued to represent until his election to the Superintendency. The harbour works at Port Lyttelton were prominent amongst the public works of Mr Bealey's time, and to these he devoted considerable attention. An able report, drawn up by a commission of engineers and masters of vessels, recommended the formation of a breakwater, and Mr. Bealey strongly supported this effective method of protecting the shipping. A considerable extension of the southern railway was also undertaken during Mr Bealey's Superintendency. On the completion of his term of office, Mr Bealey retired into private life. For the purpose of educating his family he returned to England, where he still (1902) resides.
the fourth and last Superintendent of Canterbury, is a politician of years and of Cabinet status, just as he is a farmer with large practical colonial experience, and a scholar who achieved honours at his University. In Provincial and General Government administration he has done his country good service. His father was the late Rev. George Rolleston, M.A., who was vicar of Maltby, in Yorkshire, for upwards of fifty years, and his brother, the late Dr. George Rolleston, M.D., F.R.S., was well known as Professor of Physiology in Oxford University, and as the author of “Forms of Animal Life” and other scientific works. Mr. William Rolleston was born on the 19th of September, 1831, and was educated at Rossal School, Lancashire, and afterwards at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he became a Foundation Scholar, and graduated with honours in the Classical Tripos in 1855. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Regina,” on the 15th of November, 1858. Mr. Rolleston took up a run near Lake Coleridge, and to him many of the neighbouring mountains and streams owe their names. In 1863 he was appointed a member of the Education Commission, of which Mr. Tancred was chairman, and as such he assisted to frame the educational system of the Province of Canterbury. He afterwards became a member of the Canterbury Board of Education. Mr. Rolleston became Provincial Secretary in 1863, and was pressed but declined to contest the Superintendency when it was rendered vacant by Mr. Bealey's retirement. He then became Native Secretary and Inspector of Native Schools; he held these offices till 1868, and actively promoted the system of native village schools. On the resignation of Mr. Moorhouse, in 1863, Mr. Rolleston succeeded him as Superintendent of the Province. After a contest with Mr. Moorhouse, in 1870, he was again elected, and was re-elected for a third time in 1874, after which he held the office till the abolition of the Provinces in 1876. Mr. Rolleston will long be remembered for his steady advocacy of a national system of education. In a characteristic message to the Provincial Council in 1875, he said: “Our best policy would be, I believe, to make education free in all Government schools; and such a result is, I think, but a corollary upon the adoption of any responsibility by the State in the matter of education.” The system of free education was adopted by the colony in 1877. On the abolition of the provinces, the people of Canterbury showed their high appreciation of Mr Rolleston's services by a presentation of handsome plate, and through the words used by Sir John Hall on the occasion. In 1868 Mr. Rolleston became a member of the General Assembly for the Avon district, which he represented till 1884, when he became member for Geraldine. He held the portfolios of Lands, Education, Mines, and Immigration from 1879 to 1884, and it was in the Land Act brought in by him that the Legislature first gave expression to the principle of the perpetual lease. Mr. Rolleston continued a member of the House till 1893, and was unanimously elected leader of the Opposition in 1891. From 1896 to 1899 the represented the Riccartion constituency. To his efforts is due the establishment of the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Sumner, the first institution of its kind in the colony. The Christchurch Museum, Hospital, the Lunatic Asylum, and gaol, the Supreme Court, the Girls' High School, and, indeed, all the principal educational buildings in Christchurch, were erected during his days of political initiative and administration. Mr. Rolleston resides on his property at Kapunatiki, near Clandeboyde, in the Temuka district.
The City of Christchurch lies on the eastern edge of the Canterbury Plains, about six miles in a direct line from the sea. It is connected with Port Lyttelton by a railway about seven miles in length. Communication with the sea was one of the chief difficulties faced by the early settlers, and the rivers Avon and Heathcote were both utilised as far as possible for the conveyance of goods. Mr. Godley states in one of his early dispatches that “boats of five or six tons come up the river as far as Mr. Deans's.” The Heathcote was for years the chief route for supplies of all kinds; and the old ferry and the steam wharf on the Ferry Road were for some time the centres of an active trade. A large bridge now spans the Heathcote at the Ferry at the junction of the Heathcote and Sumner Roads. The coast on the New Brighton side, though only six miles from the city, is impracticable for sea traffic; but the Waimakariri, as previously stated, long contested commercial supremacy with Lyttelton as the chief harbour for Christchurch; indeed, there was some thought of fixing the site of the capital at Kaiapoi, so as to take advantage of the river. But the Lyttelton Tunnel effectually settled most of the difficulties in the way of communication with the sea; though the high railway freight is still a standing grievance, and a positive hindrance to the development of the country's resources.
The plain on which the city stands rises very slowly from the sea. Upper Riccarton, at its highest point, is less than thirty feet above sea level at a
Along the sides of the river within the belts, run two winding streets— Oxford Terrace and Cambridge Terrace. Where the curves of the river leave room, the banks have been laid out in garden plots and planted with flowers. Mill Island, where the old Hereford Street Mill stood, is completely covered with flowers and shrubs, and the sloping bank between Gloucester Street and Worcester Street is, in springtime, alive with narcissus and daffodils. All this is the work of the Beautifying Association, which, for love of the city, has spent untold time and trouble upon the river banks. Market Square, in the space between the river and Colombo Street, on either side of Victoria Street, for years the site of squalid shops and sheds, has now, in the hands of the Association, become a stretch of green sward variegated with brighthued flowers. Everywhere may be uoted the love of the citizens for grass, shrubs, and trees. At some distance east and west of Colombo Street, there are two open rectangular spaces, neatly railed in, and laid out in grass with asphalt walks, and planted round with English trees. Latimer and Cranmer Squares are two invaluable breathing spaces, which, apart from their natural beauty will, as the city grows crowded, be of inestimable value to the comfort and health of the citizens. The quaint nomenclature of the city thoroughfares may deserve a passing note. The names of the streets—Cashel and Tuam. Gloucester and Worcester, Hereford and Colombo, are the names of great English bishoprics, and in them, as in the names of the two squares, the colonists preserve a reverent memory for the ecclesiastical origin of the settlement, and the deeply religious purpose which inspired its founders.
The suburbs, on the whole, partake of the main characteristics of the town. On the north-east Linwood stretches far past the East Belt towards Burwood and New Brighton on the lower Avon, merging at last in the low line of sandhills which separate Christchurch from the sea. Woolston, in the east, is the township that has grown up round the old shipping stations on the Heathcote, but it is now absolutely continuous with Christchurch. Opawa, stretching down to the Heathcote Valley, and towards the mouth of the Lyttelton Tunnel with its river, its willows, and its gardens, is one of the most beautiful parts of suburban Christchurch. Sydenham, the “model borough,” comes next, to the south of the city, and Addington to the south-west is separated from Riccarton on the west only by the Riccarton Road, by which the Deans brothers, the pioneers of civilisation on the Plains, first made their home. Further north is Fendalton, with its shady lanes half hidden in overhanging trees—the most “English” of all these Anglicised suburbs. By Bryndwyr we reach Papanui, through which the great North Road starts on its long journey towards Culverdeu, Kaikoura, and Blenheim. To the north-east again lies St. Albans, completing the circle of the suburbs, which radiate from the city, all lying within three miles of the centre of the town. Architecturally, Christchurch is not so impressive as might be expected from its extent, its wealth, and its population. Many of its public buildings are, in themselves, imposing and even splendid. Cathedral Square, with the chief architectural glory of Christchurch, the Cathedral spire, would dignify a far greater city; and the commercial streets —High Street, Colombo Street, Hereford Street—contain many fine edifices. But these are still interspersed with small and irregularly-built structures, relics of the past, which must be replaced by finer buildings before the citizens can be satisfied with the impression
The City Council, which governs Christchurch, has many and comprehensive duties to perform. In March, 1901, the population of the city proper was 17,537 (8251 males and 9286 females), while the suburban road board districts and borough population ran the total up to 56,033. Of the suburbs, Linwood has a population of 6737, St. Albans 6605, Sydenham 11,404, Woolston 2532; Sumner (844) and New Brighton (1007) are not included in this computation. As far as the city proper is concerned the municipal authorities have to administer a revenue of nearly £24,000. There can be no reasonable doubt that much of the municipal work is thoroughly well done. The land lends itself to good road-making, and the metalling and asphalting of the streets make Christchurch and the surrounding suburbs the joy of cyclists and the envy of citizens from other New Zealand towns. The streets are, on the whole, clean, and in summer well watered, and the incandescent gas-burners now supplied to the street lamps give the town a well lighted appearance at night. The tram system and conveyances require separate notice; but it may be observed that electricity so far plays but a small part in Christchurch, either as a motive force or an illuminant. The possibility of employing the enormous waste force of the Waimakariri by means of electrical motors has often been discussed, and there seems some probability now that the suggestion may take a practical turn.
But the range of duties which the municipality may be called upon to perform is not easy to limit. Already steps have been taken to form a Burgess Association for the purpose of urging on the City Council to the execution of various important public works. The amalgamation of the boroughs and the creation of a Greater Christchurch to supersede the present limited city government has long been contemplated. A high pressure water supply, an extended drainage system, municipal tramways, municipal abattoirs, municipal electric lighting, municipal co-operation —these are some of the projects already beginning to take definite shape in the minds of progressive citizens. The suggestion that the water-power of the Waimakariri should be employed to work for the city is fertile with great possibilities. Clearly, the City Fathers have before them a vast and unexplored field for the efficient discharge of their functions. But in whatever direction municipal government may develop, there is little doubt that the views of the majority of citizens are in sympathy with the colonial tendency towards centralisation, and that they are, on the whole, inclined to support the City Council in undertaking a large number of duties that have hitherto been left to private enterprise. The drift in the direction of State socialism is no less apparent in Christchurch than it is in every sphere of New Zealand public life.
In spite of many advantages, it must be admitted that there is still much to be done in improving the hygienic conditions of town life in Canterbury, and especially in Christchurch. The site of the capital was in part a swampy plain, with a very slight fall seawards, soaked by the underground drainage from the hills, and intersected in every direction by springs and streams. To build up a thoroughly healthy city in such surroundings was a difficult task; and the high degree of success with which it has been accomplished is evidenced by the vital statistics. The death-rate of the whole colony for 1899 was 10.24 per 1000. This was lower than the death-rate for any other Australian colony, New South Wales coming next with 11.82, and Victoria was far behind with 14.28. The colonial averages, and more especially that of New Zealand, contrast very favourably with those of the Old World. Within the last ten years the English death-rate has varied between 17 and 20 per 1000; the German between 20 and 24; the French between 19 and 22; and the Austrian between 24 and 29. Any criticism of the Christchurch statistics may, therefore, be prefaced by the remark that it is not quite the healthiest city in the healthiest country in the world. The figures for the four chief cities in 1899 were as follows: Auckland city 13.02, and including suburbs 11.98; Wellington 11.16, and including suburbs 10.86; Christchurch 12.68, and including suburbs 11.58; Dunedin 13.47, and including suburbs 11.99. If the suburbs are included Christchurch comes before Dunedin, but below Wellington and Auckland, in the scale of health. It may be observed that the infant mortality (under five years) is higher in Auckland (37.6 per cent, of the total number of deaths); Christchurch coming next with 34.9 per cent., and then Wellington 33.14, and Dunedin lowest with 22.35 per cent. This fact points to certain hygienic conditions of Christchurch and Auckland life as especially injurious to young children. Excluding the suburbs, the rate of mortality in the four large cities rises, but Christchurch is still second in order, Wellington alone ranking higher. But it is discouraging to admit that in 1898 Christchurch (excluding suburbs) was easily first of the four centres. The figures for 1893 were:—Christchurch 10.87 per 1000, Wellington 12.47, Dunedin 12.73, Auckland 14.22. It is true that the death-rate in 1897 (13.15) was higher than in 1898, but again in 1896 it was only 11.49; so that the conditions of health in Christchurch in 1899 do not seem to have been so satisfactory as they were three years before.
With reference to causes of death, febrile and zymotic diseases were much more fatal in Dunedin and Christchurch in 1899 than in the previous year. In 1898 Christchurch claimed only fortyfour deaths from these causes, out of 304 for the whole colony. But in 1899 the Christchurch record rose to 104 out of 360 for the colony—a total only surpassed by Auckland—110 deaths, which was seven less than the Auckland total for 1898. It may be interesting to observe that diarrhœa in various forms was responsible for sixty-one out of the 104 deaths in Christchurch, as against fourteen in 1898, and that eleven died of diphtheria as against three, in 1898; and for both causes of death the Christchurch figures head the list for the colony. The vital statistics for 1900 show that the position of Christchurch
As it has already been observed, the city of Christchurch does not in the aggregate produce an impression of architectural dignity or splendour. The large buildings are scattered, the meaner structures of the early days are still interspersed among later erections, and the town is so flat that only a little of any portion of it can be seen at a time. In spite of these disadvantages, Christchurch will, in individual buildings, compare most favourably with any city in New Zealand. In the commercial part of the city there is a constantly increasing number of handsome warehouses built of brick or blue stone, and almost invariably faced with a white limestone which, though easily worked, weathers well and admirably lightens the general aspect of the buildings. Such erections as the warehouses of Sargood Son and Ewen in Lichfield Street, Strange's in High Street, the Direct Importing Company's shops in Cashel Street, the Grain Agency Buildings in the Triangle, Tonks mid Norton's new and handsome offices in Hereford Street, and Morton's Buildings in Cathedral Square, would beautify any colonial city; but they are scattered far apart. For the same reason the large shops—for example, Ballantyne's, Strange's, the D.I.C.—though in themselves magnificent, are not close enough to one another to produce a combined effect. The diagonal streets already noted—High Street, Victoria Street— form with the other streets various triangular spaces, the chief of which, known distinctly as the Triangle, between High Street, Colombo Street, and Cashel Street, is the nucleus of commercial Christchurch. Hereford Street is the Lombard Street of the city, as here four out of the five banks are located. The Bank of New Zealand, a handsome building with classic pillars and portico, has long been one of the chief landmarks of the town. But the real centre of the city is, as it was designed to be, Cathedral Square. This splendid area, twenty-five years back still grass-grown and shaded with trees, is now completely asphalted, brilliantly lighted, and surrounded on all sides by imposing buildings. The Cathedral is the chief architectural glory of Christchurch, and the finest work of its kind in the colony. It was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in Gothic style, and is built of Hoon Hay stone. The tower and spire, which were erected at a cost of £10,000 by the bounty of the family of the late Mr. George Rhodes, combine grace and dignity to a degree seldom seen in colonial architecture. The summit of the spire is 210 feet from the ground. The building is still unfinished, but a great portion of the £20,000 required for its completion has already been subscribed, and on the 20th of December, 1900, the work of completion was inaugurated. Within, the Cathedral is panelled largely with encaustic tiles, and is adorned by the beautifully-executed Selwyn Memorial pulpit and by the tomb of Bishop Harper. The organ, the choir, and the fine peal of bells render Christchurch Cathedral a worthy rival of many English provincial cathedrals centuries old. Facing the Cathedral is Woolner's statue of John Robert Godley, the founder of Canterbury. In the southwest angle of the Square is the Post Office—an imposing structure of brick, faced with limestone. The Australian Provident Society's Buildings on the west, Morten's Buildings on the south, and Hobbs's Buildings on the north, are all worthy of their central position; and with its trams and cab stands, its drinking fountain and incandescent lamps, it is hard indeed to realise that Cathedral Square of to-day is the sand and shingle bed of only fifty years ago.
The Cathedral, of course, dwarfs all the other eccleciastical institutions, in size and dignity; but Christchurch is especially well supplied with large and imposing churches. As the South Island is comparatively free from earthquakes, the precautions that have made wooden buildings popular in Wellington and Auckland are here unnecessary; and people have almost forgotten that, in 1887, the cross and the top of the Cathedral spire were shaken one morning from the summit of the tower. Most of the Christchurch churches are substantial and handsome stone or brick buildings. The Roman Catholic Church in Barbadoes Street, an old wooden building, has been removed from its site to make way for a new and
The people of Canterbury have good reason to be proud of the importance which they have always attached to education, and of the sacrifices they have made to establish it on a secure and permanent basis. The schools and colleges of Christchurch are not unworthy of the high purpose of the Pilgrim Fathers. Of the primary schools it is sufficient proof of their magnitude to say that four of them—East Christchurch, West Christchurch, Sydenham, and Normal—each daily accommodate over 1000 children. The West Christchurch School on the Lincoln Road— the first specially endowed High School of Christchurch—has a remarkably attractive exterior, and a graceful spire and clock tower. The Normal School, built in Gothic style of grey stone on the north of Cranmer Square, is probably the finest structure of the kind in New Zealand; and it combines with the ordinary day school a training school for teachers. On the south side of Cranmer Square is the Girls' High School, one of the institutions managed by the Canterbury College Board of Governors; and in Worcester Street, between Montreal Street and the Museum, lie the other schools and colleges—including the Boys' High School —subject to their authority. They are uniformly built of grey-blue stone, faced with limestone. Canterbury College itself contains three sections or wings of lecture rooms, as well as an engineering college, a physical science laboratory and a hall. This hall, lit by beautiful stained glass windows and panelled throughout with New Zealand woods, is a magnificent witness to the prosperity of the institution. The Biological Laboratory stands a little apart within the same grounds, and contains an observatory with a four-inch telescope, due to the generosity of the late Mr J. Townshend. The School of Art, in the same block, has been described by many critics as architecturally the most beautiful building in the city. On the other side of Antigua Street, facing the College Hall, is the Museum, the finest on this side of the line. Certainly no other New Zealand city can boast of such magnificent educational institutions.
There are many other detached buildings well worthy of note. The Christchurch Hospital enjoys a beautiful situation on a terrace that runs back from the Avon, and is surrounded by well laid out grounds. The Hyman Marks Ward and the new Nurses' Home dwarf, but do not spoil, the low picturesque facade of the older building. Christ's College Grammar School, the pride of the early settlers, “the Eton of New Zealand,” is a curious mixture of buildings of different dates and styles. The old school room with its tremendously high pitched roof, the pretty chapel, and the new hall adjacent are full of interest and attractiveness. The City Council Chambers, a building in the style of the Belgian or Flemish Town Halls, between Canterbury College and Cathedral Square, is certainly the most artistic erection in brick work to be found in New Zealand. The stone portion of the old Provincial Buildings in Armagh and Durham Streets is an interesting example of the Gothic style; and the Provincial Council Chamber still forms one of the most ornate of New Zealand public halls. The Supreme Court, between Armagh and Victoria Streets, is a singularly handsome structure in the Italian Renaissance manner. The Australian Mutual Provident Buildings, in Cathedral Square, a massive erection in grey stone, contains a splendidly decorated hall, in which the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce holds its meetings. One of the most significant proofs of the progress and prosperity of the province is to be found in the Agricultural and Industrial Hall, which was completed in time to accommodate the Jubilee Exhibition in December, 1900. The work of erecting the Hall for exhibitions and other public purposes, was undertaken jointly by the Industrial Association and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The buildings occupy the block long owned by Dr. Prins, between Manchester, Gloucester, and Worcester Streets. The entertainment hall, with seating accommodation for over 2000 persons, is the finest of its kind in New Zealand. The building, without the land, cost about £20,000, and its handsome facade of brick and stone, though fronting on a narrow street, is justly regarded as one of the architectural glories of the city. All that is needed to render the appearance of Christchurch worthy of its wealth and prosperity is the removal of some of those survivals of the early days, which, however interesting from the antiquarian point of view, are a serious blot upon the architectural symmetry of the town.
Christchurch, and, in fact, most of Canterbury, is bountifully supplied with water of the best quality. According to Professor Hutton, Curator of the Christchurch Museum, the geological formation of the site of Christchurch and of much of the Plains consists of beds of clay, impervious to water, alternating with layers of shingle and sand, through which percolates the water from the hills and the rivers. The formation is, of course, alluvial, and the clay being carried further than the other materials has closed over the ends of the layers of sand and shingle, and formed a large series of water-tight reservoirs. To get a flow of water, all that is necessary is to sink a pipe until it reaches the underground supply, and the water then rises to a level, depending upon the level from which it is derived. There are three strata so far worked in this way: the first stratum at a depth of about 85 feet, the second from 170 to 210 feet, and the “deep” stratum from 210 to 350 feet. The second stratum supply seems smaller than the first, as its level is more quickly affected by sinking new wells.
The shingle and sand through which the water percolates forms a great
It is difficult to get any accurate evidence about the level of the supply or its diminution. The value of the calculations made depends largely upon the season of the year. However, there is no doubt that since 1864, when the sinking of artesians began, the flow has fallen about eight feet. It fell about three feet from 1864 to 1885. Professor Hutton points out that this does not mean that the supply is decreasing; but that a constantly increasing demand is made upon it. In 1895 it was stated by a good practical authority that there were in and about Christchurch and suburbs about 7000 first stratum wells. These discharged on the average about two gallons each per minute, giving an aggregate of about twenty million gallons per day, which far exceeds the supply used by any city in the world. A supply of thirty gallons per day would be far more than sufficient for every inhabitant. In 1895 this would have meant that 1,500,000 gallons were used per day; and the balance of the twenty millions was, in a sense, wasted. At that time there were said to be about 300 second stratum wells in and around Christchurch; and competent judges declared that at least one well per day was then going down to the first stratum, and one per week to the second stratum. Such a constant drain could not fail to affect the level of the supply. When the second stratum was first tapped at 194 feet, the water rose eleven feet above the surface; by 1895 it was necessary to sink 250 feet to get such a rise. When the water is struck at a favourable spot it rushes from the pipe in a sparkling icy stream, a marvellous sight to those accustomed to the droughts of Australia and other less favoured lands. But there is a great danger that through the reckless waste of the present generation many of these advantages may be denied to their successors.
Some further figures may convey a more adequate idea of the enormous supply and the extent to which it is abused. In 1897 it was calculated that there were in Christchurch City (without suburbs) 4000 wells, giving about five million gallons daily. The city population was about 17,000, and at twenty gallons per day this would mean that about one-fifteenth of the supply was used, and the balance (at least 4,000,000 gallons) ran to waste. At twenty gallons per head a day, the supply at that time was sufficient for a population of 250,000, or a city of the size of Melbourne. Another aspect of the case is presented by the fact that some of the second stratum wells flow at the rate of 40,000 gallons in twentyfour hours. Two six-inch lower stratum wells, similar to the wells in Victoria
Before dealing with the cognate subject of drainage, it may be well to mention a matter connected with the Canterbury water supply, which, while it has little to do with Christchurch itself, has a most important bearing upon the future of the province as a whole. The question of irrigation is, for the Canterbury Plains, a matter of vital importance. Large stretches of the Plains are so dry as to be in their natural state almost useless for either agricultural or pastoral purposes. But the large number and great volume of the rivers affords a means of remedying this natural defect. Between the Rakaia and the Ashburton, the Ashburton and the Hinds, the Hinds and the Rangitata, land once almost useless has been made by irrigation, productive and valuable. The work was first taken in hand in 1878 by the Ashburton County Council, and a scheme of irrigation was inaugurated by which every unwatered portion of the country has been brought within easy reach of a water-race. At first the water was intended only for stock, and needed filtering for domestic purposes. But now every farm in the county has a secure water supply. The system has been extended to other counties, and enlarged to suit the requirements of agriculture. In Selwyn a charge of from 8s 4d to 25s for 100 acres is made for water; in Ashburton about £3 is the fee for one mile of race per year; in Geraldine 7d per acre, with water rates, is charged, and in Waimate the races are maintained by an annual charge on the value of the lands watered. Altogether, in these four counties, over one million acres are watered by 2796 miles of water-races, distributing at least 200 million gallons every twenty-four hours. The cost per acre watered varies from 1s 2d to 4s 7d; and the total cost of the system has been considerably over £120,000. But the results are truly astonishing. In the words of an experienced old colonist, “water has changed the whole face of nature in the districts that now enjoy its benefits, and on the Plains life that was hardly tolerable before is now worth living.” The splendid success of irrigation, as far as it has gone, presages an even brighter history for the province in the future.
Intimately connected with the question of the water supply is that of drainage, and the inhabitants of Christchurch have gone to great trouble and expense to provide their city with a complete and efficient drainage system. The city is at the highest point only about sixteen feet above high water mark, and the fall from the city to the sea is very gradual. The presence of numerous streams, the nearness of the subterranean water supply to the surface, and the very slight fall in the land, all, at first, combined to render the site of Christchurch distinctly unhealthy. As the town grew, and the houses became comparatively crowded, the vital statistics showed that the city deserved its evil reputation, and it was plain that these disadvantages would be aggravated with its growth. To meet these difficulties, in 1875, a special Act of Parliament constituted the Christchurch Drainage Board. This body proceeded at once to deal with the difficulty in a vigorous and practical manner. Following the recommendation of Mr. W. Clark, C. E., the board has constructed an elaborate system of sewers for surface drainage and sewage proper. Mr. Clark, in his report of 1878, pointed out that the most important feature affecting the public health of Christchurch and its suburbs was its waterlogged site. “Over a large area of the city, especially in winter, water is met with at from four feet to a few inches only below the surface of the ground, and at Waltham the water during the winter time is stagnant on the surface. While, therefore, the present imperfect removal of filth is a growing evil, the exhalation from a very damp soil is abundantly present.” In the year 1875 the population of the city was 10,600, yet there were forty-nine deaths from typhoid and twenty-one from phthisis. The general death-rate (per 1000 births) was 30.4, and the infant death-rate was 184.2. As a proof of the change in health conditions, produced by the drainage system, it is sufficient to quote the vital statistics for 1889. The population had then increased to 16,785, but there were only five deaths from fever, and eight from phthisis, while the general death-rate had fallen from 30.4 to 9.7. The statistics quoted in a previous section show how effective the drainage system has been in protecting and improving the health of the population.
The surface drainage of the city and suburbs is collected in side channels constructed by the various local bodies in the district. These channels discharge storm water into the Avon and its tributaries by means of sewers specially constructed by the board. There are about eleven miles of these sewers, and they cost over £57,000. They are found thoroughly effective in clearing the surface water away. For the removal of sewage proper, Mr. Clark, in his report of 1878, discussed a variety of schemes. He emphatically condemned the suggestion of utilising either the Avon or the Heathcote for sewage channels, and he rejected the plans for discharging sewage into the Sumner Estuary or into the sea. In place of these unsatisfactory methods, Mr. Clark recommended that the sewage should be conveyed to the sandhills, which lie to the east of the city, between it and the sea, and that it should be used there to irrigate and fertilise the soil. The difficulty of fall was got over by pumping, and the liquid sewage is deposited on the sand before it has time to decompose. It is filtered through the sand, and, no longer noxious, is discharged by drains into the estuary. This system has been adopted with unqualified success. The quicksands and the loose nature of the soils caused great trouble in laying the pipes and constructing the sewers, which, with pumping plant, machinery and buildings cost about £127,000. Ample margin was left for a very large increase in the population before further sewers would be required. The sewers are well ventilated, and house connections are made under the board's inspection. In all, the board has nearly fifty miles of covered sewers under its care. The experiment of irrigating the sandhills with the sewage has been highly successful; large tracts of absolutely barren sand have been fertilised, and the Sewage Farm, half way between New
But it must be admitted that much still remains to be done to perfect the drainage system. In 1900 Dr. Frengley made a house-to-house inspection in the city, and his report to the City Council on the subject is very instructive. He examined within the city limits 4116 houses, and found only 468 in a perfectly sanitary condition. There are, the report states, no slums in Christchurch; but, on the other hand, there are nearly 900 premises in the city— nearly one-fourth of the whole—in an unsatisfactory hygienic state. The remedies suggested by Dr. Frengley are: the connection of all houses with the main sewer, and the institution of a high pressure water supply which would ensure the flushing of the drains. The difficulty about the artesian supply is that it is by no means a high pressure supply unless obtained from a great depth. Here, again, the drainage question, naturally involves the water supply; and the possibilities of a high pressure system for Christchurch have often been discussed. The great volume of the Waimakariri suggests that it may be possible to provide the city with a high pressure supply from that source. Careful inspection has, however, convinced many competent critics that the scheme is not feasible. The varying volume of the river, its changes of channel, the expense of laying some forty miles of pipes to supply a large city— these considerations are too important to be lightly dismissed. The alternative scheme is the construction of a reservoir on the Port Hills, to which artesian water could be raised by pumping. The scheme is certainly not beyond the resources of the city, for it has been carried out on a small scale for Lyttelton and Sumner. There is no doubt that in the near future some such provision must be made for the health and comfort of the city. The scheme briefly known as “harnessing the Waimakariri” suggests at least one feasible means for the attainment of the desired end. But in any case, no one who has traced the growth and development of Christchurch believes that its citizens will be content with anything but the best protective sanitary arrangements that their resources will allow.
No city in New Zealand is so well supplied as Christchurch with vacant areas and recreation reserves. It is true that in Dunedin, Auckland, and Wellington the hilly nature of the site has made a lavish reservation impossible. But the founders of the province and the Canterbury Provincial Councils made exceptional use of their opportunities. It would be difficult to conceive of Christchurch without Hagley Park: a splendid area of over 400 acres in extent, lying within ten minutes' walk of the centre of the town; it is hard to understand what Christchurch could have done without it, or to estimate its enormous importance in
The Botanical Gardens, which surround the Museum and separate the North Park from the South Park, are about seventy-nine acres in area. They are laid out with care and taste, and contain a great variety of rare and beautiful plants. But the chief attraction in the gardens is the river, which, with its drooping willows, is a never ceasing source of delight to those who love quiet but exquisite scenic effects. Facing the main entrance in Hereford Street is a fine statue of William Sefton Moorhouse, once Superintendent of the Province, and ever famous in its annals as the man who conceived and carried into execution the project of uniting the city and its port by railroad through the intervening hills. Within the limits of the Botanical Gardens are the aviaries and fish ponds of the Acclimatisation Society, which has conferred incalculable benefits upon the province by the introduction of trout and various game birds.
There is another public reserve which, so far, has attracted little attention, but which will ultimately become one of the most precious possessions of Christchurch. Victoria Park, on the Port Hills, was originally a quarry reserve, but in 1883, through the importunity of several public-spirited gentlemen, it was converted into a recreation reserve, and placed in charge of a body consisting chiefly of the Chairman of the Selwyn County Council and the Mayors of Christchurch and Sydenham. The area of the reserve is about 189 acres, of which about seven acres are planted. Victoria Park lies on the Dyer's Pass Road, which leads over the Port Hills to Governor's Bay, It commands a splendid view of the plains and the city, and its elevation makes it a delightful resort even in its present unadorned condition. The growth of residences along the lower slopes of the Port Hills testifies to the popularity of this locality; and in time to come Victoria Park and its surroundings will be an even more valuable reserve than those lying within the limits of the city.
Attention has already been called to those two picturesque enclosures, Latimer and Cranmer Squares. Though not a public reserve, Lancaster Park, in the south-east of the city, deserves notice as one of the most beautiful and perfectly appointed athletic grounds in the Southern Hemisphere, though it is only about twelve acres in extent. Its pavilions, its cycling track, swimming bath, tennis lawns, and its splendid cricket ground afford athletic advantages surpassed in no city on this side of the globe. An attempt has lately been made to provide similar facilities in the suburbs by the transformation of the old Agricultural Show Grounds at Sydenham into a public domain. This good work has been undertaken by the Sydenham Borough Council.
The people of Christchurch have never seemed to take much interest in private gardens—that is to say, in gardens kept up as a commercial speculation and open at a small charge to the public. The reasons are not far to seek. In the first place, the magnificent public reserves, already described—Hagley Park, the Museum Gardens, Victoria Park, and Latimer and Cranmer Squares—provide unlimited scope for the forms of enjoyment to which private gardens are usually devoted. The river, with its grassy, well shaded banks, offers first rate facilities for picnics and outings along most of its course. The proximity of Sumner and New Brighton, and their close connection by tram with the city, make resorts of this kind superfluous. As to flower gardens, every stranger who visits Christchurch is at once struck with the amazing number and beauty of the gardens attached to private dwellings. The level fertile ground, and the large area of the city afford room for horticulture to an extent impossible in Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin. The result of all this is that there has never been any demand in Christchurch for “private gardens,” like McNab's famous gardens at the Hutt, or even like the Karori gardens, or the tea gardens at Kilbirnie. Somewhat elaborate attempts at popularising such resorts have occasionally been made. Those who knew Christchurch twenty-five years ago or more will recollect Taylor's Gardens (on the Lower Lincoln Road, next to the old High School) with their fantastic maze, and splendid swimming bath. But the ground has long since been cut up into building allotments, and no one seemed to miss it. The chief efforts made in this direction have attempted to provide picnic facilities for those who go down the river in boats; and “The Pines” and Bligh's Tea Gardens, near
Lyttelton Harbour seems generally underrated as a pleasure resort. Most strangers are impressed by its beauty; but very few Christchurch people seem to go down there for pleasure, except to the New Year's Day Regatta, which is almost as well established an institution as “Show Day” with all old colonists. The harbour is sufficiently large and the coast line is sufficiently broken to offer a considerable variety of short sea trips. Diamond Harbour and Purau or Rhodes' Bay can be reached by launch from Lyttelton in half an hour. In fine weather the rocky beaches, the rugged tussock-clad hills, and the shaded creeks combine to form an ideal picnic resort. From Diamond Harbour any one who wants a rough but delightful tramp can take the old track known as the Purau line, which crosses the hills behind Mount Herbert and leads to Akaroa. From Purau a good, though steep, road leads over a high ridge to Port Levy; and on the way there are still some picturesque fragments of bush. These two bays are on the side of the harbour opposite to the town of Lyttelton. Near the head of the bay is Governor's Bay, which can also be reached by water from Lyttelton in half an hour. Her clumps of bush still grow down almost to the water's edge; though the bush in the valleys on either side of the Dyer's Pass Road, twenty-five years ago beautifully luxuriant, is now absolutely destroyed. Governor's Bay is a delightfully sheltered spot, and the high and rather glommy hills overhanging the peaceful blue water give it a singularly restful aspect. It is less than ten miles from Christchurch by the Dyer's Pass Road, and it is further connected by coach daily and by launch frequently, with Lyttelton. All these advantages have made it a favourite summer resort, and it is said to hold the New Zealand record for honeymoons. Very comfortable accommodation is to be found both at the hotel and at private boardinghouses.
Beyond the limits of Lyttelton Harbour there are several sea trips practicable, which as they can be covered within the day, may be regarded as harbour excursions. Just outside the East Head is Port Levy, to which launches or small steamers run several times a week. The trip lasts about three-quarters of an hour each way, and is generally free from any discomfort in the way of rough weather. There are beautiful gullies still holding bush at Port Levy, picturesque hills, and a very interesting Maori settlement. There is not public accommodation there, but the generosity and hospitality of the settlers more than supply this lack. The whole coast of Banks' Peninsula is broken up into deep bays running up among hills once thickly wooded and still beautiful even where axe and fire have done their devastating work. It is possible to get to Okain's Bay, Little Akaloa, and Pigeon Bay three times in the week, under ordinary circumstances returning on the same day. The trip to Le Bon's Bay and to Akaroa, the finest and most picturesque harbour in Canterbury, if not in New Zealand, takes three or four hours; so that the return is generally made on the following day. On Anniversary Day, the 16th of December, an annual regatta is held at Akaroa, an on that day hundreds of excursionists go by water from Lyttelton to Akaroa and return before night. Akaroa Harbour, apart from its extreme natural beauty, is surrounded by scenes of great romantic interest from their connection with the Maori and the European history of Canterbury.
To any one who knows Banks' Peninsula and the peculiar charm of its scenery, so utterly distinct from anything else in the province, it is always a matter for surprise that the inhabitants of Christchurch take so little interest in it, and that excursions do not run there more frequently. A voyage of an hour or two in calm water leaves one in most varied and picturesque scenery, and introduces one to a most interesting form of life absolutely unlike anything to be found on the Canterbury Plains. It is only lack of enterprise that has allowed the Peninsula to remain so long in obscurity; but as Christchurch grows, and its inhabitants demand more urgently changes of air and scene, these delightful trips will no longer be neglected, and Lyttelton Harbour and its surroundings will gain the high place and reputation that they deserve among the most picturesque of New Zealand seaside resorts.
The formation of the country does not tend to promote sight-seeing or railway excursions on the Canterbury Plains. For over one hundred miles, north and south, and thirty to forty miles east and west, the difficulty is to find an
The Hanmer Plains district is a health resort, which has already become popular throughout New Zealand. To reach it the traveller takes the north train, which runs daily as far as Culverden—sixty-nine miles. The remainder of the distance—twenty-four miles—is done by coach. Occasional excursion trains to Amberley or to Waikari are put on by the department on holidays, allowing visitors to see something of the picturesque Mount Grey Downs or the Weka Pass.
The only railway approach to Banks' Peninsula is by Little River (thirty-six miles from Christchurch), for which trains leave daily. Thence coaches daily take passengers and luggage to Akaroa or the bays, into which the harbour is broken. Little River itself, with Lake Forsyth and the picturesque Okuti Valley, is well worth a visit if only for the day.
Of scenic resorts within comparatively easy distance of Christchurch the most noticeable are the Waimakariri Gorge and the Otarama bush. For the gorge and its famous bridge, there is no regular train service, though it can be reached without much trouble from the Springfield or Oxford line. Otarama is, perhaps, the wildest and most picturesque bit of country on the east side of Porter's Pass; and its preservation as a sort of national park is pretty well assured for the future. On special holidays trains are run down to the Otarama station, the first halting place on the still unfinished Midland Railway line. But on ordinary occasions it is easy to walk or drive the three miles from Springfield to the bush, or through the tunnel to Paterson's Creek. As the daily train from Christchurch does not reach Springfield till midday, it is not possible, with the ordinary train service, to visit Otarama within one day.
Kaiapoi, fourteen miles north of Christchurch, well deserves a visit for its river and its woollen factory; and three or four miles further along the North Road is the Maori Pa, which though now highly civilised, is interesting as a relic of the days when Kaiapohia was one of the greatest of Maori strongholds. Two trains leave Christchurch for Kaiapoi every day, and the trip can easily be made within twelve hours.
Besides the occasional trips already mentioned, the Railway Department frequently takes advantage of public holidays to run trains from the country towns on the plains towards the hills. Thus from Timaru special trains are not infrequently run to Fairlie or Albury, and from Ashburton to Mount Somers and Springburn. The holiday excursion fares are so low—twopence per mile first-class, one penny per mile secondclass, counted as return—that the excursion traffic is now assuming large dimensions. For the year ending the 31st of March, 1900, there were issued at Christchurch excursion tickets for 193, 126 passengers, representing a return to the revenue of £25,878. The figures for the other chief centres were: Dunedin, 132, 955 passengers, £24,681; Wellington-Napier, 90,296 passengers, £14,386; Invercargill, 59,991 passengers, £11,957; Auckland, 86,857 passengers, £10,963.
The position of Canterbury in this list is a sufficient proof of the popularity of her holiday resorts, and of railway facilities afforded to those who desire to reach them.
Much the most important excursion in Canterbury is what is generally known as the Mount Cook trip. The starting point for the excursion is really Timaru, 100 miles south of Christchurch; but this town can be reached every day from Christchurch in about four hours. A railway line runs north and west from Timaru to Fairlie (thirty-nine miles), and the coach service twice a week carries tourists through to the Hermitage (ninety-six miles) within two days. The Hermitage is an accommodation house kept by a guide under Government
Another extremely interesting excursion is that generally known as the West Coast trip by Springfield, Porter's Pass, and the Otira Gorge to Kumara and Hokitika in Westland. Springfield is forty-four miles from Christchurch by rail; and twice a week coaches run to Kumara, 100 miles away, doing the trip in two days. Springfield itself is 1200 feet above sea level, and the road rises continually till Porter's Pass is reached twelve miles along the route. Mount Torlesse (6433 feet), Lake Rubicon, the Kowhai bush, Otarama, Staircase Gully, Paterson's Creek, are all points of interest in the immediate neighbourhood of Springfield and the West Coast Road. The summit of Porter's Pass is 3102 feet above sea level, being the highest point touched on the road. Lakes Lyndon, Pearson, and Grassmere are picturesque sheets of water passed on the way. Castle Hill with its fantastic limestone pinnacles, and the Broken River cave through which a rushing stream pours from a hillside, are well worthy of inspection. But the coach does not stop except to change horses till it reaches the Bealey Crossing, forty-five miles from Springfield. On the way tourists will observe with admiration not unmixed with awe the sharp grades and curves of the Craigieburn and Waimakariri Cuttings, which leave room for fine displays of skill on the part of both driver and horses. Those who care to stay a day or two at the Bealey can make a day's trip to the beautiful glacier at the head of the Waimakariri. Early next morning the coach starts up the Bealey Valley and gradually rises into Arthur's Pass. Across the Bealey, halfway up the valley, is a magnificent waterfall— the Devil's Punch Bowl—over 500 feet high. The summit of Arthur's Pass is 3038 feet above the sea; and here is the boundary line which separates Westland from Canterbury. The great sight of the trip, the Otira Gorge, forms the descent into Westland, and it is enough to say that every other scene on the road is dwarfed by comparison with its grandeur. Waterfalls, precipices, huge mountains, snow-clad summits, roaring torrents, a luxuriant alpine flora combine to render the gorge one of the marvels of New Zealand. The Otira accommodation house is thirteen miles from the Bealey, and sixteen miles further on is Jackson's, once a terminus of the Midland railway. Sad to say, the construction of the line has destroyed some of the chief beauties of the road, as the lovely fern-decked bush has been felled along the route. From Jackson's the tourist can take train to Greymouth, or can follow the coach round down the Teremakau, over the Taipo, and through a stretch of beautiful bush, to Kumara, 100 miles from Springfield.
Volumes might be written on the various attractions awaiting tourists in the mountain regions of Canterbury. Besides the Arthur's Pass Road, the routes across the dividing range by Browning's Pass, Whitcombe's Pass, Matthias Pass, and the Hurunui Saddle are all practicable, and they have the added advantage of being rarely travelled, and therefore even fuller of natural beauty than the comparatively civilised Arthur's Pass route. Lakes such as Lake Heron, on the Ashburton, and Lake Coleridge, on the Rakaia, would make a great reputation for any country less bountifully supplied with magnificent scenery.
The Hanmer Plains district is in itself highly interesting, and to patriotic natives doubly so, as affording some kind of set off to the marvels of the Hot Lakes in the North Island. The Hanmer Plains lie ninety-three miles north of Christchurch; but sixty-nine miles can be done by train to Culverden, and the remaining twenty-four miles are finished by coach in the day. The drive from Culverden along the Waiau and over the famous Gorge bridge is, in fine weather, a delightful excursion. There is a large Government Sanatorium, the grounds of which enclose the Hot Springs. The medicinal and curative properties of the baths are already well known, and with time will be even more widely recognised. There are two comfortable hotels at Hanmer Plains, situated at Jack's Pass and Jollie's Pass, the two tracks leading back to the valley of the Clarence. There are many fine mountains worth climbing, and the scenery along the Acheron and Clarence within an easy drive of the plains is very attractive to all energetic enough to explore it. It is possible by going up the Clarence to St. James to reach Lakes Ada and Tennyson, and the Spencer Range. The district only requires advertisement to become popular, and all tourists who attempt the trip will find themselves well repaid.
From Culverden, where the coach starts for Hanmer Plains, it is possible to drive north to Kaikoura, and thence along the coast to Blenheim. The landscape between the Waiau and Kaikoura is picturesque and varied; and in cold weather the snow effects are remarkably fine. The country for twenty miles on either side of the Clarence, where the road runs along the coast, is singularly beautiful in its mingling of bush scenery with picturesque seascape.
Banks' Peninsula is a country absolutely distinct in appearance and character from the rest of Canterbury. Once thickly wooded, its valleys still hold a great deal of picturesque bush. Its alternations of hill and gully, and its rich green grass due to the heavy rainfall make it a strange contrast to a great deal of the Canterbury Plains. The bays, as they are collectively called, can nearly all be reached by steamer from Lyttelton. The favourite way of reaching Akaroa is by train to Little River, and thence by coach. The drive of nineteen miles is as difficult, as varied, and as beautiful as any coach trip in New Zealand, outside the main range. The relics of Maori life, and the vestiges of the old whaling era, of French settlement, and of early English colonisation, give Akaroa and the country round a high historical interest. The following extract from Mr. S. C. Farr's Reminiscences, published in “Canterbury Old and New,” may give some idea of the Peninsula as it was in the early days: “The panoramic birds' eye view we had of the luxuriant and romantic country almost baffles description. Over the whole scene sublimity reigned. The grand rugged mountains, with summits of rocky crags, reared themselves around to altitudes varying from 1500 to 2800 feet; ridges of wooded hills sloped to
In addition to these more celebrated resorts there are scores of spots in Canterbury wherein the tourist can find interest and occupation if he is so inclined. The Mount Grey Downs, the Rakaia Gorge, the country at the head of the Ashburton, the country beyond Geraldine, the Oxford, and Kowhai bushes—these districts are all directly accessible from the railway, and well repay a visit. Casual visitors, seeing only Christchurch and the plains, know nothing of the varied wealth of natural beauty concealed in out-of-the-way corners of the province, quite apart from the magnificent alpine scenery to be met with in the two principal tourist trips. There are few parts of New Zealand, however well advertised, that surpass Canterbury in scenic interest. The steps taken by Sir Joseph Ward, the present Minister for Railways, to improve the tourist traffic will be watched with much interest in Canterbury. The Government has now placed all health resorts, such as Mount Cook and Hanmer, under the direct control of the Minister for Railways; and one of the district traffic managers has been appointed Tourist Commissioner. Everyone experienced in these matters will admit that the resorts in question cannot be reached at present so easily or so cheaply as they might, and that the accommodation to be found there is capable of improvement; and everyone will agree with the Minister in his statement that “every pound judiciously spent in making provision for the comfort of the visitors to the colony, and also for the comfort and pleasure of the people who reside amongst us, will be recouped indirectly over and over again.” Of the general benefit thus accruing to the colony, Canterbury will gain by no means the least important share.
Christchurch has good reason to be proud of its Public Library, which, in spite of many complaints, is, for its purpose, superior to anything else of the kind in New Zealand. The Wellington Parliamentary Library contains 50,000 volumes, but a large number of these are blue books of purely parliamentary interest. The Auckland Library, enriched by Sir George Grey's magnificent bequest, has a fine reference department, but its circulating section is immeasurably inferior to the Christchurch circulating department. The Wellington Public Library in its reference department has a more varied collection of books than are to be found in the Christchurch reference library. But, taking it all through, there is no library in New Zealand so well supplied with standard books of general interest as the Christchurch Library; and there is probably none better managed and arranged.
The Canterbury Public Library dates back to the early sixties, when a beginning in the way of a lending library was made by the Mechanics' Institute. But the financial arrangements were not a success, and at last, after some trouble, the library was taken over by the Provincial Government. It was started on its career again as a Public Library with a grant of £5000. Gradually there grew up in all the towns in the province local circulating libraries, which were largely assisted by the Provincial Government; in the year 1873, the total grants to these institutions reached £5000. In 1873 the Public Library was taken over by the newly constituted Canterbury College, and has been administered by the Governors of the College ever since. The building till lately in use was a substantial extension of the old Mechanics' Institute, and was erected in 1876; but in May, 1901, the Board of Governors entered into a contract for a still further extension on plans prepared by Messrs Collins and Harman, architects. The plans provided for handsome additions in brick and stone, and for further interior accommodation, including a public reading room sixty feet by thirty-six feet, a subscribers' reading room thirty-three by twenty-six feet, a librarian's room, a strong room, a large office for the clerks, and lavatories. Fresh floor space to the extent of 11,600
The total number of books contained in the Library is 30,800; 18,431 being in the reference library, and 12,368 in the circulating department. A large number of magazines and newspapers is provided in the public reading room. The number of subscribers for 1900 was 1800, and the revenue from this source alone was over £900. The average daily attendance at the Library is from 700 to 800. The share of the Public Library income derived from the Museum, Library, and School of Art joint fund amounted in 1899 to £463; and from the interest of the Gammack fund £200 was received. About £230 was spent on new books for the circulating department, and about £167 on books and bindings for the reference library. The institution is financially very prosperous, and at present has a credit balance of over £450. These figures are a proof of the great popularity of the institution, and its high value as an educational factor.
The Canterbury Museum is a worthy source of provincial pride, for while it is said to rank thirteenth in order of scientific importance and magnitude among all the museums of the world, if far surpasses in variety and value of exhibits any other museum south of the line. The Museum owes its success, if not its existence, to its first curator, Sir Julius von Haast. In 1859–1860 this distinguished scientist had collected geological and zoological specimens in various parts of New Zealand while travelling with Dr. von Hochstetter, of the Novara expedition. In 1861 he formed these into the nucleus of a museum, and as provincial geologist, for many years he spent untold energy and enthusiasm in increasing his collection. It was located in the Provincial Buildings, and was first publicly exhibited in 1867. In 1866 a wonderful windfall came in the way of Dr. von Haast, in the shape of a great deposit of moa bones discovered on Glenmark Station in North Canterbury, and by the owner, Mr. G. H. Moore, presented to the Museum. The value of these relics as exchanges, was very great; and all the most famous museums in the world, in returns for portions, willingly contributed to the enlargement of Dr. von Haast's collection. The doctor was constantly urging upon the Provincial Council the necessity for a building worthy of the collection, and at last, in 1869, a grant was made of £1200, which was increased by private subscription to nearly £1700. The building was begun in 1869, and opened to the public in 1870. In 1870 a special Board of Trustees was appointed to manage the institution, the life members being Messrs T. H. Potts, A. C. Barker, J. D. Enys, J. von Haast, C. Fraser, and H. R. Webb. In 1874 these trustees were included in the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, and the Museum was then handed over to that body.
For a long time the Museum had to depend on casual grants of £100 or £200 for show cases, etc., from the Provincial Council. But in 1872 Dr. von Haast succeeded in getting the Council to set aside 5000 acres of land, from which a revenue might accrue. This far sighted policy has done even more than the great curator's personal energy for the prosperity of the Museum.
The original von Haast collection— the germ of the Museum—consisted of less than 500 geological specimens. By 1863 the doctor had added 1300 more specimens, and a grant of £100 from the Council produced 2600 more. When the Museum was first publicly opened in 1867, it contained nearly 8000 separate specimens; and in 1870, when the new building was finished, it contained in all over 25,000 specimens. Since then, the number has constantly increased, and necessary additions were made to the main building in 1872, 1876, and 1882. In 1887 the institution suffered a very heavy loss in the death of its indefatigable founder, who had already received the order of knighthood, which his enthusiastic services to science and to his adopted country well deserved. He was succeeded as curator by Mr. H. D. Forbes, who resigned in 1892; and the present curator, who has held office since then is Captain F. W. Hutton, late Professor of Natural Science at Canterbury College.
The funds from which the Museum revenue is derived are drawn from the “Museum, Library, and Technical Science” reserves of Canterbury College. For the financial year of 1900 the capital account of this fund showed a credit balance of £18,000. The total income of these institutions was £2827, being £2300 from rent of reserves, and £587 from interest on capital. Of this sum, £1225 was spent upon the Museum.
In addition to the ordinary exhibits, there is a fine collection of pictures by English and colonial artists, which, though small in numbers, are invaluable to the art students of the city. This collection, as well as other sections of the Museum, owes much to the munificence of the late Mr. George Gould.
The School of Art is one of the many institutions controlled by the Canterbury College Board of Governors. It was founded in 1882, and in 1900 was attended by more than 250 students Over 75 per cent, of these are young tradesmen engaged in industries in which a knowledge of the principles of art is valuable. Scholarships were established in 1898 by the Industrial Association to enable learners in certain industries to attend the school. In 1899 two more scholarships were endowed for a similar purpose by the Builders' Association, for apprentices in carpentry, masonry, and brickwork. In the same year the Master Painters' Association and the Painters' Union jointly started a class in painting and decorating at the school. Since 1897 the school has been affiliated to South Kensington, and its pupils have won high honours in the examinations of that institution. In 1900 £600 was derived from students' fees alone; and £600 of the school's income came from the “Museum, Library, and Technical Science Fund.”
The Art Gallery was founded by the Canterbury Society of Arts, but the site in Armagh Street, opposite the Provincial Buildings, was given by the Government. The Gallery contains one of the finest collections of European and local pictures to be seen in the colonies. The annual exhibitions of the Art Society are held in these rooms. The buildings themselves cost £3240. The permanent collection of pictures cost £1000. This sum was raised by profits out of the art exhibitions, and by subscriptions;
There are no public baths in Christchurch; none, that is to say, under the control of the municipal authorities. This want is to a large extent compensated by the existence of several very fine baths in connection with various schools. The West Christchurch (Lincoln Road), East Christchurch (Gloucester Street), St. Albans and Richmond Schools have each a fine bath lined with concrete about twenty-five yards long, ranging from three feet to eight feet in depth, and supplied by a running flow of artesian water. The Boys' High School (Worcester Street) and Christ's College have similar baths on a somewhat larger scale; and the Girls' High School pupils have the use of the Boys' High School bath on fixed days. The result is that a large majority of the boys and girls now attending the primary and secondary schools in Christchurch and suburbs learn to swim before they leave school. A private bath, for the use of which a small fee was charged, was constructed some time ago at Richmond. At Lancaster Park the Athletic Company owning the ground has provided one of the best public baths in New Zealand. It is fifty yards in length by thirteen yards in breadth, and affords first-class accommodation for swimming races.
A movement has begun for the construction of municipal baths; in fact, it was suggested that the Jubilee of the province might be fitly commemorated in this way. It must be admitted, however, that the Avon, though very cold, affords good summer bathing; and the easy communication with Sumner, New Brighton, and Lyttelton provides facilities for those who care for sea bathing. Besides this, several swimming clubs are, under certain conditions, allowed the use of the public school baths already mentioned. There is thus not the same necessity for municipal baths as exists in many other colonial towns.
The funds required for the support of hospitals, asylums, and kindred institutions are chiefly derived from endowments, and local rates. To these may be added fees from patients, and contributions due to private generosity. The Christchurch Hospital, the most important institution of its kind in the province, is beautifully situated on a terrace above the Avon, at the corner of Lincoln and Riccatcon roads. Its controlling body has an annual total income of about £10,000. Chiefly through the generous bequest of the late Mr. Hyman Marks, a fine brick wing— the Hyman Marks' Ward—and a comfortable home for the nurses have lately been added to the older building. In size, comfort, and convenience, and the completeness of its appointments, the Christchurch Hospital compares favourably with any similar institution in the colony. Smaller hospitals are situated at other centres; the Timaru Hospital Board has a revenue of about £3000, the Ashburton Board about £1300, the Waimate Board £1100, and the Akaroa Board £300. At Sumner, nine miles from Christchurch, there is a Deaf and Dumb Institution, which has about fifty patients in training. The children are taught to speak with the mouth, and to read articulate speech by observing the motions of the lips. About half of the deaf and dumb inhabitants of the colony are domiciled in the institution, which is supported by the Government at a cost of over £3000 a year.
The work of distributing charitable aid and relieving the absolutely destitute is carried out by two boards. Of these the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board has an income of over £14,000, and the South Canterbury Board an income of over £2000.
One of the largest and best appointed Lunatic Asylums in the colony is situated at Sunnyside, on the Lincoln Road, about three miles from Christchurch. The returns for 1901 show that about 280 males and 230 females were treated at Sunnyside during the preceding year. There is a large farm attached to the Asylum, and those of the patients whose physical and mental condition permits so much freedom, are employed in the lighter work about the farm and buildings, with very beneficial results. The Sunnyside Asylum costs over £9000 in annual maintenance. At Ashburn Hall, a private asylum situated at Waikari, North Canterbury, twenty-two males and twenty-three females received medical treatment for insanity during the year 1900–1901. The Rhodes Convalescent Home is a picturesque building, situated on the slope of the Port Hills, near Cashmere, about 200 feet above the level of the plains. This Home, together with the valuable grounds surrounding it, was presented to the city by the family of the late Robert Heaton Rhodes. The Home is managed by a lady superintendent under the supervision of a committee; and the object of the institution is to provide a healthful change for invalids who need rest and fresh air. As the property was endowed with a revenue by the generous founders, the charges for invalids are made extremely low.
Mount Magdala is an asylum for unfortunate women. It was founded chiefly through the exertions of the Rev. L. M. Ginaty, and is managed by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The Asylum stands in a large farm about five miles from Christchurch, on the Lincoln Road. A large portion of the funds is supplied by an extensive laundry business which the institution carries on. There is accommodation for 134 inmates, and the number in residence averages about 120.
The old Addington Gaol, on Lincoln Road, is now utilised as a Samaritan Home, with accommodation for about sixty persons, and with an average of forty-four inmates. At Linwood there is a Female Refuge with an average of twenty-one inmates. At Woolston the Queen's Jubilee Memorial Home averages sixty inmates, and at Lyttelton an Orphan Asylum is provided for children needing the care of the State. The Industrial School at Burnham, about eighteen miles from Christchurch, is used as a reformatory for about 380 boys and 200 girls. At Ashburton, fifty miles from Christchurch, there has for many years been an Old Men's Home with accommodation for sixty-five persons, but on the 16th of November, 1901, the Hon. W. C. Walker, Minister in charge of the Charitable Aid Department, laid the foundation stone for a new home to be built entirely of brick, and with accommodation for from seventy to eighty inmates.
The province has various private and denominational institutions founded for charitable purposes, notably the City Mission Home, but enough has been said to show that the suffering, the destitute,
The Avon is too winding, too weedy, and too shallow to be an ideal river for boating; but rowing has flourished in Christchurch from a very early date. The two chief clubs, the Canterbury and the Union, have a long and eventful history, and have supplied many of the best champion crews that have competed in the regattas held not only in Canterbury but in the other provincial centres. At the present time there are four principal rowing clubs—the Canterbury with about 200 members, the Union with about 150, the Avon, and the Christchurch. Rowing is, of course, a summer pastime in New Zealand, and a large proportion of those who play football in winter row in summer. The regatta of Christchurch clubs could hardly be held on the Avon; though club races are of constant occurrence there. Better courses have been chosen in various years at Lake Forsyth (Little River), and on the Heathcote Estuary towards Sumner; and at Kaiapoi the Cure Boating Club for many years made the Waimakariri famous as a school for oarsmen. Apart from the Christchurch Regatta, the Lyttelton Regatta, held on New Year's Day, includes rowing as well as sailing races, and the Akaroa Regatta, held on Anniversary Day (on the 16th of December) is always a favourite holiday meeting with young men. It is difficult for an outsider to realise the amount of time, energy, and enthusiasm spent in and around Christchurch on rowing, and in spite of the disadvantage of being frequently compelled to meet rivals over rough sea courses, these smooth-water oarsmen have worthily upheld the credit of their beautiful little river.
The rowing clubs are domiciled about the East Belt, below which runs a good six-mile stretch to New Brighton. The silting up of the river, and the noxious growth of the anacharis weeds, have interfered sadly with rowing of late years. On the other side of the city, a great deal of pleasure boating is done, and the two boatsheds near the Hospital do a thriving trade. Since the dam at the old Mill Island (Hereford Street Bridge) was removed, the level of the Upper Avon has fallen considerably. But the difficulty of negotiating the weeds and occasional sandbanks is more than repaid by the beauty of the stream and the surrounding trees and verdure. The Avon constitute the chief charm of Christchurch, but no one ever understands the beauty of the Avon who has not floated down under the willows some early summer morning, from the North Belt to the Hospital, or pulled back from New Brighton under an autumn sunset, between the high green banks, tinted with the changing hues of the dying leaves. But the ordinary boating man is more practical than imaginative, and he would discount much of the picturesqueness for a straight course and
The Canterbury Plains naturally lend themselves to good roads, and easy roads generally mean that driving is a popular amusement. Certainly no city in the Australasian colonies surpasses Christchurch in the advantages it affords for driving, both as to roads and horses. The scenery in the immediate vicinity of the city is, of course, quiet, but in fine weather, especially in the spring or autumn, if the nor'-wester is not blowing —the suburbs offer a considerable variety of pleasant drives. One delightful trip is a drive up the Fendalton Road between the high hedges, flower gardens, and lofty trees of this English looking quarter of the town; then across by Bryndwyr to Papanui and back to town by Papanui Road—about eight miles in all. Upper Riccarton, four miles from town, is easily reached, and reveals a more open landscape with well tilled fields, fruitful orchards, and luxuriant hedge rows. A drive past Templeton, along the old West Coast Road brings the tourist far into the open country, within an hour from the centre of the town. At the other end of the city, Opawa, with its drooping willows and narrow lanes that follow the course of the pretty Heathcote stream, is, in its own way, no less attractive than Fendalton. A drive down Colombo Road, through St. Martin's, and Opawa, to the Heathcote Valley, and back to town by the old Ferry Bridge, through Woolston, covers perhaps thirteen miles. Further afield, the two little watering places of Sumner and New Brighton are distant, an easy drive from town. The trip to Sumner by the Ferry Road, and the return by Opawa and Wilson's Road, is about twenty miles in all. New Brighton may be reached by a splendid road that follows the river for the greater part of its course, and gives a beautiful view of the rich grassy banks and graceful willows along the lower Avon. The return may be made along the opposite bank of the river, and through Richmond, completing a round of about thirteen miles. The northern district may be reached by following the North Road past Papanui. Kaiapoi, about thirteen miles from Christchurch, is well worth a visit. Rangiora is about seven miles further along the road, which leads through some of the finest agricultural country in New Zealand. The return from Rangiora may be made through Woodend and the Maori Pa, which is still a most interesting survival of prehistoric days. A drive to Lincoln through Riccarton and Prebbleton
The longer excursions—the West Coast and Akaroa trips—have already been mentioned in another section. But enough has been said to show that the popular conception of Christchurch as a city with no scenic attractions in its immediate surroundings is altogether erroneous.
All that has been written of the drives and excursions open to visitors will suggest many opportunities for tourists or citizens who prefer to see the country on foot. The Port Hills afford a delightful contrast to the monotony of the great plains; and they are largely utilised as an excursion ground by the townsfolk. The walk to Governor's Bay, across Dyer's Pass, provides ample variety of scenery, and there are still patches of bush in the gullies towards Tai Tapu and Gebbie's Valley, which recall the distant days when the Peninsula was heavily wooded country. Banks' Peninsula, with its alternations of hill and dale, its rocky peaks and well watered gullies, is an ideal resort for tourists. Starting from Little River, it is possible to walk all round the south coast, by the old whaling stations, past Piraki to Akaroa: thence along the east and north coasts by a splendid road, through valleys everywhere beautiful and rich with traditions of European and Maori history, to Port Levy; and so past the Head of the Bay (Lyttelton), over Dyer's Pass to Christchurch again. Such a walking tour will well repay the exertion. Less ambitious pedestrians are content with such walks as fall within the scope of a single day —to Sumner, to Taylor's Mistake, to the top of Mount Pleasant—affording the finest view to be obtained on the land side of Lyttelton Harbour; or to the lighthouse at Godley Head.
Of the long trips described under other heads, all are practicable for tourists on foot. Many scores of campers have done the West Coast trip, over the Otira Gorge on foot, with casual assistance from horse or dray at the worst fords. In favourable weather, and with reasonable care, the unbridged rivers are all fordable. But the great field for pedestrian excursion, of course, lies among the hills, and especially in the region of the snowclad Southern Alps. Much of the pioneer exploration of the Mount Cook district was done by Messrs Mannering, A. Harper, and M. Dixon, and the Alpine Club founded by these enthusiasts; had an active, though, unfortunately, a short life. Anyone interested in discovering what can be done by comparatively inexperienced mountain climbers should read “With Axe and Rope,” by Mr Mannering, or “Pioneer Work in the New Zealand Alps,” by Harper. It was the work done by these energetic young colonials which made possible the later achievements of Messrs Green, Fitzgerald and other distinguished strangers, Mountain climbing is now a well established summer recreation in Canterbury. At one time, when the hills at Springfield or at the mouth of the Rakaia Gorge were snow-clad, it was a common diversion for parties of young athletes to run up the Malvern line on Saturday afternoon and spend Sunday careering down the steep sides of Mount Torlesse or Mount Hutt. Even ladies were inspired with the passion for mountaineering, and many parties of Canterbury girls have made records on the Port Hills, and in the Peninsula, and in the hill country of North Canterbury, that no trained athlete would be ashamed to claim. Unfortunately, the excessive flatness of Christchurch and its vicinity does not encourage exertion of this sort: but those who have made the experiment can tell of delightful days spent, not only in the alpine regions of Mount Cook, but in the great river gorges, and in many a wild corner of North Canterbury between the Waimakariri and the Hurunui. It is commonly held that the surroundings of Christchurch are “pretty” but tame; and few know what a vast variety of picturesque and even grand scenery lies within easy reach of anyone able and willing to spend a week on foot among Canterbury gullies, rivers, and hills.
The physical characteristics of Canterbury make it an ideal country for the cyclist. For perhaps 140 miles from the Waipara to the Timaru Downs, the traveller meets with nothing that can be called a hill; and some of the roads striking off towards the west to the main range, run from twenty to forty miles before they enter undulating country. When it is remembered that Canterbury possesses over 10,000 miles
Most of the tourist routes already described are practicable for the bicycle. Many cyclists have crossed the Dividing Range by the Otira Gorge to the West Coast; but the trip can hardly be recommended to the average rider, as the incessant rain and the dangerous rivers render the hill country rather ill adapted for such a trip. Young men accustomed to “roughing it,” however, will always find fresh delight in the 100 miles of varied and picturesque road that stretches from Springfield to Kumara. It is possible to ride from Christchurch to Timaru over the plains, and to continue the journey to Dunedin. But it must be owned that the trip is very monotonous, and is attempted chiefly by “scorchers,” or the type of rider who is always in search of a new “record.” The roads leading out towards the Southbridge and Ellesmere district pass through beautiful agricultural and pastoral country, and are much frequented by cyclists. The road to Leeston (twenty-five miles) has been the scene of many a famous road race; and the Lincoln Road, Riccarton Road, and the North Road leading past Kaiapoi, Leithfield, and Amberley to the Weka Pass (forty miles) are all, in fine weather, splendidly adapted for ordinary riding. At one time it used to be the fashion among expert cyclists to ride the hundred odd miles to the Hurunui and back to Christchurch within the day; and this “record” has been the excuse for many exciting competitions. But the Christchurch cyclists, who are not anxious about records, and want a pleasant outing amidst pretty country scenery, can enjoy themselves better nearer home. A run to New Brighton (six miles), or Sumner (nine miles) in an early summer morning is a delightful experience: and the charms of a moonlight excursion along the foot of the hills past St. Martin's, to Heathcote Valley, and back by the Ferry Bridge to town (fifteen miles) are not easy to surpass. In spite of the level uniformity of the country, it is possible to get quite sufficient practice in “hill climbing”; and competitions have been held on the lower stretches of the Dyer's Pass Road, at Cashmere, to encourage that rather heroic form of exercise, Every exertion is being made by the Pioneer Club and other influential cyclist bodies to promote the construction of cycle tracks in town and suburbs; though Christchurch is less in need of these aids to cyclists than any other town in the colony.
From the angler's point of view Canterbury is one of the most delightful countries in the world. The size and weight of colonial trout was for many years among English anglers a subject for contemptuous derision; but the stories of twenty-pounders are now so well authenticated that many sceptical fishermen having been tempted hither, have come, seen, and been conquered, Not only do trout grow here to a size undreamt of in England, but the number of the streams and the great quantity of fish that they contain make Canterbury in good seasons a veritable angler's paradise.
All necessary particulars about the trout of Canterbury and their ways can be gathered from the work on New Zealand trout fishing by the late Mr. W. H. Spackman, himself a Canterbury man, and a most enthusiastic angler. The chief rivers famous for their fishing are: the Hurunui, fair fly fishing, nine miles from Waikari; the Ashley, good sport with either minnow or live bait, four miles from Rangiora; the Waimakariri, about twelve miles from the mouth up, for either minnow or live bait, good accommodation at Kaiapoi and Belfast; the Selwyn, fine live bait fishing, about six miles from Springston station. (Here anglers camp out, where the river runs into Lake Ellesmere, so as to get the fish feeding in the morning.) The upper course of the river in the Whitecliffs district swarms with fish, of a smaller size. The Rakaia, full of fish, is about six miles from Southbridge—best fishing near the mouth; the Ashburton, good sport from the township to the mouth; the Rangitata, fine fishing ground at the mouth; the Orari, too clear for the fly, but a good minnow river; the Waihi, the Kakahu, and the Temuka are good fly streams. (These last five rivers and the Opihi are most easily fished from Winchester.) The Opihi, four miles from Winchester, is probably the best all round trout stream in New Zealand. In good season
In almost all of these streams there is the chance of a trout anywhere between five pounds and twenty pounds in weight; though, of course, the monsters of the race are comparatively rare. Still, almost every Canterbury river is now a trout stream, and though fish of twelve pounds and fifteen pounds are seldom killed in the Avon, it is, like most of the other accessible rivers, industriously “whipped” all through the season.
Lyttelton Harbour is not naturally an ideal port, as one portion of it is very shallow, and much of it is exposed to the ocean swell. But the half million of money already spent upon it has made it one of the safest and most commodious of all colonial harbours. The first jetty ever erected here was that built by Captain Thomas, surveyor for the Canterbury Association; and it was ready for Mr. Godley and the “four ships” when they arrived in 1850. The site of this jetty was long since buried in the reclamation works along the foreshore where the railway sheds now stand. The next work of the sort was Peacock's wharf, which was purchased by the Lyttelton Harbour Board in 1877.
When the Provincial Government was established the Council controlled the harbour works, and by the time the provinces were abolished, had spent on them about £141,000. Up to that time the Council had constructed the two breakwaters (from Naval Point and Officers' Point), portions of the screw pile jetty, what is now known as the No. 1 intermediate jetty, the tunnel jetty, and two boat jetties. A good deal of the foreshore reclamation work was finished; but this has since been completed by the Harbour Board. The harbour works were planned by a commission which included Robert Stephenson, the famous engineer. After the Harbour Board was constituted, the works were carried out by the Board's engineer, Mr. Napier Bell.
From January, 1877, to December, 1899, the total revenue for the port was £677,852. The expenditure, including interest and sinking fund, was £504,064. This shows a surplus of £173,788. On the other hand, there was a total deficit on the harbour works of £162,283, which has been met out of the above revenue surplus. The total credit surplus in 1899 was thus £10,167, and, on account of dredging, £1338.
The breakwaters enclose an area of about 107 acres. The Officers' Point breakwater (eastern arm) is about 2010 feet in length, the Naval Point arm is 1400 feet long. The Officers' Point arm is faced with a timber breastwork along the inside, and is there known as the Gladstone Pier. Between 1877 and 1885, and at intervals up to 1895, the inner harbour was industriously dredged. About four millions and a half tons of clay and mud have been removed at a cost of about 6d per yard, or a total expense of £83,436, spread over eleven years and a half. The rise of the tide is about six and a half feet, and the low level within the breakwater varied originally from eight feet to fourteen feet. That depth is now increased to an average of twenty feet to twenty-six feet at low water. Vessels drawing up to twenty-seven feet can now be berthed at high water, and several of the wharves can safely accommodate vessels of 8000 tons burden. The total berthage is 10,750 feet, and, without any doublebanking, there is room for nineteen ocean steamers, nine intercolonial steamers, and six sailing vessels at one time. The wharf for ocean steamers can take two of the largest steamships that visit the Port at the same time.
The graving dock at Lyttelton cost in all £105,000. It is 450 feet long, eighty-two feet wide at top, forty-six feet wide at bottom, entrance, sixty-two feet wide. The depth of water on the sill is twenty-three feet. It can thus accommodate a first-class ironclad, and is long enough for any of the ocean steamers now running to the colonies. The large patent slip is able to take up a 300 ton to 400 ton vessel. All the wharves and jetties in Lyttelton have rails laid down and are worked by the Railway Department. In the large sheds, including cool and freezing chambers for meat and dairy produce, there is storage room for over 15,000 tons; and this does not include large grain and produce sheds held by private firms. The wharves and sheds are lighted with the Harbour Board's own electric installation, so that the work of loading or unloading, for which powerful cranes are provided, need never be interrupted by night.
For the year ending the 30th of June, 1900, the shipping returns for Lyttelton were as follows: Number of vessels inwards, 1495; tonnage, 1,184,998; number of vessels outwards, 1506; tonnage, 1,246,761. Total number of vessels, 3001; tonnage, 2,431,769.
This shows an increase over 1898 of half a million tons. For the year ending the 30th of June, 1900, the exports from Lyttelton were valued at £2,761,839. The imports for the same period were valued at £1,635,947; showing a balance of out-going trade in favour of Lyttelton of £1,125,892. On the whole, the £500,000 expended on Lyttelton Harbour works—including dock, jetties, dredging, and steam-tug—has already given a handsome return, and will certainly repay the town and the province tenfold in the near future.
The rise and fall of the tide is, on the average, only about six feet and a half in the harbour; and this is reduced to five feet or five feet and a half on the open coast at New Brighton and Sumner. There is thus nothing to necessitate such long and expensive wharves as have been required, for example, at Auckland; where the tides rise and fall nearly twelve feet, and it is impossible, because of the gradual slope of the beach, to get deep water at low tide anywhere close to the shore. From the first, all the natural conditions have facilitated the construction of wharves and jetties at Lyttelton.
The position of Christchurch makes it the natural centre not only for Canterbury lines, but also for the railways of the whole Island. Situated on the main trunk line—what is still known as the Hurunui-Bluff line—it is in direct communication with the southern extremity of the colony; and the progress made with the Blenheim line augurs favourably for its speedy connection with the northern end as well. The Midland line is still far from completion, but it will confirm the supremacy of Christchurch as a distributing centre for the southern half of the colony. In addition to these main lines, Christchurch is directly connected by subsidiary lines with every important district in the province.
Between Christchurch and Lyttelton, the chief port (seven miles) fifteen trains run on ordinary days and five on Sundays. Statistics already quoted show that the passenger traffic and goods traffic on this line is greater than on any other similar line in the colony. Attention has also been called to the danger to which Christchurch is exposed through connection with its port by the one line through the tunnel, without any auxiliary road by which, in case of accident, traffic could be maintained. The low fares (8d second, Is first) encourage passenger traffic; but the freight charges are exceptionally heavy, and are not only a source of discontent to Canterbury, but a positive and serious hindrance to the development of her trade. When North Canterbury farmers still think it cheaper to cart their wool to Kaiapoi and ship it to Lyttelton, taking four times as long as the trip by rail, there must be something radically wrong with the railway freights. It is the general opinion in the province that Canterbury is taxed heavily on this one indispensable line, to make up deficiencies on less successful lines in other parts of the colony.
The main trunk line runs north as far as Culverden, and, as already seen, will ultimately meet the Blenheim coast line. Trains run to Culverden (Sixty-nine miles) twice a day; but there is a midday train as well as far north as Rangiora (twenty miles). The run to Culverden takes four hours and a half— an average of fifteen miles and a half per hour—which, considering that the Weka Pass is a serious obstacle, is not, for a New Zealand train, disreputable. The morning train runs up to Rangiora within the hour. On Wednesday and Thursday a train leaves Culverden early in the morning; but on other days in the week, it starts from Waikari, twenty miles south of Culverden. There is an afternoon train every day from Culverden to Christchurch; fares, first, 8s 9d; second, 5s 10d.
From Kaiapoi (fourteen miles from Christchurch) on the northern line, a line is laid to West Oxford, twentyseven miles from Kaiapoi, through Eyreton, fifteen miles from Kaiapoi. On Mondays there is a morning train, but on other days there is only one train from Kaiapoi to Oxford, and that in the afternoon. Similarly there is a Monday train in the afternoon from West Oxford to Kaiapoi, but on other days there is only the morning train; fares— Christchurch to Oxford, first, 5s 3d; second, 3s 6d.
Oxford West is further connected with Christchurch by a line from Rangiora passing through the Cust, twelve miles from Rangiora. The line to Oxford from Rangiora is twenty-one miles. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, there is a morning train from Rangiora to Oxford, and on the same days an afternoon return train. There is an early morning train daily from Oxford to Rangiora, and a daily afternoon return. The fares are the same as by the Kaiapoi-West Eyreton line. By both lines the forty-one miles between Christchurch and Oxford are covered in about three hours ten minutes; or an average
Southbridge is thirty-one miles from Christchurch, and, lying off the main south railroad, is reached by a separate line. There are two ordinary trains from Christchurch, morning and afternoon, and they succeed in spending two hours and a half on the way at an average speed of twelve miles an hour. The Southbridge train is probably the slowest in the colony, and is certainly oneof the least comfortable. There are two regular trains daily from Southbridge to Christchurch with extras from Lincoln, fourteen miles from Christchurch; and Hornby Junction, six miles from Christchurch, three days in the week. The fares from Christchurch to Southbridge are—first, 4s; second, 2s 8d.
The Peninsula is reached by train to Little River, thirty-six miles. The line follows the course to Southbridge as far as Lincoln Junction, and then runs towards the southern foot of the Port Hills. The morning train runs through to Little River on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday only; but there is an afternoon train on these days and Tuesdays as well. The run to Little River takes about two hours and a half—about fourteen miles and a half per hour. The ordinary return train from Little River runs in the morning and afternoon on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday; but from Lincoln onward, the ordinary Southbridge train connects with Christchurch. Fares—first, 4s 7d; second, 3s 1d.
The line to Springfield (the Malvern line as it should be called) is important chiefly as leading to the West Coast by the famous Arthur's Pass coach road. Springfield is forty-four miles from Christchurch; there are two trains daily, morning and afternoon; and the trip from Christchurch up the constantly rising line occupies three hours and a half, at an average of about thirteen miles per hour. The fall on the return journey makes a difference of nearly half an hour. Fares—first, 5s 7d; second, 3s 9d.
To reach Whitecliffs and the Malvern coal district, a branch line is laid from Rolleston Junction, on the Springfield line, fourteen miles from Christchurch. Whitecliffs is forty-two miles from Christchurch—a run of three hours and a quarter, at less than thirteen miles per hour. There are the usual morning and afternoon trains from Christchurch to Whitecliffs and back. Fares —first, 5s 4d; second, 3s 7d.
In addition to the Rangiora and Kaiapoi branch lines, there is a line to West Oxford diverging from the ChristchurchSpringfield line. It starts from Sheffield, thirty-eight miles from Christchurch, and runs twice a week (Wednesday and Friday) to Oxford, distant twelve miles; returning on the same day. The trip takes forty-three minutes, and the fares are: first, 1s 7d; second, 1s 1d.
From Rakaia, thirty-six miles from Christchurch, there is a branch to Methven, twenty-two miles away. The tram runs and returns on two days in the week only. The time occupied is about one hour and a half, about fifteen miles per hour. The fares are: first, 3s; second, 2s.
Outside the main south line, the average rate of speed maintained on the Canterbury lines does not rise above twenty miles per hour, and on some lines, notably the Southbridge and Springfield branches, actually falls as low as twelve miles per hour. On the plains, where there are no gradients of any importance to contend with, it surely ought to be possible to maintain a higher rate of speed than this without serious expenditure of coal, or very expensive engines.
On the main trunk line—the Canterbury portion of the Hurunui-Bluff railway—the rate of speed is, of course, higher, but still far from satisfactory. The so-called “slow” train take very nearly six hours to get to Timaru—100 miles. The express manages the journey in three hours and three-quarters—at rather more than twenty-six miles per hour. This is still painfully slow, but it is a striking contrast to the absurd rates of travelling quoted.
The express, or through train, to Dunedin starts daily at eleven o'clock, and reaches Dunedin at nine o'clock the same evening. The total distance is 230 miles, the average being thus about twenty-three miles per hour for the whole journey. The fares for the through trip are—first, 28s 10d; second, 19s 3d. The “slow” train runs daily as far as Timaru, starting at eight o'clock, and stopping at intermediate stations, reaches Ashburton, fifty-three miles, by 10.45, and Timaru, 100 miles, 1.55. There is a train from Rangitata daily to Timaru, and a “slow” train from Timaru to Oamaru, connecting with Dunedin, which takes eleven hours to do 130 miles. Of course there are a great many halts, and the steep ascents near Oamaru and Waikouaiti render a high rate of speed difficult to maintain; but this is probably a record of slowness for the colonies. On every week-day but Wednesday there is an afternoon train from Ashburton to Timaru. Every afternoon a train leaves at 4.40 for Ashburton, arriving there at 8 p.m. There is also a daily afternoon train from Timaru to Oamaru. The particulars given show that Canterbury is well provided with railway communication; in fact, almost every town of importance in the province has direct railway connection with the chief city. But the high scale of freightage, and the low rate of speed attained combine to reduce considerably the general utility of the Canterbury lines.
The railway station at Christchurch is one of the best equipped stations in the colonies. There are three large goods sheds, ranging from 300 to 500 feet in length, and from forty feet to fifty-five feet in breadth. There is a large engine shed built of stone, about 130 feet by eighty feet; and two smaller engine sheds of wood. The large carriage shed is 250 feet long, and nearly fifty feet broad. But even this accommodation is not sufficient to cope with the vast and constantly increasing volume of trade. In the wheat and wool seasons, the deficiency of rolling stock on the Canterbury lines becomes every year painfully apparent.
The fact that Christchurch and its suburbs are almost absolutely on a dead level, enables the city to enjoy exceptional facilities in the way of internal communication. Tram lines are laid through the city as far north as Papanui, three miles, and in the opposite direction to Addington and Sunnyside, three miles. There is a tram-line to Sumner, nine miles, by the Ferry Road. New Brighton, six miles away, is connected with the city by two lines—one owned by the City and Suburban Tramway Company, and the other by the Christchurch Company, which controls all the other town lines. The Christchurch Company's trams start from Cathedral Square: the City and Suburban line starts from the Jubilee Clock Tower, at
The omnibus service of Christchurch is a most useful supplement to the tram system. The fact that even along the tram line, drags can pay their way in open competition with steam, is a proof of the advantages afforded to wheeled traffic in Christchurch. The trams run every hour to New Brighton and Sumner, and about every hour to Addington and Sydenham, and about every twenty minutes to Papanui, for the greater part of the day. On the North Road to Papanui it is generally possible to get a drag if a tram is not available. The buses run also to the following suburbs and outlying towns: Avonside and Dallington (towards New Brighton); Fendalton, Riccarton, Opawa (supplementing the Lyttelton train); Lincoln, Richmond, St. Albans (by Springfield Road); Willowbank (between Sydenham and Addington); Templeton (on the old West Coast Road), and the two great industrial villages, Belfast and Islington, where the large numbers of workmen employed, at the freezing and preserving works, supply drags and buses with a large amount of patronage. As Belfast is about seven miles from Christchurch on the north line, and Islington about seven miles in the opposite direction on the main south line, while Lincoln is fourteen miles away, it is evident that the 'bus system of which Christchurch is the centre is unusually large and enterprising. Along the tram lines, the fares for drags or buses is about the same as the tram fare, sometimes a little lower.
The cabs of Christchurch are a source of just pride to everybody connected with them. Canterbury is famous throughout the colonies for its horses, and certainly no other city in Australasia can make such a splendid display of horses as are to be seen any day in Cathedral Square. Both hansoms and four-wheelers are admirably horsed, and the animals, not having to contend with such roads as make cab-driving wearisome in Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland, are generally in the best of condition. The fares are certainly reasonable; 1s to any place within the city limits, and 6d per half mile extra to any place beyond the boundary. The fare by time is 4s per hour within the city, and 5s per hour outside; shorter periods are charged on a proportionate scale.
The position of Christchurch relative to the rest of the province makes it naturally a great distributing centre. Its close connection by rail with almost every township within the provincial limits has encouraged the small farmers, as well as the large runholders to transmit produce and to import goods through the capital; and its position with reference to the chief seaport in the province has confirmed its commercial pre-eminence. The figures quoted elsewhere prove that through Christchurch passes the greater part of the provincial trade, both for export and import.
It has been shown that Canterbury is a great agricultural and pastoral district. The commerce of the city is based most largely upon the productivity of the country. Without wheat, wool, and frozen meat, Christchurch would have never been more than a poor struggling township, for though the list of manufactures is yearly increasing, the city has no natural advantages in position or mineral resources that would make it a great manufacturing centre. The prosperity of the town is based upon that of the country. No one who has not watched the city carefully on market days, and gained some adequate knowledge of the enormous volume of trade done by and with the Canterbury farmers, can have any idea of the importance of the country districts to the capital. Nearly all the greatest commercial institutions—the Grain Agency, the Loan and Mercantile, the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, the Farmers' Cooperative, the Belfast Meat Company, the Islington Meat Company—with the numerous smaller houses indirectly connected with them—are based upon the staple products of the soil of Canterbury. The commerce of Christchurch thus depends for activity and steadiness upon the success of the agricultural and pastoral industries. Even when these are suffering from temporary depression, the effect upon commerce is never so sudden or so overwhelming as the depression caused by the collapse of a speculative or even a manufacturing boom. Hence Christchurch has suffered less than most colonial cities from sudden and unexpected commercial disasters.
Speculation in mining has seldom spread so far in Christchurch as to seriously interfere with the ordinary course of trade. The experiences of Otago, Auckland, and the West Coast have been reflected, but faintly, in the commercial annals of Christchurch. For while a good deal of money has at various times been locked up in Otago dredges, Auckland reefs and West Coast sluicing claims—not to mention Mount Lyell and Broken Hill—Canterbury has always been saved from desperate straits by the permanence and solidity of those industries, on which her prosperity has from the first been deeply founded. The only great speculative mania that ever overwhelmed Canterbury was the land boom of the seventies; and even the excess to which the desire for landed investment ran was due to an exaggerated estimate of the profits to be drawn from the soil.
It would be a mistake to infer that Christchurch has no important manufacturing industries. The great public works policy, involving railroads and bridges, caused the growth of two of the greatest iron-founding firms in the colonies—Anderson's and Scott Bros.'. The importance of improved farming encouraged the development of such manufacture as those of Andrews and Beaven
The future of the city, regarded commercially, is unmistakably bright. Wheat, wool, and frozen meat are necessaries of life to the world at large. It would be hard to fix a limit to the productiveness of the province in these particulars; and the prosperity of the country means, for Christchurch far more than for any other provincial centre, the commercial activity and success of the capital. The irrigation of the plains will add vastly to the productive power of the country districts. The employment of the enormous motive force now running to waste in the Waimakariri will provide unimagined facilities for commerce, and for the prosecution of manufactures on a scale which it has been hitherto impossible to attempt. The position of Christchurch will make it more and more definitely the great distributing centre of the island; and this relative superiority will be confirmed by the completion of the West Coast and Blenheim railways. Freedom from, mining speculation will assure the steady and uniform progress of the city; and Christchurch can with confidence look forward to a future even brighter and more prosperous than the past.
Canterbury was from the first a colony founded under very exceptional conditions. As far back as 1837 the New Zealand Association had been formed to colonise these islands, and its work was inspired lamely by the enthusiasm and energy of one man—Edward Gibbon Wake field. The active process of settlement was begun in 1839 with the departure of the “Tory” for New Zealand. By the close of 1841 Captain Arthur Wakefield arrived to found the Nelson settlement; and his brother, Colonel Wakefield, the New Zealand Company's agent, was anxious for him to go south and occupy the land round Port Cooper, as Lyttelton Harbour Was then called. But this choice was overruled by Governor Hobson. As time went on other settlements were projected: and in 1847 Mr. Tuckett, the New Zealand Company's Nelson surveyor, came south to examine the country on behalf of a Scotch colonising association. Unfortunately he found the plains near the sea swamped by the overflow of Lake Ellesmere, and he went on his way towards Otago, declaring this part of the country unfit for colonisation. It was thus by a series of accidents that the great plains east and south of Banks' Peninsula were left vacant for the advent of the Canterbury Pilgrim Fathers.
The Canterbury Association was formed in 1848 and incorporated in 1849. It owed its origin to the one man who did more for the theory and practice of colonisation than any other Englishman of his century. Edward Gibbon Wakefield was a man with many shortcomings, but he had in a high degree that enthusiastic energy which inspires others with its own confidence and fervour. Without him the plan of the Canterbury settlement would never have been formed. Without him the promoters would never have succeeded in overcoming
While pursuing his crusade on behalf of systematic colonisation in New Zealand, Edward Gibbon Wakefield had met John Robert Godley; and these two enthusiasts sketched the plan of settlement, of which the most important details have been stated. The locality first fixed on was the Wairarapa Valley. But several circumstances, notably the good account of the Canterbury Plains submitted to Colonel Wakefield; by Captain Daniel and Mr. George Duppa, in 1841, induced the promoters to change their purpose. An important determining factor was the letter sent in 1847 to the agent of the Association in London by the Brothers Deans, already for some years settlers on the plains. By the middle of 1848, a charter of self government had been granted to the embryo colony, and the first surveyor to the Association, Captain Thomas, was then despatched with a number of assistants to construct roads and prepare the way as far as possible for the first shipment of colonists.
The Association had many difficulties to contend with. The authorities in Downing Street looked with no favourable eye upon the project. Financial difficulties frequently cropped up. The eager zeal of Wakefield was a source of much friction, and sometimes seemed on the point of thwarting its own purposes. The choice of a bishop-designate for the new settlement was, for many reasons, singularly unfortunate. But one difficulty after another was surmounted, and when in 1849 Mr. J. R. Godley was appointed General Manager of the colony its success was assured. Besides the letters from William and John Deans already mentioned, many communications reached England testifying to the value and fertility of the country acquired for the new settlement. In August, 1849, Mr. W. D. Mantell, Government Commissioner, writing from Banks' Peninsula, declares that “The Province of Canterbury will bear comparison not only with any unsettled district in New Zealand, but with any of the already formed settlements. Even the breaking up of the Association cannot prevent it going ahead, and becoming, and remaining for a long time the leading settlement in New Zealand, and the English capital of the country.” A great impression was produced in England by a letter which Bishop Selwyn, then Primate of New Zealand, addressed to the London “Times.” The Bishop confirmed all that had been said of the great prospects of the new land, and urged others to follow his example. The “Times” commented with admiring wonder on this spectacle of “a Christian bishop, and an accomplished scholar, standing among the rude huts, the illfenced orchards, and the straggling flooks of an infant colony, as the representative of learning and religion, and inviting the generous and the adventurous to follow him across the globe.” The Bishop thought lightly of wealth, and considered that no colonial churchman should receive more than £500 a year; and the “Times” heartily backed his offer of “ample room, a fine climate, a fertile soil, a picked body of colonists, and some of the best men of our generation” as an inducement to join the Canterbury Settlement. But, unfortunately, the financial strain upon the promoters was very serious. By September, 1849, Captain Thomas wrote from Lyttelton as follows: “We have now over 110 men on surveys, roads, and buildings. Lyttelton resembles a country village in England, such is its decency, its order, its regularity, and sobriety. The town is surveyed, and we have got the trigonometrical stations fixed and extending over 30,000 acres. By Christmas we hope to complete the trigonometrical surveys of half a million acres, and the surveys and maps of Christchurch, and the town at the mouth of the Avon,” This was very encouraging; but when Mr. Godley arrived at Lyttelton in the “Lady Nugent” in April, 1850, he brought orders that all expenditure must at once be stopped. The sale of sections had not gone off as anticipated, and the Association was reduced for the time to despair. But the energy of Wakefield and Lord Lyttelton tided over the difficulty. In the early part of 1850 Lord Lyttelton became Chairman of the Managing Committee: and he, with Lord Richard Cavendish and Sir John Simeon, practically financed the Association to the extent
At last the time came when the great project was to be put into execution. In July, 1850, the intending colonists, who had arranged to leave England as soon as possible after Mr. Godley's departure, elected a Council to administer the affairs of the Society of Canterbury Colonists. The names of the members, nearly all of whom played an important part in Canterbury history, are worth recording: W. G. Brittan, LieutenantColonel Campbell, J. E. Fitzgerald, G. Lee, C. Maunsell, H. Phillips, J. Watts Russell, H. Sewell, H. J. Tancred, J. Townsend, Felix Wakefield, and E. R. Ward. The places of Mr. Lee and Mr. Sewell were taken later by Mr. Cholmondeley and Dr. Savage. This Council acted on behalf of the Colonists's Association till they left England. Among other matters they named the town at Port Cooper or Port Victoria, Lyttelton, after the able and public spirited Chairman of the Association. The name Christchurch, as the name of the Cathedral Church of Canterbury, and also of the famous University College, was retained for the town which was to be the site of the chief church and college in the settlement. By May it was announced that two ships had already been taken up. The fares were: Chief cabin £42, intermediate £25, and steerage £15. By September, everything was ready for the start. The “Times,” in commenting on the farewell banquet given to the colonists on board one of the vessels, observes: “Half a century hence, some of that company may be dwelling in the midst of thickly peopled countries, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, and venerated as the founders of cities and the soared links between England and her colonial offspring.” About 600 of the “assisted” colonists or emigrants were entertained at a dinner at Gravesend before the departure. At last the “first four ships,” now so famed in colonial records, cleared from Plymouth, On the 7th of September, the “Charlotte Jane,” 720 tons, left with 125 passengers, followed in a few hours by the “Randolph,” 761 tons, with 220 passengers. At midnight, on the 7th of September, the “Cressy,” 720 tons, sailed with 155 passengers, and next day the “Sir George Seymour,” 850 tons, weighed anchor, with 227 passengers. There were thus considerably over 700 passengers in the first small fleet despatched by the Association.
When Mr. Godley reached Lyttelton in April, 1850, he confessed himself astonished at the progress already made in the settlement. “I was perfectly astounded,” he writes, “with what I saw. One might have supposed that the country had been colonised for years, so settled and busy was the look of the port.” A jetty, immigration barracks, several substantial houses, two hotels, and a good road met the view of strangers approaching from the sea. “Certainly,” he adds, “no body of settlers ever found so much done to smooth their path as ours will find.” When the “four ships” arrived the colonists had little reason to complain. The “Sir George Seymour,” “Randolph,” “Charlotte Jane” sighted Stewart's Island all on the same day; ninety-four days out from Plymouth. In November, 1850, the “Phœbe Dunbar” brought word to Lyttelton that the “four ships” had left England, and might soon be expected. At last, on the 16th of December, a day for ever memorable in the history of the colony, the first three ships sailed into Port Victoria. It was a lovely summer's day, and the enthusiasm and joy of the Pilgrim Fathers was boundless. “When we entered,” wrote one of them, “and sailed, as it were, into the bosom of the encircling hills, who was there who did not feel at the time that he could have gone through the fatigues of the whole voyage, if it were only to enjoy the keen and pure gratification, and the lifelong memories of those few last days.” The “Cressy” did not arrive till the 27th of December, having been delayed by bad weather; but on the whole the first colonists reached Canterbury with but little hardships, and saw their new home for the first time under very favourable conditions.
At this time it must be remembered that Lyttelton was the only township in the new colony. There were two houses on the Canterbury Plains, and the farm of the Deans Brothers at Riccarton, with its heavy crops and luxuriant orchard, served as a strong contrast to the boundless tract of treeless, uncultivated land around. When Mr. Warren Adams visited the settlement in 1851–2, he was astonished and delighted at the appearance of Lyttelton. “Wide streets, neat houses, shops, stores, hotels, coffee rooms, emigration barracks, a neat seawall, and an excellent and convenient jetty with vessels discharging their cargoes upon it, met our view; whilst a momentary ray of sunshine lit up the shingled roofs and the green hills in the background, until the whole place seemed to break into a triumphant smile at our surprise.” But the first view of Christchurch, or rather of its site, was of a very different nature. “The mountains in the distance were completely hidden by the thick rain; and the dreary swampy plain, which formed the foreground beneath our feet, might extend for aught we could see, over the whole island. The few small woe begone houses, which met our view increased rather than diminished the desolate appearance of the landscape.” But the author of “A Spring in the Canterbury Settlement” did not make fair allowance for the difference produced by the weather. For the first six weeks after the “four ships” arrived, the settlers enjoyed a typical New Zealand summer. They camped in tents or built V huts of raupo and flax. As fresh batches of immigrants appeared the barracks had to be cleared out for their accommodation, and before substantial dwellings could be raised a large proportion of the newly arrived populace was practically camped in the open at Lyttelton and Christchurch. An eye witness writes of their first experience of a “sou'-wester”; “The weather changed very suddenly, and a boisterous wind with a deluge of rain found many quite unprepared to withstand it. Tents were seen in every stage of collapse, blankets, toi-toi, and fern careering madly through the air, and the houseless seeking and finding shelter wherever a good Samaritan could take them in.” The appearance of Christchurch at this time was certainly not inviting. The only means of communication by land with the Port was the Bridle Track over the hills; and across this rocky and precipitous path and through the swamps that fringed the Heathcote and the Avon, the pioneers had to carry their household goods to the allotments that they had chosen on the plains. The heaviest part of the cargoes could be
The City of Christchurch was completely surveyed by the time that the first “four ships” arrived. This work had been carried out by Mr. Edward Jollie, under the supervision of Captain Thomas, who had been sent out by the Canterbury Association to prepare the way for the settlers. Lyttelton was surveyed by Mr. Jollie in August, 1849, and Simmer in October. The survey of Christchurch was begun early in 1850. Mr. Jollie lived near “The Bricks,” the old landing place on the Avon, and with six men soon had the work well under way. Some of the streets were to have been as wide as the belts, to allow of a row of trees being planted along the centre; but Captain Thomas afterwards removed this feature of the plan. The city proper was a little over a mile square: and the rectangular arrangement of the streets was pleasantly diversified by the terraces following the course of the river. By March, 1850, the map of Christchurch was finished, and a copy was sent to the Association in London. The only English names in use on the plains so far were those adopted by William and John Deans
Except the areas chosen as sites for the chief town and seaport, all the land in the settlement was from the first thrown open to purchasers. Priority of selection was naturally reserved for the “first body of colonists,” consisting of those who applied for land before the 25th of August, 1850. To this “first body” land was sold in order of applicacation. The second portion of the “first body” of colonists consisted of those who made application for land at the Land Office in the colony before the 12th of August, 1851. Each of the “first body” of colonists was entitled to receive, for £150, two land orders: one for a rural section of fifty acres, the other for a half-acre town allotment in the capital (Lyttelton), or a quarter acre in any seaport town. The total quantity of land purchased by the first body of colonists was, however, not to exceed 101,000 acres. But with respect to land thrown open for pasturage, these “first” colonists were to receive a pre-emptive right, entitling them to purchase any portion of the land, not less than fifty acres in area, which they had previously leased, and which the Association should desire to sell.
Apart from these original purchasers, anyone might buy rural land in blocks of not less than fifty acres at £3 per acre; town land, in Lyttelton, in halfacre sections at £24 per allotment, and in other towns, after April, 1850, in quarter-acre sections at £12 per allotment. In addition to this, everyone of the “first body of colonists,” as above defined, was entitled to a pasturage license at the rate of five acres of pasture for each acre of rural land in his possession for an annual rent of 16s 8d per 100 acres, and so long as any land remained unsold it was open for lease as pasture at the rate of £1 per annum for 100 acres. As soon as the land was thrown open for selection a good deal of speculation began in town sections. It should be remembered that, though Christchurch had been surveyed, there was considerable doubt as to whether the distance from the sea and the difficulty of carriage would not render the site useless for a capital; and Lyttelton was regarded as the most likely metropolis. The land purchasers who arrived by the first three ships, four days after reaching land, agreed that Christchurch was the most suitable locality, and Mr. Godley accordingly declared it the site for the capital. On the 31st of December, after the arrival of the “Cressy,” the land purchasers constituted a Council, and proceeded to represent their views on all matters of general interest to Mr. Godley. Within a month after the arrival of the Pilgrims the printing press which they had brought with them was utilised, and the “Lyttelton Times” was published for the first time on the 11th of January, 1851. In the first issue it is stated that the quarter-acre section chosen for the college site had already let for £100 a year, and land along Norwich Quay was actually letting at 15s per foot frontage. By the 8th of March, rural sections to the extent of 3000 acres had been marked off and possession given to the owners. On the 28th of April, fifteen sections of rural land each a quarter-acre in extent, were put up for auction, and fourteen sold at an average price of £10. This meant that about three acres and a half of rural land paid almost the full price (£150) for the fifty acres rural allotment without counting the town section attached. The first auction sale of town lots in Lyttelton and Christchurch on behalf of the Association was held in April, 1851. Most of the Christchurch lots sold at the upset price of £24 or more, according to position; and one section was run as high as £40. For Lyttelton land there was much more competition; many of the lots fetching from two to three times the upset price. During the same month some rural sections were sold at £8 per quarteracre, though at some distance from Christchurch. On the whole, the “Lyttelton Times” considered that these sections had sold well, but not extravagantly, and that there were few indications of that spirit of gambling which is generally injurious to young settlements.
It has been acutely remarked that it would have been a great misfortune for Canterbury to have been founded twelve months later. By the end of 1851, the wealth and the energy of Australia was turned almost wholly in the direction of gold. But before the diggings “broke out,” numbers of Australian capitalists had cast longing eyes upon the splendid pastoral country between the Hurunui and the Rangitata, free as it was from the alternate droughts and floods which squatters had to fear in Victoria and New South Wales. Just before the discovery of gold, stations in Australia were not infrequently sold at a price computed at the rate of 4d to 6d per sheep, with station buildings and all appurtenances thrown in. The accounts of Canterbury given by Mr. Joseph Hawdon in the Sydney and Melbourne papers roused great interest. Many squatters and others came over to Canterbury; a large trade with Lyttelton in horses, cattle, and sheep grew up, and by 1851 there was a great deal of Australian capital ready and anxious for investment in Canterbury sheep land. A difficulty at once arose, which is perhaps best described in the words of Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald in his “Memoir of Godley.” “The original regulations of the Canterbury Association contemplated the occupation of the land under lease as a privilege attaching solely to the purchasers of land. No sooner had the settlers landed than colonists from Australia began to arrive with their flocks and herds and to claim runs on which to depasture their stock after the usual Australian manner. Mr. Godley felt at once that a great practical difficulty had arisen. He had no power to grant these runs, but he plainly saw that it
Thus a new and most important element was introduced into the young settlement. The “Shagroons,” as these early pastoralists were called, naturally formed a class distinct from the “Pilgrims,” whom as a class, they affected to despise and prophesied their speedy extinction. But there was room in the new land for more than one type of civilisation, and while the back country was being taken up by the squatters, the town on the banks of the Avon was growing and the little society transplanted from the other side of the earth was sending down deeper and stronger roots into the soil. Still, the pastoral industry at first naturally covered a larger space than that comprised within the settlement proper. In 1851 and 1852 most of the land on the plains as far south as the Rakaia, was taken up in blocks ranging from 5000 to 26,000 acres. In 1853, the Ashburton Plains were cut up into runs. By 1857 the squatters had spread into South Canterbury, and had reached the Mackenzie Country. The scale of rents may be regarded as interesting. For a run of less than 1000 acres, 20s per annum was paid for every 100 acres; between 1000 and less than 5000 acres, 2d per acre for the first 1000, and Id per acre for every additional acre. For 5000 acres and upwards, 1/4d per acre for the first and second year, 1/2d per acre for the third and fourth year, and 3/4d per acre for the fifth and subsequent years. The runs had to be properly stocked or the license was liable to be forfeited. On such terms most of the higher country, as well as the plains, passed into the squatters' hands. By 1863, over 6,000,000 acres taken up as runs, of which about 23,000 acres were pasturage not included in large runs, 72,000
The little town grew apace; the bushes near Riccarton and Papanui were gradually cleared, though the fragment still preserved on the Deans estate is a cherished relic of the early days. In 1851 a new arrival described the town as “simply a site chosen for a township, partly swamp and broken ground, mostly covered with raupo, native flax, and tutu.” The few buildings were prominent landmarks: Mr. Brittan's on the site of the present Clarendon Hotel, Dr. Barker's nearly opposite, and the Lands Office where the Municipal Buildings now stand. But the swamps were being drained and the roads levelled and metalled, though the Papanui Road, by which the Maoris came down to market from Kaiapoi, was for long little better than a dry watercourse, almost impassable in bad weather. In the early fifties the weekly market was always held in Cathedral Square on the present Post Office site. St. Michael's Church was built, and the organ—the first in New Zealand—came out in 1851. The first wooden house put up in Christchurch was brought down by Mr. George Gould from Auckland, and erected in February, 1851. Gradually the whare and V hut stage of civilisation passed away and the capital began to look like a town. Even amidst the hardships of such a life the colonists found room for amusement. In 1851, on the very first anniversary day of the province, athletic sports and races were held in Hagley Park, and a grand ball was given in the evening. On the 1st of January, 1852, the first regatta was held in Lyttelton, which was still as large and as populous as Christchurch. A school—the nucleus of Christ's College—had been started almost as soon as the “four ships” arrived; and a library had been opened a few weeks later. In 1851 the horseferry was established over the Heathcote. In 1852 a ferry over the Waimakariri opened the way to the northern district; and the first bridge was built across the Avon, By 1852 there were 3400 Europeans and 200 natives in Canterbury, with 50,000 sheep and 3000 cattle. Lyttelton, with 170 houses, held 580 people, and Christchurch, with 200 houses, had 600 inhabitants.
So far there had been hardly any attempt at local government. The Land Purchasers, standing for the colonists, represented their views to Mr. Godley, and he, on behalf of the Canterbury Association, administered government to the best of his ability. One of the first difficulties he had to face was the dis content of the colonists who found that the educational facilities promised had not yet been provided, through lack of funds. But with characteristic skill he managed to turn this ill feeling to account by encouraging them to subscribe towards churches and schools. Financial difficulties were at first serious, as the Central Government was in the habit of drawing largely upon the settlements. The attitude of the authorities was by no means conciliating. Auckland and Wellington from the first regarded Canterbury as rather an “exclusive” and “aristocratic” settlement; and in 1851 Sir George Grey, at Wellington, made a vigorous attack upon the land system of the association as prohibiting poor men from becoming landowners. However, many difficulties were removed when, in 1852, the Imperial Parliament passed a Constitution Act giving New Zealand self government; and the Central Government then gave each of the provinces control and disposal of all unsold lands within their borders subject only to the debt of £280,000 due to the New Zealand Company. The position of the Provincial Government in its relation to the General Government has already been indicated. As far as Canterbury was concerned, the establishment of the Provincial Council meant the deposition of the Association which had founded the settlement. Its work was done; and the authority of Mr. Godley came to an end. His character and the nature of his work have been well described by one who himself played no small part in the early history of the province. “From the 16th of December, 1850, to the 22nd of December, 1852, when Mr. Godley sailed for England, he was in all but name, the Governor of the settlement which he had originated and formed. Such a career is not granted to many in this life. Most men are but the agents to carry out the schemes of others; it was given to Mr. Godley to carry out his own designs. What he was amongst us during the first two years of the settlement, some of us remember, and most of us know by tradition; not with coffers full and facilities abundant, but in poverty of funds, amid great difficulties, amid much discomfort, amid the disappointment of many sanguine expectations, and the ill-concealed hostility of a government which appeared vexed at the additional trouble imposed upon it by the founding of a new colony within its jurisdiction, Mr Godley guided the infant fortunes of Canterbury in the full and entire conviction of the result which must one day come.” The largest and most enthusiastic gathering yet held in the colony met in Hagley Park to bid him farewell: and the statue in Cathedral Square will hand down to future generations the reverence and affection with which the “Pilgrims” regarded the founder of Canterbury. “He ruled with no rod of iron, but,” says the writer already quoted, “thanks to his special personality, no ruler with unlimited force and resources behind him could have secured more implicit obedience to his behests or compelled a faith so unbounded.”
But though Mr. Godley had gone and the Canterbury Association was defunct, the colony followed in the footsteps of its founders. The Provincial Council of 1853 reduced the price of land to £2 per acre; but Canterbury made a firm stand against the “cheap land” doctrine preached by no one so enthusiastically as by Sir George Grey. Wakefield and Godley, who had drafted the plan of settlement, both understood the evils resulting from the purchase of huge blocks of cheap land by speculators in unoccupied countries; and their followers had no intention of affording another instance of the value of the “unearned increment.” Sir George Grey, by proclamation in 1853, arbitrarily reduced the price of waste lands throughout
Some idea of the rapid progress made by the province can be gained from the pamphlet on Canterbury published in 1862 by Mr. H. Selfe, then immigration officer for the province in London. In 1861 the Kaiapoi district, favoured by the Waimakariri river trade, rose into importance, and when Mr. Selfe wrote Kaiapoi and Saltwater Creek on the Ashley were already the centres of well cultivated districts. Heathcote had become the regular port of discharge from Lyttelton, and the trade at the steam wharf on the Ferry Road had assumed large dimensions; though the Ferrymead line, the first railroad in Canterbury, along the banks of the Heathcote, was not opened till 1863. In 1862, Christchurch itself had about 2000 inhabitants. Mr. Selfe dwells with enthusiasm upon its architectural splendurs: the Provincial Council Chamber, the Supreme Court, immigration barracks, banks, club, college, warehouses. There were breweries, flourmills, a pottery, an iron foundry, many well filled shops, and a large body of professional men; “and all this had grown up from nothing in ten years.” When the Provincial Council had lowered the price of land from £3 to £2 per acre, it had ceased to apply a fixed part of the land revenue to educational and ecclesiastical purposes. But it had then voted £10,000 for the building of churches and schools, and for some years had applied at least £2500 annually to the same purpose. During its second session the Council voted £10,000 for immigration, £1000 for local steam navigation, and £2500 for public works. In 1855 Christ's College was incorporated, and was established on its present site in 1857. The great advances made in educational institutions, and the careful provision for the future of education in the province have already been described. But long before this the city and the province had made great strides in industrial development. One of the pioneers of Canterbury industry, Mr. John Anderson, came out in the Sir George Seymour, and began with a little blacksmith's forge at “The Bricks,” where the boats from Lyttelton discharged. To give an idea of the conditions under which work had then to be carried on, it may be enough to mention that Mr. Anderson often walked over to Lyttelton after his day's work was done and brought back the iron that he needed for the next day. After a time he purchased the section on which Anderson's foundry now stands; there his first imported engine was set up in 1857. From that time onward the history of the firm is closely connected with the growth of engineering and mechanical industries throughout the colony. Mr. W. D. Wood, who arrived in the “Randolph,” early turned his attention to milling, and in 1856 he erected in “Windmill Road” (Antigua Street) the first flourmill in the settlement. By 1860 the venture had turned out so well that Mr. Wood was able to erect a larger mill on the Avon, near Riccarton. Both the original windmill and the Riccarton mill were for many years well-known landmarks in the growing city. In 1854 the foundation of “Dunstable House”—now known throughout New Zealand as Ballantyne's—was laid by an energetic tradeswoman, Mrs Clarkson, with a stock-in-trade of cotton and straw hats. One of the largest and most successful hardware houses in New Zealand was opened in 1856 by Mr. E. Reece, whose son, now head of the firm, worthily filled the mayoral chair in the Jubilee year of the province. In every sense, and in all forms of commercial growth, the development of the young settlement was remarkably rapid; yet the foundation on which its prosperity was based—the agricultural and pastoral industries—was sure and enduring.
Amid the active development of the natural resources of Canterbury, the province has had little occasion to regret the absence of one industry which has frequently determined the destiny of a new land for good or evil. There is very little mining in Canterbury. Efforts have been made to locate gold reefs in the upper reaches of the great rivers; but though the gold has been found the country is unworkably rough and no “rush” of consequence has taken place. The separation of Westland from Canterbury followed close upon the gold discoveries on the Coast, and was, on the whole, beneficial to both sides of the island. The only mineral of any importance worked in Canterbury is coal. Indications of coal were found by the surveyors as early as 1851 and 1852, when laying out the Plains; Dr. von Haast, with his characteristic enterprise, urged that certain deposits which he had found should be utilised for industrial purposes. Canterbury coal was first practically tested in 1861 by Mr. John Anderson, who proved at his foundry that it was of considerable value for steam raising and welding. But though large quantities have been found, the high hopes of the discoverers of Canterbury's only form of mineral wealth have never been realised. Probably it has been better so. Canterbury has never suffered from the danger and the demoralising excitement of a mining boom: and her growth, steady and ceaseless, has been based firmly upon her agricultural and pastoral resources, the surest foundation of national wealth.
In the meantime the population of the little colony was fast increasingDuring the first year of settlement, and up to October, 1852, there arrived in Lyttelton altogether twenty vessels, bringing colonists under the auspices of the Association. The last vessel, the “Minerva,” reached New Zealand in May 1853; and the total number of colonists thus brought out was about 3400. By the end of 1852 there were fully 4000 people living in the province. The development of the country districts proceeded along with the growth of the town. When the first census was taken in 1854, there were over 800 acres sown in wheat, and 800 in oats. There were 600 horses, and cattle, and 100,000 sheep upon the plains and in the Peninsula. The value of the wool clip in the 1853–54 season was £14,000. In 1853 the shipping inwards to Port Victoria (Lyttelton) and Akaroa totalled about 7500 tons; and the exports from the province were already valued at about £3300. The total import duties paid in 1853 at Lyttelton and Akaroa were nearly £6000. By 1855 the value of the wool clip was £30,000. The exports for that year were valued at £42,700, and the imports at £96,000; the relative increase of exports being most noteworthy. The import duties at Lyttelton came to £8800; and the produce alone exported from Lyttelton was worth £32,000. A very few years sufficed to make a big difference in these figures. By 1860 there were about 700,000 sheep in Canterbury. The value of imports for that year was £300,000; exports £210,000. The ordinary revenue for the year was £41,000, and the territorial revenue, derived from sale and lease of lands, was £65,000. So early as 1858 it was calculated that Canterbury raised a revenue seven times as large per head as that raised by the inhabitants of England.
By the Constitution Act of New Zealand, passed in 1852, it was provided that all the privileges and powers of the Canterbury Association should pass to the Superintendent and Provincial Council then to be constituted. Mr. Godley was urged by the colonists to accept the position of Superintendent; but he declined, and two years after the foundation of the settlement the colonists gathered in Hagley Park to bid their leader farewell. Fifty years later, on that very spot, 50,000 of the people of Canterbury met to speed on their way a band of young colonial soldiers going forth to battle for the land from which their fathers came. A short time before his death, in 1862, Mr. Godley, in a report upon the defences of the colonies, had advised military co-operation between them and the Mother Country; but not even he had foreseen in how few years the great fruition of his toils would come. Yet from the first he displayed a grasp of affairs and an almost intuitive perception of the drift of events that amounted to political genius. Before Canterbury was founded he wrote to Mr. Gladstone: “The one thing the colonies will not stand is being governed from Downing Street,” He always strongly advocated local self government; and though he had opposed Sir George Grey's Constitution Act because of the mistaken land policy which it involved, he gladly accepted the provincial system which superseded his own authority and that of the Association which he represented. From the outset the impulse towards self government exercised a powerful influence over the colonists; yet, in fact, the tendency of provincialism, in many ways admirable, was to limit the outlook and circumscribe the interests of each province within its own narrow bounds. But Canterbury was supremely fortunate in possessing among her founders a large proportion of men well fitted by experience of life, social standing, education, and public spirit, to assist in her development, and discharge public duties successfully. What has been written of the life and character of the early colonists sufficiently indicates the spirit in which they took up the public responsibilities that fell to their lot.
This does not profess to be a history of Canterbury, and it is impossible within limited space to do more than glance at the further advances made by the province and its capital. It was not till 1862 that Christchurch elected its first municipal council. Even then it was thought that the scheme for municipal government was premature, and several of the candidates while agreeing to stand, publicly denounced the measure in vigorous terms. It was remarked (in the “Press” of the 1st of March, 1862) that the proceedings at the election were marked by great good humour and kindly feeling. The first city council consisted of: J. Hall, J. Anderson, Grosrenor Miles, William Wilson, W. D. Barnard, E. Reece, J. Barrett, H. E. Alport, George Gould; and Mr. (now Sir John) Hall was elected chairman of the Council, or mayor. Almost all these names are well known in connection with the early history of the province; and the first city council did much to promote the policy of municipal development which has gradually transformed the swampy banks of the Avon into the site of a well built and thriving city. The need for easy communication with the rest of the province was from the first urgent, and the struggle for roads and the railway has been told in its proper place. The construction of the Lyttelton tunnel and the extension of the main line north and south of Christchurch between 1860 and 1876, assured the prosperity of the province and its capital. The drainage of Christchurch, expensive as it seemed,
The growth of the settlement outside the immediate neighbourhood of the capital was at first slow and irregular. South Canterbury had a long and eventful history before it was regularly connected by road and rail with the metropolis of the north. Curiously enough, the pioneer of civilisation in the south was that very “man named Rhodes” whom Mr. Godlev found located at Puran as cattle dealer and market gardener when he first reached Lyttelton. Encouraged by the reports of the whalers who came up the coast, the three brothers—W. B. Rhodes, R. H. Rhodes, and G. H. Rhodes—each applied for 50,000 acres, taking in the country from the Opihi on the north to the Pareora on the south and eastward from the Te Ngawae to the sea. Mr. George Rhodes settled a little later on the Levels Estate. Major Hornbrook, another pioneer, took up 30,000 acres, on what was later known as the Arowhenua Estate, between the Opihi and the Temuka. Other names famous in Canterbury history are found among these early settlers: Innes, Jollie, A. Cox, W. Macdonald, V. Pyke, Thomas King, Burke, and Studholme. In this way all the land from the hills to the sea, between the Rangitata and the Waitaki, was taken up for pasturage. But very little land was at first bought. Of the first fifty purchasers, who took up altogether only 1500 acres, thirtythree chose bush sections—only 1000 acres in all; and this, though the price of Crown lands, outside the Canterbury Association block, was only 10s per acre, till 1854. The Rhodes Brothers bought as a rural section the spot on which the town of Timaru now stands.
For some years the runholders sent their wool to Lyttelton. The Maoris of Arowhenua did most of the shipping work till Captain Cain and Mr. Le Cren arrived in 1857, and started a surf boat landing service, along with a store. In the same year Lieutenant Woolcombe was sent down to act as Resident Magistrate; but by the census taken in 1858, it was found that Timaru then boasted a population of sixteen souls. The growth of the pastoral interests led to an application for immigrants, and in 1859 the “Strathallan” landed the first 100 of these at Timaru. The need for timber caused the settlers to spread south to Waimate, where another township was founded. Another shipment of immigrants came in the “Victory” in 1862. In that year a school was started, and the Bank of New Zealand opened, a branch in the town. In 1863 “Cobb and Co.,” with a tri-weekly service supplanted the old fortnightly mailman, who had kept up communication with Christchurch.
In 1864 the Timaru “Herald” was first published. At that time the town contained 150 houses and 1500 inhabitants. In 1865 it was constituted a town district, and in 1868 a borough with Mr. S. Hewlings as the first mayor, and Mr. E. H. Lough, the present holder of the office, as town clerk. Meantime agriculture was rapidly advancing. In 1867 the first successful shipment of wheat was made to England; though it was not till 1878 that a ship took a full wheat cargo from Timaru to London. That same year was rendered even more memorable by the completion of the ChristchurchDunedin railway line, for which the first sod had been turned at Timaru in 1871
The establishment of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association at Timaru in 1866 did much for the development of the country's resources; though the terrible floods of 1868—a year of evil memory to North Canterbury as well— inflicted serious damage. The demand for better means of communication had led to a bitter struggle with the north in 1867; and a cry for separation was raised. Through the intervention of the General Government the difficulty was arranged, and the Board of Works then created, did splendid service for South Canterbury until the destruction of the provincial system in 1876. The constant expansion of the settlement caused a demand for better harbour accommodation. In 1875 Sir John Coode reported upon the possibilities of an artificial harbour, and the Provincial Council voted £100,000 towards the scheme. The breakwater was begun in 1878; and the terrible wrecks and loss of life in May, 1882, emphasised the need for better protection for shipping. About £200,000 have now been spent on harbour works, with the result that the exports from Timaru in 1899 were valued at nearly £1,000,000 sterling. The Timaru Woollen Mill and flourmills are
North Canterbury has had a history perhaps less eventful but no less prosperous than that of the south. The first settler to navigate the Waimakariri, Mr. A. Rhodes, is still living : t Leithfield. He came down from Wellington in 1845, to bring the Greenwoods and the Prebbles—names still honoured on the plains—to Canterbury. In 1848, under the direction of Captain Thomas, he sailed up the Waimakariri with stores for the surveyors, Messrs Torlesse, Boys, and Cass. When the “four ships” arrived the early settlers soon made their way to the northern district, attracted by the timber, as well as the fertility of the soil. By 1855, thirtythree freeholds had been acquired in and around Kaiapoi, seventeen in the Rangiora district, and six at Woodend— the area ranging from fifty to 200 acres. Large areas of pastoral land were also leased on a seven years' tenure from the Association. As early as 1852, Clifford and Weld held 60,000 acres, Greenwood 60,000, Moore and Kermode 70,000, north of the Waipara. Between the Ashley and the Waimakariri were located C. O. Torlesse, R. Chapman, R. L. Higgins, J. C. Cookson, Crosbie Ward, M. Dixon, J. Pearson, and many others, who did good work for the province in the days of its youth. Many of these bought the freehold of their runs, when these properties were thrown open to purchase. In country so favourable to the health and increase of sheep, the wool industry soon became impoortant.
Communication with other centres was as usual a serious difficulty. There is a tradition that in 1854 a bullock dray and team of eight was lost in a boghole on the North Road; and though this may be an exaggeration, it suggests the condition of country roads at that time. Coming down from Kaiapoi to Christchurch, early settlers crossed one large creek on flax-stick rafts; hence its name of “Sticks,” altered now to the classical form of “Styx.” Ferries were established over the Waimakariri in 1852; and the river trade with Lyttelton and the North Island was already beginning to be important. The first family—that of Mr. Baker—settled on the present site of Kaiapoi in 1855; and in 1858 the first wheat was grown in the district—on land ploughed and harrowed with bullocks, cut with a reaping hook, and threshed with a flail. Gradually the Church bush and the Pa bush were cleared, and the swamps were drained. In 1864, when Mr. William White had built his famous bridge over the Waimakariri a few miles south of Kaiapoi, “Cobb and Co.” ran a line of coaches as far north as Hurunui. Messrs Sansom and Lee bought these out, and for some years the North Road as far as Leithfield was a famous coaching line. But the railroad reached Kaiapoi in 1872, Rangiora in the same year, and Amberley in 1876; and so the old order of things passed away.
The importance of Kaiapoi as a township dates from 1853. The value of its shipping trade has already been discussed; and when the river was superseded by the railway line, the town, which had been a seaport, became a manufacturing centre. The timber trade, in which Mr. Isaac Wilson took a prominent part, sustained the fortunes of the town for some time. Kaiapoi became a borough in 1868, and the work done in laying out and improving the town is a just source of pride to the municipal authorities. Two fine bridges give an air of distinction to the place; and its prosperity is largely bound up in the success of the Woollen Factory, the name of which is favourably known throughout the Australasian colonies, and even on the other side of the globe. The Kaiapoi Woollen Company was floated in 1878 with a capital of £15,000, which has gradually been increased to £200,000. Its Kaiapoi mills cover fourteen acres of ground, and employ 400 operatives. The chief offices and warehouses are in Christchurch, where over 550 hands are employed. The weekly wage sheet totals over £1000. Since its commencement the company has paid £130,000 in dividends, and has spent about half a million sterling for raw material. The Kaiapoi Woollen Company is thus a success of which the town, the province, and the colony may alike be proud.
Rangiora, the rival centre of the northern district, has had a history somewhat similar to that of Kaiapoi. Messrs Torlesse, Boys, Hamilton, and Crosbie Ward all took up land near the Ashley soon after the settlement was formed. The swamps were for long a hindrance to the development of the country; but the early colonists thought little of a walk to Christ church and back —forty-two miles—within the day. Before 1860, as at Kaiapoi, the timber industry provided support for the settlers. In 1878 the settlement became a borough, and can now boast improvements and municipal advantages surpassed by no town of its size in New Zealand. The roads and paths, the public gardens and bicycle track, the lamps and Fire Brigade, and Library, are all worthy of a city of many times 2000 inhabitants. The surrounding country is splendid land for both agricultural and pastoral purposes. Wheat has produced 100 bushels per acre on the drained swamps; and the stock sales of Rangiora are famous throughout the province. Timber mills, flour mills, and flaxmills have all proved valuable investments; and the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, founded in 1866, has done a great deal for the farmers in the locality. The Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board has laid down 400 miles of races at a cost of £20,000, and the district well deserves its title, the “garden of Canterbury.”
Between Kaiapoi and Rangiora lies the pa where the descendants of the Ngaitahn are settled. Kaiapohia was the famous pa where Te Rauparaha and his North Island warriors are said to have slaughtered over 6000 of their enemies. The remnants of the once powerful tribe received the early settlers amicably, and have remained on the best of terms with them for fifty years. One distinctive feature of Canterbury history has been the absence of trouble with the natives. There was one critical moment, shortly after the Wairan massacre, when the Hays, at Pigeon Bay, and the Deans, at Riecarton, were in danger of destruction at the hands of the Peninsula Maoris: but the peril never recurred. Captain Thomas got most of his work at Lyttelton done by Maoris, and found them good workmen. There was a vague story afloat about the time of
The middle of the province for many years lagged behind the north and south. The fertile district of Ellesmere was, as late as 1860, a desolate swamp intersected by creeks, and haunted by weka and pukaki. The first settler—Mr. J. Deal—camped on the site of Southbridge in 1861. Gradually the swamps were drained, the scrub and flax were cleared away, and all over the district townships sprang into existence. The names of Laurence Desborough and Walter Spring, to those who know the country, sum up the early history of South bridge, as the name of J. J. Lee covers the growth of Leeston. In no part of New Zealand has the influence of individual colonists upon the growth of the country been more plainly manifested. The mere names of the townships—Leeston, Doyleston, Prebbleton, Springston—suggest the almost patriarchal authority exercised in the early days by the pioneers of civilisation in those desolate wastes. And these little towns are worthy monuments to the patient and courageous industry and foresight of their founders. No district in New Zealand can show finer examples of the colonial country town where the benefits of social life are combined with the advantages of agricultural or pastoral pursuits. The ratable value of the district has risen from £135,000 in 1868 to nearly £1,325,000 at the present time. Leeston has a famous stock market, four fine churches, the best cycle track, and one of the best public sheep dips in the colony. South bridge and Doyleston each has a large swimming bath. Libraries have been established at Southbridge, Leeston, Brookside, Killinchy, Doyleston, and Dunsandel. The Central Dairy Company has creameries at Doyleston, Brookside, Lakeside, and Springston. Most of these townships have the usual complement of engineering and wood working establishments. The amount of industrial activity in the towns themselves is no less remarkable than the energy displayed in pastoral and agricultural work in the district around them. The bridging of the Selwyn, near the lake, in 1899, and the opening of the culvert from the lake to the sea will do much to improve the Lakeside district from the agricultural standpoint. The Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association has done a great deal for the staple industries of the country side. Four large flour mills are kept constantly at work, and between Selwyn and Rakaia at least twenty-five complete threshing outfits are to be found. A striking testimony to the prosperity of the district and the social comfort enjoyed by the settlers is to be found in the imposing and often luxurious country houses scattered among these towns. The homesteads of Mr. G. Rhodes, at Ellesmere, Mr. W. Nixon, at Killinchy, Mr. J. Boag, at Brookside, Mr. D. McMillan, at Southbridge, Mr. Gardner, at Irwell, speak volumes for the advantages enjoyed by settlers in this part of the province, and would astonish those benighted Britishers who cling to Mr. J. H. Froude's monstrously absurd dictum, that there is no successful small farming in New Zealand. Apart from all its towns, Canterbury might well afford to rest its claim to success as a colony upon the Eilesmere and North Canterbury country districts.
There is still another region of Canterbury of which the development has been, in rapidity and success, even more striking still. The land between “the two rivers”—the Rakaia, on the north, and the Rangitata, on the south—comprises what is known collectively as Ashburton. The settlement in this part of the province is only thirty years old. It is true that runs had been taken up for pastoral purposes early in the history of the province. Mr. Hayhurst, at Temuka, the brothers McLean, at Laghmor, Mr. Peter, at Mount Somers, were followed in time by Messrs Gould and Cameron, Mr. John Grigg, at Longbeach, E. S. Coster and Gordon Holmes. In 1858 the first accommodation house along the Christchurch-Timaru coach road was built near the old Hakatere (Ashburton) Ford. But it was not till the land fever of 1877–80 that the district really began to “boom.” In 1871 there were about thirty settlers living at Ashburton township. Mr. Alfred Saunders built a mill on the Wakanui Creek in 1872, bringing timber from Little River and even from Nelson, and paying labourers 10s and 12s a day. By 1878 the township became a borough. The great majority of the town sections
It would be impossible within any reasonable limits to trace the growth of Christchurch on its industrial and commercial side. It may be sufficient to indicate the rise of some of the important institutions which have most efficiently assisted its development. The Chamber of Commerce was founded at Lyttelton in 1859. Its objects, as stated in the prospectus, were “to watch over and protect the general interests of commerce, to collect information on all matters of interest to the mercantile community; to use every means in its power for the removal and redress of grievances and for the promotion of the trade of the colony; to form a code of practice whereby the transactions of business might be simplified and facilitated.” The first president of the Chamber was Mr. J. T. Cookson; and among the most prominent early members were Mr. Murray-Aynsley and the Hon. J. T. Peacock. It would be difficult to overestimate the value of the work done for Canterbury's mercantile interest by the Chamber of Commerce. The Industrial Association of Canterbury was established in 1879, at a time of great commercial depression. The object of the Association was to encourage and foster native industries and products.” The first president was Mr. R. Allan, once more president in the Jubilee year; the vice-presidents were Mr. G. G. Stead and Mr. John Holmes; and the committee included such well known colonists as Messrs Howland, H. B. Kirk, R. W. England, E. Toomer, and J. L. Scott. The Association has been constantly active in urging the claims of local industries upon successive Governments, and, largely owing to its exertions, the tariffs have been modified to suit the requirements of colonial manufacturing enterprise. In 1887 the Association held an exhibition of colonial products, which was eminently successful, clearing £400. In 1895 another exhibition was held, which, with the help of a Government subsidy of £500, realised a net profit of £2100. The Jubilee Exhibition of Canterbury was suggested in 1897 by the Association's Committee, and it was carried through by the Industrial Association with the help of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, aided by a Government grant of £1000. The undertaking was a magnificent success, and the profits amounted to £3000. But the benefit of such enterprise is incalculable, and most of the success of Canterbury exhibitions has been due to the Industrial Association and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
The “A. and P.,” as it is usually called, was formed early in 1863. The chairman of the committee which first organised the Association was Mr. Robert Wilkin; and among the promoters may be mentioned J. Palmer (treasurer), Joseph Brittan (vice-president), S. Bealey, J. Cooke, D. Graham, L. Higgins, C. Newton, J. Ollivier, E. Templar, H. Wash bourne, Sir J. Cracroft Wilson, and W. Wilson. In 1863 an exhibition, or experimental show, was held. It was a great success; and as most of the prize-winners returned the amounts awarded to them, the committee was able to hand over about £250 to the Society which was then formed. Ever since, the Agricultural and Pastoral Association of Canterbury has been a great power for good in the land. The annual show, to which a special day in the Christchurch November “Carnival Week” is always dedicated, was for many years held in what used to be called distinctively “the Show Grounds” —now Sydenham Park—in Colombo Road south. The present grounds on Lincoln Road, Addington, are among the largest and finest of the kind in New Zealand; and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show is still probably the best display to be seen in these colonies of all things interesting and valuable to the farmer and the pastororalist.
Much of the commercial activity of Canterbury may be justly credited to the enterprise of the New Zealand Shipping Company. It was founded in 1872 with a capital of £100,000, since increased to £800,000. The original directors—J. L. Coster, George Gould, W. Reeves, R. H. Rhodes, John Anderson, R. Cobb, and the Hon. J. T. Peacock— well represented the capital and commercial acumen of Canterbury thirty years ago. The company was formed to break the shipping monopoly that checked the development of colonial commerce. From 1877 to 1882 the company carried over 20,000 immigrants and other passengers in chartered vessels. In 1882 the company entered into a contract with the New Zealand Government to maintain a monthly direct steam service with England; and the arrival of the “British King” in 1883 inaugurated a new era of colonial expansion. Five large mail steamers were soon built, but with the increase in volume of the frozen meat and dairy trades, these have been superseded by others of still greater capacity, running up to nearly 8000 tons register. No single factor has done more to promote the prosperity of Canterbury than the establishment of regular and efficient steam service with Great Britain.
No sketch of Canterbury history, however brief, could be deemed complete without some reference to what is perhaps the most important of all her industries, the frozen meat trade. The Canterbury (Belfast) Frozen Meat Company was incorporated in 1882, the conveners of the first meeting being Messrs John Grigg, John Tinline, and J. Macfarlane. The company's works were at once built at Belfast, seven miles north of Christchurch, and the first shipment went to England in 1883 in the New Zealand Shipping Company's first direct steamer, the “British King.” To give an idea of the expansion of the trade since then it may be sufficient to mention that the capacity of the “British King” was 6200 carcases; while now-adays many steamers, carry over 100,000 carcases, in addition to general cargo. The works were opened with an output of 250 sheep a day, and a storage capacity of 10,000. Now, the capacity of the Belfast Works is 5500 carcases per day, with storage for 90,000; while the Fairfield (Ashburton) Works, held by the same company, can kill 2000 sheep a day, and store 40,000 carcases. For the first year's work, the wages paid amounted to £4000; but the annual wages bill is now about £37,000. In 1883 about 58,000 sheep and sixty-one cattle were put through Belfast; in 1898 about 520,000 sheep and lambs and 1000 cattle went through Belfast, and 170,000 sheep and lambs through Fairfield. A large business is done in preserved meats, manures, tallow, and olio; and in 1899 about 6400 bales of wool were placed on the London market. The original directors were John Grigg, F. Banks, W. Chrystall, John Cooke, and J. T. Ford; and it is largely owing to their energy, and that of the secretary, Mr. F. Waymouth, that the company has paid large dividends ever since its formation.
The history of the Christchurch Meat Company is an even better illustration of the enormous value of Canterbury's natural resources. It was started in 1889; and the chief efforts of the company have always been devoted to the utilisation of “by products,” and to the accommodation of the small sheep farmers. Starting with a capital of £33,000, it has grown till its subscribed stock is valued at £140,000, and the combined works handle over one million carcases per annum. The Christchurch Company's Works, at Islington, can put through 9000 sheep a day, and have a storage of 140,000; the works at Smithfield (Timaru) can put through 6000 daily, and store 120,000; the works at Picton can put through 2000 daily, and store 35,000. The daily freezing capacity of all the twentyfive refrigerating works for both islands of New Zealand, amounts to 52,700; and of these, the Christchurch Company's works can account for 17,000, or about one-third of the whole. The company's business is stated to consist in “the killing and freezing of cattle, sheep, lambs, and pork, the killing and preserving of beef and mutton, the manufacture of tallow and olio, patent fertilisers, glue, and gelatine, the fellmongering of skins, and the curing of pelts, all of these being prepared for export.” On such a subject independent testimony from outsiders is always valuable; and the following extract from the “Australasian” of the 10th of June, 1899, on the subject of the Christchurch Meat Company, may serve to give some idea of the importance of this industry to Canterbury, and, indeed, to the whole colony: “The thing that most of all arrested attention was the manner in which all refuse, even to the last shred, is utilised in the manufacture of byproducts. The words ‘waste’ and ‘refuse’ are absolutely unknown. Everything is the raw material for some useful commodity, and it is said that it is largely out of these by-products that the profit is made. Several qualities of tallow are turned out, fertilisers of a high quality are made from the blood, bones, and other materials; the very cuttings from the pelts are made into a first-class glue which is rapidly displacing the best Russian in the local market. The casks are all made by machinery on the works from local timber, as are the thousands of packing cases used annually for the sheeps' tongues and other preserved meats. There is even a department with cutting and sewing machines and a printing press, where bags for the frozen sheep are made, and brands printed on them. The company's direct wages bill is £53,000 a year. Its output last year (1898) was just under one million sheep and lambs, 9000 bales of wool, 7000 casks of tallow, and 4000 tons of fertilisers. The railway bill for last season's operations amounted to £22,000. Workmen are provided with comfortable homes, which they may rent or purchase from the company. There is a recreation hall for the use of themselves and their families, and a lending library, with a good stock of standard works. If all this were done by the Government, it would be blazoned from one end of the world to the other, but as a mere matter of ordinary business it passes unnoticed. It is an object lesson which gives us at a glance, the whole secret of New Zealand's prosperity,” To these observations the following extract from the Jubilee number of the Christchurch “Weekly Press” may be fitly appended: “In none of the other colonies has the frozen meat industry been so successfully developed as in New Zealand, and no part of this colony has come up to Canterbury in the volume or quality of its meat, for she sends away fully onehalf of the annual output, and her mutton and lamb still stand at the head of the weekly market quotations. What the position of New Zealand, and particularly
Newspapers are among the most important factors in social and civic development; and with respect to its newspaper press Canterbury has been singularly fortunate. Among the multifarious details carried in the first four ships, an important place was assigned to the printing press. The Canterbury Association had arranged with Mr. Ingram Shrimpton, of Oxford, to send out all the necessaries for printing a paper, promising, at the same time, to subscribe for 1000 copies per week for a year. Mr. John Shrimpton brought out the plant in the “Charlotte Jane.” Immediately on their arrival the colonists erected a printing house at Lyttelton, and the first number of the “Lyttelton Times” was produced on the 11th of January, 1851. The first editor of the paper was Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, whose name has figured so largely in the history of the colony; and his sub-editor was Mr. (afterwards the Rev.) Frances Knowles. The first few numbers of the paper created considerable interest in England as a remarkable proof of the energy and vitality of the new colony, and were most appreciatively noticed by the London “Times.” Mr. Fitzgerald was soon succeeded by Mr. Birch, who conducted the paper with great ability. Mr. Ingram Shrimpton came out to the colony in 1854, and took charge of the paper for a year. At first the “Lyttelton Times” was an eight-paged weekly, but in August, 1854, it became bi-weekly; and in March, 1856, the eight pages were increased to twelve. In July, 1856, Mr. Shrimpton sold the paper to Messrs C. C. Bowen and Crosbie Ward for £5000—a sum that was in itself a sufficient indication of the rapid progress and brilliant prospects of the young settlement. Under Mr. Crosbie Ward, one of the best journalists ever known in these colonies, the size of the paper was again enlarged. In 1861, Mr. Bowen sold out his interest to Messrs W. Reeves, W. J. W. Hamilton, and T. W. Maude, and on the death of Mr. Crosbie Ward, Mr. Reeves took the editorial chair. In 1863 the office was removed to Christchurch, where the paper has since been issued; and in 1865 the paper, then tri-weekly, became a daily. Throughout its long career the “Times” has fought for the best interests of the colonists; and its efforts on behalf of the public works system, the Midland Railway, the education system, and its long struggle for the preservation of the provinces, all made a deep and enduring impression in the history of the colony.
The “Press” was founded in May, 1861. “A private company of gentlemen,” says the “Review of Reviews,” for July, 1893, “alarmed at what they regarded as the reckless policy of the party led by the late Mr. Moorhouse in Canterbury, whose advocacy of the great tunnel scheme and other energetic measures at so early a stage in the history of the province, was deemed dangerous, determined to found a newspaper to counteract his influence.” This may not be quite a fair way of putting the objects of the promoters; but the “Press” did, from its initiation, represent the party opposed to the “forward” public works policy. The gentlemen chiefly concerned in the establishment of the “Press” were Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Watts Russell, of Ham, Mr. Henry Lance, Mr. H. J. Tancred, Rev. W. J. Raven, of Woodend, and Mr. R. J. S. Harman. They were in favour of the reasonable and gradual development of the country, but opposed to anything like reckless borrowing. The first editor was Mr. G. S. Sale, now Professor Sale, of Otago University. As he expresses it, “the paper was intended to furnish an organ in which the more cautious party in provincial politics, led by Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, might express their opinions in opposition to the more audacious views of the go-ahead and borrowing politicians headed by the Superintendent, Mr. W. S. Moorhouse.” Its motto was “No plunging”; and it was well for the province that so able a journalistic organ took up the gospel of caution and economy so early in its history. Some important contributors were Dean Jacobs, Mr. Joseph Brittan, Mr. Colbone-Veel, and Samuel Butler— author of “Erehwon,” the ablest satire of the Victorian era—then living on a station near the head of the Rangitata. Between 1861 and 1878 the paper was edited by Mr. Colborne-Veel, who was succeeded by the late lamented Mr. J. S. Guthrie. The “Press” holds the honour of being the first daily paper published in Canterbury, and came out as such on the 17th of March, 1863.
The success of these two journals is in itself a remarkable proof of the rapidity and the genuineness of Canterbury's material and social progress. It is safe to say that no other town of the same size in the world supports two finer morning dailies than the “Press”
It has already been observed that Canterbury's early growth was watched over and directed by men exceptional in ability, culture, and practical experience of public life. Many of these have already been mentioned by name in connection with the origin of the provincial institutions and the development of trade and commerce in and about the city. One of the most impressive features of the Jubilee celebrations on the 17th of December, 1900, was the unanimous respect publicly paid to those who, in the early days, had been the Fathers of the infant colony. At the gathering of the Old Colonists, Sir John Hall dwelt with enthusiasm upon the debt the province still owed to Godley and Fitzgerald, and such public servants as the Speakers of the Provincial Councils—Captain Simeon, Mr. Charles Bowen, Mr. H. J. Tancred, and Mr. John Ollivier. Mr. Rolleston spoke with deep feeling of the gratitude that was still attached to the names of William and John Deans, Mr. and Mrs John Anderson, Robert Rhodes, Dr. Barker, George Gould—the men and women who had helped others to help themselves. The names of Bishop Harper, Archdeacon Wilson, Archdeacon Mathias, Archdeacon Willock, Canon Dudley, Dean Jacobs will remain for ever enshrined in the annals of the colonial church. Education, not only in Canterbury, but throughout the colony, owes more than a few brief words can express to the men who founded Christ's College and Canterbury College, and set aside the invaluable educational reserves for which Canterbury is so sincerely envied by less fortunate provinces. The roll of the first Board of Governors of Canterbury College comprised the following names: Bishop Harper, the beloved and revered founder of the English Church in Canterbury; Mr. Rolleston; Mr. Tancred, for many years Chancellor of the University of
It would be difficult to express in a few words the material outcome of all the marvellous growth and development briefly sketched in these pages. Perhaps no more striking presentation of the facts of the case could be found than the following comparative list of Canterbury's resources and products in her infancy and in her Jubilee year:
Proofs of the marvellous productiveness of the soil have already been cited. During the year ending the 30th of June, 1900, the province exported frozen sheep to a total weight of 90,218,513 pounds, and wool to a weight of 35,294,315 pounds. The exports included about £50,000 worth of dairy produce, £45,000 worth of grass and clever seed, £65,000 of leather, £30,000 of malt, £20,000 of potatoes. Over 10,000 operatives were in the same year employed in Canterbury's 1083 registered factories, the capital value of land, building, and plant for factory purposes was about £1,500,000, and the total product was valued at £3,000,000 per annum. It has been well stated, that “taking account of meat, wool, wheat, oats, and other natural productions, it may be said that Canterbury feeds and clothes not less than a million people. It is very much to be doubted if any district in the world of the same area and population can make so good a showing.” When it is remembered that all this is the work of fifty years, the record is not only amazing in itself, but supremely assuring as a prophecy of the progress and sound prosperity of Canterbury's future.
Members of the Legislative Council appointed since 1891 hold office for seven years only, but are eligible for reappointment. Former members were appointed for life. All are paid at the rate of £200 per annum, and actual travelling expenses to and from the seat of Government. If a councillor is absent more than five sitting days in any session, through causes that might be avoided, a sum of 25s per day is deducted from his honorarium. Any member who is absent without permission more than one session, loses his seat. The number of councillors for the whole colony must not be less than ten, but there is no maximum limit fixed by law. All subjects of the Crown are eligible for a seat in the Council except those disqualified by bankruptcy, felony, or treason.
There are at present (November, 1901) thirty-nine members in the New Zealand Upper House, and of these Canterbury claims nine; namely, the Hon. J. T. Peacock, appointed in October, 1877; Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, March, 1882; Hon. L. Walker, May, 1885; Hon. C. C. Bowen, January, 1891; Hon. W. C. Walker, October, 1892, and reappointed October, 1899; Hon. W. Montgomery, October, 1892, and reappointed October, 1899; Hon. J. E. Jenkinson, June, 1893, and reappointed in June, 1900; Hon. Jeremiah Matthew Twomey, June, 1898; and Hon. C. Louisson, December, 1900. The life members for Canterbury are thus the Hon. C. C. Bowon, J. T. Peacock, E. C. J. Stevens, and L. Walker, the other five being appointed for the regulation term of seven years.
Member of the Legislative Council. is one of the small bapd of early colonists who landed at Port Cooper in 1844, some years before the Canterbury Settlement was Inaugurated. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Jenkins Peacock, was born in 1827 in the Hawkesbury district, New South Wales, and was educated at Sydney College. At the age of fifteen Mr. Peacock accompanied his father to this colony, and for twelve years was engaged in trading on the coast. Mr. Peacock commenced business in Christchurch under the style of J.T. Peacock and Co., as merchants and shipowners, and for seven years conducted a large and growing trade. Retiring in 1863, he built his handsome residence in Papanui Road, known as “Hawkesbury,” where he has since resided. He bears the reputation of being a most enterprising colonist, and has never hesitated to risk his energies and money in enterprises deemed to be of advantage to the country. He is one of the original promoters of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, and to his enterprise in purchasing the plant of the original company, which would otherwise have been sold for export, is due the credit of saving for Canterbury the nucleus of this splendid industry. Mr. Peacock is chairman of the local board of directors of the Alliance Assurance Company, of London, and was one of the founders and continuously a director of the Union Insurance Company, which was acquired by the former society. He is a director of the Christchurch Meat Company and of the Permanent Investment and Loan Association of Canterbury, and is one of the largest proprietors of the Christchurch Tramway Company. Mr. Peacock was one of the promoters of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and continued to act as a director until it was decided to use steamships, when he resigned, as he considered the proposal premature. He was a member of the Provincial Council of Canterbury in the early days, and held the position of Secretary of Public Works for two years before the abolition of the provinces, the late Mr. W. M. Maskell being Provincial Secretary, Sir Craeroft Wilson, President of the Council, and the Hon. W. Rolleston, Superintendent. In 1869 Mr. Peacock was returned to the House of Representatives as Member for Lyttelton, which he represented for three years, and five years later was elevated to the Legislative Concil. Mr. Peacock is a Justice of the Peace, and has served on local governing bodies. He was the first mayor of the Borough of St. Albans, and filled the chair for two years; for nearly a quarter of a century he has held a seat on the Lyttelton Harbour Board, of which he was some time chairman.
Member of the Legislative Council, was formerly in the Atkinson Ministry. Mr. Stevens, who is a partner in the firm of Messrs, Harman and Stevens. Christchurch, and a prominent public man, is more fully referred to on page 85 of the Wellington volume of the Cyclopedia, and is also referred to in another section of this volume as a former member of the House of Representatives.
was called to the Legislative Council on the 15th of May, 1885. He resides at Station Peak, in the county of Geraldine, South Canterbury. Mr. Walker sat in the House of Representatives for Akaroa from 1863 to 1865, and was returned as member for Ashley at the general elections of 1866.
Member of the Legislative Council, was a Minister of the Crown in the Vogel and Atkinson Administrations, Mr. Bowen's biography is more fully given on page 75 of the Wellington volume of this work.
was called to the Legislative Council on the 15th of October, 1892, and re-appointed on the 16th of October. 1899. He was born in London in 1821, and was educated at the Belfast Royal Academical Institution, where his uncle, the Reverend Dr. Henry Montgomery, L.L.D., was the head English master at the time. On leaving school Mr. Montgomery went to sea, and two months before he was nineteen years of age he was in command of a vessel trading in the Mediterranean. After spending twelve years at sea he migrated to Australia. In 1860 he arrived in New Zealand, and
M.A., C.M.G., Minister of Education and Immigration, was called to a seat in the Legislative Council in October, 1892, and re-appointed in October, 1899. He became a member of the Seddon Government in February, 1896, as Minister of Education and Immigration, shortly after the retirement of the Hon. W. P. Reeves. Mr. Walker began his public life by serving in the Provincial Council of Canterbury, and in 1877 he was elected first chairman of the Ashburton County Council, which position he held until 1893. He sat in two Parliaments as member for Ashburton, and as Minister was instrumental in passing an act which provided for the separation of the Lincoln Agricultural College from Canterbury College, and in 1901 an Act entitled “The Public School Teachers' Salaries Act, 1901.” Mr. Walker was for a considerable time a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, and ne was also a member of the Land Board of Canterbury. He is further referred to in the Wellington volume of this work.
Member of the Legislative Council, is a son of the late Mr. John Hartley Jenkinson, who arrived in Dunedin in the early forties, and was the first jettykeeper at the harbour of that city. Subsequently he removed to Balclutha, where, at various times, he was chairman of the road board, school committee, and county council. Mr. J. E. Jenkinson was born in Dunedin in 1858, educated at various schools in Otago, and completed his studies under the late Mr. J. B. Park, of the South School, Dunedin. On leaving school in 1875, he entered the service of Messrs Sparrow and Co., at the Dunedin Foundry, and served an apprenticeship of five years to boilermaking and iron shipbuilding. Mr. Jenkinson occupied rooms in the Octagon at the disastrous fire at which thirteen lives were lost, in 1879, and after barely escaping with his life he returned to the burning building, fought his way through fire and smoke, and was successful in rescuing several people. Three months after joining the Dunedin Boilermakers' Union he was elected president of that body, and visited Australia to represent New Zealand at a conference with New South Wales, Victorian, and South Australian representatives, concerning the formation of an Australasian Federation of Boiler, makers' Unions. After returning to New Zealand in 1884, Mr. Jenkinson turned his attention to farming, and later on to gold digging. Subsequently he went to Wellington, where he engaged in his trade, and assisted to form the first Wellington Boilermakers' Union. On returning to his old employers in Dunedin he was re-elected president of the Dunedin Boilermakers' Union, and assisted in forming the Trades Council. In 1886 he accepted employment in the Addington Railway Workshops, but left in the following year as a protest against the system of piecework, which was shortly afterwards abolished. Mr. Jenkinson returned to the Addington Workshops in 1888, and took an active part in the formation of the Christchurch Boilermakers' Union, of which he was secretary for several years, and afterwards president and also treasurer. He advocated and inaugurated scientific lectures under the auspices of the Union, and was successful in having the study of poilermaking promoted in the Canterbury School of Engineering. Mr. Jenkinson assisted in forming the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, and was a delegate from the Canterbury branch, at the first conference. He was one of the founders of the Canterbury Trades Council, and was successively its vice-president, president, and treasurer. Mr. Jenkinson. helped to form the first Labour Day Demonstration Committee, of which he was treasurer for many years, and is now a trustee. He was the first president of the Kingsley Club, which was formed for social unity, and he is president and honorary life member of the Tailoresses' Union, Mr. Jenkinson was called to the Legislative Council in June, 1893, and was re-appointed for a second term in 1900. He is a Justice of the Peace and also an Official Visitor to the Sunnyside Asylum. Mr. Jenkinson resides in Wellington, where he owns the New Zealand Cycle Works. He was married in 1890 to Annie, daughter of Mr. James Eaton, of Christchurch.
Member of the Legislative Council, was born on the 15th of August, 1847, at Inchee Farm, County Kerry, Ireland. At the age of eighteen years he entered the General Post Office, Cork, and was employed there until he resigned and came to New Zealand in 1874. Before leaving his native country, Mr. Twomey was an occasional contributor to the press and magazines, and soon after his arrival in the Colony joined the staff of the Wellington “Tribune,” of which Mr. W. Hutchison was proprietor and editor. Subsequently, he was employed on the Wellington “Chronicle,” “Evening Post,”
was born in 1842, in London, and educated at Gravesend. At the age of fourteen he arrived in Melbourne, and had experience of station life in the country such as stock-riding and horse-breaking; subsequently he went goldmining at Ballarat, and other places. He arrived in Canterbury in 1865, and shortly afterwards removed to the West Coast where he entered into business as a general merchant at Hokitika. Returning to Christchurch in 1871, he and his brother purchased the brewery, which he has since conducted as the Crown Brewery Company, Ltd. Mr. Louisson entered into local politics as a member of the Christchurch City Council, in which he served for six or seven years, and was mayor in 1888, 1889, and 1898 and 1899. During his first mayorship Mr. Louisson acted as one of the Commissioners for New Zealand at the Melbourne International Exhibition. He was afterwards a member of the Charitable Aid Board and the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and official visitor of the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Sumner, and deputyinspector of the Sunnyside Lunatio Asylum. Mr. Louisson's services as mayor were handsomely recognised on two occasions by the citizens of Christchurch, who presented him in 1889 with a fine silver epergne, and again in 1899, on his retirement from the mayoralty, with an address and a silver tea service, and on each occasion Mrs Louisson was presented with a diamond bracelet and star. With Mr A. Fergusson, of the National Bank, he is a co-trustee of the Marks Benevolent Fund, which supplied the main portion of the cost incurred in the erection of the Marks Ward at the Hospital, amounting to £10,000. As a Freemason, Mr. Louisson held office for many years as District Grand Master for Canterbury under the Scottish Constitution. While resident at Hokitika, he was associated with the Volunteers, as sergeant-major of the Westland Light Horse. He is a steward of the Metropolitan Trotting Club, and a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club. Mr. Louisson was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr Maurice Harris, J.P., of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters. He was called to the Legislative Council on the 22nd of December, 1900.
In accordance with the terms of the New Zealand Constitution Act of 1852, the Legislative Council began its first session on the 24th of May, 1854. The first members were called by the ActingGovernor, Colonel Wynyard. There were in all sixteen members; but of these eleven came from the North Island; Auckland alone had six, and the South Island provinces had only five amongst them. Canterbury supplied one member, the Hon. J. C. Russell. The relative numbers of the South Island and North Island members is an index of the degree to which the interests of the southern provinces were, in the early days, sacrificed to Auckland and Wellington.
By 1856 the number of the Council had declined to thirteen, and Auckland actually had a clear majority of seven members. Canterbury still had only one; the place of the Hon. J. C. Russell (resigned) being taken by Hon. H. J. Tancred, long connected with the provincial life of Canterbury, and for many years Chancellor of the New Zealand University. In 1858 the numbers were raised to nineteen, and Canterbury got two new members—the Hon. C. R. Blakiston and Hon. J. C. Russell, giving her a total of three; but Auckland was still predominant with nine. The resignation of Colonel Wynyard, in 1860, brought the Council down to eighteen, and in 1861 this was raised to twenty-one, but the Canterbury members were unaltered. In 1862, Mr. Blakiston resigned, and the Hon. J. Hall, G. L. Lee, J. C. Russell, and H. J. Tancred represented Canterbury.
The year 1863—the year in which the removal of the seat of Government to Wellington was resolved upon—found Canterbury represented by the same four members out of a total of twenty-nine. By 1865 the total was thirty-five, of whom Canterbury now claimed six; the new members being the Hon. J. D. Lance and the Hon. J. B. Acland. The Hon. John Hall and Hon. H. J. Tancred resigned in 1866, and their places were taken by the Hon. J. Hawdon, who had been connected with Canterbury since its foundation, and the Hon. E. Gray. Messrs Lance and Russell vacated their seats through non-attendance in 1867. In 1868 out of thirty-four members Canterbury had five; the new member being the Hon. W. S. Peter, a worthy successor to the Hon. J. D. Lance as a representative of Canterbury's pastoral interests. In 1869 the Council included forty-one members; but Canterbury still had only five, while Auckland, which had fallen to six, was raised to eight. In 1870 the total was forty-seven, and Auckland secured another member; Wellington and Otago had also nine each, while Canterbury still had only five. In that year, the Hon. G. L. Lee resigned, and the Hon. J. Hawdon died, and their places were taken by the Hon. G. Buckley and the Hon. de Renzi Brett. In 1872 matters were a little more hopeful for the interests of Canterbury, as out of a total of forty-six, she had six members, through the reappointment of the Hon. J. Hall, whose ability and public spirit had already made a deep impression upon the Council.
In 1873 the roll of the Council stood once more at forty-nine; and Canterbury members numbered seven through the inclusion of the Hon. J. T. Peacock. Down to 1878 the numbers varied between forty-nine and forty-three, and Canterbury gained another member, the Hon. T. Wigley. In 1879 the roll was forty-nine, and Canterbury had now eight members; Auckland, seven, Wellington and Otago eleven each, Hawke's Bay and Nelson four each. In that session the Hon. J. Hall resigned to take the post of Premier, and his Ministry remained in office till 1882. In that year, too, the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens was added to the Canterbury contingent, which then numbered eight out of fortyseven. In 1884, while the Atkinson and Stout-Vogel Ministries chased each other in and out of office four times in a twelvemonth, the personnel of the Council varied considerably. The Hon. E. Gray had resigned in 1883, and the Hon. G. Buckley resigned during 1884, but was recalled in the same year. In 1884 the Hon. W. Reeves, so long identified with the fortunes of the “Lyttelton Times,” was called to the Council, which attained its maximum limit in 1885. There were then fifty-four members, of whom Canterbury claimed nine, through the addition of the Hon. L. Walker, while Auckland still had ten, and Otago and Wellington had a still larger representation on the Council. By 1890 the numbers had fallen rapidly to thirty-nine, of whom seven were Canterbury members; the Hon. G. Buckley had resigned in 1885, and the Hon, de Renzi Brett died in 1889. In 1891 an attempt was made by fresh appointments to keep up the numbers of the Council. The Hon. C. C. Bowen, the founder of New Zealand's primary education system, then appeared on the roll; but Canterbury suffered a severe loss in the death of the Hon. W. Reeves and the Hon. W. S. Peter, which occurred during the year. In the same session the Hon. T. Wigley was unseated for non-attendance. In 1892 the numbers were down again to thirty-six, and Canterbury was left with a meagre total of five. In 1893 the total was once more forty-six, and Canterbury was strengthened by the appointment of the Hon. J. Jenkinson, the Hon. W. Montgomery, an enthusiastic supporter of primary and secondary education, and for many years chairman of the Canterbury College Board of Governors, and the Hon. W. C. Walker, who became Minister of Education in Mr. Seddon's Ministry. Down to 1898 the members of the Council varied between forty-four and forty-eight; and in 1898 the Hon. J. M. Twomey was added to the Canterbury members. In 1899, the oldest Canterbury member of the Council—the Hon. J. B. Acland—resigned after holding his position for thirty-four years. Here mention may be made of other members who have sat for long periods—namely, the late Colonel
The Council now (November, 1901,) includes thirty-nine members, of whom nine are Canterbury members, including the Hon. C. Louisson, appointed in December, 1900. Of the other provinces, Wellington claims five members, Auckland seven, Otago ten, including the Speaker; Hawke's Bay four, Nelson three. It is obvious that neither the South Island in general nor Canterbury in special now suffers from lack of representation in the Legislative Council.
occupied a seat in the first Legislative Council in 1854, and resigned in the following year. He was again called to the Council by the Stafford Ministry in 1858, and sat as a member for ten years. Mr. Russell was also a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council. He owned large sheep runs in Canterbury, and resided at Ilam, near Riccarton. As a Freemason he had the distinction of being the first Grand Master in Canterbury. Mr. Russell died in England many years ago.
was a member of the Legislative Council from 1856 to 1866, and held office in three ministries. He was the second son of the seventh baronet of the well-known Tancred family, and was born in England in 1825, and educated at Rugby. At an early age he entered the Austrian Army and saw active service in Hungary and Italy. He arrived in Canterbury in 1851; two years later he entered the first Provincial Council, was elected its Speaker in 1866, and retained the office till the abolition of the provinces in 1875. Mr. Tancred's efforts in the cause of education were unflagging, and of great value to the country. He became the first Chancellor of the New Zealand University in 1871, and held that office continuously until his death in 1884. A sketch of his career is given at pages 66 and 67 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.
was called to a seat in the Legislative Council by the Stafford Ministry in 1857, and sat as a member until 1862, when he resigned. He was a Provincial Councillor, and held office in the Provincial Government during Mr. Moorhouse's second term of office. He was also a member, and for several years chairman, of the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. Mr. Blakiston was a highly respected colonist, and was for many years well known as the manager, in Christchurch, of the Trust and Agency Company of Australasia, Ltd. He died in Christchurch in 1898.
K.C.M.G., occupied a seat in the Legislative Council from 1862 to 1866, and from 1872 to 1879. Born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1824, he was educated in Germany, Switzerland, and Paris, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1852, in the “Samarang,” the last of the Canterbury Association's ships. He was a member of the Provincial Council, and, as a member of the Executive, was Provincial Secretary, and afterwards Secretary of Public Works. In 1856 he became Resident Magistrate for Lyttelton, also Sheriff and Commissioner of Police; and in 1858 he was Resident Magistrate for Christchurch. He was successively chairman of the Westhaud and Selwyn County Councils, and also of the first Christchurch Municipal Council. Elected to represent Christchurch in the House of Representatives in the latter part of 1855, he was appointed Colonial Secretary in the following year. Sir John Hall was nominated to the Legislative Council in 1862, but resigned his seat four years later, when he was returned as member for Heathcote, and became Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs in the Stafford Ministry of 1865–1869. In 1872 he was again called to the Legislative Council, but resigned in 1879, when he was elected as member for the Selwyn district. As leader of the Opposition in that year he defeated Sir George Grey, and was Premier from October, 1879, till April, 1882. It was during that year that he received the distinction of knighthood. After nearly forty years of public life, Sir John finally retired from politics, in 1893. As a statesman he originated or promoted many far-reaching measures, and was an assiduous worker for the enfranchisement of women.
was called to the Legislative Council in 1862, during the Fox Administration, and he sat as a member until 1870, when he resigned. He was also a member of the Canterbury Prcvinical Council. Mr. Lee was one of Cauterbury's early colonists, and at one time owned near Southbridge, a farm which he subsequently sold. Latterly, for many years, he was Returning Officer for the electoral district of Christchurch. Mr. Lee died at Christchurch on the 15th of September, 1897, in his 83rd year.
was born in 1823 in Devonshire, England, and educated at Harrow and Oxford, where he graduated M.A. He at first took up law as a profession, but decided to relinquish it in favour of sheepfarming, and came out to New Zealand in 1854, in the ship “Royal Stuart.” He served for ten months as a cadet with Mr. H. Tancred, and in 1855, in conjunction with Mr. Tripp, he took up 250,000 acres of pastoral lands, including Mounts Peel, Possession, Somers, and the Orari Gorge runs. At the dissolution of the partnership Mr. Acland retained Mount Peel, which then comprised over 100,000 acres. Mr. Acland has always taken an active part in public affairs. He was called to the Legislative Council on the 8th of July, 1865, and resigned on the 1st of June, 1899. Mr. Acland has been chairman of the Mount Peel Road Board from its inception in 1870. He has taken an active part in church matters, and was a member of the Synod for many years. In 1869 he built the Mount Peel church, which has seats for eighty worshippers. Mr. Acland was for many years a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Harper, eldest daughter of Bishop Harper, sometime Primate of New Zealand.
was called to the Legislative Council in 1865, and sat as a member until 1868. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1884 to 1890. In youth he joined the Bengal Native Infantry, and subsequently visited New Zealand on sick leave in 1856. He then held the rank of lieutenant, and on the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny, in 1857, he was recalled, and joined the 42nd Highlanders as interpreter. He was present at the final relief and capture of Lucknow. After his return to New Zealand he unsuccessfully contested the Superintendency of Canterbury with Mr. W. S. Moorhouse in 1866. Captain Lance became a prominent colonist and carried out extensive improvements on the Horaley Downs Estate, including about 300 miles of fencing and a large amount of tree planting.
was a Member of the Legislative Council from 1866 to 1883, when he resigned, and he was also for some time a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council. Mr. Gray arrived in the colony about 1853, and, selecting Canterbury as his future home, acquired a large freehold at Hoon Hay, near Christchurch, where he resided for a number of years prior to his death.
was called to the Legislative Council by the Stafford Ministry in 1866, and held his seat until the date of his death. He was born at Walkerfield, Durham, England, in 1813. Arriving in Australia in the early days, with the pioneers of that country, he took up large tracts of land, and was the first settler in
was a native of Scotland. He left Home at the age of nineteen for South Australia, where he successfully engaged in sheepfarming. Mr. Peter did a large amount of exploring in North-western Australia, and the district now known as Kimberley. About 1856 he sold out his property and came to New Zealand, where he took up a block of country known as Anam, in the Mount Somers district. There he was engaged in sheepfarming up to the date of his death. In 1868 he was called to the Legislative Council by the Stafford Government, and held his seat for the remainder of his life. Mr. Peter took a lively interest in the local road board, and all that pertained to the welfare of his district. He died on the 23rd of May, 1891, when about seventy-three years of age, and left a family of three sons and three daughters.
was born in England in 1825, and in 1838 came out to South Australia, where he completed his course of primary education, and afterwards became a squatter. Removing to Canterbury in 1853, he acquired “Balmoral” station, and subsequently was engaged in sheep-farming in South Canterbury for twenty years. Mr. Wigley was a member of the Provincial Council of Nelson, and was afterwards called to the Upper House, in which he served for a period of over twenty years. In 1863 Mr. Wigley married a sister of the late Mr. W. S. Moorhouse, Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, and by this marriage had a son, Mr. W. C. H. Wlgley, LL.B. His second wife was Miss Lysaght, of Hawera, whom he married in 1880, and by whom he had four children. Mr. Wigley died in 1805.
was called to the Legislative Council in 1871, and never missed attending a session up to the date of his death, which occurred in June, 1889. Colonel Brett was a brave old soldier, and a warm-hearted, impetuous, outspoken Irishman; a man who had served his Queen and country in many climes, and who was proud of it; one of the type of Irishmen, familiar enough in the pages of novelists, and in real life in the Old Country, but rarely met in New Zealand, and as full as any of them of those emotional Celtic qualities which endear them to men of the colder British temperament. He was born in Wexford, Ireland, in the year 1809, and was one of twentyfive children, the issue of one father and one mother. His father was a barrister, and captain of the Wexford Yeomanry Cavalry, and the son, when sixteen years of age, entered the 31st Regiment as ensign. He took part in the Burmese campaign of 1853–1854. During the Crimean war, he raised, by permission of the British authorities, a regiment of native irregular cavalry, for the Sultan of Turkey, and served with it with so much distinction, that the Sultan gave him the rank of a Major-General and a Pasha.
was called to the Legislative Council in 1871, during the Fox Administration, and retained his seat until 1884. He was again called to the Council by the Stout-Vogel Ministry in 1884, but resigned in the following year. Mr. Buckley was a partner in the well-known firm of Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd.
who was a member of the Legislature from 1884 up to the time of his death on the 4th of April, 1891, was a well-known Canterbury settler. His career as a Minister of the Crown is given on pages 71 and 72 of the Wellington Volume of the “Cyclopedia,” together with a brief sketch of his life in the Colony. He was an energetic and spirited colonist, and laboured earnestly in connection with various mercantile enterprises, which, temporarily absorbed his attention in the earlier days of settlement. Mr. Reeves was for the last thirty years of his well-spent life chief proprietor of the “Lyttelton Times” Company, of which he was also the managing director. Mr. Reeves was for years connected with the New Zealand Shipping Company as a director, and acted in a similar capacity on the management of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, and from the commencement of the Union Insurance Company was a member of the directorate. He was also a governor of Canterbury College and a steward of the Canterbury Jockey Club. Mr. Reeves arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Rose of Sharon” on the 25th of January, 1857, and was highly respected both for his business and personal qualities until the last. He was married at the Palace Church, Clapham, in 1853 to Ellen, eldest daughter of Mr. J. E. Pember, of Clapham Park, and member of the Stock Exchange, and had four sons and four daughters, the Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General in London, being the eldest son.
The City of Christchurch is a triple electorate, and the suburban districts of Avon and Riccarton send one member each to Parliament in addition to the three city members. The number of voters on the electoral roll for the last general election in December, 1899, was 20,750; against 18,336 for Auckland City, 18,874 for Wellington, and 20,084 for Dunedin. Out of 9976 males, 8026 voted; and of 10,774 females, 8294 voted. The electorate of Christchurch is remarkable for the large proportion of women on the roll—10,774, against 9976 males. Dunetlin is in much the same position—10,438 females, against 9646 males. Auckland, on the other hand, has nearly 400 more men than women on the roll, and Wellington has over 1000 more men than women. The only electorates in which the women are in a majority on the roll are Christchurch, Dunedin, Parnell, Avon, and Invercargill. In Christchurch a rather higher proportion of men voted than women: 8026 out of 9976 men, as against 8294 out of 10,774 women. In Auckland, the position was much the same; 7102 out of 9335 men, and 6517 out of 8981 women. In Wellington a much higher percentage of men voted than in either Auckland or Christchurch; 8533 out of 9946 on the roll, and a slightly higher percentage of women, 7080 out of 8928. In Dunedin about the same proportion of men voted as in Christchurch, 7786 out of 9646 on the roll; and a slightly lower percentage of women, 7775 out of 10,438 on the roll. The returns for all the great centres show that the value of the vote is keenly appreciated by women, and that female franchise is a most important factor in the political present and future of the colony. In Christchurch city, the women actually polled a clear majority of votes over the men—8294, against 8026. Parnell was the only other electorate in which the same result can be observed; in Dunedin, the votes for male and female sections of the electorate were nearly equal—7786 men, against 7775 women. The returns certainly point to the high degree of interest taken by Christchurch women in political matters, and probably also to the better organisation of the female vote. In Wellington, where there are only 1000 less women than men on the roll, the women's vote was in a minority of 1500.
The boundaries and numbers of the electoral districts in both islands vary from time to time according to population. Two permanent Commissions sit to determine what proportion of the seventy members shall be elected in each island. When this matter is settled the Commissions act independently for the two islands. Every 100 persons living in the country districts count as equal to 128 living in towns with a population of 2000 and upwards. The populations of the chief towns and country districts in the two islands are approximately equal. The figures for the four triple electorates in 1901 were: Auckland 39,232, Wellington 39,977, Christchurch 37,993, Dunedin 38,082. Of the single electorates the largest in the North Island is Ohinemuri 15,353; in the South Island the largest is Caversham 13,147. In the North Island the smallest single electorate is Wairarapa 8432, and the smallest in the South Island is Bruce 8139. The representation of the two islands is thus being rapidly equalised. In 1893 the South Island had thirty-nine members to thirty-one for the North, in 1896, the numbers were changed to thirty-six for the South Island and thirty-four for the North. At the present time the South Island (with Stewart Island) includes thirty-two districts, with thirtysix members, and the North Island contains thirty districts with thirty-four members. It is probable that by next election the representation for the two islands will be absolutely equalised.
All registered male electors are eligible for a seat in the House of Representatives, so long as they are not civil servants, and do not enter into contracts with the Government to the extent of more than £50 a year. For some years prior to 1901, members of the Lower House were paid £240 a year with travelling expenses to and from Wellington; and £2 per day was deducted for every sitting day above five on which a member was absent from the House, unless in the case of sickness or unavoidable detention. In the session of 1901 the statutory honorarium for members of the House was raised to £300, and for members of the Council to £200.
J.P., who was returned as a Member of the House of Representative for Christchurch
member of the House of Representatives for the City of Christchurch, was born in Christchurch in 1862, educated at the Riccarton, Halswell, and West Christchurch Schools, and has since had a varied experience. For a short time he was junior attendant at the Christchurch Museum; was employed on survey work on a sheep station; then at wool-scouring works, and afterwards served for three years and a half in the Armed Constabulary at Parthaka. For four years he was engaged in the printing and stereotyping trade, and for five years subsequently was employed in the warehouse of Messrs Nind-Ward and Co.; and up to the time of his election he was in the service of Messrs Andrews and Co., manufacturing stationers. Since he was fifteen years of age he has shown a natural bent for polities, of which he has made a special study, and is a diligent reader. From 1884, he has been active in connection with labour and other political organisations in Christchurch. He was a member of the Knights of Labour and of the Canterbury Liberal Association, and for some time President of the Progressive Liberal Association, of which he was for three years secretary, and resigned the position in 1896 to become a candidate for the representation of Christchurch. On that occasion Mr. Ell was nominated by the Canterbury Women's Institute, supported by the Progressive Liberal Association, and though he had never before addressed a public meeting, was successful, after a hard fight, in gaining 4705 votes, and nfth place on the poll. Mr. Ell was a member of the Addington school committee for several years, also a member of the School Committees' Association, and for three years a member of the Spreydon Road Board. He is a member of the committee of the Canterbury Children's Aid Society, president of the Christchurch Tailoresses' and Pressers' Union, member of the committee of the Prohibition League, and of the Canterbury Prohibition Council, and also a member of the Council of St. Saviour's Guild. On the nomination of the teachers, Mr. Ell stood for the position of member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College in 1897, when three candidates had to be elected, and he was fourth on the poll. In the following year he was again nominated by the school committees, and obtained second place. He was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr Alfred Gee, of Linwood, a very old colonist, and has three daughters and one son. At the general election of 1899 he was returned to Parliament as one of the three members for Christchurch, and received 6149 votes.
Member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch City, was born at Consett, county of Durham, in 1862, was educated at schools in his native county, and at the Wesleyan Church School in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He entered the office of the Government solicitors in the latter town and remained there until he left for this Colony. Arriving in Lyttelton at Christmas, 1879, Mr. Smith obtained an appointment in the office of the well-known firm of Garrick and Cowlishaw, in whose employ he continued for a period of eleven years, severing his connection with them in consequence of the active part he took in the prohibition movement. Mr. Smith commenced his public career in the Sydenham Borough Council, and at the general licensing committee elections of 1891, was elected a member of the celebrated prohibition licensing committee, in which he held office, until, with his coadjutors, he was removed by order of the Supreme Court, for “incurable bias.” Mr. Smith was Induced to contest the Christchurch electorate in 1893 when he was returned second on the poll. Three years later he was re-elected, his name appearing in a similar position. In 1899 he was defeated at the general election, but at the by-election of 1901 he was again returned to represent the city. He has long been interested in the Volunteers, having served for two years in the Newcastle Engineer corps, in England. On settling in Canterbury, he assisted in the formation of the Christchurch Rifles, in which he held the rank of lieutenant for three years, and in 1898 he was elected captain of the Sydenham Rifles, the H Company of the North Canterbury Battalion. He is a wellknown member of the Methodist Church, and has several times been a delegate to the New Zealand Annual Conference, and was a representative at the General Conference held in Adelaide. Mr. Smith has been an energetic and consistent member of the Prohibition movement. He was married in 1887 to the only daughter of the late Mr. R. Dawsson, member of the well-known firm of Ballantyne and Co., drapers.
J.P., Member of the House of Representatives for the Avon district, hails from Northamptonshire, having been born in Moulton in 1851. He was educated at one of the old Church of England penny denominational schools in his native town, was apprenticed to the bootmaker's trade, and worked at his trade in England until leaving for New Zealand. He arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Waitara” in 1879, and continued to work at his trade till 1892. Mr. Tanner has always been ready to assist working men's movements, and has been identified with trades' unions, co-operative societies, literary and debating classes. In the labour movement of 1890 he was secretary to the bootmakers' union of Christchurch, and at the general election in that year he was invited to become a candidate for the constituency of Heathcote, and was successful. Later on, in 1893, 1896, and 1899, he was returned for the district of Avon. Mr. Tanner is one of the Labour members of the House, and was referred to in 1890 as “the first Labour candidate.” He was for several years a member of the Woolston Municipal Council. In 1877 he married a daughter of Mr. J. Browett, of London, who claims descent on her mother's side from the poet Dryden, and has one son.
J.P., and Member of the House of Representatives for Riccarton, was born in London in 1854, arrived in Tasmania when an infant with his parents, and came to New Zealand in 1865. For some years he resided in Invercargill, where he entered the office of the “Southern News” as a lad, and removing to Wellington, joined the staff of the “Evening Post,” where he served an apprenticeship as a compositor. Subsequently, Mr. Russell became a probationer for the Wesleyan Church ministry, and was stationed, successively, at Gisborne, New Plymouth, and Hokitika. Disapproving of the itinerant system, and through a change of views, Mr. Russell retired from the Church without ordination, and joined the staff of the “Wellington Chronicle” as sub-editor. Subsequently, with his brother John, he established the “Manawatu Herald” at Foxton, and afterwards bought the “Manawatu Times” at Palmerston North. Mr. Russell, subsequently, removed to Cambridge in the Waikato, where he established the “Waikato News.” Having sold his interest in this journal, he removed to Christchurch, and became senior partner in the firm of Russell and Willis, in Cathedral Square; this partnership existed till March, 1898, when, having purchased the “Spectator,” Mr. Russell retired from the firm. Several times Mr. Russell contested constituencies for a seat in Parliament before succeeding at Riccarton. His first contest was for the Foxton seat in 1881, when he was third on the poll out of six candidates, defeating Sir Walter Buller and Dr. Newman. In 1887 he unsuccessfully contested the Waikato seat against the Hon. J. G. Whyte. He was first returned for Riccarton in 1893. At the general election of 1896, Mr. Russell was defeated for Riccarton by the Hon. W. Rolleston, but he, in his turn, defeated that gentleman at the elections of 1899. As an author, Mr. Russell has published a manual of the “Duties of Life,” which is on the list of books that may be used in the Government schools of the Colony. This volume is intended to teach ethics, morality, and duty, without dogma, and is an attempt to bridge the distance between the purely secular system of education and the teachings of the Bible. Mr. Russell is a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. He was married in 1879 to a daughter of Mr. G. M. Park, of Hokitika, and has a large family.
Member in the House of Representatives for the Southern Maori Electorate, was born at Ruapuke, an island south of the Bluff in 1837, and is therefore sixty-five years of age. He is a chief of the Ngaitahu, Waitaha, and Ngatimamoe tribes of the South Island of New Zealand. His genealogy runs away back to the time of the traditional migrations from Hawaiki, and he is a direct descendant of that famous navigator, Tamatea, the captain of the Takitimu canoe which arrived from Hawaiki, the ancient land of the Maori, sometime during the tenth century. After landing some of his companions (now the Ngatiporou tribe) at Poverty Bay, and some (now the Ngatikahungunu tribe) at Hawke's Bay, Tamatea and his canoe proceeded on southward, until he reached Murihiku (Southland), where he landed, and his long and remarkable voyage came to an end. The canoe Takitimu still lies there, not now, however, as her gallant skipper knew her then, but a long mountain of stone, so transformed by the hand of time. The name of the place is known to the Europeans as the Nightcaps and to the Maoris as Takitimu. Tame Parata is also a descendant or Paikea-ariki, a famous demi-god of ancient days, and an ancestor of the Maori. Paikea was an ariki, or priest-chief, in Hawaiki, and was invited by Ruatapu in the fatal canoe, in which 140 first-born chiefs of houses were decoyed from their homes. After proceeding to mid-ocean they were all destroyed by Ruatapu, except Paikea-ariki, who, by the aid of his magic spells, commanded his atua (god) Paikea, a whale, or water monster, to carry him on his back to dry land and was thus saved. Paikea's name in Hawaiki was Kahutiaterangi, and he received the name of Paikea, or whale, because he crossed the ocean on a whale. The murder of these chiefs was called Te-puruunuhia (the pulling of the plug), because it was accomplished by the deceitful Ruatapu by pulling out the plug of the canoe. So much for genealogy and the traditional lore of Tame Parata's interesting and noble race. While Tame Parata himself was a youth he moved to Waikouaiti, to reside with his uncle, Haereroa, otherwise known as Tommy Roundhead. Then he joined the pilot service at Otago Heads. After a few years in that employment he left to rejoin his uncle at Waikouaiti, where he has resided ever since, following agricultural and pastoral pursuits. He was elected to Parliament in 1885 by the South Island Maoris as their representative, and they have returned him regularly every election ever since, so that he has been a member for a period of sixteen years. Mr. Parata is a very intelligent man and speaks English as fluently as he does the Maori language, and thoroughly understands European as well as Maori politics. He has paid special attention to the question of securing lands for landless Maoris in the South Island, and by his energy he has, so far, obtained for them lands in Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Westland, Nelson, and Marlborough, amounting in all to over 150,000 acres. He is an ardent advocate for Native schools for the education and general advancement of his race. In Parliament he is very popular with both sides of the House.
No province in the colony was ever better served by its best public men than Canterbury; and no city in New Zealand can claim a more distinguished line of parliamentary representatives than Christchurch. The first city member in the parliament of 1854 was Mr. Henry Sewell, who, in 1856, was Premier of the Bell-Sewell Ministry. Christchurch country district, including what would now be called the suburbs, returned Mr. E. J. Wakefield, whose career contained elements of both romance and tragedy. In 1856 Mr. Wakefield's place was taken by Mr. John Hall, who has been ever since identified with the history of Canterbury, and from 1879 to 1882 was Premier of the colony. In 1858 Mr. John Ollivier, one of the best remembered of all the early provincial public men, was returned for Christchurch country district. From 1861 to 1865 Christchurch returned Sir Cracroft Wilson, whose distinguished career in India was a novel prelude to his long and varied colonial experiences. The country district electorate was subdivided, and Mr. W. S. Moorhouse, Superintendent of the province, and founder of the Canterbury public works system, appears in 1862 as member for Heathcote. In 1866 the city member was Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, the first Superintendent of the province, whose splendid public services are recounted elsewhere in these pages. From 1866 to 1872 Mr. J. Hall represented Heathcote. In 1867 Mr. W. Reeves, inseparably connected in Canterbury with the “Lyttelton Times,” sat for Avon, but in 1868 was superseded by Mr. Rolleston, who, as Superintendent of the province, and later as Minister of Lands for the whole colony, rendered invaluable service to the cause of colonisation. Mr. Rolleston retained his Avon seat till the abolition of the provinces in 1876. In 1870 Mr. W. S. Moorhouse sat for the first time for Christchurch, unseating Mr. W. T. L. Travers, who had represented the city since 1867. Mr. Travers, as well as Mr. Sewell, Mr. Fitzgerald, and Mr. Wakefield, had held office in the Executive Council in 1854. In 1871 the growth of the city had qualified it for two members. These were Mr. E. J. Wakefield and Mr. E. Richardson, the latter of whom was afterwards Minister of Public Works in nine Ministries, which were in office at different times between October, 1872, and October, 1887. Mr. Richardson retained his seat for Christchurch till 1876, when, as the city was then a triple electorate, Mr. E. C. J. Stevens and Mr. Moorhouse completed the list of members.
Under the new regime the first city members were the old trio re-elected; and they remained unaltered till 1880, when Mr. Moorhouse stood for Ashley, and was replaced by Mr. S. P. Andrews. In 1882 Sir Julius Vogel, many times Premier, became one of the city members; as did Mr. John Holmes. In 1887 Mr. W. B. Perceval, who was afterwards knighted, and became AgentGeneral for New Zealand and for Tasmania, replaced Mr. Holmes. In 1891 Mr. W. P. Reeves was elected one of the city members, and afterwards became Minister of Labour in the Ballance and Seddon Ministries, and Sir Westby Perceval's successor in the Agent-Generalship. Latterly Christchurch has had, in Messrs G. J. Smith, T. E. Taylor, C. Lewis, and H. G. Ell, active and conscientious guardians of the great interests committed to their charge.
represented Christchurch in the first Parliament, called together in 1854 at Auckland, and was a member with out portfolio of the Executive Council, from the 14th of June till the 2nd of August, 1854. He was Colonial Secretary in 1856 and also held office in six succeeding Ministries down to 1872. Mr. Sewell was born in the Isle of Wight, and practised as a solicitor in England prior to leaving for New Zealand, where he arrived in 1853. He was associated with Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield, and was an active promoter of the Canterbury Association; and when this was wound up he was instrumental in securing valuable religious and educational endowments for Canterbury. Mr. Sewell practised his profession for some time in the colony, and was regarded as an able debater, a good constitutional lawyer, and a man of cultured literary tastes. The later years of his life were spent in England, where he died in 1879.
occupied a seat in the House of Representatives in 1854. He arrived in the colony in 1851, was a man of means, and an accomplished gentleman. Mr. Stuart-Wortley resided only a few years in New Zealand, and then returned to England, where he became well known as a member of the House of Commons. The politico-social gatherings of his wife were so noted that Lord Beaconsfield laid the opening scene of his novel Endymion in her drawing-room.
the only son of Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield, came to New Zealand with his uncle, Colonel William Wakefield, then principal agent of the New Zealand Company. After returning to England in 1844, he went to Dublin to confer with Dr. Samuel Hinds on the subject of the proposed Church of England in New Zealand. He also visited Glasgow and Edinburgh for the purpose of consulting Captain Cargill and others interested in the project of the Otago settlement. Mr. Wakefield sat in the first Parliament of New Zealand, in 1854, when he represented Christchurch Country, and again, from 1871 to 1875, during which he sat for Christchurch East. He wrote an interesting book, entitled “Adventures in New Zealand,” which was illustrated by colonial artists, and published in 1848. Mr. Wakefield died at Ashburton in the latter part of 1878, or early in 1879. His history, if fully written, would be found to be spiced with romance and streaked with tragedy.
who occupied a seat in the House of Representatives in 1855 and 1856, was born in Huntingdonshire, England, in 1823. By profession he was a solicitor, but he did not practise in New Zealand. Mr. Brittin came to New Zealand in the ship “Minerva,” which arrived in 1853, and during his brief stay in the colony he interested himself greatly in the politics of the day. In 1856 he returned to England on urgent business, and remained there.
K.C.M.G., occupied a seat in the House of Representatives for many years; was a member of several Ministries, and was at one time Premier. He was a member of the Legislative Council for some years, and is referred to in that connection elsewhere in this volume; and particulars of his life are given also at pages 63 and 64 of the Wellington volume of the Cyclopedia.
was a Member of the House of Representatives in 1858–1859, but he will be better remembered in his connection with the Canterbury Provincial Council, and as one of Canterbury's spirited public men. He was born in 1812, and for about twenty years carried on the business of a publisher in London. On arriving in the colony in 1853 he selected Canterbury as his home. During the many sessions he sat as a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, he occupied various offices, and was Provincial Secretary in Mr. Moorhouse's Executive. Whilst holding this position he proposed the construction of the Christchurch and Lyttelton railway, and carried through the Council the proposal to connect the Port and the Plains by means of the tunnel. Mr. Ollivier was afterwards chosen Speaker of the Provincial Council, and on his retirement from that position was appointed Provincial Auditor. Subsequently he held a similar office under the General Government, and he was also a magistrate for several years. Mr. Ollivier died on the 31st of July, 1893, at Christchurch.
represented Christchurch in the House of Representatives in 1858–1859. In the early days he was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and was for a time Provincial Treasurer. Mr. Packer owned a brewery at the back of the site where the D.I.C. buildings now stand. He died in Christchurch in 1872.
sat as member for Christchurch in the House of Representatives in 1860. He at one time owned considerable property in Christchurch, including the site of the present Inglis' Buildings. Subsequently he went to Nelson and acquired a large sheep run, known as the Long Look-out station.
was a member for Christchurch in 1860. He was returned for Kaiapoi in 1861, and represented that district until the following year. Mr. Cookson was one of the pioneers of Canterbury, and was the senior partner in the firm of Cookson, Bowler, and Co., merchants, who established themselves in Lyttelton in the early days. The firm subsequently transferred its headquarters to Christchurch, and conducted operations for many years on the site where Inglis' Buildings now stand. Mr. Cookson died in England, over twenty years ago.
arrived in Canterbury in 1851. In 1861 he represented the Avon electorate in the House of Representatives. Mr. Creyke was one of the first members of the Canterbury Jockey Club. He was a well-known, genial man, and was highly esteemed. Mr. Creyke married the widow of the late Hon. J. C. Watts Russell. The western porch or entrance to the Christchurch Cathedral was built by his wife in 1894, in memory of Mr. Creyke, who died in the preceding year.
was a member of the General Assembly in 1861, when he represented Heathcote. He was a brother of Sir John Hall, and was a wellknown land-owner and sheep farmer. Mr. Hall died in 1896.
, who represented Christchurch in the House of Representatives during 1861–65, and the constituencies of Coleridge during 1866–70, and Heathcote in 1872–75, was born in 1808, at Onamore, Madras Presideney. Having received his education in England he returned to India in 1828, and was appointed to the India Civil Service, subsequently becoming Assistant Commissioner to Sir William Sleeman, and afterwards a magistrate at Cawnpore, where he continued for a considerable time. From 1841 to 1853, Mr. Wilson was magistrate and collector at Moradabad. Owing to failing health, he was ordered to leave India for a time, and came to New Zealand, where he became a Canterbury settler, and acquired a property at the Port Hills, near Christchurch, which he named “Cashmere.” On his leave of absence expiring in May, 1855, he returned to Calcutta, and resumed his position as judge of Moradabad. During the trying period of the Indian Mutiny his conduct was distinguished by “indomitable courage, devotion to duty, and fertility of resource,” and he was recommended by Lord Canning to the favourable consideration of Her Majesty's Government as having “saved more Christian lives than any man in India.” For these services he was created Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 1860, and twelve years afterwards, in further recognition of his great services, he became a Knight Commander of the Star of India. Sir Cracroft also received the Indian Mutiny medal in common with many other members of the Civil Service. Returning to New Zealand after the suppression of the Mutiny, Sir Cracroft devoted himself earnestly to work, both public and private, and was for several years a member of the Provincial Council of Canterbury. Sir Crarroft Wilson was a descendant of a very old family, whose genealogical tree goes back to the time of Henry III., to one Walter Cracroft. He was married twice; firstly, in 1828, to Miss Elizabeth Wall, who died in 1843, leaving a family of whom two sons and two daughters still survive; and secondly, in 1844, to June Torrie, daughter of Mr. James Greig. Sir Cracroft died at his residence, “Cashmere,” on the 2nd of March, 1881.
represented Akaroa in the House of Representatives in 1854–1855, and again from 1858 to 1860; he also represented Heathcote in 1862; Westland in 1866–1877; Christchurch City in 1870, and again from 1876 to 1879; Ashley from 1879 to 1881. Mr. Moorhouse is best remembered as the champion of the Lyttelton tunnel and as Superintendent of Canterbury, and he is referred to in another article in both these relations.
occupied a seat in the House of Representatives, as member for Avon, from 1862 to 1865. He was also a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and subsequently became Provincial Auditor, which he continued to be to the date of his death. Mr. Thomson was born in Edinburgh on the 26th of March, 1818, and was the son of an old Scottish printer. He was educated at the Edinburgh Southern Academy, where he won the medal for arithmetic. After gaining an experience in commercial life, as an accountant in Glasgow, he left for New Zealand in the ship “Hampshire,” which arrived at Lyttelton in May, 1853. During the same year he purchased a property from Mr. A. A. Dobbs, at Governor's Bay, where he engaged in dairy farming and in supplying Lyttelton with firewood. These pursuits not proving sufficiently lucrative, he disposed of his property to Mr. William Sefton Moorhouse, and removed to Papanui. Mr. Thomson then commenced business in Christchurch as an auctioneer and accountant, and erected the first auction mart in the city, on the site where Inglis' Buildings now stand. Subsequently he retired from this business, and became associated with Mr. Willis in the proprietorship of the Canterbury Standard” newspaper. He also took up, and was part owner of, the Lochinvar station, on the river Esk, which he stocked with cattle. Mr. Thomson took a very active part in forming the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, in which he always evinced a lively interest. He was also a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and one of the promoters of the old stone grand stand. Having been a member of the Glasgow Yeomanry Cavalry, he naturally was much interested in the formation of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and was one of the first captains of that corps. Mr. Thomson married Miss Scott, only daughter of a
J.P., who was a Memof the House of Representatives for Heathcote during 1863–65, and for Timaru during 1866–68, was born in New South Wales in 1825. He is a son of Mr. William Cox, an officer of the 102nd Regt., which landed at Botany Bay about 1788. Mr. Cox, senr., left the service and became a settler in New South Wales, and was a prominent man to the time of his death in 1837. The subject of this notice visited England in 1844, and again in 1855. He secured two grazing runs at Timaru in 1854, and settled in that district three years later, and resided there till 1882, with the exception of some seven or eight years in the Walkato, Auckland, where he was interested in a very large block of swamp land and on which he expended large sums of money in drainage. Mr. Cox came to Christchurch in 1882 and has since resided at St. Albans. He unsuccessfully contested the Geraldine seat in 1884. Mr. Cox has published a volume of 272 pages entitled “Recollections,” which contains a great deal of interesting Information as to his career in England, Australia, and New Zealand, together with references to many of the public men of the Colony. He also edited “Men of Mark of New Zealand,” a work which was published some years later in Christchurch. Mr. Cox was married in November, 1849, to a daughter of the late Lieut.-Col. Macpherson, 99th Regt. of Foot, and has two sons and nine daughters.
C.M.G., occupied a seat in the first Parliament, where he represented Lyttelton from 1854 to 1858. Subsequently he represented Ellesmere from 1862 to 1865, and sat as member for Christchurch in 1866. He is referred to in another article as the first Superintendent of Canterbury, and his career is fully described on page 119 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.
represented Lyttelton in the House of Representatives from 1858 to 1865, and the Avon electorate in 1866. He was Postmaster-General and Secretary for Crown Land in the second Fox Ministry, and Postmaster-General in Mr. Alfred Domett's Government. Mr. Ward was a pioneer of Canterbury, where he arrived in 1852, and was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council. The establishment of the first mail service between England and the colony was mainly due to Mr Ward's exertions. His life is more fully described on page 69 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.
F.L.S., sat in the House of Representatives for Christchurch City from 1867 to 1870. He also represented Nelson in the first Parliament in 1854, the district of Waimea from 1854 to 1858, and sat as a member for Wellington City in 1877. Born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1819, he was educated in France, and afterwards entered the British Legion of Spain, and served through the Carlist war from 1835 to 1838. Mr. Travers, after studying and practising law in England, came to New Zealand in 1849. He was a member of the Executive of the Canterbury Provincial Council during Mr. Bealey's Superintendency. Mr. Travers is further referred to on pages 263–264 of the Wellington volume of this work.
was a member of the House of Representatives for the Avon electorate in 1867, and he represented Selwyn from 1871 to 1875. Subsequently he was called to the Legislative Council, and is referred to in another article as an ex-member of that branch of the Legislature.
Is a well-known New Zealand statesman; he has been a Cabinet Minister, leader of the Opposition; and was the last Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, and in each capacity he has done his country good service. He represented the Avon electorate from 1868 to 1883, the Geraldine district from 1884 to 1887, Halswell from 1891 to 1893, and Riccarton from 1896 to 1899. At the general elections of 1899 he was defeated, by a very narrow majority, by Mr. G. W. Russell, the present member. Mr. Rolleston is referred to more fully as one of the Superintendents of Canterbury.
, was Master of Public Works during the administration of the Waterhouse, Fox, Vogel, Pollen, Atkinson, and Stout-Vogel Governments. He sat as member for Christchurch City from 1871 to 1875, and from 1876 to 1881, and he represented Kaiapoi from 1884 to 1890. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council from 1870 until the abolition of the provinces. In partnership with Mr. George Holmes he constructed the Lyttelton tunnel, and the Christchurch and Lyttelton railway. A sketch of his career is given on page 73 of the Wellington volume of this work.
who represented Heathcote in the House of Representatives, from 1876 to 1881, is a colonist of old standing, having arrived in Lyttelton in 1850 by one of the first four ships. Mr. Fisher was born in Kent, England, in 1828, and, after receiving his education in a private school in that country, he entered the Royal Navy, which he left three years later to come to New Zealand. Shortly after reaching Christchurch he took up a considerable area of fertile land in the district now known as Heathcote, and commenced farming, which he followed with success, and still (1902) retains part of his original estate. During his long career in this colony Mr. Fisher has taken a great interest in public affairs, and besides having been a representative in Parliament for some years, he was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and of several local bodies. He was Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs in Sir George Grey's Ministry, from October, 1877, till October, 1879.
M.L.C., was a Member of the House of Representatives, representing the Selwyn electorate, from 1866 to 1870, and he sat as member for Christchurch City from 1876 to 1881. He was also a member of the Canterbury Executive during Mr Bealey's Superintendency. Mr. Stevens is referred to in another article as a member of the Legislative Council.
who was a Member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch City during 1879 and 1881, when he was a colleague of Sir George Grey, was born in 1836 in the Isle of Wight, was educated at private schools, and learned the plasterer's trade. He came out to Victoria in 1854, and worked as a miner for some time, and afterwards owned
, occupied the chief place amongst the illustrious men who have made the colony's history. As a soldier, explorer, scholar, linguist, governor, and politician, he achieved a reputation which has made his name memorable, and his munificence was shown when he presented the citizens of Auckland with a library valued at £30,000. As a member of the House of Representatives he was associated chiefly with Auckland, but in 1879 he was returned as a member for Christchurch City, for which, however, he was unseated on a technical point. A sketch of his interesting life is given in the Wellington volume of this work, and he is also referred to in the Auckland volume as the last Superintendent of Auckland. Sir George Grey died in London on the 20th of September, 1838.
was a Member of the House of Representatives for the Ashley district from 1871 to 1879, and he sat as member for St. Albans from 1882 to 1884. He was also a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council during the Superintendency of Mr. Rolleston. Mr. Brown was a native of Lewiston, Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 16th of February, 1827. He crossed the Continent in 1849, going to California, where he engaged in surveying. After a few years he removed to Now South Wales, and there carried on a sheep and cattle business on an extensive scale. He was also United States consul in New South Wales for several years. In 1864 Mr. Brown came to New Zealand. Twenty years later he returned to America, where he died on the 9th of July, 1895. Mr. Brown was twice married; his first wife, to whom he was married in 1857 in New South Wales, was a sister of the Hon. J. T. Peacock and Mrs H. R. Webb of Christchurch. His second marriage was contracted with Mrs Martin, of Wellington, in 1883.
represented Christchurch in the House of Representatives from 1882 to 1887. He is a barrister and solicitor and practised in Christchurch with Mr. A. Loughrey, under the style of Holmes and Loughrey, for ten years. Mr. Holmes owns the Viewmount estate, near Methvon, where he still (1902) lives in retirement.
who occupied a seat in the House of Representatives as Member for Stanmore, from 1882 to 1884, was for some years Resident Magistrate at Akaroa. He afterwards lived in Christchurch, where he was engaged in journalism. Mr. Pilliet married Miss Agnes Hay, of Pigeon Bay. He died in Wellington during the session of 1884.
J.P., who was a Member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch North during 1882–1884, was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, in 1828, and was educated at Wigton, Galloway. He entered the service of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1846, and six years later came out to Victoria, where he was clerk-in-charge of the office of the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay railway during its construction. He was afterwards superintendent of the wharf and railway station at Sandridge. In 1856, Mr. Thomson came to Wellington, and a year later removed to Nelson. Two years after this he had a short experience on the Otago goldfields, and in 1865 settled in Christchurch, where he was employed by Messrs. Coates and Co., jewellers, and afterwards became a partner in the firm. On the death of Mr. Giles Coates he became the sole proprietor until 1891, when he retired from business. In 1868, Mr. Thomson was manager of the Canterbury section of the New Zealand railways. which then extended from Lyttelton to Selwyn. He was returned to the House of Representatives as a supporter of the Atkinson Government in November, 1881. Mr. Thomson was for several years a member of the Christchurch City Council, and filled the office of mayor for one year. For over eight years he was chairman of the old Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, retiring from the position on the inauguration of the present system. As a member of the Masonic Order, he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, of which he has been it member since 1865, and has held the highest offices in connection with the order, having been elected the first Grand Master under the New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Thomson was married in 1859 to a daughter of the late Mr. Giles Coates.
, who was member for Sydenham in the House of Representatives, was elected in 1881, remaining a member until 1886, during which period he contested two elections and was returned by very considerable majorities; the third time he was returned unopposed. He was born in Macclesfield, England, in 1848, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “William Hyde,” landing in Lyttelton in the year 1851, and received his education at the public schools. Mr. White commenced the business of life by entering the office of the Christchurch Gas Company, where he remained for several years. He then entered into contracts for the construction of the Southbridge and Pleasant Point branch railways, which he carried out very satisfactorily. He then entered into business with his father as timber and coal merchants, under the style of Wm. White and Co., with branches at Christchurch, Leeston, Southbridge, and Little River, and became sole proprietor of the business on the retirement of his father in the year 1885. From his earliest years Mr. White took great interest in both general and local politics; he was elected a member of the Sydenham Borough Council in September, 1878, and continued a member until 1892; was mayor of that borough during the years 1883–4–5, and was largely instrumental in obtaining the loan which was so satisfactorily raised and expended in the improvement of Sydenham. He was also a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board from 1883 to 1893, was chairman of that board in the year 1890 (the year of the great strike), and although his term of office was during a time of great anxiety and difficulty, Mr. White carried out the duties of the position very successfully. He was also a member of the Charitable Aid and Hospital Boards from 1883 to 1889, was chairman of the Hospital Board for three years, from 1886 to 1889, and was also a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board, Board of Health, and Waimakariri River Board for many years. His retirement from the House and the many public positions held by him was caused by the serious breakdown of his health. He was a member of the Christchurch Yeomanry Cavalry in the early days of that corps, having been its lieutenant for a time. Mr. White always took considerable interest in the recreations of the people, and gave substantial assistance to various athletic institutions. He
who was Member of the House of Representatives for Heathcote in the years 1882–4, is a son of the late Rev. P. L. Williams, Vicar of Liansannan, Denbigh, North Wales, where the subject of this notice was born in August, 1828. He was educated with a view first to the Indian Army and subsequently for the law, and was admitted a solicitor in England in the Hilary term in 1853. Two years later he landed in Wellington, worked on sheep stations in various parts of the Colony, but settled in Christchurch in 1860 and commenced the practice of his profession. Mr. Williams was a member of the Provincial Council of Canterbury for many sessions, and at one time filled the office of Provincial Solicitor. He is a brother of the late Sir Watkins Williams, formerly one of Her Majesty's Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature.
represented Heathcote in the House of Representatives from 1884 to 1886. For many years he held the responsible position of manager of the Bank of New Zealand in Christchurch, and was highly esteemed in business circles and in private life. Mr. Coster took an active interest in the New Zealand Shipping Company, which he was instrumental in founding.
who formerly represented Christchurch City in the House of Representatives, was born in Sydney in 1833. He was educated at Sydney College, and was brought up to the legal profession, was admitted to the Bar, and afterwards became a member of the firm of Messrs. Rowley, Holdsworth and Garrick. In 1863 Mr. W. P. Cowllshaw, who had been a pupil of Mr. Garrick, came to Canterbury and was joined in the following year by that gentleman in establishing the firm of Garrick and Cowlishaw. They acquired the business of Mr. Harston, and the firm was conducted under the above style till 1883, when Mr. J. Blekerton Fisher was admitted a partner, since which time the firm has been known as Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher. Mr. Garrick was long an active member of the Wesleyan Church, with which he was connected in Sydney, and during his residence in Christchurch took a warm interest in that body. Generally, Mr. Garrick was a liberal contributor to local charities. For a long time he declined to offer himself as a candidate for Parliament; eventually, however, his scruples were removed, and he was returned in 1884 for St. Albans. Mr. Garrick was a most useful member and his speeches in the House were well received. Mr. Garrick took a high position as a sound lawyer, and was one of the leading members of the Bar in Canterbury, many very important cases being entrusted to him. Mr. Garrick was a member of the Provincial Council, and represented Christchurch for a number of years. Subsequently he became provincial solicitor. At his death on the 7th of June, 1890, he left a widow, five sons, and two daughters.
was a Member of the House of Representatives for Cheviot in 1876–1877, and he represented the Avon electorate from 1884 to 1887. Mr. Harper, who is a son of the late Bishop Harper, was admitted to the bar, and practised his profession for many years in Christchurch. He now resides in Jersey, Channel Islands.
was elected to the House of Representatives in 1884, and sat as a Member for Christchurch for three years. He was one of the leading builders in Christchurch, and was a popular and highly esteemed citizen. Many notable buildings were erected by him, such as the Normal School, the Belfast Freezing Works, Morten's Block, Lincoln College, the Christchurch Post Office and part of the Sunnyside Asylum. Mr Reese died in October, 1891.
K.C.M.G., was a Member for Christchurch in the House of Representatives from 1884 to 1888. He first entered the House in 1863, and six years later he began his career as a Colonial Minister when he accepted the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer in the Fox Government; he also filled the offices of Commissioner of Stamps and Telegraphs, Postmaster-General, and Commissioner of Customs in this Ministry. In 1873 he assumed the Premiership in addition to his other offices. In the Stout-Vogel Administration he held the office of Colonial Treasurer and other portfolios. Sir Julius Vogel was a brilliant journalist, a clever financier, and as a statesman was a public nonefactor to the colony. His biography is given at length in the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia. He died in London on the 12th of March, 1899.
J.P., ex-Member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch City, hails from London, where he was born in 1835. He arrived in Auckland by the brig “Heather Bell,” in 1846, and received his education in the Colony. He went to Victoria in 1851, and had some six years' experience on the diggings of that Colony and New South Wales. Returning to Auckland in 1857, he served in the Militia for a short time, during the Maori War, and subsequently became a Government contractor for several years. In 1869 he settled in Canterbury, and was engaged as a general contractor till the year 1886. Mr. Taylor was elected a member of the Sydenham Borough Council in 1884, and also a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board. Subsequently he gained a seat on the Waimakariri River Board. At a by election in May, 1886, Mr. Taylor was returned to the House of Representatives for Sydenham, and re-elected at the General Election in the following year. In 1890 he was returned as one of the members for Christchurch City, but suffered defeat at the General Elections of 1893 and 1896. For a short time during his parliamentary history, he retired from the membership of the Christchurch Drainage Board, but was subsequently re-elected to a seat on that body. Mr. Taylor was married in 1887 to a daughter of Mr. S. F. Gray, of London.
who sat in the House of Representatives for the Avon constituency during 1887–93, was born in 1830 in Hampstead, England, and educated in Winbourn, Dorset. He was brought up as a civil engineer, and was afterwards employed on British railways for some years. Mr. Blake arrived in Port Chalmers in 1861. Two years later he settled in Canterbury, and was employed on the West Coast Road, then being constructed by the Provincial Government. After the completion of the section from Arthur's Pass to Hokitika, Mr. Blake settled in Westland for some years. Returning to Canterbury in 1882, he became engaged in sheepfarming and agriculture. Mr. Blake was at one time a member of the Avon Road Board, and held office as chairman for six or seven years.
represented the Heathcote electorate in the House of Representatives from 1887 to 1890. He was formerly accountant to Mr. F. Jenkins, builder, and subsequently held a similar position in Manning's brewery.
, who was a Member of the House of Representatives for Linwood in 1887–90, was born in Melbourne, and educated for the Bar. Mr. Loughrey gained his degree at the Melbourne University College, and became a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. For some time he held the position of inspector of schools under the Victorian Education Department. Coming to Christchurch in 1880, he entered into partnership
, formerly Agent-General for New Zealand in London, was born in Tasmania in 1854. Educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Stonyhurst, England, he subsequently matriculated at the London University. He was called to the English bar in 1878, and on returning to the colony commenced the practice of his profession in Christchurch. Sir Westby sat as a member for Christchurch City in the House of Representatives from 1887 to 1891, when he resigned to accept the position of Agent-General. He carried out the duties of this office in a very efficient manner, and was knighted by her Majesty the Queen in 1894. Sir Westby is further referred to in the Wellington volume of this work.
whose biography is given at pages 43, 44, and 45 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia represented St. Albans from 1887 to 1890, and the City of Christchurch from 1891 to 1895. Mr. Reeves was appointed Agent-General for the colony in London on the 10th of January, 1896, and he still (1902) holds that office.
represented Christchurch in the House of Representatives in 1889–1890. He was a well-known squatter, and a good colonist.
represented Christchurch City in the House of Representatives in 1892–1893. A Liberal in politics, he was a strong supporter of the Seddon Government. Prior to his election he was a compositor in the “Lyttelton Times” office, Christchurch, and had taken an interest in political matters in connection with the Liberal party for some years. Subsequent to his retirement from politics Mr. Sandford was appointed to the charge of the Public Works Department in Christchurch. He died in December, 1897.
J.P., was elected to the House of Representatives as a Member for Christchurch in December, 1893, but was defeated by a narrow majority at the elections of 1896. Apart from politics, Mr. Collins is well known as a lecturer on social and other subjects. At the general elections of 1889 he was again returned for Christchurch, and is elsewhere referred to as a present member.
J.P. was returned at the general elections of December, 1893, as Member for Riccarton, but was defeated for the same constituency in 1896 by the Hon. W. Rolleston. He again contested the seat with the same gentleman in 1899, when he was returned by a small majority. He is referred to in another article as a present member of the House of Representatives.
was elected a Member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch at the general elections of December, 1893, and was re-elected in 1896 As a member of the Sydenham Prohibition League he became prominently identified with the prohibition movement. At the general elections of 1899 he was defeated, but on the retirement of Mr. Charles Lewis, he was again returned for Christchurch, at the by-election of 1901, and he is referred to elsewhere as a present member for the city.
formerly Senior Member of the House of Representatives for the City of Christchurch, is a son of the late Mr. David Lewis, an early Canterbury settler. He was born in Christchurch in 1857, was educated at Christ's College, and at Clifton and Malvern Colleges in England. Mr. Lewis' father, at his death, left a property of 270 acres at Halswell, where Mr. Lewis resides, and which he farms. In local affairs he has served on the Halswell Road Board for a number of years, and was a member of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association for some time. At the by-election of 1896 caused by the retirement of the Honourable W. P. Reeves, who then became Agent-General, Mr. Lewis was returned to fill the vacant seat. At the general election in the same year he was elected with a majority of about six hundred votes above the next successful candidate. He was re-elected in 1899, but resigned his seat on the 24th of June, 1901. Mr. Lewis is a well-known breeder of Shropshire Down sheep, having imported some firstclass strains; he was an exhibitor at the local shows for four years, and successful in every instance in taking first prizes. He is fond of cricket. Mr. Lewis is married and has three sons and four daughters.
formerly a Member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch City, was born at Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire, England, in 1862. He arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Cardigan Castle” in 1874, and was educated at public schools. Mr. Taylor was for nearly twenty years in the employment of Messrs. J. M. Heywood and Co., forwarding agents, and for several years prior to leaving the firm occupied the position of manager. In February, 1895, he entered into business on his own account as a commission agent and importer. Mr. Taylor has been for some years a prominent figure in connection with the prohibition movement in Christchurch. He was secretary of the celebrated Prohibition League in Sydenham at the time of the election of the Prohibition Committee, which was subsequently removed from office by order of the Supreme Court. Mr. Taylor came forward as a candidate for the city at the by-election in February, 1896, on which occasion he was defeated. At the general election in December of the same year he was returned as junior member for Christchurch. The Police Commission which was appointed in the session of 1897 was largely the result of Mr. Taylor's action in the House. His views are of the radical type, and he is a firm believer in State control of all means of production and distribution, which would then be practically in the hands of the people. Mr. Taylor was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. R. B. Ellison, of Christchurch, and has four daughters.
A number of foreign consuls reside in Christchurch, and may be seen at their respective places of business. They devote special attention to commercial matters, in connection with which they are in constant communication with the countries they represent, and are supplied with full and official information. The consul for Belgium is Mr. J. J. Kinsey, of Messrs Kinsey, Barns, and Co., 176 Hereford Street, Christchurch, and Norwich Quay, Lyttelton; for Denmark, Mr E. C. Skog, 191 Armagh Street; for France, Mr G. Humphreys, of Messrs Fletcher, Humphreys, and Co., 31 Cathedral Square; for Germany, Mr P. Kippenberger, 198 Hereford Street; for Italy, Mr T. Wallace, 253 Gloucester Street; for Sweden and Norway (viceconsulate), Mr F. Graham, 200 Hereford Street; and for the United States of America, Mr R. Pitcaithly, 108 Manchester Street.
Consul for Belgium, in the provincial districts of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland, has occupied that position since 1898. Mr. Kinsey was born in Kent, England, in 1852, and educated at the Royal Naval School. Greenwich. He was afterwards master at Dulwich College for nine years, and resigned in 1880, to come to Christchurch, New Zealand, with the intention of entering commercial life. Mr. Kinsey, who is known as a partner in the firm of Kinsey, Barns and Co., was married, in 1872, and has one daughter. In him matters bearing on the welfare of the community have always found a warm sympathiser and active supporter.
J.P., Consul for Denmark, was born at Copenhagen in 1848, and educated at the Grammar School in Zealand. Mr. Skog is an apothecary, having served his apprenticeship in his native country and qualified in due course. He held a commission as lieutenant in the Danish army, and after serving five years, left his motherland for New Zealand, arriving in Napier in 1875, by the ship “Friedeburg,” as a first-class passenger. Mr. Skog was engaged in business in Napier until 1881 when he came to Canterbury, and was assistant manager for Messrs. Cook and Ross, chemists, until the death of Mr. Ross in 1893, when he became manager, which position he occupied till October, 1901, when he commenced business on his own account at the Central Pharmacy in Colombo Street. In 1884 Mr. Skog was appointed vice-consul for Denmark, and nine years later received the appointment of Consul for the South Island of New Zealand. Mr. Skog acted as examiner on the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand while the office was in Christchurch. As a member of the Masonic Order, he is a past master of Lodge Canterbury, 1048, E.C., and a past Z. of the Royal Arch Chapter Canterbury Kilwinning, S.C., also a member of the R.C. Chapter No. 135 (18th degree). Mr. Skog was married in Denmark to Miss Sprick, of Copenhagen, and has one daughter.
Consular Agent for France, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Humphreys was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, in 1848, educated at a private school in his native place, and brought up to commercial life in the firm of Messrs Henry Rogers, Sons, and Co., metal merchants, of London and Wolverhampton. He came to New Zealand in 1869 and soon after entered the service of the oldestablished firm of Messrs Morrison, Sclanders, Fletcher, and Co., merchants, Christchurch. On the dissolution of the partnership of the firm, the retiring partner, Mr John Johnston Fletcher, in conjunction with Mr. Humphreys, established the present firm of Messrs Fletcher, Humphreys, and Co., wine, spirit, and general merchants. After the death of Sir Fletcher in 1889 Mr. William Thomas Charlewood, of Christ's College, entered into partnership with Mr. Humphreys, but the new firm retained the old name. Mr. Humphreys was appointed French Consul in 1899, but during his recent sojourn in Europe Mr. Charlewood performed the duties of the position. For many years Mr. Humphreys has taken a leading position in commercial and other affairs connected with Christchurch. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1892. Prior to his recent visit to England Mr. Humphreys took an active part in promoting the organisation and facilitating the despatch of the New Zealand First Contingent sent for service in South Africa, and raised and equipped by means of private subscriptions.
Imperial German Consul for the provincial districts of Canterbury and Westland, was born in the village of Kindenheim, Bavaria, Germany, in 1855, and came to Lyttelton, New Zealand, with his parents in the year 1863. He was educated in Timarn, where he worked for some time in the “Herald” office, and for several years in a solicitor's office, and then went farming with his father for about three years. When about twenty years of age he again obtained work in the office of his former employer, Mr. John William White, Crown solicitor, Timaru, to whom he subsequently articled himself for five years. Some time after the completion of his articles, he removed to Christchurch, and took up the position of Common Law Managing Clerk to the firm of Messrs Joynt and Perceval. Whilst in this appointment he passed his law examination with honours, and was subsequently, in 1883, admitted as a barrister and solicitor. In 1887 he joined Mr. William Acton-Adams, in the practice of barristers and solicitors; but the firm was dissolved in January, 1900. Mr. Kippenberger has continued to practice on his own account in Christchurch. He received his appointment as German Consul on the 20th of January, 1896
Vice-Consul for Italy, is referred to in another article as local manager of the Canterbury district agency of the Phœnix Fire and Marine Assurance Company of London.
Vice Consul for Norway and Sweden, is a well-known figure in the leading business circles in Christchurch He is referred to at length as a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
Consular Agent for the United States of America in Christchurch, was born in Lyttelton in 1859, and educated at St. John's Presbyterian Church school. Mr. Pitcalthly entered the employment of Messrs. Cuff and Graham in 1871, and continued with them as managing clerk until 1895, when in conjunction with his partners he took over the business. He was appointed consular agent for the United States in September, 1895. For a number of years he has been a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, representing the City of Christchurch. Mr. Pitcaithly is a member of the Industrial Association of Canterbury, and of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce.
Vice-Consul for Spain during the years between 1879 and 1900, was the first Consul appointed for that country in New Zealand. He arrived at Hokitika in 1859, and has had a wide and varied experience, has witnessed the rapid progress of the colony, and been connected with almost every phase of its commercial life. Being of a practical and progressive disposition, he has met with prosperity at every turn, and now, at the age of sixty-nine years, lives in retirement in a favoured spot in Cashel Street. Don Arenas is widely esteemed amongst his fellow colonists for the liberality of mind and largeness of heart he has manifested in times of public and private need and in connection with institutions of charity. Nor has he forgotten the claims of his countrymen in romantic and immemorial Spain. As an instance of his mindfulness in that respect he sent £1000 in aid of those whose homes had been wrecked at Malagar, by the memorable earthquake which occurred in 1886. Mr. Arenas was born in the city of Barcelona in 1842. He was educated at the Government schools, and subsequently in died at St. Carroll's College, his education including a thorough acquaintance with five different languages. He was married, in 1872 to an English lady, daughter of Mr. Thomas Berell, of Northampton, England. She died in Spain, in 1878, leaving two children. Don Arenas married again in 1880, and of this union four children have been born.
The Corporation of Christchurch has jurisdiction over an area of 1,249 acres. The city contains 4,754 ratable properties owned by 3,146 ratepayers, and is divided into four wards—north-east, north-west, south-east, and south-west. The town is lighted by gas, and it is well supplied with water by artesian wells, which are to be found on almost every property. A public cemetery of twenty-six acres, about three miles from the centre of the town, on Buckley's Road, is under the council's control. It was opened some years ago, when the cemeteries in Barbadoes Street, comprising the Church of England, Wesleyan, and Roman Catholic grounds, were closed. An efficient fire brigade, with two stations, one in Chester Street and the other in Lichfield Street, is maintained by the city. The municipal offices consist of a handsome two-storey red brick building, stationed on the corner of Worcester Street and Oxford Terrace. There are thirty-eight miles of formed streets within the city.
The city council obtains most of its revenue from rates. It levies a general rate of 1s 7d in the £, a charitable aid rate of 2d, a special rate of 2d, a Drainage Board rate of 1s, and a Waimakariri River Board rate of 3/4d. The council's total receipts for the year ending the 31st of March, 1901, amounted to £71,240, and the total expenditure to £64,572. The rates are adjusted on the annual value of property in the city area, which amounts to £236,798. The total loans raised by the corporation amount to £121,140. Of this sum, £18,500 has been devoted to sanitary works and the destructor, which has been erected recently; £25,000 to public works, and £6,000 to the municipal offices. Interest on £31,000 of the gross amount is provided for out of the general rates. It has also been decided to raise a special loan of £15,000 for the erection of abattoirs. On the 31st of March, 1901, the assets of the council amounted to £8,498, exclusive of sinking funds (£42,525), freehold land, buildings, and reserves, and the liabilities to £9,795, exclusive of loans.
Though drainage in the city and suburbs is under the control of a Drainage Board, it is appropriate to mention it here. The Board constructs the sewers, and the surface drainage is collected by side channels. House connections are made, and these, together with internal and external sanitary appliances, receive every care, the work being done by plumbers and pipelayers licensed by the Board for the purpose. About six or seven miles from the city, on the New Brighton sandhills, there is a sewage farm, where sewage is distributed over paddocks, which are laid down in grass. A complete system of collecting the refuse has been in operation for a number of years. Formerly the material was carted to a depot outside the city boundary, but it is now consumed in a destructor, constructed on the latest English model. This work is done without cost to individual ratepayers in all cases where the rubbish is put on the street frontage ready for loading; but a small charge is made if the employees of the council have to enter the property for the purpose of removing the refuse.
The city is lighted by gas supplied by the Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, Ltd. There are 384 single incandescent lamps, 21 double incandescent, and four arcs. A scheme is now (1902) on foot to obtain water power for electrical and other purposes, including the lighting of the city. A special committee has been set up to consider the advisableness of utilising the Waimakariri or some other river in this connection, and it has also been suggested that an electrical plant for lighting the city might be established in conjunction with the destructor.
At present the city is supplied with water from the numerous artesian wells, one being found on almost every property. Therefore, the council has not provided any special water supply. It has been decided, however, to take a poll on a proposal to raise a water-supply loan, with a first instalment of £7000. The scheme formulated embraces about four miles and a half of streets. It is proposed to pump the water to a tank on to a tower, 70 feet high, by means of power generated from an electrical plant at the destructor.
City abattoirs are to be erected at Sockburn, which is within a few miles of Christchurch. It has been decided to raise a special loan of £15,000 for this purpose, by issuing 150 debentures for £100 each. The abattoirs will be used by the surrounding district as well as by the city. It is proposed that a special rate of 3/4d in the £ shall be levied in the city in connection with the project.
At present the City Council consists of the Mayor, Mr. H. F. Wigram, and the following councillors: Messrs J. M. Taylor, H. H. Loughnan, Henry Wood, south-east ward; C. M. Gray, G. Payling, R. M. Macdonald, north-west ward; W. E. Samuels, J. Clarke, G. Simpson, north-east ward; and C. D. Morris, H. B. Sorensen, and J. T. Smith, south-west ward. The officers are: Messrs H. R. Smith, town clerk; A. Dudley Dobson, M. Inst. C.E., city surveyor and engineer; J. F. Matthews, chief clerk; J. S. Neville, rate collector; J. H. Stringer, chief inspector; W. Smith, junior inspector; T. Russell, foreman; V. Esselborn, caretaker; and E. Smith, superintendent of the fire brigade.
was born in London and came out to New Zealand to seek good health, attracted by the high reputation of the colony's genial climate, and natural advantages. After visiting several parts of the colony, he arrived in Christchurch in 1883. Two years later he entered into business, and has ever since been connected with the firm of Messrs Wigram Brothers. Although he has taken a keen interest in local public affairs, and especially in the patriotic movement in connection with the sending of Contingents to South Africa, Mr. Wigram has not hitherto served on public bodies. His fitness for administrative work had, however, been so long recognised that, in April, 1902, he was elected Mayor of Christchurch without opposition.
who was elected in 1901 to represent the Southeast Ward in the Christchurch City Council, was
who represents the South-East Ward in the Christchurch City Council, is the second son of the late Judge Loughnan, H.E.I.C.S., and was born in 1849 at Patna, Bengal, India, and educated at Stonyhurst, College, England. Mr. Loughnan came out to Melbourne in 1868, and after a short stay crossed the Tasman Sea and spent some time on the Otago diggings, after which he was engaged for a few years on a sheep run. He studied law as a judge's associate to the late Hon. H. B. Gresson, judge of the Supreme Court, and also to the late Mr. Justice Johnston. He was admitted a barrister of the Supreme Court in 1876, and commenced to practise his profession in Christchurch. In 1878 he joined Mr. William Izard, under the style of Izard and Loughnan. Mr. Loughnan is well known in musical circles as a member of the Christchurch Orchestral Society and Musical Union. In his younger days, as an enthusiastic cricketer he look part in several intercolonial matches, and still belongs to the Lancaster Park Cricket Club. Mr. Loughnan was elected to a sent in the city council in 1896. He is a member of the Christchurch Club.
who was elected in 1900 as a Member for the South East Ward, in the Christchurch City Council, was returned to his seat at the election of 1901. Mr. Wood was born in Christchurch in 1860, and is a son of Mr. W. D. Wood, one of the early settlers who arrived in New Zealand by the “Randolph,” one of the first four ships, in 1850. He was educated at Christ's College, and after leaving school entered the milling trade, which he has since pursued with great success, and is now a partner in the well-known firm of Messrs Wood Bros., millers and grain merchants, Christchurch. Mr. Wood has taken consider- able interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Canterbury Industrial Association. The firm of Wood Bros, is described in another part of this volume.
J.P., who has been prominent in local politics for many years past, was born at Geelong, Victoria, in 1853, and arrived in New Zealand in 1862, per s.s. “Gothenburg,” from Melbourne. Mr. Gray was brought up to the soft goods trade, and for seven years was in the employ of Mr. Peter Bell, of Wanganui, Removing to Christchurch, he was for ten years with Mr. Robert Black, draper, afterwards Messrs. Black, Beattie and Co. Mr. Gray commenced his present business on his own account in High Street in 1884. He has been a member of the Christchurch City Council since 1885, and was mayor in 1891. He has been an active member of the Christchurch Hospital Board, and on the retirement of Mr. R. D. Thomas in 1898, was elected to the chair. Mr. Gray for many years has taken a deep interest in the Temperance cause. In 1874 he commenced to compile “An Annual Table of the Drink Bill of the Colony,” taking the Customs returns as his basis, and giving an estimate of the total cost to the consumer. The accuracy of his statements has been severely criticised, but Mr. Gray has defended his position with much effect, and his data have been frequently referred to in Parliament. He was married in 1877 to a daughter of the late Mr. N. Kent, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters.
who is one of the Members for the North-West Ward, carries on business as a general merchant, under the style of G. Payling and Co.
was elected to the City Council, for the North-West Ward, in 1901, and was made Chairman of the Works Committee. He was born at Orari, South Canterbury, in 1860, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. W. K. Macdonald, one of the early pioneers of Canterbury. After serving an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer at the Ad dington workshops, he became a partner in the engineering firm of Booth, Macdonald and Co., and was subsequently a member of the firm of McLaren and Macdonald, from which he retired in 1889. He has been Managing Director of the Christchurch Tramway Company, Limited, since its inception, a director of the Christchurch “Press” Company since 1891, and has also been a member of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association for several years. In 1884 Mr. Macdonald married a daughter of the late Mr. George Gould, a well-known pioneer of Christchurch, and has three sons and two daughters.
J.P., who represents North-east Ward in the Christchurch City Council, was born at Stepney in 1833, and educated at Poplar. He came out to Sydney in 1853, and six years later to Canterbury. With the exception of six years on the Auckland goldfields, Mr. Samuels has resided continuously in Christchurch. He was one of the
who sits in the City Council as a representative of the North-East Ward, was first elected as member for Richmond Ward in 1899, and was returned unopposed, in April, 1901, to fill his present seat. Mr. Clarke is a progressive member, and during his first term of office he rendered valuable service to the Richmond Ward. He was born in London in 1850, and educated at the Birkbeck Schools, Peckham. On leaving school he was apprenticed to Mr. Benetfinks, a well-known ironmonger, of Cheapside, and gained an extensive experience of every branch of the trade. Accordingly, on arriving in Christchurch in 1872, he readily found employment, as ironmonger's assistant, in the firm of Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co. Mr. Clarke has held responsible positions in other well-known business houses in Christchurch. He commenced business as a hardware broker, valuer and importer, on his own account in 1893, and, with enterprise and perseverance, has succeeded so well that his firm is now known throughout the colony Mr. Clarke was for eight years a member of the Woolston school committee, and was afterwards on the Richmond school committee. He is now president of the Richmond School Swimming Club.
was elected in 1901 as a Member for the NorthEast Ward in the Christchurch City Council. He is well known in Christchurch as a prominent member of the building trade, and has erected the Temple of Truth—now known as the Choral Hall—and other notable places in the city. Mr. Simpson has taken much in terest in public affairs, and has distinguished himself as a worker at the general elections He was associated with Mr. Arthur Bentley Worthington in the formation of the society known as “The Students of Truth.” Mr. Simpson was born in London in 1855, and arrived in New Zealand in 1858, with his father, who, in conjunction with the late Mr. John Barnes, built the first wharf at Dunedin. He was educated at a public school, under Mr. Robert Stout, now Sir Robert Stout, Chief Justice of New Zealand. After leaving school he was engaged in various pursuits for several years, and was then apprenticed to Mr. David Hunter, the well-known builder of the Waitaki bridge, who was then engaged in the construction of the First Church, on Bell Hill, Dunedin. To Mr. Hunter's stimulating example as an upholder of thorough workmanship, Mr Simpson ascribes much of the success which has attended him as builder. After coming to Christchurch Mr. Simpson was engaged by the Government to carry out the extension of the Burnham Industrial School, and was presented by the Education Department with a valuable testimonial for the way in which he had done the work. Mr. Simpson was married, in 1879, and has three sons and one daughter.
who represents South-west Ward in the Christchurch City Council, was born at Sandymount, near Dublin, in 1858, and was educated at Rahan, near his native place. Mr. Morris landed in Lyttelton in 1873 from the ship “Punjaub,” and entered the telegraph office at Christchurch, where he remained for five years. He has since been connected with the brewing and wine and spirit trades in Christchurch, having been four years and a-half with Messrs. Manning and Co., four years with the “Standard” Brewing Company, and eleven years as salesman with Messrs. Wood, Shand and Co., now J. Shand and Co. Mr. Morris entered the City Council in September, 1897, having previously served for two years on the West Christchurch School Committee. He is a member of the Masonic Order, attached to Lodge St. Augustine, in which he was W.M. in 1885. In musical matters he has been many years a prominent member of the Liedertafel. and takes the second tenor part. Mr. Morris was married in 1884 to a daughter of the late Mr. H. E. Alport, who arrived in one of the “first four ships,” and has three daughters living.
who was elected to the City Council in 1901 as a representative of the South-West Ward, has been a member since 1895, when he was returned for the Richmond Ward. Mr. Sorensen was born in Denmark on the 15th of October, 1845, and received his education at the Weile High School, in Jutland. He arrived in New Zealand in 1862, when he landed at Dunedin, and two years later he came to Christchurch. Mr Sorensen has taken an active interest in the social welfare of the community; is a member of the Richmond school committee, and chairman of the House Committee of the
who has been a member of the Christchurch City Council for South-west Ward since 1890, was born in 1838 at St. Just-in-Penwith, Corn- wall, England, and received his early education in his native place. He is a tindresser by trade, came out to Nelson per ship “Bard of Avon,” in 1863, became a schoolmaster under the Nelson Board of Education, and was for nine years headmaster of the Stoke public school. Subsequently, he learned the trade of a bookseller and stationer in Nelson, and removed to Christchurch in 1877 to assume the management of the Wesleyan-Methodist Book Depot, which he subsequently purchased. Mr. Smith has been a member of the North Canterbury and Ashburton United Charitable Aid Board since 1891. On two occasions he has unsuccessfully contested the Christchurch seat for the House of Representatives and was twice defeated in contests for the mayoralty of the city. Mr. Smith is a wellknown member of the Methodist Church, with which he has been connected all his life, being for over forty years a local preacher, has occupied all the lay offices, and been representative at local and general conferences. As a life-long abstainer, Mr. Smith has been prominent in the Temperance movement, and has filled the position of president of the Canterbury Band of Hope Union since 1886. He introduced the Rechabite Order into Nelson, and afterwards into Canterbury, has held office as district chief ruler, and is now deputy high chief ruler for New Zealand. In the Independent Order of Good Templars, he was grand chief templar, and represented New Zealand at the International Temperance Conference held in Melbourne in 1880. Mr. Smith was married in 1861 to a daughter of Mr. Strickson, of Yaxly, Huntingdonshire, England, and has one son and one daughter.
Town Clerk of Christchurch, is a native of Doncaster, Yorkshire, England, and was educated at the Doncaster Grammar School. He was articled to Mr. B. S. Brundell, M. Inst., C.E., with whom he was engaged in many important works. Mr. Smith came to New Zealand in 1880, after serving two years in the drawing office of the Midland Railway Company, a Derby, and after arriving in the colony was employed on the Government survey of the West Coast road. Mr. Smith was appointed clerk to the Linwood Town Board in 1882, and, on the incorporation of the borough became town clerk and district surveyor. He was appointed to his present position in 1901 as successor to Mr. Haskins.
are Solicitors to the Christchurch City Council. The firm is further referred to in the Legal section of this volume.
City Surveyor and Engineer for the Christchurch City Council, was born in London, and came to New Zealand with his father in the ship “Cressy,” one of the first four ships. He was educated at Christ's College, and served a pupilage to his father, under whom he was employed in connection with the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel. In 1863 he undertook a contract to survey and explore the West Coast from the River Grey to Abut Head, and while trying to get his horses through to the coast he discovered the pass into the Otira which was named after him Arthur's Pass. Finally, he took the horses— which were the first on the Coast—up through the Lochinvar country to the south branch of the Hurunui, and thence over the old Maori track to the Teremakau, and down that river to the beach. In 1866 Mr. Dobson was appointed assistant provincial engineer in Nelson, and was engaged on the Nelson waterworks, and in opening up the Nelson-West Coast goldfield. He was appointed provincial engineer in 1871, and subsequently chief surveyor, and during his term of office he built the Nelson gasworks, and laid out and constructed the main roads between Greymouth, Reefton, Westport, and Nelson. After joining the Public Works staff in 1875, Mr. Dobson laid out the Westport-Ngakuwaho railway and other works, and left the department on their completion in 1878, when he joined his father, Mr. Edward Dobson, in Christchurch, forming the firm of Edward Dobson and Son, civil engineers and surveyors. This firm carried out the Timaru waterworks and a number of irrigation works, roads and bridges, for the New Zealand Government, and various county councils and road boards. In 1885 Mr Dobson went to England on Midland Railway business, and in the following year visited Australia, where he entered into contracting, in partnership with Mr. J. B. Mackenzie, M.I.C.E., and constructed the Warrnambool breakwater, a very large work. Subsequently Mr. Dobson returned to Christchurch where he has since practised his profession. He was elected a member of the Geological Society of London in 1874, and a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1882. Whilst in Victoria he obtained a certificate entitling him to practise as a hydraulic and also as a municipal engineer, and he holds the certificate and license issued to surveyors by the Victorian and New Zealand Governments. Mr. Dobson married a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Lewis, chief surveyor of Nelson, and has four sons and three daughters.
City Valuer to the Christchurch City Council, was appointed to his present position in 1898. Mr. Mills was born in Tasmania in 1838, and educated at Hobart, where he followed various commercial pursuits until 1863, when he came to New Zealand. He was manager of the Glenmark estate for five years. Mr. Mills has had considerable experience in Government valuation work.
City Inspector for the Christchurch City Council, is a son of Mr. William Stringer, an English yeoman, and was born in London on the 2nd of November, 1837. He was educated, firstly, at a private school, and finally at the London Mechanics' Institute. At the age of seventeen, after spending a short time at engineering, he joined the army, and served as a gunner in the Royal Artillery throughout the Crimean war, in connection with
which he received the Crimean and also Turkish and French medals for distinguished conduct in the field, and was one of the last conduct in the field, and was one of the contingent of troops that returned to England. He remained in the Army as a noncommissioned officer till his departure for New Zealand in the latter part of 1859. After landing at Lyttelton in 1860, Mr. Stringer
which is under the control of the City Corporation, has its principal stations in Chester and Lichfield Streets. The Chester Street station has a large frontage to the street, and is a two-storey brick building, with sleeping accommodation for the firemen, stabling for the horses, and quarters for the engines and other appliances. The Lichfield Street station is also a two-storey brick building, situated at the corner of Madras Street, and is equipped in a manner similar to that of the Chester Street station. The plant of the Brigade is considered to be one of the best in the Southern Hemisphere, although the city possesses no hydrant-water supply. There are two large Shand-Mason engines, which cost £600 each, and are respectively known as the “Extinguisher” and the “Deluge.” These engines are capable of throwing 300 gallons and 450 gallons of water per minute. Besides these fire engines, there are two chemical engines, the “Pioneer” and the “Beltana,” the former holding 70 gallons and the latter 150 gallons of a compound of soda and sulphuric acid, which has a quenching power equal to eight times the same quantity of water. The engines of the Railway Fire Brigade and the St Albans Fire Brigade also co-operate with those of the city in cases of emergency.
Superintendent of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, was born in 1848 in Birmingham. When a little boy he was rescued from a fire by his mother, who dragged him down three flights of stairs by his foot, having no time to see what portion of his body she had taken hold of. The family having removed to London, Mr. Smith witnessed the great Tooley Street fire. Settling in New Zealand in 1864, the subject of this sketch served for three years in No. 1 Rifle Company. In 1867, he removed to Melbourne, and twelve months later visited the South Sea Islands, where he learned ship-building, the native language, and cotton planting. He formed one of an expedition to punish some Fiji mutineers, and received two bullet woundsin his right leg. He was nine years inthe Fijis, acting as interpreter and pilot, and was engaged in the labour trade. Returning to Christchurch in 1877, he joined the local fire brigade in the following year, and rose successively to be foreman, lieutenant, and superintendent. Mr. Smith is the inventor of a fire-escape which took the first prize in 1888, and which he presented to the Christchurch City Council. Since 1886 he has been a member of the St. John Ambulance Association, on the committee of which he has served, and received the society's medal. He has long been associated with the Canterbury Industrial Association, and was for some time on the executive. Mr. Smith is the founder of the firm of Messrs E. Smith and Co., boot importers and manufacturers.
Twenty-four citizens have occupied the mayoral chair of Christchurch since the Town Council met at 10 a.m. on the 10th of June, 1868, for the purpose of electing the city's first mayor. The members present at the meeting were: Messrs W. Wilson, J. P. Jameson, T. Tombs, J. G. Ruddenklau, Henry Thomson, W. A. Sheppard, and John Anderson, who occupied the chair. Mr Thomson, in a laudatory speech, proposed Mr Wilson as the first mayor of Christchurch, and Mr Tombs seconded the proposition. Mr Anderson, as chairman, put the resolution to the meeting, and it was carried unanimously. On that date the “Municipal Corporations Act, 1867,” came into force. Prior to that time the following gentlemen were successively chairmen of the town council; Sir John Hall in 1862 and 1863, Mr John Oilivier in 1863 and 1864, Mr Isaac Luck in 1865, Mr E. B. Bishop in 1866, and Mr W. Wilson in 1867. After Mr Wilson's term as mayor, he was followed successively by Messrs John Anderson, A. Duncan, J. P. Jameson, H. Sawtell, E. B. Bishop, and M. B. Hart, each for a term of one year. Mr F. Hobbs then filled the chair for the years 1875 and 1876. Next followed Mr James Gapes, who subsequently held office for another term; Mr Henry Thomson for one year, and Mr. C. T. Iek for two years, occupying the position during the interim. Messrs J. G. Ruddenklan, C. P. Hulbert, A. Ayers, and C. Liuisson followed respectively, each for two years; and Mr Louisson also had the honour of being reelected for 1898 and 1899. After Mr Louisson's first term the chair was occupied successively by Messrs S. Mnnning, C. M. Gray, W. Prudhoe, Eden George, and Thomas Gapes. Mr W. H. Cooper was mayor for the years 1895 and 1897, and Mr H. J. Beswick filled the position for the intervening year, 1896. Mr W. Reece was mayor during the Jubilee year, 1900, and held the position till April, 1901, when he was succeeded by Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes. The present Mayor, Mr. H. F. Wigram, was elected in April, 1902.
who was first Mayor of Christchurch, was born in 1819, and is the eldest son of Mr. William Wilson. of Stranraer, Scotland. He came to New Zealand in the very early days of Canterbury settlement, after having previously served an apprenticeship of seven years to Mr. J. Wilson, seedsman, of Kirkcudbrightshire. He was also in the service of several of the nobility, by which he gained a further knowledge of his business. He lauded in canterbury in 1850 by the ship “Mariner.” and at once started as a nurseryman and seedsman at the Bricks Farm, on the River Avon. Mr. Wilson took a very prominent part in politics, and was a well-known forcible speaker. In 1869, he was elected to the Canterbury Provincial Council, and sat for seven years. Subsequently in conjunction with others, he organised the movement for the incorporation of the city, and was elected chairman of the municipality, and later the first mayor of the city. In every movement inaugurated for the welfare of the city. Mr. Wilson has been one of the leading spirits. He was the chairman of the Christchurch Horticultural Society for many years. He erected the first Town Hall, a building now occupied by Messrs. Strange and Co., drapers. High Street. He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Williams.
who was Mayor of Christchurch in 1869, and a well-known figure for many years, was born at Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, 1831, and apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade at an early age. He attended and studied hard at evening classes, and gained a diploma and medal from the School of Art. On the for mation of the Canterbury Association, he became one of the pioneers of the settlement, and arrived in the “Sir George Seymour,” one of the “first four ships.” Soon after his arrival, Mr. Anderson established a blacksmith's shop on the plains, “amidst fern, flax, and tussock,” not far from the site of the present Barbadoes Street bridge. A few years later he bought the section extending from Cashel to Lichfield Streets, on which has since been erected the Canterbury Foundry, now conducted by his sons. This was the first foundry in the provincial district, and it has often been styled the pioneer of the engineering industry in New Zealand. Mr. Anderson was a member of the first town board, and was also the second mayor of the city. He was one of the promoters of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and continued to be a director till within three months of his death, which occurred on the 30th of April, 1897. Mr. Anderson was also a director of the Christchurch Gas Company, and the Alliance Insurance Company, and was at one time president of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and chairman of the first licensing committee
who was Mayor of Christchurch for the year 1870, was born in the west of Scotland, in 1834, and came to Canterbury with his parents about the year 1858. He worked for some time at his occupation as nurseryman, and afterwards established his nursery gardens down the Ferry Road. He also started in business as seedsman, his first shop being in Gloucester Street on the site of the premises afterwards occupied by the Gas Company. By strict attention to his affairs, combined with considerable commerical aptitude, he was enabled to extend the operations of his business in various directions, and in due course removed to the shop in Cashel Street, which he possessed at the time of his death, on the 10th of December, 1880. During his later years Mr. Duncan took a prominent part in public affairs. He was a member of the City Council, and also mayor of Christchurch. Mr. Duncan also represented Heathcote in the Provincial Council for a considerable period, and was a member of the Provincial Executive. He contested one of the seats for Christchurch in the General Assembly, against Mr. E. J. Wakefield, but was not elected. Mr. Duncan was strongly urged to come forward again as one of the candidates for the city, but could not be prevailed upon to do so. He visited the Old Country as an Emigration Agent for the Provincial Government, and acted in that capacity for about a year, during which he induced a considerable number of suitable emigrants to leave for Canterbury. After his return he was appointed a member of the Board of Education, and was made a Commissioner of School Reserves. He was an active member of the Drainage Board from its formation, and was also on the Waste Lands Board, and the South Waimakariri Board of Conservation. Mr. Duncan took a keen interest in the agricultural interests of the colony, and was for a long period a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president at the time of his death. Mr. Duncan was for many years a member of the Christchurch Horticultural Society, in the affairs of which he always took great interest. He was for some years a member of the North Canterbury Board of Education, and held the position of chairman at one time. During his term of office he opened a number of the country district state schools. Mr Duncan was an officebearer of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church on several occasions, and at the time of his death was a member of the Financial Committee of the congregation. About two months before his death Mr. Duncan visited Australia for the benefit of his health, which, however, was not improved by the trip, and he died three weeks after returning to his home in Christchurch, at the comparatively early age of forty-six.
who was Mayor of the City of Christchurch in 1871, and a councillor for several years, was born in London on the 5th of April, 1824, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Sebastopol,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1863. He always took a keen interest in local public matters, and was one of the first members of the Industrial Association of Canterbury, and the second president of that association. Mr. Jameson was a consistent supporter of local industries, and was one of the promoters of the original Kaiapoi Woollen Company. For many years he was a director of the Mutual Benefit Building Society, chairman of the Christchurch Public Cemetery Board, and of several other public bodies, He was well known in commercial circles, and was for some years in business as a merchant in Christchurch. Soon after his arrival in the colony he purchased a farm at Leeston. This property he subsequently sold, and took up another farm at Coalgate, where he resided during the latter part of his life and almost to the date of his death. Mr. Jameson was married, prior to leaving the Old Country, and at his death, on the 6th of September, 1896, he left a family of four sons and one daughter.
occupied the Mayoral chair for the year 1872. For some time he was in partnership with Mr. A. Cracroft Wilson, and the firm carried on business as general merchants in High Street, under the style of Wilson, Sawtell and Co. Mr. Sawtell still (1902) resides in Christchurch.
who was Mayor of Christchurch for the year 1873, was also chairman of the Town Council in 1866. He was a resident of the colony for thirty-seven years, was very prominent in public affairs, and was one who put his whole soul and energy into any undertaking with which he was connected. Mr. Bishop was born at Somerfield House, near Maidstone, Kent, England, in 1811. After being educated in England and France he served twenty-one years with Messrs Swaine and Co., distillers, of London. He came with his family to New Zealand in the Charlotte Jane,” one of the first four ships, and landed at Lyttelton on the 16th of December, 1850. Mr. Bishop had purchased land from the Canterbury Association, and he and his family left Lyttelton with a tent and sundries packed on a horse, and camped near the place now known as Wilson's Bridge. After much inconvenience the party reached the selected piece of land. It struggled against hardships, and eventually succeeded in building a whare, with timber brought from Lyttelton and up the Heathcote in a small vessel. Mr. Bishop was one of the first members of the Farmers' Club, which was afterwards merged into the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he became treasurer and afterwards secretary. When he resigned the secretaryship he was presented with a gold watch and was made a life member. He was associated with the earliest volunteer movement, and, having no rifles, the men used their ordinary guns in manual and platoon exercise. Mr. Bishop took an active part in the formation of the Rifle Association, was made treasurer, and in 1873 president, and he was also honorary treasurer to the No. 1 Company Volunteers. In 1872 he was made a Justice of the Peace. On the expiration of his office as mayor, he was presented with a valuable piece of plate, accompanied by an illuminated address. In 1870 he published an abstract of the Municipal Corporations Act. Mr. Bishop took an active part in the management of the Mechanics' Institute, being appointed its honorary treasurer, and one year was elected president, when the society's name was altered to that of the Literary Institute. Mr. Bishop died at his residence, Cranmer Square, on the 25th of April, 1887, aged seventy-six years.
who was well known as an early colonist, was Mayor of Christchurch in 1874.
J.P., twice successively Mayor of Christchurch, was born in the village of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1841, and arrived in New Zealand in 1855. After settling in Christchurch Mr. Hobbs watched with deep interest the progress of the city, and came, in 1867, to the conclusion that the greater portion of the sickness then prevalent might be abolished with proper means. He accordingly applied himself to the study of hygiene, and sanitation, and stood as a candidate for the City Council in 1870. On that occasion he advocated not only better hygiene and improved sanitation, but a system of lending by Government to local bodies on the security of the rates; the value of this proposal was not realised at the time, but it has since become general in New Zealand. After spending four years as a member of the City Council, Mr. Hobbs was elected Mayor, and was returned for a second term. When that was concluded he resumed his original seat as a councillor at the close of 1876. On his retirement from public service in 1877, Mr. Hobbs was presented with a handsomely illuminated address, which was
J.P., who was Mayor of the City of Christchurch in the years 1877 and 1881, and was ten years a member of the Council, was born at Saffron-Walden on the border of Essex and Herts, England, in 1822, and was educated there and in London. He was for twenty-two years employed by a large firm in the metropolis. While in London Mr. Gapes was intimately associated with the early pioneers of Canterbury, and took a very active part in the business of colonisation, especially in connection with the Canterbury settlement. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Regina,” in 1859, and started in the glass and paint trade in Victoria Street, where he conducted the business for thirty years, and was ultimately joined by his son, Mr. Thomas Gapes, who took over the whole business in 1889. Mr. James Gapes was a member of the Christchurch Hospital Board for some time. He was initiated in Freemasonry in the Canterbury Lodge, and was an officer of the Order of Foresters for thirty-six years. Mr. Gapes was also a trustee of that Order and was attached to Court Star of Canterbury, in which he had passed the whole of the chairs. Mr. Gapes was a flautist of considerable skill, and played with the late Sir Cracroft Wilson, also a flautist, in nearly every oratorio concert given in the early days. Mr. Gapes was married, in 1843, to a daughter of the late Mr. Le Lean, and had four daughters and six sons. Mrs Gapes, who was greatly respected in the early days for her charitable disposition, died in 1888. Mr. Gapes died on the 22nd of October, 1899.
J.P., was Mayor of Christchurch for the year 1878, and was subsequently a member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch. He is referred to in another article as a former member of the Legislature.
was Mayor of Christchurch in 1879 and in 1880, and proved himself to be a man of enligfitened public spirit. He arrived in Christchurch in 1870, and soon began to take an active interest in matters bearing on the progress of the city and the well-being of its people. Mr Ick was a member of the Christchurch City Council for many years, and during his first year of the mayorship he was instrumental in organising the Christchurch Benevolent Aid Society, and was also connected with the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He was born on the 9th of January, 1827, in Salop, England, where his father, Mr. Joseph Ick, was the proprietor of the well-known estate “Lady Halton.” After receiving a sound education in Shropshire, he entered the drapery trade, which he followed after his arrival in New Zealand for a short time in Dunedin. He landed at Dunedin in 1857, and, an leaving business, he took up land at Waikouaiti, where he farmed till 1870, when he came to Christchurch, Mr. Ick carried on business in Christchurch as an auctioneer up to 1883, when, broken in health, he retired into private life. Two years later, he died after a painful illness, and left a family of six daughters and two sons.
was Mayor of Christchurch in 1882 and 1883. He was born at Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1829, and was brought up to the bakery business. In 1851 he went to London, where he followed his trade till his departure for New Zealand in 1857. In the latter part of that year he landed at Lyttelton, and followed his trade for some time in Christchurch. He afterwards became a licensed victualler, and was well known in that capacity as the proprietor of the first City Hotel. His name was subsequently connected with other commercial undertakings until 1890, when, on account of failing health, he visited England. Mr. Ruddenklau died in 1891, seven months after his return to New Zealand.
who was Mayor for the years 1884 and 1885, was a conspicuous figure in business and social circles in Christchurch for many years. He came to New Zealand from Australia and joined the “rush” on the Otago goldfields. Mr. Hulbert also went through the Maori war, for which he received the New Zealand war medal. He was subsequently in business in High Street for many years. Mr. Hulbert afterwards went to Wellington, where he still resides.
who was Mayor and Councillor of the City of Christchurch, was born in 1836 in Gloucester, England. Arriving in Lyttelton per ship “Gananogue” in 1860, Mr. Ayers was
who was Mayor of the City of Christchurch in 1890, and is an old and enterprising Colonist, was born in 1841 in Suffolk, England, and educated at the Public School in Needham Market, Suffolk. He accompanied his father to Lyttelton, per ship “Egmont,” which arrived at Christmas of 1856, among his fellow passengers being the late Bishop Harper and family. Until 1860 Mr. Manning was variously employed, and subsequently engaged with his father in the brewing business until 1864, and for nearly twenty-five years afterwards was connected with the trade in Christchurch. In 1865 he established the well-known firm of S. Manning and Co., which developed into a large and important concern. In 1882 the business was sold to a company, of which Mr. Manning became managing director, and filled that position until 1889. In the year 1866, he joined the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry as a trooper, and in time became corporal, sergeant, sergeant-major, and acting-lieutenant in the Cavalry Cadets. He resigned from the corps early in 1871. Mr. Manning was elected to the Heathcote Road Board in 1875, and served on that body for several years. In 1883, he and his family paid a visit to England, and shortly after his return he entered the Christchurch City Council as representative of South-cast Ward. During his mayoralty, the Richmond Ward was added to the city. He is now one of the City Sinking Fund Commissioners. Mr. Manning was connected with the Agricultural and Pastoral Society and with the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce for several years. He is chairman and a director of the Crown Iron Works Company, a director of the Mutual Benefit Building Society, and of the Provident and Industrial Assurance Society of New Zealand, and is also a member of the Christchurch Bowling Club. Mr. Manning was married in 1831, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Piper, of Christchurch. This lady died in December, 1894, leaving three sons and five daughters. In July, 1897, he married a daughter of the late Mr. William Healy, of Nelson.
J.P., was Mayor of Christchurch in the year 1891. He has been an active member of the City Council since 1885, and has displayed great interest and much ability in connection with municipal matters. Mr. Gray is elsewhere referred to as the present senior member of the City Council.
J.P., who occupied the Mayoral chair in 1892, hails from Sunderland, England, where he was born in 1832. Mr. Prudhoe was educated at the ordinary public schools, and was brought up to the building trade, being apprenticed to Mr. J. Tone, a leading builder in his native town. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1859 by the ship “Regina,” he commenced business on his own account, and has erected a great many buildings in Christchurch and suburbs, including Voker's Hotel, the Jewish Synagogue, the first section of the Canterbury Museum, and the Kaiapoi Public School. Mr. Prudhoe was first elected to the City Council in 1882 by the ratepayers of Northwest Ward, and has sat in the Council continuously with the exception of a few months after vacating the mayoral chair. He has long been a member of the Ashburton and North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board, and for about five years held a seat on the Christchurch Hospital Board. Mr. Prudhoe is a past grand master of the Orange Order for the Middle Island, attached to No. 3 Lodge of “Orange True Blues.” He was initiated in the Oddfellows' Order before leaving England, but is unattached in the Colony. Mr. Prudhoe was married in 1855 to a daughter of Mr. Cumberland Adamson, of Sunderland, and has two sons and one daughter.
who was Mayor of Christchurch for the year 1893, had the distinction of filling that position at an earlier age than any of his predecessors, being under thirty at the time. He advocated many under provements for the city, asphalting the streets being one of them. This proposal, although much ridiculed at the time, has since been successfully carried into effect. Mr. George was an enterprising photographer, and established a successful business in Christchurch and Dunedin, which he subsequently sold to Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns. He then went to Sydney, and established himself in business there, and also in Melbourne. At the present time (1902) Mr. George is a member of the New South Wales Legislature.
J.P., who was Mayor of the City of Christchurch in 1894, was born in London, in 1848, and came to the colony with his parents in 1859 by the ship “Regina.” He was educated partly in England and partly in the Colony, and was associated with his father in business as glass and paint merchants. In 1889 Mr. Gapes took over the business on his own account,
J.P., Mayor of Christchurch for the years 1895 and 1897, wan born in Somersetshire, England, in the year 1849. He arrived in Christchurch in 1882, when he joined the firm of Messrs Hopkins and Co., butchers, as manager. On severing his connection with that firm three years later, he bought the business of the late Mr. W. H. Mein, and successfully carried on a large wholesale and export trade till he retired in 1893. He was for some time a member of the City Council, and in 1895 he was chosen as mayor. Having filled that position with satisfaction to the citizens, they again elected him to the mayoralty in 1897, for a second year of office. In his connection with public affairs Mr. Cooper has filled several important positions, notably as chairman of the Conciliation Board, the St. John Ambulance Association, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and as a member of the Charitable Aid Board and Domain Board.
who was Mayor of Christchurch in the year 1896, is a son of Mr. Joseph Sutton Beswick, J.P., an early pioneer colonist, who was Provincial Treasurer for Canterbury, Member of the House of Representatives for Kaiapoi, and for some time Resident Magistrate at Timaru. Mr. H. J. Beswick was born in Kaiapoi, on the 2nd of May, 1860, and received his education at Christ's College. He was articled to Messrs Harper and Harper, solicitors, Christchurch, and was admitted as a barrister in 1883. Mr. Beswick remained with the firm until its dissolution in 1893, when he began to practise on his own account, with offices in Hereford Street. Subsequently he joined Mr. George Harris in partnership, and the business is still continued under the style of Beswick and Harris. Mr. Beswick was formerly a well-known figure in athletic circles. He was captain of the school at Christ's College, and winner of the championship cup. He was also captain of the first College cricket team that toured the southern provinces, and he has played for Christchurch in interprovincial football matches. In 1899 Mr. Beswick married the second daughter of Mr. James Mills, managing director of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand.
M.L.C., was Mayor of Christchurch for four terms; first in 1888 and 1889, and afterwards in 1898 and 1899. He is elsewhere referred to as a member of the Legislative Council.
who was Mayor of Christchurch in the year 1900, is a son of the late Mr. Edward Reece, who came to the colony in 1855, and, in the following year, established the now extensive business of Messrs Edward Reece and Sons. Mr. William Reece, who was born and educated in Christchurch, went to England to complete his business training, and returned to the colony in 1879, when his father handed over the management of the firm to him. This arrangement continued until 1887, when Mr. Edward Reece died. The conduct of the business then devolved upon his two sons, Mr. W. Reece and Mr. C. S. Reece, who carried it on till 1892, when the latter retired. Since that date the business—which is described in another portion of this volume—has been conducted solely by Mr. W. Reece, who, as Mayor of Christchurch during the Jubilee year of the province, discharged the duties of the office with a thoroughness and dignity which reflected credit on the city.
is the third son of the late Mr. George Rhodes, of the Levels Estate, Timaru. He was born in 1859, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and Jesus College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. and LL.B. in 1880. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1882, in which year he returned to the Colony, and commenced the practice of his profession in Christchurch in 1884. In 1887, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the Gladstone constituency, and three years later for the Geraldine seat. In the general elections of 1893 and 1806 he contested the Pareora seat unsuccessfully. Mr. Rhodes was returned unopposed as Mayor of Christchurch in 1901, and he had the honour of receiving and welcoming to Christchurch their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, now Prince and Princess of Wales. “Te Koraha,” his beautiful residence in Merivale, was placed at the disposal of their Royal Highnesses, and was occupied by them during their stay in Christchurch. Mr. Rhodes has taken a lively interest in athletics, and has held a considerable number of positions in connection with various clubs. He is president of the Rugby Union and the Canterbury Rowing Association. Mr. Rhodes was married in 1892 to Miss Rose Moorhouse, daughter of the late Mr. J. W. Moorhouse, and has one son and one daughter.
The present form of civic government in Christchurch came into force on the 10th of June, 1868, when the members of the Council signed the following declaration: “I do solemnly declare that I will faithfully and impartially, according to the best of my skill and judgment, execute all the powers and authorities reposed in me as a councillor by virtue of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867.” Since that date ninety-seven citizens of Christchurch, exclusive of the present councillors, have been members of the City Council. Their names show that some of the best men of the past and of the present have given their services to the city, which has within its boundaries many civic improvements and public works that testify to a union of enterprise and good sense in the municipal administration.
was a Member of the first town board of Christchurch, and also of the first City Council. He will be remembered as the pioneer of the engineering industry in Canterbury, as he established the first foundry in the province. An outline of his interesting career is given in the section devoted to ex-mayors.
who was in business in Cashel Street as a saddler, in the early days, was a member of the Christchurch City Council in 1868.
a Member of the first Christchurch City Council, was born in Surrey, England, in 1817, and educated at private schools in his native city. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1859, and began business as a tinsmith and ironmonger in Victoria Street, Christchurch. Mr. Calvert afterwards removed to the Triangle, where he carried on his business till his death nineteen years after his arrival in New Zealand. He was an active member of the Wesleyan Church, and acted as one of its local preachers.
took a very active part in the local polities of his day. He was a member of the first City Council, and was afterwards Mayor of Christchurch. Mr. Duncan is further referred to amongst the city's past mayors.
was a Member of the Christchurch City Council in 1868, and during several succeeding years. He is further referred to among the ex-mayors of Christchurch.
was a Member of the first City Council in 1868, and was again elected in 1877. He is elsewhere referred to as an ex-mayor of Christchurch.
was a Member of the first City Council in 1868, and he was again returned in 1871. Subsequently he became mayor of Christchurch, and he is elsewhere referred to in that capacity.
who was a Member of the first Christchurch City Council, is a son of Mr. James Sheppard, a flour miller, of Bath, England. He was born in 1836, educated at Bath, and brought up to the business of milling. About the year 1854, he came out to Australia, where, after spending two years on the gold diggings, he became connected with the timber trade at Ballarat. After being some time in that business, he left Australia for New Zealand, and has been connected with various business undertakings during his long residence in Christchurch.
J.P., who was a Member of the first City Council, was reelected in 1875, and sat as a member for several years. He became mayor of Christchurch for one term, and afterwards represented the city in the House of Representatives. Mr. Thomson is more fully referred to as a former member of Parliament.
was a Member of the Town Council which was merged into the first City Council in 1868. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, in the year 1809, was brought up to the trade of a builder, and came to New Zealand by the ship Duke of Portland,” on her second voyage in 1852. Mr. Tombs followed his trade in Christchurch with credit and success, and built the Christchurch Club, Messrs Cook and Ross's shop, Miles and Co.'s buildings, the first Avonside Church, as well as many other places. After a useful life Mr. Tombs died in 1880, leaving a widow and five children. One of the sons is Mr. George Tombs, J.P., partner in the firm of Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs, Limited.
the first Mayor of Christchurch, took an active part in the inauguration of the City Council, and was previously chairman of the town board. He again entered the Council in 1878. He is referred to in another article as and ex-mayor of Christchurch.
who is further referred to as an ex-mayor, was a Member of the Town Council prior to the inception of the City Corporation. He retired from the Council in 1875, after bringing up a scheme for the sanitary improvement of the city, and was presented with an illuminated address and a copy of a resolution thanking him for his services.
was a Member of the City Council from 1869 to 1872.
formerly a Member of the Christchurch City Council, was born in 1823, educated at a private boarding school in Durham, and brought up to the drapery trade. He was for some time employed as a draper's assistant in London before deciding to come out to New Zealand in 1843, in which year he arrived with the early settlers in Nelson. After undergoing many of the hardships of those early days, Mr. Pratt removed to Wellington in 1848, and was engaged as a bookkeeper in a store for about twelve months. In December, 1849, he settled in Lyttelton, in a storekeeping and bakery business, the first that was established in that port. This business he conducted for five years, during which period he witnessed the landing of most of the Canterbury pilgrims. In 1854, Mr. Pratt removed to Nelson, where he was engaged in farming for the following nine years. Returning to Canterbury in 1863, he purebased the well-known drapery business now
was for six years a Member of the Christchurch City Council, which he entered in 1870. He was born in London, where he was brought up to the building trade, and where his father was a builder. Mr. Goss landed in New Zealand in 1858, and in the following year established himself in business as a builder in Christchurch, and carried on successfully as such till 1868. Mr. Goss then became a timber merchant, and soon after established a sawmill, where he carried on a large and important trade, including builders' ironmongery, and a joinery factory for the supply of the trade. He died in Christchurch on the 17th of May, 1901.
J.P., who is referred to among the ex-mayors of Christchurch, became a member of the City Council in 1870, and was re-elected in 1873 and 1876.
was elected a Member of the City Council in 1870. and was again returned in 1873 and 1876. He was in business as a grocer in High Street for several years.
who is elsewhere referred to as an ex-mayor of Christchurch, first entered the City Council in 1872. He was re-elected in 1874, and again in 1877.
was first elected a Member of the City Council in 1872, and was again returned in 1878 and 1882. At one time he owned a sawmill on Ferry road, and did an extensive business.
who was in business in Christchurch in the early days as an ironfounder, became a member of the City Council in 1872.
first entered the City Council in 1873 and was re-elected in 1883 and 1887 as a member of the north-east ward. He carried on the business of a nurseryman and florist in Salisbury Street for many years.
was a Member of the Town Council prior to the creation of the Corporation, and was elected to the City Council in 1873, when he served another term. He is referred to elsewhere in this volume in the section devoted to Old Colonists.
J.P., whose biography is given among the ex-mayors of Christchurch, entered the City Council in 1873, and sat as a member for several years.
J.P., ex-Member of the Christchurch City Council, third son of the late Mr. William Lane, J.P., of Orton Park, Bathurst, New South Wales, was born at Bathurst in 1828, and educated at Bradley's School, Parramatta. He followed pastoral pursuits in connection with his father's estate in New South Wales. Mr. Lane held a commission as Justice of the Peace under Governor Fitzroy for the whole territory of Australia. In 1862, he removed with his family to Christchurch, having previously purchased the City Mills from the late Mr. Inwood. Mr. Lane was a member of the Christchurch City Council in its early days, also a director and for some time chairman of the gas company soon after its formation. He is now a director of the company. Mr. Lane was on the board of the first Investment and Loan Association from its commencement until its expiration, and held a similar position in the present Permanent Investment Association. He was also one of the first directors of the “Press” Newspaper Company. Mr. Lane is a life member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He married in 1852 a daughter of Mr. Lancelot Iredale, of Sydney, and has three sons and three daughters living.
who was a Member of the Christchurch City Council in 1874 and 1875, was a progressive and useful member, whose earnest and untiring efforts contributed considerably to the city's progress. He was born in England in 1833, and educated in London. After leaving school he sailed for Australia, and was for some time in Melbourne, which he left in the latter part of 1862, when he arrived in Christchurch, where he carried on an estate, commission and financial agency business fill the time of his death in 1875. Mr. Raphael took a deep interest in all that concerned the welfare of the community. He was married in 1856, and left a widow, six sons, and three daughters.
was a well-known figure in business circles in Christchurch for many years. He was an auctioneer, and his business premises were situated on the site now occupied by Messrs Tonks. Norton and Co. Mr. Hawkes entered the City Council in 1875. He took an active part in the volunteer movement, and was captain of one of the city corps.
became a Member of the City Council in 1875. He built the New Zealander Hotel in Christchurch, and conducted it for some time.
became a Member of the City Council in 1875. He is referred to in the section devoted to Old Colonists.
entered the City Council in 1875. He is referred to elsewhere as an Old Colonist.
first entered the City Council in 1876. He is the local representative of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, and as such is referred to in the section devoted to insurance.
was elected a Member of the City Council in 1877. He was in business in Christchurch for several years, and bought and carried on the grocery business of Mr. J. P. Jameson. Subsequently Mr. Radcliffe took over Warner's Hotel, which he conducted for some time.
at one time a Member of the Christchurch City Council, was born in 1835 in Worcester, England, where he was educated. Arriving in Auckland in 1858, Mr. Banks established himself in business in Christchurch five years later as a grain and produce merchant, having travelled from Auckland by the ketch “Pegasus,” which was wrecked and abandoned at Summer. For six years Mr. Banks served in the Volunteer Fire Police Force, and was a member of No. 1 Christchurch Rifles, the earliest volunteer corps formed in Christchurch, and afterwards E Battery, from which he retired with the rank of sergeant after serving seven years. For many years Mr. Banks acted as judge at the agricultural and poultry shows. Though a staunch freetrader, he has always displayed practical sympathy with the country's local industries. Mr. Banks has been a prominent member of the Industrial Association, having held the position of its chairman and subsequently that of treasurer for many years. He was closely connected with three exhibitions held in Christchurch, on each occasion acting as treasurer. Mr. Banks has been an enterprising Colonist, and had the honour of being the first to send New Zealand produce to Philadelphia, where he was awarded at the International Exhibition held there in 1876, a bronze medal and certificate for pearl-barley, split-peas, and cereals, by the United States Centennial Commission; and at the Queensland, Sydney, and Melbourne Exhibitions of 1878 and 1881, respectively, Mr. Banks obtained a bronze and silver medal, besides fifteen certificates for cereals. In 1862, he was married to a daughter of Mr. John Cullen, of Langport, Somersetshire. Mrs. Banks died in 1896, leaving three sons and a daughter.
who is referred to at length in the educational section of this volume, became a member of the City Council in 1877.
became a Member of the Christchurch City Council in 1877. For many years he was employed at the office of the “Lyttelton Times” Company, and rose to the position of manager. Subsequently he became manager of the Christchurch “Press” Company. He is now (1902) an extra clerk in the Audit Office, Government Buildings, Wellington.
arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Caroline Coventry” on the 9th of June, 1869. He was a native of Somersetshire, England, where he was brought up as a boot manufacturer. Mr. Toomer showed considerable enterprise in his trade, and he was one of the first manufacturers in England to introduce the present system of bootmaking, using brass rivets and machinery. This system he was the first to adopt in New Zealand, and he was a successful manufacturer for many years in Christchurch. Mr. Toomer entered the City Council in 1877, and remained a member for about two years. He died in March, 1900, aged eighty-two years, leaving a family of three sons and one daughter.
J.P., was elected to the City Council in 1878, and subsequently represented the South-East Ward in the Council for some years. He filled the mayoral chair for two consecutive terms, and is referred to among the ex-mayors of the city.
was elected a Member of the Christchurch City Council in 1878. He carried on business as a stationer in Cashel Street for some time, but afterwards went to live in the North Island.
entered the Christchurch City Council in 1878. He was a wellknown draper, and carried on business in Cashel House, on the site where now stands the D.I.C.
became a Member of the Christchurch City Council in 1878. He was in business in Christchurch for some time as an auctioneer, in the premises now occupied by Messrs Malcolm and Co., in Colombo Street. Formerly he was a sea captain, engaged in the New Zealand coastal trade.
who became a Member of the City Council in 1878, was engaged in business in Christchurch as a fruiterer and greengrocer.
referred to elsewhere as secretary of the Christchurch Gas Company, first entered the City Council in 1879.
was returned to the City Council as a member for the North-West Ward in 1879, and was reelected in the following year. He was a photographer by trade, and had a studio in Cashel Street.
entered the City Council, first, in 1879, for the South-East Ward, and was re-elected in the following year. In 1894 he was again returned to the Council for the same ward. Mr. Cuff was well known and highly respected in business circles in Christchurch, and was for nearly twenty-five years in partnership with Mr. Graham under the style of Cuff and Graham. This partnership was dissolved in June, 1895. Mr. Cuff is now (1902) in business in Auckland.
entered the City Council in 1879. He is referred to in other articles as a timber merchant and as chairman of the South Waimakariri River Board.
who is referred to among the ex-mayors of Christchurch, was first elected to the City Council in 1879 to represent the South-East Ward. He was again elected for the same ward in 1881 and 1886.
who was in business as a furniture warehouseman in High Street, Christchurch, for some time, entered the City Council in 1879, as a member for the North-east Ward.
first entered the City Council as a Member for the North-West Ward, in 1879, and he was reelected in 1881 and 1883 for the same ward. This gentleman, who is an architect by profession, was formerly in business in Christchurch, but he afterwards went to Dunedin, and now carries on his professional work in Wellington.
an ex-Councillor of the City of Christchurch, was born in London in 1838, where he was educated and apprenticed to the watchmakers and jewellers' trade in the Horological School at Geneva, serving for seven years. Mr. Lezard landed at Port Chalmers from the ship “Oliver Cromwell,” in 1862, and at once settled in Canterbury, establishing the business which he has since conducted in High Street. He was a member of No. 9 Company of Volunteers in the Canterbury Battalion from 1863 to 1868, and obtained the rank of lieutenant. He was initiated in the Masonic Order in London, but is unattached in New Zealand. Mr. Lezard is also an old member of the American Order of Oddfellows. He was married in 1865 to a daughter of Mr. Jacob Schwartz, of Bavaria, and has two sons and eight daughters.
became a Member of the City Council, in which he represented the South-West Ward, in 1879. While in Christchurch he carried on business as a timber merchant, and subsequently went to America, from which he had previously come to New Zealand.
was a Member of the Christchurch City Council for seven or eight years. He was born in 1832, at Roude, Wiltshire, England, and came to Lyttelton in 1861 by the ship “Travancore.” For ten years he worked at various sheep stations, but in 1861 he and Mr. E. Deacon entered into partnership in the establishment of the City Brewery, in Colombo Street south. Christchurch. Mr. Vincent afterwards bought out his partner and then carried on the
was elected to represent the North-East Ward in the City Council in 1879, but resigned shortly afterwards. Mr. Wyatt carried on business as a grocer in High Street.
was for many years a general furniture dealer in Christchurch, and was the founder of the business of Bowman and Son. He was elected to the City Council in 1881 as a representative of the North-West Ward, and was returned in 1884.
became a Member of the City Council in 1881, as a representative of the South-East Ward. In former years he was a plumber and tinsmith in Armagh Street. Mr. Hiorns now (1902) resides in Sydney.
became a Member of the City Council in 1881. He is elsewhere referred to as an ex-mayor, and as a member of the Legislative Council.
was elected a Member of the Christchurch City Council in 1881, when he represented the North-West Ward. He is the head of the well-known firm of George Treleaven and Co., produce merchants, referred to elsewhere in this volume.
who was a Member for South-west Ward in the Christchurch City Council for two terms of three years each, was born in Somersetshire in 1839. He was educated in Taunton, where he was brought up as a hairdresser and fancy goods dealer. Mr. Brice arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” and at once established himself in business in Hobbs' Buildings, Colombo Street. In 1870 he removed to the premises he now occupies at the corner of Hereford and Colombo Streets. Mr. Brice is a member of the Commercial Club. He was married in 1866 to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Davis, of Taunton, and has three sons and two daughters.
represented the South-East Ward in the City Council in 1882, and was re-elected in the following year. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Travancore” on the 21st of March, 1831. Mr. Kiver conducted a large grocery business for many years in Cashel Street, on the site now occupied by Messrs Wardell Bros. and Co. He took an active interest in church matters, and was a member of St. John's vestry.
first became a Member of the City Council in 1882. He is further referred to as an ex-mayor.
was elected to the City Council for the South-West Ward in 1882, and sat as a member for several years. He was for some time a member of the House of Representatives, and as such he is referred to elsewhere in this volume.
entered the City Council as a representative of the North-East Ward in 1883. At that time he was in business in Christchurch as a saddler in Colombo Street.
was elected in 1884 to the City Council, and represented the South-East Ward for three years. He became a member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch, and in that capacity he is referred to in another article.
who represented the South-East Ward in the Christchurch City Council in 1884, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1828, and arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand, in 1860. During his term of office Mr. Bennetts was a staunch advocate for the thorough drainage of Christchurch.
became a Member of the City Council in 1885 as a representative of the North-East Ward. He was in business in Christchurch as a grocer in Victoria Street.
entered the City Council as a representative of the South-East Ward in 1885, and was re-elected in 1888. He became mayor of Christchurch for one term, and is elsewhere referred to in that capacity.
referred to in another article as an old colonist, entered the Christchurch City Council in 1885.
who was for three years a Member of the Christchurch City Council, representing North-east Ward, was born in Launceston in 1845 and educated at Mr. Oldfield's Commercial Academy in Hobart. He commenced his business career in the latter city with his father, Mr. J. B. McLaren, and arrived in Christchurch in 1870. He has since been connected with the grain and seed trade. For ten years he was employed by Messrs. W. Wilson and Co., seed merchants in Christchurch, and subsequently entered into business on his own account under the style of D. B. McLaren and Co., in the same line. Ten years later he entered the service of Mr. G. G. Stead, grain and seed merchant, as manager of the agricultural seed department, which he has continued to conduct. As a member of the craft, Mr. McLaren is attached to Canterbury Lodge 1048 E.C., of which he is past master. He was married in Hobart in 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Clarke, of Hobart, engineer, and has seven sons and three daughters.
who formerly carried on business in Christchurch as a butcher, was elected to the City Council in 1887 as a member for the South-West Ward.
who represented South-East Ward in the City Council for about nine years, was born in Derby, England, in 1848. He was educated partly at the Wesleyan school, and partly at public schools, and was brought up to the engineering trade in his native place. In 1870 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Ramsay,” and about twelve months later started business with his brother, under the style of Scott Bros., well known throughout Canterbury. Before lie was elected to the Christchurch City Council, Mr. Scott had been a member of the Sydenham Borough Council. For one year he was one of the Commissioners of the New Zealand Railways. As a Freemason he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, N.Z.C. Mr. Scott was married, in 1870, on the day he left England for the colony, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas St. Clair, of London, and has one son and four daughters.
who entered the City Council in 1888, and represented the North-East Ward for several years. is elsewhere referred to among the ex-mayors of Christchurch.
who represented the South-West Ward in the Christchurch City Council in 1888, was born in Manchester, England, in 1840. He was educated at the Manchester Grammar School, and studied for some time at Trinity College, Dublin, with a view to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. He, however, changed his mind in that matter and returned to Manchester, where he studied medicine under Dr. Dumbell. In 1862 he passed his examination before the College of Surgeons (England), and a year later took his L.S.A. diploma. Dr. Patrick then practised his profession in Manchester until 1866, when, owing to failing health, he left for New Zealand, and landed at Lyttelton. He continued his professional work until 1884, when he went
who was a Member of the Christchurch City Council for six years for South-east Ward, arrived in New Zealand from Sydney, where he was trained as a chemist. In 1872 he began a large business as manufacturing chemist and druggist in High Street, Christchurch. Mr. Bonnington was one of the earliest members of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand, and attended the conference of members from all parts of the Colony held in Wellington on its inauguration, when the rules and laws for the society were formed. Afterwards he became secretary and treasurer of the society, which offices he held until that body had succeeded in promoting the passing of the Pharmacy Act. The Pharmaceutical Society was superseded by the appointment of the Pharmacy Board, of which Mr. Bonnington at once became a member. He held office on that body from its establishment until the headquarters were transferred to Dunedin. Soon after this time he was re-elected a member for Christchurch upon the new board, which has its headquarters in Wellington. Mr. Bonnington on several occasions assisted in the conduct of examinations held under the authority of the Pharmacy Board. Some years ago, when the conferences of the Pharmaceutical bodies of Australasia were held in Melbourne, Mr. Bonnington attended as a delegate from the South Island of New Zealand. He died on the 18th of December, 1901, leaving a widow, seven sons and two daughters.
was elected to the City Council in 1889, for the North-East Ward, and was a member for three years. He had been previously for three years a member of the Avon Road Board, and was subsequently a member of the New Brighton Borough Council for four years. He is a Cornishman, was born in 1845, educated at Helston, and brought up as a farmer and miller. Mr. Rowe came to Lyttelton in 1874, by the ship “Isles of the South,” and was storekeeping in Madras Street for twenty-three years. Shortly after his arrival in the colony he took up land at Shirley, and in 1878 went into the business of pig-breeding, in which he has been very successful.
who retired from the Christchurch City Council in 1897, after serving seven years as Representative of South-west Ward, was born in 1843 in New South Wales, and was educated partly in England and subsequently at the Geelong Grammar School in Victoria. He was brought up on a farm, followed mercantile pursuits in Australia, crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand in 1861, and settled in Christchurch in the following year, where he has been well known in mercantile circles. For thirteen years Mr. Wood was associated with the Hon. Wm. Montgomery in the timber trade. In 1881 he established a business in Christchurch on his own account, but it was afterwards known in der the style of Wood and Laurie. Mr. Wood was for five years a member of the Christchurch Hospital Board, and during one year of that period acted as chairman.
was elected to represent the Richmond Ward in the Christchurch City Council, in 1890. He is a native of Marlborough, England, and was educated at the Marlborough Grammar School. Mr Barns was apprenticed to the bakery trade, which he has followed with considerable success in the colonies.
who represented the Richmond Ward in the Christchurch City Council for 1890, is a native of Stirling, Scotland. He was educated at Stirling, and arrived in New Zealand in 1874.
J.P., became a Member of the City Council in 1890, for the North-East Ward, and was re-elected in 1893. He occupied the mayoral chair for one term, and is elsewhere referred to in that connection.
became a Member of the City Council for the North-West Ward in 1890. He was also a member of the House of Representatives, and he is further referred to in that capacity in another section of this volume.
who is referred to as Superintendent of the Christchurch Fire Brigade, was elected to the City Council in 1890, and represented the South-East Ward for several years.
who was for some years a Member of the Christchurch City Council, was born in the City of York, England. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1874 from London per ship “Merope,” he was articled to Dr. C. J. Foster, LL.D., and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1882, in which year he commenced the practice of his profession. Before coming out to the Colony, Mr. Swann gained legal experience in the office of Messrs. Richardson, Gutch and Co., solicitors to the NorthEastern Railway Company at York, and afterwards with Messrs. Bradley and Bradley, of Castleford. Mr. Swann is also an ex-member of the Avon Road Board, and has been for many years chairman of the
was elected a Member of the City Council in 1890, and represented the South-Eaat Ward. He carries on business in Colombo Street as a baker and confectioner.
who was a Member of the Christchurch City Council for North-West Ward for nine years, is a native of Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. He commenced his career as mechanical engineer under Mr. Hamilton Woods, of Messrs. Thompson, Boyd and Woods, Newcastle-on-Tyne: Owing to illhealth he was compelled to take a long sea voyage, and came to New Zealand in 1867, where he has since resided in Christchurch. Mr. Appleby has had a most varied experience: first, he was a press reporter, then he was for five years connected with the law, and was afterwards for twenty-two years in the employ of Mr. Charles Clark, estate agent. He is now in business on his own account as a land and estate agent in Hereford Street, and is agent for several local companies. Passionately fond of music, he has taken a prominent part as a leading tenor singer for more than a quarter of a century. He was a performing member of the old Christchurch Musical Society of which he was honorary secretary and treasurer for many years, and was one of the founders, and is at present president of the Liedertafel. He is also an old Volunteer officer and for a long time took active part in shooting competitions, at which he succeeded in carrying off many trophies and was champion shot of the province. As an enthusiastic tennis-player, he has rendered good service to the old Cranmer Square Tennis Club of which he was the energetic secretary and treasurer for a considerable period, and is now president of the Canterbury Tennis Club. Mr. Appleby is a member of the Christchurch Horticultural Society.
who was a Member of the Christchurch City Council during 1891–4 as representative of Richmond Ward, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1860. He landed in Lyttelton in 1879. Mr. Bunting is referred to in another article as a manufacturer of brushware.
formerly a Member of the Christchurch City Council, hails from Scotland. He served his time as a builder and contractor, and arrived in Canterbury in 1864. Mr. Calder worked at his trade in Christchurch till 1879, when he entered into business on his own account. He was elected a member of the City Council for South-west Ward in 1891–94.
entered the City Council in 1891 as a representative of the Richmond Ward. He is referred to elsewhere as a barrister and solicitor.
was an energetic and able Member of the City Council during his connection with that body. He was elected as a representative of the Richmond Ward in 1891 and was re-elected three years later. Mr. Widdowson is sole partner in the legal firm of Caygill and Widdowson, Cathedral Square.
formerly a Member of the Christchurch City Council, was born in Edinburgh in 1850 and brought by his parents to Lyttelton in one of the “first four ships,” the “Sir George Seymour.” Mr. Anderson was educated partly in Christchurch, and partly at Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh, and studied at Glasgow University for engineering. After a seven years' course of study in Scotland he returned to New Zealand in 1873 and joined his father, the founder of the Canterbury Foundry; was associated with him for many years, and with his brother took over the business some years before his father's death. Mr. Anderson was a member of the City Council for the North-west Ward, and has been connected with the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association for many years, being one time its president. He has been a director of the New Zealand Shipping Company, a member of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce for over twenty years, and has been a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. Mr. Anderson was married in 1878 to a daughter of Mr. William Pratt, of Christchurch, and has two sons and three daughters.
J.P., who is an exMember of Christchurch City Council, was born in 1836 in Glasgow, where he was educated until about ten years of age, subsequently attending schools at Buchlyvie and Kippen, in Stirlingshire. In 1852, he returned to Glasgow, and was for five years in the employment of Messrs. Stewart and McDonald in the wholesale trade. In 1857, he sailed from the Thames in the ship “Southern Cross,” Captain Charlton, for Wellington, and shortly after his arrival went to Nelson and was in the employ of Messrs. Nicholson and Ridings until they gave up business. He then went over to the firm of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., with whom he remained either in Nelson or as manager of branches of their business in New Plymouth, Hokitika, and Blenheim until 1874. Mr. Connal then came to Christchurch, having entered into partnership with Hon. Nathaniel Edwards, George Bennetts, and John Aiken in the business of Edwards, Bennett and Co. In 1881, Mr. Connal retired from the concern, and has since then identified himself more closely with colonial industries. He is a director of the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company, Westport Cardiff Coal Company, Mutual Benefit Building Society, and the New Brighton Tramway Company. He claims to have been, whilst in Blenheim, one of the earliest exporters from this Colony of wheat in sacks for London, having made several shipments in the vessels which he loaded at Port Underwood with general produce. He was a borough councillor in Blenheim.
entered the City Council as a representative of the North-West Ward in 1894, and was subsequently Mayor of Christchurch for one year. He is elsewhere referred to as an ex-mayor
who was for three years a Member of the Christchurch City Council, was born in Dundee, Scotland, and educated at Edinburgh University and the Royal College of Surgeons. He gained his diplomas in 1864, and commenced practice in Inverness, where he
formerly Member of the Christchurch City Council for Southwest Ward, was born in 1852 in Herefordshire, England, where he was educated. He learned the trade of a pork butcher and bacon-curer in Birmingham, and came to Lyttelton in 1874 per ship “Geraldine Paget.” For a few months he worked at his trade at Ashley Bank, Canterbury, and in 1875 removed to Christchurch, where he was employed for eighteen months, and for four years was engaged by Messrs. Garth and Lee, shipping butchers at Lyttelton, with the management of their small goods department. Returning to Christchurch he was employed in a similar capacity for Messrs Hopkins and Co. for five years, and commenced business on his own account in 1887. Mr. Andrews was first returned for North-West Ward in 1895.
who represented South-East Ward some years in the Christchurch City Council, was born in 1853 at Tullywhisker, County Tyrone, Ireland, where he received his early education. Although brought up on a farm he preferred a commercial life, and elected to enter the grocery trade, to which he served an apprenticeship. He then sailed for New Zealand in the “Jessie Readman,” arriving at Port Lyttelton in the year 1880. After gaining sufficient colonial experience in various capacities, Mr. Kincaid started business in partnership with Mr. E. W. Marriot in 1883, trading as grocers, etc., under the name of Kincaid and Marriot. This partnership was dissolved in 1888. Shortly after this dissolution Mr. Kincaid purchased the business known as Grinstead's Importing Company, for which he made a sporting cash offer, which, to his surprise, was accepted. The name was then altered to Kincaid's Grocery Importing Company, and has since been successfully conducted at 161 and 163 Colombo Street. Mr. Kincaid was elected unopposed to the City Council in 1895 at a casual vacancy and was re-elected in September, 1897, having been returned by the largest majority ever secured at a Christchurch municipal election. He is a member of the Anglican Church, and has held office as a churchwarden at St. John's for some years. Mr. Kincaid was married in Christchurch, in 1885, to the third daughter of the late Mr. W. Mehaffy, of “Carricklee,” County Tyrone, Ireland.
who was a member of the Christchurch City Council for South-east Ward, was born in Cracow, Austria, in 1835, where he was educated and brought up as a diamond setter. He came out to Melbourne in 1857, and five years later arrived in Port Chalmers. Removing to Christchurch during the same year he established himself as a watchmaker and jeweller on the site of the premises afterwards occupied by him in Cashel Street. Mr. Sandstein was elected to the City Council in 1894. In educational matters he had been prominent for many years, having been chairman of the East Christchurch School Committee for twelve years. For thirty years he was connected with the Christchurch Building Society, of which he was chairman for about fifteen years. As a member of the Craft, he was attached to Lodge Canterbury, E.C., and held office as past grand warden, and was president of the board of general purposes in connection with the Grand Lodge. Mr. Sandstein was twice married, and his family consists of six sons and three daughters. His fourth son studied in Edinburgh, where he achieved distinction in gaining several scholarships, twelve medals, and five first-class prizes during the course of his medical studies. Mr. Sandstein died on the 13th of January, 1901.
who represented South-East Ward in the Christchurch City Council, is the second and only surviving son of Mr. G. Woods, hosiery manufacturer of Godalming, Surrey, England, and was born in 1847. He arrived in Lyttelton pership “Northampton” in 1873, and has since been a resident of Christchurch. He commenced business as a grain and produce merchant in Lower High Street in 1885, was elected to the council in 1804 and re-elected three years later. He is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, having joined in 1869 and passed through the various chairs of his lodge, and on arriving in New Zealand threw in his lot with the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge. He passed through the various chairs of this lodge, and in 1891 was elected trustee. In 1892, he was elected deputy grand master of the North Canterbury district, and the following year as grand master, serving with marked distinction; he was also elected first vice-president of the National Association of Christchurch. Mr. Woods was married in 1872 to a daughter of Mr. William Christmas, of Godalming, and has five sons.
a well-known medical practitioner in Christchurch, entered the City Council as a representative of the North-East Ward in 1896, but resigned in the following year.
who was a Member of the City Council for Richmond Ward, was born at Shirley in 1868, was educated at public schools, and brought up as a tinsmith. He afterwards became a butcher and commenced business in Richmond, where he remained for three years. Mr. Stapleton was owner and breeder of the trotting horses “Heather Dew,” “Guy Irvington.” and others. For three and a half years Mr. Stapleton was president of the Richmond Working Men's Club. He was elected for Richmond Ward in 1896. In 1892 he was married to a daughter of Mr. James Jefford, of Linwood, and has three daughters.
J.P., who represented North-East Ward in the Christchurch City Council, was born at Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1839, and educated at the Borough school. Mr. Hamilton was brought up as an engineer, and
was a representative for the South-East Ward in the Christchurch City Council from August. 1899. to April, 1901. Mr. Green, who is a native of Christchurch, was born in 1862, and educated at Melville House and Christ's College. He was a Masonic scholar in 1874, and a Government scholar in 1875 and 1876. After completing his school course he entered the business of his father, Mr. T. H. Green, on whose death he became senior partner in the business now known as that of T. H. Green and Co., ham and bacon curers. Mr. Green is a Past Master in the Canterbury Masonic Lodge, 1048, E.C., and has attained to high rank in the District Grand Lodge, and is secretary of the District Grand Stewards' Lodge. He was married, in 1887, to Miss Crowe, daughter of Mr. William Crowe, of Christchurch.
The first jetty in Port Cooper—the original name of Lyttelton harbour—was built by the Canterbury Association before the arrival of the settlers in 1850. Since then there have been many developments in connection with the port. Two breakwaters, to form an inner harbour, were begun in 1872, by the Provincial Government of Canterbury, and were completed by the General Government in 1877. They are of rubble stone blasted from the quarries at Naval and Officers' Points, and the outer slopes of both are protected or faced by huge stone blocks. The eastern or Officers' Point breakwater is over 2,000 feet in length by a width of 40 feet on the top and 6 feet above high water at springtides. The western or Naval Point breakwater is 1400 feet in length. The area of water enclosed within the breakwater is about 107 acres. For very nearly thirteen years, ending 1901, dredging operations were uninterruptedly carried on within the harbour, over five million tons of dredged material having been removed within that time. The depth of water inside the breakwaters and at the wharves varies from 20 feet to 27 feet at low tide, nearly the whole of the inner harbour having been deepened, so that vessels drawing 27 feet and up to 10,000 to tons may be berthed at high water. A number of piers and jetties have been constructed, the total wharf frontage available for mooring vessels being 10,750 feet. One of these jetties has been especially constructed for berthing ocean steamers, its length being over 552 feet, with a depth of water alongside of about 27 feet. Special berthage is provided within the inner harbour for ships of war, and two vessels can be berthed at the moorings inside the breakwater without in any way interfering with the ordinary shipping of the port. The whole of the wharves and jetties have railway lines laid upon them, and are connected with the railway system of the South Island. Extensive shed accommodation is provided on the wharves and at Lyttelton railway station yards. A cooling and freezing chamber has been built by the Harbour Board for the accommodation of butter, cheese, and other perishable goods prior to shipment. The Board has also made provision for the storage of grain and produce, the space available in the stores being equal to 17,000 tons.
The Lyttelton graving-dock was built in 1882 at a cost of about £105,000, including pumping machinery and caisson, and is capable of docking a first-class warship, and most of the large ocean-going steamers now running to the colonies. Its general dimensions are: 450 feet length of floor by 46 feet wide; 481 feet 6 inches length at top by 82 feet wide; width of entrance 62 feet; where ship's bilge should be, 55 feet; depth of water on the sill at high water, 23 feet. A workshop for carrying out repairs required by any vessel is situated conveniently near the dock. In addition to the graving-dock, the Board has provided a patent-slip, which is capable of taking up a 300-ton vessel.
The work of supplying the port with electric light was completed in 1884. The plant is worked on what is known as the Gulcher system; each arc lamp has 2000 candle-power, and there is a total capacity of over 32,000 candle-power.
Prior to the 10th of January, 1877, the port of Lyttelton was under the control of the Provincial Government of Canterbury, but at that date the Harbour Board came into existence. For two years previously the practical control of the harbour had been in the hands of the Hon. J. T. Peacock, as Secretary for Public Works. The Board consists of fifteen members; namely, George Laurenson, M.H.R., appointed by his Excellency the Governor; Mayor of Lyttelton (member ex officio, for one year); Thomas McClatchie, elected by the ratepayers of the borough of Lyttelton; Isaac Gibbs and Albert Kaye, elected by the Canterbury Chamber of Commmerce,
The finances of the Board from the date of its constitution to the end of 1901, a period of twenty-five years, have been highly satisfactory; the ordinary revenue for the period having amounted to £762,670 17s 8d; the ordinary expenditure to £261,038 16s 6d; payments on account of interest and sinking fund, to £299,284 15s 4d; total expenditure, £560,323 11s 10d; surplus balance on ordinary revenue account, £202,347 5s 10d. On the other hand, the loan receipts amounted to £279,556 19s 4d, and the total expenditure on harbour works to £445,446 11s 11d, leaving a deficit, under the head of loan, of £165,909 12s 7d, which has been met out of the abovementioned surplus of ordinary revenue; leaving a credit cash balance at the close of 1901 of £36,437 13s 3d.
Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, is the oldest member of that body. He was first elected in 1877, as a representative for the City of Christchurch, and after serving in that capacity for four years he was returned to the Board as a member for Ashburton. Though since 1858, the date of his landing in New Zealand, Mr. Wright has been almost continuously engaged in extensive and responsible undertakings, he has nevertheless devoted considerable time and attention to
colonial politics. In 1879 he was elected to the House of Representatives, as member for Coleridge, the largest electoral division in the colony at that date, and continued to represent it till 1883, when, upon the adjustment of the electorates, he was returned to Parliament as member for Ashburton, but resigned in 1884. He was again elected to represent Ashburton in 1891 and in 1897. At the time of the election of 1897 Mr. Wright's ill health prevented his addressing his constituents, yet, though he never once appeared on the platform oil that occasion, he was returned to Parliament by a considerable majority—a fact which showed the high estimation in which he was held by the electors. Mr. Wright's voice is now no longer heard in Parliament, but the results of his political services are still felt to advantage in his various electorates, which appreciate what he has done for them. Mr. Wright was born in June, 1831, at Woolwich, England. Educated at private schools, and trained as a civil engineer in the service of Messrs Fox, Henderson and Co., he was entrusted in 1853 with the construction of the gas works in the city of Rome, and was subsequently engaged upon various works in H.M. Dockyards, at Woolwich Arsenal, at Aldershot, and elsewhere; but being seized with a desire to settle in New Zealand he left England in December, 1857, under engagement to the Wellington Provincial Government. The erection of the lighthouse on Pencarrow Head, Wellington, was his first undertaking in the colony, and on its completion Mr Wright was offered the post of provincial engineer for Wellington, by Dr. Featherston, the Superintendent of that province. He, however, refused the offer, and shortly after accepted an appointment as director of public works for Hawke's Bay. In 1862, he resigned his position in Hawke's Bay and removed to Canterbury, where for many years he was engaged in the construction of roads, railways, and harbour works, and formed the West Coast road. It
who was appointed a Member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board by his Excellency the Governor, is elsewhere referred to as a member of the House of Representatives.
J.P., who has been a Member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board since 1883. and held office as chairman for one year, was born in 1833 at Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland. He was educated in his native place, went to sea when a lad in the East India trade, and came to New Zealand as third officer of the ship “Isabella Hercus” in 1851. Mr. McClatchie was for many years engaged in the coastal trade, and was master and part owner of the steamer “Avon.” He was afterwards in command of the s.s. “Moa,” trading to the rivers on behalf of her owners, Messrs. Miles and Co. Mr. McClatchie was the owner of and commanded the three-masted schooner “Rifleman.” He was in Taranaki in 1863 at the time of the massacre at the Sugar Loaves, and afterwards carried despatches from Governor Sir George Grey to Wellington. At the time of the Gate Pah assault he was in Tauranga Harbour discharging a cargo of commissariat stores from Auckland. Settling in Lyttelton, Mr. McClatchie built wool-sheds at the Port, and commenced business as a stevedore in the firm of Talbot and McClatchie. This business he conducted till 1886, when he retired. He has taken part in public affairs for many years. Capt. McClatchie was at one time in Australia, and had some experience on the Bendigo goldfields in the years 1853–4. He was initiated in Masonry in Lodge Unanimity thirty-six years ago. Capt. McClatchie was married at Lyttelton in 1851 to a daughter of Mr. A. J. Plaisted. of Wadhurst, Sussex, and has two sons and two daughters living.
has been a Member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board since 1892, as a representative of the Canterbury Chamber of
who represents the Chamber of Commerce on the Lyttelton Harbour Board, was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, in 1850. Educated at Forest House School, Woodford Green, Essex, the subject of this notice was brought up to mercantile life as a shipping clerk, and afterwards served for several years in the London and Westminster Bank. Having decided to come to the Colonies, Mr. Kaye arrived in Adelaide in August, 1871, and after a short time in the National Bank of Australia, became manager for Messrs W. K. Cave and Co., grain and shipping merchants, Port Adelaide, which position he held till he resigned in November, 1883. Arriving in Christchurch, in conjunction with his present partner, he established the wellknown firm of Kaye and Carter, shipping, grain, and seed merchants, in the premises still occupied by them in Cathedral Square. Mr. Kaye was for some time president of the Employers' Association, twice filled a similar capacity with the Young Men's Christian Association, and, in co-operation with the late Dr. Irving, was instrumental in bringing the Christchurch Beautifying Association into existence. Mr. Kaye has taken considerable interest in musical affairs, having been one of the early singing members of the Christchurch Liedertafel, and for some years past has been a vice president of the Christchurch Musical Union. He was married in 1875 to a daughter of the Rev. Peter Maclaren, of Port Adelaide.
one of the City of Christchurch Members of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, was born in London in 1846. Educated at Mortlake, and brought up to mercantile life in London, Mr. Graham spent some time in India, and came to New Zealand in 1868, since which he has been a settler in Canterbury, For some time he was manager of Messrs. Dalgety and Co.'s Lyttelton branch, but in 1870 he commenced business on his own account as shipping agent at Lyttelton and Christchurch. In 1871, increase of business rendering in desirable to have better representation in Christchurch than could be offered by employees, Mr. Cuff joined him in the concern. This co-partnership, under the style of Cuff and Graham, existed for nearly twenty-five years, and is probably the only instance in Canterbury of an association existing so long without changes of partners or name of the firm. The firm was dissolved in June, 1895, and since then Mr. Graham has conducted business on his own account as ship and insurance broker, sharebroker, and commission agent. Mr. Graham resided in Lyttelton for some years, and while there took an active part in municipal and
is one of the two Members elected by the ratepayers of the City of Christchurch to the Lyttelton Harbour Board. He is elsewhere referred to as the Consular Agent of the United States of America.
was elected in 1898 to represent the Borough of Sydenham on the Lyttelton Harbour Board. He had been a member of the Sydenham Borough Council for ten years, during which he had been Mayor for two consecutive terms. Mr. Brown is at present chairman of the Spreydon Road Board, of which he has been a member for three years, and has recently been elected for a further term. He has been a member of the Addington school committee since its inception, is a member of the Motett Society, and has for many years been a prominent member of the Wesley an denomination. At present (1902) he is choirmaster of the Wesleyan Church at Addington. Mr. Brown was born at Sunderland, Durham, England, in May, 1854, and landed when a child, at Lyttelton, in 1858, with his father, Mr J. T. Brown. He was educated at the Scotch School at Lyttelton under Mr John Ross, and was subsequently associated with his father in establishing the firm of J. T. Brown, timber merchant. In 1886 he was admitted as a partner in the firm, which then assumed the title of Messrs J. T. Brown and Son. The firm is further referred to in another article.
J.P., Member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, represents the Borough of St. Albans on that body. He is referred to elsewhere as the General Manager and Secretary of the Belfast Freezing and Dairy Produce Export Company.
who represents the Selwyn County on the Lyttelton Harbour Board, is also a member of the Selwyn County Council, the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and the Victoria Park and Domain Boards. He was born at Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1834, educated at the local academy, and afterwards followed farming and milling for some years. Mr. Dunlop landed at Lyttelton in 1855, and for twentytwo years farmed in the Heathcote Valley. In 1877 he purchased his present property, “Hillcrest,” farm of 220 acres at Marshlands, where he devotes considerable attention to horsebreeding. Mr. Dunlop was married in Scotland, and has a family of seven sons and four daughters.
has represented the County of Selwyn on the Lyttelton Harbour Board since November, 1897. He first took up his residence at Doyleston, in 1863, and from that early period, when the district was little more than a wide expanse of almost uninhabited land, he has taken a prominent part in transforming it into a well ordered and highly productive area. Mr. Rennie was for twenty years a member of the Ellesmere Road Board, and has for many years occupied a seat on the Selwyn County Council, which he represents not only on the Lyttelton Harbour Board, but on the Christchurch Hospital Board. He has been a director of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association since its inception in 1881, and is now (1902) a member of the executive committee, Mr. Rennie is also a member of the Board of Governors for the Lincoln Agricultural College, and of the North Canterbury Education Board, of which he was chairman in 1900. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1840. After receiving a somewhat scanty education at Turiff, Aberdeenshire, he sailed for New Zealand, and landed at Dunedin in 1858. He shortly afterwards found his way to Canterbury, where he was for some years engaged in railway contracting and other work. In the early sixties he took up land at Prebbleton, and, in conjunction with Mr J. Osborne, was the first to import a steam threshing plant into the district. Mr. Rennie purchased his present estate at Doyleston in 1863, and thirteen years later disposed of his property at Prebbleton. He was married in 1867, and has a family of four sons and four daughters.
M.H.R., represents the County of Ashley on the Lyttelton Harbour Board. He is elsewhere referred to as a member of the House of Representatives.
has represented the County of Akaroa on the Lyttelton Harbour Board since 1894. He was born in Wellington in 1841, and has lived from early childhood in the Pigeon Bay district. His father, Mr E. Hay, a native of Ayrshire, arrived in New Zealand in 1840, by the first vessel that
J.P., Who is elsewhere referred to as an ex-member of the Christchurch City Council, represents the boroughs of Linwood, Woolston, and Summer on the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
J.P., Secretary and treasurer of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, is of Welsh extraction, but was born in Edinburgh, in the year 1844. He arrived with his father, Mr David Theodore Williams, B.A. (Oxon.), in Port Cooper in December, 1850, by the ship “Randolph” on the same day that the first ship, the “Charlotte Jane,” entered port. Mr. Williams was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, being one of the first five pupils who presented themselves at the opening of that school in 1852. After studying sheepfarming for a couple of years on his brother-in-law's station at Pareora, near Timaru, he entered the Union Bank of Australia, in 1861, but left on account of ill-health, after three years' service. He joined the Provincial Government service in Christchurch in 1864 as a clerk, under Mr. (now the Hon.) W. Rolfeston, provincial secretary. Mr Hood Williams subsequently held office as assistant secretary for public works from 1873 to 1877, or until the abolition of the provinces at the end of
A Licensing Committee has important duties, and the vigilance or negligence of its members is seen in the manner in which the hotels of a district are conducted. During recent years the hotels of Christchurch have been considerably improved in respect to accommodation, appearance, and general management; and, apart from other considerations, one chief reason for this advancement is that the City Licensing Committee has faithfully carried out its duties and insisted on many much-needed reforms. The district over which the Committee exercises authority is the Christchurch Electoral District, and the present Committee was elected in March, 1900, for a period of three years. Mr. H. W. Bishop, Stipendiary Magistrate, is, exofficio, chairman, and Mr. Walter Martin is clerk of the Committee. The elected members are; Messrs S. S. Blackburne, J. Hamilton, J. C. Maddison, Thomas McClatchie, and F. Trent.
Stipendiary Magistrate, is Chairman, ex officio, of the Christchurch Licensing Committee. He is referred to in another article.
who is a Member of the Christchurch Licensing Committee, and a Justice of the Peace, was born at Sydenham, London, in 1857, and was brought to New Zealand when he was two years of age. His father, the Rev. S. Blackburne, M.A., was attracted to New Zealand by Bishop Selwyn in 1859, and was for ten years Principal of St. John's College, Auckland, having charge of the theological and scholastic departments. The Rev. S. Blackburne returned with his family to England in 1869. After receiving a sound education at the Warrington Grammar school, the son studied for the law, and was admitted as a solicitor in 1881. During the six subsequent years he practised his profession in Doncaster, Yorkshire, latterly in partnership with Mr W. E. Shirley, who held several of the principal legal appointments in that town. Between 1884 and 1886 Mr. Blackburne was engaged in severe political work as Liberal organiser and manager of elections on behalf of his cousin, Mr. Walter S. Shirley, B.C.L., who was twice elected as a Gladstonian Liberal for Doncaster, against such strong opponents as the Hon. A. E. Gathorne-Hardy and the Hon. H. W. Fitzwilliam. The severity of his duties at these elections was such that, at the close of the second contest, Mr Blackburne, broken in health, was ordered by his physician to New Zealand. After recruiting for a few months in the North Island, he was offered, and accepted, an important business agency in Christchurch. Since then he has been engaged in commercial pursuits, and is now senior partner in the firm of Messrs Blackburne and Smith. During his residence in New Zealand Mr. Blackburne has taken a deep interest in philanthropic and religious organisations, and is at present a member of the Anglican Synod of the Christchurch diocese. Whilst he was in England he helped to establish the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association, the first County Association in England; and occasionally represented Doncaster in cricket and football, and frequently in lawn tennis matches. In 1898, Mr. Blackburne succeeded the late Mr. H. Hookham as chess editor of the “Canterbury Times.” He is a successful chessproblem composer, and has won prizes in several international chess-problem competitions. His articles have been frequently quoted and reproduced in the principal chess publications of England, America, and Australia. In a review of his pamphlet on “Problem Terms and Characteristics,” the London Times (weekly edition) spoke of the author as one of the best living authorities on the subject. Mr. Blackburne was married, in 1896, to Miss Lamphier, second daughter of Dr. Lamphier, of Alford, Lincolnshire. Mr. Blackburne has several brothers in the colony, one being Nautical Adviser to the New Zealand Government, another the Vicar of Prebbleton, near Christchurch, a third the Vicar of Rotorua; and the eldest brother is senior partner in the firm of Blackburne and Bendall, accountants and sharebrokers, Wellington.
J.P., who is referred to as an ex-member of the City Council, occupies a seat on the Licensing Committee.
J.P., Member of the Christchurch Licensing Committee, is elsewhere referred to as a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
, whose biography is given elsewhere in this volume, is a member of the Christchurch Licensing Committee.
a Member of the Christchurch Licensing Committee, was born at Old Ford, England, in 1842, and educated at the Diocesan College, Norfolk. He arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1859, and was employed for some time in various offices as clerk. In 1860 he joined the volunteers for the Maori war in Taranaki, and took an active part in many severe encounters, for about twelve years. He then removed to Christchurch, and entered the employment of his brother, Mr. Edward Trent, founder of the firm of Trent Bros. Shortly afterwards he was admitted as a partner into the firm, and acquired the sole proprietorship in 1889.
The County of Selwyn comprises an area of 1,630,000 acres. It is divided into nine ridings, namely, Avon, Riccarton, Heatncote, Mulvern, Coleridge, Courtenay, Ellesmere, Lincoln, and Halswell, and has a population of nearly 40,000. The whole of the district, except the very hilly portions, is under cultivation. The soil is rich and fertile. On the 15th of October, 1900, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 319,062 acres in sown grasses, 144,190 acres under crop, 1,936 acres in garden, 1,215 in orchard, and 6,548 acres of forest trees. One of the chief duties of the county council consists in the construction and maintenance of water-races, by which the land of the county has been greatly increased in value. Water is obtained from the Waimakariri, the Kowai, the Selwyn, the Hororata, and the Rakaia rivera. An area of 326,388 acres is watered in this manner; there are 1106 miles of races; and every twenty-four hours 90,940,960 gallons are distributed. The annual charge for the use of the water varies from 8s 4d to £1 5s per 100 acres. The water races supply water to dry areas, and enable the country to be occupied in smaller holdings than would be possible under other circumstances. Drainage works are also attended to by the council. A scheme is (1902) in hand for making an outfall for Lake Ellesmere, so that it may be kept permanent'y at a lower level than at present. For the year ending on the 31st of March, 1901, the revenue was £11,165, and the expenditure £8,614. The ratable value of the county is £7,002,341. The principal sources of revenue are water charges, rents of reserves, a subsidy from the Government, and the rates collected by the various road boards. The council has power to levy a general rate, but has not done so.
has Jurisdiction over the country bounded on the north by the Walmnkariri and on the south by the Rakaia rivers, on the east by the ocean. Including Lytteton and Lake Ellesmere, and on the west by the boundary line of the provincial districts of Canterbury and Westland. The city of Christchurch, boroughs, and local governing towns are not under county control. The council was constituted at the time of the coming into operation of the Counties Act of 1876, which was adopted by resolution in 1878. The ratable value of property within the county is £7.002,341. on which a sum of 1/8d. in the £ Is levied for Hospital and Charitable Aid purposes. The county loans amount to £18,612. The Council has control over a few of the large bridges and the whole of the water-races, and plantations. and drainage works, within its boundaries. The revenue is derived from water-races, rent of reserves, license fees, dog-tax, and Government subsidies. The county is divided into six water-race districts—namelv, Malvern, Waimakariri, Greendale, Waireka, Hororata, and Ellesmere. The first four are under the charge of Mr. C. L. Davies, and the last two of Mr. H. Templer. The Malvern water-race is supplied from the Kowai and Waimakarirl rivers, the Waimakariri from the river of that name, the Greendale from the Hawkins river, and the Waireka from the Selwyn. There are about 800 miles of races in these four districts, the total area of which is about 250,000 acres. The members of the council for 1901 were; Messrs. R. Westenra (chairman), W. Dunlop, J. Gough, J. Rennie, J. G. Murray, G. Witty, G. H. MeHaffie, G. Rutherford, and J. Wolfe. Mr. W. Jameson is county clerk and treasurer.
J. P., who is Chairman of the Selwyn County Council, and of the Ashburton and North Canterbury United Charitable Aid Board. was born in 1832, at Kinsale, in the South of Ireland, and was educated in Germany. He came to New Zealand with his father, the late Capt. Richard Westenra, per ship “Midlothian,” which arrived in October, 1851 Captain Westenra took up a run on the banks of the River Selwyn, where for many years, the subject of this notice was engaged in sheep-farming. The estate is now owned by Mr. Westenra and two brothers under the style of Westenra Bros., and is devoted to general farming. About the year 1880, Mr. Westenra settled in Christchurch. He has taken a deep interest in local bodies for many years, and was first connected with the Rakaia Road Board. Shortly after settling in Christchurch he became a member of the Selwyn County Council, and has been chairman for a number of years. Mr. Westenra has long been a member of the Charitable Aid Board, and has occupied the chair for about twelve years. He has also taken a considerable interest in the Christchurch Hospital and has been a member of the board for some sixteen or seventeen years. He has been on the Commission of the Peace for many years. Mr. Westenra was a member of the old Provincial Council for Akaroa for seven years. In 1856 he married a daughter of the Rev. W. Aylmer, of Akaroa, and has two sons and one daughter living.
who represents the Avon riding in the Selwyn County Council, has been a member of the Council continuously for twenty years. He is a member of several local bodies, and is a referred to elsewhere in connection with the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
who is a Member of the Selwyn County Council, is well known as the owner of Homey estate, near Kirwee. and as a very extensive dealer in live stock. He is elsewhere referred to in connection with his property at Kirwee.
J.P., Member of the Selwyn County Council. was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. He was educated at Portobello, and came to Lyttelton, via Australia, in 1880. Mr. McHaffie is a member of various local bodies.
who has been a Member of the Selwyn County Council for Halswell Riding since 1886, was born in Surrey, England, in 1836, and was educated there. Landing in Lyttelton per ship “Labuan,” in 1851, he was brought up to agricultural pursuits and commenced farming on his own account at the age of twenty-one in the Halswell and Lincoln districts. He has since acquired a property of about 3000 acres at Greenpark, which is now farmed by his sons. Mr.
who is a Member of the Selwyn. County Council, is also a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and is referred to elsewhere in that capacity.
J.P., Member of the Selwyn County Council, is referred to elsewhere as the proprietor of Dalethorpe station, Russell's Fiat.
Member of the Selwyn County Council, is a farmer residing in the Lincoln district. Mr. Wolfe is a descendant of the family of the famous General Wolfe, the hero of Quebec. He was born at Brinklow, Old Fosse Road, near Rugby, in 1842, and was educated at the national schools, and at a private school at Strattonon-the-Fosse. At the age of eighteen, he was apprenticed to the plumbing, painting, and glazing trade, serving five years. Arriving in Lyttelton per ship “Tintern Abbey,” in 1875, Mr. Wolfe settled in Lincoln township, where he purchased land, and engaged in dairy farming, at the same time working at his trade. His farm comprises 500 acres. Mr. Wolfe has been prominent in public matters, having served eight years on the Springs Road Board, of which he has been chairman for several years. He is a member of the Christchurch Hospital Board and chairman of the Lincoln Domain Board. Mr. Wolfe has been secretary of the Baptist Church for some years. He was married in 1863 to a daughter of Mr. J. Adcock, of Shustock, near Coleshill, and has one son and three daughters.
, Clerk and Treasurer of the Selwyn County Council, is a Lancashire man, born in Manchester in 1849, educated at the local grammar school and at Dr. Cranswick's school, Cheetham Hill, and came to Lyttelton in 1863, by the ship “Sebastopol.” Entering the employ of the Provincial Government as clerk in the Provincial Secretary's office, he was afterwards transferred to the public works office, then to the treasury, becoming sub-treasurer and at the time of the abolition of the provinces, was Provincial Treasurer of Canterbury. On the inauguration of the county system he was appointed clerk to the Selwyn County. Mr. Jameson is a Fellow of the Institute of Incorporated Accountants of New Zealand, and is auditor for the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, and several large private firms. In 1877 he was married to a daughter of Mr. James Wood. of Christchurch, and has four sons and four daughters.
Inspector of Abattoirs for the Selwyn County Council, City of Christchurch, and the Boroughs of Woolston, New Brighton, and Linwood, was born at Heavitree, Devonshire, England, in 1850, and educated at King's Lodge school, Exeter. Mr. Jarman was brought up as a farmer and for some years before coming to New Zealand managed his mother's property. He arrived in Lyttelton per s.s. “Rimutaka,” in 1887, and after being employed in the country for some time was appointed in 1889 to the position he holds under the Selwyn County Council. Mr. Jarman took great interest in the establishment of the Riccarton swimming bath, and was chairman of the committee formed to promote its erection. This bath has proved a great boon to the district.
Registrar of Dogs for the Selwyn County Council, was born in 1849 in Quebec, Canada, and is the third son of the late Capt. Thomas Henry Zouch, 42nd Regt. H.E.I.C.S. He was educated at Eastbourne College, Sussex, England, and came out to Lyttelton per ship “Zambesi” in 1863. For the first fourteen years of his Colonial experience he was engaged in farming, after which he entered upon literary work, and was engaged on the staff of the “Lyttelton Times” for three years. He was subsequently proprietor of the Ashburton “Guardian” for four years, and afterwards of the Ellesmere “Guardian” for a similar period. Removing to Christchurch he engaged in the printing business for three years, and for a short time as a land and commission agent. He was then appointed to the position he holds under the Selwyn County Council. Mr. Zouch is a member of the Masonic Order, his mother lodge beaing St. John, No. 1858, E.C., Ashburton, of which he is a past master, and has also taken the Royal Arch degree, Mr. Zouch was married in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. James Dunn, of Melbourne, and has one son.
Engineer-in-charge of Water-races under the Selwyn County Council, was born in 1844 at Radnor, and educated at Taunton, Somersetshire. He came out to the Colony per ship “Egmont” in 1862, and became clerk of the Lincoln Road Board, which position he occupied for about ten years and gained considerable experience as an engineer. Mr. Davies was appointed engineer under the Selwyn County Council in 1882, and has superintended the construction of the greater proportion of the races in the district. During the Maori war Mr. Davies was attached to the “A” troop of cavalry for about two years, and served in Hawke's Bay.
The Christchurch Drainage Board was constituted by special Act of Parliament, “The Christchurch District Drainage Act 1875,” to provide for the drainage of the City of Christchurch and surrounding districts. There were originally eight members on the board, but by an Amendment Act of 1880, Sydenham was constituted a separate electoral district, and sent a member to the board, the number being thus increased to nine. The members of the board are:—Messrs. John Deans (Riccarton, chairman), W. E. Samuels (Northeast Ward), C. Palairet (North-west Ward), R. Pitcaithly (South-east Ward), Dr. B. M. Moorhouse (South-east Ward), R. M. Tayler (Sydenhan), C. Burgess (Avon), G. Melntvre (Heathcote), and J. Down (Spreydon). Mr. E. Cuthbert, M. Inst. C.E., is engineer, secretary, and treasurer to the board. The Christchurch Drainage District extends from the sea to about eight miles inland, with an area of 32,000 acres. Before the drainage works were put in hand the district was undoubtedly unhealthy, as was shown by the death-rate, which, however, has been so considerably reduced since the present system has been brought into operation that the city now ranks amongst the most healthy in the Colony. A very large number of sewers have been constructed by the board, the ordinary surface drainage which is collected by storm-water sewers, natural creeks, drains and side-channels, being discharged into the Avon, Heathcote, and Styx rivers. The system of sewers for the removal of sewage proper was designed by the late Mr. W. Clark, M. Inst. C.E. The sewers vary in depth from three to thirteen feet below the surface and are provided at intervals with man-holes, ventilators, and flushing tanks supplied by artesian wells. The district served by the system of sewers embraces the city of Christchurch and portions of the suburbs of Sydenham, St. Albans, Linwood, Ricearton, and Spreydon. The length of sewers proper in connection with the pumping-station equals nearly thirty-five miles and a half; length of storm-water sewers, fourteen miles and a quarter, flushing tanks supplied by artesian wells, and of rivers and open drains, 123 miles. There are all under the jurisdiction of the board. The whole of the sewage on the north side of the Avon converges to a point on the bank, where it is passed through a cast-iron syphon under the river-bed to the sewers on the south bank, from which it flows into a very large tank at the pumpingstation at Linwood. The plant at the pumping-station consists of two compound surface-condensing horizontal engines of fifty horse-power each. There are four pumps altogether, two being attached to each engine, and each is capable of throwing 3000 gallons per minute, and there are three Lancashire boilers fitted with Galloway tubes. It is usual to work only one engine and one boiler at the same time. From the enginehouse to the sewage-farm on the sand hills. a distance of two and a half miles, there is an iron main along which the sewage is forced. On arrival at the farm it is distributed by carriers over a considerable number of paddocks laid down in English and Italian rye-grasses and is there treated by surface irrigation. The liquid passes over the land and percolates through the sand, where it is caught by effluent water-drains by which it is discharged into the Estuary. By this means the sandy loam has been fitted to bear excellent crops of grass, which are cut twice a year for hay, and on which stock thrives splendidly. The operations on the farm have given most satisfactory results. The revenue of the board is derived from rates made by special orders on the various local bodies within its jurisdiction, under the Rating Act of 1894. The amounts of these rates at present vary from 3/4d. in the £ on capital value, and one shilling in the £ where annual value assessment is adopted, to 3/8d. and sixpence respectively, and are based on the expenditure of each of the sub-districts. These are collected by the local authority and handed over to the board, the revenue from this source being from £19,000 to £20,000 per annum. The Christchurch Drainage Board has a loan of £200,000 bearing six per cent, interest, out of which the various drainage works, including station and plant have been provided. The loan matures in 1926, and the payment is provided for by an annual sinking fund.
M. Inst. C.E., who is a son of the late Rev. W. S. Cuthbert, M.A., Rector of Edenderry, near Omagh, was born in 1845 in County Tyrone, Ireland, and educated at various schools in England and Ireland. He was articled to Mr. G. W. Hemens, of London and Dublin, as a civil engineer, and became member of the Institution of Civil Engineers on the 3rd of April, 1883. Arriving in Wellington, via Panama, in 1868, Mr. Cuthbert settled in Invercargill, where he became chief draughtsman in the Land Transfer Office, holding also the post of town surveyor, by permission of the Government. He was afterwards assistant-engineer under the Public Works Department, and subsequently engaged in the survey of the Wellington-Masterton and other railways. Mr. Cuthbert was stationed in Canterbury from 1873 to 1875, in charge of branch railways, and from 1875 to 1877 as District Engineer. He was for some time in charge of the Christchurch section of working railways from 1873 to 1880, leaving the service in 1880 at the time of the retrenchment. In the following year he joined the Drainage Board as assistant engineer, under Mr. C. Napler Bell, on whose retirement in 1882 he was appointed engineer. In the year 1885 the board's staff was re-constituted and Mr. Cuthbert was appointed engineer, secretary and treasurer, which posts he holds at the present time. In conjunction with Mr. Ferguson of the Wellington Harbour Board, Mr. Cuthbert reported on the drainage of Wellington, and the scheme propounded by them has been since adopted. Mr. Cuthbert has since been employed by the Corporation of Dunedin. In conjunction with Messrs. C. N. Bell and Robert Hay, to advise on the competitive designs for a complete system of drainage for that city, and has been consulted by various local bodies on matters pertaining to drainage.
, which is situated between the north and south divisions of Hagley Park, contains an area of between sixty and seventy acres. The northern portion of the park is about 200 acres in extent, and the southern portion 180 acres, and both are laid down in grass for pasturage. In addition to these there is a fine plantation of about thirty-five acres. The whole estate amounts to nearly 500 acres, and is one of the noblest legacies which the province's pioneers have left to present and future times. The idyilic scenes within the parka themselves and the views obtainable from them confer benefits which cannot be measured by the values of the markets, while, in regard to health, the whole estate is, so to speak, an inexhaustible fund and storehouse, always waiting to be drawn upon by the citizens, who would be ingrates not to hold in affectionate remembrance the wise and far-seeing men who made the reserves. “Blessings be with them, and eternal praise.” The domain— generally named the Public Gardens is skirted by the winding Avon, and is one of the most popular resorts of Christchurch. Portions of it are devoted to the cultivation of New Zealand indigenous flora, and a section of ground is applied to the propagation of old English herbiferous and medicinal plants. Another section is devoted chiefly to the growth of European shrubs and Japanese flowering plants, including types of the Yucca and other lily tribes. The river walk is bordered by garden plots, containing a large variety of flowering and other shrubs. In the nursery there are several glass-houses for propagating plants of all varieties. During the provincial days very large quantities were reared and distributed amongst schools in various parts of New Zealand. Facing Antigua, Street, and adjoining the museum, there is an extensive well-kept iawn, bordered with flower beds. The domain is well sheltered from prevailing winds, and forms one of the prettiest and most frequented pleasure resorts in the Colony. One of the latest attractions outside the gardens consists in an artificial sheet of water, named Victoria Lake, formed in the North Park in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of the late Queen Victoria. This lakelet is much frequented by the owners of model yachts.
Members: Hon. W. Rolleston, Hom. C. C. Bowen, Messrs W. Jacques, R. J. S. Harman, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, and Sidney Weetman; the Mayors of Christchurch, Sydenham, St. Albans and Linwood, and the Chairmen of the Selwyn County Council and the Riccarton Road Board; secretary, Mr. A. L. Taylor. The Christ church Domains, which were originally under the Provincial Government, were vested in the Board under the Public Domains Act of 1881. The Board's revenue is derived from the interest on £3000 granted many years ago by the Selwyn County Council, and from rent of pasture, sale of timber, etc. The Acclimatisation Society's gardens are within the Christchurch Domain, but they are supported and controlled by the Society.
Head Gardener of the Christchurch Domain and Parks, is the son of a gardener and forester in the service of the Duke of Bedford. He was born at Oakley, Bedfordshire, in the thirties, and brought up by his father to the occupation in which he has been engaged all his life. Before coming to New Zealand, he was at Chatsworth and Kew Gardens, and manager of several properties in England, including the estate of Baron Rothschild, in whose service he continued for twenty years. Mr. Taylor was selected in 1889 for the position he occupies out of thirty applicants, and arrived in Lyttelton by the s.s. “Ruapehu.” Since taking charge of the parks he has effected many improvements. He joined the Masonic Order in Lodge 591, Berks and Bucks, and passed various chairs, taking also the Royal Arch degree; he is unattached in New Zealand. He is also member of the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury. Mr. Taylor was married in 1884 to a daughter of Mr. Tomkinyon, of London, and has three sons and one daughter.
Officials for 1902: Messrs: R. W. England (chairman), H. W. Peryman, C. F. Carpenter, Thomas Gapes, Charles Burgess, W. E. Samuels, J. Glanville, R. M. Taylor, and C. F. Money; and Mr. H. Allison (secretary). This board, which was established about 1868, has jurisdiction over the country which is affected by the overflow of the Waimakariri River, and comprises the City of Christchurch, Boroughs of Sydeuham. Linwood, Woolston, St. Albaus, and New Brighton, and part of the Avon, Riccarton, Templeton, Courtenay, Tai Tapu, Springs, Lincoln, Halswell, Spreydon, and Heathcote Road Boards Districts. The south bank of the river, extending from the Estuary to a point about twenty-five miles from its mouth, is the particular care of this body, which generally conserves the interests of property-owners from damage by floods, there being three principal overflow channels, or old river beds, within the district.
who has been chairman of the South Waimakariri River Board since January, 1897, and acted in the same capacity in 1883, has been a member of that body since 1881. Mr. England is a native of Leamington, Warwickshire, England, where he was born in 1838, and brought up to the building trade. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1860 per ship “Robert Small,” and he and his brother carried on business as builders and contractors in Lyttelton for ten years. Removing to Christchurch in 1870, the firm acquired premises in Tuam Street, and continued the business till 1878, since which Mr. England has conducted it in his own name. Three years later he discontinued the building trade and confined his attention more particularly to that of a timber merchant. Mr. England was elected to the Christchurch City Council in 1880, and sat on that body for three years.
Secretary of the South Waimakariri River Board, was born in Mansfield, Nottingham, in 1847, and arrived with his parents in Lyttelton per ship “Isabella Hercus” in 1856. He was educated at local schools and privately, and got his early business experience in the office of his father, the late Mr. Charles Allison, a well-known accountant and building society secretary. Mr. Allison entered the office of Messrs. Harman and Stevens in 1871, in which he has risen to the position of chief clerk. He was appointed secretary to the river board in 1881, and was for many years on the vestry of St. John's Church, Christchurch, and a member of the synod for that parish. He was married in 1880 to a daughter of Mr. Charles Kiver, and has four sons and a daughter.
The Canterbury Militia and Volunteer District is coterminous with the provincial district of Canterbury. Its military organisation embraces the Permanent Militia, New Zealand Militia, the Unattached Active List, Honorary Unattached List, and the Volunteers. There is a Reserve Corps, composed of officers who have served a period of at least seven years in the Volunteers. Officers passing to this corps retain their rank, and are liable to be called upon for active service in case of emergency, for seven years from the date of their joining it. The New Zealand Militia comprises practically the whole colony's adult manhood capable of bearing arms in the defence of the country. It is divided into the following classes: Class one, unmarried men between seventeen and thirty years of age; class two, married men between seventeen and thirty years of age, and unmarried men between thirty and forty years; class three, married men between thirty and forty years of age, and unmarried men between forty and fifty-five. This force would be called out only in case of the direst necessity. The New Zealand Army List gives the names of all officers of the Militia.
In the following list the official state of the whole of the Canterbury volunteer district is given in accordance with the latest available information; but changes taking place between the date of writing and that of publication cannot, of course, be noted in this section. However, everything appertaining to the volunteer force of Canterbury has, as far as possible, been brought together here, and there are articles, also, on many of the officers. It has not been possible to obtain particulars concerning all these in time for insertion here, and in cases where articles have come to hand too late for this purpose, they have been classified under other sections.
Officer commanding, Colonel W. H. Webb, New Zealand Militia, late H.M. 109th Foot; district adjutant, Major A. G. E. Bingley (posted to Staff, South Africa); acting-district adjutant, Captain H. S. E. Hobday, Unattached Active List, New Zealand Volunteers; Officer Commanding South Canterbury Sub-District, Lieutenant-Colonel C. S. Bailey, late Devon Regiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Henry Slater, V.D.; surgeonmajor, Walter Thomas, P.M.O.; lieutenant, Henry Harwod Browne, Instructor Mounted Rifles.
Staff Sergeant-Majors, T. Jones, F. Farthing, J. Coleman, E. Crespin.
Lyttelton Naval Artillery: Lieutenant commanding, H. S. Hewlett; E Battery Field Artillery: captain, Y. W. J. Donald; N Battery Garrison Artillery, captain, J. T. Brice; Canterbury Engineer Volunteers: captain, J. J. Dougall; Christchurch Bearer Corps: surgeon-major, H. Compton Parsons.
Major R. Snow, commanding; adjuatant, Capt. Thomas Maude; A. Company, Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry: Capt. R. H. Rhodes; B Company, Canterbury Mounted Rifles: Capt. R. Macartney (acting); C Company, Ellesmere Mounted Rifles: Capt. J. Boag; D Company, Malvern Mounted Rifles: Capt. J. Deans; E Company, Waimakariri Mounted Rifles; Capt. J. Parkinson.
Major Ralph A. Chaffey, commanding; adjutant, Capt. P. H. Johnson; A Company, Kaikoura Mounted Rifles: Capt. C. Wood; B Company, Amuri Mounted Rifles: Lieut. M. Bethell; C Company, Cust Mounted Rifles: Capt. E. B. Milton; D Company, North Canterbury Mounted Rifles: Lieut. A. Horne; E Company, Cheviot Mounted Rifles: Capt. T. Gee.
Major J. T. M. Hayhurst, commmanding A Company, South Canterbury Mounted Rifles: Capt. G. P. Wood; B Company, Ashburton Mounted Rifles: Capt. G. A. McL. Buckley; C Company, Mackenzie Mounted Rifles: Capt. Bruce Gillies; D Company, Studholme Mounted Rifles: Capt. A. Garland; E Company, Geraldine Mounted Rifles: Capt. I. J. Maling.
Lieut.-Colonel W. A. Day, commanding; major, F. B. Cresswell; adjutant, Capt. G. H. Merton; honorary chaplain, Right Reverend Churchill Julius, Anglican Bishop of Christchurch.—A Company, Christchurch City Guards: Capt. F. W. Sandford; B Company, Christ's College Rifles: Capt. G. Harper; C Company, Christchurch City Rifles: Capt. C. G. Foster; D Company, Kaiapoi Riffles: Capt. E. E. Papprill; E Company, Rangiora Rifles: Capt. C. F.D'Auvergne; F Company, Imperial Rifles: Capt. W. T. Charlewood; G Company, Sydenham Riflea: Capt. G. J. Smith; H Company, Linwood Rifles: Capt. A. F. Drayton; I Company, Civil Service: Capt. F. M. B. Fisher; J Company, Canterbury Highland Rifles: Capt. D. McBean Stewart; L Company, Ellesmere Guards: Capt. T. Burns; M Company, Canterbury Natives: Capt. J. P. Oakes; Cycle Corps: Lieutenant W. C. Finnis.
Lieut-Colonel W. M. Moore, commanding; major, Thomas Jowsey, C.M.G.; adjutant, W. H. Foden; quarter-master, Capt. E. Cutten; honorary chaplain, Ven. Archdeacon H. W. Harper.—A Company, Timaru City Rifles: Capt. John Gillies; B Company, Temuka Riffes: Capt. E. Richardson; C Company, Ashburton Rifles; Capt. W. E. Dolman; D Company, Port Guards Rifles: Capt. Frank A. Raymond; E Company, Timaru Rifles: Capt. W. Beckingham; F Company, Waimate Rifles: Capt, H. C. Barclay; G Company, Geraldine Rifles: Capt. Kenneth Mackenzie; H Company, Ashburton Guards Rifles: Capt. E. F. Nichols.
Bandmaster, A. J. Merton.
Christ's College; Boys' High School; Queen's; Kaiapoi; Lyttelton; Timaru High School; Timaru Main School.
Chorlton; Le Bon's Bay; Duvauchelles Bay; Lincoln.
Officer Commanding the Canterbury District, was born at Essendon, Herts, England, in 1843. He was educated at Marborough College and at the Honourable East India Company's Military College at Addiscombe. Having attained his commission as ensign, he went to India in June, 1861, and joined the 3rd Bombay European Regiment, H.E.l.C.
2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, was born in Essex, England, and joined the fourth battalion of the Essex militia in 1886. He joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment in 1889, and was gazetted captain in 1900. He went with his regiment to South Africa in 1898, served in the Colesburg district under Major-General Cunningham and Major-General French, and was twice mentioned in despatches for his bravery. In 1901 he came to Canterbury, and was appointed district adjutant. On the formation of the Eighth Contingent in January, 1902, he was appointed its brigade-major, and accompanied the Contingent to South Africa.
District Adjutant for the Canterbury Volunteer District was born in England in 1858, and was brought to Otago by his parents at the age of five years. He was educated at Wesley College, Melbourne, where, as a member of the College Cadet Corps, he took part in the reception of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. On returning to New Zealand, Captain Hobday settled in Christchurch; he joined the Christchurch Rfles, and obtained a commission as lieutenant of the Sydenham Rifles in the following year. In 1887 he went to England on special leave, and joined the School of Military Engineering at Ohatham, where he studied and passed two courses of instruction for officers in military topography and field fortification, in both of which subjects he obtained army certificates. Captain Hobday returned to New Zealand in 1889, and was subsequently transferred to Wellington, and took the command of the Wellington Rifles as captain in January, 1891. Two years later he returned to Christchurch, and in March, 1894, took command of the A Company, a combination of the Sydenbam and Irish Rifles. The name of this company was altered soon after to the Christchurch City Rifles, under which it is now known to the North Canterbury Battalion. Captain Hobday was appointed adJutant to the North Canterbury Battalion in June, 1897. He relinquished the adjutancy of the Battalion, and was placed on the Active Unattached List, on the 1st of March, 1901; was appointed Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, and Member of the Central Board of Examination for New Zealand; and appointed District Adjutant for Canterbury on the 27th of February, 1902.
V.D., of the Canterbury District Staff, has long been intimately identified with the volunteer movement. In 1865 he joined the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and was in command of the corps for some time. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1883, and to that of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1899. In 1885 he raised and organised the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, a corps which has gained great credit in the provincial district.
of the District Staff, is referred to in another article as a medical practitioner.
Commanding the Lyttelton Naval Artillery, joined the E Battery of Field Artillery in 1890, and remained in it till 1894, when he resigned as a non-commissioned officer. In 1898 he joined the Navals as senior, lieutenant on presentation of a requisition from the Naval Artillery, and took the rank of Lieutenant Commanding in June, 1900. Lieutenant-Commanding
of the Lyttelton Naval Artillery, first joined the cadet corps of the Boys' High School in 1888, and remained until 1891. He joined his present corps with the rank of junior lieutenant in 1898, and has held the position of senior lieutenant since February, 1900. Mr. Curtis, who is managing clerk of the Westport Coal Company at Lyttelton, and son of Mr. Charles Curtis, coal merchant, of that town, was born in Dunedin in 1875. He was educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and afterwards employed on the clerical staff of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. In 1897 he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Curtis is a great lover of all athletic sports, and has been for many years a member of the Lyttelton Rowing Club, of which he was for seven years secretary and treasurer. He has won numerous prizes in the various local regattas.
of the E Battery Field Artillery, has been identified with the volunteer movement in Canterbury and Otago, and first joined the Temuka Rifles in 1874. Later on he joined the Christ's College Rifles, in which he remained about two years. On the tormation of the Lyttelton Naval Brigade in 1880 he joined that corps, and was subsequently elected lieutenant. Owing to his removal from Canterbury to Otago in connection with his duties in the Bank of New Zealand, Captain Donald retired from the Lyttelton Naval Brigade and joined the Otago Hussars, in which he remained until his return to Christchurch in 1888. He was then asked by his old corps, the Lyttelton Naval Artillery, to rejoin with the rank of lieutenant, he accepted this invitation, and remained with the corps until 1890, when he was transferred to the E Battery. In 1895 he was promoted to the position of captain. Captain Donald, who was born at Lyttelton, is the son of the late Dr. Donald, one of the most esteemed of Canterbury's pioneer colonists. He was educated at Christ's College, and afterwards joined the service of the Bank of New Zealand, of which he was an officer at Temuka, and at a branch in Otago. Since his return in 1888 he has been connected with the Christchurch office, in which he now holds the position of bill clerk. Captain Donald has for many years been prominently connected with Freemasonry.
of the E Battery, N.Z.F.A., was born in Christchurch in 1866. He joined the E Battery in 1885, and received his commission as lieutenant in 1899. In his leisure time Lieutenant Treleaven has always taken a keen interest in volunteering and in athletic sports generally.
was appointed Honorary Surgeon to the E Battery on the 18th of March, 1897.
of the N Battery, joined on the formation of the corps in 1885, as a gunner. He received the commission of lieutenant in 1887, and was elected captain in April, 1902, after the retirement of Captain McIntyre. Captain Brice was born in Northumberland, England, in 1854, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Rangitikei” in 1877. After some time at Little Akaloa Bay, he joined the staff of Messrs Hobday and Co., of Christchurch, and remained with that firm for two years. In 1882 he settled at Lyttelton and started his present business as a clothier and draper. Captain Brice has been a member of the Lyttelton Borough Council for eleven years, and has been twice mayor, in 1892 and 1893 successively. He has been a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and also of the borough school committee, of which he was chairman for one year. Captain Brice has been a Justice of the Peace since 1890; he is a churchwarden of Holy Trinity Church, Lyttelton, and has for over twenty years been a member of the Lyttelton Regatta Committee. As a Freemason he is a Past Master of the Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge. In the order of Oddfellows he has twice been Noble Grand Master, and is at present Provincial Grand Master of the Manchester Unity of the Lyttelton District. Captain Brice is married, and his son is at present a sergeant in the N Battery.
of the N Battery, first joined the Lyttelton Navals in 1889, and remained in that corps until 1891. He was transferred to the N Battery, and elected lieutenant in January, 1892. In 1897 Lieutenant Palmer resigned, but rejoined the corps again in 1901 with the rank of lieutenant. He is elsewhere referred to as a man of business.
who has been attached to the N Battery since the 27th of July, 1891 is referred to elsewhere as a medical practitioner.
has been Honorary Chaplain to the N Battery since the 26th of August, 1885. He is elsewhere referred to as vicar of Holy Trinity, Lyttelton.
has long been known in connection with volunteering. He joined the Wellington Navals in 1879, and the Wellington D Battery in 1882. Having removed to Lyttelton, he joined the N Battery
of the Canterbury Engineers, is a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was born in 1862, arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Merope” at the age of twelve years, and subsequently attended Mr. Gee's school in Christchurch. He was brought up to the legal profession with Messrs. Garrick and Co., being admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1896. His career as a volunteer commenced in 1878 as member of the High School Cadets. Two years later he joined the E Battery of Artillery as a gunner, and after seventeen years' service retired with the rank of lieutenant to assume the command of the Canterbury Engineers. Mr. Dougall is a director of the Canterbury Caledonian Society, and as a Freemason he is District Grand Master of the Scottish Constitution. He was married in 1886 to a daughter of Mr. J. S. Wagner, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters. Mr. Dougall is further referred to in the legal section of this work.
of the Canterbury Engineer Volunteers, joined the Queen's Cadets in 1891, and left that corps with the rank of colour-sergeant in 1894. Having the choice of a lieutenancy in the Cadets or a sappership in the Engineers, he accepted the latter position, which he held until he was transferred twelve months later to the Rangiora Rifles, from which he retired after two years' service, with the rank of sergeant. On his return to Christchurch in 1897 Mr. Jones was transferred to the Canterbury Engineer Corps as sapper, and was promoted twelve months later to sergeant-major. In 1900 he was appointed sub-lieutenant, and in 1901 was gazetted first lieutenant. He was born in London, in 1871, and three years later accompanied his parents in the ship “Rakaia” to Lyttelton. He was educated at Christchurch, and is now a partner in the firm of Messrs Jones and Sons, jewellers, Christchurch.
of the Canterbury Engineer Volunteers, is referred to elsewhere as a medical practitioner.
Honorary Chaplain to the Canterbury Engineer Volunteers, is elsewhere referred to as vicar of Addington, Christchurch.
of the First Battalion of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, has been connected for a number of years with the volunteer movement in Canterbury. In 1887 he joined the Canterbury Mounted Rifles as a private, rose through the various grades, was elected lieutenant in 1892, gazetted captain in 1896, and major in 1901. Major Snow, who holds the position of Chief Clerk in His Majesty's Customs at Christchurch, was born in Dorsetshire, England. His education was begun at Bristol, England, and completed under the Rev. Dr Kinder, at Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand. He joined the Customs Department in Wellington, whence he was transferred to Dunedin, where he remained for five years. In 1871 he was transferred to Westport, where he remained until his removal to Christchurch in 1876. Major Snow is unwearying in the interest of volunteering. He is a member of the Canterbury Club, and a Freemason of high standing. He married Miss Norman, daughter of the late Mr Norman, of Papanui, a prominent and influential pioneer colonist, and has one son and five daughters.
Adjutant of the 1st Battalion North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, received his commission as lieutenant of the E Battery on the 6th of September, 1889, and was gazetted captain in April, 1902. Mr. Maude is a well-known solicitor of Christchurch, and a partner in the firm of Messrs Maude and Harman.
of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, was born at Purau, Lyttelton, on the 27th of February, 1861, and is the son of the late Mr. R. H. Rhodes, of “Elmwood,” Christchurch. He was educated partly in New Zealand and partly in England, and graduated B.A. at Brasenose College, Oxford. In 1890 he stood against Mr W. W. Tanner for the representation of Heathcote in Parliament, and polled 642 to Mr. Tanner's 854 votes. At the general elections on the 6th of December, 1899, he went to the poll for Ellesmere against Mr. W. H. Montgomery, received 1760 votes to his opponent's 1657, and thus won by a majority of 103. In February, 1902, Captain Rhodes left New Zealand as commander of F Squadron of the South Island Battalion of the Eighth Contingent for active service in South Africa. Captain Rhodes was married, in 1891, to Miss Clark, of Glenara, Victoria.
of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, is referred to elsewhere as proprietor of Kinloch estate, Little River.
who was appointed to the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavairy on the 30th of September, 1898, is referred to in the medical section of this volume.
of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, is a son of Mr. Thomas Macartney, a well-known colonist of Tai Tapu, and was born in 1866. He has always taken a great interest in the volunteer movement, and first joined the Tai Tapu contingent of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles in 1896. Rising from the ranks through the various grades, he became sergeant-major in succession to Sergeant-Major Birland, who went to South Africa with the First Contingent, and was appointed captain of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles in 1901. Captain Macartney was the instructor of the Tai Tapu contingent who were the winners of the Challenge Cup for several years. He is referred to in another article as a farmer.
of the B Company Canterbury Mounted Rifles, joined the corps as sub-lieutenant in 1899 and was gazetted Lieutenant-Commanding in 1901. Mr. Peacock, who is the step-son of the Hon. J. T. Peacock, was born at Christchurch in 1880.
of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, was born at Tai Tapu in 1873. He joined the Tai Tapu contingent of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles in 1897 as a private. Six months afterwards he was appointed corporal; was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1899; in 1902 he was elected second-lieutenant, and is now first-lieutenant. He is referred to elsewhere as a farmer at Tai Tapu.
of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, is the son of Mr J. Boag, proprietor of Middlerigg estate, Brookside, Ellesmere.
of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, has been for a long time connected with volunteering. In 1865 he joined one of the first batteries of artillery formed in the colony, and be fore he resigned he had reached the rank of senior sergeant. He rejoined again in Christchurch in 1874, and became sub-lieutenant, and later on lieutenant; and he is now first lieutenant of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles. Mr. Hill won the first two prizes that were shot for in the Lyttelton Battalion, and he won the district prize three years in succession, besides several minor prizes, cups, and medals. He represented the province on three different occasions, twice at Nelson, and once at Hokitika, where he shot second for the Champion Belt, and won prizes to the value of £70, including the North versus South Challenge Cup, valued at £25. Mr. Hill is referred to in another article as proprietor of the Royal Hotel, at Southbridge.
of the Malvern Mounted Rifles, is the son of the late Mr. John Deans, who is referred to in another article in connection with the Riccarton estate.
of the Waimakariri Mounted Rifles, was born at Kaituna in 1871. He was educated at Christchurch, and after leaving school he went as a cadet to Burnt Hill, East Oxford, and subsequently to his father's station of Kaituna, where he passed his early years. Captain Parkinson is a gentleman rider, and amongst his trophies there is a Ladies' Bracelet, which he carried off at Oamaru in 1898.
of the Cust Mounted Rifles, entered the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry in 1883, and served actively as a trooper till 1897, when he was transferred to the Canterbury District Reserve Corps. On the formation of the Cust Mounted Rifles, of which he was one of the chief promoters, he appointed sergeant-major, and afterwards advanced to his present rank of lieutenant. Mr. Atkinson is devoted to firing practice, and held the marksman's badge for nine consecutive years in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry.
of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, was born
of the D Company, Kaiapoi Rifles, joined No. 9 Company, Woodend, Canterbury Rifle Volunteers, as bugler, in 1868, and remained efficient in that corps until its disbandment in 1875. On the formation of a northern contingent of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, in 1887, he joined it and remained in it until 1899, attaining the rank of sergeant. A requisition from the Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers, asking him to become a lieutenant in that corps, induced him to obtain his transfer. His total broken and efficient service up to April, 1902, was twenty years, so that now he is entitled to the long service medal. Mr. Horrell is referred to in another article as a farmer at Woodend.
who is elsewhere referred to in connection with Temuka, served a term of active service with the Third Contingent in the South African war.
of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, is referred to in other articles connected with Timaru.
of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles, was born in Heathcote Valley, near Christchurch, in 1866, and is the second son of the late Mr George Buckley, formerly owner of the Waikakshi es ate. Mr. Buckley was educated, firstly, at Christ's College, Christchurch, and afterwards at Cheltenham College, England. He entered the British Army and gained a commission as lieutenant in the 37th Regiment, served three years in the militia, and three years in the Regulars, and was on active service in India nearly the whole time. Mr. Buckley returned to New Zealand in 1891, and in 1899 entered into possession of the Laghmor estate. He became a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and on the formation of the Ashburton Mounted Ritles, was unanimously elected captain.
Commanding the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion, was born in Lyttelton in 1861, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at King's College School, London. After his return to the colony he entered the grain and produce trade, and was for nine years with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, two in Wellington, and seven in Christchurch. He was then for four years and a half with the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association as manager of its grain and produce department, and is now, as stated in another article, in business on his own account in Cashel Street, Christchurch. He was for fourteen years a member of the Christ's College Rifles, and was elected captain of the corps in 1893; in June, 1897, he was promoted to the staff, and gazetted major. On the 1st of August, 1901, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, in succession to the late Lieutenant-Colonel Francis. Mr. Day is a well-known vocalist of the Liedertafel, of which he is a member. He has a high
of the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion, was born in Hobart, and educated in Tasmania. He was brought up as a manufacturing hatter, and settled in Christchurch in 1882, taking charge of the hat department of Messrs. Ballantyne and Co.'s business. He is a member of the Sons of Temperance Benefit Society, and has been treasurer of the Grand Lodge for nine years. Major Cresswell was married in 1878 to a daughter of Mr. J. Dunkerley, Stockport, England, and has three daughters.
Adjutant of the North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers, received his appointment on the 4th of September, 1901. He is elsewhere referred to in connection with Christ's College.
Pay-and-Quartermaster of the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion, joined the Christchurch Rifles in 1887. In consequence of his removal from Christchurch he retired after serving for three years, but rejoined on his return in 1893. Since then his service has been continuous, and he remained in the ranks until 1900, when he was appointed battalion quartermaster-sergeant. He was promoted to his lieutenancy in 1901, and in November of the same year he was appointed to the position of pay-and-quartermaster.
was appointed Medical Officer of the North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers on the 8th of October, 1895.
Bishop of Christchurch, was appointed Honorary Chaplain to the North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers on the 11th of January, 1896. Bishop Julius is further referred to in connection with the diocese of Christchurch.
of the Christchurch City Guards, who has taken an active part in volunteering since 1869, is elsewhere referred to as an officer of the Board of Education and as an organ builder.
one of the officers of the Christchurch City Guards, is the son of the late Mr. F. A. Bishop, an old and respected Canterbury colonist. The subject of this notice was born in Christchurch in 1863, and brought up to the wine and spirit trade by his father, from whom he took over the business in 1887. Mr. Maitland Gard'ner joined Mr. Bishop in the firm of Bishop and Gard'ner in 1894, but retired from it in 1899, and the firm is now known as Bishop and Co. Mr. Bishop has been connected with the Volunteer movement since 1883, when he joined the Christchurch Rifles as a private, rose to the rank of colour-sergeant at the time of the amalgamation which took place with the present corps, and became lieutenant in 1896. He is a member of the Christchurch Musical Union, in which he acts as honorary librarian, and is a member of the committee.
of Christ's College Rifle Volunteers, received his commission on the 25th of January, 1900. Mr. Harper is referred to elsewhere as a barrister and solicitor.
of the Christ's College Rifles, joined in 1897 as private, and after passing through successive grades, was elected lieutenant in 1901. Mr Marsh, who occupies the position of cashier in the Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch, was born in England. He came to the colony in 1888, and joined the service of the Bank of New Zealand in 1895.
was appointed Honorary Chaplain to the Christ's College Rifles on the 9th of March, 1885. He is referred to elsewhere as Dean of Christchurch.
of the Christchurch City Rifles, joined the cadets in 1879. Owing to his removal two years later to Timaru he resigned from the cadets, and joined the C Battery of the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery, with which he remained from May, 1881, till May, 1885, when he joined the Geraldine Rifles, with which he remained till 1887. On his return to Christchurch in 1887 he joined the Christchurch Rifles—then the C Company of the First Canterbury Rifle Volunteers— as a corporal. In 1893, when the Christchurch Rifles amalgamated with the City Guards, he joined as sergeant and remained until he was transferred to the staff of the North Canterbury Infantry Cavalry under Colonel Francis, as regimental sergeant-major. In 1899 Captain Foster joined the Linwood Rifles, as junior lieutenant, and in 1900 took command of the Christchurch City Rifles. Captain Foster was born in Christchurch in 1867, and on leaving school went through various colonial experiences. For five years he has occupied the position of principal and confidential clerk in the office of Messrs Maude and Harman, barristers and solicitors. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge 1048, E.C., Canterbury.
of the Christchurch City rifles, joined the Dunedin Cycle Corps in 1897, and remained in it twelve months. He came in 1898 to Christchurch, where he immediately joined the Christchurch Cycle Corps, of which he was elected lieutenant. In 1901 he retired from the Cycle Corps, and was elected, in the same year, senior lieutenant of the City Rifle Volunteers. Mr. Gibson, who is the Christchurch representative of the Dunedin firm of Messrs Massey, Harris Co. Ltd., was born in Dunedin in 1874, and educated there at the Boys' High School. In 1889 he joined the staff of Messrs Massey, Harris Co., Ltd., was promoted to the position of manager of the firm's Christchurch branch in 1898, and is now inspector to the company in New Zealand. Mr Gibson is a well-known cyclist, and a member of the principal cycling clubs of New Zealand. He was a member of the Dunedin Rifle Club.
of the Kaiapoi Rifles, is a barrister and solicitor at Kaiapoi, and is referred to as such in another article.
of the Rangiora Rifles, has long been prominent in military matters in the Rangiora district, where he was born in 1861. His volunteer experience commenced in 1886, when he became one of the first members of the Rangiora Rifles. From 1892 to 1900 he held the rank of lieutenant, and in the latter year became captain. He has been for five years Captain of the Morris Tube Club, and is now president. Captain D'Auvergne has also been active as a footballer and cricketer. In football he represented Canterbury in the interprovincial team for three years. He is also a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was for about three years chairman of the Ground Committee. He farms about 250 acres of land, the name of his farm being “Bon Air.”
B.A., formerly of the Imperial Rifles, was born in Kent, England, in 1856, and is third son of the late Admiral E. P. Charlewood.
of the Imperial Rifles, joined the College Rifles in 1887, and remained with that corps until 1900. He held the position of sergeant, and was transferred to the Imperial Rifles with the rank of lieutenant, on the 5th of December, 1900. Mr. Mathias is a son of the late Mr. Herbert I. Mathias, of Racecourse Hill, a prominent colonist, who occupied many public positions in Canterbury. Lieutenant Mathias was educated at Christ's College, and studied for a year at the Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln. He joined the clerical staff of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association in 1887, and now occupies the position of cashier. Mr. Mathias is a member of several social and athletic clubs, and is a most enthusiastic volunteer. He has passed, and obtained the certificate, of the Military School of Instruction for officers.
of the Imperial Rifles, joined the corps in May, 1900, with the rank of second lieutenant. Mr. Holderness, who is a son of Mr. R. F. Holderness, formerly Stock Inspector, was born in Christchurch in 1880, educated at Christ's College and Canterbury College, and studied law in the office of Mr. Wynn Williams, barrister and solicitor, Christchurch.
of the Sydenham Rifles, received his commission on the 7th of December, 18888. He is elsewhere referred to as a member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch.
of the Sydenham Rifles, joined the Irish Rifles in 1885, and remained with that corps until its amalgamation with the Sydenham Rifles, then known as the A Company. After serving through the various grades, he was appointed lieutenant in 1898, to the new Sydenham Rifles. Mr. Millar, who is a salesman in the Working Men's Co-operative Association, came to New Zealand in 1876, and since his arrival in Christchurch has been intimately connected with the progress of Sydenham, where he has held public positions in connection with the affairs of the borough.
was appointed to the Sydenham Rifles on the 30th of July, 1900. He is further referred to as a member of the mercial profession.
of the Linwood Rifles, first became connected with volunteering when he joined the old Christchurch Rifles under Captain Richards as a private in 1887. He remained with that corps for three years. A lieutenancy was then offered to him, and accepted, and he held the position for twelve months. He resigned to take a similar position in the Canterbury Irish Rifles, and occupied it till the corps was amalgamated with the Sydenham Rifles. The new corps was afterwards named the City Rifles, and was commanded by Captain Drayton for two years. In 1894 be resigned, and ceased to be connected with volunteering. On the formation of the Linwood Rifles in 1899, Captain Drayton was requested to accept the command, on the retirement of Captain Horsley, and complied with the request. Mr. Drayton was born at Riccarton in 1868 and educated in Christchurch. He began his experience of commercial life with the firm of Messrs Plaisted and Co. In 1894 he entered the service of Messrs Ashby, Bergh and Co., and has since contributed to represent it. As a Freemason Mr Drayton is a member of St. Augustine Lodge, No. 3.
of the Linwood Rifles, joined the volunteers as a private in the Christchurch Rifles, and held the position of sergrant, when he resigned after serving for five years. On the formation of the Linwood Rifles he joined that corps, and was elected lieutenant. Mr. Johnson was born in Northumberland, England, and came to New Zealand in 1880. He now holds the position of chief clerk in the Kaiapoi Woollen Company's Clothing Factory.
of the Linwood Rifles, joined the Canterbury Engineers in 1887 as a sapper. Some years afterwards he joined the E Battery of Artillery as a
received his appointment as honorary chaplain to the Linwood Rifles on the 18th of November, 1898. He is further referred to in the ecclesiastical section of this volume.
Commanding the Civil Service Rifles, is perhaps the youngest officer in the Battalion. Born in 1877 at Wellington, he is the fourth son of Mr. George Fisher, M.H.R., and was educated primarily at the Wellington public schools. He left school work at thirteen years of age, and was four years in the country, where he was engaged in farm work and surveying, and was afterwards three years in town at a trade. In 1896 he went to Wellington College for a year, and served in the cadets, four of the member of which attained captaincies in five years; R. J. Seddon, J. Haselden, J. Montgomery, and F. M. B. Fisher. The three firstnamed are (1902) with the Eighth Contingent in South Africa. In 1897 Mr Fisher joined the Lands Department, and shortly afterwards took a leading part in the formation of the Wellington Civil Service Rifles, in which he served as a corporal. On being transferred to Christchurch in 1898, he soon took a prominent part in volunteering and athletic circles. On the formation of the Christchurch Civil Service Rifles, Mr. Fisher was elected senior lieutenant, and upon the resignation of Captain Millar he received his captain's commission, dated the 5th of December, 1900, and in May of the following year was appointed a captain in the New Zealand Federal Contingent. He has also represented Canterbury at football, tennis, and amateur athletics. A strong advocate of field firing under service conditions and a keen volunteer enthusiast, the present state of efficiency of his corps is a tribute to a hard-working and popular officer. Captain Fisher left Canterbury in April, 1902, in command of E Squ drop of the South Island Battalion of the Tenth Contingent, for service in south Africa.
of the Civil Service Rifles, joined that corps on its formation in 1900, as junior Leutenant, and was gazetted senior-lieutenant in 1901. Mr. Wray, who is a son of the late Mr. W. G. Wray, headmaster of the Timaru school, was born in 1875, and educated at Christchurch. He joined the Civil Service at the Government Railways Stores, Addingten, as a cadet, and has since been promoted to the position of senior clerk in the stores department. Mr. Wray has since boyhood taken a very active part in all athletic sports, and has for five years been a member of the Canterbury Railway Club. As a cross country runner he is well known. Since joining the volunteers he has devoted all his spare time to the improvement of his corps. Mr. Wray left New Zealand in February, 1902, as a lieutenant in the Ninth Contingent, despatched for service in South Africa.
of the Civil Service rifles, has been connected with the volunteers for some years, and joined the cadet corps in Dunedin and Wellington. On the formation of the Civil Service Rifle Corps at Christchurch he joined, first as a non commissioned officer, and was elected lieutenant in July, 1901. Mr. Adams holds a position in the Customs Department at Christchurch.
who is elsewhere referred to as vicar of St. Michale's, was appointed honorary chaplain to the Civil Service Rifles on the 11th of August, 1900.
of the Canterbury Highland Rifles, joined the corps on its formation in 1900 as lieutenant, and was appointed captain in 1901. He is a son of Dr. MacBean Stewart, was born at Ashburton in 1877, and educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School. Mr. Stewart afterwards joined the clerical staff of Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., and still remains with that firm.
of the Canterbury Highland Rifles, joined the First College Rifles about 1892, and remained five years with that company. On the formation of the Highland Rifles he joined as second-lieutenant, and was gazetted first-lieutenant in 1901. Mr. Moir is the youngest son of Mr. W. Moir, of Christchurch. He was educated at Christ's College, and afterwards entered his father's business.
of the Canterbury Native Rifle Volunteers, is a son of the late Captain John P. Oakes, master mariner. He was born in Christchurch in 1864, and educated in Auckland, where he served his time as a draper, but afterwards became connected with the manufacturing department of Messrs McArthur and Co., and was seven years in a corresponding position with Messrs A. Clark and Sons. Captain Oakes has been connected with volunteering since 1883, when he joined the Auckland City Guards. In 1892 he was appointed lieutenant to the corps, and held that position until 1896, when he transferred to the Auckland Naval Artillery, with the same rank, and wears the uniform of that corps in the portrait which accompanies this article. In 1898 Mr. Oakes was one of the promoters of three infantry volunteer corps formed in connection with the Auckland New Zealand Native Association, of which he is a member, and he eventually accepted the position of Captain to the No. 2 Company, which became one of the smartest corps in the garrison. He remained with his corps until September, 1900, when he left Messrs A. Clark and Sons to accept a more responsible and lucrative position with the Kalapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company, Christchurch. When he left Auckland his large circle of friends took a flattering way of showing how highly they appreciated him as a man and a citizen. On his arrival in Christchurch he was transferred to the Canterbury District Reserve Corps, and shortly afterwards was presented by the local authorities, on behalf of the Defence Department, with the sixteen years' long and efficient volunteer service medal. Deciding to take a more active part in the service, he set about forming a New Zealand Native Corps in Christchurch, and in September,
of the Canterbury Native Rifles, joined the Christ's College Rifles in the beginning of March, 1897, and was nearly four years with them. He was transferred to the Canterbury Native Rifles when that company was formed in September, 1900; was elected junior lieutenant, and received his commission on the 6th of March, 1901. Mr. Smith became senior lieutenant in September, 1901. In December, 1901, he passed the Officers' School of Instruction. He is the only son of Mr. F. J. Smith, of Messrs G. Coates and Co., jewellers, Christchurch.
of the Canterbury Native Rifles, joined the Canterbury Scottish Rifles in 1885, and remained five years in that corps, from which he resigned to join the old Sydenham Rifles. This corps was afterwards amalgamated with the Irish Rifles, under the name of A Company. Later on the name was again changed to that of the City Rifles, in which Mr. Bourdot held the position of sergeant. Mr. Bourdot afterwards rejoined the reconstituted Sydenham Rifles, in which he served for two years, and was then transferred to the Canterbury Native Rifles, with the position of colour-sergeant. He also filled the position of sergeant-major to the 2nd Battalion North Canterbury Regiment during the Duke of Cornwall's visit to Canterbury. He was appointed lieutenant of the corps in 1901. Mr. Bourdot was born in Belfast, Ireland, and came with his parents to Canterbury in 1875 by the ship “Star of China.” He was educated in Christchurch, and was for eight years employed in the “Press” office, and for a similar period with Messrs Skelton, Frostick and Co. In 1899 he joined the service of Messrs A. J. White and Co. Mr. Bourdot is a member of the Masonic Crown Lodge No. 675, S.C., and a member of Loyal City of Christchurch Oddfellows' Lodge.
of the Christchurch Cycle Corps, joined the corps on its formation in 1897, when he was appointed lieutenant. He was born at Ballarat, Victoria, and came to New Zealand, in 1896, under an engagement with Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns. Mr. Finnis was for eight years with the Third Battalion of Victorian Volunteers, and left his corps with the rank of sergeant. He won £16 for volley firing in 1900.
V.D., sometime Commanding the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion, was born in Essex, England, in 1856. He arrived in Lyttelton in the following year with his parents by the barque “Cornubia,' and was educated at Mr. Gee's Grammar School in Christchurch. After serving for four years in the Postal Department, he joined the firm of Messrs Crowe and Co., wine and spirit merchants, as a partner, and for about eight years held his interest in that business. In 1887 he joined Messrs Manning and Co., as traveller, and was for many years closely identified with that firm. He began his connection with the volunteer force in 1874, when he joined the City Guards as a private. In 1878 he obtained promotion to the rank of sub-lieutenant, lieutenant in 1681, and adjutant with the rank of captain
J.P., Commandant of the South Canterbury Infantry Battallion, was born in Kent, England, in 1851, and is the sixth son of the late Rev. Edward Moore, honorary canon of Canterbury Cathedral, and of the late Lady Harriet Moore, youngest daughter of the fourth Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Colonel Moore was educated chiefly in Kent, and acquired practical farming experience in Yorkshire and Scotland. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Crusader,” in 1874, and after a short visit to the Old Country, engaged in pastoral pursuits at the Chatham Islands, where he remained for two years and a half. Settling in South Canterbury, he bought 600 acres near Geraldine, which he disposed of in 1893, and has since resided in Geraldine. He joined the volunteers at the formation of the Geraldine Rifles, and was at once elected captain of the corps. When the South Canterbury battalion was formed in September, 1886, he was promoted to be major, and on its abolition was put on the active unattached list. On the formation of the new battalion in 1897, he was given the command, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Prior to this, Major Moore had been placed in charge of the battalion at encampments. He was in command of the infantry camp at Kaituna in 1895, and of the whole force at the Easter encampment, held at Temuka in 1896. Colonel Moore has taken an active interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Geraldine County Council from 1887 to 1893, and was appointed to represent that body on the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, an office he still holds. He was a member of the South Canterbury Education Board from 1896 to 1901, when he resigned his seat, and was member and chairman of the Gapes Valley School Committee for some years. He has been president of the Geraldine Floral and Horticultural Society for several years, of the literary institute, and of the Geraldine branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society. He has also held several offices in the Church of England, and has been a member of the diocesan synod. Colonel Moore paid another visit to England in 1886. He was married at the Chatham Islands, and has one son, who went to South Africa as a trooper in the Sixth Contingent.
C.M.G., Second in Command of the South Canterbury Infantry Battalion, saw service in the South African war during 1900 and 1901, as Officer Commanding the New Zealand Rough Riders, or Third Contingent. He sailed for the seat of war with his command on the 17th of February, 1900, and landed at East London. There he was ordered to join General Brabant's Colonial Brigade, and trained to Aliwal North and took part in the relief of Wepener. Thence he moved to Kroonstad, via Smithfield, Bethulie, and Bloemfontein, and under General Hutton took part in the advance of Field Marshal Lord Roberts on Pretoria. The Rough Riders fought all round Rustenburg to the west, and trekked and fought to the east, with General French, via Carolina to Barberten. Returning to Pretoria, the Contingent trekked for six weeks, under General Plumer, in all directions, and took part in the Rhenoster Kop battle, where the
formerly Adjutant of the South Canterbury Battalion, was appointed conductor and bandmaster of the Timaru Garrison Band in 1886. During the ten years of his conductorship he piloted the band through many contests, and the band and its soloists gained numerous prizes. When he resigned his position as bandmaster in January, 1896, he joined the Timaru Navals as sub-lieutenant. In 1897 he was appointed adjutant of the South Canterbury Battalion, and was gazetted captain in the early part of 1898. Mr. Wolf is referred to in another part of this volume as a teacher of pianoforte, singing and harmony, at Timaru.
Quartermaster of the South Canterbury Infantry Battalion, was born at Dunedin in 1862. He passed his examination in 1890 as lieutenant of the Temuka Rifles, and was elected captain on the 25th of February, 1891. After some months in the District Reserve Corps, he was appointed quartermaster of the South Canterbury Battalion in 1897.
who is further referred to in another article, is Honorary Chaplain to the South Canterbury Infantry Battalion.
Timaru City Rifle Volunteers, was born at Milton, Otago, and is a son of the late Mr. J. L. Gillies, first secretary of the Otago Harbour Board. He was educated at the Dunedin High School and entered the service of the Westport Coal Company in 1881; he was promoted to the management of the company's Timaru branch in 1897. He joined the Dunedin Highland Rifles as a private in 1889, was elected lieutenant in 1890 and obtained the captaincy a year later. On leaving Dunedin, he was placed on the reserve list as captain, but was induced to join the Timaru Rifles as lieutenant, and on the retirement of Captain Jackson of the City Rifles (old C Battery of Artillery), he accepted the command of that corps, his commission being ante-dated by permission.
of the Temuka Rifles, is referred to in another article in connection with the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Limited, Christchurch.
formerly in command of the Timaru Port Guards, was born at Bangalore, India, in 1864, and was educated at Cheltenham College, England. He entered Middlesex Hospital, London, in 1881, and became housesurgeon and house-physician of that institution. He came to New Zealand in 1890, and shortly afterwards received the appointment of resident surgeon at Timaru Hospital. In the following year he commenced private practice, and also joined the Navals as lieutenant, being subsequently promoted to LieutenantCommanding. He remained in command of the corps until he went to South Africa, as medical officer, with the Fifth New Zealand Contingent. Whilst he was in Africa Dr. Thomas was appointed senior medical officer of the 2nd brigade Rhodesian Field Force, and senior medical officer at Klerksdorp.
of the Waimate Rifles, was born at Timaru in 1866, and is the third son of the Rev. George Barelay, who was the pioneer Presbyterian minister of South Canterbury. He was educated at the Timaru High School and Otago University, where he studied medicine and surgery, and graduated M.B., Ch.B., in 1889. He took his M.D. degree in 1891. In 1896 he visited Great Britain, and gained the diplomas of M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lord.), and F.R.C.S. (Edin.). After graduating, he and Dr George Copeland were the first two medical men educated solely in New Zealand to be appointed to public positions— namely, as medical officers of the Dunedin Hospital, and after he had been serving there for one year, Dr Barelay was appointed surgeon superintendent of Waimate Hospital. Captain Barclay has been a member of the Waimate High School Board for some years, a member of the Timaru High School board of Governors, a member of the Waimate Borough Council, and he was also for two years and a half mayor of the borough. He was surgeon-captain to the Waimate Rifles, and he is now captain of the company.
joined the old Geraldine Rifles as a private in 1885 at the age of eighteen. He was appointed corporal in November, 1885; sergeant in May, 1886, and elected lieutenant on the 18th of March, 1887. He was adjutant for the South Canterbury Battalion at the Kaiapoi camp in 1891.
, of the Geraldine Rifles, held a commission as captain of the Otago High School Cadets from 1889 to 1897, and consequently when he joined the Geraldine Rifles he received a fresh commission without examination. He made his old corps very proficient in rifle shooting, and he himself won the District Championship of Otago in 1890. Lieutenant Montgomery is at present (1902) the holder of the company's championship, and is of great service as a “coach” on the rifle range.
Shortly after the old Garrison Band was disbanded some years ago by order of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, a meeting of volunteer officers decided to form a military band for the North Canterbury Battalion. Colonel Gordon, Colonel Day, and Captain Charlewood took the matter in hand. A canvass of the town was liberally responded to, and the Christchurch Garrison Band was soon formed. Mr. A. J. Merton was chosen as conductor, and, with a good attendance of competent players, the first muster took place on the 15th of June, 1897. At first the instruments were of a nondescript character, but they were soon superseded by an excellent set of Highams'. So well has the work been done that the band is now the best military band in New Zealand. The regulation membership, twenty-five, does not represent the sand's playing power, for there are reserve members, who bring the full strength close to forty. However, only twentyfive receive capitation from the Government, and the reserve men rank as honorary members. The band has established a New Zealand record for parades, and the amount of work done on regulation parades, at the Duke of York's visit, and the despatch of Contingents has earned it a good name. The instrumentation is wood, reed, and brass, wind and stringed bass, excellent drums, and there are exceptionally clever soloists amongst the members.
the Bandmaster, is referred to in other articles as Organist and Music Master at Christ's College, and as a teacher of music.
formerly Officer Commanding the Canterbury Militia and Volunteer District, was born at the Cape of Good Hope, in 1842, and was educated at the Sandhurst Military College. He was appointed ensign in the 21st Royal Fusiliers (now the Scots' Fusiliers), was transferred in 1863 to the 44th East Essex Regiment, and served three years in India, and one year in England, before coming to the Colonies. Arriving in Auckland per ship “Blue Jacket” in 1867, he was for some time engaged in farming pursuits. In 1872 be joined the field force in New Zealand, and received his captain's commission in 1879. Colonel Gordon accompanied the expedition to Parihaka as field-adjutant, and in the beginning of 1883 was appointed district adjutant for the Otago district, and was transferred to Christchurch in 1891. He was married in 1881 to a daughter of the late Mr. H. H. Arden, of Long Crofts, Staffordshire, England, Colonel Gordon resigned the command of the Canterbury Volunteer District in September, 1901.
formerly Officer Instructor of Christ's College and Boys' High School, and other schools, was born at Forthside House, County Wexford, Ireland, and was educated at the Royal Naval School, New Cross, London. He is the youngest son of the late Captain E. Richards, R.N., and brother of Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Frederick Richards, G.C.B., First Naval Lord of the Admiralty, and belongs to the family of Richards of Solsborough (vide Burke's Landed Gentry). He entered the Army in 1862 as ensign in the 72nd Highlanders, receiving his commission without purchase in recognition of his eldest brother, Captain Edwin Richards, 41st Regiment, being killed at Inkerman. After serving in India and the United Kingdom with the 72nd, he volunteered in 1867 for service in Abyssinia, and gained his lieutenancy in the 33rd, Duke of Wellington Regiment, then under orders for service in that country; went through the campaign, was present at the action of Arogee, on the 10th of April, 1867, and was with the storming party at the capture of Magdala three days later, being one of those who entered the fortress by escalade. (Abyssinian war medal). Returning from Abyssinia with his regiment, Major Richards exchanged into the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers—quartered
active unattached list of New Zealand Militia, was born at Chippewa in Canada West in 1844. He was educated in Germany and France, at Cheltenham College, and at the Military College, Sandhurst. He joined the 12th Regiment of Foot (now the Suffolk Regiment) as ensign, and arrived in Sydney in 1863. In October of the same year his regiment was ordered to New Zealand where he accompanied an expeditionary force to the Thames. He afterwards served throughout the Waikato campaign, for which service he received the New Zealand medal. Mr. Taylor returned to England in 1867, left the army, and came back to the Colony three years later, when he joined the Armed Constabulary force in Wellington as a private. In 1879, he was promoted to be sub-inspector, and was present with the expedition to Parihaka. He was sent to Lyttelton in charge of the Permanent Artillery in 1885, and retired from the Force with the rank of major in 1890. Major Taylor now (1902) lives in retirement at Nelson.
The various departments of the General Government are represented in Christchurch by staffs of officers. For instance, the Crown lands of the colony are administered by the Minister of Lands at Wellington, but the country is divided into ten land districts, and each is under the local direction of a Land Board and a Commissioner. The Commissioner's office is known as the principal land office in each provincial district, and at it full information can be obtained in respect to the land policy of the colony, and especially with respect to the facilities for settlement in the provincial district. It is thus with regard to other departments of the General Government having staffs of officers in the provincial centres. For example, full information can be obtained in Christchurch with respect to the Government Advances to Settlers Act, which was passed in 1894, with the object of affording relief to a numerous class of colonists who were believed to be struggling under the burden of high rates of interest and heavy legal expenses for mortgages. It is claimed that the Act has been instrumental in lowering the rates of interest to a considerable extent on several millions of money invested on the mortgage of the farming lands of the colony. Another comparatively recent measure which may be noted here is the Old Age Pensions Act. It was passed by Parliament in 1898, for the payment of old age pensions out of the Consolidated Fund to persons duly qualified, under certain conditions of residence, age, and financial position. The full pension is £18 a year, payable in twelve monthly instalments. On the 31st of March, 1901, there were 12,405 pensions in force, representing a yearly payment of £211,965. It may be noted that the operations of the Government Life Insurance Department were extended in 1899, so as to insure persons from accident, and especially employers against liability for accident to any person employed; though the department is also authorised to carry on the general business of an insurer against accidents.
in conjunction with several other Government departments, is established in a large block of buildings which stand out very prominently in the south-western corner of Cathedral Square. Business at the post office is growing rapidly, and has already reached large dimensions. During the year that ended on the 31st of December, 1900—the latest period for which reliable figures are at present (May, 1902) available—the number of letters dealt with in the Christchurch district was estimated at 5,530,323, in addition to nearly 2,500,000 books, over 2,600,000 newspapers, and letter cards, post cards, and parcels. Of these totals, the letter-carriers delivered 1,900,000 letters, about 450,000 newspapers, and other articles in proportion. In 1890, the total weight of parcels dealt with in the Christchurch postal district was 67,202 pounds; in 1900 it was 135,426 pounds. In 1890 the registered letters numbered 24,000; in 1900, 55,000. Savings' Bank business and transactions in connection with postal notes, post office orders, and so forth, are conducted in a separate department, the entrance to which is at the north-eastern corner of the building. In the year 1900 the value of money orders dealt with at the Christchurch office was estimated at £62,777, the number of orders being 19,605. In the same year the money deposited in the Savings' Bank amounted to £613,160.
Chief Postmaster, who is the son of the Rev. W. Kirton, Presbyterian minister, who arrived in New Zealand per ship “Berkshire” in 1849, was educated at Dysart and Roslyn, Scotland, and in Wellington. He served two years in the office of Messrs. Hervey, Johnston and Co., merchants, of Wellington, and entered the general post office in 1854, when he was the only clerk, and continued there as chief clerk until 1871, when he was transferred to Christchurch to fill a similar position. In the following year he was transferred to Hokltika as chief postmaster, and eight years later to Nelson, where he continued in charge until December, 1892, when he was appointed to his present position in Christchurch. In the Masonic Order Mr. Kirton is connected with Lodge St. Augustine, Christchurch, and was a member of Lodge Waterloo, Wellington, N.Z.O. During his stay in Nelson he was senior warden of the local lodge. He was formerly grand master for the Wellington district in the Oddfellows' Order, and was a member of one of the first volunteer rifle corps in Wellington. Mr. Kirton, together with Mr. Houston Logan and others, was instrumental in establishing the Star Boating Club in Wellington, which has always had a very prosperous career. He was married in 1871 to a daughter of Mr. Abraham Sheath, accountant of the Telegraph Department in Wellington, and has four sons and eight daughters.
Chief Clerk of the Christchurch Post Office, entered the service as telegraph assistant in 1866, at Blenheim, and since that date has held various responsible posts in different parts of the South Island. Mr. McHutcheson was appointed to his present position in 1900.
formerly Chief Clerk at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, was born in Napier in 1858, and was educated at the Rev. D'Arcy Irvine's grammar school. He entered the Civil Service in 1875 as cadet in the Post and Telegraph Office, Napier, where he remained for seven years, and was then transferred to the General Post Office, Wellington. Mr. Miller was promoted in 1886 to Christchurch as senior money order and savings bank clerk, and eight years later was appointed chief clerk of that office. In 1900 he was transferred to Auckland as an assistant inspector of Post Offices for the Northern District. Mr. Miller was married in 1884 to a daughter of Mr. George McVay, of Auckland, and has four children.
is reached by the public from the northern side of the Post Office building, the public counter being on the ground floor, close to the Post Office public room. In the instrument room there are over fifty operators, and the entire staff, including messengers, clerks, and others, numbers over 100 persons. The office is one of the busiest in the colony, as a great deal of transmitting work has to be done through it. In the Christchurch district there are now about 890 miles of lines, carrying about 3400 miles of wire.
Inspector of Telegraphs for the Canterbury District, received his appointment in 1899, having served a period of fourteen years as inspector for the Nelson district. Mr. Gannaway was born in England in 1852, and educated at Southampton. He came to New Zealand in 1868, and landed at Wellington.
Officer-inCharge of the Christchurch Telegraph Office, is a Victorian by birth. He was born at
Chief Counter Clerk in the Christchurch Telegraph Office, was born in Essex, England, in 1853, and arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Grassmere” with his parents in 1855. Entering the telegraph department as a messenger in 1867, he has, with the exception of two years at Greymouth occupied a position in the local office, and has been chief counter clerk since 1875. Mr. Dearsley was married on the 18th of May, 1876, to a daughter of Mr. Eltenton Mitchell, headmaster of St. Alban's school, who lost his life on the s.s. “Tararua” when taking his first trip after retiring from active life.
is situated on the first floor of the Post Office Buildings, close to the operating room of the Telegraph Office. In 1881, the Exchange was opened with thirty subscribers and a very limited staff of operators, but on the 31st of March, 1902, there were 1164 subscribers, and at present (May, 1902) twenty-seven lady operators are employed. They work six hours a day, each one attending to 150 subscribers, and at night are relieved by male operators. The multiple switch-board system is used, and the ultimate capacity is for 5300 subscribers. For a business connection not more than a mile from the office, the annual charge is £7; for a private house not more than a mile away, £5; and there is a general charge at the rate of £2 a mile for anything beyond these distances. Mr. R. Atkinson, who has seen the institution grow from its humble beginning over twenty years ago, is still the officer in charge. It is interesting to note that, according to calculations, about 43,000 calls on the exchange are made every week or six days. This reduces the average number of calls per day for each subscriber to only six. But it is obvious that many subscribers, such as those in private houses, do not touch the instrument for many days. The busiest man on record, so far as the Exchange is concerned, rang up no fewer than 108 times on a certain day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and if he maintained the same rate right through for six days—which he probably did—he made use of the Exchange 648 times in the week.
has rooms in the Post Office Buildings. They are on the ground floor, and the entrance is from Cathedral Square, on the eastern side of the building. The district extends from Ashburton in the south to Kaikoura in the north. There is a branch office at Lyttelton, in charge of a local collector.
who was for many years stationed at Westport, was appointed Collector at Christchurch in succession to the late Mr. E. Patten, on that gentleman's retirement in 1901.
Landing Surveyor. Custom House, Christchurch, was born at Maraetara, Napler, in 1855. He was educated at Mr. J. F. Haye's school, at Guernsey, Channel Islands, from which he returned in 1871. Entering the custom house in Napier as a cadet in 1874 he was appointed clerk at Gisborne in the following year and transferred to Wellington in 1879 as second clerk. Eight years later he was promoted to be landing waiter and in 1894 was transferred to Wairau as collector. He has held the position he now occupies in Christchurch since 1897. Mr. Carter is the third son of the late Captain J. C. L. Carter of the 53rd Regiment and formerly Superintendent of Hawke's Bay. Mr. Carter was married in 1878 to a daughter of the late Mr. Brooke Taylor, of Napier, and has three children.
late R.N.R., Superintendent of Mercantile Marine at the port of Lyttelton, and one of the Examiners of Masters and Mates for the Colony, was born at Parkhurst, in the Isle of Wight in 1854, and was educated at the Newport diocesan school in his native island. He served on Her Majesty's training ship “Worcester,” and became a master at the age of twenty-one, gaining his extramaster's certificate four years later. After many years' service in the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, he settled in Christchurch in 1891, where he arrived per s.s. “Ionic,” and was appointed examiner of masters and mates in 1895. Captain Marciel was married in 1888 to the youngest daughter of the late Rev. William Scarr Redfern, of St. Mary's, Taunton, and has one daughter. He is a Justice of the Peace for the Colony, and one of the Visiting Justices at Lyttelton Gaol.
is situated in the Provincial Council Buildings, and may be entered from either Durham Street or Armagh Street. The principal work of the department consists in collecting the rents on Crown lands and settlement lands, and conducting the surveys of the district. The Christchurch branch is in charge of Mr. Thomas Humphries, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor. Mr. Charles B. Shanks is Chief Draughtsman, and the Receiver of Land Revenue is Mr. Alexander A. McNab.
Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor of Canterbury, is a native of England, and came to New Zealand in 1851. He joined the Government Survey Department at Taranaki as cadet under the late Mr. Octavius Carrington, then Chief Surveyor. He had as fellow cadets Mr. W. Hursthouse, now Chief Engineer of Roads, and Mr. S. Percy Smith, late SurveyorGeneral. Mr. Humphries afterwards occupied the position of Chief Surveyor for Taranaki until the abolition of the provinces, and continued to hold the same appointment under the General Government. On the death of Mr. C. D. Whitcombe he succeeded that gentleman as Commissioner of Crown Lands and ChiefSurveyor of Taranaki. Mr. Humphries held the corresponding positions in Auckland from 1889 till 1891; in Hawke's Bay, from 1891 till 1897, and in Nelson from 1897 till February, 1902, when he was appointed to Canterbury. As a volunteer Mr. Humphries served in the Taranaki Rifles during the Maori war, and while so serving was engaged in making surveys and plans at Waitara with the general staff, under General Pratt. He subsequently served with Major Atkinson's Forest Rangers, and was later on a lieutenant in the Taranaki Militia. Mr. Humphries is a student of astronomy and, on behalf of the Government, he made the observations of the transit of Venus, in 1882, at New Plymouth. On behalf of the Government, he also did the photographic work in connection with the total eclipse of the sun on the 9th of September, 1885, at Bennett's Hill, Masterton. His observations on the transit of Venus were incorporated in the calculations made at the Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford, England, in 1882.
Chief Draughtsman in the Lands and Survey Department, was born in 1841 in Glasgow, and educated at the celebrated Bluecoat School in London. Mr. Shanks came out to Port Chalmers at the age of sixteen per ship
Draughtsman In the Lands and Survey Department at Christchurch, halls from Staffordshire, England, where he was born in 1849. He arrived in Lyttelton with his parents per ship “Mystery” in 1859, and completed his education, which had been begun in England, at local public schools, entering the survey department of the Provincial Government in 1867 as writing clerk, and was placed on the draughting staff In 1877. Mr. Rowley has taken great interest in musical matters in Christchurch, and for many years was well known as the principal flautist in musical and orchestral societies In Canterbury; he continues as fond as ever of his instrument, and is willing to assist at public performances for deserving objects. Mr. Rowley was married in 1873 to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. A. H. Monk, of Wellington, a very old New Zealand settler, and has two sons and four daughters.
District Surveyor in the Lands and Survey Office, Christchurch, is a son of the late Archdeacon Matthias. He joined the service as a cadet in 1877, at Christchurch, and has ever since been attached to the Canterbury branch.
District Surveyor in the Land and Survey Department, joined the public service as a cadet in Southland in 1877. After serving there two years, he was transferred to Canterbury, became a qualified surveyor in 1880, and was promoted to be district surveyor twelve years later.
Receiver of Land Revenue for Canterbury, was born in Oporto, Portugal, in 1847, and educated at various schools in England. He came out to Port Chalmers per ship “Echunga,” arriving in December, 1865, and went almost immediately to the West Coast diggings, with his brother, soon after the commencement of the “rush.” After two years of the usual mining experiences in the early days, he spent three years at station life on the Malvern Hills and in the Mackenzie country, and afterwards did some mining in the Carrick Ranges. Mr. McNab's next movement was to try mining in New South Wales, but returning to New Zealand shortly afterwards he joined the Land Office in Invercargill in 1876, as a clerk, and in 1894 was transferred to Christchurch to fill the position he now holds.
J.P., Superintendent of Village Settlements in New Zealand, entered the employment of the Can terbury Provincial Government in 1863, as clerk in the Immigration Office. He was promoted in rapid succession to higher posts, and was appointed Chief Immigration Officer for the Middle Island in 1872. This appointment he retained during the time there was a Resident Minister for the Middle Island, after which he was called upon to resume his previous appointment as chief immigration officer for Canterbury. In 1885, Government immigration having ceased, Mr. March was transferred to the Land and Survey Department of the General Government, as Steward of Village Settlements, and six years later was appointed to his present position. He was for a number of years administrator of charitable aid under the Provincial Government, and, afterwards, under the General Government also, until the establishment of local boards. Mr. March was born in 1836 at St. Stepnen's, Cornwall, England. He arrived in New Zealand in October, 1853, and entered the employment of a Canterbury station holder, with whom he gained some experience in farming. Later on he went to Nelson, where he found employment for some years prior to entering the Government service in 1863. Mr. March was appointed by the Government in 1895 to inspect the village settlements throughout Australasia, and he wrote a valuable report on the subject. When Sir John McIntyre, the Minister of Lands for Victoria, visited New Zealand, Mr March accompanied him on his tour through the colony, and he also accompanied the Victorian Commissioners when they were in New Zealand.
are in Maling's Buildings, Worcester Street, opposite the Ladies' Club. Mr. A. P. O'Callanghan in the supervising valuer, and he has a staff of clerks. Valuations are supplied on payment of a fee. The Act under which the Valuation Department was established was passed in 1896. It provides for the periodical valuation of all landed properties in New Zealand, and for that purpose the colony is divided into special districts. The first valuation was made as at the 31st of March, 1896, and since then valuations in many parts of the colony have been revised as circumstances required. The valuations are for the purpose of land tax, local rates (in cases where rates are levied on the capital or on the unimproved value), stamp duties, and for several departments of the State.
Supervising Valuer of the Land Tax and Valuation Department in Christchurch, was born in Fermoy, Ireland, in 1837, and educated at Dublin University, where he graduated B.A. in 1850. Mr. O'Callaghan entered the Anglican Church, being ordained in England, and held a cure in Surrey for two years before coming to the Colony in 1863. Arriving at Lyttelton in the ship “Greyhound,” Mr. O'Callaghan had charge of the Oxford church for two years, after which he retired from the ministry to take up farming pursuits. For some twenty-five years Mr. O'Callaghan carried on a farm in Lincoln and in the Peninsula, during which time he was a member of the Springs Road Board for some years, and also represented the constituency in the House of Representatives during the years 1882–9. For some years Mr. O'Callaghan was in charge of the Lands Department in South Canterbury as land officer and valuator at Timaru, and when
under Mr. G. G. Bridges, District Land Registrar and Registrar of Deeds, is situated in the north end of the Provincial Council Buildings, the most convenient entrance ‘being from Armagh Street. The department deals with the registration of documents under the Land Transfer Act.
District Land Registrar and Examiner of Titles, was born at Cheltenham, Hampshire, England, in 1853, and educated at Southampton College. Arriving in Dunedin in 1870 per ship “Warrior Queen,” Mr. Bridges was articled to the late Mr. James Macassey, and admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1876. In 1879 he joined the Land Transfer Department, as examiner of titles at Christchurch. Eight years later he was transferred to Dunedin to fill a similar position, and also to act as deputy-commissioner of stamps. In November, 1892, Mr. Bridges was removed to Wellington, as deputy land registrar, and remained there until October, 1893, when he was transferred to Napler, as district land registrar and deputy-commissioner of stamps for the Hawke's Bay district, being appointed to the office he now holds in January, 1896. Mr. Bridges was married in 1883 to a daughter of the late Canon Cotterill, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters.
is on the first floor of the Government Insurance Buildings, opposite the Post Office, in Cathedral Square. The Canterbury branch was established in 1891, and the Canterbury district is a very extensive one, with sub-agencies at Ashburton, Timaru, and Oamaru. The office of Public Trustee was designed mainly to afford, at low rates of commission, a secure and convenient means whereby a person, residing either in New Zealand or abroad, and desiring to form a trust or appoint an agent or attorney in the colony, might be received from doubt or difficulty as to the choice of a trustee, executor, agent, or attorney. The Public Trustee, who often acts in these capacities, has power to deal with intestate estates, and to administer them. Funds in the department are guaranteed by the State against loss from investments in bad or insufficient securities, or from delay in investment. On the 31st of March, 1901, the capital funds of the department invested amounted to £1,618,379, and the value of estates dealt with, throughout the whole colony, of course, was £2,326,954.
District Agent in Canterbury for the Public Trustee, has been engaged nearly twenty years in the Government service. He is a native of England, where he received his early education, and subsequently studied at the Wellington College.
formerly Chief Clerk in the District Office of the Public Trustee, Christchurch, was born in 1872 in that city, and was educated at the Normal and Boys' High Schools. Having passed the junior and senior Civil Service examinations, he entered the Public Trust Office as a clerk in 1891, and was promoted to the chief clerkship in 1897. Mr. Allen is musical, and was a member of the Motett Society, and always ready to assist in public entertainments, often acting as accompanist. He is an enthusiast in football and cricket, and was an active member of the High School clubs for a long time. Mr. Allen was transferred to Dunedin in May, 1902.
are situated in Maling's Buildings, Worcester Street, opposite the Clarendon Hotel.
Inspector of Machinery, took charge of the Canterbury branch in May, 1902. He had previously been on the staff of the head office in Wellington. Mr. Carman's biography and portrait appear on page 151 of the Wellington volume of this work.
formerly Inspector of Machinery for the Provincial District of Canterbury, was born in 1858 at Ardrishaig, Argyleshire, Scotland, and is a son of the late Mr. A. McVicar, a well-known contractor of that seaport town. On the death of his father in 1867, the family removed to North Knapdale, where he was educated at the Free Church school, and gained some experience of farming while in the district. In 1873, at the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed to engineering, under Messrs John Elder and Co., now the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, of Govan, Glasgow; and at the expiration of his apprenticeship, he joined the
are upstairs in the Provincial Council Buildings, the entrance being from Durham Street. The Agricultural Department includes among its duties the inspection of all classes of stock, inspection of dairies, the administration of the Slaughtering and Inspection Act, the Inspection of fruit and plants and, if necessary, their fumigation, the rearing of different classes of poultry (carried on at Burnham, eighteen miles from Christchurch), the preparation and grading of poultry for export, at present carried on in Christchurch, and the inspection of orchards and vineries. The Stock Department forms a branch of the Agricultural Department, and deals more particularly with stock. It has also the administration of quarantine, its station for the purpose being at Quail Island, in Lyttelton Harbour. Mr. H. T. Turner, Inspector of Stock, has charge of the department, and Mr E. A. Dowden and Mr. C. A. Cunningham also are Inspectors of Stock. The Fruit Inspector, Mr A. C. Smale, and the Poultry Grader, Mr. S. Newton, have their offices in the same department. The caretaker of the farm at Burnham is Mr. W. S. MacCrae, and Mr. W. Thomas has charge of the quarantine station on Quail Island.
joined the Stock Department in 1889, and was stationed successively at Wanganui and Gore up till 1891, when he was transferred to Invercargill. On the retirement of Mr. R. F. Holderness, Mr. Turner succeeded that gentleman in the chief inspectorship for Canterbury in June, 1902.
Inspector of Agriculture and Stock for North Canterbury, joined the Government service in 1887, and five years later was appointed to his present position. Mr. Cunningham was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1845, and arrived in New Zealand in 1859.
Government Inspector of Dairies, Christchurch, entered the New Zealand Government service at Wellington, in March, 1900, and was appointed to his present position in January, 1901. He was born in the Highlands of Perthshire, Scotland, on the 18th of September, 1855, and is a son of Mr. William Macpherson, F.E.I.S., Headmaster of the Daniel Stewart Institution, Strath Tay. Mr. Macpherson was educated at that institution, under his father, and was trained as a teacher. He was subsequently engaged as headmaster of various Scottish schools, but in 1876 he left his native land for New Zealand, and arrived at Lyttelton, on the 22nd of June. Shortly afterwards he entered the service of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, Ltd., in whose employment he was for fifteen years, for six years as overseer, and nine years as manager of their Pareora Estate. He resigned that position in 1891, and accepted an appointment as secretary and general manager of the Longburn Slaughtering and Freezing Company, Limited, Palmerston North. In 1895 the company went into liquidation, and Mr Macpherson was appointed official liquidator by the Supreme Court, and was complimented by Judge Kettle for the creditable way in which he fulfilled his duties. Before leaving Scotland, Mr. Macpherson was an ardent volunteer. At the age of nine years, he was a bugler in the Breadalbane Highlanders, and at thirteen he entered the ranks of the fifth volunteer battalion of Royal Highlanders, Black Watch. He has long been associated with Caledonian societies in New Zealand; was vice-president of the Palmerston North Caledonian Society, and was for three years President of the St. Andrew's Caledonian Society in the Timaru district.
Inspector of Fruit for Christchurch, entered the Government service in the Agricultural Department in 1896, and was appointed to his present position in 1900. Mr. Smale was born at Epsom, Auckland, in 1848, and losing his parents at an early age, resided with his grandfather, Mr. George Rich, at Mount Eden, Auckland, where he got his first insight into sheepbreeding. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and then went to Otago, where he assisted his uncle, the late Mr. F. D. Rich, in pastoral pursuits. Subsequently Mr. Smale was manager, for twenty years, of a merino stud flock at Moeraki. In 1878 Mr. Smale married the only surviving daughter of the Rev. F. Hunt Oulton, Norfolk, and has a family of three sons and two daughters.
for the Electorates of Christchurch City, Avon, and Riccarton, is at present (May, 1902) in Inglis's Buildings, at the corner of High Street and Cashel Street, the entrance being from the latter street. It is possible, however, that arrangements will be made to remove the office to Maling's Buildings, which are in Worcester Street, nearly opposite the Ladies' Club rooms. Electors are enrolled on sending to the Registrar a claim and a declaration according to the form prescribed by law. There are no fixed periods for making up fresh electoral rolls, but the rolls are revised and printed before a general election and also for any district in which a byelection is to take place. Nor are there any fixed periods for revising and purging the rolls; but it is the duty of the Registrar to keep the roll revised and complete. At the general election of 1899, the roll for Christchurch contained the names of 9976 males, and 10,774 females; and votes were recorded by 8026 males and 8294 females.
Registrar of Electors for the Districts of Christchurch City, Avon, and Riccarton, was born in 1847, in London, and was educated at Kensington Grammar School. He was trained to mercantile pursuits as an accountant, and came to Lyttelton In 1864, per ship “Golden Sunset.” After some years' various experiences in Canterbury he became manager of the Teviotdale station, near Amberley, where he remained for twelve years. Settling in Christchurch in 1880, Mr. Williams was appointed the first secretary of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., of which he was one of the promoters. Four years later he removed to Wellington, where he became the first secretary of the United Farmers' Society. After eighteen months he returned to Christchurch and in September, 1896, received his present appointment.
extends from Kaikoura in the north to Hampden in the south. There are thirty-six police stations in the district manned by 106 members of the force of all ranks. The staff comprises: Inspector Robert James Gillies (in charge), Sub-Inspector Black, and Sergeants Dougan, Kelly, and Sheehan, stationed at Christchurch; Sergeant Burke (Sydenham), Sergeant Warring (Timaru), Sergeant King (Oamaru), Sergeant Rutledge (Lyttelton), and Sergeant Barlow (Ashburton). The detective staff consists of Chief Detective Chrystall and Detectives Livingstone, Marsack, Bailey, and
Inspector of Police for the Canterbury District, landed in Auckland in 1874. He joined the police force in the ensuing year, and has remained in it ever since. Mr. Gillies has been in almost all parts of the colony, and has travelled up and down on many special missions. About 1878 he was sent to take charge of the station at Te Awamutu, in the Waikato, where he remained for seven or eight years. It was during his residence there that he successfully planned and carried out one of the smartest arrests ever made in this colony. A young man named Pecker, who had come from England to reside at Epsom, Auckland, was brutally murdered by a Maori named Winiata. The murderer got away to the King Country, and remained there for several years. Ultimately, however, he was arrested by Mr. Gillies, and was brought to justice, and sentenced to the extreme penalty of the law. In consequence of this the residents of the Waikato presented Mr. Gillies with an address setting forth their appreciation of his courage and resourcefulness, and his services were also recognised by the Covernment. He was transferred from the Waikato to the charge of the Devonport station, near the city of Auckland, and in 1889 was placed in charge of the Thames and goldfields sub-district, where he remained about nine years. At the end of 1898 he was promoted to be inspector in the Wanganui and West Coast district of the North Island. In the early part of 1902 he was promoted to the inspectorship of Canterbury, and enterea on his duties at Christchurch at the end of March, 1902.
was established in the early days of the colony, the original building having been erected in 1851. The present buildings, which occupy a large block of land with a frontage on Oxford Street, were built by free labour with the assistance of the prisoners. They are constructed of solid concrete; the portion confining the prisoners is surrounded by a high wall of masonry, and presents a less forbidding appearance than many of the other gaols of the colony. Lyttelton Gaol may be termed an industrial centre, for the whole of the clothing and all the boots required by the prison staffs and prisoners throughout the various centres of the colony are manufactured at it. In addition to this, there are workshops where the prisoners are taught useful trades, in which many of them become experts. A number of the prisoners are employed on the reclamation works at Lyttelton. The gaol is provided with 149 cells for males and 29 cells for females. During the year 1901, 667 male and 162 female prisoners were admitted, while the number discharged was 637 males, and 164 females. Crime demanding capital punishment has been infrequent in Canterbury, as only five men have suffered the extreme penalty of the law, the first execution having taken place in 1868, and the last in 1901. The prisoners rise at 5.30 in summer and 6.30 in winter, and are locked up at 4.30 p.m. during the winter and 5.30 p.m. during the summer months. The health of the prisoners has been unusually good, the daily sick average for 1901 being only 1.11 for males and .72 for females. Mr. M. Cleary is governor of the gaol, Mr T. Bell the principal warder, Mr. J. Joyce the clerk, and the matron is Miss Black.
Governor of Lyttelton Gaol and Probation Officer for Lyttelton, was born in Miltown, County Clare, Ireland, in 1834. He joined the Irish Constabulary at Dublin at the age of seventeen and was a sergeant at twenty, having been speedily promoted for saving lite at Cork. Resigning from the Constabulary in 1857, Mr. Cleary went to Melbourne, where he subsequently joined the police force, and remained there till 1861. On the outbreak of the Gabriel Gully “rush” the Provincial Government of Otago organised a police force, and Mr. Cleary came to New Zealand, and was appointed a sergeant on the goldfields. He, however, resigned from the police force and joined the prison service at Dunedin 1863, and two months later was promoted to the rank of sergeant. In 1867 Mr. Cleary was appointed gaoler at Hokitika, and held the position until 1882, when he obtained the governorship of Mount Eden Gaol. A few months later, at his own request, he returned to his former position at Hokitika, and in November, 1888, was transferred to Lyttelton to take up his present appointment. Mr. Cleary is one of the few men who have never smoked or tasted intoxicating liquor, and at the same time it may be remarked that he has never been absent from duty through illness.
in on the first floor of the Provincial Council Buildings. There are two entrances, one from Durham Street, and the other from the eastern side. The district extends from the Waitaki in the south to the Clarence river in the north. There are deputy official assignees at Ashburton and Timaru.
Official Assignee for the Canterbury District, was born at Mitcham, Surrey, In 1834, and arrived at Nelson with his parents in 1843 per ship “Phœbe.” He was educated
is situated upstairs in the Post Office Buildings, Cathedral Square, the entrance being from the east side of the buildings. Mr. J. H. Denton is clerk in charge.
J.P., Inspector of Public Works for Canterbury, entered the Government service in 1886, as boilermaker in the Addington railway workshops, and was transferred to the Public Works Department as inspector for Canterbury in 1899. Mr. Ross was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1842, and educated at the public schools. Shortly after leaving school he entered the Government service and was sent out to India, where, under Admiral Young, he saw active service, and subsequently joined the China Expedition in H.M.S. “Thole.” On returning he retired from the Indian service and went Home, but in 1868 took his departure for the Abyssinian Expedition, which he joined under Captain Tryon at Suez, and was placed in charge of the condensers on board one of the exploring vessels, under Mr. Gordon Warden, superintending-engineer of the expedition. He returned to Portsmouth in 1859, and, two years later, proceeded to Calcutta as third engineer on board the steamer “Hindostan.” On his arrival in Calcutta, he was engaged by Mr. Bradford Lesley, superintending engineer at the erection of the Gorahi Bridge over the Gorahi River, near Roostie, 134 miles north of Calcutta. There he remained two years, but returned in 1872 to Glasgow, where he entered the employment of Mr. John Elder, shipbuilder and engineer. In 1877 he left his native land for Sydney, New South Wales, where he entered the railway department of the Government service. In the latter part of 1878 he went to Victoria, where he served as a boilermaker in the railway service until 1882, when he joined the s.s. “Austral” at Sydney. He was on board that vessel when she sank. “When she was again floated he sailed in her to England, and subsequently made several voyages in her across the Western Ocean. Mr. Ross was engaged by the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1884, and remained with it until he entered the Government service in 1886.
Inspector of Public Works, Christchurch, was born in Denmark in 1837, and came to New Zealand in 1867. He landed at Oamaru, but went to Dunedin, where he was employed as an architect and builder till 1872, when he settled in Christchurch. Two years later he entered the Provincial Engineers' Office, under. Mr. George Thornton, and remained in it until the abolition of provincial governments, when he was transferred to the Public Works Department of the General Government. In 1889 be was appointed to the office of Inspector of Works for Canterbury. Mr. Schwartz originated the American Order of Oddfellows in Christchurch in 1876. He has for many years been a warden of St. Mary's Church, Addington.
Inspector of Public Works a for Canterbury District, entered the Government service in 1890, when he was appointed to the position of Inspector of the Lyttelton Harbour Defence Works, and about eighteen months later was transferred to the Public Works Office, Christchurch. In 1894 he was appointed inspector to the Public Works Office, Wellington, but returned to his present office in 1901.
Clerk in charge of the Public Works Office, Christchurch, was appointed to that position in 1901, as successor to Mr. C. Schofield. Mr. Denton, who is a native of England, came to New Zealand in, 1874, and joined the Public Works Department in 1879.
situated in the Provincial Council Buildings, and entered from Durham Street, is in charge of Mr. John Lomas, Labour Agent and Inspector of Factories. The department sees to the carrying out of the Servants' Registry Office Act, Shearers' Accommodation Act, Shops and Shop Assistants' Act, the Factories' Ac., and other statutes with regard to labour. It also sees that the awards of the Conciliation Board and Arbitration Court are duly carried out, and finds work for the unemployed who apply to it for that purpose.
Inspector of Factories and Officer-In-charge of the Labour Department in Christchurch, was born at Disley, Cheshire. He was sent to work at the age of seven, and was employed in the coal mines a year later. His mining experience extended over a period of thirty years, and during the last four or five years of that time he occupied the position of underground manager. Mr. Lomas came to Nelson in 1879, per ship “Opawa.” under
is really situated in the borough of Sydenham, being on the southern side of the South Belt, near the end of Manchester Street. It comprises a large, handsome stone building, two long platforms, connected by bridges, the usual yards, and a number of commodious goods-sheds, as well as a telegraphic office and the apartments needed for carrying on an important and growing department. The express train to Dunedin leaves at 11 a.m., and the express from the south arrives at 8.15 p.m., going on to Lyttelton at 8.35 p.m., generally in time to catch the steamer for Wellington. The fares to Dunedin are: Single, 1st, £1 8s 10d; 2nd, 19s 3d; return, 1st, £2 17s 8d; 2nd, £1 18s 6d. Trains from Christchurch run north, south, east and west. Early in the morning workingmen's trains run to Lyttelton and other places, returning at suitable times, and on certain occasions, such as races, sports, public picnics, and school excursions special trains are run, to suit the convenience of the people. There is frequent communication with the port, which is reached in twenty minutes. Culverden is the terminus of the line north of Christchurch. A branch line is now under construction from Waipara to the township of McKenzie, at Cheviot. To the south-east the line runs as far as Little River. A proposal has been made to continue this line to Akaroa, but, so far, no definite steps have been taken in the matter. To the west, up in the higher land, there is a terminus at Otarama, beyond Sheffield, and another at Whitecliffs, west of Darfield.
District Traffic Manager of the Christchurch Section of the New Zealand Railways, was for a number of years Chief Clerk at the head office in Wellington. In that connection a sketch of his life is given at page 153 of the Wellington volume of this work.
Stationmaster at Christchurch, was born in Shoreditca, England, in 1850. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1858 with his parents, by the ship “Strathallan,” and was educated at Christchurch, where he joined the Provincial Government telegraph department in 1866. Two years later Mr. Piper was transferred to the railway department as telegraphist, and entered the goods department in 1869. Since November, 1874, the has acted as a stationmaster, and was stationed successively at Styx, Heathcote, Southbridge, and Addington till January, 1895, when he was appointed to Oamaru, whence he was promoted to Christcurch in 1901.
Locomotive Foreman at the Christchurch Railway Station, was born in Cumberland in 1885, educated at Gateshead, and brought up to railway work on the Durham-Sunderland Railway, subsequently serving on the Stockton-Darlington line. Leaving at the age of twenty years for the Australian Colonies he was for seven years working on the Victorian railways, four years as a fireman and driver, and three years as yard foreman. Mr. Dickinson came to Christchurch In 1863, and after serving eleven years as a driver was promoted to the position he now holds. He was married in Victoria to a daughter of Mr. William Ruddle, of Belfast, and has one daughter.
Goods Agent at the Christchurch Railway Station, was born in Kent in 1847, and educated at Woolwich. He entered the service of the North British Railway Company in 1863, as a boy, and served eleven years, rising to the position of station agent at various stations. Arriving in Lyttleton in 1874 per ship “Canterbury,” he joined the New Zealand Railways on the second day after his arrival, first as guard, on the opening of the line to Ashburton, and afterwards on the Southbridge section. Mr. Ashley was appointed assistant traffic, inspector in 1878, and inspector at Oamaru in the following March. Six months later he was appointed traffic inspector at Christchurch, which position he held until 1890. Up to 1896 he was stationmaster and goods agent at Lyttelton, when he was promoted to his present position. Mr. Ashley was married in 1878 to a daughter of Mr. Andrews, one of the “Canterbury Pilgrims,” and has three sons and four daughters.
Chief Clerk of the Goods Department of the Christchurch Railway Station, is a native of Essex. England, where he was born in 1840, and was educated at Brunswick House School, Kelvendon, Essex. He accompanied his father, who was one of the original Canterbury land purchasers, to Lyttelton in 1851 per ship “Sir George Pollock,” and after some years' experience on his father's farm, joined the railway department as a junior in 1868, and was promoted to the position of chief clerk in 1886. Mr. Ffitch was married in 1869 to a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Lawrence, vicar of Marnham, Nottinghamshire, England; this lady died in 1878. He was married in 1881 to a daughter of Mr. J. Younghusband, of Canterbury.
is an important stopping place on the north and south lines of the Government railways, and above thirty trains pass up and down daily. The station buildings are of wood, and contain booking and public offices, ticket lobby, ladies' waiting-room, and porters'-room. There are two large asphalt platforms and two passenger bridges, crossing respectively the north and south lines. The traffic at the junction is regulated from a large signal box situated at one end of the southern platform. A very considerable amount of traffic is conducted at this station, there being no less than eight private sidings communicating with flour mills, seed cleaning establishments, and one of the largest butter factories in the Colony. In addition there are the weekly arrivals and departures of stock for the Addington sale yards, which are very numerous.
Stationmaster at Addington Junction Railway Station, is a native of Lanark, Scotland, where he was born in 1844. He was educated at the local grammar school, and came out to Lyttelton in 1860 in the ship “Clontarf.” Since then he has been a resident of Canterbury, with the exception of a short time spent in Otago at the time of the Gabriel's Gully “rush.” Mr. Frame joined the railway under the Provincial Government in 1872 as a shunter at Christchurch, worked his way through the various grades of the service, and gained rapid promotion, becoming stationmaster at Lincoln in 1874. On his removal to Southbridge, four years later, be was presented by the inhabitants with a handsome gold hunting-watch suitably inscribed. He remained at Southbridge for sixteen years, and was transferred to Addington in 1894. As a member of the Craft, he joined Lodge Progress at Southbridge, and is a past master. In the Druids' Order, he became First Arch-Druid of Lodge Old Oaks in Southbridge. Mr. Frame was married in 1863 to a daughter of Mr. A. MeInnes, of Iona, Argyleshire, Scotland, and has two sons and three daughters.
the largest of their kind in the colony, are situated close to the Addington Railway Station. Mr. H. H. Jackson, Locomotive Engineer for the district, is in charge, and Mr. J. F. McCarthy is workshops' manager. There are five foremen, and about 550 men are employed. The work of the shops is arranged with regard to “periods” of four weeks. About 200 waggons are repaired every period, two up-to-date cars are built, about ten are repaired, and from six to eight engines are overhauled. About twenty-four new boilers are manufactured at the workshops each year, and a locomotive about every eight weeks. A large casting plant has recently been introduced, and about 800 tons of casting is done every year. Besides this, the whole of the tarpaulins used on the trucks in the district are now manufactured at the shops.
Manager of the Addington Workshops, is second son of the late Mr. John McCarthy, of Auckland, and grandson of the late Mr. John Nolan, who landed at the Bay of Islands in 1838. He was born at Auckland in 1859, and educated at St. Peter's private school. After serving part of his apprenticeship with the well-known firm of Masefield and Co., engineers and ironfounders, Auckland, he completed his time in the Auckland railway workshops, where he worked afterwards for six months as a journeyman. In order to gain wider and more varied experience he resigned in 1882 from the service of the New Zealand Government, and went to Sydney, where he was employed by the English firm of Messrs Byers and Peacock in the erection of locomotives for the New South Wales Government. He was afterwards for some years in charge of the extensive workshops of Messrs Halliday Bros., marine engineers, and superintended the building of many of the steamers running on the Paramatta. Later on he was employed in the Government tramway workshops. Having acquired a large experience of engineering in all its branches, Mr. McCarthy returned to New Zealand and rejoined the railway service at Auckland, where he filled the position of leading hand for five years; and he was afterwards for a similar period foreman of the engineering portion of the workshops. In 1890 Mr. McCarthy was transferred to the workshops at Petone, Wellington, with the position of foreman, and after one year was retransferred to Auckland as foreman of the
formerly District Traffic Manager of the Christchurch Section of New Zealand Railways, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1846, educated at the Glasgow High School, and brought up to mercantile life. He came to Port Chalmers in 1871 by the ship “Wild Deer.” After engaging in farming for a time, he joined the railway service in 1874 as clerk in the goods department at Dunedin, under Mr. Conyers. Four years later Mr. Gaw was transferred as goods agent to Christchurch, where he continued till 1883, when he was appointed traffic manager at Invercargill, whence he was transferred to Dunedin in a similar position. Mr. Gaw was appointed to Christchurch in 1890, and he is now (1902) Traffic Superintendent of the Dunedin section of railways.
The people of Canterbury have always been ready to extend a helping hand to those who fall behind in the great race that is not always to the swift. In Christchurch there are many institutions, private and public, for the relief of poverty and suffering. Many societies and individuals work unostentatiously, but thoroughly, among the poor. The Ashburton and North Canterbury United Charitable Aid Board controls and supports several large institutions, among them being the Jubilee Home at Woolston, which was endowed by the late Mr. J. Eaton. The Twigger endowments, also controlled by the Board, are divided between the Old Men's Home at Ashburton, the Female Refuge, and the Lyttelton Orphanage; the Old Men's Home at Ashburton has also been endowed by Mr. S. Moule. Herrick's Home, a private institution, in Victoria Street, was established by the late Mr. Herrick, and is now carried on by Mrs Herrick and a board of advice The Samaritan Home, in Lincoln Road, is managed by a Board of Trustees, appointed by contributors and local authorities. Several homes are controlled by the Salvation Army. The Christchurch Hospital, with its Nurses' Home and other auxiliaries, is one of the best institutions of its kind in New Zealand, and its efficiency has been much enhanced by the generous benefactions of the late Mr. Hyman Marks. Excellent work, with far-reaching effects, is done by the Children's Aid Society, and there are other bodies which steadily devote their efforts in Christchurch to the cause of humanity.
Members are elected annually, in November, to represent the several counties of Selwyn, Ashburton, Amuri, Cheviot, Kaikoura, and Akaroa, and the read districts in Ashley county; also the boroughs of Akaroa, Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Linwood, Lyttelton, New Brighton, Rangiora, St. Albans, Sumner, Sydenham, and Woolston. The Board, which was constituted in 1885 under the Hospital and Charitable Aid Institutions Act, maintains the following establishments: Ashburton Old Men's Home, Queen's Jubilee Memorial Home at Woolston, Lyttelton Orphanage, Female Refuge at Linwood, and the Armagh Street Depot. It is also entrusted with the distribution of outdoor relief throughout the entire district, within which it has power to make levies, for charitable aid purposes upon the various county councils, boroughs, and other local governing bodies. The average expenditure on charitable aid, exclusive of hospitals, on account of which separate rates are levied, is from £13,000 to £14,000 per annum. The office of the board is situated in Armagh Street, Christchurch.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Ashburton and North Canterbury United Charitable Aid Board, and Legal Manager of the Lyttelton Orphanage, was born in Sussex, England, in 1848, was educated at St. Saviour's College, Shoreham, and brought up to mercantile pursuits in London. Mr. Norris arrived in New Zealand in 1879, and at once took up has residence in Canterbury. Up to the end of 1885, he was engaged as an accountant in Christchurch, and has occupied the position he now holds practically since the inception of the board. Mr. Norris has been Identified with Church work in Christchurch, as a member of the diocesan synod, and of the standing committee. He has four sons and seven daughters surviving; one daughter was the victim of a bathing fatality at Gisborne in 1895.
is situated in picturesque grounds, twelve acres in extent, at the corner of the Riccarton Road, by which it is separated from Hagley Park, and adjoins the Acclimatisation Society's gardens. Prior to the year 1886, the entire cost of the maintenance of the hospital was borne by the consolidated revenue of the colony. Since that time the institution has been controlled by a board of thirteen members constituted by an Act of the Legislature. The hospital district extends from the Clarence river in the north to the Rakaia river in the south. The board has power to levy upon the various local governing bodies within that area. These bodies are required to collect the rates and hand over their contributions towards the maintenance of the hospitals under the board's control, and these include branch establishments at Akaroa and Lyttelton. The General Government subsidises the amounts so raised by grants of an equal value. The members of the board for the year 1902 were: Representing Christchurch—Messrs H. H. Loughnan and G. Payling; Selwyn County Council— Messrs W. Dunlop, J. Wolfe, G. H. Mettaffie, and J. Rennie; road and town districts in Ashley County—Messrs G. Wallace and J. Dobson; Amuri, Cheviot, and Kaikoura County Councils—Mr A. W. Rutherford; Akaroa County and Borough Council—Mr J. Hamilton; St. Albans, Lyttelton, Rangiora, and Kaiapoi Borough Councils—Mr W. Radcliffe; Borough Councils of Linwood, Woolston, Sumner, and New Brighton—Mr W. Rollitt; Sydennam Borough Council—Mr W. Jacques. The original building was erected in wood in 1859 or earlier; it is of two stories and has accommodation for about thirty patients. The upper floor, formerly No. 1 Ward, is now occupied by the porters. The ground floor is exclusively used as an out-door patients' department, and contains a surgery, dispensary and waiting rooms. In 1886 a new wing was erected on the portion of the land adjacent to the Acclimatisation Society's grounds at a cost of £1500, and is used for infections diseases, with four wards, each containing six beds. Wards 4, 5, and 6 were built on the pavilion system, prior to the abolition of the Provincial Government, of concrete and iron with state roofs, each connected by a handsome corridor 450 feet in length. This corridor was afterwards extended to the Hyman Marks Ward. Ward No. 4 is named after the late Archdeacon Maunsell, and is set apart for female medical cases; it is provided with twenty-one beds, when an additional bed in a separate room; but the
L.R.C.P. and L.R.C.S. (Edinburgh), (1883), became Senior Medical Officer at the Christchurch Hospital in 1899.
M.B., Ch.B., B.A., was appointed Assistant HouseSurgeon at the Christchurch Hospital at the latter end of February, 1902, in succession to Dr. Morkane, who resigned the post a short time previously. Dr. Crawford is a son of the late Mr. James Crawford, who for some years was an officer in the Public Works Department of the Government service. He was born in Dunedin in 1877, and gained his primary education at the public schools. Taking advantage of a Senior Provincial Scholarship, won in 1832, he spent three years at the Otago Boys' High School, where the gained the Richardson Scholarship in 1895. This entitled him to three years' tuition at the Otago University, at which he gained his
was appointed Dispenser at the Christchurch Hospital in March, 1899. He is a son of Mr. A. W. McKinney, chemist, of New Brighton, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1879, and received his early education at Lifford. He came to Lyttelton with his parents in 1889, and ‘Completed his education at the Boys’ High School, Christchurch. On leaving school he went into the country, where he gained some experience of station work. He, however, returned to the city, and was apprenticed in 1894 to the late Mr. George Bonnington, chemist, with whom he remained until he received his present appointment.
Matron of the Christchurch Hospital, is a native of Ireland, and received a thorough training in every branch of nursing at the Royal Hospital, Belfast. In 1875 she was appointed nurse for St. Ann's district in Belfast, and retained the office for eleven years, but resigned in 1886 on account of ill-health. Miss Ewart then left for New Zealand, and landed at Lyttelton in December 1886. In May of the succeeding year she was appointed a charge nurse at the Christchurch Hospital, and in 1898 was promoted to the post of matron. Miss Ewart is a member of the British Nurses' Association.
Secretary, Treasurer, and House Steward of the Christchurch Hospital, was born in Poole, Dorsetshire, England. He was educated in Bristol at the establishment of his uncle, the late Mr. Alfred Day, LL.D. Mr. Miller came out to the colonies in 1853, and was for a number of years in Australia, where he became
Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum is situated on a block of land facing Lincoln Road, beyond Addington, and about three miles from Christenchurch. In the early period of settlement in Canterbury, lunatics were accommodated in a portion of Lyttelton Gaol, under the supervision of the chief gaoler, Mr. E. W. Seager, afterwards lay superintendent and later still steward of Sunnyside Asylum. In 1868 the inmates were transferred from the gaol to the asylum, which was originally a wooden building and is now used chiefly for workshops. During Mr Seager's term of service, which terminated in 1887, the main portions of the present asylum were erected, and the architect was largely assisted by the late Dr. Hacon, the first Medical Superintendent, in designing the central—that is, the administrative—block. The female wards, or west wing, were first built, followed by the male wards, or east wing. The central block was erected in 1887, and has both a northern and southern aspect. Each wing contains four wards, and two of these are capable of further subdivision if required. In 1880 a fire occurred in the female wards, which completely gutted that part of the building. Steps were immediately taken to restore the injured section, and the entire wing was re-modelled, enlarged, and vastly improved, as regards accommodation, sanitary conditions, and facility of administration, at a total cost of about £12,000. Up to the time of the disaster there were no proper appliances for suppressing an outbreak of fire. These have since been supplied on the most approved principles, including the system of electric alarm bells throughout the entire building, and there is also a regular fire-drill of the asylum brigade, which is composed of the attendants. The dining-hall is a fine apartment measuring 89 by 44 1/2 feet, heated with steam radiators, and supplied with, twenty tables, each of which accommodates sixteen persons. The room is also used for religious services and entertainments. At one end of the hall there is a stage, measuring 64 by 1 1/2 feet, provided with a drop curtain and other necessary appliances for giving periodical entertainments to relieve the monotony of the life of the inmates. At the other end of the hall there is a gallery with an organ. The departmental offices consist of waiting-rooms, public office, medical superintendent's room, and assistant medical officer's quarters. North of this block and connected by a covered corridor, is the laundry, containing receiving and sorting rooms, wash-house, fitted with enamelled earthenware wash-tubs, two washing-machines with steam-engines, attachment by Oakley and Keating, of (New York, a centrifugal hydro-extractor, by Broadbent and Sons, of Huddersfield, and steam-boilers. There is also a large drying-room, heated by steampipes, and constructed generally on the most approved principles. There are also ironing and mangling rooms, with gas iron-heaters. Artesian water is supplied to the whole establishment on the gravitation principle by means of a powerful pump. The officials of the institution consist of the medical superintendent, Dr Edward G. Levinge; assistant medical officer, Dr Arthur H. Crosby; clerk and steward, Mr. John E. Russell; head attendant, Mr. G. Chapman; and matron, Miss L. Erskine. There are also two engineers, and most of the male attendants are artisans, farm hands, or gardeners, who are capable of directing the occupation of the patients to the best advantage. One of the advantages of having a farm attached to the asylum is that it enables the superintendent to find diversified employment for the male patients, who are stated to be chiefly drawn from the agricultural classes. The variety of employment is the chief and most salutary method of treatment, whilst the produce of the farm, especially the milk, butter, potatoes, and vegetables is of considerable value to the institution. The stock of the farm consists of from sixty to seventy milch cows, besides dry cows and calves. There is a capital dairy constructed on the most approved modern principles, and worked on both the Jersey, creamery, and separator systems. The skim milk from the former being slightly richer, is used in the asylum for cooking, and that from the separator is given to the pigs, of which there are from 100 to 200 always in various stages of fattening. These pigs form a considerable source of revenue, yielding as much, as £552 in one year, with a net profit of £100. There is a pasteurizing plant, and the Babcock tester is used for ascertaining the richness of the milk so as to regulate the class of cows kept on the estate. The cattle are mostly of the Ayrshire breed with a few Shorthorn grades. A working overseer is in charge of the farm, and lives in a detached building with some of the working patients. The asylum is surrounded with fine gardens, ‘with beautiful lawns, which are kept in splendid order, and are very pleasing to the eye of the visitor.
Medical Superintendent of the Sunnyside Asylum, is a native of West Meath, Ireland, where he was born in 1852. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated A.B. in 1873, and in the same year took his degree as M.B., and L.R.C.S.I., and in 1879 that of L.M. Dr. Levinge had some experience in connection with British Asylums, first at the West Riding Asylum in Yorkshire, where he was under Dr. (afterwards Sir) J. Crichton Browne, as clinical assistant. This asylum was, at that time, the great school of lunacy in England, and there Dr. Levinge gained a knowledge medical was not then taught at the ordinary medical schools. He was afterwards assistant medical officer for about eighteen months at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and latterly at Hants County Asylum in a similar capacity. Subsequently, he was for two years and a-half at the Bristol Borough Asylum as assistant medical officer and deputy medical superintendent. Dr. Levinge came to Wellington in 1884 as surgeon on the s.s. “Dorie.” Soon after his arrival he was appointed Medical superintendent of Mount View Asylum. Wellington, and after rather more than three years' service was appointed in 1887 to the position he now holds. Sunnyside Asylum has been considerably enlarged since Dr. Levinge took charge, and about 200 additional patients are accommodated.
Assistant Medical Officer at Sunnyside Asylum, studied at the Middlesex Hospital, and took his degrees of M.R.C.S. (Eng.) and L.R.C.P. (Lond.) in 1895. He was appointed in July, 1896, to the position he now holds at the Asylum.
Clerk and Steward at the Sunnyside Asylum, was born in 1860 in Peckham, England, and was educated at Deal College. Mr. Russell came to Wellington in 1878, per ship “Wairoa,” and two days after arrival obtained employment at the Mount View Asylum, Wellington, as clerk where he continued for nine years. Mr. Russell was transferred in July, 1887, to the position he holds at Sunnyside. He was married in 1883 to a daughter of Mr. W. F. Parsons, builder, of Wellington, and has one daughter.
Head Attendant of the Male Department at Sunnyside Asylum, was born in 1860 at Coburg. Victoria, and was educated in the sister Colony.
After a general experience of mercantile life in Melbourne, he came to Lyttelton in 1880, two years later he was appointed an attendant at Sunnyside, and was promoted to his present position in 1888. Mr. Chapman is a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, attached to Loyal Addington lodge. He was married in 1888 to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Parsons, of Akaroa, and has two sons and one daughter living.
formerly Matron of the Women's Department at Sunnyside Asylum, was born in Christchurch, and educated at the private schools of Messrs Donally and Clark. Miss Tuersley was trained at the Wellington Hospital as a nurse, and after serving three years and a half, was appointed matron at Sunnyside Asylum on the 10th of March, 1891. She was afterwards transferred to a similar position at Porirua Asylum, near Wellington.
under Mr. Van Asch's superintendence and direction, is situated at Sumner, and is a very important educational establishment. It was founded in 1880, by the New Zealand Government in small premises, and after several changes necessitated by the growth of the institution, now occupies two large wooden buildings, about half a mile apart, leased from Mr. C. L. Wiggins. The main building, a two-storey structure with verandah and balcony, is in the centre of about nine acres of land and contains about thirty rooms, accommodating thirty boys and a complete staff of servants. The domestic arrangements are in the hands of a steward and matron. At the rear, the school-rooms, four in number, are found. These are insufficient to accommodate the whole of the pupils and teaching staff. Consequently, part of the tuition is carried on at Beach Glen, which is also used as a residence for the director, and as a home for the girls who are in charge of the sub-matron. Pupils are drawn from all parts of the Colony, from Puhi in the north of Auckland, to Riverton in the south of Otago. The children are sent home regularly for their Christmas holidays, their travelling expenses being provided by the State. No child is debarred from becoming an inmate by reason of the poverty of its parents, but where the parents are able to contribute, their payments vary from £3 to £40 per annum, a certificate made before a magistrate as to the ability or otherwise of the parents to contribute, being required by the Department of Education. The clothing of the children is provided by their parents, repairs being attended to at the school. The system of education is that known as The Pure Oral System. The children are taught to speak with the mouth and to perceive the articulate speech of their neighbours by observing the movements of the lips, etc. Signs and finger language are entirely lgnored, their use being detrimental to the acquiring of speech, and of the habit of thinking in forms of language. The age at which children are usually admitted is seven. All pupils are expected to remain at school at least eight years, so as to enable them to learn the same subjects as hearing children, and, on leaving school, to converse with their friends and relatives, to read plain language with intelligence and to comprehend the greater part of the daily newspapers. The system of technical training is still incomplete, owing to the necessity for permanent premises, and, in the director's opinion, Sumner is not the most suitable locality for a permanent institution. It should be nearer to one of the centres of population, where advanced pupils can be boarded out. The staff of the establishment consists of the director and five assistant teachers. In addition to the ordinary schoolwork, the boys receive regular lessons in gardening, and the older ones in carpentry and milking; the girls receive instruction in sewing and domestic economy. The children enter with zest into outdoor and indoor games, the boys being especially proficient in football and other field-sports. There is a small museum in course of formation at the school.
Director of the School for Deaf Mutes at Sumner, was born in Holland in 1836, and received his education in different parts of his native land. He was specially trained at Rotterdam with a view to his life-work, the teaching and training of deaf mutes. He visited several of the most important schools of Europe and especially those for articulation and lipreading in Germany. He went to England in 1859 by agreement, and there he introduced the pure articulation system by opening and carrying on a private establishment for the education of deaf mutes in a suburb of Manchester, avoiding all signs and finger language and employing spoken language and lip-reading only as a means of instruction and communication. Mr. Van Asch removed his school to Barnet, Herts, at a later date, and afterwards to Kensington, London, where he continued his work till October, 1879. Having been appointed in England by the Government of New Zealand, he came to this Colony in the latter year by the ship “Scottish Prince,” and having visited various parts of New Zealand,
Steward of the Home connected with the School for Deaf Mutes at Sumner, is the third son of the late Rev. George Buttle, Wesleyan minister, and was born in 1849 at Waipa, Auckland. He was educated at Woodhouse Grove School, England, brought up to farming pursuits, and was for many years a Waikato resident. He was a member of the Pukekura Road Board, of which he was chairman for many years, member of the Waipa County Council, and for three years chairman of that body. He was also a member of the local school committee. In January, 1893, Mr. Buttle left the Waikato to take up his duties at Sumner. As a member of the Wesleyan Church, he has held important local offices, and was four times sent as a representative to the annual conference. Mr. Buttle was married in 1884 to Miss Matilda C. Young, who had previously been assistant mistress at the School for Deaf Mutes at Sumner, and has two sons.
Matron at the School for Deaf Mutes at Sumner, was born at Drury, Auckland, and was educated privately. At the age of sixteen she was appointed assistant mistress under the Auckland Board of Education at the Otara School, where she continued for seven years, Mr. R. M. Houston, now member of the House of Representatives for the Bay of Islands, being headmaster during that period. Miss Young was appointed assistant teacher at Sumner in 1882, and resigned in 1884. Her influence on the girls was specially commented on by the director in his yearly report. Miss Young was married to Mr. Henry Buttle, of Waikato, during that year, and with her husband returned to the scene of her former labours in 1893, since which she has filled her present position.
which occupies a section of six acres of land, with a frontage to Jubilee Street, Woolston, is the outcome of a popular movement inaugurated in Queen Victoria's Jubilee Year to raise funds for the establishment of a home for the respectable and aged poor of both sexes. By the efforts of an influential committee, a large sum of money was raised, which was further increased by a substantial Government subsidy, and the institution was opened in February. 1889. The buildings are almost entirely of one storey, of brick and lron, with accommodation for forty-five inmates. The women's section is octagonal in shape, the centre of the enclosure having a pretty lawn with flower beds. There is a separate section for the men, with a large and well-lighted diningroom. The matron's quarters are situated in the two-storey portion of the buildings, and occupy a central position. In Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Year, a proposal to add an additional wing was made. It was duly carried out, and the wing contains thirty-two rooms, with accommodation for forty additional inmates, making the total accommodation equal to eighty-five. The entire establishment is connected by handsome corridors. The matron is assisted by three female and two male servants.
Matron of the Queen's Jubilee Memorial Home, is a daughter of the late Mr. R. L. Higgins, who was one of the early North Canterbury settlers. She was born at Cust, and educated in the Colony. On the death of her father in 1892 she was appointed to the position which she now fills. Miss Higgins is a member of the St. John Ambulance Association, and has gained the medallion.
. Trustees:— Messrs. C. Louisson and A. Fergusson; Agent, Mr. F. D. Kesteven. Offices, Chaneery Lane, Christchurch. This wealthy and important trust was founded on the 21st of May. 1895. under the will of the late Mr. Hyman Marks, who left the whole of his large estate, valued at £38,000, in trust for charitable purposes. The trustees were directed to erect the Marks' Ward at the hospital, which has been duly completed at a cost of over £6000, and to distribute the revenue arising from the properties demised, in perpetuity, for the relief of poverty and distress of every description, in which the trustees possess full discretionary power. In giving effect to the objects of the testator much good has already been accomplished.
Agent for the Marks' Trust, was born at Akaroa in 1866, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. During twelve years he had an experience in Custom-house and shipping agency business with Messrs. Cuff and Graham. Mr. Kesteven has always been interested in athletic sports, and is secretary of the Canterbury Cricket and Sports Ground Company, Limited, New Zealand League of Wheelmen, and holds important positions in several other athletic institutions. Mr. Kesteven is further referred to elsewhere as a land, estate, and commission agent.
Victoria Street, Christchurch. This institution was established in 1899 by Mr. Herrick, who wished to make permanent provision for temporary relief to the deserving poor. It was thought that many poor families, men, women, and boys, in destitute circumstances, might after being afforded temporary assistance, and given a start, gra-ually become independent through their own industry. Mr. Herrick, a kindly man of an energetic spirit, but weak constitution, was the founder of the Home. He was born at Desford, Leicestershire, England, in 1862, came out to New Zealand in 1886, and died in 1897, when he was lamented not only by his intimate personal friends, but a wide circle of once poor families and destitute men who had received help at his hands. After his death the Home was reconstituted under a Board of Advice, and the superintendency of his widow, Mrs Florence Herrick, who determined to continue the noble work begun by her husband. The objects of the Home are: (1) to furnish food and clothing to destitute families; (2) to provide temporary shelter for destitute travelling men; (3) to assist men, women, and boys in finding employment, and, generally, to afford help in the numerous
Superintendent of the Christchurch City Mission Home, was born at Leithfield, North Canterbury, and educated at the Normal School, Christchurch. In 1890 she was married to Mr. Herrick, who had come out from England. Mr. Herrick established the Christchurch City Mission Home in 1889. During his lifetime Mrs Herrick bore her share of the trying work of the Home, and since his death, in 1897, she has continued the task, assisted by a Board of Advice.
The offices connected with this Home are situated in Durham Street South, a few doors below Walker Street. Miss Maude, besides being a trained nurse, is an associate of the Deaconesses' House, and cases which require nursing are mode known to her, often through the different clergymen. Patients are then tended at their own homes, irrespective of their religion. The rooms in Durham Street are used only as offices. The movement was commenced in connection with St, Michael's Church, but it is now supported by all the Anglican parishes.
Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes, president; Miss Bessie Henderson, secretary; Mrs Robert Black, treasurer; Mesdames Bendely, Henderson, Field, Wells, Lees, Sister Marian, Misses Ross, Henderson, and Gordon, Rev. A. C. Hoggins and Rev. I. Sarginson, and Messrs J. O'Bryen Hoare, J. A. Blank, and H. G. Eh, M.H.R., committee. This society is the outcome of a public meeting held on the 12th of May, 1898, and was established on the 2nd of June in that year. Its objects are to secure a more stringent carrying out of the law dealing with children, the introduction of new legislation for the rescue of children from undesirable homes, the relief and care of actual cases of destitution, and the establishment of free kindergarten schools and creches. The society has been successful in its operations, and has a kindergarten with an average attendance of fifty children under five years.
Among the numerous institutions which have been founded in modern times for the uplifting of fallen humanity and the purification of society, few if any have stronger claims for support than that which is known as the Order of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, which received the formal recognition of the Holy See about sixty years ago, and now has over 170 houses in various parts of the world. Mount Magdala, the branch of the Order in Christchurch, was rounded in 1886 by the Very Rev. Father Ginaty, who was, at that time, Missionary Rector in the city. The foundation stone was laid by His Eminence Cardinal Moran, on the 18th of February, in the same year, and the institution was formally opened by the Right Rev. Dr Grimes on the 22nd of July, 1888. Ever since that date the noble women who have voluntarily relinquished the pleasures and the allurements of society, in order to devote their lives to the reclamation of their fallen sisters, have laboured assiduously in that cause. Mount Magdala is situated about five miles outside the city in a westerly direction and just off the Lincoln Road. The number of inmates varies considerably, for many of those who are taken into the asylum soon tire of its routine and restraint, and consequently leave it after a short time, not infrequently, however, to come back again and promise to forsake the haunts of vice for ever. The Sisters do all in their power to make the institution self-supporting and independent of outside assistance. Their principal source of income is their laundry work, at which they are exceptionally expert. On two or three occasions the Government has given a small grant to the institution to enable the Sisters to increase its usefulness and carry on its work more successfully.
in Gordon Street, Linwood, was established in the early sixties, and taken over by the Church of England, under the management of the St. Saviour's Guild, in 1891. The object of the institution is to aid and rescue as far as is possible, first cases amongst erring women. These are sought after by members of the Guild, who voluntarily devote their time and services to the rescae work. The inmates, whether women or girls, are retained for six months, during which they are instructed in domestic duties, and also assist in laundry work, which is taken in to help to defray the expenses of the institution Miss Emily Hewes is the matron in change of this Home.
Stapleton's Road, near Richmond. This institution was founded in 1886 by the Social Purity Society, then under the management of Canon Stantord, and the late Dr James Irving. The object of the Home is the reformation of girls and young women, and the site and the buildings are the property of the St. Saviour's Guild which is responsible for the management of the institution.
The people of Canterbury take a pride in their educational institutions, which play an important part in the life of the community. It was the object of the founders of the province to make the city of Christchurch as much like an English town as possible. To attain this end they gave special attention to the subject of providing for education. While material open air advantages, such as squares, parks, and recreation grounds were not neglected, much attention was given to the intellectual training of the younger generations. Those who came out to Canterbury to build here another England fully recognised that education—primary, secondary, and university—must be open to the children, if the new community were to take a leading place in the onward march of progress. The result has been the establishment of a system of education, which has helped to give Christchurch the title of “the Cambridge of New Zealand.” Canterbury College occupies a fine block of buildings close to the Public Gardens, and near to it is Christ's College, which has been established on the traditions of the great public schools in the Old Country. These colleges have sent forth brilliant men and women, who are now engaged in politics, literature, art, or the professions, and are taking prominent parts in building up a great colonial nation in these islands, while many old students have gone to the Mother Country, there to occupy responsible and honourable positions. The Boys' High School and Girls' High School, and the Normal School, have also turned out noted scholars. Two large primary schools are established within the boundaries of Christchurch, and there are many other schools in the suburbs and districts adjacent to the city. Concerning all, or nearly all of these, particulars will be found in this section of the Cyclopedia.
Christchurch, which is affiliated to the New Zealand University, was created by an Ordinance of the Provincial Council, passed in the year 1873. Prior to that time a body existed under the name of the Canterbury Collegiate Union, and instruction was given in classics, mathematies, and certain branches of science, and on the incorporation of the college these branches of learning were continued. By the University Act of 1870, the University of New Zealand was originated with power to grant degrees in law, medicine, and music, but was not a teaching body. The Otago University had been created by Provincial Ordinance in 1869, and professors had been appointed. As the result of negotiations between Otago University and Canterbury College in 1873, the New Zealand University Act 1874 was passed constituting that body an examining body, solely, with its affiliation to the above named institutions. The government of the Canterbury College became vested in a Board of Governors numbering twenty-three, whose names were recorded in Clause 4 of the Canterbury College Ordinance. These gentlemen were lifemembers, and any vacancies were at first filled up by the board itself. A provision was, however, made that when the number of graduates of the University of New Zealand, who were members of the College, should reach thirty, the graduates should fill up vacancies in the Board of Governors, and this course has been pursued since 1884. The first three professors of Canterbury College were appointed in England in 1874 their chairs being, classics and English, mathematics and natural philosophy, physics and chemistry, and they began their duties in 1875. In addition there are the lecturers on biology, modern languages, and Jurisprudence, who had been previously working under the Collegiate Union. At that time there were no college buildings, the lectures being held in two rooms belonging to the public library, and in a small hall to which was attached the chemical laboratory. Various sums of money were from time to time voted by the Provincial Council, for the purpose of a site and the erection of suitable buildings. That portion which now includes the board-room and offices and the mathematical and English lecture-room was opened in June, 1877. The chemical and physical laboratories and lecture-rooms in this building were completed about the same year. Not long afterwards a set of lecturerooms, to the left of the main entrance, was added; subsequently, the hall, and afterwards the classical lecture-room, and the wing which is devoted to the school of engineering, were built. Ultimately, the fine building, which includes the biological laboratory and lecture-rooms, with the observatory tower in which was placed the telescope presented to
Registrar of Canterbury College, is the second son of the late Sir John Cracroft Wilson, and was born in Cawnpore, India, in 1840. He was educated in England, and soon after his arrival in Lyttelton per ship “Cresswell.” entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand, where he continued for twelve years; on his retirement in 1871, he occupied the position of manager of the Lyttelton branch. Subsequently, Mr. Wilson was in business in Christchurch as a merchant, under the style of Wilson, Sawtell and Co. He was appointed registrar of Canterbury College in January, 1891. Mr. Wilson was married to a daughter of Mr. H. H. Monro, of Auckland, and has three sons and two daughters.
Accountant at Canterbury College, was born in Kent, England, in 1863. He came to Lyttelton per ship “Ramsay” in 1870, was educated in Christchurch, and brought up as an accountant. Mr. Mason was appointed clerk to the Canterbury College Board of Governors in 1878, his being the first clerkship in connection with the institution, and in 1882 he assumed the duties of accountant, which he has since continued to perform. Mr. Mason has long been identified with outdoor pastimes such as football and cricket, and has filled the office of vice-president of the Canterbury Rugby Union for some years. He has also been a member of the Union Rowing Club since 1884, and on the executive for a number of years. Mr. Mason has been a member of the Savage Club since its formation. He was married in 1893 to a daughter of Mr. E. Thurlow Edwards, of St. Kilda, Victoria, and has three daughters.
who holds the Chair of Classics at Canterbury College, was born in Ceylon in 1848 and was educated at Rugby where he became head of the school, and obtained an exhibition. Proceeding to Cambridge he won an open exhibition and foundation scholarship and graduated B.A., first class in the Classical Tripos of 1871. Professor Haslam became a master at Tunbridge school, was afterwards the head of the classical department in the United Service College, Westward Ho, and was appointed at the end of 1879 to the Chair of Classics at Canterbury College. He was a member of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and since settling in Canterbury has been connected with the Christchurch Golf Club.
who fills the Chair of Mathematies at the Canterbury College, was born in London. At an early age he went out to Australia and was prepared privately for the University of Melbourne; whilst attending that university he gained several scholarships, exhibitions, and prizes, and took high honours in mathematics. In 1868, Professor Cook entered at St. John's College, Cambridge; he became a Foundation Scholar of that college, graduated in the mathematical tripos of 1872, and, subsequently, was elected a Fellow of the College. Towards the end of 1874 he was appointed to the position he now holds and entered on the duties of his professorship in February, 1875. He has often acted as examiner both for the University and for the Education Department of New Zealand, and is a Fellow of Christ's College, Christchurch, and also of the New Zealand University Senate.
who fills the Chair of Chemistry and Physics at Canterbury College, was born at Alton, Hampshire, England, in 1842. His earlier education was received at the local grammar school in his native place, and he afterwards studied as a civil and mechanical engineer. Having obtained a national medal at Painswick. Gloucestershire, he made a study of science, and subsequently taught science under the Science and Art Department in Birmingham, where he organised large science classes. He obtained a Royal Exhibition at the Royal School of Mines, where be studied, and also at the College of Chemistry for three years, obtaining the Senior Royal Scholarship. During this period he continued teaching classes in London, which grew to be among the largest and most successful in England. He was afterwards appointed to conduct experimental science work at the Hartley Institution, and while there was offered several professorships, including that at Canterbury College, which he accepted in 1874, arriving at Lyttelton per ship “Atrato” during the same year, to take up his duties. Professor Biekerton became a Fellow of the Royal Chemistry Society and of the Institute of
D.Sc., who occupies the Chair of Biology at Canterbury College, was born near Manchester in 1865, educated privately, at the Manchester Grammar School, and afterwards at the Victoria University (Owens College), Manchester After four years he graduated M.Sc., and subsequently gained the D.Sc., being the first to attain that distinction in the university; it was granted for original research, done largely in Australia. Before leaving England he was on the staff of the Natural History Department in the British Museum, and reported on some of the collections of the “Challenger” expedition. He arrived in the Colony of Victoria in 1888 as demonstrator and assistant-lecturer at the University of Melbourne., where he remained for six years, and was afterwards appointed to the Chair of Biology in March, 1896. Dr. Dendy is a member of the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, of which he was president for two years. He is an honorary member of the Royal Society of Tasmania, and a corresponding member of the Royal Society of Victoria. He was married in 1888 to a daughter of the late Mr. Lonis Courtauld, an English barrister, and has three daughters and one son.
M.A. (Oxford and Durham), who succeeded to the Chair of Modern Languages at Canterbury College, when it was rendered vacant by the death of Professor Michell Clarke, arrived in New Zealand in August, 1901, and shortly afterwards entered on his duties at Christchurch. In his present calling—the teaching of Modern Languages—Mr. Blunt has had a wide experience. After leaving Oxford he spent two years abroad, at laris, Bonn, and Heidelberg, and was then engaged for nine years in giving instruction, mainly in French and German, at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby, Liverpool, and at Durham School. He had entire charge of the Modern Side work at both these places, and for some time he occupied the position of extension lecturer at Durham University. Professor Blunt was born at Shrewsbury, England, in 1867 He received his early education at St. Michael's College, Tenbury, under the wardenship of Sir Frederick Ouseley, and at Shrewsbury School, which he left for Christ Church, Oxford, with an exhibition in classics. Mr. Blunt is full of energy and a lover of athletics. He was stroke of his college boat for three years, played football for his college, and represented the County of Durham in hockey for two years.
Lecturer on Electricity in the Engineering and Technical Science Department at Canterbury College, is a native of Christchurch. He received his early education at the public schools, and subsequently studied et Canterbury College. In 1899 he visited England, where he further pursued his studies. Mr. Craddock entered on the duties of his present position in the early part of 1901.
Demonstrator in the Engineering and Techuical Science Department, Canterbury College, was born at Keith. Banffshire, Scotland, in 1870. He arrived in the Colony when quite young and was educated at the primary and Waitaki High Schools, Oamaru, and at Canterbury College. During his scholastic career he gained the dux medal at the South school. Oamaru, and the Waitaki High School scholarship, and on leaving was at the head of that school in classics and mathematics. He also gained the engineering entrance and second year scholarships at Canterbury College. Mr. Morrison served his apprenticeship at the Government railway workshops, Addington, and having passed the junior and senior Civil Service examinations, received the benefit of the regulation providing that apprentices who qualified thus should be enabled to take advantage of the facilities offered by the Department for the training of a mechanical engineer. After a period of five years at Addington, he was transferred to the drawing office of the locomotive superintendent at Wellington, and resigned that position on receiving his present appointment.
B.Sc., was appointed Second Demonstrator at the School of Engineering, Electricity and Technical Science of the Canterbury College on the 1st of February, 1902. He was born in Christchurch, and educated at the public schools, the Boys' High School, and at Canterbury College, where he passed the final section of the examination for the degree of Bachelor of Science in November, 1898. In the early part of 1899 he proceeded to Dunedin, where he entered the firm of Messrs Cutten Bros., consulting engineers. There he occupied the post of draughtsman for two years, during which he was also lecturer on applied mechanics in the School of Mines at the Otago University, and lecturer on mechanical engineering at the Dunedin Technical School, Early in 1901 he was promoted to the position of inspector of dredges under construction by Messrs Cutten Bros, on the West Coast, where he was engaged until taking up his duties at Canterbury College.
M.A., who was for twenty years actively engaged on the professorial staff of Canterbury College, was born in 1846, was educated at Irvine Academy and at the University of Glasgow, where he took first class honours in mental philosophy, and gained the Lord Rector's prize as the author of a remarkable essay. Subsequently, he gained two additional Rector's prizes, and in 1870 the Suell Exhibition of £120 a year for five years. He distinguished himself by his ability and attainments at Balliol College, Oxford, his final success being interfered with by a temporary failure of health, during his last year. In 1874 Mr. Brown was appointed to Canterbury College as lecturer in classics and English, and began his work in May of the following year. Five years later the numbers attending his lectures had become so large that the Board of Governors offered him an assistant, but preferring to divide the subjects of his chair, Mr. Brown gave up classics, and added English history to English literature, in which he lectured with distinguished ability for the succeeding sixteen yrars. The number of students attending his English lectures increased from less than a score to between 100 and 200, and the lecture-room being far too small, repetitions of his lectures were necessary. A new and highly practical method of treating English composition elaborated by him, hardly ever failed with backward students. Professor Brown's lectures became so popular that many of the students supplied notes taken by them to their fellow-students In various parts of New Zealand, and others supplemented their incomes to a considerable
which is affiliated with the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, was established in 1882. It occupies the two-storey stone building at the west end of Hereford Street, which was originally built for the Girls' High School. On the first floor is a large life room, which is considered to be the largest and best appointed in the Colony, and three other class-rooms. On the ground floor are two large class-rooms besides three masters' rooms. The total accommodation of the school is equal to 160 pupils, and it has been fitted up at great expense on the latest principles, with casts, models, and appliances. The objects of the school are to afford a systematic and scientific study of practical art, with a view to develop its application to the requirements of trade and manufactures, and for instruction in the various branches of drawing and painting The subjects of instruction embrace:—Drawing, elementary and advanced; elementary and advanced geometry and perspective applied to architecture and industrial art; architectural design and drawing; constructive and ornamental design in work other than architectural; principles and history of ornamental art; modelling in clay from life and the cast, and for relief design-moulding and casting in plaster; wood-carving and Stoyd or manual training; drawing and painting from the antique and life, both nude and draped; painting in monochrome and colours from still life, cast, flowers, etc.; and landscape painting from nature. Morning and evening classes are held on several days in each week. The total number of pupils in 1897 was 230, made up as follows:—Thirty-two attending the morning classes, 101 the evening classes, and ninety-seven the Saturday class. The Industrial Association of Canterbury has granted several scholarships amounting in all to £17 10s. per annum, and divided into seven scholarships of £2 10s. each. The headmaster, Mr. G. Herbert Elliott, is assisted by Messrs. A. W. Waish, C. Kidson. H. L. Gibson, and H. L. Smith, who are on the permanent staff, and by Mr. S. Hurst Seager, A.R.I.B.A., who gives instruction in wood-carving Sloyd or manual training, architectural design, drawing, and other subjects.
Headmaster of the Canterbury College School of Art, hails from Brightford,
which is recognised as the largest and most complete in New Zealand, if not in Australasia, was commenced in 1861 by Dr. (afterwards Sir) Julius Von Haast, after travelling through the Colony with Dr. F. Hochstetter, geologist on the Austrian frigate “Novara.” A small collection had been made during the previous two years, and formed the nucleus of the present magnificent and valuable aggregation. Dr. Von Haast, during his explorations as provincial geologist of Canterbury, made further additions, and a large number of geological specimens were presented, by Dr. Hochstetter, besides several purchases by the Provincial Government. These collections were first exhibited to the public on the 3rd of December, 1867, while placed temporarily in three rooms in the Government Buildings. A large deposit of moa bones discovered in a swamp on the Glenmark Estate in 1866, was presented to the museum by Mr. G. H. Moore, the owner, and formed an exceedingly valuable addition to the collection at that time. Sir Julius Von Haast took full advantage of these remains to make exchanges with museums in other parts of the world, and in this way the Canterbury institution increased rapidly. A sum of £1200 was granted in 1869 by the Provincial Council for the erection of a suitable building, and this amount was swelled by private subscriptions to over £1683. The building was begun in March, 1869, and on the 1st of October in the following year was opened to the public. This, the original erection, now forms the New Zealand room; enlargements and new annexes were added from time to time during the years 1872, 1876, and 1882. At the present time the museum comprises fossil, mineral, mammal, antiquity, sculpture, ethnological, art, and Maori departments, besides spaces for pictures, zoological, geological, botanical, and other specimens; also galleries for ornithological and marine collections, and relies, whilst samples of telegraph cables, engravings, and photographs are found in the corridors and vestibule. The Canterbury Museum and Library Ordinance of 1870, passed by the Provincial Council, constituted a Board of Trustees, but in June, 1874 the control of the museum was handed over to the Board of Governors of Canterbury College.
F.R.S., Curator of the Canterbury Museum, was born at Gateburton, Lincolnshire, in 1836, and educated at Southwell and Gosport Naval Academy. After three or four years at sea, he joined the 73rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers in 1855 as ensign, and served till 1866, when, he came to Auckland per ship “Queen of the North.” After being some time on a flax farm in the Waikato, Captain Hutton joined the geological survey staff in Wellington, and became provincial geologist in Otago in 1874. Six years later he was appointed professor of biology at Canterbury College, from which he retired in 1892 to take up his present position. Captain Hutton is also lecturer on geology at the College. In 1860 he became a Fellow of the Geological Society, and in 1892 of the Royal Society. He was married in 1861 to a daughter of Mr. Montgomerie, an officer in the East India Company's service, and has three sons and three daughters, besides ten grand-children.
Taxidermist at the Christchurch Museum, was born in London in 1851, came to Lyttelton at the age of twelve by the ship “Brothers Pride,” joined the staff of the museum early in 1870 as a, junior, and was appointed to the position he now holds in 1883. Mr. Sparks is a member of the Philosophical Institution of Canterbury.
in Christchurch has been in existence for over forty years, and now occupies a handsome, commodious two-storey brick building at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Hereford Street. The institution dates back to 1859. In that year, when the city of Christchurch and the province of Canterbury were still young, a public meeting was held on the 26th of May to consider the best means of establishing a Mechanics' Institute. The meeting was adjourned to June of the same year. Mr. J. Hall (now Sir John) presided at the resumed meeting, and there was a very good attendance. Those present were enthusiastic in regard to the project, and, after a long discussion, they adopted rules and regulations, and elected the first officers, as follows: president, the Superintendent of the Province, Mr. William Sefton Moorhouse; treasurer, Mr. G. Miles; secretary, Mr. C. J. Rae; librarian, Mr. F. Thompson. The first committee was composed of the following: the Rev. C. Alabaster, H. Jacobs, C. Fraser, T. R. Fisher; Dr Turnbull, and Messrs C. C. Bowen, Button, T. I. Joynt, J. Anderson, L. Nathan, J. Johnstone, W. Brooks, A. Johnstone, J. P. E. Mouritz, E. Connell, J. Ollivier, J. B. Stansell, J. Varyer, C. W. Bishop, S. Locke, and T. C. Barnard. The committee lost no time in setting to work, and made such good progress that it was not long before the institute was ready to start on its educational career. The formal opening took place on the 4th of August, 1859, When the plan of Christchurch was first prepared in England, a site was reserved for a Mechanics' Institute. The residents at the town, therefore, presented a petition to the Superintendent, asking that he should set aside a site suitable for a large building. In response to this the Provincial Council on the 29th of May, 1861, offered a sum of money instead of a site, and the committee then purchased sections 405 and 406, comprising half and acre of land at the corner of Hereford Street and Cambridge Terrace, where the present imposing building stands. The price paid for the land was £262 10s, which seems very small now; though, no doubt, it was a fair price in those days. It was decided that
Sub-librarian of the Public Library, was born at Exeter, and was educated at a private school at Newton Abbot, and at Vilvorde, near Brussels. After three years at sea, Mr. Strong came to Lyttelton in 1859, per ship “Victory.” He was afterwards in Wanganui for one year, where he was a member of the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry with which he went through the West Coast campaign, taking part in the capture of Wareroa pah and at the fight at Nukumaru, for which he holds the New Zealand war medal. Early in 1868, Mr. Strong went to Poverty Bay, where he was at the time of the massacre by Te Kooti, and had to do duty as a volunteer throughout the campaign. After eleven years in that district he returned to Canterbury in 1879, and was appointed to the position he now holds. As a Freemason, Mr. Strong was initiated under the E.C., in Gisborne. He was married in 1875 to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Bach, of Birmingham, and has five sons and two daughters.
which is under the control of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, was opened in May, 1881. The board recommended to the Government in 1877 the establishment of schools throughout the Colony of such a character as to form a link between the primary schools and the university. In 1879, an acre of land was purchased in Worcester Street, and a tender accepted for the erection of necessary buildings. On the opening of the school there was an attendance of eighty three boys; the present attendance is 253. The building, which is a handsome stone structure of two stories, has been twice enlarged; two class-rooms and a large luncheon-room were added, and at the end of 1895 a large new wing, providing a lecture-room and two class-rooms, was erected. Besides these there is also a gymnasium or orderly-room. In all there are eleven class-rooms, including a large meeting-room, capable of holding 200 boys. The lecture-room has about seventy desks, giving sitting accommodation for about 100. The former headmaster was Mr. T. Miller, M.A., late Fellow Queen's College, Cambridge, and sometime assistant master at Uppingham and University College schools. England. He left early in 1884, and was subsequently appointed to a professorship in a German university, but died in England in 1900. The school staff comprises the headmaster, nine full-time assistant masters, one part-time master, and visiting masters in drill, swimming, singing, model drawing, and carpentering. There are two chemical laboratories in the school, and the lecturetheatre is fitted with a properly equipped lecturing-table. Attached to the school is a carpenter's shop and systematic carpentry is taught in connection with drawing. The school offers each year to new boys five “Governor's Exhibitions” tenable for three years, and four “Entrance Exhibitions,” tenable for two years, and to boys in the school eight “Foundation Exhibitions,” tenable for one year. Each of these exhibitions is of the value of the school fees for the time of
M.A., the present Headmaster, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1854. He was educated at Louth and Bristol Grammar Schools. In 1873 he won an open classical scholarship at Lincoln College, Oxford. He took his degree in 1878 with 2nd class honours in Literae Humaniores. In 1879, he was appointed an assistant master at the large and important Manchester Grammar School, where he continued till the end of 1883. In December, 1883, he was selected, in England, for the Headmastership of the Chrischurch Boys' High School, and arrived in the colony in April, 1884. He was President of the last meeting of the Secondary Schools Conference in Christchurch. In February, 1899, the Government, offered him the post of Inspector-General of Schools and Secretary for Education, but he did not see his way to accept the position.
B.A., Senior Assistant Master at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, was born at Ash Priors in Somersetshire, England, and was educated at Cowbridge, Glamorganshire. Arriving in Lyttelton, Mr. Lawrence was for some time engaged in a private school, and when the High School was opened he was appointed assistant master, his present position. Being interested in outdoor recreations, he takes an active part in the athletic sports of the boys of the school, and is also treasurer of the school games fund. He was married in 1882, and has three daughters and one son.
B.A., Senior Mathematical Master of the Boys' High School, was born at Coventry, England, in 1856. He became a graduate of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1879, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Durham” in the following year. After occupying the position of assistant-master at Wellington College for a few months, he was appointed to the Timaru High school and three years later became headmaster of the Akaroa High school, where he remained till his appointment to the Boys' High School, Christchurch, in 1890. Mr. Walton is a member of the Philo sophical Institute, and in athletics is a member of the committee of the Rugby Union. He was married in 1880.
M.A., B.Sc. Science Master at the Christchurch Boys' High School, was born at Caversham, Dunedin, in 1865, and educated, first, at the Dunedin Boys' High School, and afterwards at Canterbury College. Mr. Laing graduated B.A. in 1883, and M. A., with honours in natural science, botany, and biology, in the following year, gaining his degree as B. Sc. some years later. He commenced his career as a teacher at the Timaru Boys' High School in 1884, and two years later took up his present position. He is a member of the Canterbury Philosophical Institute, of which he was at one time president and secretary, and has for a long time occupied a seat as a member of the council of that body.
Assistant Master at the Boys' High School, was born in Christchurch in 1860 and educated at Christ's College. In 1881, he became a teacher at the Cathedral school and seven years later received the appointment he now holds. Mr. Merton was for some years a member of the Cathedral choir and was long connected with the old Christchurch Musical Society as a well-known bass soloist. He was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. W. Kitson, of the Canterbury College Observatory, and has one son.
one of the Assistant Masters at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, was born in Copenhagen in 1867 and accompanied his parents to New Zealand when a youth. He entered Canterbury College in 1885 and during his course of studies took two exhibitions in English. He graduated B.A. in 1887 and in the same year gained a Tinline Scholarship in English literature. Mr. Alpers took his M.A. degree with first-class honours in languages and literature in 1888. As a teacher at Canterbury College he had charge of large classes for four years, and subsequently became assistant to Professor Macmillan Brown. On the professor's visit to England in 1893 he was appointed by the Board of Governors to act as locum tenens in the chair of English Literature. Mr. Alpers joined the staff of the Boys' High School in 1891. He has contributed largely to newspapers and magazines; is author of the Jubilee Ode performed in connection with the jubilee of the province of Canterbury; he edited and published “The Jubilee Book of Canterbury Rhymes” (1900); and is jointauthor with Mr. R. F. Irvine, M.A., of “The Progress of New Zealand in the Nineteenth Century.”
M.A., B.Sc. Assistant Master at the Boys' High School, was born in 1867 in Durham, England. He was educated in New Zealand and was a student at Canterbury College where he graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1888 and Master of Arts in the following year with honours in mathematics and science, and, subsequently, gained his degree as Bachelor of Science. He was appointed to the staff of the Boys' High school in 1891. He is a member of the Philosophical Institute, and has contributed papers on geology. Mr. Speight takes a general interest in foot ball and rowing, and is a member of the Canterbury College Football Club, and of the Canterbury Rowing Club.
B.A., Assistant Master at the Boys' High School, is by birth an Irishman, and was educated at the Irish Royal Schools and at the Yorkshire College of Science in Leeds. He afterwards became a student of Owens' College, Manchester, where he remained for five years, and graduated Bachelor of Arts at the London University in 1880. Mr. Jackson was for ten years a master at Mill Hill school, and for five years of the period was senior mathematical master, and had control of the modern side of the school. In 1890 he arrived in Wellington, per s.s. “Coptic,” and joined the staff of the Boys' High School at Christchurch in the same year.
one of the Educational Institutions under the control of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, was established in 1877 in the building in Hereford Street, now occupied by the School of Art. The area of the original premises, being only a quarter of an acre.
M.A., Lady Principal of the Girls' High School, was born in Lyttelton, educated privately and at the Girls' High School. She studied at Canterbury College and graduated B.A. in 1887, and M.A., with honours in English and Latin, in the following year. After acting for a year as part-time assistant at the Girls' High School, she was engaged in private tuition for two years; for eleven years subsequently she was a teacher under the North Canterbury Education Board, and for the last eight of these she was headmistress at the East Christchurch school; a position she relinquished to accept her present appointment at the beginning of the second term of 1898.
Canterbury, is a corporation controlling an “Upper Department” for University students, and a Grammar School of the same character as the great English Public Schools. It consists of a Warden, a Sub-Warden (who must be in holy orders), and not more than twenty-five nor less than six Fellows, members of the Church of England, elected by co-optation. The Bishop of the diocese is, ex-officio, Warden. The present Sub-Warden is the Reverend Walter Harper, M.A., Oxford, Dean of the Cathedral. His only predecessor in the position was the Very Reverend the late Dean Jacobs. The formal foundation of the college was effected by the Church Property Trustees by a deed bearing date the 21st of May, 1855, but the Upper Department and the school are older by some years; in fact, as old as the province of Canterbury. The original scheme of the Canterbury Association included the establishment of both a grammar school and a college for more advanced students. Accordingly, in May, 1850, the Reverend Henry Jacobs, M.A., Oxford (who was afterward, for many years, Dean of Christchurch), was appointed to be Classical Professor of the College, with charge of it and also, at the outset, of the school. He arrived in December of that year in the “Sir George Seymour,” one of the “first four ships.” In an introduction to the “School List” of the Grammar School, from which the facts here given as to its early history are taken, he states that he “cannot distinctly remember having made any commencement of the Grammar School Department on board ship,” but an Old Boy, who was present at the Jubilee of 1900, stated that he clearly remembered receiving instruction during the voyage. In any case, a beginning of both departments was made with the opening of the year 1851, in two small rooms in the immigration barracks at Lyttelton. The young institution, however, soon followed the majority of the immigrants to Christchurch, where work was begun on the 26th of April, 1852, in a building which, till 1901, stood close to what is now St. Michael's Church, having been erected to serve as parsonage to this, the Mother Church. Finally, on the 26th of November, 1857, possession was taken of the schoolroom which had been built in the grounds granted to the College by the Superintendent under an ordinance passed on the 25th of October, 1855. These grounds consist of ten acres at the north-east of the Domain, bounded on the north by the river Avon, and having frontage to Antigua Street. Here, besides the library, which, with the adjacent offices, is used for diocesan as well as for college purposes, are the chapel and the buildings at present used exclusively by the Grammar School, namely, “Big School,” class-rooms, residences for masters, laboratory, armoury, music-room, reading-room, gymnasium, workshop, fives' court, and swimming bath. Of the chapel, gymnasium, and swimming bath especially, the college is with good reason proud. In front is a quadrangle, after the fashion of the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge; behind is the football field. Eight acres, also in the Domain, are rented for the sole use of the school, which has built the two convenient pavilions, as a cricket field. The Grammar School has at present slightly over 200 boys, of whom about sixty are boarders in the houses of the headmaster and two assistant masters, Messrs W. D. Andrews, B.A., and G. H. Merton, B.A. The present headmaster is Mr. C. F. Bourne, M.A.; the chaplain is the Rev. F. — Hare, M.A. There are besides ten ordinary assistant masters, with visiting masters for Music and Drawing, and instructors in Drill, Gymnastics, and Carpentry. The officers of the Cadet Corps are chosen from among the boys. Several valuable endowments provide a number of scholarships— open to competition and so arranged as to cover the whole time of school life—exhibitions, and special prizes. The most important is the Somes Endowment, arising from the gift of a Land Order in the early days by Mrs Maria Somes. From the Buller and Reay Fund exhibitions are granted to sons of clergymen ministering in the diocese. At the beginning of 1895 the Cathedral School, maintained by the Cathedral Chapter, and which, intended primarily for the education of the boys of the Cathedral choir, was also open to others, was merged in Christ's College, the choir boys becoming scholars of Christ's College, while the, use for school purposes of the house in which the Cathedral School had been carried on, belonging to the Chapter, was granted to the College. It is now occupied by the Lower School, for boys under the age of thirteen years, who are full members of the Christ's College Grammar School and share in its advantages, but are kept, so far as seems to be desirable, separate from the older boys. In like manner, among the houses for boarders, that at the Lower School (Mr Merton's) is reserved for boys under the same limit of age. The Upper Department, the present Principal of which is the Sub-Warden, is now carried on in “College House,” a building at the corner of Antigua and Cashel Streets. It supplies to candidates for holy orders and others, being matriculated students of the University of New Zealand, the advantages
M.A., Headmaster of Christ's College Grammar School, Christchurch, was born in 1850, entered Merchant Taylors' School, London, in 1859, and proceeded from it, with two Exhibitions, to St. John's College, Oxford, in 1868. There he won a Casberd Scholarship at his college and was placed in the first class in Classical Moderations in Michaelmas Term, 1870, and in the second class in Literis Humanioribus in Michaelmas Term, 1872, when he graduated B.A. At school he was for two years in the first Eleven, and both at school and at college was very successful as a long distance runner, winning, among other events, the following, each in two successive years— at school, the one-mile race for the Challenge Cup, and at college the one-mile and twomile races. Mr. Bourne joined the staff of the Manchester Grammar School, as a classical master at the beginning of 1874. He left it shortly before the end of 1881, on being elected to the headmastership of the Auckland College and Grammar School, New Zealand, by a commission, acting with the AgentGeneral, of which Dr Jowett, of Balliol College, was chairman, the other members being Dr Wilson, then headmaster of Clifton College, Dr. Blaikie, of Edinburgh, and Mr. Sidgwick, Fellow and Lecturer of Oriel College, Oxford. At Auckland, Mr. Bourne, now M.A. of his college, entered upon, his duties in January in 1882. He was president of the Secondary Schools Conference of New Zealand during the second year of its existence, when it met in Christchurch. Towards the end of 1892, while still headmaster of the Auckland College, he received an unsought offer of the headmastership of Christ's College Grammar School. Having accepted this, he took up his new office in May, 1893. Mr. Bourne married in 1880, Margaret, second daughter of Richard Roe, M.R.C.S., of Eccles, Lancashire, England, and has two sons and two daughters living.
M.A., Chaplain and Assistant Master at Christ's College Grammar School, was born in Germany in 1845, educated at St. Colomba's College in Dublin, and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduated bachelor of arts in 1868, and took his M.A. degree in 1873. He was ordained deacon in Ely Cathedral in 1868, and priest in the following year, at Perth, West Australia, and was appointed headmaster of the Perth Collegiate School, in which he remained until 1872. Mr. Hare accompanied Sir James Fergusson to New Zealand as his private secretary, and on the completion of His Excellency's term of office he became locum tenens at the parish of Riccarton for two years, and joined the staff of Christ's College as chaplain and divinity teacher in 1877. Twelve years later he took up the duties of the headmastership until 1893, when he resigned, but has continued to perform his other duties.
M.A., Ph.D., Mathematical and Science Master at Christ's College and Grammar School (and Lecturer in Physics at Canterbury College), was born in Melbourne and was educated at Nelson College, Canterbury College, and at the University of Geissen, Germany. Dr. Evans graduated B.A. in 1883, and M.A., with first class honours in mathematics and physics, in the following year. He gained his degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1891, with first-class honours in chemistry, physics, and mineralogy, at the German university, Dr Evans returned to New Zealand in 1892, and has filled his present post at Christ's College since that time. Before visiting Europe in 1889, he was a master at Wellington College for four years. In January, 1901, he was appointed a Lecturer in Physics at Canterbury College.
B.A., Senior English Master, and Master in charge of one of the Boardinghouses at Christ's College Grammar School, was born at Leamington in the county of Warwick, England. He was educated at Nelson College and at Canterbury College, where he graduated in 1885, and became a master at Christ's College in 1886. Mr. Andrews married in 1890 a daughter of the late Rey. J. Raven, formerly of Christchurch.
Teacher of Modern Languages at Christ's College Grammar School, hails from Hanover, Germany, and was educated at Bremen. He arrived in Nelson per ship “Magna Bona” in 1868, and was for over twelve years a teacher of modern languages at Nelson College. Mr. Harling was appointed to the position he now holds in 1889. He is also instructor of gymnastics, and is said to have been the first to introduce such instruction in the Nelson public schools. Mr. Harling has been very successful with the pupils of his college in Christchurch.
B.A., Assistant Master and Assistant House Master at Christ's College, is the eldest son of Mr. A. S. Collins, formerly member of the House of Representatives for Nelson. He was born in 1868 at Nelson, and educated at Nelson College and Canterbury College, where he graduated bachelor of arts in 1894. He was assistant master at Wellington College from 1887 to 1891 inclusive, and was appointed to his present position at Christ's College in the beginning of 1892. As an athlete Mr. Collins has been proficient at football, cricket, and tennis, and was a member of the representative tennis team which visited Sydney in 1896. He represented Wellington for three years in interprovincial football matches, and represented Wellington and Canterbury in cricket.
M.A., B.Sc., Assistant Master at Christ's College and Grammar School, was born in Auckland in 1874, and was educated at Christ's College find at Canterbury College. He graduated B.A. in 1896, and M.A., with second-class honours in mathematics, in the following year, and gained his degree as B.Sc. in 1898. Mr. Flower commenced his career as a teacher in May, 1897, at Christ's College.
M.A., one of the Assistant Masters at Christ's College, is a son of the Rev. D. H. Jenkins, of Ohau, Wellington. He was born in Birmingham, England, in 1873, and was educated there at King Edward VL.'s School, and was also a classical scholar at Sidney-Sussex College, Cambridge, Mr. Jenkins took his B.A. degree, with classical honours, in 1895, and has since completed his M.A. degree. After four years' experience in England, he arrived in New Zealand in 1899, and was shortly afterwards appointed to his present position.
B.A., Headmaster of the Lower School, Christ's College, was born in 1855, at Stoke, England, He arrived in Canterbury in 1856 per ship “Egmont,” with his father, the late Mr. Charles Merton, who was for some years headmaster of the Government School and afterwards conducted a private school at Rangiora. The subject of this notice was educated at the Rangiora school, where he gained a Government scholarship in 1866 at Christ's College, and graduated B.A. in 1888. For some time he assisted his father in the conduct of the school, and in February, 1880, established a private school on his own account at St. Michael's church. On the establishment of the Cathedral School, in May, 1881, Mr. Merton became the headmaster, and continued as such until that school was merged in Christ's College early in 1895. For about seven years Mr. Merton was a member of the Cathedral choir. He was a lieutenant in Christ's College Rifles rom 1896 to 1901, and was appointed captain and adjutant of the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion in 1901. Mr. Merton was married in 1881 to the daughter of Mr. J. Trischler, of Faversham, and has one son and two daughters.
Assistant Master in the Lower School, Christ's College, was born in England in 1843, and educated at various schools. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1861, he became headmaster of the Akaroa public school in 1870, and served there three years. Subsequently, he conducted a private school in that place, and afterwards at Sumner till 1896, when he joined the staff of the college.
Organist and Music-Master at Christ's College Grammar School, was born in Christchurch in 1857, and received his education at Mr. C. Merton's school, Rangiora, where he gained a Somes' and junior scholarship, and at Christ's College. Mr. Merton studied music under Messrs. Parker, Lund, and Tendall, and entered the service of the North Canterbury Board of Education as assistant master at Rangiora school, where he remained till 1877, when he became organist of St. Mary's Church, Timaru. After twelve months, during which he also taught music, Mr. Merton returned to Christchurch, and was shortly afterwards appointed organist and music-master at Christ's College, which he has filled for over twenty years. Mr. Merton is musical director for the Savage Club, and district grand organist of the District Grand Lodge of Freemasons, E.C. As a volunteer, he was Bugle-Major of the old Canterbury Battalion, and is now bandmaster of the Garrison Band. He also conducts the school teachers' musical examinations, under the Government syllabus, and is examiner to the Wellington Education Board in music and singing. Mr. Merton was married in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Grierson, of Christchurch, and has two sons and four daughters.
Bursar and Business Agent of Christ's College, was born in 1844 at Sherborne, Dorset, England. He is the son of Mr. W. G. Brittan, one of the founders of the Canterbury settlement, chairman of the Emigrants' Council, and afterwards Commissioner of Crown Lands until his death in 1876. Mr. Brittan arrived at Lyttelton with his father in 1850, per ship “Sir George Seymour,” one of the “first four ships,” and was educated at Christ's College. After spending about ten years in the country, he joined the staff of the college as business agent in 1875, and was appointed bursar in 1894. He is a member of the diocesan synod, and of the General Synod of New Zealand. Before joining the college he was for five years immigration officer at Christchurch.
Collegiate High School for young ladies, 338 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This educational establishment was founded in 1894 by Bishop Grimes. The school is pleasantly situated, and is a large two-storey wooden structure containing twenty rooms, three of which are devoted to school purposes, thoroughly well equipped and furnished, one large room being the school-room and the others a special music-room and kindergarten school. The Sisters impart a thorough English education, together with instruction in special subjects. The other portions of the building form the residential quarters for the members of the community, which includes nine Sisters, each of whom has undergone a complete course of training for the work of teaching. Some of the Sisters are engaged in tuition at the parochial school, and also at the Papanui branch school. The young ladies who attend the convent are instructed in the theory and practice of music, so as to qualify for the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, and for the Trinity College examinations; also in drawing and painting, needle-work, and other necessary accomplishments. At present there are about forty pupils in addition to twelve children in the kindergarten. There is a large and convenient play-ground, where the scholars obtain recreation.
for 1901, were: Messrs S. Weetman (chairman), W. D. Howell, J. Rennie, Hon. W. Rolleston, and D. Buddo, M.H.R. The commissioners appointed by the Government are Messrs. Weetman, Rennie and Hon. W. Rolleston; Mr. Buddo representing the North Canterbury, and Mr. Howell the South Canterbury Board of Education. This body administers the very valuable and extensive education reserves throughout Canterbury, the revenue from which is devoted to the purposes of primary education only. The net divisible revenue in 1900 amounted to £15,800. The office of the commissioners
Steward of Education Reserves for the Canterbury Provincial District, comes of an old Devonshire family, and was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1847. Educated at Taunton, Mr. Pitman arrived in Lyttelton, per ship. “British Empire,” in 1864, and was for many years engaged in managing a sheep-station in South Canterbury. He was appointed to the office he now holds in July, 1878. Mr. Pitman is a Fellow of Christ's College, a Christchurch Church Property Trustee, and a member of the Clergy Pension Board. He was married in 1880 to a daughter of Mr. Thierens, late Provost Marshal of British Guiana, and has two sons and a daughter.
has jurisdiction over the counties of Kaikoura, Amuri, Cheviot, Ashley, Akaroa, Selwyn, and Ashburton, and embraces the whole of the country between the Rangitata and Clarence rivers. The members of the Board are (1902): Messrs D. Buddo, M.H.R. (chairman), A. W. Adams, M. Dalziel, junior, C. A. Hardy, D. McMillan, junior, H. W. Peryman, J. Rennie, J. L. Scott, and T. S. Weston. At the close of the first complete year of the operations of the board as constituted under the Education Act, 1877, there were 106 district schools and four aided schools having 13,647 scholars on the roll, with an average attendance of 10,076. At the end of the year 1900, the numbers stood, 184 district schools and eighteen aided schools, making a total of 202 schools, with 19,850 scholars on the roll, the average attendance for the quarter ending December 31st, 1900, being 16,750. The average attendance for the year 1878 was 73.83 of the number on the roll, which steadily increased till the close of 1897, when the percentage stood at 85.05. The highest roll number was attained at the end of 1895, when it stood at 21,368. The salaries paid for the year 1878 amounted to £31,919, and in 1900 to £52,320, while the expenditure on incidentals had increased from £6276 to £6669. The number of teachers in the Board's service at the end of the year 1900, exclusive of 44 sewing mistresses, was 494, made up as follows: Heads of schools or departments, or in sole charge, 142 males and 86 females; assistants, 37 males and 121 females; pupil-teachers, 21 males and 87 females. At the annual examination of pupil-teachers, 90 out of 103 who presented themselves passed their examinations, only thirteen failing. The number of students in training at the Normal School, under the control of the Board, with Mr. E. Watkins, B.A. as principal, was forty-two (including nine of the second year); of these fifteen were males and twenty-seven females. Of the twenty-two students who entered for the matriculation examination, twenty passed. Manual training (woodwork) classes, under Mr. F. W. Sandford, have been conducted at Christchurch, Lyttelton, and Leeston, while arrangements have recently been made to have similar instruction given at Ashburton. The teachers' classes in military drill inaugurated by the Board towards the end of the year 1900, have been attended by a large number of masters. The schools throughout the district are annually examined and inspected, the Board's inspectors being Messrs L. B. Wood, M.A., W. J. Anderson, LL.D., and T. Ritchie, B.A. The offices and board-room are situated in the Normal School building, Cranmer Square, Mr. H. C. Lane being secretary, and Mr. C. Allard treasurer.
Secretary of the North Canterbury Education Board, was born in 1859, is the son of the late Mr. John Lane, of Broom Court, Warwickshire, and was educated at the Stratford-on-Avon Grammar School and Denstone College, Staffordshire. In 1875, for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of German, Mr. Lane commenced a course of study at the Knaben Institute, Heidelberg, conducted by Dr. Klose. Returning to England at the end of the following year, he was articled to Messrs. Gough and Son, merchants. Birmingham, with whom he remained for about four years. In 1881, supported by his father in the conviction that no country offered fairer prospects than did New Zealand, his departure for this Colony was determined on. Though originally booked for Wellington as the best-known centre, Mr. Lane, on the advice of a fellow-passenger, decided to first try his fortunes at Christchurch, where he speedily secured an engagement as accountant. After holding this position for about five years, he entered the office of the Permanent Investment and Loan Association of Canterbury, where he remained for a similar period. In January, 1893, Mr. Lane was selected from a large number of applicants for appointment as assistant secretary to the Education Board, and on the death of Mr. J. V. Colborne-Veel in 1895, was promoted to the position he now holds. Mr. Lane was married in 1885 to Mdlle. Baudoin, a French lady whom he first met at his parents' residence in Warwickshire, and who for fourteen years held the position of teacher of French and German at the Christchurch Girls' High School. Mrs Lane died in March, 1902.
Treasurer to the North Canterbury Education Board, was born in Essex, England, in 1857, was brought to Lyttelton by the ship “Victory” in 1859 by his parents, educated at St. Michael's school, Christchurch, and entered the service of the board in 1873 as a junior. He was promoted to be clerk in 1883, became chief clerk, and in 1895 was appointed to his present position. Mr. Allard was married in 1883 to a daughter of Mr. R. Wyatt of Christchurch, and has three sons and two daughters.
Architect to the North Canterbury Board of Education, halls from Germany, where he was born in 1845. He received part of his early education in his native land, and after his arrival in Lyttelton in 1858, completed his school course in Christchurch. Mr. Schmidt served his time as a carpenter and for some years was employed by Mr. J. C. Maddison, F.R.I.B.A., as clerk of works. It was during this time that he gained most of his architectural experience, having the oversight of the erection of a good many important buildings, including the Kalapol Factory, Maling's, Chrystall's, Ballantyne's, Mason Struthers', and others. Mr. Schmidt received his present appointment in 1887. He is a member of the Masonic Order, S.C., and of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, attached to the Christchurch lodge.
M.A., LL.D., Inspector of Schools under the North Canterbury Board of Education, hails from the North of Ireland, where he was born in 1854. Dr. Anderson was educated at Queen's College, Belfast, one of the colleges of the Queen's University, in Ireland, now, with a widened constitution, the Royal University of Ireland. He gained his degree of Master of Arts in 1877, taking first-class honours in classics, graduated in another faculty as an LL.B. in 1880, and two years later received the degree of Doctor of Laws from his old University. Dr Anderson began his scholastic career as a visiting master in secondary schools, taking special subjects, principally classics. Subsequently, he was placed in charge of the secondary department of the Sullivan schools at Holywood, a seaside suburb of Belfast, on the shores of the Lough. From this position he was appointed second master at Rockhampton Grammar School, and arrived in Queensland in the early part of 1881 to take up the duties of that position. Three and a half years later Dr. Anderson was appointed inspector of schools under the South Canterbury
B.A., Inspector or Schools for the North Canterbury Board of Education, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1844. Mr. Ritchie attended several national schools, and subsequently received private tuition with a view to his entering on a University course. He commenced his career as a teacher in the Irish national schools, and was selected in 1868 for service under the Queensland Board of Education. Mr. Ritchie landed in Queensland in the early part of 1869, and during his residence there of seven years he was headmaster of several schools. He settled in Canterbury in 1876, and joined the Canterbury Board of Education as master at West Oxford school. Mr. Ritchie was transferred to Opawa, where he remained for twelve years, and was appointed inspector under the North Canterbury Board in 1893. Whilst he had charge of the Opawa school, he entered upon a course of study at Canterbury College, and graduated B.A., in 1887. He has always been interested in athletics, and for some time was and active member of the Pioneer Bicycle Club. He was married in 1868 to a daughter of Mr. John Clarke, of Beragh, County Tyrone, Ireland, and has four daughters living.
M.A., Inspector of Schools for the North Canterbury Board of Education, was born at Peebles, Scotland, in 1855, and educated at the Burgh school of his native town, at the Royal High School of Edinburgh, and at the Edinburgh University, where he early distinguished himself in arts and science. He took his M.A. degree in 1877, graduating with first-class honours in mathematics and physical science. Mr. Wood held a student teachership in the Piecardy Place School, and gained experience as a teacher in the Park School, Glasgow, under Dr. Collier, and subsequently at the Irvine Academy in Ayrshire, Arriving at Port Chalmers in 1881 per ship “Dunedin,” Mr. Wood was appointed rector of the Port Chalmers District High School, which position he held for nearly four years. He was appointed inspector under the North Canterbury Board of Education in July, 1885. As an undergraduate at Edinburgh, Mr. Wood took a prominent part in athletics, principally in cricket, golf, and Rugby football, and played for the University for three seasons. He now confines his outdoor recreation almost entirely to the golf-links and bowling-green. A break-down in his health led to coming to the Antipodes, and the change has proved highly beneficial to him.
Manual Instructor to the North Canterbury Board of Education and Instructor in Carpentry at Christ's College and Grammar School, was born in 1852 in Birmingham, England, and is the son of Mr. John Sandford, of Heathcote Valley. He was educated at public schools and at Mr. McPherson's school at Lyttenton, and was brought up as a carpenter and joiner by his father. He served an apprenticeship of three years to organ building under Mr. E. H. Jenkins, of Christchurch, and since 1884 has engaged in that trade on his own account. Among the organs erected by him was the one in the Dunedin Exhibition of 1890, and now in St. Marry's Church, in which work he was associated with Mr. H. Parson of Armagh Street, as also the organs at St. Mark's, Opawa, and Holy Trinity, Greymouth. Subsequently, Mr. Sandford erected the organ for the Temple of Truth, St. Saviour's at Lyttelton, St. Matthew's at St. Albans, and St. Mary's at Springston, the Free Methodist church at Addington, and the Catholic church at Temuka. He was appointed to Christ's College in 1889, and subsequently to the Board of Education. At the Normal School there is a special room fitted up for technical classes which are held on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons for children attending various schools, an evening lecture being delivered by Mr. Sandford to teachers. Mr. Sandford is a member of the Manchester Unity of Oddfollows, with which he has been connected since 1872, being attached to Lodge “Perseverance,” Woolston, in which he has passed the various chairs, and is a P.P.G.M. of the Order. As an old volunteer, he joined No. 2 Engineers in 1869, and now is Captain of the Christchurch City Guards. For two years Captain Sandford was adjutant of the battalion. He is a good rifle shot, and gained the Challenge Cup for two years in succession. Mr. Sandford was married in 1875 to a daughter of the late Mr. Alfred Clarke, of Kalapoi, an old settler, and has one son and one daughter.
Assistant Instructor at the Normal School and Assistant Instructor in Carpentry at Christ's College, was born in Warwickshire
occupies a large and very imposing block of buildings at the corner of Montreal Street and Kilmore Street. The institution comprises the training college, the boys', girls', and infants' departments, and the Model School. The average number of students is about thirty-five, and they are all teachers in training who have served as pupilteachers. The principal is Mr. E. Watkins, B.A., and he is assisted by Mr. J. H. Wilson, M.A. The Model School, which is conducted in a room on the ground floor of the main building, fronting Kilmore Street, is designed to afford instruction to students in the methods of teaching in country schools, where the pupils range from infants to big boys and girls. The students who undergo a course of training at the Model School, have therefore an opportunity of ascertaining how a number of children in several different standards can best be taught by one teacher. The Boys' Department of the Normal School is also on the ground floor of the main building, and occupies five rooms on the Kilmore Street frontage, and one fronting Montreal Street. A fine gymnasium, well equipped, is at the back of the main building. There are about 300 boys on the roll of the headmaster, who has three assistants, besides students who are training at the institution. The Girls' Department is on the first floor. It occupies the whole of the Kilmore Street frontage, and part of that in Montreal Street, having in all seven rooms, including that of the headmistress. To the Infant Department there have been allotted five rooms on the ground floor of the building facing Montreal Street, and one on the first floor. The average attendance in the Infant Department is about 300. The kindergarten system is taught thoroughly, and recognised modern methods of instructing the very young are adopted generally throughout the institution.
B.A., Principal of the Normal Training College and School, was born at Ludlow, Shropshire, England, in 1848, and was educated at St. John's Training College, Battersea. Mr. Watkins came out to Lyttelton per ship “Atrato,” in 1873, under engagement to the North Canterbury Board of Education. After two years as headmaster at Rangiora, he became tutor at the Training College, and on the death of the late Mr. J. V. Colborne-Veel, in 1895, was promoted to his present post. Mr. Watkins studied at Canterbury College and graduated B.A. under the New Zealand University. In 1897, he was president of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. Mr. Watkins was married in London to a daughter of Mr. S. Loveless, of Clapham, and has one son and two daughters.
M.A., Part-time Lecturer at the Normal Training College, was born in 1876 at Nelson. He was educated at Nelson Boys' College, and was a student at Canterbury College, where he graduated M.A. in 1897. Mr Wilkes was appointed in 1898 to the position he holds at the Normal Training College.
Master of the Christchurch Model School, was born at Yaldhurst, near Christchurch, in 1871, and educated at the local public school. He afterwards served four years as a pupil teacher at Tai Tapu, and in 1888 he entered the Normal School as a student. On leaving there, he held various headmasterships in the country, and in 1899 was appointed to his present position.
Headmaster of the Boys' Department of the Normal School, was born in Devonport, England, in 1847. He was educated at Winchester and Exeter Colleges, and graduated B.A. at Oxford. Coming out to Auckland in 1873 per ship “Wave Queen,” he settled in Taranaki, and established a private school in New Plymouth, which he conducted for over seven years. In 1881, Mr. Adams was appointed assistant-master at Parnell, under the Auckland Board of Education, and was subsequently transferred to Wellesley Street school. He was appointed headmaster of the Riverton District High School in 1883, five years later to the Waimate District High School, and obtained his present position in the beginning of 1893. Mr. Adams has been a member of the Auckland, Southland, and North Canterbury Educational Institutes; he was president of the South Canterbury branch, and subsequently vicepresident of the North Canterbury branch. [Mr. Adams resigned in July, 1902]
First Assistant Master of the Boys' Department of the Normal School, was born in 1869 at Akaroa and was educated at public schools at Lyttelton and elsewhere. He served as a pupil-teacher for four years in Lyllelton, and one year at the Normal Training College, after which he returned to the Lyttelton School as assistant master, remaining
Second Assistant-Master in the Boys' Department of the Normal School, was born in Christchurch and educated at Christchurch East public school. Mr. Evans has for some time been a student at the Canterbury College, where he has succeeded in passing the first section for his B.A. degree. He commenced his scholastic career as a pupil-teacher at the East Christchurch school, where he served five years, and after a year's study at the Normal Training College, returned to East Christchurch as assistant-master, remaining there three years. He was appointed third assistant at the Normal School in 1892, and promoted three years later to the position he holds as above. Mr. Evans is a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute. He has distinguished himself in athletics, haying long been a member of the Merivale Football Club, has played in no less than twenty-two representative matches for Canterbury, and represented the South Island against the English visiting team, has been a member of the Canterbury Rugby Union for ten years, and of the committee for seven years of that time, and he is also a member of the Midland Cricket Club. Mr. Evans was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. David Lamb, of Christchurch, and has one daughter.
Headmistress of the Girls' Department of the Normal School, was born near London, England, and arrived in the Colony when but a few years of age. Miss Kitchingman was educated at the old Wesleyan school and privately, served five years as an assistant teacher at the Cust, and was afterwards a student at the Training College for twelve months. She attended at Canterbury College, where she passed the final examination for the B.A. degree and gained a C certificate. Miss Kitchingman was appointed second mistress of the Normal School in 1880, and eight years later was promoted to her present position. In addition to her duties as headmistress she assists in training teachers at the college, especially in the art of sewing, of which Miss Kitchingman is a specialist and believes in pupils not only being able to sew neatly, but to understand the cutting and making of garments. She has been a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute for a long time.
First Assistant-Mistress of the Girls' Department of the Normal School, was born in the city of Christchurch, and educated at Mrs. Stratton's private school, at the Girls' High School, and Normal School. She served four years as a pupil-teacher, and after twelve months at the Training College was appointed assistant in the Infant Department, was promoted to third assistant in the Girls' Department, and subsequently to the position she now holds. Miss Meadows is a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute.
(formerly Miss Barlow), Headmistress of the Infant Department of the Normal School, halls from Kington, Hereford, England, where she was born and educated. She arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Halcione” in 1880, and soon after became teacher at the infant school, having been teaching for five years before she left her native land. For some time she was assistant-mistress in the Girls' School, and took up her present duties in May, 1881. She was married in 1886 to Mr. S. Bullock, headmaster of the Fendalton school.
was established about the year 1877, at the time of the coming into operation of the present education system. The site occupied consists of about four acres of land, with a large frontage to Gloucester Street. The main building, which is partly two stories in height, is erected of wood on stone buttresses; it contains fourteen rooms, and is capable of accommodating 1200 children. In addition to the class-rooms mentioned, there is a large committee-room, and headmaster's office. The infant department is a separate building of wood, lighted from the roof, and contains four class-rooms. There is a subsidiary school connected with this establishment at Phillipstown, capable of accommodating 250 children. The main building in Gloucester Street is surrounded by extensive playgrounds, at one corner of which there is a fine swimming-bath, which was erected in 1880, and measures 80 × 35 feet, and has all the necessary dressing-rooms. The Gloucester Street school is understood to be the largest school in the Colony, the roll number being 1170, with a total average attendance of 1020.
B.A., Headmaster of the Gloucester Street Public School, was born near London in 1850; was a pupil-teacher at St. Mary's school, Stoke Newington, and after five years apprenticeship, entered Battersea Training College with a first class Queen's Scholarship. He was placed at the head of the Battersea list at the annual certificate examination in 1870. Mr. Scott became headmaster at Red Hill school, Surrey, where he remained for three years, and afterwards for a short time held a similar position at Toddington, in Bedfordshire. He was engaged in England as a master under the Queenstand Education Department, and arrived in Brisbane in 1875 to enter upon his duties, being appointed to Sandy Creek school, where he remained till 1877, when he left for New Zealand. Arriving in Canterbury, Mr. Scott was appointed to the Rangiora school, and five years later was transferred to the Gloucester Street school as head master. Mr. Scott is a member of the New Zealand Educational Institute, of which he is treasurer, and has been president of the North Canterbury Branch. In the Masonic Order, he belongs to Canterbury Lodge, 1048, E.C., in which he has passed all the chairs, having been worshipful master in 1886, and was for some time District Grand Treasurer. Mr. Scott was first married in England, but his wife died in Queensland, leaving one daughter. While at Rangiora in 1879 he married a daughter of the late Mr. J. J. Robinson, of Rangiora, and three sons have been born of this union.
B.A., First Assistant-Master at the Gloucester Street School, halls from Surrey, England, where he was born in 1865. He was educated principally in London, and came to Lyttelton in 1879, per ship “Euterpe,” served for three years us a pupil-teacher at West Christchurch school and gained the training scholarship which entitled him to two years' tuition at the Normal School, in addition to the sum of £100. He obtained a C certificate, and was appointed assistant-master at West Christchurch, where he remained for eight years. Subsequently, Mr. Owen was appointed headmaster at Doyleston school for three years, and to the position he now holds in 1895. Mr. Owen is a graduate of Canterbury College, where he took his B.A. degree in 1895, and had his certificate raised to B. He is a member of the North Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. In outdoor recreations he is a member of the Linwood Tennis Club. He is joint-author with Mr. F. W. Sandford of a book on “Manual Training in Woodwork for Boys.” In 1891 he was married to a daughter of Mr. J. Roberts, of the firm of Messrs. Aitken and Roberts.
Second Assistant Master at the Gloucester Street Public School, was born in Christchurch in 1871, and received his primary education in country schools. He served his term as a pupil-teacher at the Opawa school, and was two years at the Normal Training College, having previously matriculated at Canterbury College. Mr. Kennedy holds a D2 certificate. He was appointed fourth assistant master at West Christchurch School, where he continued six years, and then became third assistant. Later he was transferred to the Gloucester Street. Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Educational Institute of North Canterbury, and also of the Canterbury Chess Club.
Headmistress of the Girls' Department of the Gloucester Street school, was born at Wiekham, Hampshire, England. With her parents, she came to the Colony at an early age and was educated at Brookside, Canterbury. Afterserving her pupil-teachership of four years at St. Albans, and one year at the Normal Training College, she was appointed fifth assistantmistress at the latter institution and two years later was promoted to first assistantmistress, which position she occupied for eleven years. Miss Baldwin received her present appointment early in 1898. She is a member of the New Zealand Educational
First Assistant-Mistress of the Girls' Department at Gloucester Street School, is the youngest daughter of Mr. Robert Spence, architect, of Christchurch. She was born in Linlithgow, Scotland, and arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Duke of Edinburgh” in 1874. Mrs. Wagstaff received her education at Gloucester Street school and Canterbury College, served four years as a pupil-teacher and pursued the usual year's training at the Normal School. Having gained a D certificate, she was appointed first assistant at Papanui school, where she remained for six years, and obtained the position she now fills in 1895. She was married in 1892 to Mr. Charles Wagstaff.
Headmistress of the Infant Department of the Gloucester Street School, is a native of Butleigh, Somersetshire, England. Arriving in the Colony with her parents at a tender age, Miss Starkiss was educated at West Christchurch school, where she served a term of five years as a pupil-teacher. Obtaining a D certificate after one year's training at the Normal School, she became assistant-mistress in the infant department at West Christchurch, and after serving there for three and a half years, was transferred to Waltham school in 1891 as infant mistress. In December, 1894, Miss Starkiss was appointed to the position she holds at Gloucester Street school. She is a member of the North Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, and has made a study of Kindergarten work, which she teaches in the school. Before undergoing her training at the Normal School, Miss Starkiss matriculated at Canterbury College.
which is erected on a spacious site of over four acres, fronting Lincoln Road and the South Park, consists of three separate buildings. These are all situated at a considerable distance from the road, so that the noise of the street traffic does not in any way interfere with school duties. The main building, which is erected in wood, one storey in height, with a tower and spire, has ten rooms with accommodation for 700 scholars. This building was completed in 1874, and a separate infant school, also of wood, containing six rooms, was subsequently erected. This was followed by the erection of a side school at Addington, and of a detached two storey brick building to accommodate four large classes of girls. There are nearly 1000 pupils belonging to the school. In the large playground between the school buildings and the Lincoln Road, there are swings for the younger children, gymnastic apparatus for the boys, and a very fine swimming-bath, measuring 75 by 30 feet, which is fed by a constant supply of water. The headmaster is assisted by twelve certificated teachers and nine pupilteachers.
M.A., Headmaster of the West Christchurch School, is a native of London. He arrived in Wellington with his parents, by the ship “Philip Laing” on the last day of 1856, and, coming on at once to Lyttelton, the family settled in Canterbury. Mr. Foster spent his early school days at the Rangiora church school, and having gained a Somes' scholarship, removed to Christchurch to attand Christ's College, where he spent six years under the headmastership of the late Archdeacon Harris. Shortly after leaving school, Mr. Foster was appointed master of the Church school at Addington, and in September, 1874, when it, with other schools, was taken over by the West Christchurch school committee, he was appointed assistant-master at the main school. In May, 1881, he joined the staff of the Christchurch Boys' High School, and a year later, returned to the West Christchurch School as its headmaster. Mr Foster graduated B.A. at Canterbury College in 1881, and M.A. in the following year, with first-class honours in Languages and Literature. He has long been a member of the New Zealand Educational Institute, has served many years as a member of the Executive, and occupied the position of President for the year 1898. He has also been President of the North Canterbury Educational Institute, Canterbury College Dialectic Society, and of the University Court of Convocation. He is a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, Chairman of the Canterbury College Graduates' Association and a Fellow (or member of the governing body) of Christ's College. In the Masonic Order he belongs to Lodge St. Arbans 2597, E.C., and is a Past Warden of the Grand Lodge of Canterbury. Mr. Foster was married, in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Guise, Brittan. This lady died on the 30th of December, 1897, leaving one son and two daughters.
B.A., First Assistant-Master at West Christchurch Public School, was born in Christchurch in 1872, was educated at Heathcote Valley and West Christchurch schools, and pursued a course of study at Canterbury College, where he graduated B.A. in 1894. Mr. Menzles was appointed a pupil-teacher at West Christchurch school, where he served the usual term of four years, and was a year at the Normal Training School. In 1893 he was appointed fifth assistant-master at West Christchurch school, and gradually advanced in the service till 1898, when he was promoted to the position of second assistant. He became first assistant-master in April, 1902.
B.A., Headmistress of the Girls' Department of the West Christchurch Public School, was born at Coatbridge, near Glasgow, and educated at Gartsherrie Academy. Beginning her scholastic career as pupil-teacher in her native land, Miss Jack on her arrival at Lyttelton per ship “Lactura,” completed her training at the West Christchurch school. After two years as mistress in country schools, Miss Jack returned to Christchurch, and has been connected with the West Christchurch school since that time. In 1889 she graduated B.A. at the New Zealand University, and holds a B1 certificate. In the beginning of 1894 Miss Jack became assistant English teacher at the Dunedin Girls' High School, and was appointed headmistress at West Christchurch school in September of that year.
First Assistant-Mistress in the Girls' Department at the West Christchurch School, was born at sea on board the “Lancashire Witch” on the voyage to the Colony. She was educated
Headmistress of the Infant Department at the West Christchurch School, hails from Blairgowrie, Scotland, where she was born and received her early education. Arriving in Lyttelton in the ship “Souakir,” Miss Grant became pupil-teacher and after four years' service was appointed assistant-mistress at the Waimate District High school, where she served seven years and during the last three years of that period was headmistress. Subsequently, she was appointed to the Ashburton Borough School, from which she was transferred in 1894 to her present position. Miss Grant is a member of the Educational Institute of North Canterbury. She has studied the Kindergarten system, which is taught in the school.
which is well situated on a large section of about three acres in extent, at the corner of Colombo and Brougham streets, was established in 1873, since which time it has been several times enlarged, and a twostorey brick building with six class-rooms has been erected for the accommodation of the girls. The main building is of wood, with a tower and spire. The total accommodation is equal to 1500 children: the roll number in July, 1898, was about 1200, the average attendance being about 1050, composed of 350 boys, 350 girls, and from 400 to 500 infants. The headmaster is assisted by five male and four female certificated teachers and ten pupil-teachers. There is a very good playground surrounding the school building, and the Sydenham Park, opposite, is available at all times for recreation. A fine swimming-bath, measuring 75 × 30 feet, has been constructed by the Sydenham Borough Council on the school premises, and is specially available for children attending the school.
Headmaster of the Sydenham Public School, was born at Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, in 1840, and educated at the National School. He became a pupil-teacher in 1853 at Oldham, near Birmingham, and after five years' service gained a first-class scholarship in 1858, which entitled him to two years' instruction at St. Mark's College, Chelsea. He gained a first-class certificate in the second division. At the end of his course of training Mr. Baldwin was appointed headmaster at Weobley, Herefordshire, where he remained for four years, and was subsequently master at various other schools. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1874, per ship “Northampton,” having been engaged in London by Lord Lyttelton for service in Canterbury. He was for eight and a half years master at Brookside, on leaving which he was presented with a gold watch and chain by the residents. Mr. Baldwin has occupied his present position since December, 1882, and holds a C1 certificate. He was married in 1860 to a daughter of Mr. George Olliver, of Chilton Candover, near Alresford, and has four daughters and one son living.
First Assistant-Master at the Sydenham Public School, was born in 1867 in Glasgow, and accompanied his parents in 1874 to Lyttelton, per ship “Varuna.” He served four years as a pupil-teacher at Sydenham school, one year at the Normal Training College, and passed his first half of the B.A. examination at Canterbury College. He holds a C2 certificate. For one year Mr. McGallan was headmaster at the German Bay main school, then fifth assistant-master at Sydenham in 1889, and advanced step by step till 1892, when he was appointed to the position he now holds. Mr. McGallan is a member of the Educational Institute of North Canterbury. He has been connected with football and cricket clubs, and has been on the committee of the Sydenham Cricket Club. As a member of the Masonic Order, he is attached to Lodge Convers. E.C. Mr. McGallan was married in 1890 to a daughter of Mr. G. Starkiss, of Spreydon, and has two sons and three daughters.
Headmistress of the Girls' Department of the Sydenham Public School, is a native of Christchurch. Educated at Sydenham school, where also she served three and a half years as a pupil-teacher. Miss Dynes passed her final examination and obtained an E4 certificate. For one year she was headmistress at Ashburton main school, and afterwards studied for a year at the Normal Training College, her certificate being advanced to D2. She was afterwards appointed third assistant at Sydenham, from which she was promoted in January, 1895, to the office she now holds.
Infant Mistress at the Sydenham Public School, was born in the lake district, near Penrith, Cumberland, England. She arrived with her parents in Lyttelton in 1860, per ship “Robert Small,” and was educated at a denominational school, Kaiapoi, and privately. Miss Hall became a pupil-teacher at West Christchurch school, and subsequently at the Normal School, serving in all four years and gaining an E1 certificate. For three years she was assistant-mistress at the Normal School, and was appointed in May, 1880, to the position she still holds at the Sydenham school. Miss Hall is a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute. For some time she specially studied the Kindergarten system, and has introduced it as far as possible at the Sydenham school.
occupies a section of about four acres in extent with frontages to Jerrold Street and Somerset Street. It was first opened in 1881 as a side school attached to the West Christchurch school, and was erected into a main school in 1892. The main building is a single storey wooden structure containing three rooms, the infant-room being a separate building of two rooms. There are about 500 children on the roll, the average attendance being 430. The headmaster is assisted by five certificated and four pupil-teachers. There is a large play ground, with the usual accessories, and an excellent swimming-bath has been recently erected.
Headmaster of the Addington Public School, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1863. Arriving when an infant with his parents at Lyttelton, he was educated at the Kowai Pass school, and the Normal school. After two years' training at the Normal Training College, during which time he also studied at Canterbury College and the School of Art, Mr. Seay obtained a D1 certificate. He was appointed headmaster at Methven school, where he remained for two years; was subsequently for six years at Springfield school, afterwards for two years at Prebbleton school; and in 1893 he was appointed to the headmastership at Addington. He is a member of the North Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, on which he has served as a member of the committee. Mr. Seay was previously connected with the Mid-Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, of which he was vice-president for one year. He has generally taken an interest in the outdoor recreations of the boys; and as a tennisplayer, is a member of the Sydenham Tennis Club, of which he has been president and is still a vice-president. During his residence at Springfield and Prebbleton, Mr. Seay was instrumental in starting tennis clubs in those districts and has since
First Assistant Master at the Addington Public School, was born near Carleton and received most of his primary education at the West Christchurch school. At present he is an undergraduate of Canterbury College and holds a D2 certificate. He is fond of athletics and is a member of the Union Rowing Club, the Civil Service Rifle Corps, and the Canterbury Chess Club, as well as a footballer, cyclist, and cricketer.
Infant Mistress at Addington Public School, is a native of Christchurch, and was educated at West Christchurch school, served four years as a pupil-teacher at East Christchurch. was two years training at the Normal Training College, and gained an E2 certificate. For seven years, subsequently, Miss Shirteliffe was infant mistress at the Hampstead school, Ashburton, from which she was promoted in 1893 to the position she now holds. Miss Shirteliffe understands Kindergarten work and teaches it in the school. For two years she attended the School of Art, and has made a special study of modelling in clay. She is a mem. ber of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. Miss Shirtcliffe has taken a special Interest in amateur theatricals and has assisted in many entertainments for charitable purposes, being a proficient elocutionist.
which was established in 1891, stands on three and a half acres of land at the corner of Waltham Road and Darwin Street. It is a single-storey brick building and contains five class-rooms. The roll number is 504 with an average attendance of 441. The headmaster is assisted by five certificates. and four pupil teachers. Surrounding the school is an exceptionally fine playground, the borders of which are planted with ornamental trees.
B.A., Headmaster of the Waltham School, was born in Shropshire, England, in 1851, and educated in Chester, gained a Queen's scholarship entitling him to two years' tuition at the Chester Training College, and qualified as a teacher. He became second master at St. Paul's school, Birmingham, and eighteen months later was appointed headmaster, but within a year his health broke down. Mr. Hughes also studied at the Science and Art Department and gained several certificates. He was for a short time headmaster of Wribbenhall, Bendley, Worcestershire. Ordered out to New Zealand, he arrived in 1876, and entered the service of the Canterbury Education Board. Mr. Hughes was appointed headmaster at Hilton and a year later was transferred to Geraldine, where he remained for ten years; was next headmaster at the Papanui school for about five years, and was then appointed to his present position. Mr. Hughes took his B.A. degree at Canterbury College in 1894. He is a member of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute of which he has been president. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, and a member of the Masonic order, attached to Lodge Canterbury. Mr. Hughes was married in 1875 to a daughter of Mr. T. Luntley, of Kington, Herefordshire, and has one son and three daughters.
First Assistant-Master at the Waltham Public School, was born in Christchurch in 1869, and served his four years' course of training as a pupilteacher at Papanui school. He had the usual year at the Normal Training College, and also studied at Canterbury College. Mr. Adams holds a B2 certificate.
Headmistress of the Waltham Public School, was born in Canterbury. She was educated at Sydenham, where she served as a pupil-teacher for four years, had a year's training at the Normal College and received an El certificate. For two years she was headmistress at Hororata school, was subsequently eight years at Rangiora and received her present appointment in 1894.
which occupies a site of from two to three acres of land, having frontages to Stanmore Road and London and Cumberland Streets, was originally opened as a side school attached to Gloucester Street school. Since 1882 it has been an independent school. The main building is a two-storey brick structure, containing four rooms, each having accommodation for sixty-four children. The older parts of the buildings are of wood one storey in height. The larger school contains five class-rooms, each having accommodation for fifty children. In addition to this, there is the infant department of two rooms, with seating accommodation for 160, the total capacity being equal to 666 children. The roll number is 600, with an average attendance of about 520. The headmaster is supported by six certificated and five pupil-teachers. There is a large playground surrounding the various school buildings with the usual appointments. A notable feature in connection with the Richmond school is the magnificent swimmingbath, which, with the ground, cost about £900. It was constructed in 1892, the basin measuring about 75 by 35 feet, surrounded by a brick wall. The water supply is obtained from a second stratum well, which when first opened threw water to a height of about twenty-three feet above the surface of the ground; the flow is ten thousand gallons per hour. The bath holds 110,000 gallons, and provision is made for running off the overflow into the river Avon. This bath is considered by competent judges to be one of the best in New Zealand. It is fitted up with dressing-rooms, a good shower bath. and a platform for the use of visitors.
Headmaster of the Richmond Public School, is a Yorkshireman by birth. Born in Hull, in 1847, he came to Lyttelton in 1859 per ship “Zealandia,” and completed his education in New Zealand. For the first ten years of his Colonial experience he was engaged in farming and country life generally, but took to scholastic work by preference in 1869, when he joined the Provincial Education Department as teacher of the Loburn public school, where he remained for eight years. After five years at Woodend, Mr. Howard was appointed
First Assistant Master at the Richmond Public School, was born in Christchurch in 1868, and was educated at East Christchurch Public School, where he served four years as a pupil-teacher. He underwent a year's training at the Normal Training College, and now holds a C2 certificate, Mr. Schnelder was appointed second master at the Rangiora school in 1888. Five years later he was transferred to the Richmond school to fill the position which he has since held. Mr. Schneider is an undergraduate of Canterbury College and has passed the first section for his B.A. degree.
is situated at the corner of Phillips Street and Duncan's Road, and has a large playground of about four acres. The school is for children in the infant classes and up to Standard II. It was once a side-school attached to the East Christchurch Main School, in Gloucester Street, but is now a separate institution, though it is still under the control of the East Christchurch committee. There are about 150 boys and 130 girls on the roll, and the average attendance is about 220. Miss S. L. Robinson is the headmistress, and Miss E. H. Glanville second mistress, and there are four pupil-teachers.
which stands on a section of fifteen acres of land, having frontage to Crescent Road and School Lane, was established many years ago, the original building having been from time to time enlarged to meet the requirements of the growing population. The building is of wood on concrete foundations, one storey in height, surrounded by concrete approaches, and contains eight large rooms together with four large porches. It is a mixed school with an infant department, and the roll number is 560, with an average attendance of 490. The headmaster is supported by seven certificated teachers and four pupil-teachers. There is a remarkably fine playground together with a grass tennis court, which is set apart for the use of the girls. The grounds are surrounded by a plantation of oak trees, and there is a residence for the headmaster and also one for the caretaker on the premises. The entire property is beautifully laid out and thoroughly well kept. A feature of the St. Albans school ground is to be found in the children's gardens. There are sixteen plots laid out for the boys, and a like number for the girls, and each of these is worked by two children, who are encouraged in every possible way to develop a taste for this healthy and interesting occupation, and it may be remarked that several children have already competed successfully at various shows. There is also a capital swimmingbath connected with the school, measuring about 70 by 30 feet.
B.A., Headmaster of the St, Albans School, is a Cornishman. Arriving in 1876, Mr. Mayne was educated at various schools in Christchurch. As a pupil-teacher he served four years at West Christchurch public school and gained a D2 certificate, being appointed third assistant-master at Lyttelton school. Mr. Mayne was third master at the Normal School for eighteen months, headmaster at Fernside for three years, at Hampstead for about five years, for six years at Ashburton, and took up his duties at St. Albans in the beginning of 1897. He is a member of the North Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, and has always been interested in cricket and football. He was married in 1882 to a daughter of the late Mr. Edmund Kelly, of London, and has two daughters and one son.
Headmistress of St. Albans Public School, was born at the North Road. Papanui. educated at Mount Grey Downs school and at the Normal School, Christchurch, where she came out equal for the dux medal in the Girls' Department before becoming a student at the Normal Training College, which she attended for two years. Miss Douds obtained a D2 certificate and was appointed headmistress at the Cust school, and, subsequently, assistant-mistress at Lyttelton West. She was appointed to the position of headmistress at Papanul in 1893, and was transferred to St. Albans five years later. Miss Douds is a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute, and has gone through a course of training in connection with the St. John Ambulance Association, gaining the medallion.
occupies a section of land between Leinster and Alkman's roads, and was erected in 1887. The building is of one storey of the usual design, and contains three rooms. There are 128 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 108. The headmistress is assisted by one certificated and one pupilteacher.
Headmistress of the St. Albans Side School, was born in Northumberland, England, and educated in Neweastle. She arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Southesk,” in 1879, and became a pupilteacher at St. Albans. After four years' training, she secured an El certificate, and was appointed to her present, position in 1887.
which is one of the oldest in the provincial district of Canterbury, stands on about two or three acres of laud. The main school, which is of wood and iron, consists of six rooms, and the infants' school, of brick and cement, contains two large rooms. A portion of the playground surrounding the main school has been asphalted, and there are the usual swings and other appliances for recreation. The headmaster's residence is erected on the school grounds adjoining the main building. The number of scholars on the roll is over 500, and the average attendance about 450 There are five certificated teachers in addition to the headmaster, and four pupil-teachers.
Headmaster at the Woolston Public School, entered the service of the North Canterbury Education Board in 1878 as assistant-master at Lyttelton public school. In July of the following year, he was appointed first assistant-master at Sydenham School, where he remained till October, 1889, when he received his present appointment.
First Assistant-Master at the Woolston PubHe School, was born in Christchurch and educated at the West Christchurch school, where he served four years as a pupil-teacher. Mr. Kennedy matriculated at Canterbury College in 1885, and was for two years at the Normal Training College, where he took his first certificate at the end of 1886. In the following year he passed the first section of the B.A. examinations, and has since received a C2 certificate. For two years and a half Mr. Kennedy was first assistant-master
Second AssistantMaster at the Woolston Public School, was born at Mount Grey Downs. He was educated at the Mount Grey Downs and Ashley public schools. Mr. Douds served his pupilteachership of four years at the Lyttelton Borough School, and after the usual twelve months' training at the Normal College, obtained a D2 certificate, and received his present appointment.
Headmistress of the Infant Department of the Woolston Public School, is a native of Sheffield, England. She became a pupilteacher in her native town and gained a certificate under the English Education Department, being specially trained as an infant mistress. Before coming out to the Colony, she was in charge of Crooke's Endowed School, Sheffield, for three years. Arriving in Lyttelton per s.s. “Tainui,” in 1887, Miss Barker entered the service of the North Canterbury Education Board and was appointed headmistress at Belfast, where she remained till 1894 and was transferred to the Woolston school.
was opened about 1871, being one of the earliest established by the Provincial Government of Canterbury. The building, which is a singlestorey wooden one of six rooms, stands on two acres, fronting the Opawa and Garland's roads. There is accommodation for about 320 children, the number on the roll is 285, with an average attendance of 254. The teaching staff consists of the headmaster, assistant master, two certificated mistresses, and two pupil teachers. The headmaster's residence adjoins the school. Conveniently situated on the river are two baths set apart for the boys and girls respectively.
Headmaster of the Opawa Public School, was born at Woodend, Canterbury, in 1863, was educated at the East Oxford school, where also he served a pupil-teachership for four years. He gained a D certificate on the completion of a year's training at the Normal School Training College, and subsequently obtained the C certificate through the University. He served for three years as assistant at West Christchurch School and subsequently was master of the Model School for two years and a half, when he resigned in consequence of a breakdown in his health. After spending four years in visiting England and Scotland, Mr. Petrie returned to the Colony, and was appointed headmaster of Opawa school on the 1st of August, 1893.
Headmistress of the Infant Department of the Opawa school, was born in Christchurch and educated at the Normal School and Girls' High School. She served two years at the Normal Training College, gaining a D certificate, was appointed assistant mistress at Opawa school in 1888, and promoted ten years later to her present position.
which was established in 1874, occupies a site of two acres in extent with a considerable frontage to the road. The building is a wooden structure of one storey, and contains four rooms, with accommodation for about 260 children. The roll number is 275, with an average attendance of 230. There are three certificated teachers and one pupilteacher in addition to the headmaster.
Headmaster of the Fendalton District School, was born at Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, and was educated in Shrewsbury, and at Saltley College, Warwickshire, and having obtained a first-class English certificate, he became a schoolmaster. He successively held appointments at Port Glasgow in Renfrewshire, at Shrewsbury, and at Kington, Herefordshire.
Mr. Bullock came to the Colony per s.s. “Ionic,” in 1884, and was at once placed on the staff of the North Canterbury Education Board, with a D1 certificate. In the same year he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Bullock was married in 1886 to Miss Barlow, of Christchurch, headmistress of the Infant department of the Normal School. Mrs Bullock is referred to elsewhere in connection with the latter institution.
Headmistress of the Fendalton District School, was born in Canterbury. She was educated at Riccarton school and at Miss Sheath's private school, and having passed her examination as assistant-mistress, received an E2 certificate. She was appointed in 1879 to her present position. Miss Tulley resides at Middleton, Upper Riccarton, a distance of three miles from the school, and finds bicycling of Inestimable value.
is situated near the Burnham railway station, eighteen miles from Christchurch. It is one of the three Government Industrial Schools in the colony, the others being at Auckland, and at Caversham, near Dunedin. The net cost of maintaining the institution, which has about 300 boys, is about £5000 a year. Mr. T. Archey is the director. The farm attached to the school comprises about 1000 acres, of which between 300 and 400 acres are sown in oats and wheat, or are utilised for the growing of vegetables. All the work on the farm is done by the older boys, about a dozen being employed under the supervision of two farm hands. The boys are instructed in all branches of farm work. Stock is also kept on the farm. Dairying, too, is carried on, and some of the lads become expert dairymen. The garden, the poultry farm, the laundry, workshop, fire brigade, band, and other aids to industry and recreation are all conducted on the most approved principles, with a view to the well-being. of the pupils. The boys are encouraged to learn useful trades, such as carpentry, tailoring, shoemaking, and cooking, and are given every facility in that connection. A small weekly payment is made to those who display special diligence and aptitude. A smart cadet corps, attached to the school, is drilled by a qualified instructor. The discipline of a military system is maintained at Burnham, and the bugle-call, which sounds the boys to meals, to bed, and so on, is obeyed with alacrity. Representatives of the various religious denominations frequently visit the school.
, 265 Armagh Street, Christchurch, was originally established about 1874 at Upper Riecarton by Miss Lohse and removed by her a few years later to the best part of Christchurch, between Hagley Park and Cranmer Square. In 1880 Mrs. Bowen, widow of the Rev. Croasdaile Bowen, Archdeacon of Christchurch, became principal. About eighty day-pupils and from twenty-five to thirty boarders are regularly in attendance. There are seven separate class-rooms all of which are equipped with modern appliances. A very large staff, including resident, day and visiting teachers, is employed. The play-ground, where there are swings, ladders, and vaulting-bars, adjoins the schoolhouse and twice each week the girls are drilled by a qualified drill instructor. The course of education includes primary and secondary subjects; girls are prepared for examinations but a wide knowledge of general subjects is the object always kept In view. Special attention is given to French, both conversational and grammatical, the services of a lady educated on the Continent having been procured for that subject. Music and painting are taught by the best masters. Mrs. Bowen takes the general supervision of the school and is very fortunate in her selection of teachers, all of whom are ladies well qualified to deal with the subjects which are under their respective care. The proportion of resident teachers is large, the discipline of the school is good, and the well-being of the girls is in every way considered.
, (Misses Elizabeth, Jessie, And Gertrude Buchanan, Principals), “Aorangi,” 31 Hereford Street, Christchurch. This School Was Established In 1885 And Is Conducted In A Two-Storey Wooden Building Containing Ten Rooms. There Are Two Class-Rooms On The Ground Floor With Accommodation For Thirty Pupils, Who Are Prepared For The High Schools And Colleges. Miss Elizabeth Buchanan, Who Was Born In Brixton, England. Is A Well-Known Soloist, And Was Prima Donna Of An Amateur Opera Company Which Was Under The Directorship Of Mr. Arthur Towsey Some Years Ago.
226 Gloucester Street West, Christchurch. This day school for girls, which was established in 1890, is attended by pupils ranging from eight to seventeen years of age. A thorough English education is given, including:—Languages, science, mathematics, music, drawing, painting, callisthenics, and needle-work. The principal, Mrs. Catherine Coleman, who has been engaged in educational work since she was sixteen years of age, was trained specially as a teacher at Park House College, London. This institution was connected with the College of Preceptors, and was recognised as an important training establishment, Mrs. Coleman was subsequently for eight years first assistant teacher in this college, where she prepared pupils for the Cambridge local and College of Preceptors' examinations. She arrived in New Zealand in 1872 and was left a widow in 1884, having since that time been actively engaged as a teacher in Christchurch. Many young ladies who have been Mrs. Coleman's pupils are now engaged in teaching in various parts of New Zealand. The Principal is assisted by her two daughters. he Misses Winifred and Emily Coleman, together with one other assistant and a pupil-teacher. Miss Winifred Coleman is in undergraduate of Canterbury College, where she studied for three years. Miss Emily has had a careful training as a musician and has gained a third year certificate for theory at Canterbury College.
(Miss Caroline Freeman, B.A., principal), Corner of Gloucester and Madras Streets, Christchurch. This school was established in 1897 by Miss Freeman as a branch of her college, of the same name, in Dowling Street, Dunedin. Some time ago the Dowling Street School was disposed of to Miss F. J. Ross M.A., an early pupil of the college, and Miss Freeman now devotes her whole attention to the college in Christchurch. Thoroughness of understanding in connection with all the subjects taught is the aim of all the teaching at Girton College, and one of the means to that end is the maintenance of a genuinely friendly feeling between the teachers and the pupils. The college buildings are freehold property, and so is the large playground, which is particularly well adapted for its purposes. The college contains a remarkably fine hall, with complete appointments for its educational purposes. At one end of this room there is a large stage, fitted with very choice casts especially imported from Brucciani's, in London, as models for the drawing class. Every girl has to read and recite from the platform, with a view to perfection in the art of elocution. Yaggy's anatomical studies, consisting of splendid plates of the human body, have been procured at great expense, together with other modern educational apparatus. Various cosy class-rooms, each with seating accommodation for thirty pupils, are attached to the central hall. The library and the office, occupying the right and left portions respectively of the fore part of the building are richly furnished and cosy apartments. There are about 2000 volumes of sound and suitable literature in the library, and the office is furnished with a piano, musical literature, and other modern
B.A., the Founder and Principal of Girton College, was born in Yorkshire, England, but was educated at a district school in the colony. After completing her primary course of study in Dunedin, Miss Freeman commenced her career as a teacher at one of the public schools, and subsequently taught at the Girls' High School for a year and nine months. During this period, she studied at the Otago University, where she graduated B.A. in 1885, when her studies were interrupted by a period of ill-health. In 1886 she established Girton College in Dunedin as a school for girls from eight years upwards. She had only four pupils during the first year, but the attendance afterwards increased until it reached the full number that could be received, and included many ladies and teachers who had entered for special courses of study.” Miss Freeman is an able teacher, and Girton College is one of the best schools of its kind in New Zealand.
(Mr. Charles Cook, principal), Corner of Armagh and Montreal Streets, fronting Cranmer Square, Christchurch. This important preparatory school for boys, which has been conducted by the present proprietor for over a quarter of a century, has been the training establishment of a large number of professional and mercantile men, who now occupy important position a in New Zealand. The school is so well known, and not in Christchurch alone, that any detailed account would be superfluous. The buildings comprise large and well-ventilated class rooms, there is a complete system of drainage and sanitation, and the position fronting Cranmer Square and close to Hagley Park, is one of the healthiest in Christchurch. There is accommodation for twenty boarders and fifty day scholars. The course of study is designed to prepare boys for the University, for country life, or commercial pursuits, and the special aim of the school has always been to provide a thorough fundamental training in all branches of study.
the Principal of Warwick House School, is a native of Inverness, Scotland, in which town his father officiated as clergyman for many years. Mr. Cook was specially trained for a teacher, was educated at Edingburgh University, and commenced his scholastic career in his native city. For some considerable time, he was engaged in teaching in England, whence he was appointed to come out to the colony as English master to the old Christchurch. High School, of which he ultimately became headmaster. This position the filled for five years, when he resigned it to open a private school, and this he has successfully conducted up to the present time.
—Mr. Charles Gilby, F.I.P.S. (honours), etc., principal—150 Worcester Street West, Christchurch. This large and prosperous educational institution was established by the proprietor in 1887, at which time he was on the commercial staff of the “Lyttelton Times,” the work of tuition being carried, on by him during evening and spare hours. In 1893, however, owing to the introduction of the typewriter into mercantile and professional establishments, the development of the school became such as to require Mr. Gilby to devote his entire energies to the work. There are now eight rooms available for the purpose of tuition. The main class-room, which is capable of accommodating thirty pupils, the typewriting room, opening off the main, class-room, and four speed rooms, as well as the principal's office, making seven rooms in all, are situated on the first floor, and two class-rooms on the second floor are devoted to the academical branch of the work of the college. The principal, who is an authorised reporter under “The Shorthand Reporters' Act, 1900,” and an honoursman and Fellow of the Incorporated Phonographic Society, is a member by examination of the National Society of Shorthand Teachers, and Instructor in Shorthand under the Manual and Technical Instruction Act. 1895. In 1876 Mr. Gilby was a papil of Mr. Henry Pitman; brother of the inventor of the well-known system of shorthand. Among the members of the teaching staff may be mentioned Mrs Gilby,
the Principal, was born in 1856 in Cambridge. England, where he was educated, and also
(Mr. H. W. Lockyer Digby, F.I.P.S. (honours), N.S.S.T., N.U.T. principal. Grain Agency Buildings, High Street (opposite the D.I.C.), Christchurch. The premises occupied by this school are on the second floor of the Grain Agency Buildings, and comprise seven rooms, including office, shorthand speed and theory rooms, typewriting room, matriculation and civil service rooms. The school is now one of the foremost teaching establishments in New Zealand, and as time goes on the number of brilliant successes achieved by pupils constantly increases. Day and evening classes in all subjects are hold throughout the year, and the yearly attendance of pupils is nearly 200. Thorough and rapid tuition in shorthand, typewriting and all commercial subjects is made a specialty. There is a typewriting office in connection with the school, and every description of mimeographing and typewriting is done by an efficient staff of operators. The school is equipped with life latest models of the Remington, Yost, Densmore, and Caligraph New Century Typewriting machines. In the matter of fast shorthand writing, the school has always led the way, and its records have never been equalled by any other institution in Australasia. During the season 1900–1901 over 100 shorthand certificates were granted by Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons to pupils attending the school, which constitutes a record for the colony. The excellence of the tuition given, is further shown by the fact that nearly all the large commercial and legal firms in Christchurch have selected their corresponding clerks and typists from the pupils of the school. The following are some of the offices in which the pupils are holding positions at the present time; Messrs Chrystall and Co., A. Tyree and Co., Duncan and Cotterill, Dalgety and Co., Pitcaithly and Co., Mason, Siruthers, and Co., Beswick and Harris, Skelton, Frostick and Co., D. C. McIntyre and Co., M. O'Brien and Co., Hopkins, Simpson and Co., North Canterbury Education Board, the New Zealand Shipping Co., and the New Zealand Express Co. The principal teacher in commercial subjects is Miss E. E. Digby, who has achieved remarkable success as a teacher and in commercial work. Miss Digby holds the Teachers' Diploma granted by the Incorporated Phonographic Society, and also the Typewriting Diploma, granted by the National Union of Typists. In addition to teaching at the Shorthand and Technical School, Miss Digby holds the position of teacher of shorthand and typewriting at the Boys' High School, Christchurch.
was born in Christchurch in 1879, was educated privately, at the Normal School, and Canterbury College. He studied shorthand and typewriting with such marked success that within a comparatively short period from when he commenced he became an honoursman and Fellow of the National Phonographic Society, a member of the National Society of Shorthand Teachers, and National Union of Typists, As a competitor for shorthand certificates Mr. Digby is a double medallist and holder of the Australian record certificates for speed up to 200 and 220 words per minute. His record as a shorthand writer and typist has been one of the most brilliant ever achieved.
The kindergarten system of instruction has been in vogue in Christchurch for a considerable number of years, having been started first in, the Normal School, and introduced later on into the ordinary schools. The value of training both the eye and the hand of a child has been recognised with increasing distinctness year by year, and now, in the public schools, large classes are taught on the kindergarten system, with a thoroughness unknown and almost undreamt of till recent years. For many years Mrs Bendely conducted a very successful private kindergarten in Christchurch. Later on she, in conjunction with the Children's Aid Society, inaugurated free kindergartens, first at the South Belt and then at the Knightstown Library, St. Albans. The former school was conducted very success fully for a time, and had an average attendance of twenty-two children, but various causes have led to its discontinuance. The St. Albana Free Kindergarten continues to flourish. It is in charge of Miss Schofield, who has four assistants, and the attendance is between fifty and sixty, the pupils ranging from two or three to five years of age. The usefulness of the institution is proved by the progress of the children, who, besides being instructed in the use of the school appliances, are taught to walk, march, sing, and take exercise in other approved forms. The Children's Aid Society carries on its work in connection with this school, and supplies children's clothes where needed, but these are paid for by the mothers.
The colonisation of Canterbury is inseparably bound up with religious principles. The first document published by the Canterbury Association states that the object of the founders of the province was “to set an example of a colonial settlement, in which, from the first, all the elements, including the very highest, of a good and right state of society should find their proper place, and their active operation.” The founders explained that the idea set forth in this sentence was based on the principle that “adequate provision for man's moral and religious wants in the new country contained the primary element of successful colonisation.” They believed that concentration of resources was necessary to carry out this idea, and that unity of religion was the first essential to successful concentration. They desired to form a settlement composed entirely of members of the Anglican Church. Time gave rise to conditions which modified developments in this connection, but the original conception of the founders led to many distinctive effects in the character and history of the province. The Right Rev. Dr Harper, the first Bishop of Christchurch, was consecrated at Lambeth Chapel on the 10th of August, 1856, arrived in Christchurch on the 24th of December in the same year, and was enthroned on Christmas Day at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, which was the pro-cathedral until the splendid edifice in Cathedral Square was erected. The organisation of the Presbyterian Church in Canterbury began about 1853, and the first Roman Catholic missionary was at work in Christchurch also in the fifties. The present pro-cathedral in Manchester Street, which is now (1902) being replaced by a large and stately cathedral in stone, was the first Catholic Church in Canterbury, and was originally built in 1860, while Father Charegre was in charge of the mission. Trinity Church, Worcester Street, was the first Congregational Church in the province, and was established about 1863. The history of the Primitive Methodist Church in Canterbury may be said to have begun in 1860; and that of the Baptist Church about 1862. Methodism, however, came out with the first four ships; and in 1860 Free Methodist Church services were commenced in Rangiora. Since then various other churches have been established in the province. The Salvation Army, established in Christchurch in 1885, has grown with the population, and has, in its own way, carried on the war against evil and poverty, with earnestness and vigour.
which includes the Provincial Districts of Canterbury and Westland, and has an area of about 20,000 square miles, was founded in 1856. The magnificent cathedral, which is at once a central point of interest and a landmark for many miles around, stands in the large square in the heart of the city. There are 109 churches within the diocese, and ninety-nine other places, mainly State schools, where services are regularly conducted. The clergy in the diocese number sixty-five, and besides these there are 123 honorary layreaders, regularly officiating. According to the census of 1901, the diocese has 65,097 church members, of whom 4368 are communicants. There are 8000 Sunday school children attending the various schools, with an average attendance of 6000; these are taught by 815 teachers. The members of the standing committee of the synod are: the Right Rev. Churchill Julius, D.D., Bishop of Christchurch; the Venerable Archdeacon Harper; the Rev. T. A. Hamilton; the Rev. A. W. Averill, M.A., H. Williams, R. H. Mathias, B.A., C. H. Gossett; Messrs H. D. Andrews, H. W. Bishop, W. G. Brittan, E. Denham, R. Hill Fisher, W. H. Hargreaves, S. S. Blackburne, and C. A. C. Hardy; diocesan registrar, secretary and treasurer, Rev. Canon Knowles; diocesan clerk, Mr. T. M. Gee; junior clerk, Mr. Reese.
Even when Christchurch existed only on paper and in the minds of a few people in England, it was thought that the city would not be complete without a cathedral. In the original survey of the city of Christchurch, therefore, a prominent site was set apart for the sacred edifice. Indeed, the founders of the province went further than this. The actual cost of the building was provided for; but only on paper, and when the financial prospects of the Canterbury Association were obscured by failure to sell a large portion of the Canterbury block, nothing further was done at that time, and the Pilgrims came without the wherewithal to build a cathedral. When Bishop Selwyn visited them shortly after their arrival, he held the first service at Lyttelton in a loft over a goods store, reached by a ladder, the seats being extemporised by resting planks on sugar barrels. On Christmas Day, 1856, Dr H. J. C. Harper, the first Bishop of Christchurch, was enthroned at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, which then became the procathedral. But the desire for a real cathedral, such as they had seen often in the Old Country, was strong within the breasts of the early colonists. Therefore, in 1859, the Diocesan Synod appointed a Commission for the erection of the cathedral. The Provincial Council had appropriated a sum of money to assist in the erection of churches. A portion of this was placed at the disposal of Bishop Harper, and he set aside £1000 as the nucleus of the Cathedral Fund. In 1862 a further step was taken when Sir George Gilbert Scott, R.A., at the instance of the Commission, prepared plans. Then in October, 1863, a public meeting was held to consider the pressing need for additional church accommodation. Those who attended were very enthusiastic, and it was decided to commence the erection of the nave of the cathedral. Active canvassing was carried on, and it was not long before the sum of £16,000 had been promised. In 1864 Mr R. Speechly came out as the local representative of Sir Gilbert Scott, the architect. Then the foundations of the entire structure were laid, in the same year, on the fourteenth anniversary of the arrival of the first settlers, Bishop Harper conducting the ceremonies.
Soon after this admirable start, however, Canterbury was overtaken by a period of depression. The work at the cathedral, therefore, had to be stopped, as there was no money to carry it on. In 1873, Anthony Trollope, the well-known novelist, in his account of his visit to this colony, sarcastically referred to the “huge record of the Canterbury Association's failure, which the town of Christchurch contains. In the centre of it,” he said, “there is a large waste space in which £7000 have been buried in laying the foundations of a cathedral; but there is not a single stone or a single brick above the level of the ground. The idea of building the cathedral is abandoned. It was a sad sight to me to look upon the vain foundations.” But in that same year the Commission made a fresh and energetic start. Citizens, settlers, and strangers gave liberally to
There are ten bells in the tower. The total weight of the peal is 137 hundred weight and 24 pounds, and the bells have been tuned to the key of D. Eight of them were given by Mr. R. H. Rhodes, and the two smallest by Mr E. P. W. Miles. The latter bear the following inscription:
On the tenor bell, No. 10, which is the heaviest, being over 32 hundredweight, there is the following inscription:
It may be stated that in the year when the cathedral was consecrated, a Bellringers' Society was formed; it has been in existence ever since, and has about fifteen members. Probably the most impressive works inside the cathedral are the Selwyn Memorial Pulpit and the cenotaph or monument erected by public subscription in memory of Bishop Harper. The pulpit is a beautiful piece of workmanship. It is constructed entirely of stones found in the diocese. Four sculptured panels, in white alabaster, represent historic scenes in the life of Bishop Selwyn. One of the panels shows the Bishop preaching to the Maoris. Another represents a scene that occurred in 1856. When Bishop Harper arrived in New Zealand, Bishop Selwyn was at Lyttelton with his yacht, the “Southern Cross.” In those days, traffic was a very serious undertaking. The new Bishop had a large family and much luggage. To expedite matters, Bishop Selwyn sent some sailors asnore, and, cutting down some branches of trees, they roped them together, and made sledges, which were loaded up with Bishop Harper's household goods and then dragged over the Bridle Path to the Christchurch side of the hill. Bishop Selwyn himself took part in the work, and in the panel he is represented with a rope in his left hand, while with his right he grasps that of Bishop Harper. The third panel is entitled “The Church Constitution is Settled” (A.D. 1857). It represents Bishop Selwyn declaring that the constitution of the Church of the Province of New Zealand has been settled. The scene took place at Parnell, Auckland. An assembly for the formation of the New Zealand Church met in a small wooden church building. Just after the meeting had broken up, the Bishop, standing on the doorstep, and calling back some of the members, raised his hand and said—”Well, then, we understand the constitution is settled.” It is this incident which is represented by the panel. On the right of Bishop Selwyn are Sir William Martin, Mr. Swainson, and other laymen, and on his left Bishop Abraham and Bishop Hadfield. The fourth panel is “The Consecration of Bishop Patteson, 1861.” Besides the central figures, the scene represents Bishop Abraham, Bishop Hobhouse, and Sir William Martin.
The Harper Memorial cenotaph was raised by public subscription at a cost of £600. Upon the cenotaph there is the sculptured effigy of the departed Primate, an a recumbent
The Cathedral organ was selected by the Rev. Professor Sir F. A. G. Ouseley, and was built by the builders of the Westminster Abbey and Sydney Town Hall organs, Messrs Hill and Sons. It contains forty-four stops and 2054 pipes. In the choir stalls there is accommodation for sixteen men and twentyfour boys, and there are also stalls for twelve clergymen. These stalls, which will form part of the permanent choir when the cathedral is completed, were the gift of Mrs John Studholme. The eagle lectern, which is of carved oak, was the gift of Mrs Harper, wife of the first Bishop of Christchurch. Most of the stone columns and the stained windows were the gifts of churchmen and churchwomen. The stone work of the western doorway and of the rose window was carried out with funds raised by the Cathedral Guild. The northern column at the eastern end of the nave is in memory of Dr. Barker, one of the Canterbury Pilgrims, and was erected by members of his family. The northern porch was erected by the late Archdeacon Wilson, and a wellwisher in England contributed largely to the southern porch. The western porch was the gift of Mrs Creyke, and was erected in 1895 in memory of her husband, the late Mr. A. R. Creyke.
In 1901, a contract was let for the erection of the transepts, at a cost of £9100, and this work is now (1902) in progress. A determined effort is being put forth to raise £7000 to complete the whole structure, by combining with the present contract one for the erection of the chancel. In 1901, Canon Pollock, who had recently arrived from England, volunteered to undertake the work of conducting an active canvass to raise the Cathedral Completion Fund, as it is called. With that end in view he invited the cooperation of leading citizens of all denominations. A public meeting was held, and a strong committee was formed to carry out the work. The result is that a considerable sum of money has been subscribed, and the promoters hope that before the contract for the transepts is completed, a further one, to erect the chancel as well, will have been signed, and the completion of the cathedral will be practically an accomplished fact. When finished, the Christchurch Cathedral will undoubtedly be one of the handsomest and most monumental buildings in the Southern Hemisphere.
D. D., Bishop of Christchurch, was born in Richmond, Surrey, in 1847, educated at Blackheath Proprietary School, at King's College, London, and at Worcester College, Oxford, graduated B.A. in 1869, M.A. in 1871, and took his degree as D. D. in 1893. He was ordained deacon in 1871, priest in the following year, and was consecrated Bishop of Christchurch on the 1st of May, 1890. Dr. Julius was formerly vicar of Shapwick with Ashcott, Somersetshire, afterwards of Holy Trinity, Islington, subsequently archdeacon and vicar of Christ Church, Ballarat, whence he came to New Zealand. His Lordship is Warden of Christ's College, and a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. He was married in 1872 to Alice Frances, youngest daughter of Colonel Rowlandson, of Bournemonth, Hants, England, and has two sons and five daughters.
M.A., Dean of the Christchurch Cathedral, is the fourteenth child of the late Bishop Harper, and was born in Berkshire, England, in 1848. He was educated at Christ's College Grammar School, and Trinity College, Oxford, graduating B.A. in 1872, and M.A. in the following year. In 1874 he was admitted to deacon's orders, was ordained priest in 1875 by the Bishop of Chester, and for two years before his return to the colony in 1876, he was curate of Bebington, in Cheshire. After his return to the colony he was appointed to the curacy of Ellesmere and held the position till 1882, when he became incumbent of St. Michael's, Christchurch. He administered that parish for eleven years, until 1893, when he was appointed Canon of Christchurch Cathedral, head of the Theological Department of Christ's College, principal of college House, and sub-dean of the Cathedral. In November, 1901, some time after the death of Dean Jacobs, he was appointed Dean of Christchurch, and installed as such on the 16th of December, 1901. He still for the present (1902) retains the position of Principal of College House. In 1875 he was married to a daughter of Mr T. A. Hope, of Bebington, Cheshire. Mrs Harper died in September, 1880, leaving one son and two daughters.
Minor Canon of Christchurch Cathedral, Precentor of the Christchurch Diocesan Choral Association, and President of the Christchurch Cathedral Bellringers' Society, was born in England. He was educated primarily at a private school, and afterwards at Queen's College, an institution affiliated to the London University. Mr. Dunkley arrived in New Zealand in 1872, and was ordained in 1878 by the Primate, Bishop Harper. He was assistant master at Christ's College in 1876–9, Vicar of Phillipstown in 1878, Lincoln in 1879, Burnham in 1881, Courtenay in 1884, Assistant Precentor at the Christchurch Cathedral from 1885 till 1889, Organising Chaplain to the Primate, Bishop Harper, of Christchurch, in 1888–9, and Private Secretary to Bishop Julius from 1891 till 1892. Mr. Dunkley has published an Illustrated Visitors' Guide to the Christchurch Cathedral, containing a large amount of information. The proceeds of the
Honorary Canon of Christchurch Cathedral, and Chaplain-in-Ordinary to the Bishop of Christchurch youngest son of the late Venerable William Pollock, D.D., Vicar of Bowdon, Honorary Canon of Chester Cathedral and Archdeacon of Chester, was born in Liverpool in 1853, his mother being a daughter of the Very Rev. Dr Keatinge, Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin. He was educated at Atherstone Grammar School, Warwickshire, and at Bowdon College, Cheshire, and, after an interval of ten years, spent for the most part in visits to the Australian colonies, residence in Smyrna, and travelling in the United States, Canada, India, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor, and other parts of the East, went through the course of theological study for Holy Orders at St. Aidan's College, Birkenhead, under the (now) Most Rev. Dr William Saumarez Smith, Archbishop of Sydney, passing out First Class with the Certificate of Merit. He was ordained deacon at Chester in 1879, a priest in 1880, by the Right Rev. Dr Jacobson, Bishop of Chester. His first curacy—1879–1882—was that of St. John's, Altrincham, whence he went to the curacy of Stevenage,
M.A., Chaplain in Ordinary and Examining Chaplain to the Bishop, and Assistant Priest at the Christchurch Cathedral, is a son of Mr. C. W. Purchas, of New Brighton, and was born at Ross, Herefordshire, England, in 1860. He was primarily educated at Hereford Cathedral School, and came to New Zealand in 1879, when he matriculated in the University of New Zealand, and won a junior scholarship; two years later he obtained a senior scholarship; graduated B.A. in 1883, and M.A. in 1884, with third class honours in languages. Mr. Purchas was ordained deacon by the late Bishop Harper in 1884, and appointed curate at St. Michael's, Christchurch. Since then he has been successively incumbent of St. Matthew's, St. Albans, Theological Lecturer and Tutor in the Upper Department, Christ's College, and Vicar at Little River, and of Papanui. Mr. Purchas is an able and scholarly writer, and his last publication, “Johanine Problems and Modern Needs,” published by Messrs Macmillan in 1901, has been well received by thoughtful critics and readers. He marred a daughter of Mr. C. Percy Cox, and granddaughter of the late Bishop Harper.
Mus. Doc., Organist and Choirmaster of the Christchurch Cathedral, was selected by the Cathedral Chapter to succeed the late Mr. G. F. Tendall. He arrived in New Zealand in April, 1902, and shortly after taking up his duties the Canterbury College Board of Governors appointed him Lecturer in Music. Dr Bradshaw, who was born near Manchester in 1877, comes from a very musical family, and at an early age he showed promise of undoubted ability. In 1901 he obtained the degree of Doctor of Music at Owens College, Victoria University, Manchester. He is also an Associate of the Royal College of Music, Kensington, and of the Royal Manchester College of Music, and a licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, for pianoforte playing. Prior to leaving for New Zealand, Dr Bradshaw was organist and director of the choir of All Saints' Church, Scarborough, and had held similar positions in other parts of England. As a cathedral organist he was trained by Professor J. Rendrick Pyne, Mus. Doc., organist of Manchester Cathedral and Town Hall, and by Dr Henry Miles, Mus. Doc. For some time Dr Bradshaw was deputy organist of Manchester Cathedral, where he acquitted himself with credit and satisfaction to all. Dr Bradshaw is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, London, and he has the distinction of being the youngest Doctor of Music in the British Empire. He was also the Hargraves Exhibitioner at the Victoria University.
one of the Tenor Lay-Clerks of Christchurch Cathedral, is a Cornishman by birth, and was born in 1866. Arriving in Lyttelton with his parents in 1877, he attended the Wesleyan school in Durham Street, and was one of the first pupils at the Normal School. As a lad he was a member of the choir in the Wesleyan church. He was for several years in Australia, residing in Sydney and Brisbane, where he gained his early musical training, and commenced his career as a tenor singer. He was a member of the Philharmonic Society of Sydney, and the Musical Union of Brisbane. Mr. Hollow returned to Christchurch in 1887 and had two years' further training under Mr. T. W. Wells. He joined the Motett Society, and has been well known as a tenor soloist of the Musical Union. Mr. Hollow was married in 1896 to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Gawen, of Christchurch, and has one daughter.
Diocesan Clerk for the Diocese of Christchurch, was born in Lambeth, England, in 1829, and was educated at St. George's, Camberwell. He was brought up to educational pursuits, gained a certificate from the Committee of Education of the Privy Council, was second master for two years at St. Mary's, Tothill Fields, Westminster, and was afterwards headmaster for eight years. He came out to Lyttelton in 1859 per ship “Zealandia,” and was in business in Lyttelton as a general storekeeper for eight years. Resuming his educational career, he became master of St. Luke's school, and two years later established a private school, which he conducted for fourteen years. Mr. Gee was appointed diocesan clerk in 1895, is a churchwarden, nominator, chorister, and Sunday school teacher in connection with St. Saviour's church, Sydenham, and is chairman of the lay committee of the Diocesan Choral Society,
are incorporated under an Ordinance of the Provincial Council passed in 1859, and consist of the Right Reverend the Bishop of Christchurch and Messrs H. D. Andrews, H. W. Bishop, S. S. Blackburne, G. G. Bridges, P. J. Fryer, R. Hill Fisher, and H. H. Pitman; the Rev. Canon Knowles, secretary and treasurer; Mr. H. J. Beswick, solicitor; Mr E. D. Foot, accountant. This body controls the whole of the property of the Anglican Church in the Christchurch diocese, including the general trust, bishopric, and dean and chapter endowments, Church reserves, and all church, school and vicarage buildings and properties. The endowments of the Church were very well selected, and are of considerable value, the annual revenue being about £7600 per annum, and from other reserves about £1000 per annum. The total stipends paid to the clergy, outside the Cathedral, amounted to £13,950 for the year 1900.
Diocesan Secretary, Registrar, and Treasurer, and Secretary of the Church Property Trustees, was born in Limehouse. London, in 1830, and was educated at Stebon Heath House School, Stepney, London. He was brought up for the scholastic profession, and took the associate diploma of the College of Preceptors in 1848. He was ordained deacon in 1857 and priest two years later in Canterbury at the first ordination held by the late Bishop Harper. Canon Knowles came to Lyttelton by the ship “Travancore” in 1851, and became curate of Banks Peninsula in 1857, returned to Lyttelton in 1859, and was first curate, and in 1860 vicar at the Port, which latter office he filled till July, 1872. From that date until 1876 he was vicar of Merivale, and for two years, subsequently, of Balclutha, Otago. He was in Gladstone, Southland, in 1878–9, and was appointed in that year to the positions he now holds in Christchurch. He became an honorary canon of Christchurch Cathedral in 1894, and he holds the honorary offices of secretary and treasurer to the Cathedral. Canon Knowles was married in 1855, and again in 1891, and has two sons, one the vicar of Prebbleton and Templeton, and the other chief accountant in the Land and Survey Department at Wellington.
Doctor in Divinity, first Bishop of Christchurch, and second Primate of New Zealand, was born at Gosport, Hampshire, England, on the 9th of January, 1803. He was educated at Hyde Abbey School, Winchester, and at Quean's College, Oxford; proceeded to his B.A. degree in 1826, M.A. in 1840, and became Doctor in Divinity in 1856. From 1828 to 1836 he was Private Tutor at Eton College, and was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Rochester in 1831, and priest in 1832 by the Bishop of Lincoln. He held the curacy of Eton College in conjunction with a colleague from 1831 till 1840, when the College presented him with the vicarage of Stratified Mortimer, Berkshire, in the diocese of Oxford. There the future prelate did exceptionally valuable and noteworthy work, and remained in charge of the parish till 1856. In describing the character which he maintained as a parish priest at Stratfield Mortimer, an English journal said, at the close of his incumbency, that Mr. Harper “combined in a remarkable degree the most spotless integrity and pureness of life, firmness and sweetness of temper, largeness of views, and unflagging zeal, ever accompanied by prudence and moderation.” On the 10th of August, 1856, Dr Harper was consecrated Bishop of Christchurch at Lambeth, under Letters Patent from the Crown. Bishop Harper shortly afterwards sailed with his family for New Zealand, and arrived at Lyttelton on the 24th of December, and was enthroned on Christmas Day in the procathedral, Christchurch, the Church of St. Michael and All Angels. Till 1866 his diocese included all the southern part of the Middle Island, but in that year the diocese of Dunedin was brought into existence. In 1869, after Bishop Selwyn had left the colony and became Bishop of Lichfield, Bishop harper was elected Primate of New Zealand, and continued as such till 1890, when he retired through failing health. He died at Christchurch on the 28th of December, 1893, leaving behind in the moral consciousness of the people, the work of the Church and the provision made for education, much lasting good due to his wisdom, his high character and public spirit. Bishop Harper is fittingly commemorated by a sculptured effigy in the Christchurch Cathedral, the cost—£600—having been raised by public subscription.
D.D., sometime Dean of Christchurch, who was a well-known figure in Canterbury for about fifty years, was born in 1824 at Chale Abbey, near St. Catherine's, Isle of Wight. He was educated at Charterhouse School, London, where he became captain of the school, and obtained an open exhibition, leading in due course to a scholarship. He matriculated in 1841, subsequently took his B.A. and M.A. degrees and became a Michel Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, in 1848. He was ordained deacon in 1847, priest in the following year, and became curate of All Saints, Poplar, London. Mr. Jacobs was appointed in 1850 classical professor in the college which the Canterbury Association proposed to found in Christchurch, and arrived at Lyttelton on the 17th of December of that year. The following Sunday he conducted the first service in Canterbury, and in July, 1851, preached the sermon and conducted the service at the opening of the first church in Christchurch, afterwards St. Michael's. Dean Jacobs opened Christ's College Grammar School on 21st of April, 1862, as its first headmaster, and became Sub-Warden in the Deed of Foundation of the College on the 21st of May, 1855, and shortly afterwards Watts-Russell Professor. Resigning the headmastership in 1863, he was nominated incumbent of the parish of Christchurch. In 1864, having declined the bishopric of Nelson, Mr. Jacobs was appointed archdeacon of Christchurch, which office he resigned on being made dean of Christchurch in June, 1866. From 1865 to 1895 Dean Jacobs was one of the clerical representatives of the General Synod by the vote of the clergy of the diocese. He received in 1873 the cure of St. Michael and All Angels, Christchurch, was appointed for the second time archdeacon of Christchurch in May, 1876, and held the office for seven years in conjunction with that of dean. During the absence of the late Bishop Harper in England
sometime Archdeacon of Christchurch and Vicar of Opawa, belonged to a branch of one of the oldest and noblest families of England; he was closely related to the Marquis of Cholomondeley, and was a cousin of the present Lord Delamere. The history of these families dates back to the eleventh century. The late Archdeacon's estate at Port Levy is named after the old family seat, “Vale Royal,” the residence of the present Lord Delamere. The subject of this sketch was born at Peel, Isle of Man, in 1833, and came to New Zealand in the early fifties, when he joined his cousin, Thomas Cholmondeley, and his brother Charles at Port Levy. Subsequently he returned to England, and studied at St. Aidan's College, Birkenhead, where he took deacon's orders in 1858, and priest's in 1859. After serving two curacies, one in Norfolk and the other in Gloucestershire, under the same rector, Archdeacon Philpott, he returned to New Zealand in 1861. He was temporarily located as curate at St. Michael's, Christchurch, and afterwards became vicar of the pastoral cure of the Waimakariri. In 1862 he was appointed to the parish of Heathcote, where he remained until 1875. He was Diocesan Secretary from 1887 to 1890, and became vicar of Opawa in 1875, a canon of the Christchurch Cathedral in 1882, and Archdeacon of Christchurch in 1890. During his lifetime Archdeacon Cholmondeley published many valuable works on religious subjects, notably, “Retrospect and Prospect,” and “Church Work,” together with other single sermons. In 1876 he wrote a reply to the tract, “Does the Church of England Sanction Auricular Confession,” and in 1885 he published a pamphlet, entitled, “Clergy Pensions.” Archdeacon Cholmondeley was a member of the Historical Committee of the Canterbury Natives' Association, and the very complete work, containing the names of the Canterbury pioneers who arrived in the ships of the Canterbury Association, was compiled mainly by him. After a long life spent in the service of the Church, Archdeacon Cholmondeley died at the vicarage of Opawa, on the 11th of December, 1901, deeply regretted by all classes and denominations. He left a widow and a surviving family of two sons and three daughters to mourn his loss. The youngest daughter is married to Mr. G. U. Tapper, accountant at the Christchurch branch of the Bank of New Zealand.
Mus. Bac., and sometime Organist and Choirmaster of Christchurch Cathedral, was born in Essex, England, in 1845. At an early age it was decided he should follow the musical profession, and he was educated accordingly. When thirteen years of age he became organist of Yattendon church, Berkshire, and was thenceforward a professional musician. He was appointed locum tenens for the organist of Newbury Parish church, Berkshire, in 1863, and, subsequently, studied under Dr. (afterwards Sir John) Stainer at Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1872, he took his Mus. Bac. degree at Oxford, and two years later succeeded his fellow-pupil and friend (afterwards Sir George Martin, organist of St. Paul's), as organist to the Duke of Buccleuch, at Dalkeith, and was also organist at St. Peter's church, Edinburgh. Although thus having every chance of stepping to the front rank of his profession. Mr. Tendall was obliged to resign on account of ill-health in 1880, and landed in New Zealand in the following year. His fame having preceded him, he was offered appointments immediately on his arrival, at Christchurch, Wellington, and Nelson, but on account of the local educational advantages for his children, accepted the organistship of St. Michael's church, Christchurch. In 1885, Mr. Tendall was appointed organist at the Cathedral, and five years later became lecturer on music at Canterbury University College. He was one of the examiners in music for the New Zealand University, an honorary member of the Royal College of Organists, and honorary local representative of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, London. Mr. Tendall's eldest son, who was his assistant for many years, went to the Royal College of Music, and afterwards obtained a scholarship at Cambridge of the value of £60 a year, tenable for three years, graduating B.A. in 1897. Miss Tendall, M.A., Tinline Scholar, is a mistress in the Wanganui Girls' College. Miss Mabel Tendall is a diplomee of the National Training School for Cooking, South Kensington, and Mr. C. E. Tendall commenced his musical career as assistant organist at Christchurch Cathedral. Mr. Tendall died on the 25th of October, 1901.
Lichfield Street, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. This church was the first in Canterbury, but the old building was demolished years ago, all except the picturesque bell-tower, which has been retained to excellent purpose in respect to the appearance of the church and its association with the past. The situation, close to the beautiful banks of the river Avon, is fine in the extreme. St. Michael's possesses a fine pipe organ, and a well-trained surpliced choir takes part in the service. There is seat accommodation for about 700 persons, and the parish has a population of about 5000.
M.A., Vicar of St. Michael's, was born in 1865 at Stafford, England. He was educated at King Edward the VI.'s Grammar School, and studied afterwards at St. John's College, Oxford, where he took his B.A. degree in 1887, and his M.A. in 1891. On leaving Oxford Mr. Averill pursued his theological studies at Ely Theological College. He was ordained deacon at St. Paul's Cathedral by the present Archbishop of Canterbury, then Bishop of London, and was appointed curate at St. George's Church, Hanover Square, where he remained till 1891. His next appointment was that of curate of Holy Trinity Church, Dulston, and he continued there until 1894, when, having been offered the appointment of vicar of St. Michael and All Angels Church, Christchurch, he came to New Zealand and took charge.
B.A. (Oxford), Curate of St. Michael and All Angels Church, is second son of the Bishop of Christchurch, and was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1874. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, New Zealand, and completed his studies at Keble College, Oxford, and the Leeds Clergy School, taking his B.A. degree in 1896. Mr.
A. Mus. T.C.L., Organist of St. Michael's Church, Christchurch, hails from Buckingham, England, where he was born in 1860. He was educated at the Brunswick High School, Leamington, and studied music under Mr. John Old, of Reading. He became assistant master at Leamington College, where he remained for three and a half years, was afterwards at Trinity College, London, and studied the organ under Mr. W. Stevenson Hoyte, the piano under Mr. B. Turner, and harmony under Dr. Saunders Mr. Hunt was organist at Brampton parish church, Cumberland, and precentor of the parish choirs association for three years and a half. He was a pupil of Dr. C. H. Lloyd, organist of Christ's church, Oxford. Mr. Hunt came to Lyttelton in 1884 per ship “British Queen,” to take up the position of assistant organist at the Cathedral. He was afterwards appointed organist of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, and held the position until January, 1900, when he was appointed organist and choirmaster at St. Michael and All Angels. He was married in 1885 at St. Mary's, Addington, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Hudspith, of Hollinstone, Brampton, Cumberland, and has two daughters and three sons.
Manchester and Kilmore Streets, Christchurch. This church was first opened on the 30th of December, 1860, as a chapel-of-ease to St. Michael's. Up to that date the portion known as the middle and south aisles only had been erected; but in 1864 the north aisle was added, and ten years later the chancel apse and the tower and spire were built, and the church lengthened at the west end by 12 feet. The building was thus made equal to the accommodation of 620 persons. The organ at present in the church was designed by the late Mr. Neville Barnett, and purchased at a cost of £785. It was made by Messrs Bishop and Sons, London. The choir is surpliced, and the service is semichoral. There is a celebration of the Holy Communion every Sunday, at 8 a.m. on the first and third Sundays, and at noon on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
Archdeacon of Akaroa and Vicar of St. Luke's, Christchurch, was born at Runcorn, Cheshire, England, and educated at the Grammar Schools of Manchester and Heverham, and at St. Edmond Hall, Oxford. He came to Nelson, New Zealand, in 1860, and was appointed a master of the Bishop's School and Secretary to Bishop Hobhouse, first Bishop of Nelson. In 1864 he was appointed to Headmastership at Christ's College, where he remained for a year and a half. He was ordained by the late Bishop Harper in 1864, and appointed incumbent of Governor's Bay in the following year. Archdeacon Lingard took charge of the parish of St. Luke's on the 7th of April, 1867. He performed his work unassisted until April, 1874, when the Rev. C. J. Merton was appointed curate, the first appointment of the kind made in the diocese. Mr. Merton remained in office for one year, and the position was next filled by the Rev. E. A. Scott, who occupied it until Easter, 1878. Since then various gentlemen have successively assisted Archdeacon Lingard.
who was appointed Organist and Choirmaster at St. Luke's Church, Christchurch, in November, 1898, is the second son of Mr. Bunz, the well-known musician. Mr. Bunz was borr in Christchurch in 1876, and commenced his musical career under his father's tuition. At the age of thirteen he became a member of the theatre orchestra, and four years later began to learn the organ at St. Mary's, Manchester Street. Subsequently he studied under Mr. A. J. Merton and Mr. G. F. Tendall, and was appointed organist at St. Mark's in March, 1895. At Easter, 1897, Mr. Bunz was appointed organist and choirmaster at St. Luke's, Oamaru, where he remained until he received his present appointment. Before he
Latimer Square. Christchurch, is a handsome, substantial building in stone, and stands in well-planted grounds. The outer walls are covered with clinging ivy, which gives a pleasing and venerable appearance to the building. There are numerous windows of stained glass, and the effect of the light thus received within the church is very fine. St. John's possesses a superior pipe organ, and the musical portion of the service is rendered by a surpliced choir. Services are held thrice on Sunday, matins are said daily at 9 a.m., there is an evening service each Wednesday at 7.30 p.m., and the Holy Communion is celebrated on every festival and Holy Day.
M.A., Vicar of St. John's, and Chaplain to the Bishop of Christchurch, was born at Boston, Lincolnshire, England, and was primarily educated in a London grammar school. He graduated B.A. and M.A. in the University of Sydney, with first class honours in Logic, Mental, Moral, and Political Philosophy; was trained in the Moore Theological College, Sydney, where he won the highest distinctions and took the Hodgson Greek Testament Prize and the College Prize at the end of each term. Mr. Woodthorpe was ordained deacon in 1884 and priest in 1886 by the Most Rev. Dr Barry, Primate of Australia. He was curate of Christchurch, North Sydney, from 1886 to 1890, and from 1890 till 1892 was vice-warden and tutor of St. Paul's College in the University of Sydney. In the latter year he was invited by Bishop Julius to New Zealand, and was vicar of Kumara from 1892 till 1894, and from 1894 till 1897 chaplain of the Maori Mission. In February, 1897, Mr. Woodthorpe went to England and entered as a Research Student in the University of Oxford, where he pursued post-graduate studies under Mr. Edward Caird, Master of Balliol, and under Professors Stewart and Clark-Wilson. He afterwards studied in Germany, and at Harvard University, and Clark University, Worcester, Massachussets, United States of America. Mr. Woodthorpe returned to New Zealand at the close of 1898, and became chaplain to the Bishop and Vicar of Ashburton from 1899 till March, 1902, when he entered on his present cure. “The Rise, Progress and Present Prospects of the Christian Church,” “The Philosophical Basia of Economics,” “Moral and Social Evolution,” have been written and published by him, and he is now (May, 1902) preparing for publication the thesis for his Research Degree: “Modern Sociology in the Light of Philosophy.”
Organist of St. John's Church, Latimer Square, is a native of Windsor, England, where he was born in 1863. Up till the ago of nine years, he suffered from imperfect sight, and since that period he has been totally blind. His case came under the notice of Her Majesty the Queen, who undertook his entire education. He was sent to a college for the blind, where he studied music under Messrs. Barmby, Strickland, and Banks for several years. He subsequently completed his musical studies under Sir George Elvey, Queen's Organist at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. At the age of sixteen and a half years Mr. Faulkner was appointed organist at Englefield Green, at the parish of Egham, Surrey, and this was the commencement of his present musical career. Before leaving the Old Land, Mr. Faulkner frequently played before distinguished people, and gave concerts on one occasion under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Christian. In 1885, he came to Port Chalmers via Melbourne, and was appointed organist at St. Matthew's church, Dunedin, where he remained for some time. His next appointment was at St. John's, Roslyn, and two years later he became organist at Trinity Wesleyan church, Dunedin, where he continued for nine years. Removing to Christchurch, he was appointed organist at St. Mary's church. Merivale, and in 1896 took up his duties at St. John's church, Latimer Square. Mr. Faulkner was married in 1890 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Skelton, of Auckland, and has one daughter.
Avonside, will, when the contemplated additions are completed, be a handsome and imposing landmark in the district. Of the
Honorary Canon of Christchurch and Vicar of Avonside, was born in London, and educated at St. Augustine's College, Canterbury, England. He came to New Zealand in 1870, and was ordained in January, 1871, by the late Bishop Harper. Mr. Pascoe was vicar of Waimate from 1871 to 1875, and of Hokitika from 1875 to 1877. He acted as locum tenens at St. Luke's, Christchurch, from 1877 to 1878, when he was appointed to Prebbleton-cumTempleton. Mr. Pascoe has been in charge of his present parish since 1880, and Avonside is so extensive that its vicar's life is necessarily a busy one. Mr. Pascoe visited England in 1883, and again in 1900, and was much benefited by both trips. He is a member of the Diocesan Standing Committee and Honorary Chaplain to the Linwood Rifle volunteer corps. Mr. Pascoe is married, and has a family of three sons.
M.A. (New Zealand), Curate of Holy Trinity, Avonside, is a son of Mr. T. C. Norris, of Christchurch, and was born in Surrey, England, in 1876. He came with his parents to New Zealand in 1880, and was educated at Christ's College Grammar School, and at Canterbury College. Mr. Norris graduated B.A. in 1899, M.A., with honours, in 1901, and was ordained on the 22nd of December, 1901, by the Bishop of Christchurch. During his college career Mr Norris was an enthusiastic volunteer, and in January, 1900, went as a lance-corporal of the Second Contingent to South Africa, and served with his company continuously through the campaign, returning as a sergeant in May, 1901. He is entitled to wear, with the South African war medal, the four clasps, “Johannesburg,” “Diamond Hills,” “Orange Free State,” and “Cape Colony.” Mr. Norris completed his theological course after his return, and then received his ordination.
Organist of Holy Trinity Church, Avonside, was born in 1880 in Christchurch. He studied music for several years and was a member of the Cathedral choir. He received instruction on the organ under Mr. Tendall for a short time, and was afterwards under the tuition of Mr. Davis Hunt, organist of St. Michael's. Mr. Lake was appointed to the position he now holds in 1901.
Sydenham. This church was consecrated in 1878. The first incumbent was the late Rev. H. B. Cocks, M.A., who resigned in 1892, and to whose memory a handsome stone pulpit has been erected in the church. The ordinary Sunday and weekly services are held; there is a fine organ in the church, and the music is acknowledged to be very good.
Vicar of St. Saviour's, was born at Northampton, England, in 1850, and competed his education at Stratford-on-Avon. He came to New Zealand in 1876, and was ordained in that year by the late Bishop Harper. His first appointment was that of curate under Archdeacon Lingard, at St. Luke's, Christchurch. In two years he was translated to the incumbency of Kumara, where he remained from 1878 till 1883. He was appointed vicar of Ashburton, where he remained till he was appointed to take charge of his present parish in 1893. Mr. Scott issues a Parish Magazine, which has a circulation of about 450. He also holds fortnightly services in the Rhodes' Convalescent Home.
has been Organist of St. Saviour's Church, Sydenham, for eight years. She is referred to in another article as a teacher of the piano and organ.
M.A., Vicar of Kumara and Waimea, is a son of the Rev. Thomas Jasper Smyth, vicar of Akaroa, and was born at Kapunda, South Australia, in 1871. He accompanied his father to New Zealand in 1883 and was educated at Christ's College and at Canterbury College. He graduated B.A. in 1897, and M.A. in 1898, and was ordained by the Bishop of Christchurch in 1897. Mr. Smyth was curate at Rangiora and Fernside in 1897 and 1898, and then he removed to St. Saviour's, Sydenham, where he was curate from 1899 to 1902, when he was appointed to his present charge. He was married, in 1899, to Miss Mayo, daughter of Mr. G. Mayo, of Addington.
Addington. This church stands in large and well-kept grounds. The present vicar has been indefatigable in his efforts to get it enlarged, and at present it is practically free from debt. Two services are held on Sunday, and there is also a Wednesday night service.
of St. Mary's, Addington, was born at Enfield, near London, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1858, when he was about one year old. He was educated at Christ's College, and ordained deacon in 1881, and priest in 1883, by the late Bishop Harper. He was for two years curate at St. Michael's, Christchurch, for five years vicar of Sheffield, Springfield, and Hororata, and vicar of Kumara, Stafford and Waimea, for four years. In 1892 he was appointed vicar of Addington, where he has been continuously in charge. Mr. Bean has always taken a great interest in volunteering, and has been chaplain to the Canterbury Engineer Volunteer Corps for nine years. He is also chaplain to the Samaritan Home, Addington. Mr. Beam was married at Kumara on the 31st of March, 1891, to the eldest daughter of the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, the Premier of New Zealand.
Phillipstowh, Linwood. The original wooden building was replaced by the present church, in brick, in 1884. When this building is completed it will be a handsome church in the Gothic style. At present there is accommodation for about 200 persons. The service, which is of an advanced type, is helped by a well-trained surpliced choir of thirty, accompanied by a pipe organ. The original wooden church, removed to a separate site, is now used as a Sunday school, which has an average attendance of 200. The handsome spire which ornaments the church was erected by public subscription to the memory of the late Mr. W. B. Mountford, who took a great interest in the church, of which he was the architect, vestryman, and cross-bearer.
Vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Phillipstown, is a son of the Rev. Edward Ensor, and was born in 1858. He was educated at Trent College, Nottinghamshire, England, and came to New Zealand in 1880. After various experiences in mining and other vocations, he was ordained by the late Bishop Suter, of Nelson, in 1888. Since then he has been successively vicar of Havelock, vicar of Kaikoura, curate of St. Michael's, Christchurch, and vicar of Leeston. Mr. Ensor entered on his present cure in 1899, holding also the chaplaincy of the Female Refuge, and of the Community of the Sisters of Bethany.
who is Organist at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Phillipstown, is referred to in another article as a teacher of music.
St. Albans. St. Matthew's Parochial District originally formed part of the large parish of St. Luke, from which it was separated in 1882, the rector of St. Luke's, the Rev. E. A. Lingard, and his people generously co-operating. The Rev. E. A. Mortimer was the first vicar of St. Matthew's. The church and large schoolroom were built about the year 1876. In 1883 the parsonage was erected. The Rev. W. E. Gillam was appointed vicar in 1885, and during his ministry the church was further enlarged to its present capacity, and a pipe organ was erected. The Rev. T. Purchas, M.A., was incumbent from 1887 to 1890. The present vicar, the Rev. Henry Williams, was inducted in January, 1891. A parish room was built in the following year. The church is built of wood and is Gothic in design. It consists of nave, chancel and vestry, and has a small bell turret. Accommodation is provided for 250 persons, and the seats are free and unappropriated. There is a surpliced choir and the service is monotoned. Saints' days are observed, and daily prayers are said in Advent and Lent. There is no debt whatever on the parish. In addition to a flourishing Sunday school there has always been a Church day school attached to the parish which is conducted, under the care of the vicar, by a head mistress and an assistant teacher. One feature of interest is the Young Men's Guild, which has existed for eight years, and has now a membership of seventy or eighty young men. There is also a large Church of England Temperance Society in connection with the parish.
St. Matthew's Church, St. Albans, was born in Bristol, England, in 1841, and is the eldest son of Mr. Mark Castle Williams of that city. He was educated for the Congregational ministry at the Bristol College. His first charge was at Cockfield, Suffolk. During his pastorate a minister's residence, day school, and commodores stables were erected, and opened free of debt. In 1871 he became pastor of the Independent Chapel, Grove Street, Boston, Lincolnshire. While he was there, some £1500 was raised for the interior renovation of the chapel, and the alteration of school buildings. Mr. Williams came to New Zealand in December, 1879, and succeeded the late Rev. James Habens, B.A. (who had been appointed Inspector-General of State Schools) at pastor of Trinity Congregational Church, Christchurch. He was chairman of the Congregational Union in 1883. After a pastorate of four years Mr. Williams entered the ministry of the Church of England, and was ordained deacon by Bishop Harper in Christchurch Cathedral, in March, 1884. His first appointment was as assistant curate at Summer and Woolston. The following year he became vicar of Oxford, a position he held till 1891, when he accepted nomination to the parish of St. Matthew's, St. Albans. Mr. Williams was appointed in 1898, by the Bishop of Christchurch, editor of the “New Zealand Church News.” He is author of “The Church's Ministry to the Nation's Youth,” “The Poetry of the Bible,” “The Influence of Maurice on Theology,” “A Witness for the Holy Ghost,” “Lessons for Sunday School Teachers,” “Help for Sunday School Teachers,” “Sunday School Buildings,” “The Sunday School an Integral Part of the Church,” Tracts for the Liberation Society and Text Book Association, and also of many newspaper and magazine articles.
Merivale, Christchurch, is a somewhat picturesque wooden building. It was erected about 1865, and has accommodation for 355 persons. The organ was formerly used in the Christchurch Cathedral; there is a well-trained choir, and the music is good. Merivale parish has a population of about 4000. A church day school, with an attendance of about forty pupils, is supported by church funds.
Vicar of Merivale, was born at Northam, North Devon, England, in 1851, and was educated at Clifton College, and at St. Andrew's University, Scotland. He was ordained deacon in 1877 at Wellington by Bishop Hadfield, and afterwards appointed assistant curate at Masterton, where he remained from 1877 to 1880, when he was appointed to Banks' Peninsula. Mr. Gosset was curate of Rangiora and Woodend from 1881 till 1883, and in 1887 became vicar of Woodend, Ashley and Loburn. He was appointed vicar of Heathcote in 1891, and chaplain of the Jubilee Home in 1896.
Papanui, is a handsome wooden building of much architectural beauty, and is ornamented with a fine spire. The interior is comparatively plain, but the rich glowing colouring of the numerous stained glass windows and beautiful chancel combine to form a pleasing and impressive picture. The church stands within a well kept cemetery, where many prominent pioneer settlers are buried. St. Paul's possesses a fine peal of five bells, the gift of the late Mr. John H. Matson, who was so long connected with the church. In 1880 Mr. Matson presented a peal of bells which were lost in the ill-fated “Knowsley Hall” on their way out. Fortunately they were insured, and he spent a portion of the insurance money in laying gas on to the church, and he also ordered a fresh peal, which was duly hung in the tower in 1880. When the early settlers arrived, Papanui had about seventy acres of native bush, consisting of red and white pine and totara. This timber attracted sawyers who carried on a considerable industry, which led to the district receiving its present name from the fact of the Maoris terming the sawn timber papanui; papa, flat, and nui, a board; Papanui. In 1853 the first church was built from timber cut in this bush and presented by the late Mr. Brittan. This old structure was sold and removed in 1876 to make room for the present church, and it still does duty as a blacksmith's shop on the opposite side of the street. The first services were conducted by the Rev. Edward Puckle, who then resided at Heathcoat; and the first entry in the baptismal register was that of Randolph Theodore Chaney, who was born on board the ship “Randolph” on the 10th of September, 1850, and baptised by the Rev. Mr. Puckle with three other children. Since then the district has advanced in material prosperity; it has now a large and increasing population, and has given birth to two daughter parishes, namely, Merivale, which originally formed a portion of Papanui parish, and Belfast, which, was created a separate parish in 1890.
M.A., F.G.S., F.C.S., Vicar of Papanui, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1857, and was educated at Sydney University, where he took his B.A. degree in 1880; became Belmore Gold Medallist for Geology and Agricultural Chemistry, and M.A. in 1882, School of Natural Science; F.G.S. and F.C.S., England, 1886; Curate at St. Michael's, Surrey Hills, Sydney, 1830 till 1883; Acting-Professor of Eperimental Physics at the University, Sydney, 1882–1883; Vicar of Holy Trinity, Glen Innes, diocese of Grafton and Armidale, 1883–1890; S.P.G. Deputy
wife of the Rev. Joseph Campbell, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1862. In her girlhood she gave promise of intellectual ability, and took the Sydney University prize at the junior and senior examinations, and the medal for French. She was an excellent musician, and played the organ at the City Church at an early age. When only twenty years of age she was married to the Rev. Joseph Campbell, and directed her attention to the studies in which he was engaged as Acting-Professor in Experimental Physics at Sydney University. Already an excellent Latin scholar, she took up Greek, and also read theology and general literature. A residence in London, from 1886 to 1889, was of such advantage to her, that she was anxious her two daughters should enjoy a similar privilege, and with that and in view she left New Zealand for England, with her children. It had been Mr. Campbell's intention to accompany her, but his acceptance of the incumbency of Papanui made it necessary for him to remain in New Zealand. After being in London for a little while Mrs Campbell was told by physicians that she must be careful of her health, but she did not attach much importance to this warning. Later on, however, her health really gave way, and when her condition became serious, the best medical advice recommended an immediate operation. This was effected, but Mrs Campbell, never rallying, died on the 24th of October, 1901, at the age of thirty-nine. On the receipt of a cable message telling him of his wife's serious condition, Mr. Campbell set about making arrangements to leave immediately for England, but before he had time to get away, another message announcing Mrs Campbell's death came to hand. It came as a great shock to the parishioners with whom, during her short residence in Papanui, the deceased lady had become very popular. On the 12th of January, 1902, her husband presented and dedicated a handsome carved eagle lectern in St. Paul's Church, Papanui, to her memory. It bears the following inscription on a brass plate: “To the glory of God, and to the dear memory of Eliza Marion, wife of Joseph Campbell, M.A., Vicar of this Parish, who fell asleep while on a visit to London, on the 24th day of October, 1901. Requiescat in pace.”
Fendalton, is a modest wooden building, with bell tower, and was originally built as a chapel-of-ease to St. Peter's, Riccarton. Fendalton was formed into a separate parish in 1883. The first incumbent was the Rev. I. Chaffers Welsh, who officiated for four years, and was succeeded by Canon Stack, who was incumbent till 1893, when the present vicar took charge. The church has seats for 220 persons, and the ordinary Sunday and weekly services are held. The parish is singular in having only one church and one clergyman. St. Barnabas has a fine pipe organ, which cost £400, and a well-trained choir. There is a public school which is attended daily by the vicar, and a Bible class has been daily held for the last eighteen years, with the very best results. The Sunday school has an attendance of about ninety-five pupils, who obtained the golden certificate awarded in 1901 for the largest average points in the examinations.
Vicar of Fendalton, is a son of the Rev. Hugh Hamilton, who was for fifty years Vicar of Manston, Leeds, Yorkshire; three of that clerical patriarch's sons are now (1902) clergymen in the diocese of Christchurch. The Vicar of Fendalton was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1849, and was educated at various private schools. He joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman in 1863, and served with Captain Tryon, afterwards Admiral Sir George Tryon, but after eleven years of service, he retired on account of ill-health, in 1874, with the rank of lieutenant. He was a specialist in gunnery and navigation. After his retirement from the Navy Mr. Hamilton came to New Zealand, with the intention of following sheepfarming, but, not seeing sufficient inducement, he and his brothers started sawmilling at East Oxford, where they were disastrously
Riccarton. The parish of Riccarton is identified with the early history of Canterbury. While the Plains were yet absolutely uninhabited, saving for periodical visits of the Maoris from the nearest pas, for the purpose of fishing, the late Mr. John Deans and his brother obtained grants of land from the natives and settled close to a patch of bush growing near the Avon. To this they gave the name of Riccarton, from their native place in Ayrshire, Scotland, and on the settlement of the Province in 1850 the name was given to the whole district. For some eighteen months in 1852–1853 services were held fortnightly at Mr. Deans' house by the late Rev. M. Puckle, but after that there do not seem to have been any regular ministrations of the church until 1857, although the district was constituted a parish in 1854. In 1857 the Rev. Croasdaile Bowen, afterwards Archdeacon, was ordained and placed in charge of the parish. Mr. Bowen at once went about the work of erecting a church, which was consecrated by the late Bishop Harper in 1858, and for thirtythree years he lived and worked in the parish until his death in 1890. The rapid growth of the parish rendered it necessary to enlarge the church in 1859 by lengthening the nave and south aisle, and adding the north transept, and a chancel. The tower was built in 1871. In 1876 a new chancel was built of stone, and placed at the end of the old chancel, which then formed part of the nave. Owing to the decay of parts of the old wooden building it became again necessary to make further alterations and improvements, and in the year 1900–1 a sum of nearly £1500 was raised, and the present north and south transepts, with two bays of the nave, were built and consecrated in Easter week, 1901. The church is now a handsome imposing structure of stone with white Oamaru stone facings. The interior is ornamented with many stained glass memorial windows of the richest colouring and artistic design. There is a pipe organ of superior tone, and a well-trained surpliced choir. Three Sunday services are held, in addition to the ordinary weekly services. The glebe land was generously given by Archdeacon Mathias, who for many years took great interest in the affairs of the parish. The cemetery adjoining the church is beautifully planted with ornamental trees, and many of the pioneers of Canterbury lie buried amid his sacred seclusion. The vicarage grounds adjoining owe their great beauty entirely to the late Archdeacon Bowen, who laid out and planted the whole, and made the vicarage one of the most beautiful in Canterbury. A chapel-of-ease is situated at Yaldhurst, where Sunday afternoon services are held and occasional morning services.
M.A., Vicar of St. Peter's, Riccarton, is a son of the late Rev. Seneca W. Winter, who was for twenty years vicar of St. Barnabas', Birmingham, and was born at Hastings, England, in 1855. He was educated at Wadham College, Oxford, and took his B.A. degree in 1879 and his M.A. in 1889. Mr. Winter was ordained in 1878, by the Bishop of Peterborough, and during the year following was curate at Lutterworth, Leicestershire. From 1879 until 1885 he held curacies at Bitteswell. Leicestershire, St. Giles, Camberwell, StokeBruerne, Northamptonshire, and at Tormohun,
Woolston. This church is in the parish of Heathcote, which has three churches, St. John's, Woolston, All Saints, Summer, and St. Mary's, Heathcote Valley, all wooden buildings; those at Woolston and Summer each accommodate 150 persons, and that at Heathcote Valley has room for forty worshippers.
B.A., Vicar of St. John's, Woolston, was born near London. He was primarily educated in a London school, and afterwards entered Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1869. After his ordination in 1872, Mr. Hoggins went to Demerara, British Guiana, where for about two years he was second master at the Georgetown Grammar School, and fulfilled at the same time the duties of curate at the Pro-Cathedral. From 1873 till 1878 he was Vicar of Betterverwagting, in British Guiana. Mr. Hoggins returned to England in 1879, and was for five years engaged as a curate and a teacher in Yorkshire and London, besides lecturing for the S.P.G. Society. In 1884 he arrived in Australia, where he had charge of the Northern Areas Mission, Adelaide. He was appointed Rector of Cassilis, New South Wales, in 1887, and five years later held a similar appointment at St. Barnabas, Brisbane, which he left in 1896. Mr. Hoggins arrived in Christchurch in 1897, and after, acting as locum tenens at Phillipstown, he became Diocesan Inspector of Schools, and received his present appointment in July, 1902. He has published several papers on economic and social questions, and during his residence in Brisbane was Extension Lecturer on Sociology for the Sydney University. He has given special attention to and given lectures on educational subjects. Mr. Hoggins is a widower, with one son and two daughters.
Opawa, is a fine wooden building, which was erected in 1865. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Selwyn, the first Primate of New Zealand, and Bishop Patterson, the first Bishop of Melanesia, also took part in the ceremony. The church is finely situated, and surrounded by shady trees of various kinds; and the vicarage, which is within a short distance, stands in well-kept grounds, with an orchard. The interior of the church is very attractive with several coloured glass windows, and there is an excellent pipe organ.
B.A. (New Zealand University), Vicar of St. Mark's, is a son of the late Rev. H. B. Cocks, Sometime incumbent of Sydenham, Christchurch, and was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1866. He accompanied his father to New Zealand in 1873; was educated at Christ's College and afterwards at the Canterbury College; took his B.A. degree in 1890; was ordained deacon in 1890, and priest in 1894, by the Bishop of Christchurch. Mr. Cocks was curate at Governor's Bay from 1891 till 1892, curate at Timaru to Arohdeacon Harper from 1892 till 1894, and from that year till 1895 curate at St. Michael's, Christchurch. In 1895 Mr. Cocks was appointed vicar of Southbridge, and held that position until he became vicar of St. Mark's, Opawa, in 1902. Mr. Cocks married Miss Gebbie, daughter of the late Mr. John Gebbie, a prominent settler on the Peninsula.
Organist and Choirmaster of St. Mark's Church, Opawa, was born in Christchurch, and educated at Christ's College. After about three years in the Bank of New Zealand, he joined his father, Mr. C. W. Turner, by whom he has since been employed in a confidential capacity. He received his musical training under the late Mr. N. G. Barnett, F.C.O., then organist of St. Luke's, but who died in Sydney, where he was organist of St. Mary's Cathedral. Mr. Turner was organist of St. Mary's church, Merivale, for seven years, was afterwards choirmaster and organist at St. John the Baptist's Church, Latimer Square, and was appointed to his present position in 1897. He was for some time a member of the committee of the Christchurch Musical Union, and was also a member of the Motett Society. Mr. Turner is a member of the Masonic Order, attached to Lodge St. Albans, E.C. He is organist of the Hiram Mark Lodge and a companion of the Prince of Wales Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Turner is interested in rowing, and has been a member of the committee of the Canterbury Rowing Club since 1888.
Christchurch. The first Presbyterian congregation established in Canterbury was that of St. Andrew's Church, in connection with which a committee was formed in 1854, with Mr. W. Wilson as secretary. The Rev. C. Fraser, M.A., arrived in April, 1856, and officiated for a time in the Wesleyan Church until February, 1857, when the first church built upon the present site, opposite the Christchurch Hospital, was opened, the total cost amounting to £900. The church was enlarged in 1862, and Mr. Fraser's connection with the ministry terminated in January, 1883. The Rev. W. Dinwiddie, LL.B., of North Belt, Christchurch, was inducted on the 12th of November, 1883, but resigned in 1886. On the 16th of December, 1887, the Rev. Gordon Webster, M.A., formerly of the Free Church, Girvan, Ayrshire, was inducted, and during his ministry the church was reconstructed at a cost of £2000. Mr. Webster was Moderator of the Assembly in 1898, and took a prominent place in Church courts, where his opinion carried great weight. Early in 1900 Mr. Webster, who had gone to the Old Country in search of health, was compelled to resign, and he was succeeded in October, of the same year, by the Rev. John Mackenzie, M.A., the present minister, who came from the Thames. In 1902 a commodious schoolroom was erected at a cost of £1250. At present (May, 1902) the church is being enlarged, and a pipe organ is about to be erected. The members number 190; the stipend is £400 a year, and the total revenue for 1901–1902 was £885.
M.A., Minister in charge of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, was born in 1869 at Geraldine, Canterbury, and was educated there and at the Timaru High School. He afterwards attended the Otago University, where he graduated B.A. in 1891, and M.A., with honours in English and Latin, in the
Christchurch. This is one of the finest churches in the city. It has sitting accommodation for 1000 persons. The interior of the church is very handsome and striking, but, like all Presbyterian churches, devoid of much internal ornamentation. There is a fine organ, which cost £800, and the choir is one of the best trained in Christchurch. A handsome room has recently been built and opened in connection with the church, for holding a young men's Bible class, which numbers eighty-four. Both St. Paul's Church and manse are now well nigh free from debt.
M.A., D.D., Pastor of St. Paul's Church, Christchurch, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1831. He was primarily educated at the local parish school and grammar school, and studied at the King's College and University of Aberdeen, and at the Free Church College of that city. In 1857 he received his M.A. degree, and the degree of D.D. was conferred on him in 1890. His first call was to the Free Church at Kennethmont, where he remained in charge for five years. Dr Elmslie came to New Zealand in 1867 and took charge of the Presbyterian church at Wanganui, where he remained till 1876. In that year he received a call from St. Paul's, Christchurch, and has remained continuously in charge of this congregation. For two years he taught a class at Canterbury College in connection with the Students' Christian Union, and has been twice Moderator of the General Assembly. In 1898 he took a trip to Scotland. Dr Elmslie has been twice married; first, to a daughter of the late Mr. George Mitchell, of Auchragathel, Aberdeenshire, and in the second instance to a daughter of the late Mr. John Anderson, one of the founders of the industrial life and prosperity of Canterbury. Of a family of eight now living, two, a son and daughter, are the issue of the second marriage.
Organist and Choirmaster at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, occupied corresponding positions at the Durham Street Wesleyan Church from August. 1876, till October, 1899, when he resigned. He was born near Chudleigh, South Devon, in 1832, and educated at the Independent Church College, Taunton. He studied music under Messrs Comer, Linter, and many others, and came to Lyttelton in 1865. After being at Christ's College for five years. Mr. Searell was articled to Mr. H. Slater, solicitor, and passed every examination save the final one. Preferring a musical career, he be came organist at Christ's College, and six months later at St. Luke's church, where he remained for two years. After six months at St. John's in the same capacity, he was appointed to the Durham Street Wesleyan Church. Mr. Searell commenced his career as a teacher of music in 1877, and has been a prominent member of the profession since that time. For eleven years he was conductor of the Garrison Band, and at the present time is bandmaster and conductor of the Stanmore Band. He was one of the promoters of the Society of Professional Musicians, which was formed
North Belt, Christchurch. The first services in connection with this church were held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Montreal Street, where they were carried on by the late Rev. David McKee. About 1878 steps were taken to build a church suitable to the increasing population. The present site was therefore purchased, and a church was erected, the whole costing about £2000. The building then erected is now used as a Sunday school and lecture hall. The present new church, built in brick, with facings in Oamaru freestone, cost about £4000, and has accommodation for 670 persons. It has a fine new organ, which cost £400.
M.A., D.D., was born at Belfast, Ireland. He was educated at the Queen's University, and studied divinity at the Assembly's College, Belfast. Owing to ill-health, Mr. Erwin came to New Zealand in 1883, and resided for seven months at Otahuhu, but received a call to Caristchurch in 1883. He has always taken a prominent part in church government, and was Moderator in 1897. The degree of Doctor in Divinity was conferred upon him by the Assembly College, Belfast, in 1897.
Colombo Road, Sydenham. This is a fine wooden building with spire, and was erected in 1880, at a cost of about £2000. It has accommodation for about 550 persons, a fine cabinet organ, and a good choir.
M.A. (Aberdeen), and B.D. (St. Andrew's), was born at Elgin, Scotland. He studied Arts at Aberdeen, and Theology at St. Andrew's. Mr. Simpson arrived in Victoria in 1891, under an agreement with the Victorian Presbyterian church, to do Church Extension work. He, however, found that the climate was unsuited to his health, and he came to New Zealand in 1900. Shortly after his arrival he was inducted into the charge of Sydenham.
Ferry Road, Woolston, was opened for public worship on Sunday, the 22nd of January, 1882. It is an exceedingly handsome building, of Gothic architecture, situated at the corner of Aldwin's Road and Ferry Road, on a portion of ground given to the church by the late Captain Sproule, of Lyttelton. The first minister of the congregation was the Rev. S. Slocombe, at one time a pastor of a Congregational church. The Rev. Hugh Irwin, B.A., succeeded him in 1886, and was minister for about seven years, until his death in 1893. The Rev. W. Scorgie, now of Mornington, Dunedin, was Mr. Irwin's successor, and laboured for about five years. After a somewhat lengthened vacancy the Rev. W. Platt received a call, but after a short ministry of nine months was compelled to resign through illhealth. The Rev. W. J. Gow, of Kaiapoi, the present minister of the church, was inducted into the charge in December, 1900. The church is seated for 250 adults, and the average attendance at the various diets of worship ranges from 100 to 170. St. Peter's is well situated in the centre of a rapidly increasing population. There is a thriving Sunday school in connection with the congregation, and its numbers go on increasing with the growth of a populous district. The relations of minister and people are of the most harmonious kind, and there are evidences on every hand of church prosperity.
Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Ferry Road, Christchurch, was born at Carmyllie, Forfarshire, Scotland, and is the eldest son of the late Rev. John Gow, of Opotiki, Auckland. He primary education was received at the Free Church school in Carmylife. He came to New Zealand with his parents in the “Robert Henderson,” which arrived at Port Chalmers in November, 1865. They proceeded to Lyttelton, where his father was minister for about two years. Mr. Gow attended Mr. John Ross's school for a time, and was afterwards at the High School in Christchurch. He engaged in commercial life for a few years, after which he attended Otago University to prosecute his arts course, preparatory to the work of the ministry, and entered the theological college under Professor Salmond and Rev. Dr. Watt, compieting his curriculum in 1883. He was first sent by the Church Extension Committee to the important gold-mining district of Reefton to organise the Presbyterian cause. This work being successfully accomplished, he received a call to the Reefton church, where he ministered for about eight years. On his departure from Reefton, he was presented with a handsome illuminated address by the L.O.G.T., and a purse of sovereigns by his congregation. In 1891, he received a unanimous call to the Kaiapoi church, and laboured there very successfully for nearly ten years. In December, 1900, Mr. Gow received a unanimous call to St. Peter's Church, Ferry Road, Christchurch, where he continues to receive much encouragement in his work. Mr. Gow was married in 1886 to the second daughter of Mr. Robert Taylor, of Invercargill. His wife, greatly lamented by all who knew her, died somewhat suddenly in July, 1901, leaving four children.
of Christchurch has a history, the chief events of which are fresh in the memory of men still living, and still in some of its associations it goes back well towards the beginning of colonisation. Long before even a Catholic missionary had found his way to the colony the few Irish Catholics who had strayed here from Australia urgently entreated Archbishop Polding, of Sydney, to send them a priest to minister to their spiritual wants. But priests were scarce in those days and Irish Catnolics had to content themselves for a long time by repeating their beads and their rosaries in lieu of the ceremonies of their Church. It is said of one pioneer Irishman—an ardent Catholic, no doubt—that when his first child was born, he sent it with its mother to Sydney, a distance of over 1000 miles, in order to get it baptised by a priest. The first Catholic missionaries who arrived in this colony were chiefly Frenchmen and Italians, and their labours were confined principally to the North Island, but in 1848 New Zealand was, for Catholic purposes, divided into two dioceses, Auckland and Wellington; the latter embracing, as well as its northern districts, the whole of the province of Canterbury. This arrangement sufficed while the population was sparse but it could not continue to give satisfaction for long, and so in 1876 the people of Christchurch petitioned Pope Pius IX. for a Bishop of their own, basing their claim on the fact that the growing importance of their city necessitated a resident Bishop who would be in constant and close communication with his flock and in touch with their wants and aspirations. The Most Rev. Dr Croke, the late Archbishop of Cashel, in Ireland, had just previously resigned the see of Auckland, and shortly afterwards the Rev. John Peter Charegre, who had been for some time in charge of the mission in Christchurch, was preconised as Bishop of Auckland. Father Charegre, who, it appears, was a man of a most retiring disposition, at once journeyed to Rome for the purpose of declining the proferred dignity, and while he was there the petition from the people of Christchurch arrived in the papal city. On Father Charegre refusing the Bishopric of Auckland, the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda immediately effered him that of Christchurch, but this be also declined, alleging as his reason that he could not think of returning to Christchurch as its first Bishop. The difficulty of finding suitable men to accept Colonial Bishoprics was at that time very great, and so Christchurch remained attached to the Wellington diocese until the 10th of May, 1887, when it was erected into a separate diocese by a Papal brief at the instance of the Plenary
now (May, 1902) being built in Barbadoes Street, will be, when finished, a building of great beauty. With a depth of 208 feet, it will have a width of 108 feet, whilst the cross surmounting the dome will attain a height of 135 feet. The material used in the base of the building is Timaru stone, presenting an appearance both neat and massive; the sub-basis is Mount Someres stone. The rest of the structure consists of a judicious mingling of mount Somers and the best Oamaru stone that can be procured; the heart of the walls being of solid concrete, the utmost amount of strength will be secured. The columns of the portico on the facade will start from a beautifully panelled base of 7 feet, and will then become rounded Corinthian columns, rising to about 44 feet from the floor. This facade will have two flanking towers rising to the height of 100 feet. From the entrance of the narthex, or vestibule of the Cathedral, the eye will rest on forty graceful columns supporting the galleries to be erected around the basilica. With these galleries, there will be seating accommodation for fully 3000 people. The chancel is surrounded by four massive pilasters, from which will spring four beautiful arches, rising 40 feet from the floor of the nave, whilst a circular row of clustering columns will form a most appropriate background to the high altar. Each of the side aisles will contain six chapels, twelve in all.
D.D., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch, was born in the archdiocese of Westminster, England, in 1842. Having passed through the usual course of studies, lay and ecclesiastical, he was ordained at Dublin by the Most Rev. Dr Whelan, Archbishop of Bombay. Previous to his departure for New Orleans in 1874 as a volunteer to take up the duty of Professor, he was a professor at St. Mary's College, Dundalk. During his residence in America he spent seven years at Jefferson College, of which he became rector. Whilst helping the clergy in the neighbouring district, he was stricken down with yellow fever, from which he marvellously recovered. After that he was
called by his superiors to take charge of the newly formed mission of Paignton, South Devon, England, where he endeared himself to all. The church of the Marist Fathers, built on St. Mary's Hill, in the same locality, was the first Catholic place of worship opened in the neighbourhood since the Reformation. On the 7th of May, 1887, Father Grimes was appointed Bishop of the newly constituted diocese of Christchurch, and was consecrated by Cardinal Vaughan on the feast of St. Anne, on the 26th of July in the same year. After being about three years in his diocese a serious illness overtook his lordship, and a long voyage and a complete rest from work were recommended for his recovery. A journey to Europe was thereupon undertaken with the object of recruiting his health and reporting to the Holy See on the state of religion in the new diocese of Christchurch. While he was in Rome Bishop Grimes had several interviews with his Holiness the Pope, who graciously accepted sundry addresses borne by the Bishop from members of the church
S.M., of the Christchurch Catholic Cathedral, was born at Ballinahinch, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1847. He was primarily educated at Mount Melleray by the Trappist monks, but studied rhetoric afterwards at St. Patrick's College, Thurles, and completed his ecclesiastical course at the scholasticate of the Marist Fathers, in Lower Leeston Street, Dublin, where the present Archbishop of Wellington was Professor of Dogmatic Theology. Dean Foley was ordained by the present Archbishop of Wellington at St. Mary's, Dundalk, in 1874. Six months after his ordination he removed to Sydney, New South Wales, where he ministered for six years at St. Patrick's Church. There his health was so seriously impaired by overwork that he was recommended to take a trip home. He was greatly benefited by the voyage, and came to New Zealand in 1881, accompanying Archbishop Redwood, who was then returning to
Wellington. Father Foley at first took charge at Blenheim, whence, four years later, he was translated to Timaru, where he remained until 1892. In that year he was appointed to take
L.M., VicarGeneral and Administrator of the Diocese of Christchurch, was born on the 6th of November, 1836, in Brittany, in France. He was educated at St. Vincent's College, Rennes, Ille et Vilaine, and at the Little Seminary at St. Meen; ordained by his Eminence Godfrey St. Marc. Archbishop of Rennes, in 1860, and made his religions profession in the Society of Mary, on the 29th of April, 1866. Father des Chesnais ministered for over nine years at Spitalfields, London, and was engaged for one year in missionary work in the French diocese of Agen at Notre Dame de Bonne Encontre. He was instructed by his superior to proceed to Sydney, New South Wales, where for five years he ministered in the parish of St. Patrick's. He also did missionary work in the dioceses of Bathurst, Goulburn, Armidale and Maitland. In the year 1882 he came to the arch-diocese of Wellington, where he was appointed to do missionary work. The archdiocese then included the present diocese of Christchurch, and Father des Chesnais held mission services in every parish throughout that large district. It was he who established the parish of St. Mary's in Christchurch, where he built the present church and schools, and introduced that noble band of workers, the Sisters of Mercy. Twice he has been sent as a delegate to Europe, once on behalf of St. Patrick's College, Wellington, and again on behalf of the Society of Mary. From Christchurch he moved to Hastings, where he established a convent of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Father Des Chesnais replaced the Very Rev. Father Ginaty in the administration of the Pro-Cathedral parish when that philanthropic priest started the Mount Magdala Asylum. When the health of the late Vicar-General, the Very Rev. Father Cummings, broke down, Father des Chesnais, who was then ministering at Temuka with Father Fauvel, was invited by the Bishop to become vicar-general and administrator of the Pro-Cathedral parish, and he still occupies that high position. Father des Chesnais, in addition to being a man of fine scholarly attainments, has a special talent for organisation, and carries out the duties of his office with dignity and thoroughness and great advantage to the church.
of the Ministry of the Cathedral, was born near Paris, in France. He was educated at Chartres, and completed his theological studies under the Society of Mary in England, and in New Zealand. He was ordained a priest at Wellington by Bishop Grimes in 1893, and was first appointed to the parish of Reefton, where he ministered for fifteen months. In 1895 he was transferred to the Christchurch Cathedral. Father Galerne was sent as curate to the Temuka parish in 1898, and remained there for about three years. Since 1901 he has been attached to the Cathedral in Christchurch.
L.M., was born in Hokitika, in 1873. He was educated at St. Patrick's College, Wellington, and studied theology at St. Mary's Seminary, Meanee, Hawke's Bay. In 1897 he was ordained by Archbishop Redwood, and was officiating at Timaru for two years. Father M'Donnell came to the Christchurch Cathedral in 1900.
who has been Organist of the Roman Catholic ProCathedral, Christchurch, since 1881, was born in London, came to Canterbury when a child, and received her musical education under Messrs. N. G. Barnet and W. A. Simms. She became organist of St. John's church, Latimer Square, in 1878, and six months later was appointed to a similar position at Holy Trinity church, Avonside. In 1887, Miss Funston gave a very successful concert in Christchurch, in which she was assisted by many prominent musicians, and was honoured with many flattering press notices. She is a member of the Society of Professional Musicians.
Manchester street, Christchurch. This church is an unpretentious
Rector of the Parish of St. Mary, was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1856. He was educated at Rockwell College, near Cashel, afterwards at St. Mary's College, Dundalk. In 1879 he went to France, where he studied at the ecclesiastical college of the Marist Fathers, and also in Switzerland, but afterwards returned to Ireland, where he completed his religions education at the Catholic University School of Dublin. He was ordained at St. Mary's, Dundalk, by Archbishop Redwood, in 1885, and came to New Zealand at the end of that year to take a professorship at St. Patrick's College, Wellington. On coming to Christchurch, he was at first assistant priest at the Pro-Cathedral. Eighteen months later he was appointed assistant priest at St. Mary's, and took charge of the parish about 1895.
Organist of St. Mary's, is referred to in another article as a pianiste and harpist.
sometime Vicar-General of the Christchurch diocese, was born in London, and at an early age was sent to the Marist College of Dundalk, in Ireland, where he distinguished himself for his studies in ecclesiastical science. From Dundalk he proceeded to Lyons, in France, where he completed his studies in philosophy and theology. After spending six years on the London Mission, labouring chiefly among the Irish poor of that city, he sailed for Sydney in 1885, and there spent three years in giving missions and retreats. He afterwards became a prominent worker in the diocese of Christchurch. More than once Father Cummings was complimented by Bishop Grimes for the Zeal and ability with which he administered the diocese in his absence, and as the Bishop's absence is necessarily frequent, the Vicar-General's office is not a sinecure. In fact, Father Cummings' health more than once broke down under the strain of his duties. He was a man of a most genial disposition, and his foresight and tact, and his popularity, secured the success of the numerous undertakings necessary to the progress of his church's work within the diocese. Father Cummings died at St. Anne's, London in January, 1899.
The circuit of which this church is the centre, is the premier circuit of New Zealand Methodism, and has more churches, members, Sunday scholars, and adherents than any other. Durham Street Church, which is the Methodist Cathedral of Canterbury, is a handsome stone building, at the corner of Durham and Chester Streets. Two large towers surmount the front, and the sides are protected by heavy balustrades. The foundation, stone was laid early in 1864, by Mr. Samuel Bealey, then Superintendent of the Province, and the opening services were held on the 25th of December, of the same year. The land and building cost about £12,000. A few years later galleries were erected in the church, at a cost of over £1000, and an organ—at the time one of the best instruments in the colony—was introduced. Subsequently the stone schoolroom adjoining the church was erected at a cost of £2000. The parsonage stands on the church grounds, facing Chester Street, and was erected, together with a caretaker's residence, in 1889. A year later the interior of the church was renovated, the rostrum brought forward, and the choir gallery enlarged; and altogether over £20,000 have been spent on the property.
Superintendent of the Durham Street Circuit, is a very popular preacher, and was born at Spilsby, Lincolnshire, England, After being received by the British Conference, he spent two years, at Didsbury College. In 1877, in response to an appeal from the Rev. J. Buller, he offered for the work in New Zealand. His first circuit in the colony was Lawrence, and he has since laboured in Canterbury, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington provincial districts. Mr. Baumber has served the Church as Chairman of the Otago and Wellington Districts, and in 1896 he presided over the first united Conference. His biography appears at pages 396–397 of the Wellington volume of this work.
Organist of Durham Street Wesleyan Church, is a native of the city of Worcester, England, where he was born on 16th of May, 1852. He was educated at the Cathedral School, and was a chorister for eight years, studied music under Mr. A. J. Caldicott, and afterwards under Mr. Taylor, who was a pupil of Mr. Done, organist of Worcester Cathedral. Mr. Wells studied the organ, piano, and theory, and at the age of nineteen was appointed organist of St. Mary's parish church, Hull. About a year later hesucceeded Dr. Gladstone as organist and choirmaster of St. Patrick's church, Brighton Four years later he was appointed a master at St. George's Collegiate School, Huntingdon, where he remained about a year, when he was appointed music master at Leamington College, and also organist at St. John's church of that town. Mr. Wells came to Christchurch in 1879, as organist of St.
East Belt. This church grew out of a Sunday School which was started near the Avon in the early sixties. The school eventually became a preaching place, and in 1876 the section on which the school and parsonage stand was purchased, and a school-church built, at a cost of £600, of which £330 was raised at the time. Subsequently the corner section fronting the Belt and Worcester Street was bought for £700, and later still the present brick church was erected, at a cost of £2800. It was dedicated on the 22nd of January, 1882. The congregation grew so steadily that galleries were added, in 1885, at an outlay of £300, and the parsonage was erected in 1886 at a cost of £600. The school was also enlarged and improved. A few years since a larger organ was obtained, the choir gallery enlarged, and additional vestry accommodation provided. The church has more members and a larger Sunday school than Durham Street itself, although the congregation is not so large. There is a staff of active officebearers, several of whom are young men, who enter heartily into the work of the church.
B.A., Pastor of the East Belt Wesleyan Church, was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, and came to New Zealand as a child. While residing at Napier he decided to enter the ministry. After his college term he was sent as supply to Dunedin, for Mr. Morley, and subsequently served in the same capacity for a year in the Christchurch circuit. Mr. Laws has been able during the course of his ministry to take his University degree, and he is a man from whom his church expects good service in the future.
is the headquarters of the Christchurch South Circuit, and occupies the corner block of Colombo Road and Brougham Street, opposite the Sydenham Park. The building, which is a compact one, is of stone with white facings, and the windows are of Gothic design. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs G. Gould in 1877, and the church was opened on the 3rd of February, 1878, at a cost of £2650. The subsequent erection of galleries cost an extra £520, and the parsonage in Harper Street was erected in 1880 at an outlay of £970, including the cost of the land. In 1886 the Sunday school, with a central hall to seat 300, and over a dozen class-rooms, was built, at a cost of over £600. Over 300 scholars are at present (1902) in attendance. In 1889 the Rev. L. M. Isitt projected a gymnasium for the young people, and a further strip of land was purchased behind the schoolroom, and a large building erected at a cost of £700.
the Superintendent of the Christchurch South Circuit, was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to the colony in 1865. He has occupied circuits in each of the six districts, and has always been Superintendent, except in the first, Mr. Lee was for sixteen years chairman of the districts in which he resided. He has twice been elected Secretary of Conference, was President in 1880, and through the death of the Rev. J. B. Richardson, he also fulfilled the duties of that office during the following year. In 1896 he had a holiday, during which, he visited England and the Holy Land, and was representative of New Zealand at the British Conference at Liverpool.
Addington. This church—the twin centre of the Christchurch South Circuit—was originally established by the Free Methodists, who commenced services in the district prior to 1860. The congregation afterwards migrated to the corner of Harman and Selwyn Streets, where half an acre of land was purchased for £100. A church, which soon became a hive of Christian industry, was erected in the sixties. In 1872 it was enlarged, the total cost of the building and the enlargement having been about £1000. The Sunday school was worked with great vigour, and in a few years the large building fronting Selwyn Street was erected. Subsequently a good parsonage was built on the Harman Street frontage, and rooms for separate classes were added to the schoolroom. The church has been enlarged from time to time; first it was lengthened, then a transept was added, and afterwards extended at the rear to form an organ chamber. The total outlay on buildings has been about £3000. There is a large congregation and, the number of Sunday school scholars is over 300.
Pastor of the Addington Wesleyan Church, was born in Cumberland, England. After a term of residence in Didsbury College, he came to New Zealand in 1882. His work has been chiefly in wide country circuits, such as Coromandel, Paparoa, Sandon, and Feilding, and Hawera, though he has also ministered at the Hutt, Gisborne, Port Chalmers, and Rangiora. The churches at Paparoa Pomestead, Kaponga, Opunake, Cardiff, and Waikuku were erected during his ministry. In 1900, after eighteen years' of steady ministerial work, Mr. Griffin spent a short, well-earned holiday in England.
Richmond. This church was erected by the Free Methodists, but, as an outcome of the methodist Union, is now embraced in the Durham Street Circuit. The congregation owes much to the fostering care of the late Mr. W. Flesher, to whose memory a tablet has been erected in the church.
Pastor in charge of the Richmond and New Brighton Church, is a native of Yorkshire, England. He arrived in the colony at an early age, and was educated at Prince Albert College, Auckland. After entering the ministry in 1897, he served his probationery period in the Ohinemuri and Malvern districts. Mr. Burton was ordained in 1901, and appointed to his present charge.
St. Albans. As early as 1854 a little group of Wesleyans, meeting at Mr. Philpott's house, St. Albans, were instrumental in establishing the Church in Christchurch. After Mr. Aldred's arrival a sod schoolroom and small wooden church were erected in St. Albans Lane. As the congregation grew, larger quarters became necessary, and eventually a church about 55 feet by 35 feet was placed alongside the original building. In 1869 the Hon. J. T. Peacock gave a site at the end of his property in St. Albans Lane, and on that an attractive church was built at a cost of £1350. Owing to the growth of the borough in later years it was felt desirable that a new building should be erected on the Papanui Road. Plans for a brick church were prepared by Mr. R. W. England, junior, and the Hon. J. T. Peacock gave considerable financial assistance. The present building, constructed of brick, with white stone facings, and ornamented with a lofty spire, presents a handsome appearance. It is in a conspicuous position, Opposite St. Albans Lane, and the ivy climbing up its walls makes it an ornament to the neighbourhood. The foundation stone was laid by the Hon. J. T. Peacock on All Saints' Day, 1894, and the church was opened by the Rev. Dr Morley on the 5th of May, 1895. After that the old church was used as a Sunday schoolroom until January, 1902, when it was totally destroyed by fire. A new schoolroom, adjoining the church in Papanui Road, was afterwards built from plans prepared by Messrs England Bros. The building is in brick, and contains, beside the central auditorium, twelve large class-rooms. with kitchen, etc., at the rear. It is one of the handsomest and best equipped schoolrooms in the colony. The St. Albans Circuit —of which this church is the headquarters— was created in 1891, and it now comprises six churches, and an equal number of Sunday schools.
Superintendent of the St. Albans Circuit, is a son of a minister of the British Conference. He was born in the Shetland Isles, and received his education in the connexional schools. Mr. Parsonson was trained for commercial life, and his travels in the United Kingdom and on the Continent have given him the address and the companionable manners of an educated man of the world. He is well read in English literature, and his sermons, models of terse composition, are enriched with careful thought, and delivered with quiet fervour. As a man fully acquainted with church polity, Mr. Parsonson attends to every part of a circuit minister's work. He was President of the Conference in 1897.
Organist at St. Albans Wesleyan Church, was born in Christchurch, was educated at various schools, and studied music under her brother, Mr. McLeod Smith, and Mr. Landergan. At Canterbury College, she gained a certificate for theory, and commenced her career as a teacher of music in 1883. She is elsewhere referred to as a teacher of music.
Papanui. In 1858 the present church site of an acre was purchased, and a small building, which cost £90, was built to serve for church and school. Within a few years the increase of membership necessitated an enlargement and the foundation stone of the present building was laid by Mr. Garrick, on the 18th of November, 1869. The church was erected at an outlay of £500, and was opened on the 27th of February, 1870.
the Pastor of the Papanui Wesleyan Church, is a native of Northumberland. After coming to the colony he attended classes at the Otago University for some time, afterwards going to Three Kings' College, Auckland, He was ordained at the Dunedin Conference in 1894, and appointed to the change of the Inglewood Church, Taranaki.
Woolston. In the early sixties services were held in a house— which is still standing—on the right hand side of the Ferry Road, opposite the present tram crossing. A site was afterwards given by Mr. Gould, on a side street leading to the river, and a church capable of seating 100 persons was built. In 1878 the present site of half an acre, with a frontage to two streets, was purchased by Mr. J. Ballantyne, and held until the church raised the cost. The church was removed thither in 1885, and enlarged, and another removal and addition took place subsequently. Woolston at that time was a very small settlement, but through the establishment of several thriving industries it became a well-populated district. This necessitated further provision for the accommodation of the growing congregation, and in 1897 the present church building, which seats 300 persons, was erected at an outlay of £700. There is a growing Sunday school, and with the advancement of the district it will necessarily become very large, and need better provision.
Pastor of the Wesleyan Church at Woolston, is a native of South Wales. He was convented as a youth, and began to preach at the age of eighteen, when he was enlisted by the Rev. James Buller for service in New Zealand. After a term at Three Kings' College, he entered the ministry in 1882, and proved to be diligent, careful and methodical, and specially successful in the removal of debts on country churches, and in the erection of new sanctuaries. For five years he was stationed at Waitara, where the church membership more than doubled itself during his pastorate. Subsequently he ministered in the Taranaki Street Circuit, Wellington. Mr. Jones was for some time sub-editor of the “Advocate,” and he was Secretary of the District Synod for five years.
Superintendent of the Christchurch Circuit of the Primitive Methodist Church, was born, in New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 1856, and is the third son of the late Rev. Robert Ward, founder of the Primitive Methodist Church in New Zealand. He was educated at the Wesley College, Auckland, under the late Rev. J. H. Fletcher. On the outbreak of the Maori war in the Taranaki district, he joined the Forest Rangers under the late Major Sir Harry Atkinson, and received the New Zealand war medal for his services. In 1870 he entered the Primitive Methodist Church at Goulbourn, New South Wales, and afterwards at Newcastle. Mr. Ward remained in New South Wales for seven. years. He then returned to New Zealand and took charge of the Primitive Methodist church at Timaru. Mr. Ward subsequently laboured at Invercargill, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland. He has twice been President of the Conference, and for five years yas editor of the Connexional Organ, a paper that has a large circulation throughout the colony.
the oldest Minister of the Baptist Church in New Zealand, was born in 1819, near St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England, and is the son of the late Mr. John Dolamore, farmer of the same county. Mr. Dolamore arrived in New Zealand in 1851, landing at Nelson, and was the first minister of the Baptist denomination to visit the Colony. Commencing his labours in Bridge Street, Nelson, he laboured there for nearly thirteen years, receiving then a call to the Baptist church in Christchurch, of which he was the first minister. Subsequently he returned to Nelson and ministered there again for a term of six years. At the end of that time, Mr. Dolamore moved to Caversham, near Dunnedin, where he remained for two years. Later on he undertook the oversight of a small church at Kirwee. Mr. Dolamore is the senior minister of the Baptist denomination in Australasia. He was married shortly before leaving England to a daughter of Mr. Gowland, of Gateway, in Yorkshire.
Christchurch. This church, the parent church of the Congregationalists in Canterbury, dates its establishment from 1861, when a few persons who had been members of the church in the Old Country requisitioned the Colonial Missionary Society for a pastor. Some delay ensued, and the Rev. W. J. Habens, who was appointed, arrived in Lyttelton on the 10th of January, 1864. Prior to his arrival a Sunday school had been started, and services were held by the late Mr. Easton in a small hall in Lichfield Street. The Rev. Mr. Habens held his first services on Sunday, the 17th of January. At a meeting held shortly afterwards the Christchurch Congregational Church was constituted, with thirty-seven members. The present Sunday school in Manchester Street, erected at a total cost of £1,900, was opened as a church on the 26th of November, 1864. As the congregation grew it became necessary to provide a larger place of worship. Accordingly the present handsome stone church, which adorns the corner of Worcester and Manchester Streets, was opened in January, 1875. In the latter part of 1876, Mr. Habens became Secretary to the Canterbury Board of Education, but he continued to act as pastor till early in 1877, when he was appointed Inspector-General of Schools, and removed to Wellington. The Rev. Edward Walker acted as minister for about eighteen months, and was followed by the Rev. H. Williams, who retired in January, 1884. The Rev. John Hoaston then succeeded to the pastorate, but left for Melbourne in 1892, when his place was filled by the Rev. Sydney J. Baker. The present pastor, the Rev. David Hird, M.A., succeeded to the charge in February, 1902.
M.A. (Edin.), B.A. (Oxon.), Pastor of the Trinity Congregational Church, was born at Arbroath, Scotland, in 1871. He received his early education at the Arbroath High School, and afterwards completed his studies at Edinburgh and Oxford, where he obtained his degrees. On leaving college in 1896, he went to Glasgow in order to assist Dr John Hunter at the Glasgow Trinity Congregational Church. In the following year Mr. Hird was ordained to the ministry, and was appointed to the charge of the Congregational Church in Londonderry, Ireland, where he remained until he accepted a call to the Trinity Congregational Church, Christchurch.
F.I.A.N.Z., Organist of Trinity Congregational Church, hails from London, where he was born in 1864. He was educated at Kingston Grammar School, where he commenced his musical studies and gained a first prize. Mr. Owen arrived in Lyttelton in 1879 by the ship Euterpe.” He received instruction from Messrs. Normington and Searell, and was appointed organist as above in 1882. Mr. Owen was brought up as an accountant, and for seven years was chief accountant in the firm of Messrs. Sclanders and Co., of Christchurch. He was appointed secretary and manager of the Christchurch Working Men's Co-operative Society in 1894. Mr. Owen was married in 1889 to a daughter of Mr. James Woodham, a pioneer settler of Christchurch; this lady
Linwood. The Congregationalists began their work in Linwood shortly after the establishment of Trinity Church, and at first evengelical services were held in private cottages. A small hall was subsequently erected on the Ferry Road, and the church was established there. In the eighties, the pastor joined the Presbyterian Church, and many of the members followed him; but as the result of a mission held in the district soon afterwards the present church was erected. It is a wooden building and occupies the corner section of Church Street and Ferry Road. The Rev. Mr. Taylor became pastor, and was followed by the Rev. C. H. Bradbury, who resigned in 1893, when the Rev. I. Sarginson, the present pastor, succeeded to the charge.
Corner of Worcester and Montreal Streets, Christchurch. This church was built in 1872 by the early German settlers of Canterbury, and its first pastor was the late Rev. L. Lohr, who officiated from 1872 till 1878. He was succeeded by Pastor P. G. Jacobsen, but after a time the attendance fell off so much that the services ceased until 1892, and the building was used as a Freethought Hall. However, in 1892, the church reverted to its original use, and the present pastor, the Rev. Theodore Albert Meyer, took charge. The building is ornamented with two spires, one of which contains a fine peal of bells. The metal of these bells was presented by the late Emperor William of Germany to the German settlers in Canterbury, and had consisted of cannon captured from the French during the FrancoGerman war. The church has room for about 200 persons, but the average attendance is only about thirty. Fortnightly Sunday services are held at 11 a.m.
Pastor of the German Church and Curate of the Anglican Church at Heathcote, was trained at St. Cyprian's College, Bloemfontein, South Africa, and ordained by the Bishop of Bloemfontein in 1877. He was chaplain of St. Andrew's College, Bloemfontein, from 1877 till 1882, and vicar of Ficksburg from 1882 till 1887. Mr. Meyer came to New Zealand and was curate at Lincoln from 1891 till 1892, and curate of Papanui from 1892 till 1898, when he was appointed curate at Heathcote. He was appointed pastor to the German Church in 1892, and holds the pastorate in conjunction with his curacy in the Anglican Church.
was established in Christchurch in January, 1894, as an offshoot of a church, founded about 1880, by the Rev. John P. Hopps, a well-known Unitarian minister, of London. It is founded on seven principles, namely (1) The Power of life; (2) The Brotherhood of man; (3) Constant advance; (4) The Reign of law; (5) The Sacredness of all things; (6) The Divinity of man; and (7) The Solidarity of the Human race. Meetings are held each Sunday; in the morning, at 151 Gloucester Street, and in the evening at the Art Gallery, in Durham Street, where the members occupy a large room. Since its inception the Church has gradually grown, until at present (January, 1902) it has a membership of 300 persons. The church has two distinct branches; one, represented by the Metaphysical Club, consists of members who enter into the special study of Mental Science, whilst the other, represented by the School of Brotherhood, consists of those interested in the study of Sociology. Both these organisations meet weekly at 151 Gloucester Street, where a book depot is kept for the sale of Mental Science literature.
M.A. (Cambridge), Teacher of Our Father's Church, is a son of Mr. Joseph J. P. Hoare, of Brownlow, Hampshire, England. He was born in 1835, received his course of primary instruction at private schools, and in 1856 went to Cambridge. There, three years later, he graduated B.A., and was shortly after ordained. In 1864 he took the M.A. degree, and in the following year sailed for New Zealand, where, in 1865, he was appointed incumbent of St. John's Anglican Church, Christchurch. On returning to England in 1871, The received the incumbency of St. Jude's, Englefield Green, Surrey, and in 1878, was appointed vicar of Weston, Hampshire. In 1882 he again sailed for New Zealand, and after serving the parish of St. Paul's, Papanui, Christchurch, for ten years, he left the Church of England, to found a Free Church, under the title of Our Father's Church. Mr. Hoare was married, in 1864, to Miss F. E. Henderson, daughter of the Rev. W. Henderson, vicar of Messing, Essex, England.
Christchurch is the central division and headquarters of the Salvation Army in New Zealand, and the well-appointed staff offices occupy a large two-storey brick building in Lichfield Street. The Army established itself in Christchurch on the 20th of May, 1893. The chief barracks are situated in Victoria Street, facing Victoria Square, and accommodation is provided for about 1200 persons. There are two other barracks in the suburbs, one on the East Belt and the other in Sydenham. Other corps of the Christchurch division have been formed at Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Oxford, Lyttelton, Rakaia, Leeston, Ashburton, Geraldine, Temuka, Timaru, and Waimate; and fifteen outposts are worked from these country centres. A prominent feature in the army's operations is its rescue work, which requires a Maternity Home, a Rescue Home, and a Prison Gate Home in Christchurch. There are ten staff officers and twenty-one other officers in the division, while the rank and file number 780 soldiers and 100 recruits. A Self-Denial week is held annually, and the proceeds are devoted to the general maintenance of the Army work. A sum of £1100 was raised during this week in 1901. The officer in command of the colony is Colonel Thomas Estill, and Major Lipsett is the general secretary. Major Bennett is in charge of the Christchurch division.
A visitor to Christchurch once jokingly remarked that he would publish a special business almanac for the city, and, to save expense in printing, would insert only those days which were not holidays, putting in a note to the effect that when there was a blank it must be understood that the shops would be shut, and the citizens away to New Brighton or Sumner to celebrate an anniversary of something or other. It is true that the inhabitants of Christchurch, and also of the province, love holiday-making. Perhaps this is on account of the facilities there are for enjoyment in this connection. On a hot summer day, the seaside charms of New Brighton and Sumner naturally entice, especially as there is a great deal of pleasure in going and returning in the trams. Boating on the Avon also has its attractions; and then with a few turns of the pedal of a bicycle, the citizen is away in the heart of rural scenery, amongst crofts and meadows, fields and hedges, where the town and its busy life are things of another world. All round Christchurch there are charming nooks and dells, which look as if they had been made specially for picnicers. It is not surprising, therefore, that people should be ready to leave town on the slightest provocation, and take advantage of their natural assets in the pleasant places provided for public recreation.
which is situated at the corner of Latimer Square and Worcester Street, was the first to be established in Christchurch. The club was founded in 1856, and a portion of the present two-storey building was erected in 1859. The clubhouse has since been considerably enlarged; on the ground floor there are the reception-room, dining-room, committeeroom, private dining-room, card and smoking-rooms, besides billiard-room, library, and lavatories. The dining-room has accommodation for from forty to fifty members, and in the billiard-room there are two full-sized Alcock's billiard-tables. The club is a residential one, with twenty-five bedrooms, bathrooms, etc., on the first floor.
Steward of the Christchurch Club, was born in 1869 in Oxford, and was educated at St. Giles' school in that city. Before coming to the Colony, Mr. Chapman served for three or four years in the Army, and was otherwise engaged in club service at Oxford. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1891 per s.s. “Ruapehu,” he became head-walter at the Christchurch Club, and after four years was promoted as above. Mr. Chapman was married in 1890 to a daughter of Mr. C. Kempster, and has two sons and two daughters.
which is situated at the corner of Worcester Street West and Cambridge Terrace, was established in 1872. The principal rooms have frontage to Cambridge Terrace and command a pretty outlook over the river Avon. The premises are centrally situated and well kept in every respect. The rooms throughout are lofty and well ventilated. On the ground floor is a handsome smoking-room, an excellent dining-room capable of accommodating some sixty people, and a strangers' and committee room. At the end of the long corridor is the manager's office. The club also possesses a very large and welllighted billiard-room, considered to be one of the best in the Colony. On the first floor are a number of bedrooms, together with card and sitting rooms. The club is a residential one. The officers for 1901–2 were:—Hon. J. T. Peacock (chairman), Messrs A. Appleby, A. Carrick, Dr. J. C. Palmer, S. B. Fisher, T. D. Condell, and George Harris (committee); Hon. J. T. Peacock and Messrs J. Gould, G. G. Stead, and A. Carrick are the trustees, and Mr. E. E. Daniels is the manager.
Manager of the Canterbury Club, was born in Taranaki and educated in Auckland, being an old Giles' College Boy. For several years Mr. Daniels was employed at the Northern Club. Auckland, and resigned his position of clerk there in order to undertake the management of the Canterbury Club. Mr. Daniels is an enthusiastic cyclist and is captain of the Pioneer Amateur Bicycle and Athletic Club, the oldest cycling and athletic club in the Colony.
Worcester Street West, Christchurch. Officers for the year 19012: Mr. E. C. Ashley, president; Mr H. N. Martin, honorary treasurer; Messrs William Brice, William Rollitt, George King, F. J. Smith, J. A. Paton, James Moir, Thomas Skelton, committee; Mr. John F. Grierson, secretary. New premises, specially adapted to the club's requirements have been erected in Worcester Street, by Mr. William Pratt. The entrance hall, visitors' room, reading room, billiard room (which has three of Alcock's tables) lavatory, storeroom, and out offices are all on the ground floor, and the kitchen, dining room, cardroom, committee room and another lavatory are upstairs. The club has a membership of 250.
Officers for 1901–2: Messrs W. H Young (president), B. S. Collier (vicepresident), G. Tombs, C. E. Bird, G. P. Daye (trustees), E. Smith (treasurer), J. M. Thomson (reference librarian), G. Woodrough (circulating librarian), D. Leslie (secretary), and S. Flood (steward). This club was established in 1880 in Gloucester Street, whence it was removed in 1883 to its present freehold site in Oxford Terrace. The buildings are erected chiefly in brick. There is excellent accommodation, including a large billiard room with two tables, reference and circulating libraries
On the 23rd of October, 1851, less than a year after the arrival of the first four ships, Mr. A. J. Alport, P.M., and several other enthusiastic Freemasons met together at the Canterbury Association's store at Lyttelton to devise means for establishing a lodge under the Grand Lodge of England. They agreed to form a lodge to be called the New Zealand Lodge of Unanimity, and applied to the Pacific Lodge of Wellington for an interim dispensation to enable the brethren to meet as Masons. This was granted, and application was made in October, 1851, for a warrant constituting the applicants into a lodge with full powers under the Grand Lodge of England. This request was granted, and the lodge was duly opened on the 26th of May, 1853, as the Lodge of Unanimity, No. 879 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England, and Mr. A. J. Alport was appointed the first Worshipful Master. At a meeting held in Christchurch on the 27th of November, 1851, it was decided to form a lodge to be called St. Augustine, and application for a warrant was made to the Grand Lodge of England, and duly granted. On the 19th of October, 1853, the St. Augustine Lodge, standing as No. 885 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England, was consecrated and opened in the Magistrate's room in the Land Office, and Mr. J. Seager Gundry was installed as the first Worshipful Master.
Overtures were made from time to time by the Masons in Wellington in the direction of requesting Canterbury and Nelson to join them in establishing a District Grand Lodge. The Canterbury Masons, however, favoured an independent District Grand Lodge. The Southern Cross Lodge was subsequently established at Kaiapoi; and the necessary warrants, for the opening of this lodge and the constitution of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, were received on the 6th of June, 1859. The first brother to occupy the distinguished office of District Grand Master of Canterbury was the Hon. J. C. Watts-Russell.
E.C. The Grand Lodge holds its meetings quarterly, on the third Thursday in the months of January, April, July, and October, at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, at 8 p.m. The officers for 1902 are: Bros. R. D. Thomas, R.W.D.G.M.; W. H. Gundry, D.D.G.M.; T. D. Condell, District Grand Secretary, The Board of General Purposes meets at the same place on the first Thursday in the months of January, April, July, and October, at 8 p.m.
Right Worshipful District Grand Master, is a well-known barrister and solicitor in Christchurch, and, as such, he is referred to in another article.
Deputy District Grand Master, is referred to in another portion of this volume.
No. 1048, E.C. This lodge dates its existence from the year 1865. It has always maintained a high standard of popularity, has a large membership, and the meetings are always attended by a considerable number of visitors. The Canterbury Lodge holds its regular meetings on the third Friday in each month, at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, and the Lodge of Instruction is held on the preceding Friday. Officers for 1902: Bros. E. H. Couzins, W.M.; J. A. Frostick, S.W.; M. S. Brown. J.W.; B. S. Collier, Secretary; R. A. Green, P.M., Treasurer.
Worshipful Master of Lodge Canterbury, was initiated into Freemasonry in the Yalborough Lodge, Stepney, England, in 1864, and after his arrival in
New Zealand he became affiliated with Lodge Canterbury in 1866. The generation that has passed has left him at once the father and Worshipful Master of his lodge, a distinction of which he is pardonably proud. Mr. Couzins was installed in his present office, before a large gathering of Masons, in February, 1902, by Bro. W. H. Gundry, the Deputy District Grand Master and a banquet was afterwards held in the Canterbury Hall to celebrate the occasion. Since his installation he has fulfilled the duties of his office with an efficiency worthy of the best traditions established by his predecessors. Mr. Couzins was born in Davenport, England, in 1840, but passed most of his early years at Portsmouth, where he was educated. He left England in the ship “John Duncan,” which arrived at Auckland in 1865, in the latter part of which he came to Canterbury. Mr. Couzins joined the Order of Oddfellows in Christchurch, and, returning subsequently to England, he passed through all the chairs of the Order in the Star of the East Lodge, Stepney. He came out to New Zealand again in 1884, since which he has been associated with his present business in Christchurch, carried on under the style of Johnston and Couzins, sail and tent makers, Cashel Street. Mr. Couzins has been a director of the Star-Bowkett and Excelsior Building Societies since their inauguration.
No. 1916, E.C., was founded in 1869. Regular meetings of this lodge are held at the St. Augustine Nasonic Hall, Christchurch, on the second Thursday in each month. The annual installation takes place in January. Officers for the year 1902: Bro. the Rev. A. C. Hoggins, W.M.; Bro. C. Duggan, S.W.; Bro. B. W. R. Harding, J.W.; and Bro. T. G. McGallan, Secretary.
M.A., Worshipful Master of Lodge Conyers, is referred to in the Ecclesiastical Section of this volume.
No. 2597, E.C., meets on the fourth Friday in each month, at 8 p.m., at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch. Officers for 1902: Bros. W. A. Day, W.M.; N. G. W. Hanmer, S.W.; N. L. McBeth, J.W.; and G. Jackson, Secretary.
Worshipful Master of Lodge Saint Albans, is referred to in the Military Section of this volume.
No. 2697, E.C. This lodge is unique, being formed from all the other lodges under the English Constitution in Canterbury, and may be considered an inner lodge. When occasion arises, it will assist other lodges, but it initiates no members. At present only members who have been chosen for Stewards to the District Grand Lodge are elected. It was founded for the purpose of knitting together more closely these Brethren, and, through them, their lodges. The lodge was consecrated and duly opened on the 16th of July, 1896, when Professor William Michell Clark was installed the first Worshipful Master; Mr. R. A. Green, P.M., Secretary. The present Master is Mr. D. A. Slater, and Mr. F. Waymouth is I.P.M. The meetings are held on the first Thursday in the months of September (installation), December, March, and June, at 8 p.m., at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch.
was elected Worshipful Master of the lodge in June, 1902. He was initiated in the St. Augustine Lodge, No. 609, E.C., in August, 1888, and in 1896 affiliated with Lodge St. Albans, No. 2597, and is still a member. Mr. Slater was exalted in the St. Augustine Royal Arch Chapter in 1893, and also took the Mark and Excellent degrees in 1896; he also affiliated to the Prince of Wales Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1916, and joined the Hiram Mark Lodge. He is also a member of the “Beckett” Chapter Rose Croix (18°), No. 35. Mr. Slater was born at sea, off Cape Leeuwin, on board the ship “Madras” bound from England to Swan River (now Fremantle) and South Australia, in 1813. He went with his parents to England in 1854, and was educated at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. In 1860 he came out to Canterbury with his father in the “William Miles,” and settled at Prebbleton. Subsequently he turned his attention
meets at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on the third Thursday in the months of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Officers for 1902: Rev. A. C. Hoggins, W. M.; Dr. B. M. Moorhouse, S.W.; Dr. L. S. Manning, J.W.
No. 1916, E.C., meets on the fourth Thursday in the months of January, March, May, July, September and November, at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch. Principals for the year 1902: Dr. B. M. Moorhouse, Z.; Dr. L. S. Manning, H.; Rev. A. C. Hoggins, J.; Mr. W. C. Aiken, Treasurer.
Z. of the Royal Arch Chapter, is further referred to in the Medical Section of this volume.
H.R.D.M., 135 (A. and A. Rite), meets as occasion requires. Officers for 1902: Bro. J. G. L. Scott, M.W.S.; Bro. Professor F. W. C. Haslam, H.; Bro. T. Y. Wardrop, Recorder.
B.A., is referred to in another article as headmaster of the East Christchurch School.
S.C. This Grand Lodge was erected on the 23rd of May, 1883, when the Rev. James Hill was installed as the first District Grand Master. After holding office for a number of years, Mr. Hill was succeeded by the Hon. C. Louisson, M.L.C., who filled the position for a similar period, when he was followed by the present Grand Master. Quarterly communications are held at the Crown Masonic Hall, Montreal Street, Sydenham, in the months of January, April, July, and October. Officers for 1902: Bro. John J. Dougall, R., D.G.M.; Bro. James C. Watson, D.D.G.M.; Bro. Edward Eastwood, D.G.M. Sub.; Bro. William Cuming, D.G. Secretary.
Right Worshipful District Grand Master, is further referred to in the Military and Legal sections of this volume.
No. 136. S.C., meets at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on the fourth Thursday in each month. The principals for 1902 are: Bro. T. F. Cross, Z.; Bro. H. Storey, H.; Bro. J. Gough, J.; and Bro. F. Page, S.E.
No. 604, S.C., was founded in 1877, when Mr James L. Fleming was installed the first Right Worshipful Master. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday in each month at the Crown Masonic Hall, Montreal street, Sydenham. The lodge of instruction is held at the same place on the second Tuesday, and the annual installation takes place in January. Officers for 1902: Bro. W. I. Ballinger, R.W.M.; Bro. W. Ballantyne, S.W.; Bro. W. Wright, J.W.; Bro. H. A. Bruce, P.M., Secretary.
J.P., Right Worshipful Master of the Robert Burns Lodge, was initiated as a Freemason in Lodge Conyers, No. 1916, E.C., on the 8th of January, 1891, and held the offices of Senior Deacon and Trustee in that lodge. He affiliated with his present lodge in March, 1901, and was installed as Senior Warden, and was installed in his present office by the Right Worshipful District Grand Master in January, 1902. He has also taken the Mark degree. Mr. Ballinger was born in Gloucester, England, in 1843, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Tiptree,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1863. He settled in Christchurch, where he began business as a contractor over thirty years ago. Mr. Ballinger was president of the Christchurch Carters' Union for several
years, and has been a member of the Trades' Council. He has long been an ardent worker for and a strong supporter of liberalism in government, and much of the success of Mr W. P. Reeves, in politics, was due to Mr. Ballinger's energy and influence at the general election for Christchurch in 1891. He was vice-president of the Christchurch Liberal Association, and for two years president of the Progressive Liberal Association. On several occasions he was requested by influential deputations to stand as a member in the labour interest, but he never saw his way clear to consent. About the time of the great maritime strike, when there was an agitation, that the labour party were not represented on the Bench, Mr. Ballinger was made a Justice of the Peace. The industrial building societies in Christchurch owe their origin mainly to the efforts of Mr. Ballinger and Mr. Glanville, who were the prime movers; indeed, the first meeting was held at Mr. Ballinger's house. He has been on the directorate of each of these societies, and is now a director of three of them. Mr. Ballinger married the youngest daughter of the late Mr. W.
No. 675, S.C., holds its regular meetings at 7.30 p.m. on the first Thursday in each month, at the Crown Masonic Hall, Montreal Street, Sydenham. The installations take place in December. Officers for 1902: Bro. George F. Gee, R.W.M.; Bro. Hugh Hepburn, S.W.; Bro. George F. Dennis, J.W.; and Bro.— Henry, Secretary.
Right Worshipful Master, was initiated in the lodge of which he is now the head, in 1897. Having passed through all the chairs he was installed in his present office in December, 1901, by the District Grand Master. He has also taken the Mark degree. Mr. Gee who is a son of Mr. Walter Gee, of Christchurch, was born in that city in 1860. He was educated first, at St. John's School, and afterwards at Mr. T. M. Gee's Commercial College. On leaving school he served an apprenticeship under Mr. Joseph Piper, as a sheetiron worker and coppersmith, and remained with that gentleman for thirteen years. Mr. Gee then started a business on his own account in Christchurch, and conducted it for some years, in 1899 he entered the firm of Messrs P. and D. Duncan, and took up his present position in charge of the tinsmiths and plate workers. When residing at Hornby he became one of the first members of the local school committee, of which he was a member for three years. Mr. Gee was also a member of the Garrison Band for a period of fifteen years, and as a volunteer served for several years with the Christchurch Engineers, He married a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hamilton, of Christchurch, and has a family of four sons and four daughters.
The inauguration of a Grand Lodge for New Zealand took place at Christchurch on the 30th of April, 1890, when a large number of lodges of the English, Irish, and Scottish Constitutions were united under the New Zealand Constitution. Since that time other lodges have joined, and the number now (1902) on the roll under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand is 127. Mr. Henry Thomson, of Christchurch, was elected the first Grand Master, and the present occupant of the office is Mr. H. J. Williams, of Wellington. The Grand Superintendent of Canterbury is Mr. F. C. Binns.
Most Worshipful Grand Master of New Zealand, is fully referred to at pages 301 and 575 in the Wellington volume of this work.
Right Worshipful Grand Superintendent of Canterbury, was initiated into Freemasonry in 1873, in the Pacific Lodge, No. 517, E.C.,
No. 3, N.Z.C., is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Canterbury. It was originally under the English Constitution, and its history is sketched in another column. In October, 1901, the lodge celebrated its jubilee by a brilliant function, in which prominent Masons from all parts of Canterbury participated. Regular meetings of the lodge are held at the Masonic Hall, Sumner Road. Lyttelton, on the fourth Thursday in each month, and the annual installation takes place in January. Officers for 1902: Bro. W. H. R. Dale, W.M.; Bro. W. C. Cleary, S.W.; Bro. H. Smith, J.W.; Bro. the Rev. E. E. Chambers, Secretary.
who is now filling the office of Worshipful Master of Lodge Unanimity for a second term, was initiated in 1876, and was one of the first members of Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning, of which he became Secretary. Subsequently he affiliated with his present lodge, in which, starting as Junior Deacon, he passed through the chairs. Mr. Dale, who was born in London in 1854, came to New Zealand with his father in the ship “Egmont,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1856. He was brought up in Christchurch, educated at the old High School, Lincoln Road, under Mr. David Scott, and afterwards entered the service of the Provincial Government on the Lyttelton harbour works. After the abolition of provincial government he continued in the service of Messrs Hawkins and Co., contractors for the Lyttelton breakwater, and remained with them until the work was completed, Mr. Dale afterwards started as a timber merchant at Heathcote, and carried on business there for about five years. In 1890 he entered the service of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and is now one of its representatives at Lyttelton. Mr. Dale was for three years a member of the Heathcote Road Board, and was a member of the Heathcote school committee for thirteen years, during part of which he was chairman. Mr. Dale married a daughter of the late Mr. George Buck, who arrived in New Zealand in 1842, and was a pioneer settler of faita, near Wellington. He has a family of six sons.
No. 4, N.Z.C., was founded under the English Constitution, and is further referred to in another article. The regular meetings of the lodge are held in the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on the second Tuesday in each month, and the annual installation takes place in March. Officers for 1902: Bro. W. H. Cheesman, W.M.; Bro. W. J. Cresswell, S.W.; Bro. W. A. Carew, J.W.; Bro. G. W. Hulme, Secretary.
Worshipful Master of Lodge St. Augustine, was initiated as a Freemason in 1896, in the lodge in which he now holds the highest office. He has held office ever since he has been a master mason. Having passed through the chairs he was installed in his present office by the Right Worshipful Grand Superintendent in March, 1902. Mr. Cheesman is a son of the late Mr. T. F. Cheesman, who was sailing master of H.M.S. “Bulfalo,” when that ship first came to New Zealand in 1837, and when she again arrived, in 1840, with the wife and family of Governor Hobson. The vessel was shortly afterwards wrecked at Mercury Bay, but there was no loss of life. Mr. W. H. Cheesman was born in Norfolk, England, and was educated in London, and brought up to commercial pursuits. He arrived in New Zealand in 1881, and has been connected with the firm of Messrs Kaye and Carter almost ever since his arrival. Mr. Cheesman was one of the founders of the Canterbury section of the National Association, of which he was treasurer from its inception. While residing in Fendalton he was a member of the local school committee. Mr. Cheesman has been twice married, and has a family of four sons and three daughters.
No. 23, N.Z.C., dates its warrant from the 15th of November, 1875. Mr. Alexander Taylor, father of the present Senior Warden, was the first Worshipful Master. Regular meetings of the lodge are held on the third Thursday in each month at the Masonic Hall, Canterbury Street, Lyttelton, and the annual installation takes place on the Thursday nearest the 30th of November. Officers for 1902: Bro. C. Kay, W.M.; Bro. W. C. G. Taylor, S.W.; Bro. G. S. Cox, J.W.; and Bro. T. W. Page, Secretary.
Worshipful Master of this lodge, was initiated into Freemasonry on the 15th of October, 1896, in the lodge of which he is now the head. Having passed through all the other chairs, he was installed in his present office in November, 1901. Mr. Kay is a son of the late Mr. Charles Kay, who was well known in the railway service, and was for over forty years a resident of Lyttelton. On the occasion of the opening of the Lyttelton tunnel he drove the trolly which carried the Governor and his party. Mr. Charles Kay, the son, was born in 1871 at Lyttelton, where he served an apprenticeship as a plumber and tinsmith. He and his partner, Mr. W. C. G. Taylor, Senior Warden of the Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge, established their present business in 1894. As an Oddfellow Mr. Kay is connected with the Loyal City of Norwich Lodge; he was eight years in the juvenile lodge, in which he passed through all the chairs, and has twice passed through the chairs of the adult lodge. Mr. Kay has been a member of the Lyttelton Borough Council for the past three years.
No. 39, N.Z.C., was founded in 1881. The regular meetings of the lodge are held on the third Tuesday in each month at the Masonic Hall, Papanui, and the annual installation takes place in the month of March. Officers for 1902: Bro. F. E. Jones, W.M.; Bro. C. W. Garrard, S.W.; Bro. the Rev. J. M. Simpson, J.W.; Bro. John Longman, Secretary.
Worshipful Master of the Concord Lodge, was initiated as a Mason in Lodge Ara, No. 1, N.Z.C., Auckland. He afterwards affiliated with his present lodge, through the chairs of which he passed, and was installed in his present office by the Right Worshipful Grand Superintendent of Canterbury in March, 1902. Mr. Jones is a son of Mr. Edmund Jones, of Papanui, where he was born in 1870. He was educated at the St. Albans School, and afterwards entered the firm of Messrs W. Chrystall and Co., whose house he has represented for some years as a commercial traveller. Mr. Jones was secretary of the Papanui school committee for two years, and was in addition secretary of the Progress Committee appointed by the ratepayers of the district, he is also well known in local football, cricket, and athletic circles. Mr. Jones was married to a daughter of Mr. Peter Duncan, of London, and has a family of two sons.
No. 91, N.Z.C. This lodge is at present (1902) the youngest lodge in the city from which it takes its name, and was founded in 1893. The meetings are held at the St. Augustine Masonic Hall, Christchurch, on the fourth Tuesday in each month, at 7.30 p.m., and the annual installation takes place in November. Officers: Bro. John Robertson, W.M.; Bro. T. H. Davies, S.W.; Bro. H. Hopkinson, J.W.; Bro. W. V. Mauchlin, Secretary.
Worshipful Master of the lodge, was initiated in March, 1881, as a member of Lodge Corinthian, No. 463, I.C., Christchurch, in which he held the office of Senior Deacon prior to its being closed. Subsequently, Mr. Robertson joined the Crown Lodge, and on the formation of his present lodge he became one of the foundation members. After passing through the various chairs he was installed in his present office in November, 1901. Mr. Robertson was born in Caithness. Scotland, in 1860, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Northern Monarch” in1879. Ever since his arrival he has been connected with the building trade, and in 1888 he started in business on his own account. He is a member of the Builders' Association. Mr. Robertson married in October, 1888, a daughter of Mr. Alfred Green, an old colonist of Akaroa, and has a family of two sons and one daughter.
The establishment of Oddfellowship in New Zealand dates from the arrival of the pioneers. The first meeting was held on the 23rd of December, 1841, on board the “Martha Ridgway,” then on her way from Liverpool to Nelson. It was decided to establish a lodge at Nelson immediately after the ship's arrival, and this was duly carried out on Thursday. the 7th of April, 1842, the ship having arrived on the previous Sunday. This lodge eventually became the Loyal Nelson Lodge, No. 3,615. Soon afterwards other lodges were established throughout the colony. Through the efforts of Bro. Thomas Abrahams, who arrived in one of the first four ships, provided with a dispensation from the Grand Master and Board of Directors in England for the formation of a lodge in Canterbury, Oddfellowship was inaugurated in this province. The Jubilee of Oddfellowship in Canterbury was celebrated on the 22nd of December, 1901. As a Friendly and Benefit Society, the I.O.O.F., M.U., claims to be the largest and richest in the world. It has an adult male and female membership of 837,040, a juvenile membership of 1,441, and a total capital of £10,500,000.
No. 4356. This is the pioneer lodge of Canterbury, and has a membership of 241, and its funds amount to a total of £8674 10s 7d. Meetings are held on alternate Tuesdays in the Oddfellows' Hall, Winchester Street, Lyttelton. Bros. Sowden, P.P.G.M., and Derbidge P.P.G.M., Trustees of the lodge, have been in office for over twenty-five years. Bro. W. J. Toomey, P.P.G.M., is Treasurer, and Bro. J. L. Carrell, P.C.S., is Secretary.
No. 4602, holds its meetings at the Oddfellows' Chambers, Christchurch, on alternate Mondays. This lodge has 490 members, and funds to the value of £13,453 13s 7d. The officers are: Trustees, P.P.G.M. Bro. J. Guntrip, P.G. Bro. A. W. Winter, and P.G. Bro. W. Langford; Treasurer, P.G. Bro. J. Hounsell; Secretary, P.G. Bro. H. E. Robbins. The juvenile branch of this lodge meets on the other alternate Mondays. Bro. J. Hounsell, P.G., is Secretary.
No. 5428, which was established in 1866, meets at the Druids' Hall, Colombo Street, Sydenham. on alternate Wednesdays. There are 184 members, and the funds amount to £1,624 19s 7d. The officers are: Trustees, Bros. J. A. Ambrose, Prov. G.M., and W. L. Smith, P.G.; Treasurer, Bro. T. Treadwell, P.G.; Secretary, J. R. Merriman, P.G. The juvenile lodge, meets at the same place every alternate Monday. Bro. H. B. Veitch, P.G., is Secretary.
No. 5430, which has a membership of 122, and total funds amounting to £3,836 0s 6d, holds its meetings at the Oddfellows' Hall, Montreal Street North, every alternate Monday. The officer a are: Trustees, Bros. John Williamson, P.P.G.M., and George Judd, P.G.; Treasurer,
No. 5955, holds its meetings at the Oddfellows Hall, Woolston, on alternate Wednesdays. The lodge has 156 members, and funds to the value of £1,600 10s 10d. The officers are: Trustees, Bros. J. Richardson, P.P.G.M., and S. I. McHarg, P.G.; Treasurer, Bro. James Gatehouse, P.G.; Secretary, Bro. William Hartshorn, P.G.
No. 6344, meets every alternate Tuesday at the Social Hall, off Ferry Road, Linwood. The membership is fifty-eight, and the funds amount to £256 14s 1d. Bros. W. B. Nichols and C. Collins, Past Grand Masters are the Trustees; Bro. W. J. Baillie, P.G., is Treasurer, and Bro. J. Cleworth, P.P.G.M., is Secretary.
No. 6405, meets fortnightly at Papanui and Belfast alternately, the night of meeting being Tuesday. There are sixty-two members, and the funds amount to £759 14s 1d. The officers are: Trustees, Bros. W. Nicholls, P.G., and C. Simmonds, P.G.; Treasurer; Bro. J. Munro, P.G.; Secretary, Bro. H. E. Morgan.
No. 6514, holds its meetings at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lincoln Road, Addington, on alternate Mondays. It has 106 members, and funds amounting to £1,614 0s 7d. The officers are: Trustees, Bros. J. A. Clarke, P.P.G.M., and W. Johnston, P.G.; Treasurer, Bro. F. J. Caterer, P.P.G.M.; Secretary, Bro. C. H. Winny, P.P.G.M. The juvenile branch of this lodge meets at the same place on alternate Tuesdays.
No. 6781, meets at the Riccarton Library on alternate Thursdays. There are fifty-one members, and funds amounting to £851 10s 0d. The officers are: Trustees, Bros. J. T. Lowe, P.G., and J. W. Carleton, P.G.; Treasurer, Bro. C. E. Hodgkinson, P. G.; Secretary, Bro. C. E. T. Hill.
No. 7601, has fifty-eight members and funds to the value of £34 5s 2d. Meetings are held in the Druids' Hall, Christchurch, on alternate Tuesdays. Bro. C. Foster, Prov. C.S., and T. Kent, P.P.G.M., are Trustees; Sister A. Butler, P.G., is Treasurer, and Sister G. Pearce, Permanent Secretary.
is one of the great Friendly Societies, which, during the past century, has spread their beneficent work throughout the world, and encouraged prudence, mutual help, and manly self-reliance among working men. To Bro. R. Woodford, who arrived in one of the first ships, belongs the honour of instituting the Order in New Zealand, and by his exertions the Court Star of Canterbury was opened at the Golden Fleece Hotel, Christchurch, in January, 1852. The United District Court of Forestry in Canterbury was established in 1863. In 1867 a Widow and Orphans' Fund was established, having for its aims and objects the relief of widows and orphans of deceased Foresters, by securing to them a weekly payment. Juvenile courts of the A.O.F. have also been formed with good results to the Order.
meets on the second Thursday in April and October, at the District Chambers, Foresters' Hall, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, or in the locality of a court. The officers are: Permanent District Secretary, Thomas Gapes; Permanent Treasurer, H. Crooks; District Chief Ranger, W. Poninghaus; District Sub-Chief Ranger, J. V. Beattie; District Beadle, F. Lill. The Board of New Zealand Foresters' Guarantee Association meets at the same time and place.
No. 2309, meets at the Foresters' Hall, Christchurch, on the first and third Mondays in each month. The officers are: Permanent Secretary, S. B. Wathew; Treasurer, H. Crooks. The juvenile court meets at the same place on the last Wednesday in each month. Secretary, George W. Sears.
No. 2703, meets every second and fourth Wednesday in the month at the Foresters' Hall, St. David Street, Lyttelton. Secretary, J. R. Smith. The juvenile court meets on the first and third Mondays in each month at the same place.
No. 6494, meets on the first and third Tuesdays at the Druids' Hall, Colombo Street, Sydenham. Secretary, W. D. Marks.
No. 6585, meets on the first and third Wednesdays at the Library, Papanui. Secretary, F. E. Foote.
No. 7756, meets at the Foresters' Hall, Christchurch, on the fourth Monday in the month. Secretary, Miss Weakley.
This Order was established in New Zealand in 1876, when Past Arch Druid Bro. Solomons, of Dunedin, by virtue of a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of Australia, opened the Pioneer Lodge in Christchurch. The membership, which at the opening was about sixty, increased very rapidly. After suffering a period of adversity the parent lodge soon gained ground, and has since continued in a manner eminently successful. In 1879 a lodge was opened in Wellington, and, taking courage from the success achieved, other lodges were subsequently opened in all the chief towns in the colony. The District Grand Lodge of Canterbury was established in 1890, that of the North Island in 1895, and a District Grand Lodge was grated to the Otago and Southland district in the following year. There are now over seventy adult lodges in the colony, three Druidess lodges, and a number of juvenile lodges. The Pioneer Lodge, which may justly feel proud of its efforts to extend Druidism in New Zealand, has a present membership of 220, and nearly £4,000 to the credit of its sick fund.
No. 1. The Grand Lodge meets annually on the first Thursday in the month of March, and the Board of Management meets on the last Wednesday in each month, at the Druids' Hall, Christchurch. The officers for 1902 are: D.G. President, Bro. R. Dyer; D.G. Vice-President, Bro. H. E. Smith; D.G. Secretary, Bro. H. D. Rayner, D.G. Treasurer, Bro. T. Walker; D.G. Guardian, Bro. J. Jowsey.
No. 1. This, the parent lodge of the colony, meets on alternate Mondays at the Druids' Hall, Worcester Street, Christchurch. There is a total membership of 220, and the value of the funds is £3,918 15s 9 1/2d. Bro. J. Swinnerton is Secretary.
No. 2, meets at the M.I.A. rooms, St. Albans, on altemate Tuesdays. It has a membership of ninety-four, and total funds amounting to £1,503 0s 3d. The Secretary is Bro. T. Walker.
No. 3, meets on alternate Mondays at the Druids Hall, Christchurch. The funds of the lodge amount to £1,451 14s 4d, and there are 102 members. Bro. H. D. Rayner is Secretary.
No. 5. This lodge meets on alternate Thursdays at Canterbury Street, Lyttelton, and has a membership of seventy-two; total funds, £955 13s 3d. Bro. W. T. Barnes is Secretary.
No. 7, meets at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lincoln Road, Sydenham, on alternate Mondays. The number of members is eighty-three, and the value of the funds, £443 15s 0d. Bro. J. W. Pollard is Secretary.
No. 9, which meets on alternate Fridays at the Druids' Hall, Woolston, has 140 members and £756 13s 3 1/2d in funds. Bro. John Rhodes is Secretary. Ivy Of Linwood Lodge, No. 13, meets at the Hibernian Hall, Christchurch, on alternate Mondays. It has a membership of sixty-one, and funds to the value of £386 1s 7d. The Secretary is Bro. J. Bush.
No. 15, meets on alternate Wednesdays at the Druids' Hall, Colombo Road, Sydenham. The membership is 152, and the value of the funds is £2,406 4s 7 1/2d. Bro. J. Hadfield is Secretary.
No. 19, which meets at Sumner on alternate Tuesdays, has a membership of twenty-five. Bro. A. Senior is Secretary.
No. 20, meets at the Burwood Hall on alternate Thursdays. Bro. T. Edwards is Secretary.
No. 1, meets on alternate Wednesdays at the Druids' Hall, Woolston.
No. 2, meets at the Druids' Hall. Colombo Road, Sydenham, on alternate Wednesdays. Bro. J. Fisher is Secretary.
is a religious and political organisation, its chief plank being the maintenance of Protestant principles. In New Zealand, the Order is worked under two Grand Lodges, one for each island. The first steps to open an Orange Lodge in this island were taken in 1861, when Bro. Thomas Wallace, senior, William Wallace, Thomas Atkinson, Francis J. Redpath, and Thomas Wallace, junior, sent their clearances to Ireland, and applied for a Grand Warrant for New Zealand. This was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland to Bro. F. J. Redpath, as Master, to open a lodge in Lyttelton. This warrant, which was a private one, was used until 1869, when a special Grand Warrant for the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand, Middle Island, was issued. Bro. Thomas Wallace, senior, was the first Grand Master, and Bro. F. C. Lanauze the first Grand Secretary. Bro. F. J. Redpath succeeded as Grand Master in 1867, and held office for two years. The officers for 1902 are: Right Worshipful Grand Master, Bro. Henry J. Ranger; Right Worshipful Deputy-Grand Master, Bro. James Caygill; Grand Secretary, Bro. Edward Revell; Grand Treasurer, Bro. A. Mills.
No. 1 Lodge, now holding its meetings at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the first Tuesday in the month, is the original Charter Lodge, which was established in Lyttelton. Bro. G. F. Straw is the present Worshipful Master, and Bro. A. H. Rickard the Secretary.
No. 2 Lodge holds its meetings at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the fourth Tuesday in the month. The Worshipful Master is Bro. J. Ballantine, and the Secretary is Bro. W. Bailey.
No. 3 Lodge meets at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the second Thursday in the month. Bro. J. Lyness is the Worshipful Master, and Bro. J. Caygill is Secretary.
No. 4 Lodge also meets at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the third Tuesday in the month. The Worshipful Master is Bro. James Weir, and the Secretary is Bro. J. E. Lister.
No. 5 Lodge holds its meetings at the Protestant Hall St. Albans, on the third Tuesday in the month. Bro. D. Johnston is the Worshipful Master.
No. 32 Lodge meets at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the second Tuesday in the month. Bro. W. Simmons is Worshipful Master, and Bro. G. P. Taylor is Secretary.
No. 33 Lodge meets at the Foresters Hall, Richmond, on the second Friday in the month. The Worshipful Master is Bro. J. McCansland, and Bro. Hans Savage is Secretary.
No. 1 Lodge holds its meetings at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the fourth Thursday in the month. Mrs M. Hanna is President, and Mass A. J. Mitchell is Secretary.
No. 3 Lodge meets also at the Orange Hall, Christchurch, on the first Thursday in the month. The President is Mrs S. B. Wilson, and Miss H. G. Gunn is Secretary.
which was established in Christchurch in 1874, is purely a friendly benefit organisation, political or religious discussions being prohibited at its meetings. The Christchurch branch is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New South Wales.
meets on alternate Mondays at the Orange Hall, Worcester Street, Christchurch. The officers are: W.M., W. J. Horwell; Secretary, W. E. Shelton; Treasurer, J. Slater.
meets at the Selwyn Street schoolroom on alternate Mondays. The Secretary is W. Dalley.
No. 82, Christchurch. This Society was established in Christchurch about 1872, its object being similar to that of other Friendly Societies, namely, mutual help in time of need. The membership is about 112, and meetings are held on alternate Mondays at the Hibernian Hall, Barbadoes Street. The officers of the Society are Messrs Robert Evans, president; David Edmonds, vice-president; G. J. Sellars, secretary; and — Hinds, treasurer.
is a friendly but not a benefit society. It exists to promote the cause of temperance, and advocates total abstinence for the individual and prohibition for the State. The Grand Lodge of this Order was originally opened in Christchurch in 1874, but the headquarters have since been removed to Dunedin, where Bro. D. C. Cameron is the Grand Secretary. Bro. Michael Cook is the District Deputy for Christchurch and Bro. T. H. Webb holds a similar position for the Lyttelton district.
No. 8, which has a membership of sixty, hold its meetings on Tuesdays, at the Druids' Hall, Christchurch. The Lodge Deputy is Bro. H. H. L. Whitcher.
No. 75, meets on Wednesdays at the Druids' Hall, Sydenham. This lodge has also a membership of sixty,. Mrs A. T. Cumming, senior, is the Lodge Deputy.
No. 60, meets at the English Church schoolroom, Lyttelton, on Tuesdays. Bro. T. H. Webb is Lodge Deputy.
is the juvenile branch of the Hope of Christchurch Lodge, and meets on the same evenings, an hour before the adult lodge. It has a membership of fifty. Miss E. M. Mardon is Superintendent.
occupies a similar position with regard to the Reviving Stream Lodge, and has also fifty members. The Superintendent is Mrs A. T. Cumming, senior.
This is another Friendly Benefit Society, one of the chief planks of which is that all members must be total abstainers. The National Diviaion of New Zealand, which consists of an executive and delegates from the various divisions, meets once a year. Christchurch, being the stronghold of the Sons of Temperance, is the headquarters of the executive, which meets on the third Wednesday in each month, at the Temperance Hall, Gloucester Street. The executive officers are: Most Worthy Patriarch, Bro. Green; Most Worthy Associate, Bro. T. P. Moore; Financial Scribe, Bro. W. Seed; Treasurer, Bro. A. Williams. There are four divisions or lodges of this Order in Christchurch, one being for the city, and one for each of the suburbs of St. Albans, Sydenham, and Addington. These divisions hold fortnightly meetings, which are of a business and social character.
is a world-wide institution. It works chiefly for temperance, but it also undertakes other reform work of a social character, its motto being. “For God and Home and Humanity.” The Christchurch branch is affiliated to the New Zealand Union which holds an annual convention. At the Agricultural and Pastoral shows at Addington the Union's large refreshment tent is always in evidence, and as the members work and give their services freely, a substantial sum is thereby raised to carry on the work. Meetings are held at the Metaphysical Club rooms, Gloucester Street, on the afternoons of the second and fourth Wednesdays in each month. Miss Powell is president, Mrs L. M. Isitt and Mrs C. Howard are vice-presidents, Miss Clark is secretary, and Mrs Ferguson, treasurer.
This Order belongs to the great family of Friendly Benefit Societies, and was introduced into Christchurch by Bro. J. T. Smith in 1877. One of the essential qualifications for membership is total abstinence from intoxicating liquors as beverages. The Christchurch branch forms part of the New Zealand Central District, the headquarters of which are in Wellington. The accumulated funds of the district amount to about £29,000.
No. 26, holds its meetings in the Temperance Hall, Gloucester Street, Christchurch, on alternate Mondays. It has a membership of 150, and funds to the amount of £1,600. The officers are: Chief Ruler, Bro. H. Henwood; Deputy Ruler, Bro. R. H. Taylor; Secretary, Bro. A. Palmer; Treasurer, Bro. J. Coombs.
is an affiliation of Amateur Athletic Clubs throughout the colony. It was established in 1887, with its headquarters
Secretary of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, was first elected to that post in August, 1896, and during his successive terms of office he has fulfilled his duties with credit to himself, and advantage to the association. He has from his boyhood taken a leading part in athletics; in 1886, and again in the succeeding year, he won the Old Boys' race at Christ's College. In the early nineties he was admittedly a prominent athlete, and his victories up to that time included the 250 Yards Running Championship. In 1885 he represented Lancaster Park Cricket Club in Senior Cup matches, and he has on several occasions been chosen a representative in interprovincial matches. Mr. Harley was born in Christchurch in 1868, and is a son of the late Mr. Edward Steane Harley, who is referred to in another section of this Cyclopedia. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and trained in a merchant's office. Mr. Harley commenced business on his own account in 1901.
claims to be the first cycling club formed in New Zealand, and one of the oldest cycling clubs in the world. It was established in 1879 by Messrs H. G. Clark (its first captain), E. C. Farr (its first secretary), J. W. Twentyman, R. T. Searell, H. Hobday, E. C. J. Stevens (its first president), and others. Shortly after its establishment the club acquired rooms over Mr E. Wheeler's studio, but afterwards removed to its present premises in the third storey of the Government Insurance Building. The club is affiliated to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association and to the New Zealand League of Wheelmen. In 1899 it amalgamated with the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, and combined amateur running and other sports with cycling. The club won the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association's championship banner in 1900. Representatives from all the chief clubs in the colony were competing, but the Pioneer Club won by a large majority of points. In 1901 the club sent four representatives to the New Zealand Championship meeting at Auckland, when three of them won New Zealand championships, and a fourth came in second. The whole team was picked to represent the colony at the Australasian Championship meeting. The club has always been conducted on business principles, and it now has a membership of 250, whilst the books show a decided credit balance. Four meetings are held annually in Lancaster Park, where bicycle races, weight throwing, running, jumping and other athletic competitions take place. Officers: Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, president; Dr. Thomas and Messrs A. H. Anderson, A. Lowry, H. Kohn and J. F. Grierson, vicepresidents; Mr. E. E. Daniels, captain; and Mr. H. S. Batchelor, vice-captain.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Pioneer Amateur Bicycle and Athletic Club, was born in Christchurch in 1865, and educated at the public schools, and by private tuition. He joined the Government Telegraph Department in 1879.
City Hall, Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch. This club was established in 1899. At its first meeting the following officers were elected; Patron, Mr. G. G. Stead; president, Mr. J. R. Triggs; vicepresidents, Messrs F. A. Cooke, W. F. Burns, E. C. Brown, R. Struthers, W. Reece, J. H. Parker, T. Coverdale, E. C. Ashby, and T. Kincaid; captain, Mr. G. E. Good; deputy captain, Mr. F. McKechnie. Mr. E. J. Righton was temporarily appointed secretary. At first the membership was small, but it now consists of about 243 persons, and the club is amongst the foremost in the colony. At its headquarters the club has a spacious billiard room, a reading room, a social room, furnished with a piano and other conveniences, for winter evening concerts, and other social gatherings. At the back of the hall there is a smaller building, which is reserved by the club for volunteering purposes. It contains a shooting gallery, a volunteer orderly room, and a gymnasium. Officers for the year commencing September, 1901: president, Mr J. H. Parker; vice-presidents, Messrs E. C. Meredith-Kaye, G. E. Good, W. Reece, H. Struthers, and the Hon. Charles Louisson, M.L.C.; captain, Mr. I. Montague; vice-captain, Mr. F. D. Kesteven: secretary, Mr. R. W. Barry; treasurer, Mr. S. A. Edinger. There is also a committee consisting of seven members.
the Captain of the Canterbury Athletic and Cycling Club, was one of the chief promoters of that popular and progressive body. As a lover of cycling, and social gatherings, he determined, in May, 1899, to organise a social and sports club, for the purpose of providing amusement and recreation for the keepers of the Thursday half holiday. Mr. J. H. Parker ably seconded his efforts, and they soon organised a club confined to men engaged in commercial pursuits. So many joined the movement that the original plan was extended, and the association was named the Canterbury Athletic and Cycling Club. Mr. Montague was elected to the committee, and continued to play a prominent part in the development of the club. Upon the establishment of centres for the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, he was elected to represent the Amberley Cycling Club at the local meeting place, and in 1909 he was appointed chief consul for the North Canterbury centre. In 1901 he accepted the captaincy of the Canterbury Athletic and Cycling Club, which has made substantial progress under his popular management. Mr. Montague was born in 1849. He was educated first at Liverpool, and subsequently at the Cheltenham grammar school. In 1867 he sailed for New Zealand, and on landing at Auckland joined his brother in business, acting, for some years, as commercial traveller for the firm. This position he relinquished in 1878, when he removed to Christchurch and commenced business on his own account in High Street. After conducting an extensive trade for about nine years, he disposed of his business and accepted an appointment as manager of the fancy goods department in the Christchurch branch of the D.I.C., and be still holds this position. Mr. Montague has taken a deep interest in charitable matters, and many of the local institutions have received assistance at his hands. He was married, in 1879, to Miss Isaacs, daughter of a Dunedin resident, and has two daughters and one son.
Secretary to the Canterbury Amateur and Cycling Club, captained the Canterbury representatives on the cricket field for the year 1901. He was born in Christchurch, in 1869, and educated at the public schools and at Christ's College. Mr. Barry has held responsible positions with various commercial firms, and in the Government service, and is now engaged in clerical work.
Officials for 1902: Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes (president), and Mr. F. D. Kesteven (secretary and treasurer). This society, which was founded in 1892, is the controlling body of cash and amateur cycling, and has seventy clubs in affiliation.
Officials for 1902: Mr. R. C. Bishop, president; Dr George Deamer and Messrs E. H. James and J. J. Kinsey, vice-presidents; Mr. F. E. Asquith, secretary and treasurer. This club, which has a large membership, was established in 1893.
is an offshoot from the Christchurch Cycling Club. It was established in August, 1899, with a total membership of thirty-five. In the year of its inception, a suitable allotment was acquired on lease, at 79 Cambridge Terrace, and the present club house was shortly afterwards erected. The building is of wood, is onestorey high, and stands on a concrete foundation. It is divided into three apartments— a reading and committee room, a billiard room, and a card room, the first of which is regularly supplied with numerous periodicals for the use of the members. Meetings are held annually at Lancaster Park. The Union Cycling Club was victorious in the first test match in the inter-club billiard tournament for the Alcock Challenge Shield. Officers for the year 1902: president, Mr R. R. Lightbody; vice-presidents, Messrs E. Fox and Charles Hulston; captain, Mr J. D. Fraser; sub-captain, Mr. W. Mably; secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. T. Washer. There is also a committee consisting of five members.
President of the Union Cycling Club, was one of the vice-presidents of the club for the first few years of its existence, and in 1901, he was elected president. Mr. Lightbody was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 1861, and arrived in New Zealand in 1887. He was engaged in various commercial undertakings till 1898, when he purchased the business of Messrs Yerex and Jones, American bicycle importers, of Colombo Street. This business he still conducts under the style of Messrs R. Lightbody and Co.
Captain of the Union Cycling Club, has been associated with the club since 1899. He became sub-captain in 1900, and in 1901, was elected captain. Mr. Fraser is an enthusiastic cyclist, and the present healthy condition of the Union Cycling Club is, in no small degree, due to his efforts. He is the chosen representative of his club at the North Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand League of Wheelmen. Mr. Fraser is also a footballer, and in that connection holds a high reputation. He has represented the Canterbury province in interprovincial matches some sixteen times, and is at present (January, 1902) delegate for the Merivale Football Club at the Canterbury Rugby Union. Mr. Fraser was born in Christchurch in 1870, educated at the Normal School, and in 1894, entered the hardware department of Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co. He is still in that firm's employment.
Secretary of the Union Cycling Club, has been associated with cash cycling since its inauguration. He was for six years a member, and at the latter end of that period a committeeman, of the Christchurch Cycling Club. On the formation of the Union Cycling Club, Mr. Washer was appointed treasurer of the new institution, and on the resignation of the original secretary, the offices of secretary and treasurer were combined, and placed under his charge. Mr. Washer was born at Brighton, Sussex, England, in 1855, and arrived in New Zealand in 1866. He landed at Lyttelton, and completed his education at Christ's College, Christchurch. After leaving school he was engaged in various pursuits, until 1890, when he accepted a position in the “Lyttelton Times” office.
Officers for 1901–2: Messrs R. J. S. Harman (president), A. F. N. Blakiston, R. D. Thomas, and A. E. G. Rhodes (vice-presidents), K. W. Fisher (treasurer), G. J. Robertson (secretary), and F. I. Cowlishaw (captain). This Club, which is the oldest in New Zealand, was founded in 1861. The club-house and boat-sheds are situated across the bridge at the junction of Kilmore Street and the East Belt, and consist of a fine two-storey wooden building; the whole of the ground floor being occupied by the plant, comprising thirty-one boats of all descriptions; the upper floor contains committee-rooms and has a social hall. There is a total membership of 200 honorary, life, and active members. Regattas and club-races are held during the season.
Captain of the Canterbury Rowing Club, was born in Christchurch in 1869. He was educated at Rugby and at Oxford, gained his B.A. degree in 1891, and was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in the following year. Since returning to the Colony in 1893, he has been associated with the legal firm of Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher. He has been interested in the Canterbury Rowing Club for some years, having been a member of committee prior to his election as captain in 1898. He has also been interested in the Amateur Athletic Club, and Christchurch Football Club.
which in the matter of membership ranks second amongst the Christchurch rowing clubs, was founded in 1866. One of its principal promoters was Mr. Henry Thompson, who is yet and has all along been identified with its fortunes. The shed was then on the opposite side of the river to that of the Canterbury Club, but later the City Council required the site for a road, and the club removed to its present position in Oxford Terrace, a short distance from the East Belt bridge. The ground on which the boathouse stands contains more than a quarter of an acre in area. In 1890 the boathouse, which had been erected some fifteen years previously, was found to be much too small for the plant which the largely increased membership required, and a much more convenient boathouse was built. This, however, was destroyed by fire on the 23rd of June, 1896, and in January of the following year the club opened its present handsome and commodious building, which ranks as the finest equipped boathouse in the Southern Hemisphere. The ground floor is devoted to the storage of plant, and has a large dressing room, with lavatories and other appointments. The next floor has a spacious and well-fitted social hall, handsomely furnished, a large billiard room, a committee room, ladies' rooms, and an extensive balcony and tower. The plant comprises eleven pleasure boats, two semi-racing stumps, three racing stumps, one best-and-best four and one best-and-best convertible pair and doublesculler, three association fours, and one clinker practice four. Besides holding a splendid
Secretary of the Union Rowing Club, has been associated with the club since 1895, and was elected to the office of secretary in 1901. Mr. Watkins was born at Rangiora, in 1877, and is a son of Mr. E. Watkins, principal of the Christchurch Normal School. He received his primary education at the public schools, and afterwards studied at the Christchurch High School. On leaving school he entered the office of Mr. T. G. Russell, barrister and solicitor, and in 1899 was appointed managing clerk to that gentleman.
was established in September, 1881. Some of those who figured prominently in its organisation have passed away, but at least two of its founders still survive—Messrs W. Lamb and A. Runge, and Mr. Lamb still takes an active interest in the club. The club's first temporary premises were at Mr. E. Rees' shed, then standing at the bend of the Avon near the East Belt. In the course of a few months a more substantial shed was erected in the neighbourhood by the members, who then numbered fifteen. As time went on the membership increased so much that more commodious sheds became necessary. The club then sold its property to the Union Rowing Club, and bought about half an acre of land about a quarter of a mile further down on the left bank of the river. On that site it erected its present handsome two-storey boathouse. Besides the apartments and fittings essential to a modern boathouse, this establishment contains many conveniences which add to the pleasures of the sport. The dressing room and the lavatory are to the rear of the boat room, which occupies the greater portion of the ground floor. The second storey contains the social room, the ladies' dressing room, and the committee rooms, with a spacious balcony, which overlooks the river. The plant consists of one beat and best four, one association definition four, one clinker practice four, three racing stumps, and a complete pleasure plant, consisting of eight boats, some of which carry as many as fourteen passengers. In competitive matches the Avon Rowing Club has always taken an active part, and, considered in conjunction with its status, it holds a very honourable record. During the winter evenings, quadrille assemblies occupy the social room in the sheds, whilst the hockey club, affiliated to the rowing club, has proved of great service in keeping the members together during the winter months. Officers for the year 1901–02: Mrs E. C. J. Stevens, president; C. Allard, F. Fuller, E. C. Ashby, J. H. Fountaine and H. A. Stewart, vice-presidents; J. McDonald, captain; J. Hannan, vice-captain; E. C. Good, honorary secretary; G. Scott, honorary tresurer.
Captain of the Avon Rowing Club, became a member of the club in 1889. Three years later he was elected a member of the committee, and in 1895 was chosen captain. Mr. McDonald was born in Christchurch in 1865, and is a son of the late Mr. John McDonald, an early Canterbury pioneer. He was educated at private and public schools, and afterwards apprenticed to the upholstery trade, under Mr. A. J. White, with whom he remained for about twelve years, and was afterwards associated with Mr. Jacobsen in establishing the firm of Jacobsen and McDonald, cabinetmakers and upholsterers, of Madras Street, Christchurch. Mr. McDonald is a member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, and takes part in its management as a member of the financial committee.
was founded in 1890, under the
was founded in 1890. At its first meeting it had a membership of twenty. This gradually increased for several years, and at one time the club had a membership of over sixty with a fleet of about a dozen yachts, mostly of the skimming-dish type. Latterly the membership has fallen off, and the club's fleet now comprises only five vessels. The boat shed on the right bank of the Avon at the New Brighton tram bridge, is used only for the storage of yachting material. Officers for 1902: president, Mr. George Slater; captain Mr. Alfred Rides; secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. E. Willsteed.
was established in 1891 by a number of enthusiastic yachtsmen, who desired to encourage the building of yachts and the development of the sport. Since its inception the club has pursued a most progressive course, and now has a membership of about 110. It has its headquarters on the estuary of the Heathcote and Avon, near Sumner, where a boathouse, for the storage of yachting equipments, and a jetty projecting into the estuary, constitute its premises. The fleet connected with the club consists of eleven yachts. These are of the most modern kind, consisting chiefly of the skimming-dish type. Many different styles have been tried, amongst others the proa, but these have now been replaced by up-to-date American designs. Meetings for the purpose of general sport and competitive matches between the various yachts and members of the club take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, and Sunday is reserved for cruising as a recreation. Officers: J. S. Monck, president; A. E. G. Rhodes, W. Rollitt, C. Louisson, M.L.C., G. Laurenson, M.H.R., W. Reece, and S. Brooking, vicepresidents; H. J. Raphael, commodore, R. Kennett, vice-commodore; L. R. Langdown, honorary secretary. There is also a committee of five members.
President of the Christchurch Sailing Club, has from earliest manhood been an enthusiastic sportsman. He was one of the founders of the Christchurch Sailing Club, and was first elected its president in 1894. Mr. Monck has manifested even deeper interest in other phases of sporting life. As a cricketer he has a considerable reputation, and though now an elderly man, he still takes his place on the cricket field. In his earlier days, he took a prominent part in running championships, and in 1872, was the champion long distance runner for the colony. Mr. Monck was born in 1845 in Berkshire, England, and is a son of Mr. John Bligh Monck, of Coley Park, Reading. He was educated at Bradfield College, Berkshire. On leaving school he sailed for New Zealand, landed at Lyttelton in 1863, and shortly after took up a run near Lake Coleridge, where he lived till 1869. In that year he removed to his present place of residence near Sumner, and was one of the earliest settlers of the district. Mr. Monck went on a visit to England in 1881, and returned in 1882. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Tomes, daughter of an early Canterbury colonist, and has two sons and three daughters.
who was appointed Honorary Secretary to the Christchurch Sailing Club in 1901, is an enthusiastic yachtsman. He joined the club in 1894, and, being part owner of a yacht, he has materially assisted in maintaining interest and enthusiasm in the sport. Mr. Langdown also takes considerable interest in rowing and hockey. He has for many years been a member of the Sydenham Hockey Club, in which he has held the various leading offices. In 1898 and 1899 he represented Canterbury in hockey, and in 1900 he was one of the selectors of a team which represented Canterbury against Wellington. Mr. Langdown was born in Christchurch in 1878, and is a son of Mr W. Langdown, well known in commercial circles. He was educated at Warwick House School, Christchurch, and in 1894 was apprenticed as a chemist under the late Mr. George Bonnington, of High Street. In 1900 Mr. Langdown was promoted to the position of assistant in Mr. Bonnington's pharmacy.
was established in 1883, by Messrs R. Struthers, H. Williams, E. C. Ashby, M. Sandstein, D. Christie, J. Foovey, W. Jones, and F. Hobbs. At the first meeting of the club, there were thirty members, and Mr. John Holmes, M.H.R., was elected president. The bowling green, in Cashel Street, opposite the Kaiapoi Woollen Company's promises, is a square allotment, well adapted for the purpose, and over a quarter of an acre in extent. It was secured at the inception of the club, and shortly afterwards a suitable pavilion was erected on the spot. The club now has 110 members. Officers for 1902; president, Mr W. Jacques; vice-president, Mr. C. Duggan; secretary, Mr. H. Hellyer; treasurer, Mr. J. Greig. There is also a committee consisting of five members.
Secretary of the Canterbury Bowling Club, has been an energetic member for some years, and was appointed secretary in April, 1900. Mr. Hellyer is captain of the Christchurch Hockey Club, and was formerly secretary of the Warehousemen's Cricket Club. He was born in Dunedin in 1868, educated at the public schools, trained as a warehouseman, and entered the service of Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen in 1887. In 1892 he was transferred to the firm's Christchurch branch, and seven years later was promoted to the post of manager of the hosiery and haberdashery department.
was established about 1877, under the title of the Christchurch Chess Club, and was re-named shortly after its inception. Messrs H. M. Lund, H. Hookham, A. Ollivier, and others were among the earliest members, of whom, at first, there were but few, but there are now about fifty. Meetings are held three times a week; namely, on Thursday afternoon, and Tuesday and Friday evenings, in the Chamber of Commerce. Officers for 19011902: President, Mr. J. G. L. Scott; vicepresident, Mr. W. Hunter; secretary, Mr. Charles Wotherspoon; treasurer, Mr J. J. Milner. There is also a committee of six members.
was elected Secretary of the Canterbury Chess Club in October, 1899, only a few months after becoming a member. He was born in London, in 1862, and completed his education at Montreaux, on the shore of Lake
Lancaster Park. Directors:— Messrs F. Wilding (chairman), F. J. Cowlinhaw, C. H. Croxton, Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, M.L.C., and Dr. Jennings; secretary, Mr. F. D. Kesteven. This company was incorporated in 1878 to acquire the freehold of fourteen acres, which was then a swamp. Many thousands of pounds have since been expended on the property, and it is now one of the largest and most beautiful grounds in the Colony. The whole has been completely fenced, and beautiful terraces and lawns have been constructed on each side. There is a splendid cricket and football ground, large cycling track, and one of the largest swimming baths in the Colony, measuring 150 feet by 84 feet. Lancaster Park is the scene of a very large number of popular athletic events.
was established in Christchurch in 1889 by a gentleman who is no doubt the oldest living cricketer. Mr. George Wilmer, who is president, treasurer, and captain of the club. There are about forty-eight members, none of whom are qualified to join until they attain the age of fifty years. The Veteran Cricketers have been successful in winning many matches and their performances, it is needless to say, are watched with great interest during the cricket season.
President, Treasurer, and Captain of the Christchurch Veterans' Cricket Club, is an old pioneer Colonist. He was born in Pulborough, Sussex, in 1816, educated in his native town and brought up to mercantile pursuits. In 1858 he landed in Lyttelton, after having been for three years previously in the Australian Colonies. Mr. Wilmer imported three cargoes of horses from Australia and a large number of cattle from the North Island, and took up a run of some 33,000 acres in the Nelson provincial district, which he stocked and worked for a number of years. Eventually selling his interest to advantage, Mr. Wilmer acquired land in the Riccarton district, where he engaged in sheep-farming. His private residence in Durham Street, Christchurch, where he still lives, was built soon after he settled in Canterbury. Mr. Wilmer has been an enthusiastic cricketer for more than threescore years and ten, having played since he was ten years of age; and it is not surprising that “his boys,” as he calls the members of the Christchurch Veterans' Cricket Club, the average age of whom is sixty-three, should be proud of their captain. Their esteem for him has been shown by presentations on his birthday with inscribed silver plate, a silver cup, a handsomely framed portrait, and a cap with splendid gold badge. Mr. Wilmer was shipwrecked off Waikouaiti on a voyage from Lyttelton to Dunedin with three valuable horses of his own breeding, and nine hundred copies of his Elementary Geography of New Zealand published in 1871–1872. He was married in 1848 to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Kidd, of Steyning, Sussex, and has three sons and one daughter living. Mrs Wilmer's father and brother were large grain merchants in Mark Lane, London. A beautiful oil painting of Mr. Wilmer was executed and presented to him by Mr. Van der Velden, the celebrated artist. While in Australia Mr. Wilmer led a very adventurous life, travelling thousands of miles, including the journey from Sydney to Melbourne twice with mobs of horses. He was laid up for nine weeks at one time with a broken leg. Mr Wilmer wrote a history of his travels in Australia, and it was published in London.
Officers for 1901–2: Messrs A. E. G. Rhodes, president), G. H. Mason, J. C. Adams, and W. H. Meikleham (vice-presidents), W. G. Garrard (secretary), and F. E. Asquith (honorary treasurer). The union, which was established in 1876, is the governing body of football in Canterbury. There are thirtyseven affiliated clubs, having a total approximate membership of 2800. The union holds three competitions in Christchurch each year, namely, senior, junior, and third class, and, under its auspices, there are competitions in the North Canterbury district, Akaroa, and at Ellesmere every year.
Honorary Secretary to the Canterbury Rugby Union, was born in London in 1865, and arrived in the Colony with his parents in his infancy. Educated in Nelson, he was brought up to the business of a gun maker by his father. He has been interested in football since 1881, was an active player till 1889, and was appointed to the position he now holds in 1895. He has been a cricketer all his life, and is a member of the Midland Club, and was also a member of the Christchurch Amateur Athletic Club from 1885 to 1896. Mr. Garrard is a representative on the Governing Board of trotting in New Zealand, and has been a delegate to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association since its foundation. He was married in 1895 to a daughter of Mr. E. Beardsley, of Manchester Street, Christchurch.
was established on the 7th of April, 1898. It consists of clubs accepted by the Association and which subscribe to it. Each club appoints two delegates, and a delegate cannot represent more than one club. One of the objects of the association is to uphold the English Hockey Association's laws of the game, and to adopt all alterations and amendments which the English Hockey Association may think fit to make. At present (1902) the members of the association number 350; and Mr. C. Lewis is president, Messrs W. Johnson and H. N. Bates, vice-presidents, Mr. H. J. Yates, honorary secretary, Mr F. Freeman, honorary assistant secretary, and Mr. T. Smith, treasurer.
Secretary of the Canterbury Hockey Association, was born in Christchurch in 1876. He has taken a very keen interest in hockey since 1897, when he first played for the Young Men's Christian Association Club. Mr. Yates came into prominence as a player two years later, when he represented North Canterbury against South Canterbury. Since then he has played for the
was born in Christchurch in 1875, and educated at the West Christchurch School. He has had a very successful career in athletics, especially in connection with hockey. In 1897 he first played for the Sydenham Club, and came into prommence by his splendid play as goal-keeper. Since then he has played in a number of important matches, against the Saturday representative team, Wellington and South Canterbury. The Sydenham and Addington Cricket Club secured his services for 1900 and 1901, and he also joined the Sydenham Football Club. He is recognised as an all round sportsman, and probably has no equal in the province as goal-keeper in hockey.
was born at Leeston, Canterbury, in 1879, educated at the Sydenham School and began business with Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen. After being for three years with that firm he took up his present position as commercial traveller for Messrs Duckworth and Turner, of Sydenham. His first season at hockey was that of 1896. Since then he has captained for the Sydennam team, which for the last two years has won the championship without defeat. Mr. Loe is regarded as one of the most consistent players in the province, and has shown his knowledge of the game by the position in which he has placed his team. He was chosen to represent North Canterbury in the match against South Canterbury two years ago, as threequarter back, and this season (1902) has already been chosen for the trial matches.
was born at Temuka, South Canterbury, and educated at Christ's College. He is particularly well known as a player of hockey, and is looked on as a coming man in connection with that interesting sport. Mr. Vincent represented Canterbury against South Canterbury in 1901, and also went to Wellington with the Canterbury representative team. He plays half-back for the Sydenham Club, which has won the championship for two years without defeat. Mr. Vincent has been for two years in his present position as a salesman in the establishment of Messrs Bring, Harris and Co.
was born in Christchurch, and educated at the West Christchurch School. From early boyhood he showed a great liking for athletics, and has been exceptionally successful in various kinds of sport. He captained the Young Men's Christian Association hockey senior team in 1899 and 1900, and the United Team in 1901, and also the Addington senior team in 1902. Mr Rankin represented the province in 1898, 1899 and 1900 against Wellington and South Canterbury. He is recognised everywhere as an able player; his position is centre forward.
was born in Christchurch, in 1876, and educated at the East Christchurch School and at the Boys' High School. Some years ago he joined the clerical staff of Messrs Chrystall and Co., and he still holds a position as clerk in the same establishment under its new ownership. Mr. Sherris is known as a lover of sport, but has not given his time to any particular branch of athletics. He has held office in the East Christchurch Hockey Club since its formation, and captained its Senior Eleven in 1901 and 1902, and plays forward. Mr. Sherris also took an active part in the Avon Rowing Club, and held office for several years. He was for some time a playing member of the Linwood Football Club, and is also a member of the Avonside Tennis Club.
has from early boyhood taken a keen interest in athletic sports, and has taken part in many successful gymnastic displays. In conjunction with two or three ex-English players, he helped to form the first Thursday Hockey Club in Christchurch five years ago, namely, “The Grocers.” This club is now flourishing under the name of the United Club, of which Mr. Vear is now (1902) captain. Mr. Vear has played in five representative matches, and in the season of 1901 he was unanimously elected to captain the Canterbury representative team at Wellington. He is referred to in another article as an umbrella manufacturer.
Christchurch, was founded in 1888 for the purpose of encouraging the training and improvement of homing pigeons. Messrs A. Smith, E. Rees, and Captain Mather, and other enthusiastic bird fanciers, brought their energies to the task of organisation. From the time of its inception the society has held its own, and of recent years has become extremely popular. Its membership now (February, 1902) numbers about forty, and each successive year is marked by further admissions and additional enthusiasm. There are two training seasons during the year, the former for the younger, and the latter for the older birds. Training operations are systematically carried on, between Christchurch and northern and southern centres, by a large number of members, and competitive flying matches, which are actively and frequently indulged in, are interesting events of the season. Some of these matches, particularly those from Invercargill and Gisborne, have been flown in so short a space of time that they rank as records for New Zealand. The annual meeting for the election of officers is held at the rooms of the society, in Cashel Street, early in the month of August. The officers elected in August, 1901 were: S. Saunders, president; C. Louisson, T. Gapes, A. Smith, W. Earnshaw, E. D. Rees and Captain Mather, also I. Hopkins (Auckland) and J. Hopkins (Wellington) vice-presidents; F. A. Butterfield, honorary secretary; and F. Wilson, honorary treasurer. There is also a managing committee consisting of five members.
Honorary Secretary of the Christchurch Homing Pigeon Society, has taken an active interest in pigeon flying from early youth. He became a member of the Christchurch Homing Pigeon Society in 1892. Shortly after joining he was elected to the committee, and in 1899 he was appointed treasurer. Mr Butterfield is one of the keenest of sportsmen. He has always occupied a prominent place amongst the most enthusiastic members of the society, and much of the recent popularity of the movement is traceable to his efforts. He is also a man of musical taste, and has frequently sung on the public platform. Mr. Butterfield, was born at St. Albans, Christchurch, in 1875, and is a son of Mr. R. Butterfield, carpenter, of that borough. He was educated at the Normal School, Christchurch, and afterwards trained as a house decorator and painter.
was established in 1898, to improve the breeding and classification of dogs generally, to adopt the latest standards recognised by the English Kennel Club for judging, to hold periodical shows when considered desirable, and to act in co-operation with other clubs for the furtherance of these objects. The club, like all kindred societies throughout the colony, is under the supreme control of the New Zealand Kennel Club, but is locally managed by a committee and club officials. At its first meeting there were fifty-eight members, and there are now (1902) sixty-two. Club meetings are held monthly in the secretary's office, at 186 Gloucester Street, and an annual meeting for the election of officers is held in the month of December. Officers for 1902: President, Mr. P. Campbell; vice-presidents, there are twelve names under this heading; secretary, Mr. F. Notley Meadows; treasurer, Mr. W. C. Leversedge. There is also a managing committee of nine members.
Officials for 1901: Messrs P. Selig (president), C. S. Howell (vice-president), A. L. Meyers (honorary treasurer), and W. Rollitt (secretary). Office: 8 Morten's Buildings, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. A conference of the whole of the trotting clubs in the colony was held in Wellington in 1897, when it was decided that an association should govern the whole of the trotting in New Zealand. There are now twelve clubs in association, and these are represented by delegates. The constitution provides for an annual conference, which has power to settle all disputes brought before it, and may make alterations in the rules of trotting. It holds an annual meeting in the month of July, and the president, secretary, and treasurer form the executive, with authority to pass all programmes for trotting meetings, and generally to act as a controlling body. Nearly 900 licenses to trainers, riders, and drivers were issued in the season of 1900–1901.
was established in 1854, and held its first meeting at Easter, 1855, and the stakes for that year amounted to the sum of £185. As a contrast to this small beginning, the club now holds four meetings in the year, namely, the Grand National, Spring, Summer, and Easter meetings, and the total stakes for the year 1897–8 amounted to £15,205. The officials of the club for the year 1901–2 are: Stewards, Sir G. Clifford, Hon. L. Walker, Messrs A. Boyle, H. A. Knight, —. Rutherford, T. Teschemaker, P. Campbell, C. G. Dalgety, F. H. Pyne, J. B. Reid, A. E. G. Rhodes, R. H. Rhodes; committee, Sir G. Clifford, Messrs W. F. M. Buckley, A. Boyle, P. Campbell, G. Martin, R. M. Morten, F. H. Pyne, J. B. Reid, F. Bassett, C. G. Dalgety, B. L. Lane, J. G. F. Palmer, and C. Hood Williams; chairman, Sir George Clifford; honorary treasurer, Mr. G. G. Stead; judge, Mr W. H. Hartgill; clerk of the scales, Mr. A. Evans; starter, Mr. H. Piper; clerk of the course, Mr. H. Thompson; handicapper, Mr. J. E. Henrys; secretary, Mr. W. H. E. Wanklyn. The racecourse and grounds situated at Riccarton are 300 acres in extent, vested in trustees by Act of Parliament. The use of the racecourse is granted to the club, which has expended altogether the sum of £20,000 in improvements. There is a railway siding to the ground, and three stands, capable of accommodating 3000 people, with stewards' room, refreshment booths, waiting-room, and tea-room, besides saddling paddocks, judge's box, and other appurtenances. The Canterbury Jockey Club is
Secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club, was born in Monmouthshire, in 1858. He was brought up as an accountant. After arriving in Wellington per ship “Rakaia” in 1877, he was for two years in the bank at Hawera; after which he commenced business us an accountant and commission agent, and for eleven years was clerk to the Hawera Town Board, and later town clerk of the borough. Mr. Wanklyn was appointed to his present position in 1890. He was married in 1889 to a daughter of the Rev. Canon Gould, of Otahuhu, Auckland, and has two sons.
Meetings of this club are held at the Plumpton Park grounds, Sockburn, which are the freehold property of the club and consist of seventy-five acres. They are kept in good order, and are equipped with grandstand, boxes, and all necessary buildings. The club was established in 1889.
Chairman of the Plumpton Park Racing and Trotting Club, was born in 1836 in Stroud, Gloucestershire. He was educated at the parish school, known as the Red Coat School, because the boys wore scarlet coats and vests in fulfilment of a benefaction left by some ancient hunting squire for that purpose. Mr. Howell, senior, who was schoolmaster and parish clerk for over fifty years, was an old Peninsula veteran, having been taken by a press gang in Bristol. He served for some twelve years; his last ship the “Duke of York,” 74, of which he was paymaster, was at the taking of Martinique from the French in 1794. The subject of this notice was brought up as a saddler and followed his trade in Bristol, Bath, Penzance, Birmingham, Oxford, London, and several towns in South Wales, and gained great experience before leaving for this Colony in 1859. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1860 by the ship “Roman Emperor.” Nine months later Mr. Howell went to Sydney and was employed by Mr. John Brush and Mr. James Roth well for three years. On returning to Christchurch he was engaged by his former employer, Mr. C. Angus, as foreman until the year 1873, when he entered into partnership with Mr. William White; but after some eighteen months, the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Howell opened in Tattersall's on his own account, carrying on a profitable and successful business until December, 1895, when he sold out to his two eldest sons. Mr. Howell from his youth upwards has taken a great interest in racing and trotting matters (as almost part of his business) and was one of the early promoters of the Plumpton Park Racing and Trotting Club and has used his best endeavours in the capacities of gateman, secretary, treasurer, Judge, and chairman, to bring the club to the successful position which it has attained. This is the only trotting club in New Zealand that possesses a racing and training track with grounds of its own. Mr. Howell is a member of the Masonic Order, his parent lodge being the St. Augustine. He was married in 1867 at St. John's, Christchurch, to Miss Maggie Hall, daughter of the late Mr. James Hall, surveyor of Musselburgh, Scotland, and has four sons and two daughters living; and has resided for over a quarter of a century at St. Martin's, near Christchurch.
was formed in 1890, and holds two meetings each year at the New Brighton racecourse. About £1,300 is distributed in stakes at each meeting.
President of the New Brighton Trotting Club, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and comes of a very old family, who were heritors in the county of Ayr for over four hundred years. The family owned and lived upon a property in Carrick from the year 1630 till the death of Mr. McIlraith's father. Born in 1836, and educated in his native land, the subject of this notice was brought up to sheepfarming, and left Scotland at the age of nineteen. During a prolonged sojourn in Australia, Mr. McHraith gained much experience. In 1856 he arrived in Canterbury, and soon after commenced sheepfarming in the Malvern Hills district. Subsequently he acquired 26,000 acres of freehold in the Amuri district, where he continued till 1876, when he returned to Canterbury, having bought a large freehold which he reclaimed and farmed, but finally retired from business in 1885. Mr McHraith's object as a colonist has always been to improve his property, by planting and ploughing, by keeping first-class stock of all kinds, and improving by importation when required. He has taken an interest in trotting clubs and other associations purely with the object of encouraging the breeding of a good stamp of animal; he is one of the few who do not bet, and has not raced a trotting horse. Mr. McIlraith was president of the New Zealand Trotting Association, and afterwards of the Canterbury Trotting Club, and has been connected with the New Brighton Trotting Club for several years. He is one of the original and life members of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has always taken an active interest in the Christchurch shows, holding office as marshal and member of the committee. Mr. McIlraith sat for the electoral district of Cheviot in the House of Representatives in 1882–1884. During his residence in the Amuri district he was for many years a member of the road board, and also its chairman. He was a Justice of the Peace from 1865 till 1896, when he resigned his commission. Mr. McIlraith was married, in 1864, to a daughter of Mr. William Lyon, of the well-known firm of Lyon and Blair, Wellington, and has four sons and five daughters living.
Secretary of the New Brighton Trotting Club, was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1858, and arrived in Lyttelton with his parents at the age of four years. Educated at the old High School, Christchurch, he was employed for eighteen months at Matheson's agency, a branch of the firm of Matheson and Co., of London. In 1875, he joined the Bank of New Zealand and remained in the service of the bank for ten years, rising to the position of chief of the bill department. Owing to ill-health, Mr. Rattray left the bank's service, and in 1890 became secretary of the Canterbury Trotting Club. He holds the same office in connection with the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club,
dates back to the early days of the province, when the absence of cultivated fields and the scarcity of wire fences left the plain comparatively open for sport. Few of those who took part in the organisation of the club are now associated with it. During the season the hounds meet two or three times a week, and, on an average, about sixty-five members assemble at the different meets. The hounds, which are claimed to be one of the finest packs in the colony, number twenty couples. Hares are plentiful, and it is estimated that about forty are killed every season. During recent years, through the increase of fences and hedges, the club has had really nice country to hunt over. Officers for 1902; Mr R. H. Rhodes, M.H.R., president; Mr. F. D. Neave, vice-president; Mr. J. D. Hall, secretary; Mr. C. Palairet, treasurer; Mr. Arthur Lyon, master of the hounds; Mr. John Selby, huntsman.
Master of the Hounds to the Christchurch Hunt Club, has occupied that post since 1887, and has conducted the work of the club with tact and ability. He is the son of the late Mr. Frederick Lyon, one of the keenest of English sportsmen, who was killed by a fall from his horse, at the age of seventy-six, while following the North Warwickshire hounds in England. Born in Cheshire, in 1857, and educated at Rugby, Mr. Lyon early turned his attention to hunting, with which he was associated in England, until leaving for New Zealand, in 1883. On his way out Mr. Lyon spent three years in America, during which he was engaged as huntsman for the Minnesota foxhounds of Fairnon, Martin County. On arriving in New Zealand he turned his attention to farming on Banks' Peninsula, and later at Templeton, but afterwards disposed of his properties and retired into private life. Since then Mr. Lyon has given much of his leisure to the affairs of the hunt club, the welfare of which he has so much at heart. Mr. Lyon was married, in 1883, to Miss Sylvia Westenra, daughter of Mr. R. Westenra, of Christchurch. She died in 1898, leaving four daughters, of whom three now survive.
Huntsman to the Christchurch Hunt Club, was appointed to the position in 1901. He is a son of Mr. Arthur Selby, who is referred to in the Auckland volume of the Cyclopedia, as huntsman to the Pakuranga Hunt Club, and was born at Sevenoaks, England, in 1874, and educated partly in England and partly in the colony. In 1883 he came to New Zealand with his father, who was for some years engaged in agriculture in the provincial district of Wellington. When his father became huntsman to the Pakuranga Hunt Club, Mr. J. H. Selby began to take a keen interest in the sport, and acted as whip for that
His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand is patron of this society, and at present (1902) Mr. Patrick Campbell is president; Messrs J. Connal, W. Sey, R. Struthers, and Dr. Thomas, vice-presidents; Messrs J. Faith, G. Ferguson, J. Greig, P. M. Johnston, W. F. McLean, W. H. Meikleham, D. Neave, A. Neil, W. E. Ramsay, G. Ritchie, A. W. Ross, G. J. C. Smart, W. Smith, C. Sturrock, and J. Wood, directors. Mr. R. Sutherland is honorary treasurer, and the secretary, whose office is at 49 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, is Mr. C. J. Marshall. The society was established in 1881 for the promotion of benevolence, education, national literature, customs, accomplishments, and social intercourse. It continues to be in a flourishing condition, with a membership of about 130. The society has balances to the credit of its benevolent and scholarship funds. An annual scholarship of £15 a year cash, tenable for two years, is provided by the society, and entitles a pupil of one of the public schools to tuition at the Boys' High School or Girls' High School. The society's rooms are on the first floor of the National Mortgage and Agency Buildings, 162 Hereford Street, Christchurch, and the public hall affords accommodation for 200 persons. Regular weekly socials are held during the winter months. Special occasions, such as St. Andrew's Right, the Burns Anniversary, and Hogmanay are, of course, duly kept up at the rooms. The trophies, valued by the members, include a magnificent ram's head of the royal blackfaced sheep from Perthshire. Scotland, set with two amethysts and a large cairngorm; an autograph letter, dated 1787, from Robert Burns, and another from James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd. There is a good reference library at the society's rooms.
of “Ilam,” President of the Canterbury Caledonian Society, is a descendant of an old Scottish family, the Campbells of Kinloch, among whom have been numbered many prominent military officers. His cousin, Charles Campbell, contested the succession to the Earldom of Breadalbane, and, after eleven years of litigation, the suit was decided against him, in the Lyons Court of Edinburgh, by seven judges to four. He was born in Perth in 1844, educated at Cheltenham College and by private tuition, and came to Wellington, via Panama, in the s.s. “Rakaia” at the same time as Sir Charles Clifford, Hon. W. Robinson and other prominent colonists were returning to New Zealand. After a short time in the North Island, Mr. Campbell settled in Canterbury, and with the exception of five years from 1878 to 1883, when he made a tour of the world and visited his brothers on the Indian frontier, he has been closely identified, with the provincial district and taken a very considerable interest in thoroughbred stock. He was the importer of the celebrated sire “Perkin Warbeck,” and in conjunction with Mr. John Studholme, of the entire “Ingomar” and the mare “Corsyra”; in conjunction with Mr. T. Teschemaker of the entire “Meliboeus”; and, with Mr. G. G. Stead, of the horses “Obligado” and “Sandhurst.” Mr. Campbell sent the late Hon. W. Robinson's celebrated mare “Engagement,” sister of “Martini-Henri,” to England, where she became the mother of a foal by “St. Serf,” and of one by “Whittier,” which, in 1901, was “placed” in the Sandown Park 5000 guinea stakes, in which 230 stallions were nominated. He has been intimately connected with the Canterbury Jockey Club since the early seventies as a member of the committee or as steward, and for a long time was honorary starter. He has always been passionately fond of sport of all kinds; in the sixties he found pleasure in organising paperchases and has done a good deal of crosscountry riding. Mr. Campbell was one of
Vice-President of the Canterbury Caledonian Society, was born in
one of the Vice-presidents of the Canterbury Caledonian Society, is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was born in 1856. He was brought by his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Glentanner,” in 1857, and was educated in Christchurch, where also he learned his trade of engineer and general smith. For a good many years he was a partner in the firm of Messrs. W. and P. Johnston, engineers, and has conducted business on his own account since 1892. Mr. Johnston has taken a keen interest in the Caledonian Society almost from its inception; he was a director for many years, and became vice-president in 1896.
who has been honorary treasurer of the Canterbury Caledonian Society since its foundation, is a native of Caithness, Scotland, where he was born in 1834, and was educated in his native county. Mr. Sutherland landed in Melbourne from the ship “James Bains” in 1855, and after being in employment for a short time as a clerk, had a considerable gold-mining experience at Ballarat, Bendigo, and Woolshed Creek, and other fields. He came to New Zealand in 1862, and worked at Waipori, Fox's, and Lake Wakatipu diggings. In June of the following year Mr. Sutherland came to Christchurch, where he became well and favourably known in connection with the large grocery business in Cashel Street, in which for a time his late brother Daniel was associated with him. Since 1888 Mr. Sutherland has been in business as a broker, commission and financial agent. He is a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural Association in which he takes great interest, and has been an energetic member of the committee of that body for about twenty years. Mr. Sutherland has long been connected with St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, of which he was treasurer from 1867 to 1888.
Secretary of the Caledonian Society, was born in Edinburgh, where he served his articles in a law office. He arrived in New Zealand in 1879, and for ten years was managing clerk in the office of Mr. T. S. Weston, barrister-at-law, and for two years with Sir Robert Stout. In March, 1892, he established himself in business as a licensed land and estate agent under the Land Transfer Act. Mr. Marshall is secretary of the New Brighton Tramway Company, Ltd., and a member of the New Brighton school committee, and has been a member of the New Brighton Borough Council. He is attached to Christchurch Masonic Lodge N.Z.C., in which he was some time treasurer and also junior warden. In 1884 he was married to a daughter of Mr. John Miln, one of the Canterbury Pilgrims, and member of the old provincial council, and has one son and two daughters.
Officials for 1902: The Hon. E.C.J. Stevens, M.L.C. (president), His Honour Mr. Justice Denniston, Captain Garsia, Messrs R. D. Thomas, J. Gibb, and G. Herbert Elliott (vice-presidents), Messrs R. F. Fereday, A. W. Walsh, W. M. Gibb, W. A. Bowring, H. Gibson, R. A. Gill, and R. H. Rhodes (council), S. H. Seager (honorary treasurer), and Miss C. Lean (secretary). This flourishing society was incorporated under the Companies Act in 1889. The objects for which it was established are to promote the study and cultivation of the fine arts in New Zealand, to encourage the production of works of art by periodical exhibitions at Christchurch, to provide means of instruction to art students, the holding of periodical art unions, and generally to encourage art and artists in every possible and reasonable way. The first building of the society was erected at the corner of Armagh and Durham Streets; it was of brick and one storey in height, but has since been considerably enlarged. Its dimensions were about 120 × 50 feet, and it was intended and is now used as an Art Gallery, pictures being suspended on all sides. Some of these pictures are very valuable, several of them being selected by the late Lord Leighton, President of the Royal Academy. The gallery was considerably enlarged in 1894, a fine dancing-room being an important addition. The floor of the room is laid on carriage springs so as to make it more suitable
Officers for 1901: Mr. J. B. Fisher, president; Dr B. M. Moorhouse, and Mr. A. Carrick, vice-presidents; Messrs W. H. Burton, L. E. Clark, W. J. Edwards, R. D. Harman, J. Hayden, W. Izard, J. Ingram, G. King, C. R. Meredith-Kaye, G. McHaffie, H. N. Nalder, G. B. Ritchie, A. Scott, C. J. Sloman, E. Stead, Professor Wall and L. Wilson, councillors; Mr. G. W. Bennet, honorary auditor; and Mr. H. A. Bruce, secretary and treasurer. Offices, 140 Hereford Street, Christchurch. This society, which was established in 1864, has accomplished a great deal in furthering the work of acclimatisation in the Canterbury provincial district. The gardens of the society occupy a portion of Hagley Park, lying between the Hospital grounds and the Riccarton Road. In the ponds, a large number of fish are kept in stock, and considerable numbers are distributed year by year; hundreds of thousands have been distributed by the society since its inception, and arrangements are made from time to time to exchange with kindred societies in the North as well as in the South Island. In addition to the attractions of the fish-ponds, there fire a considerable number of birds, comprising different varieties of ducks, pheasants, emus, and native birds, besides some kangaroos, red deer, opossums, a wallaby, a monkey, etc. The finances of the society appear to be in a satisfactory condition, and the year which ended on the 31st of March, 1901, showed a credit balance of £329 Os 6d. The income derived is largely the product of fish and game licenses, as well as of the sale of fish, game, and eggs.
Office, Canterbury Agricultural and Industrial Hall, Manchester Street, Christchurch. Patron, Sir John Hall; president (1902), Dr E. G. Levinge; vice-president, D. D. Macfarlane; general committee, T. W. Adams, A. W. Beaven, A. Chamberlain, Thomas Chapman, Sir George Clifford, C. Dampier-Crossley, Peter Duncan, J. Hay, G. Gould, J. Henderson, C. P. Hugonin, H. A. Knight, R. Latter, Charles Lewis, W. Lowrie, John Murchison, F. J. Millton, J. D. Millton, R. M. Macdonald, J. Montgomery, E. V. Palmer, H. E. Peryman, J. B. Reid, and Robert Reid, G. Gray, F.C.S. (lecturer on chemistry at Canterbury Agricultural College), honorary consulting chemist; M. Murphy, F.L.S., Editor of Journal and Yard Books; A. A. M. McKellar, treasurer, and O. B. Pemberton, secretary. Past presidents; F. A. Archer, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, John Anderson, William Boag, John Deans, John Ferguson, J. T. Ford, William Henderson, Sir John Hall, George Jameson, David McMillan, Henry Overton, Hon. J. T. Peacock, William Reece, A. E. G. Rhodes, R. Heaton Rhodes, G. E. Rhodes, E. G. Staveley. This association was inaugurated in 1863, when its patron was the late Mr. W. S. Moorhouse, Superintendent of the Province, the late Mr. R. Wilkin, its president, and Mr. J. Brittan, vice-president. The first show was held in the year of its inception, and since then shows have been regularly held. The association is incorporated under the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations' Act, 1877. Its well-known and valuable grounds at Addington comprise thirty-six acres, and are approached by a railway siding, for the conveyance of passengers and live stock; the main entrance gates open from the Lincoln Road, where ample facilities are provided for pedestrians and equestrians. Since purchasing the property, the association has expended a sum of about £5000 in fencing, buildings, and stalls, and in general improvements to the grounds. The bricks used for the handsome front wall were presented by the first Mr. John Deans, of Riccarton; the fine iron gate was the gift of the Hon. J. T. Peacock, M.L.C., and the well,. which is sunk to a depth of 360 feet, and has a splendid flow of water, was presented by Mr. Job Osborne. There is a grand stand with seating accommodation for 2000 people, and there are covered stalls for cattle and horses, covered pens for pigs, and a produce-shed. The treasurer's office is near the entrance gates, and the secretary's office and committee room, together with lavatories are erected in the centre of the ground. The grand show of the year is held in November, and, in fine weather, the attendance considerably exceeds 20,000. This show is one of the largest and most important held in the colony. In the month of March, in each year, there is a Ram Fair, at which from 4000 to 5000 stud and flock rams are submitted for sale. The other event of the year, of this nature, is held in the month of September, and consists of a parade and show of stallions. In addition to conducting these operations the association issues various periodical publications. The association's Journal is published every alternate month, the contents having especial reference to agricultural, pastoral, and horticultural pursuits. The New Zealand Herd Book of Shorthorn cattle is another of these publications; four volumes have already been issued, the last one being in 1899. The work is carefully compiled, and compared with British and other Herd Books, assists to verify many important particulars. The new Herd Book of breeds of cattle, other than Shorthorns, includes Herefords, Polled Angus, Jerseys, Ayrshires, Highland cattle, and Devonshires. The association also issues a New Zealand Stud Book of draught horses, four volumes having already been issued, bearing the dates of 1878, 1882, 1889, and 1901.
was established in 1897 as the result of a public meeting convened by the mayor at the instigation of the late Dr. Irving. It is a strong body, and has done excellent work in various parts of the city and on the river banks. The association planted and laid off Mill Island and Victoria Square, and has, in other ways, done a great deal, directly and indirectly, to improve the appearance of portions of the city and its open spaces, and to promote amongst the people an interest in beautiful outdoor objects, and a right regard for their preservation.
has quarters in Government Buildings, Armagh Street, Christchurch. Prior to the formation of the Society the work of making awards for acts of bravery in saving or attempting to save life in New Zealand was carried on by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia, whose headquarters are in Melbourne. The distance caused delays and other inconveniences, and hence it was decided to form an independent society for New Zealand. The late Mr. John Joyce was the chief mover in the matter, and the society was duly formed at a meeting held in the Christchurch City Council Chambers on the 14th of October, 1898. His Excellency the Governor is patron, and the Premier, Mr. Seddon, vice-patron. The objects of the society are: (1) to bestow awards for the preservation and restoration of life; and (2) to collect and circulate the most approved and effectual methods for recovering persons apparently drowned or dead. During its brief existence the society has done very valuable work, and events have fully justified the judgment of its promoters.
Secretary of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, was born in 1837, at Banbridge, County Down, Ireland. He was educated at Mr. Mullan's Academical Institute, Bambridge, where, after leaving school, he commenced his commercial career as assistant to his father in the Irish and American provision trade. In this way
Christchurch is a music-loving community. This fact is evidenced by the large number of excellent choirs in the city and the country districts. There is a lectureship of music at Canterbury College, and the lectures are very well attended. The principal musical societies in the city are the Musical Union, the Liedertafel, and the Motett Society. Concerts are well patronised by the public. The city council following in the footsteps of the famous London County Council, has established a system of open-air municipal concerts. In entering on this course, it voted £100 to be divided between the Garrison Band and the Stanmore Band, for giving a concert every Thursday evening at the Rotunda, in Victoria Square. The first series of concerts began in October, 1901, and concluded in April, 1902. It is proposed for the future to limit the season to six months. These concerts have become very popular, several thousands of people attending at the Square every Thursday evening. Municipal concerts may, therefore, be regarded as settled events in Christchurch, and it is thought that £100 a year will be sufficient to keep them going in future.
Christchurch, dates back to a time when there was no theatre; that is to say, the theatre as an institution began life low down in the scale of buildings, and rose gradually to greater things. It began as a small music hall which was opened with a concert given by the Christchurch Musical Society in 1862, when one of those who contributed items was the celebrated instrumentalist, Douay. In 1863 the music hall became the Princess Theatre, with Mr. J. L. Hall as the licensee. In 1866, the name was changed to the Theatre Royal. The lessees then were Messrs J. S. Willis and K. B. Dale, and the first piece played in the building under its new name, was “The Duel in the Snow,” with Miss Sheppard as the heroine. After that the lease changed hands several times. Mr. William Hoskins, a noted actor, who had given Henry Irving lessons in elocution, came into possession in 1873, and established a stock company on the lines then in vogue in England. In 1876 tenders were called for a new building, and that necessitated a termination of Mr. Hoskins' long season, which had extended over 240 nights. The new Theatre Royal was opened by Mr Hoskins on the 4th of November, 1876, with a strong company. In his opening address, the actor-manager promised to do his best to elevate the drama, to introduce the best talent, and to secure novelties to suit the varied tastes of the patrons of the theatre. It is related to his credit that these promises were well fulfilled by Mr. Hoskins, so far as that was made possible by the earnings of the theatre. He and his brilliant young wife, Florence Colville, gave the stage in Christchurch a charm and an attractiveness which will never be forgotten by those who attended the theatre in those days. In 1880, Mr. Hoskins left Christchurch, and since then attention has been given generally to the production of novelties from London and New York. Early in 1882, Mr. C. Williamson and Maggie Moore introduced “Struck Oil,” which was very successful. Later in the same year, Mr. Bland Holt came along with “The World,” and since then he has repeatedly entertained Christchurch audiences with his sensational and spectacular plays. At various times Genevieve Ward, John F. Sheridan, George Leitch, Dion Boucicault, Frank Thornton, George Rignold, Grattan Riggs, Charles Arnold, Harry Rickard, J. L. Toole, Janet Achurch, Jennie Lee, Walter Bentley, the Broughs, Mrs Brown-Potter and Kyrle Bellew, Julius Knight, the Pollards, Harry Poulton; Edith Crane, Nance O'Neil, Janet Waldorf, William Hawtrey, Wilson Barrett, the members of the Musgrove Opera Company, and others, have all entertained the public from the stage of the Theatre Royal.
in Tuam Street, was built in 1882 to the order of a syndicate. It remained in the hands of the original proprietors for a number of years, but later on was purchased by Mr. L. E. Nathan, the present owner. It was successively used, for some years, by a number of travelling companies, but about two years ago Mr. P. R. Dix, of Dix's Gaiety Company, became the licensee, and almost every week night since then the house, which has accommodated 3000 persons at one time, has resounded to the merriment of first class variety entertainments, in the presence of large and appreciative audiences. The hall is well fitted up and well ventilated, and the stage, also, is roomy and convenient. The most important event in the history of the opera house has been the signing of the lease to Mr. Dix as since then the brilliant vaudeville “stars,” which Mr. Dix brings from almost all parts of the world have made the building a preeminently popular resort.
Sole Proprietor of Dix's Gaiety Companies, and Lessee of the Opera House, Tuam Street, Christchurch, was born in Launceston, Tasmania, and received his education at the Collegiate Institute. Mr. Dix has been connected with theatrical management in New Zealand for over six years, and has at the present time four vaudeville companies running continuously; namely, at the City Hall, Auckland, the Theatre Royal, Wellington, the Alhambra Theatre, Dunedin, and the Opera House, Christchurch. Mr. Dix has established a record for a continuous “show” in New Zealand, his Auckland business having been running successfully since the 1st of April, 1899. Mr. Dix is also owner of the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, and lessee of His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, the largest and best-appointed theatre in New Zealand. The fact that the proprietor of the gaiety companies engages only the best and most refined artists obtainable in London, America, and Australia, accounts for the large amount of support he receives from theatre-goers in New Zealand. Mr. Dix is a man of great enterprise, tact, and ability, and being surrounded with an excellent staff of managers, he is enabled to conduct his large theatrical business on sound up-to-date lines.
is in the splendid block of buildings opened in Manchester Street on the 1st of November, 1900, to celebrate the jubilee of the province of Canterbury. The hall is 102 feet by 70 feet, and it is estimated that 4,000 people have been accommodated in it at one time. The dress circle has 500 seats, but there is room for about half as many more. A feature of the hall is the artistic steel ceiling. The stage is 86 feet by 40 feet. A proposal was made some time ago to make certain alterations in the hall so that it could be used for general theatrical and operatic purposes. The shareholders, however, rejected the proposal, and the large room has been retained as a concert hall. It is also used for large balls, flower shows, and similar entertainments. It was in this hall that the Prince and Princess of Wales held their reception, when, as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, they visited Christchurch in June, 1901. The hall has also been the scene of the last public farewell to several Canterbury sections of contingents, when they were setting out for the war in South Africa. Several smaller halls are attached to the Canterbury Hall, notably the ball-room, which has a spring floor, and is specially adapted for private balls, and for meetings and entertainments, at which the audiences are not expected to be large.
His Honour Mr. Justice Denniston (president), Messrs, A. Carrick, H. Cotterill (trustees), Mr. F. M. Wallace (conductor), Miss Katie Young (pianiste), Miss Cook (leader), Mr. T. Garrard (honorary secretary and treasurer), Mr. F. C. B. Bishop (librarian). The original Christchurch Musical Society was established in 1860, and was conducted under that name or under the name of the Christchurch Harmonie Society till 1894, when it was amalgamated with the Orchestral Society under the name of the Christchurch Musical Union. It is a strong society, and has a large number of performing and honorary members. Five concerts are given during the season. The society is in a flourishing financial position, its assets being valued at between £400 and £500, and liabilities nil.
Secretary of the Christchurch Musical Union, was born in Harwich in 1843, and educated in his native place. He arrived in Nelson in 1863 by the ship “Annie Dymes,” and was for eight years in the employ of Messrs, N. Edwards and Co. Removing to Wellington, he was subsequently with Messrs. Krull and Co. for nine years. Settling in Christchurch in 1883, he was on the staff of Messrs. Dalgety and Co. till 1897, when he commenced business as accountant and commission agent. He was the general secretary to the Canterbury Jubilee Industrial Exhibition of 1900, and is secretary to the Canterbury Industrial Association and the Cathedral Completion Fund. Mr. Garrard was married in 1871 to a daughter of Mr John Wastney, Wakapuaka.
Officers for 1901–2: Messrs W. Izard (president), F. M. Wallace (conductor), and T. H. Barnett (honorary secretary, treasurer, and librarian). The Liedertafel was established in May, 1885, by the late Mr. W. G. Rhind. Since its inception, ninety subscription concerts have been given by the society. Periodically, the members give Herren abends (smoke concerts) and Gemischter abends (open to ladies).
F.I.A.N.Z., who has held the three offices of honorary secretary, treasurer, and librarian to the Christchurch Liedertafel since 1885, was born in London in 1846. Educated in his native city, and brought up as an accountant, he had also a banking experience there of several years. Mr. Barnett arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Dover Castle” in 1872, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits till 1877, when he was appointed manager of Ward and Co., Limited, brewers, Christchurch, and has ever since been associated with the company. He is an enthusiast in music, and has worked hard for the advancement of the society with which he has so long been connected.
Teacher of French and Pianoforte, 182 Salisbury Street West, Christchurch. Miss Ambler was educated in England and on the Continent, and after passing several years studying under university professors of Paris and Nimes, taught French, German, and Music in Paris and London. Since arriving in Christchurch, Miss Ambler has had private pupils for the above subjects, also large classes in Hobb's Buildings for conversational French. She taught also at Bishopscourt for several years.
Teacher of the Pianoforte and Singing, 112 Montreal Street, Christchurch. Miss Atkinson was born in New Plymouth, in 1864, and was educated privately in Nelson, whither she removed with her parents in 1872. She was instructed in music by her mother, and was also under Madame Summerhayes. In 1885, she went to London, where she studied at the Royal Academy of Music for two years under Mr. Walter Bache for the pianoforte, Miss Kate Steele for singing, and under Mr. Frank Davenport for harmony. Having obtained a bronze medal she returned in 1887 to Nelson, where she taught professionally for five years. At the end of that period Miss Atkinson went to Berlin for further tuition at Herr Karl Klindworth's Conservatorium, where after two and a half years she obtained a teacher's certificate. Miss Atkinson returned to New Zealand in 1895, and after being six months in Nelson settled in Christchurch, where she has since become well known ae a successful teacher. She is a member of the Society of Professional Musicians.
L.B.B. of R.A.M. and R C.M. (London), 193 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. Miss Black was born in Christchurch, and educated at the Normal and Girls' High Schools. She studied the piano under Miss Stratton, R.A.M., and Miss Atkinson, and the organ under Messrs Tendall and Wells. Miss Black is now organist of Phillipstown Church. She has gained the Teachers' Certificate (honours) of the Associated Board of R.A.M. and R.C.M., London, and at present is studying to gain the degree of Bachelor of Music, for which she has passed the two first examinations. Miss Black is a member of the Society of Professional
Teacher of Singing and Piano, 235 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Mrs Brooke is well known throughout Canterbury as a most talented singer, and successful teacher of both her subjects. The following extract, produced from a public newspaper published the day after a concert in which she had taken a prominent part, shows the esteem in which her vocal talent is held:—”The pure soprano voice of Mrs Brooke was heard to great advantage. Her middle and upper register notes were especially good, and her excellent enunciation throughout might be recommended as a model for public singers.” Mrs Brooke has had considerable experience as an amateur in opera, and took the part of “Patience” in the opera when it was given by the Ashburton Amateur Opera Company in 1889. She also distinguished herself as “Josephine” in “Pinafore” at Christchurch in 1900. Mrs Brooke was born in Bradford, England, and received a sound musical training under Messrs Frederick Fearnside and Arthur O'Leary, representative examiners of the Royal Academy, London. She subsequently studied under Mr. J. Stott, who was intimately associated with Mr. Behnke, the widely-famed musician, who made a special study of breathing as a cure for lung complaints. Mrs Brooke commenced teaching in Christchurch some years ago, and she now has a large circle of pupils.
Teacher of Music, “Aorangi,” 31 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Miss Buchanan was born in Dunedin, and received her education in Christchurch, where she was a pupil of Herr Hirschburg. She has been engaged in teaching music for several years, and assists her sisters in the management of the ladies' school.
Teacher of Dancing, “Aorangi,” 31 Hereford Street, Christchurch. The subject of this sketch was born at Margate, Kent, England. Miss Buchanan holds dancing classes, of which she has four, at the above address and in the Art Gallery, the season being from March to November in each year.
Teacher of Music, Academy of Music, 173 Armagh Street, Christchurch. Mr. Bunz was born in Lutzenburg, Germany, in 1844, and received his musical education in Entien, under Herr Langenbuch, whose school was supported by the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. He passed his examination in 1864, and remained at the establishment as assistant teacher till 1866. After engaging in professional work in Germany, he proceeded to London, and later on went to America. Thence he came to New Zealand, and settled in Christchurch, where he was appointed bandmaster of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Band and leader of the Musical, Philharmonic, and Mendelssohn Societies, and afterwards took the musical directorship of the Theatre Royal. His academy at 173 Armagh Street is registered, and, in addition to receiving pupils for the violin, piano, and orchestral instruments, Mr. Bunz coaches canDedates for college examinations.
Pianiste, and Teacher of Music and Singing, 131 East Belt, Christchurch. Miss Bush is well known throughout Canterbury as a talented musician, and a highly successful teacher. She is a daughter of Mr. W. Bush, one of the pioneers of Canterbury, and commenced the practice of her profession in 1887, in Christchurch. In 1895 she took possession, in Gloucester Street, of a quaint historical building, then forty years old, and Mr. W. H. Cooper, at that time Mayor of Christchurch, opened it for her as a studio (Mendelssohn). Since then many pupils have profited by her skill and ability as a teacher, many having passed the Trinity College and Royal Associated Board of London examinations with great credit. Miss Bush has received friendly visits, and mementoes, from persons of high standing in the musical profession and in public life in the colonies and the Old World. Amongst these may be mentioned Madame and Signor de Vero Sapio, Madame Belle Cole, Chevalier de Konski, the
Teacher of the Violin, Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo, St. Albans Lane, Christchurch. Mr. Clery was born in 1836, and comes of a musical family, his father being a violinist. He was instructed at home from the age of six years, and afterwards took lessons in Bristol on the violin from Mr. Roberts. After being twenty years engaged in commercial pursuits in the Old Country, he came to Australia in 1879, spent a short time in Adelaide and Melbourne, and settled in Christchurch in the following year. Mr. Clery, who commenced his career as a teacher of music in 1888, has a good circle of pupils, and conducts a string band during the winter months in a tastefully fitted up school of music near his residence.
Teacher of Voice Production, Singing, and Piano, 16 Inglis' Buildings, Christchurch. Miss Coupland was born in Ballarat and was educated at private schools. She comes of a musical family, her father, brother and sister, all being engaged as organists in Australia at the present time, the two former being also violinists. Her father has had fifty years' experience as an organist and teacher of music, was organist at many of the leading churches in Melbourne, and is a certificated teacher of singing under the Melbourne Board of Education. Her brother was visiting music master at Madame Permouselle's College, St. Kilda, and at the Catholic College, Perth, West Australia. She was for some time a member of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society. Miss Coupland studied music in Melbourne under her father, Madame Lucy Chambers, Herr Hartung, Mr. Gordon-Gooch, A.R.A.M., and Mr. Charles Sykes, organist of St. Patrick's Cathedral. She was specially trained as a teacher of voice production and singing, and commenced her musical career as a teacher in 1878 in Bendigo. Subsequently, she removed to Melbourne, where she was engaged in teaching till 1894, and as a teacher of voice production has had great success with a large number of very difficult cases. During her career in Melbourne she was prominent as a soloist, having performed on the same platforms with Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Ramsden, Signora Coy, and many other popular artists. She studied specially under Madame Lucy Chambers with a view to taking principal solo parts in opera, and entered into engagements with Sheridan's “Fun on the Bristol” Company, Simonson's Italian Opera Company, and Clara Melville's English Opera Company, to gain stage experience. Her career, however, as a soloist was abruptly terminated by the rupture of a blood vessel through over practice, she being also engaged in teaching at the same time. After her recovery Miss Coupland devoted her time to the teaching of voice production, her great experience in that direction being invaluable. She has a large circle of pupils in this city. Miss Coupland has composed a song named “Mulga Town,” which has been sung by Pollard's Opera Company, and was also sung at the Canterbury Exhibition; and she was honoured by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and York (now Princess of Wales) accepting a copy during the Royal visit to Christchurch in June, 1901.
L.A.B. of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, Teacher of Pianoforte and Harmony, 177 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Empson commenced the practice of his profession in 1899, and speedily acquired a wide connection. He has taken a prominent part in many popular concerts, and, in conjunction
Teacher of the Piano, Organ, Singing, and Harmony, 108 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Faulkner, better known perhaps as the “Blind Organist,” is more fully referred to in connection with St. John's Church, Latimer Square. He has a large circle of pupils.
Teacher of Piano and Theory, 238 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Mr. Fox is well known in the athletic circles of Christchurch; as a swimmer and runner he enjoys a wide reputation, and holds many prizes and trophies. He was born in Christchurch, in 1871, and received his early education at the West Christchurch public school. Mr. Fox studied music for some years under Messrs Oakes, H. M. Lund, and M. Hirschburg, and commenced teaching in 1894. He is a successful teacher, and has a large number of pupils. Mr. Fox has been the professional pianist to the Quadrille Band for over ten years, and his name is familiar throughout the province in connection with public balls and concerts. He devoted himself for some years to the study of harmony, and recently received a certificate from Trinity College, London, acknowledging his proficiency in that subject.
Teacher of Organ and Piano, Lichfield Street, Christchurch. This lady, who is more fully referred to as organist of the Roman Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Christchurch, has been a teacher of music in Christchurch since 1878, and has a large circle of pupils.
Teacher of Singing and the Pianoforte, 91 Armagh Street, Miss Gard'ner was born in London, and was a pupil of Sir John Goss for piano, and of Madame Ferrari for singing; she also studied for some time in Europe, and being a French, Italian, and German linguist, had great advantages in acquiring special knowledge. Before coming to the Colony in 1885 Miss Gard'ner took part as a soloist in many concerts in England, Germany, and Belgium. She commenced her career as a teacher in Christchurch in 1891, and is a member of the Society of Professional Musicians. For four years Miss Gard'ner was musical director of the Christchurch Liederkranzchen. She is on the staff of the Girls' High School as a teacher of class singing, and is one of the oldest members of the Musical Union.
Professor of Music, Antigua Street, Christchurch. Mr. Hirschburg was born at Madgeburg in 1858, and was educated there and at the Lyceum, Cassel, which was also attended by the present Emperor of Germany at the same time. Herr Hirschburg studied the piano at Frankfort-on-the-Main under Joachim Raff, and singing under Stockhausen. He afterwards went to Munich, where he studied opera under Kindermann. His career as an operatic singer was cut short by a severe attack of inflammation of the lungs, which necessitated a change of climate; therefore in 1885 he came out to Melbourne, and for a time resided in Ballarat, where he commenced to teach music. But as the Victorian climate was not found suitable to his complaint, Herr Hirschburg came to Christchurch in 1887, since which he has been well known in the local musical world as a teacher of the piano, singing, and elocution. He has also given some very successful concerts. Herr Hirschburg was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. J. Owen, of London.
Teacher of Piano and Organ, 95 Queen Street, Sydenham. Miss Hirtzel, who was born in Christchurch, studied the piano under Mr. H. M. Lund, and the organ and theory under the late Mr. G. F. Tendall. She holds the Canterbury College Certificates for the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior examinations for theory. Miss Hirtzel has been organist of St. Saviour's Church, Sydenham, for eight years, and still holds that position.
A. Mus. T.C.L., Teacher of Piano, Organ, Singing, and Harmony, “Invermay,” Cranmer Square, Christchurch. Mr. Hunt is more fully referred to in another part of this volume as organist of St. Michael's and All Angels, Christchurch.
Teacher of the Piano and Singing, Carlton Terrace, Merivale, Christchurch. Miss Labatt studied music at Home for four years under Mr. G. E. W. Sproule, of the Leipsic Conservatoire, the most prominent master in Dublin. She also studied under Herr Edouard Scharf, late of the Leipsic Conservatoire, and Ovide-Musin Company, afterwards Director of the Melbourne Conservatoire, receiving from him a testimonial as to her musical capability. She studied voice production and singing for over two years with Mrs Tipler (late Mrs E. T. Robinson), a pupil of the late Signor Cecchi, of Melbourne, and the organ with Mr. A. J. Virtue, for a time organist of St. Luke's, Christchurch. Since her arrival in Christchurch from England some years ago, Miss Labatt has been a teacher of music. She is a member of the Canterbury Society of Professional Musicians.
Teacher of the Piano, St. Luke's Vicarage, Manchester Street, Christchurch. This young lady, who is the second daughter of Archdeacon Lingard, was born in Christchurch and educated at private schools. She studied music under Mr. Lund and commenced teaching in 1892. Miss Lingard is an accomplished pianiste and became accompanist for the Musical Union in 1896, previous to which she was a singing member. She is a member of the Society of Professional Musicians. Miss Lingard is at present (1902) completing her studies at Berlin, where she has gone for two years.
Teacher of Music, Piano, and Singing, 155 Montreal Street. Mr. Lund was born in 1848, and educated in Stuttgart. He studied music under Carl Tausig in Berlin. Mr. Lund practised his profession as a teacher for some years in North Germany, and was engaged also for several concert tours in various parts of Europe. In 1878, he arrived in Auckland by the ship “Lomhardian,” and soon afterwards settled in Christchurch, where he has since been actively engaged as a teacher. Mr. Lund has given many successful concerts and recitals in New Zealand. He is the senior member of the profession in Christchurch, and was promoter of the Society of Professional Musicians, of which he was the first president, and held the position for many years.
Teacher of Violin and ‘Cello, Gloucester Street West, Christchurch. Miss Marsden was born and educated in London, where she studied under Herr Rosenthal and Mr. John Tiplady Carrodus. She was a very advanced violiniste at the age of fourteen, and performed in public at St. James's Hall, the People's Palace, and other musical functions. Many flattering press notices were bestowed upon Miss Marsden before leaving for the Colony in 1890. Arriving in Auckland in that year via Melbourne, she entered into the practice of her profession as a teacher, and during her residence in that city was a member of the Auckland Choral Society and leader of the Ladies' Orchestra, besides filling many important engagements. Removing to Christchurch in 1894, Miss Marsden has attained considerable prominence as a teacher of the violin and ‘cello. She is a member of the orchestras of the Christchurch Musical Union and of the Motett Society, and was promoter of the Children's Orchestra (consisting of her pupils) and the Ladies' Orchestra, of which she is the director.
Teacher of the Piano and Harmony, 273 Armagh Street, Christchurch. Miss Maunder was born at Marton, Rangitikei, where she received her primary education. She studied under Messrs. Lund and Tendall in Christchurch, and commenced her career as a teacher in 1895, having now a fair circle of pupils. Miss Maunder has passed the senior practical local centre examination in pianoforte of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, London.
Teacher of Music, 31 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch. Mr. Merton is more fully referred to as organist and music master at Christ's College. In addition to his official duties, he has a large practice, his pupils numbering from forty to fifty. He makes a special feature of voice training on a system which has proved to be of great benefit to school teachers, clergymen, and other public speakers.
Teacher of the Piano, Singing, and Voice Production, 202 Oxford Terrace. Mr. Oakes is the youngest son of the late Mr. John Oakes, of Auckland, where he was born in 1847, and was educated at St. Peter's school. He studied music under Mr. Waters and Mrs. J. H. Lloyd, and afterwards in Christchurch under Mr. Charles Bonnington. Mr. Oakes, who is one of the oldest music teachers in Christchurch, commenced the practice of his profession in 1868, and since that time many of his pupils have become capable pianists and professional musicians. He is a member of the Society of Professional Musicians, and has been before the public for very many years. He makes a special feature of training glee clubs, with which he has met with considerable success. Mr. Oakes was married in 1881 to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Guy, of County Down, Ireland, and has three sons and four daughters living, all of whom are musical.
Teacher of Violin and Piano, 278 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Miss Packer inherits her musical talent from her father, the late Mr. H. W. Packer, of Somerfield, Christchurch, who was one of the “Canterbury Pilgrims,” though not arriving in any of the “first four ships.” Mr. Packer acted as amateur conductor of the first musical society formed in the early days, directing in that capacity the first rendering of the “Creation” in Christchurch. Born in Christchurch, where she commenced her musical studies, Miss Packer continued her studies at the Crystal Palace School of Music, under Professor E. Pauer, for the piano, and under Herr Otto Manns for the violin. Returning to Christchurch in 1887, Miss Packer commenced her career as a teacher four years later. She has acted as leader of the orchestras of the Musical and
Teacher of the Mandolin, Guitar, and Banjo, 23 Inglis' Buildings, Triangle, Christchurch. Mr. Post was born in Christchurch in 1873, and educated at the West Christchurch school and at a private school. He commenced his musical education in Christchurch, and on the advent of the Spanish students, he obtained a series of special lessons from them on the banjo, etc. He was afterwards in Melbourne and Sydney, and took lessons from Mr. Ringwood, of the latter city. Returning to Christchurch in 1896, Mr. Post commenced the practice of his profession and organised the Christchurch Banjo, Guitar, and Mandolin Band, also the Ladies' Mandolin Band, and the Banjo and Guitar Band of the Savage Club. He is conductor of the Estudiantina Band, and has acted in that capacity at many of the principal concerts in Christchurch. He has a large circle of pupils, and his rooms in Inglis' Buildings afford ample accommodation for band practices.
(née Miss Mabel Bell), Teacher of Singing and Piano, 49 St. James's Street, Avonside, Christchurch. Mrs. Revell was born at Kaiapoi on the 14th August, 1869, and was educated at the Girls' High School, Christchurch. She studied for her profession under her mother, and took a three years' course in theory and harmony at Canterbury College under Mr. Tendall, and passed her junior, Intermediate, and senior examinations. Mrs. Revell commenced her career as a teacher of music in 1886, and as a soloiste two years later. She has taken part in many productions by the Musical Society and Motett Society, and has visited Wellington, Napier, Ashburton, Timaru, and many other places to take part in important concerts. Mrs. Revell makes a specialty of teaching singing and voice production. She is a member of the Council of the Society of Professional Musicians, and has been a member since its inauguration.
Teacher of Piano, Organ, and Harmony, 158 Montreal Street, Christchurch. This lady was born at Riccarton, and studied music under Mr. Tendall, sometime organist of Canterbury Cathedral, and at the Royal College of Music in London, and under Herr Ernst Pauer, Dr. Gladstone, and others. She studied in London for three years, taking her diploma as an associate of the College. On returning to the Colony in 1893, Miss Ross commenced her career as a teacher of music. She is a member of the Society of Professional Musicians, and for four years and ahalf was sub-organist at the Cathedral.
Teacher of Music, 51 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Rossiter, who was for some time Organist and Choirmaster of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Christchurch, was born in Lyttelton, and educated at St. Leo's High School, Christchurch. He studied music under Mr. Towle and Mr. Towsey in Christchurch, and under Mr. Barth, A.L.A.M., in Dunedin. His career as a teacher dates from 1886 and as organist from 1893. From his early days Mr. Rossiter has been passionately fond of music, and has taken a prominent part in several local societies. He is the founder and conductor of Rossiter's String Band, and conductor for the Christchurch Amateur Operatic Society. He is the composer of several pieces which have been issued by prominent London publishers, and have gained considerable popularity.
, Teachers of Music and Theory, 133 Peterborough Street, Christchurch. The Misses Scott, who are natives of the colony, were educated at the public schools, studied at the convent, and subsequently received tuition under Signor Crucia, and other well-known instructors. They all hold certificates from Trinity College, London, and Miss Alice Scott has distinguished herself in the Canterbury College examinations. They commenced teaching in 1898.
Teacher of Piano, Organ, Singing, Harmony, and Orchestration, Armagh Street West, is further referred to as organist and choirmaster of St. Paul's Church.
Teacher of Music and Singing, Papanui, Christchurch. Miss Searell was born in England, and came to New Zealand as a child. She gained most of her knowledge of music from her mother, who is a talented musician. In 1895 she passed an examination, in theory and practice, under Messrs Tendall, Wallace and Merton, in order to qualify herself for membership of the Canterbury Society of Professional Musicians.
Teacher of the Organ, Piano, Harmony, and Theory, Papanui Road, St. Albans. Miss Smith gives instruction on the church organ, and is also engaged in preparing pupils who intend to present themselves for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music.
Teacher of the Piano and Organ, Montreal Street, Christchurch. Mr. Tendall is a son of the late Mr. G. F. Tendall, for some years organist at the Christchurch Cathedral, and was born in 1877 at Dalkeith, Scotland, Arriving in New Zealand when a child, he was primarily educated at the Cathedral School, and subsequently attended the Christchurch Boys' High School. His musical training dates back to his early youth, when he was tutored by his father in the elements of the art. He received instruction also in piano playing from Mr. H. M. Lund, so well known in Christchurch. In 1898 Mr. Tendall was appointed assistant organist at the Christchurch Cathedral, and after his father's retirement and subsequent death, he acted temporarily as organist and also as choirmaster till the arrival of Dr. Bradshaw, in April, 1902.
J.P., Musician and Pianoforte Tuner, Bligh's Road, Papanui. This old settler was born at Nottingly, Yorkshire, England, in 1837, and educated at public schools. He came to Lyttelton in 1859, per ship “Zealandia,” was for several years employed by Mr. J. Inwood. miller and storekeeper, and was afterwards in the Canterbury Music Depôt as assistant for many years. Subsequently, he started the Sewing Machine Depôt in High Street, and was agent for Wheeler and Wilson for many years, the establishment being the pioneer of this class of business in Canterbury. He was also one of the first importers of bicycles, but retired from that trade in 1895. Mr. Thompson was a member of the first volunteer band in Canterbury, and afterwards joined the band of the Christchurch Yeomanry Cavalry. He was an active member of the first musical society, and was long connected with the Vocal Union, a society which held meetings in the old Market Hall. For over thirty years Mr. Thompson has been a member of the orchestra of the theatre. As a member of the Foresters Order, he joined Court Star of Canterbury in 1860, and acted as secretary for seven years prior to visiting England, and still continues a member of the lodge. Mr. Thompson was president of the Working Men's Club from 1881 to 1885, and has taken a leading part in the establishment of the reference and circulating libraries of that institution, of which he has been reference librarian for seventeen years. Mr. Thompson was married in 1862 to a daughter of Mr. J. Perkins, and has two sons and one daughter.
formerly Mrs E. T. Robinson (nee Miss Jennie Atkinson), Teacher of Singing and Voice Production, 188 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Mrs Tipler, whose first husband, Mr. E. T. Robinson, inspector of schools, died in April, 1894, is a native of Liverpool. She was educated at the Hokitika Academy, and commenced her musical studies under Mr. Friend. Subsequently she went to Melbourne, and put herself under Signor Cecchi (the famous teacher of Madame Melba) for finishing lessons. Before returning to New Zealand she had the pleasure of an introduction to Santley, from whom she obtained a lesson in phrasing. As a soloiste she made a great impression on the West Coast and was requested by many parents at Greymouth and Reefton to become a teacher. After the death of Mr. Robinson she removed to Christchurch in 1895, and formed a large circle of pupils. Her method of teaching singing is recognised as being very good; and one of her pupils who heard Madame Sherwin lecture on singing, found that her method was identical with that of Mrs Tipler. Mrs Tipler's voice is a mezzo-soprano of very rich quality, and a West Coast paper wrote of her as “widely known by reputation as one of the most able singers in New Zealand.” The Christchurch “Press” of the 10th of July, 1895, said “The great charm of Mrs Robinson's singing is the ease with which she gets all the effects”; and the “Lyttelton Times” of the same date spoke of her singing in “The Sleeping Beauty” as “sweet, tasteful, and pathetic.” Mrs Tipler has taken the leading solos in various oratorios, and has been very successful in operatic music. She made a bewitching Arline in the “Bohemian Girl,” when it was performed a few years ago in Greymouth and Reefton; and was several times called before the curtain. Mrs Tipler, in conjunction with her pupils, gave a concert on the evening of Thursday, the 12th of October, 1899, which was highly successful. She sang all her solos beautifully, as was shown by the enthusiastic encores she received, and won great credit for the excellent style in which all her pupils sang. At the end of 1898, Mrs Robinson married Mr. Walter Tipler, of Killinchy.
Teacher of the Piano, 47 Worcester Street, Linwood. Miss Triggs was born in Christchurch, and studied under Messrs. Towsey, Lund, and Wallace, and received instruction in theory at Canterbury College. She commenced to perform in public at the age of eight years, and was successful as a girl in winning distinction in many musical competitions. Her career as a teacher of music dates from 1892.
Teacher of Music, 258 Hereford Street, Christchurch, Mr. Wallace was born in Edinburgh in 1852, and comes of a family of musicians. He was educated in his native city, first by his father, and afterwards by Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the present principal of the Royal Academy of
Teacher of the Piano, corner of Office Road and Barker Street, St. Albans. This lady was born near London, and came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Regina,” when an infant. Educated privately in Christchurch and Nelson, she received her musical training under Mr. Sims, of the former city. She was married to the late Mr. D. B. Wallis in 1880, and was left a widow in 1893 with five sons and three daughters. Mrs. Wallis commenced teaching music in the latter year, and has a fair number of pupils.
Teacher of Singing, Chester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Wells, who has been known for many years in Christchurch, as a prominent teacher of music, is more fully referred to in another part of this volume, as organist of the Durham Street Wesleyan Church.
Teacher of the Piano, Harmony, and Singing, 203 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. This lady was born in Hobart, Tasmania, where she received her primary education, and studied music under Mrs. Turner, and afterwards under Mr. Alexander, R.A.R. She frequently acted as pianiste and soloiste at public concerts and other entertainments in Hobart. Setting in Christchurch in 1880, she was married to Mr. A. E. Wylie, accountant, who died in the following year in Melbourne, where he was an accountant in one of the banks. Left a widow with an infant son, Mrs. Wylle commenced teaching music in 1881, and since that time has trained a very great number of pupils.
Pianiste and Harpist, 14 Hereford Street, Linwood. Miss loung is very popular as a solo pianiste and accompaniste. She holds the position of pianiste to the Christchurch Musical Union. During the visit of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, Miss Young had the honour of playing before them at the mayoral reception. She is also organist of St. Mary's Church, Manchester Street. Miss Young gained her early musical knowledge at the Convent of the Sacred neart, and afterwards received instruction under Mr. H. M. Lund.
is a native of Cornwall, where he was born in 1853, He was educated in his native county and studied music under Mr. R. H. Nun, of Camborne. Before leaving for the Colonies in 1878, Mr. Pooley passed several examinations in vocal and theoretical knowledge. He has been a machinist at the Addington Workshops since 1881. Not only has he been prominent as a musician, but he has distinguished himself as a composer. The opera “Hadrian's Daughters,” the libretto of which was written by Mr. G. Wilmer, the veteran cricketer, is one of Mr. Pooley's compositions, and has been produced in Christchurch, and well-spoken of by the Press. He has also composed “Not Lost, but Gone Before,” and the “Sea Diver,” both of which have been published; also two waltzes and the cantata “Jonah.” Mr. Pooley was married in 1894 to a daughter of Mr. Richard Humphreys, of Ireland.
the wellknown and popular soprano, is a daughter of E. H. M. Gower, C.E., who was for many years in the service of the Japanese Government. She received her musical training under distinguished musicians in Italy and England—namely, Herr Kreuser, Theo. Goebbels, Melchior, Vela, and others. Mrs Burns' voice is a very pure and flexible soprano, and her reputation in the East was that of a most talented singer. Since her arrival in New Zealand she has been admired and honoured as a vocalist of the first order. At the reception concert, in Christchurch, to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, her singing was highly appreciated, and she was favoured with a special introduction by command of the Duchess, who warmly expressed her appreciation of her singing. On the occasion of the opening of the Christchurch Exhibition, at the Canterbury Jubilee, Mrs Burns was soprano soloist. She has taken a prominent part in oratorio, and has sung in concert with Madame Belle Cole. Chevalier de Konski, Jean Gerardy, and others. For many years she rendered valuable assistance to the Christchurch Musical Union, and she was the first lady vocalist to sing at a full choral service at the Christchurch Cathedral, by special request of Bishop Julius, at the commemoration service
who is well known as a bass singer, was born in London in 1859, and received his musical education from Dr. Lemaire, of that city. Mr. Millar came to Lyttelton per ship “Euterpe,” in 1880, after having gained considerable experience in mercantile life before leaving England. He was for about ten years employed with the firm of Harper and Co., barristers and solicitors. In 1894 Mr. Millar entered the Public Trust and Advances to Settlers office, and on the separation of the latter department, continued on the staff. Mr. Millar took part in the services at the opening of the Cathedral, and has since been a member of the Cathedral choir. At public concerts of all kinds he is popular as a leading bass soloist, and has been a prominent member of the Christchurch Amateur Operatic Company, taking leading characters in the performances. He has been an active member of the Liedertafel, and taken part in many concerts given by the Christchurch Musical Union. Mr. Millar is a member of the Masonic Order, attached to Lodge St. Augustine, E.C., of which he was worshipful master in 1893, and has also taken the Royal Arch Degree. He was married in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. Wade, and has two sons and two daughters.
(Robert Thompson, sote proprietor), Manufacturers and Importers of Pianos and Organs, and General Musical Warehousemen, 106 Manchester Street, Christchurch. This business dates back to 1863, when it was established by Mr. John Lewis, by whom it was conducted in the Crystal Palace Buildings, Market Square, Christchurch, till 1874. It was then purchased by Messrs Milner and Thompson. Mr. Milner retired from the firm in 1879, and the business was then carried on, as it is now, under the management of Mr. R. Thompson, senior, the sole proprietor. Mr. Thompson has from early manhood been intimately associated with music and matters relating to it. He was born at Harrow, Middlesex, England, in 1835, educated at one of the celebrated Harrow schools, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1856.
Organ Builder, Ferry Road, Christchurch. Mr. Jenkins' factory, situated in Ferry Road, is a fine large hall, where six hands are employed in organ construction. Mr. Jenkins has built some of the finest organs in New Zealand, and he has supplied some of the largest churches in the colony with instruments, which take the highest place for beauty of tone and perfection of mechanism. The organ in St. John's Church, Latimer Square, was rebuilt by him in 1875, with twenty-nine stops and 1300 pipes, and was at that time considered the largest in New Zealand. Mr. Jenkins built the fine organ in the Wesleyan Church, Kaiapoi, and also built and erected that in use at St. Bartholomew's Church in the same place. The fine organ used at the Christchurch Cathedral in its earlier days, and which now does duty in Merivale Church, was built and erected by Mr. Jenkins, and the splendid organ now in the Cathedral, built by Messrs Hill and Son, of London, was erected and fitted with a gas motive power by him. Mr. Jenkins also built and erected the fine organ at Avonside Church. The organ of the Congregational Church, Moray Place, Dunedin, which is considered one of the finest in the southern churches, was also built by Mr Jenkins. High-class testimonials from Wanganui and Gisborne churches give further evidence of Mr. Jenkins' skill. During the Exhibition held at Wellington in 1885, his organ on exhibition there was used at all the recitals and oratorios held in the building, and was afterwards purchased for St. Mary's Catholic Church, Christchurch. Besides the numerous instruments built by him to order Mr. Jenkins has re-built, enlarged, and repaired many others with the most satisfactory results. Flattering notices of his workmanship have at various times appeared in the English musical papers, and some of the leading New Zealand organists have borne testimony to its perfection. He built to order the fine organ in use at the new North Belt Presbyterian Church, Christchurch. Mr. Jenkins was born in England, and learned his business with Messrs Hill and Son, of London, the eminent English organ builders. In 1858 he went to Paris to gain greater experience in the various branches of his profession, and was engaged by Messrs Cavaille, Coll, and Co., the builders of the celebrated organ at the Madeline, and of the monumental organ at the Church of St. Surplice, Paris. After some time he was sent by that firm to build an organ at St. Sebastian, in the north of Spain, on the construction of which he was engaged two years. On his return to Paris his employers were so pleased with his ability that they made him tempting offers to remain, but he decided to return to London, and re-entered the service of his old employers, Messrs Hill and Son, with whom he remained six years. In 1869 he arrived in New Zealand, where he became manager for his brother, who then owned extensive flax mills at Kaiapoi: the mills have since been rebuilt and converted into the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills. In 1871 Mr. Jenkins returned to Christchurch, with the intention of following his profession as organ builder, and his first contract was the enlargement of the organ at St. John's Church, Latimer Square. Since his arrival in New Zealand Mr. Jenkins has refrained from taking part in political matters, although he was well known in that connection in England. He took a prominent part in the popular agitation in favour of the Reform Bill of 1863. As Secretary of the Organ Builders' Society, he was deputed with Mr George Potter (a prominent leader of the reform party) to interview Mr. Disraeli and Lord John Manners, to allow the reformers to hold a demonstration in Hyde Park. The people considered this to be their right, but the Government was equally determined to refuse. Messrs Potter and Jenkins were then deputed to call on Lord Ranlegh, who gave permission to hold the meeting at Beaufort grounds, Brompton, and thus got the Government out of a serious difficulty. At the meeting which ensued 25,000 persons took part, and Mr. Jenkins marshalled over 10,000 of those who took part in the procession. The result was that the Conservative Government passed the Reform Bill, giving a large extension of the franchise. Mr. Jenkins in his early years, was an enthusiastic volunteer, and at the age of nineteen he volunteered for service in the Crimea, where he took part in the siege of Sebastopol, and received the Crimean and Turkish medals and the Sebastopol clasps. He was afterwards employed by the Aeronautical Society—of which Lord Holland and the late Duke of Argyll were presidents—to construct a flying machine, but he failed after repeated attempts. Previous to his departure for New Zealand Mr. Jenkins was presented with a purse of sovereigns by the London and provincial organ builders, in recognition of his services to the organ building trade. Mr. Jenkins is assisted in his business by his son, who gives promise of great ability in his father's profession.
Organ Builder, 62 Antigua Street, Christchurch. Mr. Sandford is more fully referred to elsewhere as manual instructor to the Board of Education, and instructor in carpentry at Christ's College and Grammar School. He has been engaged in organbuilding on his own account since 1884, his workshop being situated at the back of his private residence in Antigua Street. Mr. Sandford undertakes to repair and enlarge instruments, as well as to build new organs to order.
Residents of Christchurch read their newspapers morning, afternoon, and evening, again at the end of the week, and also when “special editions” are justified by the receipt of very important news. In return for this liberal patronage, they supply the public with all the latest information of the world, written and displayed in a bright and interesting manner. A marked feature of the Canterbury newspapers is the excellent illustrations in the weekly journals, which are sometimes compared favourably with similar productions in the Old World.
The “Lyttelton Times” is the oldest newspaper in the province. The Canterbury Pilgrims landed on the 16th of December, 1850, and the first issue of the “Times” appeared on the 11th of January, 1851, there being absolutely no delay except that necessitated by the reerection of the plant. The establishment of the paper had been arranged by the Canterbury Association, which entered into a contract with Mr Ingram Shrimpton, of the Crown Yard Printing Office, Oxford, to send out the necessary plant in one of the first four ships. Mr John I. Shrimpton, his son, came to Lyttelton in the “Charlotte Jane,” bringing with him the plant and a staff of workers A building was erected in Lyttelton, and very soon the journal was born. Of its first issue, the “London Times” said: “English newspapers, like the British Constitution, have grown gradually into their present strength. We are proud of the acquaintance of our new contemporary, and envious of his power. If the editor of the ‘Lyttelton Times’ could create so much out of nothing, what could he make out of such a breeding heap as this of London.” The late Mr James Edward Fitzgerald, whose name is closely associated with the early history of the colony, was the first editor, and one of the most brilliant early contributors was Mr John Robert Godley. Canon Knowles was the first sub-editor, but at that time he was plain Mr Francis Knowles. Mr Shrimpton was manager and canvasser. After the “Lyttelton Times” had been in existence for over three years, Mr Ingram Shrimpton came from England and took charge, and he was editor for more than a year. He increased the size of the paper, and removed the plant to more commodious premises in Oxford Street. On the 4th of August, 1854, a change was made from a weekly to a bi-weekly, and two years later, the eight pages were extended to twelve. In July, 1856, the journal was sold by Mr Shrimpton to Messrs C. C. Bowen and Crosbie Ward, the price being £5000. Mr Ward became practically the editor, and with his extraordinary power and talent, he sent the paper forward on its career. In 1857, another enlargement was made in size. In 1861 Mr Bowen, who had taken a prominent part in the literary work, sold his interest to Mr William Reeves, and Messrs J. W. Hamilton and T. Maude also became associated with the paper. Owing to the death of Mr Crosbie Ward, Mr Reeves was compelled to undertake control of the literary department, as well as of the commercial side of the enterprise. He introduced many reforms, and among his achievements was the purchase of a stereotyping plant and a webb printing machine. In 1863, two years after Mr Reeves's connection with the “Times” began, a move to Christchurch was necessitated by the growth of the town on the plains, and the seaside domicile was deserted, though the old name was retained. A small cottage in Gloucester Street was found sufficient for all requirements. Not for long, however, as it was soon found necessary to make additions. They were continued from time to time until the present block of brick buildings, three stories high, was erected, to send forth a daily morning newspaper of eight pages, an evening paper (the “Star”) of four pages, and the “Canterbury Times,” an illustrated weekly of sixty-eight pages. The “Canterbury Times” was first issued as a weekly edition of the daily newspaper in 1865, and the “Star” made its first appearance in 1868. Amongst its editors, the “Times” has had, besides those already referred to, Mr R. A. Loughnan, Mr W. P. Reeves (the present Agent-General of the colony), and Mr S. Saunders, the present occupant of the editorial chair. The present manager is Mr J. C. Wilkin. The memory of Mr John Hebden, the first editor of the “Canterbury Times,” when its form was changed in 1878, is still cherished on account of Mr Hebdon's qualities as a man and abilities as a journalist.
The Christchurch “Press” was established in May, 1861, by the late Mr James Edward Fitzgerald. An indication of the object and principles of the founder is given in a letter which he wrote to the late Dean Jacobs: “My dear Jacobs, I want your regular assistance for my new paper, ‘The Press,’ to appear immediately. You must give me an article weekly on some pleasing literary topic—review of books, education, schools, inspection of schools. It will do you good, and us all good, if you will help. We mean, please God, to have the first paper in the colony, and to elevate and vindicate the Press. I want all the talents. And I give you your choice. You must help, regularly and vigorously. It will bore you at first, and become a rest and a luxury to you in a short time. Could you meet me on Saturday? I have been kicked, and can't walk, or I would have called on you. I shall be at the Gresson's Saturday. — James Edward Fitzgerald. Christchurch, May 14th, 1861, P.S. Please show this to Cotterill, and say I must have him too. The state of the colony demands help from all. He could come and talk it over, too. Mr Sale, Fellow and Tutor, of Trinity College, Cambridge, is just appointed working editor.” It was on the 25th of May, 1861, that the first number of the new journal was issued. Mr Watts Russell, of Ham, Mr Henry Lance, of Horsley Downs, Mr H. J. Tancred, the Rev. J. W. Raven, of Woodend, and Mr R. J. S. Harman, of Christchurch, were associated with Mr Fitzgerald in the enterprise.
It may not be out of place to mention here a remarkable publication that still lingers in the memories of many of the earlier settlers. Its title was “Canterbury Punch.” It was no mean follower of its great namesake; and it reflected in its pages the striking talent of its editor, Mr Crosbie Ward. Though it lived for only five months in the early days of the province, and was issued only twenty times, its caustic wit, humour, and brilliancy earned for it a reputation which still survives. In Canterbury, as in other provinces in the colony, there have been newspapers which, though brilliant enough, have died, generally through lack of capital. The “Sun,” once ably conducted by the late Mr W. H. Pilliet, the “Globe,” the Echo,” and the “Telegraph” stand in this category.
carries on business in extensive premises in Gloucester Street, Christchurch. It owns and publishes the “Lyttelton Times,” “Canterbury Times,” and “Star” newspapers.
Manager and Secretary of the Lyttelton Times Company, Limited, was born in London in 1843. He came to the colony with his parents in the ship “Travancore,” which arrived at Lyttelton in March, 1851. Mr. Wilkin entered the office of the Lyttelton Times in 1857, since which he has been continuously associated with the paper, and for the past twenty years has filled his present position. Mr. Wilkin is president of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of New Zealand. He was married in 1870, and has six sons and four daughters.
is so fully described in the introduction to this section that little need be added in this place. The paper has all along been an advocate of the rights and liberties of the people. It led the battle for representative institutions in the early days. Subsequently it fought to a successful issue the cause of the Lyttelton tunnel, and a railway versus the road. Direct steam communication between the colony and
Editor of the “Lyttelton Times,” was born and bred in an atmosphere of journalism. His father, Mr. Alfred Saunders, is well known as an author and politician in New Zealand, and his uncle, Mr. William Saunders, formerly member of the House of Commons for Walworth, was the founder of the Central Press and a successful newspaper proprietor. Mr. Saunders was born in Nelson in 1857, and ten years later was taken to England, where he was educated at Allesley College, a large private school in Warwickshire. He early showed leanings towards journalism, and before he was fourteen was acting as cricket contributor to one of the provincial papers. When sixteen years of age he returned to New Zealand to engage in commercial pursuits, which he followed for a few years, at the same time contributing articles to various newspapers. In 1883 he became editor of the “Ashburton Guardian,” which he conducted for three years, when he was induced by the late Hon. W. Reeves to join the staff of the “Lyttelton Times.” Mr. Saunders edited the “Star” for some time, and afterwards took charge of “The Canterbury Times.” When Mr. W. P. Reeves joined the Ballance Ministry in 1891, Mr. Saunders succeeded him as editor of the “Lyttelton Times,” having previously been associated with Mr. Reeves in much of the routine work of the position. Mr. Saunders takes no part in public life, as, with many leading English journalists, he believes that an editor should keep himself entirely free from personal interests in that direction. He married Miss Johnston, a granddaughter of the late Captain Cargill, the founder and the first Superintendent of the Province of Otago, and has a family of two sons and three daughters.
“The Star,” an evening journal issued by the Lyttelton Times Company, was established in 1868 in opposition to the “Evening Mail,” a Conservative journal published by Mr. Tribe. A fierce struggle for existence ensued between the two papers, but “The Star” reduced its price to one half-penny, and that settled the conflict. Mr. H. M. Reeves is the present editor.
was born in 1869 in Christchurch, and is the youngest son of the late Hon. William Reeves, M.L.C. He was educated at “French Farm,” Akaroa, by Mr. T. S. Baker, then at Cathedral School and at Christ's College. Whilst at the Cathedral School he studied music under Mr. H. Wells. He afterwards went to London, where he took private lessons in singing from Signor Fiori, of the Royal Academy of Music. Since returning to Christchurch, he has been a member of the Liedertafel and of the Cathedral Choir, and he has been regularly in request in connection with various musical societies. Mr. Reeves is a journalist, and is editor of the Christchurch “Star.” He was formerly a prominent athlete, and was the winner of four running championships in the colony. He also went to Sydney with the first athletic team sent to Australia. He was a member of the United Cricket Club, and represented Canterbury in 1890, against Shrewsbury and Lillywhite's English Eleven. Mr. Reeves was married on the 2nd of April, 1902, to the youngest daughter of Dean Harper.
is a weekly journal, issued by the Lyttelton Times Company, Ltd. It was founded in 1865, when it appeared as a large eight-page sheet, and was chiefly a compilation from the “Lyttelton Times.” The paper now runs into about sixty-eight pages. A complete summary of the news of the week is given, and considerable space is devoted to agricultural and pastoral subjects, to athletics, and to family literature. The “New Zealand Sportsman,” which is incorporated with the “Canterbury Times,” deals with English and colonial racing, and sports of all kinds.
Editor of “The Canterbury Times,” joined the staff as reader in April, 1878. Subsequently he was promoted to the sub-editorship of the journal, and since 1894 he has occupied his present position. Apart from his literary duties, Mr. Atack has been an influential worker in connection with athletic sports and pastimes. Since 1880 he has been a member and a strong supporter of the Union Rowing Club, and has filled various offices for the past fifteen years. He was also associated with the East Christchurch Football Club, and for two years was chairman of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen. At the present time (1902) he is a member of the Council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, and of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, as well as a member of the Executive of the Christchurch Regatta Club, and for years has taken a leading part in all the progressive movements in athletic governing bodies. Mr. Atack married, in 1896, a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Atkinson, of Christchurch, and has one son and one daughter.
This company owns and publishes “The Press,” “The Weekly Press
Manager of the Christchurch Press Company, Limited, was born in Melbourne in 1856, and arrived in Wellington at the age of seven years with his parents. After completing his education under the tutorship of Mr. Finnmore, Mr. Mowbray, and Mr Brann (whose schools were the most prominent of the time) Mr. Selig entered the Civil Service as reader in the Government Printing Office, where he remained for some time. In 1871 he joined the staff of the “Lyttelton Times” as reader, but some years later was compelled to resign his position owing to ill-health. He went to Sydney, where he remained for about three years, during which he acted as correspondent for the “Times.” On returning to the colony, Mr. Selig started the “Referee” in copartnership with Mr. A. E. Bird, formerly of the “Canterbury Times” and Melbourne “Sportsman.” The new journal was appointed the Official Calendar for all New Zealand jockey clubs. It was sold to the Christchurch Press Company in 1891, when the “Weekly Press” and “Referee” were amalgamated, and Mr. Selig became editor of the “Referee” portion, which position he occupied until he accepted his present appointment. Mr. Selig has been well known for many years in sporting, dramatic, and athletic circles. He has been president of the New Zealand Trotting Association (the governing body for the sport in New Zealand) since its inception, and president of the Trotting Conference, which holds its sittings annually in Wellington to amend old and make new laws for the betterment of the sport. Mr. Selig is one of the oldest councillors of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, the controlling body for amateur athletics in the colony. He has visited Australia as manager of representative teams competing at the Australasian Championships, and as special correspondent in connection therewith. Mr. Selig is the founder of the Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association of North Canterbury, under the auspices of which the school children make an annual display, which is one of the biggest functions of the year. Mr. Selig, who is a son of the late Rev. B. A. Selig, was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. Louis Mendelsohn, one of Dunedin's most respected citizens, and has two daughters.
, like most colonial newspapers, began in a modest way, and was started to oppose what was considered a growing spirit of extravagance in the administration of the province. Its chief promoter and subsequent proprietor was Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, one of the ablest thinkers, speakers, and writers associated with the history of New Zealand. The paper was placed under the editorship of Mr. Sale—now Professor of Classics in Otago University—an able writer and a man of the highest scholarship. Mr. Fitzgerald was a constant contributor, and before long became the sole proprietor, and practically editor. He continued to control the paper personally until 1867, when he accepted the position of Comptroller-General of the colony, and removed to Wellington. Mr. J. Colborne-Veel, who had been on the staff from the first, was then appointed editor, and continued to occupy that position, except for a short interval, until 1878, when he accepted an appointment under the North Canterbury Board of Education. He wrote with a bright as well as a telling pen, and was esteemed in journalism for scholarship, a sense of humour, an immense capacity for work, and sterling uprightness of character. In 1878 Mr. John Steele Guthrie, who had already filled in turn the posts of accountant, business-manager, and sub-editor, succeeded to the editorial chair. He occupied the position with an ever-increasing popularity and success until 1894, when, night work becoming too great a strain upon his health, he returned to the business-managership. He was succeeded as editor by Mr. W. H. Triggs, who still occupies the position. Mr. Guthrie's death early in 1900 ended the longest record of unbroken service on the literary staff, practically the whole of his life in the colony having been spent upon “The Press.” Mr. Guthrie was succeeded as manager, first by Mr. C. Hiorns, and subsequently by Mr. P. Selig. The Chairman of Directors is Mr. G. G. Stead.
The history of the paper is a continuous record of material progress. So successful was the enterprise at the start that after appearing for a time twice and then thrice a week, “The Press” was issued as a daily newspaper early in 1863. It was the first daily newspaper published in Canterbury, and also the first to reduce its price to one penny, a step which it took in 1879. The experiment was an entire success, and in 1887 a further step in advance was taken when “The Press” was enlarged to an eight-page penny paper. This last change necessitated the introduction of fresh machinery, and in that year the proprietors erected one of John Foster and Sons' new webb printing and folding machines. They also commenced the erection of the new and handsome premises in which “The Press,” “The Weekly Press,” and “Truth” are now published. Since then the growing circulation of the papers named has necessitated the purchase of another machine—a Goss “straight-line”—a fine example of the perfection to which the modern printing press has been brought.
As regards the literary and political conduct of the paper, “The Press” has been very fortunate in enlisting the services of the most talented writers in Canterbury. Such men as Fitzgerald, Sale, and Colborne-Veel would have given distinction to any newspaper, and among other notable contributors to its columns may be mentioned Mr. Samuel Butler, the author of “Erewhon,” the Hon. C. C. Bowen and the late Dean Jacobs. Portions of Mr. Butler's remarkable satire, which has become one of the classics of the age, first appeared in “The Press,” in the form of letters to the editor.
As for the policy of the paper, it has always taken a broad and liberal view of great questions, and has eschewed pettiness and parochialism, both in its news and in its views. It was a strenuous advocate of the self-reliant policy of Sir Frederick Weld, which resulted in the withdrawal of the Imperial troops at the time of the Maori war, and in the colony undertaking the responsibility of its own defence. It also advocated vigorously the abolition of the provinces; and the liberalisation of the colony's system of education has always been one of its strongest planks.
At the outbreak of the Transvaal war, indeed for some time before war was declared, “The Press” took up a very strong Imperial attitude. It was foremost in urging that New Zealand should send Contingents to take part in the war, and at the very outset pointed out that the safety of the Empire depended on the colonies rallying round the Mother Country in the crisis which had arisen. When the first two Contingents had been despatched by the Government, and there seemed a disposition to think that the colony had done its share. “The Press” vigorously urged that more men should be sent. By way of eliciting an expression of public opinion on the subject it invited those of its readers who agreed with its views to send in their names, and a contribution of one shilling a head to the “More Men Fund,” which was opened at the office of the paper. The result was unparalleled in the history of New Zealand journalism. In little more than three weeks no fewer than 13,000 names and shillings were received, the list occupying many columns of closely printed type. The paper also sent telegrams to all members of Parliament and to the Mayors throughout New Zealand, inviting their views on the subject, and the result was an overwhelming expression of opinion to the effect that more men should be sent. So great was the enthusiasm on the subject that the Third Contingent, which was at once formed, was equipped, horsed, and landed in South Africa by private subscription; other contingents were afterwards despatched by the Government as they were required. The money raised by the shilling subscription to the “More Men Fund” was principally devoted to the purchase of comforts for the New Zealanders in the field, and a contribution was also made to the “Patriotic Fund” for the benefit of the
F.J.I., Editor of “The Press,” was born in Chichester, Sussex, England, in 1855, and adopted journalism as his profession at the age of seventeen. After six years' experience in England, chiefly in London and its neighbour hood, Mr. Triggs came out to New Zealand in 1878, under engagement to the Wellington “Post.” He succeeded Mr. C. Rous-Marten as sub-editor of that journal, and occupied the position until 1884. During that year —one of the most exciting in the political history of New Zealand—Mr. Triggs acted as Wellington correspondent of “The Press” (Christchurch), “Otago Daily Times” (Dunedin), “New Zealand Herald” (Auckland), the Melbourne “Argus,” and other journals. In January, 1885, he was appointed to succeed Mr. Edward Wakefield as editor of the “Timaru Herald,” but, the paper changing hands in April, 1886, he joined the editorial staff of “The Press,” with which he has been connected ever since. In 1894 Mr. Triggs visited England, and was the guest of the English Journalists' Institute at the annual conference held in Norwich and Cambridge that year. He also attended, as New Zealand's representative, the first International Congress of the Press held at Antwerp, at which many eminent journalists from all parts of Europe were present. In 1894 he was elected a member of the English Journalists' Institute, and in 1901 was elected to the Fellowship of the Institute—an honour at that time held by no other journalist in Australasia. Mr. Triggs has been a member of the New Zealand Institute from its foundation, and was elected president in 1901. On his return from England, in December, 1894, Mr. Triggs was appointed associate-editor of “The Press,” in conjunction with the late Mr. John Steele Guthrie. A few months later he was appointed sole editor, Mr. Guthrie devoting himself entirely to the duties of manager.
a daily evening newspaper published by the Christchurch Press Company, has arisen out of the ashes of two less lusty predecessors. The first evening newspaper owned by the Press Company was the “Globe,” established by Mr. C. A. Pritchard, in 1874, and afterwards purchased by the Company. In 1881 another evening paper, the “Telegraph,” was started in Christchurch, which ran as a separate concern for two years, and was then also purchased by the Press Company. The “Globe” was incorporated with it, and the paper ran until 1893, when it was re-organised and given the name of “Truth,” which it still retains. “Truth” has always been distinguished for fearless criticism, and in this connection the paper's exposure of Worthington and Clampett are matters of history. “Truth” has had many trenchant writers on its staff, and has won a reputation, which it still maintains, as one of the brightest and most enterprising and courageous daily journals in the colony.
“The Weekly Press,” now an illustrated newspaper magazine of from seventy to seventy-six pages, was established in 1865 as a news summary for distant readers. It was by many years the first journal in New Zealand to illustrate current events, and on Mr. G. G. Stead becoming Chairman of Directors and Managing Director of the Christchurch Press Company, this side of its work was pushed with extraordinary enterprise, until the “Weekly Press” was looked upon throughout the colony as the New Zealand pictorial record. The “Weekly Press” was quick to avail itself of the then rising art of engraving in half-tone, and a strong process engraving department was established in the Press Company's buildings, in which a high standard of quality was made a first requirement. The “New Zealand Referee,” the official organ of most of the sporting clubs and associations of the colony, having been incorporated with the “Weekly Press,” the combination proved acceptable to the greater part of the population of New Zealand, and the circulation rose by leaps and bounds. This process was accelerated by the enterprise displayed when the Transvaal war broke out, such prompt arrangements being made for representation at the front by special photographers, that it was easily first in the field with illustrations of the fighting. The tone of the literary and social matter published in the “Weekly Press” makes it welcome in every family in the colony, and it enjoys a genuine popularity. New Zealanders are justly proud of the “Weekly Press” Christmas numbers, which, under the title of “New Zealand Illustrated,” have done wonders to exhibit the beauties of the colony and attract to it settlers and tourists.
Editor of “The Weekly Press and Referee,” was born in London, and was educated at private schools. In 1879 he came to New Zealand as survey cadet to Messrs Dennison and Grant, Oamaru, and after completing his cadetship was certificated as an authorised surveyor by the late Mr. Arthur, Chief Surveyor of Otago, Mr. Bristed was engaged in contract survey work in Otago, and subsequently was on the Government Survey Staff in Canterbury, as assistant to Mr. J. E. Pickett. He joined the “Press” newspaper as junior reporter in 1884, and was promoted to his present position in April, 1886. Mr. Bristed married, in 1894, the younger daughter of the late Mr. E. G. Griffith, of Avonside, and has three sons.
an Independent illustrated journal devoted to society, sport, literature, and political matters, is published weekly in Christchurch by the proprietor, Mr. G. W. Russell. It is a Crown folio of twenty four pages, and circulates chiefly throughout the South Island. The office is 185 Gloucester Street. The scope of the paper embraces, principally, items of social interest, and its strong feature is its outspokenness. It is profusely illustrated by artists specially employed, and illustrations are regularly received from all parts of the Colony. The circulation of the “Spectator” has increased wonderfully under the present proprietary, and it is expected that it will have to be considerably enlarged in the near future. Its owner, Mr. Russell, is referred to in another section of this volume as a member of Parliament.
(The Trade Auxiliary Company Ltd., proprietors), Hobbs' Buildings, Christchurch. The “Mercantile Gazette” was for many years published in Dunedin prior to 1887, when the “Weekly Advertiser,” which had been established in Christchurch by Messrs Russell and De Veaux about 1883, was incorporated with it. The “Mercantile Gazette” continued to be published in Dunedin till 1890, when the Trade Auxiliary Company was incorporated to purchase the goodwill of that journal, together with “The Trade Protection Gazette,” a journal which had been published since 1887 in Wellington by the New Zealand Mutual Creditors' Association, Ltd., and the “Gazette” has since been continued under the same style in Christchurch. This journal, which is well known throughout the whole of New Zealand, as well as in the principal cities of Australia, supplies regular information respecting all the bankruptey proceedings in the Colony, and gives complete information of all Instruments under the “Chattels Transfer Act,” and of applications for patents. Regular share and market reports are also published in its columns, and it includes partnerships, and the registrations of companies and the estates of deceased persons.
Justice is administered in Christchurch at the Supreme Court, the Magistrate's Court, and the Police Court. Mr Justice Denniston presides over the first, Mr R. Beetham, S.M., over the second; and Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., who has charge also of the northern district, officiates at the Police Court. Bankrupt estates are administered by the Official Assignee, Mr G. L. Greenwood. The Arbitration Court, presided over by Mr Justice Cooper, sits in the Provincial Council Chambers when there are industrial disputes for it to consider. As, however, wigs and gowns are seldom seen at the table of the Arbitration Court, and as its functions are of a very specialised nature, it hardly comes under the same category as an ordinary court of law. Christchurch has produced a large number of prominent figures in the legal profession, and has had for judges such well-known men as the late Mr Justice Gresson, who held office from December, 1857, till March, 1875, when he resigned, and Mr Justice Johnston, who was appointed in November, 1858, and died in harness on the 1st of June, 1888. Mr Justice Denniston was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court in Christchurch on the 11th of February, 1889. Mr A. R. Bloxam is Registrar of the Supreme Court, and Mr T. W. Stringer is the Crown Solicitor for Christchurch.
stand near the western bank of the Avon, between Victoria Street and Armagh Street. The walls of the portion used for the business of the Supreme Court are nearly three feet in thickness, and the buildings include a spacious chamber, surrounded by the usual apartments for witnesses and jurymen. There are also the offices of the Registrar and Deputy-Registrar, the Supreme Court Library, the rooms of the Judge and the Judge's assistant, barristers' robing room, and so on. The cottage occupied by the usher adjoins the main building. The Deputy-Registrar Mr. H. Lee, the clerk Mr. W. Sampson, and the usher Mr. E. W. Seager.
Judge of the Supreme Court, Christchurch, was born at Bishopton, Renfrewshire, Scotland, on the 20th of June, 1845. He is the son of Mr. Thomas Denniston, merchant, and Helen Franch Walker, daughter of Gabriel Walker, Glasgow, and received the usual public school education. Having matriculated at Glasgow University, where he won an Entrance Scholarship, he left that ancient Foundation to join his father and some other members of the family on the former deciding to take part in the colonisation of New Zealand. They landed in Otago in 1862 and Mr. Denniston, senior, took up a run in Southland. He closed an honourable and useful life, public and private, at his son's house at Fendalton, Christchurch, in 1897. The future judge after having seen service in various capacities, including the civil service and that of the Bank of New South Wales, became a law student with Mr. W. Downie Stewart, afterwards the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, M.L.C. He was admitted to the New Zealand Bar at Dunedin by Mr. Justice Chapman on the 4th of August, 1874. For some months he practised at Wanganui in partnership with Mr. George Hutchison, afterwards a prominent member of the House of Representatives. In 1875, he became associated with Mr Downie Stewart in Dunedin and the firm was subsequently joined by Mr. Allan Holmes, son of the Hon. Mathew Holmes, M.L.C., under the style of Stewart, Holmes and Denniston, and acquired an extensive practice in Otago. Court work was undertaken by Mr. Denniston, whose name was connected with most of the important civil and criminal cases in the province In 1889, he was elevated to the Bench on the death of Mr. Justice Johnston and was sworn in by His Honour Sir James Prendergast, Chief Justice of New Zealand, in February, 1889. Judge Denniston was married on the 15th of November, 1887, to Helen Mary, daughter of the late Hon. John Bathgate, M.L.C., and has three sons and two daughters.
Registrar and Sheriff of the Supreme Court for the district of Canterbury, Registrar of the Vice-Admiralty Court, and Notary Public, is the eldest son of the Rev. A. Bloxam, incumbent of Twycross, Leicester, England, and was born in 1839, He was educated at Charter House and Worcester College, Oxford, and arrived in Lyttelton in 1863. Two years later, Mr. Bloxam was appointed clerk of the warden's court at Kanieri, Westland. He visited England in 1872, and returned to the Colony six years later. Mr. Bloxam was appointed temporarily as clerk of the magistrate's court at Greymouth in 1879, and in the same year became deputyregistrar and deputy-sheriff for the district of Canterbury. Two years later he was appointed to his present post. As a cricketer. he represented Canterbury in the first cricket match against Otago, which was played in Christchurch. In 1898, Mr. Bloxam again visited England on leave, and was presented prior to his departure by the members of the Canterbury District Law Society with an excellent painting of himself. He is a member of the Anglican Church, and has several times served on the Diocesan Synod. Mr. Bloxam was married in 1880 to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Smith, M.D., of Cockermouth, and grand-daughter of Mr. Humphrey Senhouse, of Nether Hall, Maryport, and has two sons and two daughters.
Deputy-Registrar of the Supreme Court at Christchurch, and Clerk of Awards under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, was born in Wales. In 1867 he came out to Melbourne in the ship “Great Britain,” and soon afterwards crossed over to New Zealand. For twentythree years Mr. Lee was stationed at Southbridge as clerk of the magistrates' court, etc., and in 1891, was transferred to the
Usher of the Supreme Court at Christchurch, was born in London in 1828, where also he was educated. Arriving in Lyttelton as schoolmaster on board the ship “Cornwall” in December, 1851, Mr. Seager joined the police force and became the first sergeant of police in the Canterbury district. Four years later he was promoted to inspector and after six years was appointed chief gaoler at Lyttelton. In 1868, he was placed in charge of the lunatic asylum at Sunnyside, a position he occupied for twenty-four years. Whilst inspector of police, he arrested Mackenzie the sheep-stealer, after whom the Mackenzie Country is named. He was married in 1854 to the fourth daughter of Mr. T. Coster, of Christchurch, and of seven daughters and five sons, has six daughters and three sons living.
B.A., who was a Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand from 1858 till 1875, when he retired, was born in 1809 in County Meath, Ireland, where his father, the Rev. G. L. Gresson, was rector of a parish. Educated by private tutors and at a private school, he graduated B.A. at Trinity College, Dublin, and was called to the Irish Bar in Trinity Term in 1833. He practised his profession for some years in Dublin, but came to New Zealand in 1852, when he arrived in Auckland. Later on he moved south to Canterbury. Shortly after his arrival in Christchurch. Mr. Gresson was appointed Provincial Solicitor and Crown Prosecutor, and held the offices till 1857, when he became Acting-Judge of the southern districts, including Wellington, Nelson, Westland, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. On the 4th of September, 1858, Governor Gore Browne appointed him a Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, with the districts of Canterbury and Otago under his immediate jurisdiction. It was not only hard but hazardous work to travel in the colony in those days, but it is on record that Mr. Gresson, on his first appointment as Judge in 1857, travelled overland from Nelson to Lyttelton, 230 miles, and next year, accompanied by the Hon. C. C. Bowen, he rode overland from Christchurch to Dunedin, 205 miles. In the year following his retirement from the office of Judge he paid a visit to England, and after his return to the colony he resided in Canterbury. He was at one time a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, and chairman of that body for one year. Judge Gresson was married in Ireland in 1845 to a daughter of the late Mr. Beatty, of Londonderry. Mrs Gresson died on the 11th of June, 1889, aged seventy-nine years, and Judge Gresson himself passed away on the 31st of January, 1901, on the ninetieth anniversary of his birth.
is situated in the Supreme Court Buildings, in rooms on the western side. The institution is under the management of the Canterbury Law Society, and there are about 6000 volumes on the shelves. The librarian, whose office is in the same part of the building, is Mr. N. Nalder, barrister and solicitor.
is close to the Supreme Court, and occupies a single-storey stone building. Besides the courtroom, there is the ordinary complement of offices and apartments. The public office is entered from the northern side. The court has ordinary and extended jurisdiction within the city of Christchurch and district, extending to the Waimakariri river in the north and nearly as far south as the Rakaia. Mr. R. Beetham is the Stipendiary Magistrate, and Mr. W. Martin is clerk of the court. It should be stated that Mr. H. W. Bishop, S.M., is in charge of North Canterbury, and holds sittings at Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Akaroa, and other centres.
Stipendiary Magistrate and Chairman of the Christchurch Licensing Committee, was born in 1836 in Horneast e, Lancashire, England, and educated chiefly at the Elizabethan Foundation School in his native place. In 1856 Mr. Beetham came out to Victoria, and three or four years later crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. He entered the public service in 1862, as Receiver of Land Revenue on the Otago goldfields, was appointed Restdent Magistrate in 1863 and has been respectively at Queenstown, Napier, and Timaru, being transferred to Christchurch in 1881. Mr. Beetham was married in 1863 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Swainson, F.R.S., a well-known naturalist.
Stipendiary Magistrate, who resides in Christchurch, and is in charge of the North Canterbury district, is a Coroner, Commissioner of the Native Land Court, and a Licensed Interpreter. He was born on the 12th of March, 1851, in Hampshire, England, was educated at Winchester and came to Lyttelton in 1868 in the ship “Mermaid,” with the intention of joining an elder brother who was sheep-farming in North Canterbury. He afterwards removed to Motueka near Nelson, where he engaged in hop-culture until 1872, when he went to Wellington and for some time was employed in teaching a school. In July, 1873, he entered the Government service, being attached to the Native Department. He was sent to Hokianga in April, 1876, as clerk and interpreter of the resident magistrate's court, and secretary and interpreter to the late Judge Maning, better known as “Pakeha Maori” the author of that delightful book, “Old New Zealand.” In 1882, Mr. Bishop was appointed resident magistrate for the district of Bay of Islands, with residence at Mongonui Subsequently his district was extended to include the whole of North Auckland, with head-Quarters in Auckland city. He was removed to Christchurch in 1893. Mr. Bishop is attached to the Church of England, being a member of the Diocesan Synod, and of the Standing Committee of the Diocese and a Church Property trustee. He is married and has two sons and one daughter living.
Chief Clerk of Court and of the Licensing Committees for Christchurch, Riccarton, and Avon, was born in 1854 at Leamington, Warwickshire, and educated at the High School, Christchurch. Mr Martin entered the service in 1869 as a cadet in the magistrate's court. In 1876, he was appointed second clerk, and in 1880 became clerk of court at Ashburton. He was transferred to Onehunga in 1884, and to Invercargill in 1886, where he was sheriff of the Supreme Court and clerk of the district court until 1897, when he was promoted to his present positions in Christchurch. Mr Martin has always been interested in cycling and was a vice-president of the Invercargill Cycling Club; at the time of his leaving that town he was president, was created a life member and presented with a gold badge in recognition of his services. Mr. Martin is a delegate of the same club to the New Zealand League of Wheelmen. He was married in 1886 and has three daughters.
Chief Bailiff of the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, Christchurch, was born in 1859 at Lyttelton, and was educated in Christchurch. He served his apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker, and before joining the public service was engaged for some time in various occupations. He was appointed assistant-bailiff in 1882, and was promoted to his present position in 1891. Mr. Turnbull is a member of the American Order of Oddfellows, being attached to Lodge “Ridgley,” in which he has passed all the chairs including that of noble grand; has filled the position of district deputy-grand master of the North Canterbury District, and has been returned four times as representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, For some time he was a member of the committee of the Canterbury District Public Service Association, He was married in 1883 to Miss Berry, of Christchurch, and has two sons and three daughters.
formerly Second Clerk of the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, Christchurch, was born in Invercargill, his father being Mr. Alexander Mair, an old and respected colonist of Southland. Mr. Mair joined the department as a cadet, in 1885. Subsequently he was appointed successively to the Wellington, Timaru, and Wanganui Magistrate's Courts, and in September, 1896, was promoted to the position of Clerk of Court at Riverton. He was appointed Second Clerk at Christchurch in May, 1898, and is now (1902) Clerk of the District Court and Magistrate's Court at Hokitika.
was established in 1868, when the first meeting was held in the offices of the late Dr. Foster the first president. At present about sixtyfive members are on the roll. The annual general meeting is held in March of each year, and at it a council of management, consisting of nine members, is elected. The present president is Mr. T. G. Russell; vicepresident, Mr. H. J. Beswick; treasurer. Mr. W. Izard; secretary, Mr. J. A. Flesher.
(William Acton-Adams and Phillip Kippenberger), Barristers and Solicitors, 198 Hereford Street, Christchurch. This well-known firm was established in 1887. Mr. ActonAdams, who arrived in New Zealand from Worcestershire, England, in 1850, served his articles with his father, the late Mr. William Adams, who was the first Superintendent of Marlborough, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1868. He was a member of the Nelson Provincial Council, was twice elected a member of the House of Representatives for the City of Nelson, and for some time held the Commission of the Peace. Mr. Kippenberger came to New Zealand from Germany in 1863, and was educated in the public schools in Timaru. He served his articles with Mr. J. W. White, Crown Solicitor, of Timaru, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1883. Mr. Kippenberger acted as managing clerk to the firm of Joynt and Acton-Adams till the dissolution of partnership in 1887, when he
(B.A.,Ll.B., New Zealand University), Barrister and Solicitor, Morten's Buildings, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Telegraph address, “Bates, Solicitor, Christchurch.” Bankers, Union Bank of Australia and Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Madras Street, St. Albans. Mr. Bates was born in 1869 at Wainui, Akaroa, and was educated at the Wainui public school, and then at the Christchurch Boys' High School and Canterbury College. He took his B.A. degree at the age of twenty-one, and subsequently the degree of Bachelor of Laws while serving articles with Messrs Duncan, Cotterill and Martin, the last-mentioned of whom was afterwards successively Stipendiary Magistrate and Public Trustee at Wellington, and Judge of the Supreme Court, Mr. Bates remained with that firm for upwards of four years, and was then, in June, 1895, admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. He soon commenced practice on his own account, and has worked up a very successful business, in connection with which his periodical visits to country districts such as Akaroa, Waikari, and Cheviot, have been of great service to him.
Barrister and Solicitor, 192 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, Durham Street, Sydenham. Of English extraction, Mr. Beattie was born in 1856 in Canada, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand in 1877, served articles with Messrs. McConnell and Douglas, and was admitted in 1886.
(Harry Joseph Beswick and George Harris), Barristers, Solicitors, and Notaries, 215 Hereford Street, Christchurch; branches at Lyttelton and Akaroa. Cable address: “Counsel.” London agents: Messrs Lee, Bolton, and Lee, 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster. Mr. Beswick is referred to elsewhere in this volume as an exmayor of Christchurch.
Barrister and Solicitor, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. London agents. Messrs. Wilkins, Blyth, Dutton, and Hartley, 112 Gresham House, Old Broad Street, E.C. Mr. Bruges is a native of Wiltshire, where he was educated. He served his articles with Messrs. Clark and Collins, of Trowbridge, Wilts, and Messrs Whitakers and Woolbert, solicitors, Lincoln's Inn Fields, and was afterwards with Messrs. Walton, Bubb and Co., of Leadenhall Street, London, Passing his examination with honours, he was admitted a solicitor of the High Court of Justice of England during the Michaelmas Term of 1874. Mr. Bruges arrived in New Zealand in 1878, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in the same year.
Barrister and Solicitor, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Cassidy was born in Hokitika, in November, 1867, and at an early age visited Melbourne, where he was educated at St. Francis Xavier's College. After returning to New Zealand, Mr. Cassidy was articled to Mr. Thomas Stringer, Crown Solicitor, Christchurch.
(Howell Young Widdowson), Barristers and Solicitors, 45 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Widdowson, who is now sole partner in this firm, is referred to in another article as a former member of the Christchurch City Council.
Barrister and Solicitor, Christchurch. Mr. Donnelly was admitted to practice as a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1885, and as a barrister in 1891, at Christchurch. He arrived in Dunedin when a boy, and subsequently joined the newspaper press in that city. Mr. Donnelly held responsible positions for several years on the staffs of “The Guardian,” Daily Times,” and “Herald,” Later on he was subeditor of the Christchurch “Press, and editor of “The Telegraph.” For several years Mr. Donnelly was astudent in law, and in political and moral science, at the Otago University College. As a criminal lawyer his professional career has been a successful one. Politics have always had considerable interest for Mr. Donnelly, but he has not, so far, been successful in obtaining a seat in Parliament.
Solicitor, 9. Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Telephone 1004. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Dougall was admitted as a solicitor in 1896, and established his present business in 1899. He is further referred to in the military section of this volume.
(Henry Cotterill), Solicitors, 37 and 39 Cathedral Square, and 140 and 142 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 865. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, Mr. Cotterill, Fendalton; telephone, 451, London Agents, Messrs Bridges, Sawtell and Co., 23 Red Lion Square. This legal firm was established in 1848 by Mr. T. S. Duncan, who was soon afterwards joined by Mr. J. S. Williams, now Mr. Justice Williams, and later on by Mr. Andrew Jameson. The firm came under the style of Duncan and Cotterill in 1879, and was joined by Mr. J. C. Martin in 1881. Mr. Duncan, who was one of Canterbury's early colonists, and the founder of the firm, died in 1885, having been Crown Solicitor for many years. He was succeeded in that office by Mr. Martin, who continued in it until 1893, when he retired from the firm. The business has been carried on since that date by Mr. Cotterill alone.
of the firm of Duncan and Cotterill, was born in Lyttelton in 1855. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and passed his articles in the office of the late Mr. Philip Hanmer (Hanmer and Harper), and as associate to Mr. Justice Williams. Mr. Cotterill was admitted a barrister and solicitor of New Zealand in 1878.
Barrister and Solicitor, 9 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Telephone 243. P.O. Box 20. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Limited. Telegraphic address, “Flesher, Christchurch,' Private residence, “Avebury,” Richmond. Mr. Flesher, who is the son of an old colonist, was born in Christchurch in 1865, and was educated at Christ's College. On leaving school he entered the office of Messrs Wilding and Lewis, solicitors, and was with them in Christchurch and Ashbur ton for four years, at the expiration of which he entered the employment of Messrs Joynt and Acton-Adams, with whom he remained till the dissolution of the firm, when he became managing clerk to Messrs Acton-Adams and Kippenberger. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1898 and a barrister in the following year, when he commenced practice on his own account. From 1893 to 1895 he represented the Richmond ward in the City Council. For many years he was a member. and ultimately chairman of the Richmond school committee. He is chairman of the Richmond Domain Board, and has been honorary secretary of the Canterbury District Law Society since 1897. Mr. Flesher has taken considerable interest in the work of the Methodist Church. Prior to the union of the Methodist churches in 1896 he was secretary to the Federal Council, and worked assiduously to bring the union to a successful issue. He was secretary of the North Canterbury Methodist Sunday School Union for five years, and at present (1902) is its president. As a Rechabite, he is associated with the Pride of Christchurch Tent, No. 26.
Solicitor, 9 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Crescent Road, St. Albans. Mr. Francis is
Solicitor, Chancery Lane, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Avonside. A native of South Australia where he was born in 1863, Mr. Fuller was educated at Christchurch Grammar and Commercial School, and studied law in the office of Mr. T. I. Joynt, and was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1891. He served in Mr. Joynt's office for seven years, and during the last five or six years undertook the general management. In 1893, he joined Mr. J. A. Flesher under the style of Flesher and Fuller, and on retiring from the firm in 1895, established his present practice. Mr. Fuller has been captain of the Canterbury Representative Football team on several occasions, and of the South Island team that played against England. He was also for several years captain of the Union Rowing Club, one of the founders and captain of the East Christchurch Football Club, and a prominent member of the Christchurch Swimming Club. Mr. Fuller was elected a life member of the Union Rowing Club in recognition of valuable services, and is vice-president of the Avon Rowing Club. He was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. William Crowe, of Christchurch, and has two daughters.
(J. B. Fisher, W. B. Cowlishaw and F. I. Cowlishaw), Barristers, Solicitors, and Notaries Public, Commissioners for Acknowledgments, Commissioners of New South Wales and Queens and, Solicitors for the Christchurch City Council, Bank of New Zealand, Bank of New South Wales, New Zealand Insurance Company, Permanent Investment and Loan Association, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, New Zealand and River Plate Land Mortgage Company, Canterbury College, Board of Education, Christchurch Drainage Board, S. Manning and Company, Alliance Assurance Company, Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company; 197 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 163. P.O. Box 97. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Cable address, “Garrick,” Christchurch. English Agents, Messrs Paines, Blyth and Huxtable, 14 St. Helen's Place, London, E.C. This firm, which is one of long standing in Christchurch is in the front rank of the profession in New Zealand. It was established in 1864 under the style of Garrick and Cowlishaw, when it acquired the business of Mr. E. F. B. Hartson. It was conducted under its original style till 1883, when Mr. J. Bickerton Fisher was admitted into partnership, and the name was changed to Garrick, Cowlishaw, and Fisher. Mr. Garrick died in 1900, and Mr. Cowlishaw retired on the 1st of January, 1902, when his sons, Messrs William Bossley Cowlishaw and Francis Ion Cowhshaw, were admitted into the firm.
now Senior Partner, was born at Diss, Norfolk, England, in 1843, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Myrtle,” landing at Wellington, in 1857. He completed his education at Christ's College, Christchurch, was articled to Mr. Cowlishaw in 1863, and called to the bar in 1868. In 1870 he commenced the practice of his profession at Westport, where he received the appointment of Crown Prosecutor for Westland, and represented that district in the Nelson Provincial Council and in the House of Representatives. Mr. Fisher returned to Christchurch in 1882, and commenced practice on his own account. In the following year he was admitted as a partner in the firm of Garrick and Cowlishaw. Mr. Fisher is a notary public.
is a Barrister-at-law of the Inner Temple, and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1893.
is a B.A. of Oxford, and also a Barrister of the Inner Temple, and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1893.
Barrister and Solicitor, Chancery Lane. Mr. Hammer was articled to Mr. J. C. Martin, and was admitted in 1894.
Barrister and Solicitor, Dalgely's Buildings, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Harper was called to the bar as a barrister-at-law at the Inner Temple, London, in 1869, and was admitted in the succeeding year as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. He has had an extensive experience as a barrister in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, and has been professionally responsible for the management of many important cases. Mr. Harper was selected as a member for the Royal Commission, consisting of Judges of the Supreme Court and chosen members of the legal profession, to assist in the revision of the Supreme Court Acts and Rules, and the framing of the new code of procedure, and he has for many years been a member of the New Zealand and Canterbury Law Societies respectively. Mr. Harper is the fourth son of the late Bishop Harper, Primate of New Zealand. He was born in 1843 at Mortimer, Berkshire, England, and partially educated at Eton College. After coming to New Zealand in 1858, he completed his education at Christa's College, of which he is now a Fellow. During his long residence in Christchurch, Mr. Harper has taken considerable interest in volunteering, and he has for many years been Captain of Christ's College Rifles.
Barrister and Solicitor, Duncan's Buildings, Cashel Street, Christchurch. P.O. Box 75. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Helmore's Road. Merivale. Mr. Helmore, who was born in Exeter, in 1832, and was educated in Exeter and London, was articled
Barrister and Solicitor, 194 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 85. P.O. Box 361. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Hill was born in Christchurch in 1869, and educated at the public school, St. Albans, and under Mr. John Broughton, St. Albans, and Mr. Charles Cook, Christchurch. He was articled in 1880 to Mr. Gresson, admitted to the bar in 1887, and continued as chief clerk for Mr. Gresson until the death of the latter in 1891, when he succeeded to the practice.
Barrister and Solicitor, 206 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 59. P.O. Box 389. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Hoban was born in Christchurch in 1861, and was educated at the Catholic School, Barbadoes Street, and at Mr. Gee's Grammar School. He was articled to Mr. John Holmes, and was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in 1883. Mr. Hoban practised his profession till 1894, when he left New Zealand for the Chatham Islands, where he has an estate of 4000 acres, on which he remained for six years. He then returned to Christchurch to resume his professional practice.
Barrister and Solicitor, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Mr. Hunt was born in London, and is a son of the late Dr. F. E. Hunt, of Christchurch. He was educated at Christ's College, and was afterwards articled to Mr. J. C. Martin. In 1891 he was admitted as a solicitor, and subsequently as a barrister.
(William Izard and Henry Hamilton Loughnan), Barristers and Solicitors, 196 Hereford Street. Christchurch; branches at Southbridge and Leeston. P.O. Box 61. Telephone 449. bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. London Agents, Messrs Linklater and Co., 2 Bond Court, Walbrook, E.C. New York Agents, Messrs Carter, Pinney, and Kellogg.
M.A.,L L.B., (Cambridge), is a son of the Rev, W. C. Izard, of Slindon Rectory, Sussex, and was born in London in 1851, educated at Cambridge, and called to the bar as a barrister-at-law of the Inner Temple in 1875. At the latter end of the same year he left England for New Zealand, and in the early part of the succeeding year commenced the practice of his profession in Hereford Street, Christchurch. In 1878 he was joined by Mr. Loughnan. Mr. Izard was appointed Law Lecturer at Canterbury College in 1883, and retained the office till 1902, when he resigned. He is (1902) president of the Christchurch Liedertafel.
is referred to in another article as a member of the Christchurch City Council.
(F. W. Johnston, W. E. Mills and —. Joyee), Solicitors, 213 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Johnston served his articles with Mr. E. R. Deacon, with whom he continued after being admitted a solicitor in 1892, till joining Mr. Mills in establishing the present practice in February, 1895. Mr. Mills was for some years in the office of Messrs, Wynn-Williams and Son, and was admitted a solicitor in 1891.
, Barrister and Solicitor, 189 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Hazeldean Road. Of Scotch descent, and born in Christchurch in 1867, Mr. Kirk was educated at the Boys' High School, and gained his degree at Canterbury College in 1894, having been a winner of the Bowen prize four years before. He was articled to Messrs. Stringer and Cresswell, and established himself in practice in 1895 soon after his admission as a barrister and solicitor.
Barrister and Solicitor, 224 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Leathem, who has long been known as a most successful solicitor, is a son of Mr, Thomas Leathem, proprietor of a valuable estate in the Tai Tapu district. He was born at Fendalton, Christchurch, in 1866, and was educated at St. Leo's High School. At an early age he was articled to Mr. Wynn-Williams, of Christchurch, and was admitted as a solicitor in 1887, and five years later as a barrister. On commencing practice on his own account, Mr. Leathem rented offices in Hereford Street, and, on their destruction by fire, removed to his present premises. Mr. Leathem works hard as a member of the Catholic Church. He is well known amongst sportsmen, and is the owner of a renowned hurdle mare.
Barristers and Solicitors, 220 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 729. P.O. Box 201. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Solicitors for the Public Trustee, the Government Advances to Settlers Office, the North Canterbury Hospital Board, the Ashburton and North Canterbury Charitable Aid Boards, the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited, and for Ward and Company. This firm dates back to 1882, when the separate private practices of Mr. Holme and Mr. Loughrey were combined, under the style of Messrs Holmes and Loughrey. In 1889, Mr. Holmes withdrew to private life, and in the succeeding year Mr. Loughrey was joined by Mr. Lane.
the Senior Partner of the firm, is referred to in another part of this volume as an ex-member of the House of Representatives.
Partner in the firm, was born in Christchurch in 1864, and was educated at Cheltenham College, England. After completing his college course, he returned to his native city, and was articled to Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw, and Fisher. He was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1886, and remained during the four succeeding years with Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw, and Fisher. In 1890 he joined Mr Loughrey. Mr. Lane has represented Canterbury at tournaments, and on several occasions he rode the winner of the point-to-point steeplechase. He is now a member of the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club.
Solicitor, 142 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Malley was born in Christchurch in 1867. He attended the Catholic School, Barbadoes Street, and completed his education at St. Patrick's College, Wellington. After returning to Christchurch he was articled to Mr. F. H. Bruges. In 1897 he was called to the bar as a solicitor, and at the latter end of the same year he commenced practice on his own account.
(Henry Osborne Devenish-Meares and James Hugh Williams), Barristers and Solicitors, 203 Gloucester Street, Christchurch.
(R. G. Muff and T. A. Murphy). Barristers and Solicitors, 186 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. This firm was established in 1898.
Barrister and Solicitor, 179 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 81. P.O. Box 192. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr Raphael is the aldest son of the late Mr. Alfred Isaac Raphael, who is referred to elsewhere in this volume
as an ex-member of the Christchurch City Council. He was born in Melbourne in 1858, and came to Christchurch with his parents when four years of age, and was subsequently
Solicitor, 205 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Mr. Ritchie was born in Suffolk, England, arrived in Canterbury in 1858 with his parents, and was educated at the old High School, in Christchurch. He was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1889, and was with the firm of Wynn-Williams and Deacon for ten years. Mr. Ritchie commenced the practice of his profession in Christchurch in 1890.
Barrister and Solicitor, 55 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Russell was born in London in 1851, and educated at Horton College, Tasmania, in which colony he arrived when five years of age. He was brought up to business as an accountant. Settling in Canterbury in 1871, Mr. Russell studied for his profession, and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1884, when he at once commenced the successful practice of his profession in Christchurch.
(Henry Slater), Barristers and Solicitors, 146 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 296. Cable address, “Notary, Christchurch” (Kimes Code). Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Sandilands, New Brighton. London Agents, Messrs Burchill and Co., Members' Mansions, 36 Victoria Street, Westminster, London. This firm was established in the year 1860 by the late Mr. Francis Slater, an English solicitor, in premises in Lichfield Street.
was born in London, in 1839, and was educated at private schools. He came to New Zealand in 1859, and was for several years engaged in pastoral pursuits. In 1865 Mr. Slater was articled to his father, and at the expiration of his time in 1870, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and shortly after entered into partnership with his father. There is no member of the Bar more respected or better known in Canterbury than Mr. Slater, who for twenty years was honorary secretary to the Canterbury Law Society, and from 1894–1896 its president. For many years he has acted in the capacity of Chancellor of the Diocese of Canterbury. Mr. Slater takes a very active part in the volunteer movement, and is further referred to in the Military section of the volume.
Solicitor, Roper's Buildings, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr Smith-Ansted is a native of London, and, on his arrival at Lyttelton by the ship “Ashburton,” he proceeded to Rangiora, where he carried on farming for some years. He afterwards studied for the teaching profession, gaining a D certificate, and spent a number of years in the employment of the Canterbury Education Board. During that time he qualified as a chemist and druggist, and was for three years Registrar for the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand. Whilst teaching under the North Canterbury Education Board, Mr. Smith-Ansted also studied law, and was called to the bar as a solicitor in 1900, when he commenced the practice of his profession.
Barrister and Solicitor, 208 Hereford Street, Royal Insurance Chambers, Christchurch. P.O. Box 282. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Smithson was born in Christchurch in 1872, and educated at the public schools, and at the Boys' High School. He was articled to Messrs Stringer and Cresswell, and after completing his articles he remained with that firm for three years as managing clerk. Mr. Smithson was called to the bar as a barrister and solicitor in 1898, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession.
(Thomas Walter Stringer and Walter Joseph Cresswell), Barristers and Solicitors, No. 44 Australian Mutual Provident Society's Buildings, Cathedral Square and Worcester Street, P.O. Box 251. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agents:—Messrs. Skerrett and Wylie, and Levi and Bolton, Wellington; Messrs. Devore and Cooper, Auckland; Messrs, Fitchett and Thornton, Dunedin; Mr. J. McDonald, Invercargill; Messrs. A. R. and H. Steele, 21 College Hill, London, E.C. Private residences, Mr. Stringer, Colombo Street North, Telephone 177; Mr. Cresswell, Pananui Road. The offices of the firm are in the A.M.P. Buildings, Cathedral Square. Mr. Stringer is Crown Prosecutor, and the firm are solicitors to the Lincoln Agricultural College, Sydenham Borough Council, Sumner Borough Council, Springston Road Board, Amuri County Council, and for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The business was established in 1879.
Barrister and Solicitor, Maling's Buildings, Worcester Street, Christchurch. P.O. Box 355, Private residence, Dallington, near Christchurch. Mr. swann established his practice in 1882. He is further referred to as an ex-member of the Christchurch City Council.
Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, 207 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 145. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Thomas was born in England in 1838, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1857. He was articled to Mr. T. I. Joynt, and admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in 1871.
Barrister-at-Law, Solicitor, and Notary Public, Duncan's Buildings, Cashel Street, Christchurch, in partnership with his son, George Thorngate Weston, B.A. and LL.B. Telephone 390; P.O. Box 322. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bligh's Road, Papanui. Mr. T. S. Weston, who has practised in Christchurch since 1883, was admitted to the practice of his profession at Auckland by the late Chief Justice, Sir George Arney, in June, 1861. He was in practice for over two years in New Plymouth, and was solicitor to the Bank of New Zealand and several other public bodies. He was specially retained in 1862 by the then Governor, Sir George Grey, to defend a native, who, with others in ambush at Ohakara, murdered Lieut. Traggett, Dr. Hope, and several soldiers, on the way from camp at Tataraimaka to New Plymouth. Removing to Invercargill in 1863, Mr. Weston practised in that town, remaining there for a year, during which time he acted for the Union Bank of Australia, the local town board, two large firms of railway contractors, and many business people. He was appointed representative of Southland at the opening of the first exhibition in New Zealand, which was held in Dunedin in 1864, but owing to stress of weather interfering with a steamer's movements, was not able to be present. In 1864 Mr. Weston removed to Auckland, where he practised his profession for nine years. During this time he was engaged in many important criminal and civil cases, and was specially retained by the Government to prosecute a party of natives for the murder of the Rev. Mr. Hamlin at Pukekohe. He was also specially retained by the War Office to act with the local Crown Prosecutor in a commissariat case. In 1873 he was appointed District Judge, being stationed at Napier till February,
, Barrister and Solicitor, 213 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 717. The only son of the late Hon. T. H. Wigley, M.L.C., Mr. Wigley was born in 1870 in Christchurch, and was educated at Christ's College, and articled to Mr. Wynn-Williams. He was admitted a barrister of the Supreme Court in 1896, passing at the head of the list, and at once commenced the practice of his profession. Mr. Wigley has been generally interested in athletics; he is a member of the United Cricket Club, and is also fond of tennis and golf. In 1897 he graduated LL.B. at the New Zealand University. Mr. Wigley was married in 1898, to a daughter of the Rev. C. Turrell, M.A., Trinity College, Dublin, sometime professor of languages at Canterbury College.
(Frederick Wilding—Notary Public—William Miller Lewis, and Arthur Cecil Rolleston), Barristers and Solicitors, 171, Hereford Street, Christchurch, Telephone 24.
(William Henry Wynn-Williams, notary public, and Matthew Stoddart Brown), Barristers and Solicitors, 211 Hereford Street, Christchurch.
This section of the Cyclopedia deals with the medical practitioners, chemists, and dentists of Christchurch and its neighbourhood. No pains have been spared to obtain the fullest information, and in this effort the conductors have met with the utmost courtesy from the members of the profession. In some instances the barest particulars are given in the articles, but this is due to medical men themselves considering it a breach of professional etiquette to allow any personal matter to appear in print. Dentists and chemists are under less restraint in this respect, and the subsections dealing with them are therefore more complete than that devoted to medical men. In its resident doctors as a body, however, Christchurch is fortunate in possessing the services of men of high personal character and professional ability.
Canterbury Section of New Zealand Branch. This association was established in New Zealand in 1896, and the members of the Canterbury section meet in the Caledonian Society's rooms (162 Hereford Street. Christchurch) on the second Thursday of each month, at 8.30 p.m., for the discussion of matters relating to the advancement of medical science. There are fifty-two members in the Canterbury section. The officers for 1902 are: Drs T. W. Pairman, president; C. M. Anderson, vice-president; W. Thomas, editor; S. L. Manning, honorary treasurer; and A. J. Orchard, honorary secretary.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.). L.S.A. (Lond.), University College, 1876. 105 Worcester Street, Christchurch.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.), L.S.A. (Lond.), Physician and Surgeon, 124 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch. Telephone 52. Dr. Anderson studied at University College Hospital in London, and took his diplomas in 1890.
M.R.C.S. (England), L.S.A. (London), Church Street, Papanui.
M.D., M.Ch., M.A.O. Royal University of Ireland), and D.P.H., Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons (Ireland), 83 Cashel Street, Christchurch.
M.A. (Oxon), M.R.C.S. (Eng.), and L.S.A. (Lond.), Lancaster Park, Christchurch. Dr. Clayton was educated at Harrow, Balliol College, Oxford, and at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London. He graduated B.A. at Oxford in 1879, and subsequently took his M.A. degree, and took his diplomas in 1883 and 1884.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.), L.S.A. and A.K.C. (Lond.), was educated at the City of London School, and studied medicine at King's College Hospital, taking his degrees in 1885.
M.R.C.S., (Eng.). L.R.C.P. (Lond.), was educated at the City of London School, and studied medicine at the Westminster Hospital, London, where he took his diplomas, and was prizeman in clinical surgery, with honours in anatomy, physiology, histology, practical surgery, and materia medica.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.), Physician and Surgeon, Papanui Road, St. Albans, Christchurch, was born at Handsworth, Staffordshire, England, in 1840, and educated at Birmingham. He studied at the general hospital and Sydenham College, Birmingham, took his diplomas in 1862, and came to New Zealand the same year in the ship “Romulus.”
M.B. (Lond.), M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.), Physician and Surgeon. Dr. Fenwick studied at the University College and St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London, and took his diplomas in 1894.
M.B. and Mast. Surg. Univ. Glasg. 1886, corner of Montreal and Salisbury Streets, Christchurch. Telephone 968.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.) L.R.C.P. (Lond.), and M.B. Bach S. (Univ., Camb.), 247 Armagh Street, Christchurch. Dr. Irving was educated at Cambridge University, and subsequently studied at Middlesex Hospital, London. He gained his diplomas as M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. in 1895, and as M.B. and B.C. (Cambridge) in 1897.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.), land), L.R.C. (London), 210 Gloucester Street, Christchurch.
M.D., B.M., M.S. (University of Aberdeen), L.R.C.P. and L.R.C.S. (Edinburgh), 138 Manchester Street, Christchurch.
M.B., C.M. (Edin.), M.R.C.S. (Eng.), 12 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Telephone 27. Hours of consultation, half-past nine to halfpast ten a.m., two to three and six to seven p.m.
M.D., M.R.C.S. (Eng.), Physician and Surgeon, 16 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Telephone 244.
M.B., C.M. (Edin.), Physician and Surgeon, corner of Latimer Square East and Worcester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 116. Hours for consultation, daily from nine to ten a.m., and from one to two, and seven to eight p.m. Dr. Orchard studied at the University of Edinburgh.
L.R.C.S.I., L.R.C.P., and L.M., Trinity College, Dublin, 1871 and 1872; Hereford Street East, Christchurch. Consulting rooms, Grain Agency Buildings. Telephone, Hereford Street, 417; consulting rooms, 773.
M.B., C.M., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. (Edin.), and F.R.C.S. (Edin.), Cambridge Terrace, Gloucester Street West, Christchurch. Telephone 30. Dr. Palmer was born in Christchurch, in 1865, and is a son of Mr. Joseph Palmer, late General Manager of the Union Bank of Australia. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and when he left it in 1884, he sailed for Edinburgh, where he went through a medical course, extending over four years. At the close of the term he took his diploma as M.B., C.M., and almost immediately proceeded to London, where he gained an extensive and practical experience of surgical work in one of the leading hospitals. In 1888 Dr. Palmer visited Paris, where he walked the hospitals. He visited New Zealand in 1889, but left again in 1890 for Edinburgh. There he gained his three other diplomas, and in 1893 returned to Christchurch, where he has since practised his profession.
M.A., M.D., Ch.M., F.R.C.S. (Edin.), M.R.C.S., L.M., “The Limes,” Victoria Square, Christchurch. Dr Paterson was born in Bahia, Brazil, but his early education was carried out at Aberdeen, Scotland, where he took the degree of M.A., at King's College. He subsequently studied and took his diploma of M.D. at Edinburgh University, and shortly after visited England, where he became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. After completing his studies in Great Britain, he walked the hospitals at Paris, Berlin, and Vienna. He subsequently practised in Brazil and Australia, and came to New Zealand in 1897.
M.D., F.P.S., and L.S.A., Physician and Surgeon, Tristram House, 204 Manchester Street. Christchurch. Telephone 389. Consultation hours daily from nine to half-past ten a.m., one-thirty to half-past two, and six to half-past seven p.m.; Sundays, nine to ten a.m. and
L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S. (Edin.), Physician and Surgeon, 245 Armagh Street, Christchurch. Telephone 295. Hours of consultation, nine to half-past ten a.m., two to three p.m., and six to seven p.m. Dr. Stewart is further referred to as a former member of the Christchurch City Council.
M.D. (Edinburgh), B.Sc. (Paris), 176 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 340.
B.A. (New Zealand), M.B., C.M. (Edinburgh), F.R.C.S. (Dublin), 21 Latimer Square, Christchurch. Dr. Thacker was born at okain's Bay, Banks' Peninsula, in 1870, and was educated at he Boys' High School and Canterbury College, where he graduated B.A. in 1890. During the same year he proceeded to Edinburgh University, where, in 1895, he took his diplomas as M.B. and C.M., and immediately afterwards left Edinburgh for Dublin, where, two years, later, he gained a Fellowship in the Royal College of Surgeons. On returning to Christchurch in 1898, he commenced the practice of his profession in Latimer Square, and has continued to conduct it there with increasing success. Dr. Thacker is well known as a successful athlete, and he has taken a prominent part in football, swimming, physical drill and Sandow's physical exercises. He has also taken considerable interest in volunteering, and for some time held the post of Surgeon-Captain in the Medical Staff Corps.
M.B., C.M., Physician and Surgeon, 57 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Telephone 767. Hours of consultation, ten to eleven a.m., two to three p.m., and six to seven p.m. Dr. Thomas studied at Melbourne and at Glasgow University, where he took his diplomas in 1873.
L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S. (Edin.), L.F.P. and S. (Glas.), Physician and Surgeon, formerly of 213 Madras Street, Christchurch, is now (October, 1902), practising at Featherston, in the North Island.
studied medicine at Guy's Hospital, London. He gained the L.R.C.P. and M.R.C.S. diplomas in 1872, and became a licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries in the following year. He was Honorary Associate of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and was resident accoucheur at Queen's Hospital, Birmingham, and assistant medical officer at the Central London Sick Asylum, Highgate; for three years he was resident surgeon at the Bedford General Infirmary and Fever Hospital, and subsequently assistant medical officer at York County Lunatic Asylum, Dr. Hacon came to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1879, by the ship “Zealandia,” as surgeon-superintendent, and was appointed the first medical superintendent at Sunnyside Asylum. He occupied that position for seven years, and then he established a practice in Christchurch. Dr. Hacon was a frequent contributor to medical literature. He published a paper in the Australian Medical Gazette of 1882 on “Animal Vaccination,” another in the same journal in November, 1883, on “Lunacy Practice,” and, in August, one on the “Right of Appeal by Detained Lunatics.” In 1891 a paper by him on “The Sanitary Defence of New Zealand” appeared in the publications of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science. He also published a paper in 1897 on “Sanitation in New Zealand,” and, in 1898, one on “Public Health and Inspection of Meat and Milk.” Dr. Hacon died on the 20th of September, 1898, from apoplexy.
sometime of 173 Armagh Street, Christchurch, studied at University College, London, and at Edinburgh University, at which he took the diplomas of M.B. and C.M. in 1888. Dr Deamer died suddenly at his residence in Christchurch on the afternoon of Sunday, the 13th of April, 1902.
some time of Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, was at Guy's Hospital, London, and took his diplomas of L.R.C.P. (Edinburgh) and L.S.A. (London) in 1872. He was born at Wolverhampton, England, on the 21st of June, 1849, and first visited New Zealand in 1875, when he came out as medical officer in charge of 700 emigrants on board the ship “Rakaia.” Dr Townend returned almost immediately to England, and came out again in the following year, in charge of 500 emigrants on board the “White Rose.” In 1876 he began to practice in Christchurch on his own account, and became one of the leading physicians in Canterbury. He founded Strathmore Hospital for the purpose of carrying out serious surgical operations under the best possible conditions. Dr Townend was for eleven years honorary visiting physician to the Christchurch Hospital, and subsequently one of its consulting physicians, and was elected an honorary physician for life by the Hospital Board. He was also medical referee for the Australian Mutual Provident Association. Early in 1902 he sold his practice, and retired from active work. Unremitting attention to his professional duties had affected his health, and in June he had an apoplectic seizure, from which he never recovered, and he died at his residence, Oxford Terrace, on the 10th of July, 1902, Dr Townend was twice married. His first wife, whom he married shortly after settling in New Zealand, died in 1893, leaving three sons and four daughters. In September, 1900, he contracted his second marriage with Miss A. L. Moore, only daughter of Mr. G. H. Moore, of “Glenmark.” Dr Townend's eldest daughter married James Ogilvie-Grant, Chief of the Clan Grant, Earl of Seafield in the peerage of Scotland, and Lord Strathspey in that of England. Lord Seafield was born in New Zealand, resided for some time in Christchurch, and succeeded to the title at the death of his father in 1888.
(Neville Speechly, proprietor), Toneycliffe and Carey's Buildings, corner of Gloucester and Colombo Streets, Christchurch. Branch at Timaru. This business was established on the 9th of November, 1900. It occupies four rooms on the first floor of the building overlooking Gloucester Street. All the apartments are neatly arranged and richly furnished, and the surgery contains a complete outfit of the most modern American dental appliances.
the Proprietor, is a native of Geraldine, Canterbury. He was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School, and subsequently apprenticed to Mr. Atkinson, now of the firm of Messrs Neeley and Atkinson, surgeon dentists. On taking his diploma as a qualified dentist, in February, 1900, at the Otago University, he left the firm with which he had been apprenticed, to establish a branch for the London Dental Institute at Wanganui. After successfully accomplishing this task, he sailed for America and England, where, travelling through the chief centres, he visited the premises of some of the leading English and American dentists, with a view to becoming thoroughly conversant with the higher branches and most modern methods in the art of dentistry. Mr. Speechly returned to Christchurch in November, 1900, and shortly afterwards established the business he now so successfully conducts.
Surgeon Dentist, Wardell's Buildings, Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 956.
(Horace E. Button and William H. Purdie), Surgeon Dentists, 173 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This business was established in 1870 by Mr. Henry W. Purdie, who conducted it until 1899, when he retired and sold the practice to Mr. Button. A year later the present partnership was formed.
Partner in the firm, was born at Doyleston. On leaving school he was apprenticed to Mr. H. W. Purdie, with whom he was associated for twelve years.
a son of the founder of this business, was born in 1877, and educated at private schools and at the Christchurch Boys' High School. After gaining some commercial experience in the office of Messrs Whitecombe and Tombs, Ltd., he served an apprenticeship to his father, and in 1900 became a partner in the present firm.
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and arrived at Port Chalmers in the ship “Moultan,” with his father, the late Dr. Purdie, M.D., on Christmas Day, 1849. He received his education at public and private schools and by private tutor. After spending a short time in the first steamboat office in Dunedin, he was occupied for a few years as working manager of the Cottesbrooke station, of which his father was part owner. When the great commercial crisis which ruined so many runholders in the early sixties occurred, this station was sold, and Mr. Purdie went to Melbourne, but after remaining there for several months, he returned to Dunedin in 1867. Having resolved to adopt a profession, his natural love for mechanics led him to select dentistry, and he served his time with the late Mr. Alfred Boot, well-known for many years as the leading dentist in Dunedin. After completing his studies. Mr. Purdie removed to Christchurch and began to practice on his own account in 1870. In 1872, he married the eldest daughter of the Hon. T. Dick, formerly Superintendent of Otago, and afterwards Colonial Secretary in the Hall, Whitaker, and Atkinson Ministries.
Dentist, Luck's Buildings, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Fountain is the eldest son of Mr. R. E. Fountain, Auckland, for many years Under-Secretary of Justice, and was born in Wellington in 1865. He received his education at the Terrace School, Wellington, finishing at the Auckland College, and was articled to Mr. A. W. Chatfield, dentist, Auckland, in 1882. He has been assistant to various dentists in the colony, including Mr. Purdie, senior, and Mr. James Irvine, of Christchurch. In 1892 Mr. fountain began practice on his own account at 234 High Street, over the shop of Mr. F. Biggs, chemist. He afterwards removed to Messrs Toneycliffe and Carey's Buildings, where he acquired a very large practice, but had to leave it on account of Mrs Fountain's ill-health. He, however, returned to Christchurch in March, 1901, and established the Dental Chambers, where he has one of the most up-to-date dental surgeries in the colony; his laboratory is fitted with all the latest dental appliances known to modern dentistry. His surgery and other rooms are well-lighted, and elegantly furnished in an up-to-date style.
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, 222 High Street, Christchurch, Mr. Irvine was born in Londonderry in 1844, and brought up to the dental profession, in the employment of the late Mr. David Gillies. He came to Canterbury in 1874 by the ship “Geraldine Paget,” and two years later established his present practice in Christchurch. Mr. Irvine's surgery is situated on the first floor of a two-storey brick building in High Street, and is fitted up with the latest and most complete apparatus.
Christchurch Branch, 216 High Street. Telephone 841. This business was established in 1898. It occupies five well-appointed apartments. The waiting-room, which is entered by a corridor from the street, is neatly arranged and supplied with every convenience and comfort for waiting patients; and the two surgeries contain a complete outfit of the most modern dental appliances. The ladies' dressing-room and the laboratory, both welllighted and convenient apartments, complete the premises. Besides the ordinary fittings
Assistant Dentist to the London Dental Institute, was born at Caversham, Dunedin, in 1880, and is a son of Mr. H. S. Jones, a wellknown accountant of that city. He was educated at the Caversham public school, and it an early age entered the office of Dr. Milne, barrister and solicitor, with whom he remained twelve months, gaining some valuable business experience. He was then apprenticed to Mr. T. J. Collins, dental surgeon, Dunedin, and after three years' service he gained his diploma as a duly qualified dentist, at the early age of eighteen years. His experience of practical dentistry was widened by a further stay of twelve months with Mr Collins. In July, 1900, Mr. Jones accepted an appointment as assistant dentist to Mr. K. C. Morpeth, of Wellington, but after being in that position four months, he resigned it to take up his present duties as assistant dentist to the London Dental Institute. In February, 1901, three months after gaining his present appointment, he was promoted to the post of manager of the Dunedin branch of the London Institute, but, on account of the southern climate not suiting his health, he was compelled, after only a brief term, to return to Christchurch.
D.D.S., Dental Surgeon, 218 High Street, Christchurch. Private residence, next St. Mark's, Opawa. The subject of this notice was educated in one of the large London classical schools, and studied for his profession at the College of Dental Surgery, Pennsylvania, United States of America, where he graduated doctor of dental surgery in 1869. Mr. Muridge practised in North and South America and was subsequently eight years in business in Brooke Street, Grosvenor Square, London W. During the time he was in England Mr. Muridge became a member of the Odontological Society of Great Britain. He was compelled to retire from the practice of his profession in London on account of ill-health, came out to the Colonies and resided for some time in Victoria, where he became a member of the first dental board of that Colony. Mr. Muridge came to New Zealand in 1890 and has practised his profession in Christchurch since that time.
(Ascher Lawrence Myers and David Edwin Wood), Dental Surgeons, Corner of Cashel and High Streets, Christchurch. This business was established in 1888, as a branch, of the firm of Messrs S. Myers and Co., of Dunedin.
(Nathaniel A. Neeley, and J. S. Atkinson), Surgeon Dentists, 200 Hereford Street, Christchurch.
Partner in the firm of Neeley and Atkinson, was born in New Plymouth in 1869, and educated at Wellington College and Wanganui Collegiate School. He studied for his profession under Mr. Arthur Hoby, of Wellington, and qualified by examination in 1890. For three years Mr. Atkinson was a junior partner with Mr. Hoby, and came in 1894 to Christchurch, where he established a practice. Subsequently he joined Dr. Neeley in establishing the present firm.
Christchurch Branch, 129 Cashel Street. P.O. Box 392. Telephone 855. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Registered Cable Address, “Dental.” Previous to 1897 all dental appliances and requirements for the profession in this colony had been imported by various private dental firms, whence they were purchased as required by members of the profession. In that year, however, the dentists, as a body, determined to organise a company, with its shareholders confined to members of the profession, for the purpose of importing dental requisites. It was in this way that the present prosperous company, which has incorporated several of the chief dental importing businesses formerly existing in the colony, came into existence. The company's headquarters are in Victoria. Street, Wellington; the Auckland branch was established simultaneously with the head office, and the Christchurch and Dunedin branches were established in the following year. The firm is the sole New Zealand representative of many of the chief English and American manufacturing companies, and at each of its branches, as well as at the headquarters, it carries a large and well assorted stock of the most modern dental requisites. The Christchurch branch occupies the ground floor of a two-storey brick building, facing Cashel Street, in a well chosen part of the city. There are two neatly arranged apartments; the general business department takes up the whole of the fore-part of the floor, and the manager's office stands immediately to the rear. Under capable and popular management, this branch has succeeded in gaining the patronage of most of the local dentists.
who was appointed Manager of the Chrstchurch Branch of the New Zealand Consolidated Dental Company, Limited, shortly after the establishment of the business, is a dentist by profession. He was apprenticed at an early age to Messrs Thompson and Turrell, of High Street, Christchurch, for five years, and shortly afterwards he accepted his present appointment. Mr. Parkinson is a native of Christchurch, and a son of the late Mr T. H. Parkinson, runholder, of Kaituna. He was born in 1872, and as a child was sent to Wanganui, where he studied at the local college. Mr. Parkinson takes considerable interest in hunting. He is a member of the Christchurch Hunt Club, and at his private estate, known at “Matlock Bank,” Riccarton, he keeps a number of horses, and a complete equipment for the successful prosecution of the sport. In February, 1902, Mr. Parkinson returned from a tour through England, the Continent of Europe, and America. During his absence he visited the chief dental institutions in the world's largest cities, and by so doing gained a knowledge which must prove of the greatest advantage to his firm.
(Henry and Williams Roberts), Dentists, 190 Cashel Street, Christchurch, and 187a Colombo Street. The firm's practice was originally established in 1883, and has been carried on by it since 1891. Both partners are Cornishmen by birth. Having passed the dental surgeon's examinations in the Colony, they obtained registration in New Zealand, and began the practice of their profession.
Surgeon Dentist, Beath's Buildings, Cashel Street, Christchurch Mr. St. John was born in Nelson, in 1880, and is a son of Mr. Edward F. St. John, accountant of that city. After completing his school course he studied for the dental profession, and served a pupilage with Messrs Deck and Levien, who were both students of the Dental Hospitals of London (England) and are now practising in Nelson. He remained with the firm altogether for five years, and gained his diploma at Wellington in June, 1900. So well recognised was his professional skill, that he was engaged to act as locum tenens for Mr. Rawson, a wellknown dentist of Wellington, during that gentleman's visit to England in 1901. Mr. St. John commenced the practice of his profession in Christchurch in July, 1902.
(Stanley Briscoe Seymour and Charles William Seymour), Surgeon Dentists, Colombo Street, Christchurch. Mr. Seymour established this practice in 1869.
Dental Surgeon, 11 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Telephone 937. This business was established by Mr. Talbot in June, 1900.
(Frederick William Thompson and Edward Marten Turrell), Surgeon and Mechanical Dentists, 218 High Street, Christchurch. Telephone 538. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Thompson, Papanul Road; Mr. Turrell, Papanul. The practice was established by Dr. Neeley in 1886, and purchased by Mr. Thompson four years later. Mr. Turrell joined the firm as junior partner in 1895. Mr. Thompson was born in Godmanchester. Huntingdonshire, England, in 1857, and was educated at Bury St. Edmunds' and Liverpool College. He studied dentistry with Mr. H. C. Wilson, of Napier, after his arrival in the Colony in 1877, and successfully passed his examination in 1884. In that year he established himself in practice in Invercargill, where he purchased an old established business, subsequently removing to Christchurch and taking over the present practice. It may be mentioned that Mr. Thompson has been favoured with the patronage of. His Excellency the Governor (the Earl of Ranfurly) and family. He was married in 1884 to the second daughter of Captain Alex. Kennedy, of Napier.
Papanui Road, Christchurch. This institution was founded in 1893 by Mrs M. A. Pope, the present proprietress. The building, which stands a few yards from the main road, contains sixteen large and airy rooms. Three doctors attend the hospital at regular intervals, and surgical work is performed in a well-appointed operating theatre on the premises. The average number of patients at the hospital is about twelve.
71 Worcester Street, Linwood, Christchurch. Telephone 584. This institution was established in 1896 by three nurses, who had gained their experience and knowledge in the Christchurch Hospital. Nurse Collins took the management of affairs, and under her guidance the Home has become a popular resort for those requiring careful treatment at experienced hands. Several of the doctors of the city send their patients to the Home, and professionally attend the institution.
Is a private institution situated in Ferry Road, Christchurch. This establishment has been constructed under a special system universally approved by medical men. The objects of the hospital are to prevent as far as possible dangerous symptoms following operations and to insure that the patients shall have the benefit of the best hygienic advantages. The operating-room has been specially designed, the walls being composed
Papanui. This institution was established in the year 1900 and stands on a site of seven acres and a half in Papanui, at a distance of three miles from Cathedral Square, Christchurch. It is under a board of management, and a qualified staff is employed to attend to the patients and look after the premises. The Sanitarium is conducted distinctively as a health institution, the sole object of which is to aid the sick to complete and permanent recovery, and to make invalids as happy as possible during the progress of their cure.
Manager of the Christchurch Sanitarium, was born in Shropshire, England, in 1856, and came, with his parents to New Zealand, in 1860, in the ship “Bombay. In his earlier years he was employed in commercial life, but afterwards took to farming, and in 1884 he bought a farm of 360 acres, at Irwell. In 1886 Mr. Amyes established a small stud flock of Shropshire Downs, descended from sheep imported from England and rams bred from imported sheep by Messrs Grigg and Russell, of Longbeach. Canterbury. Mr. Amyes gained at the Ellesmere show of 1897 three championships, three first and two second prizes with his Shropshire, and on a former occasion, when he had eight entries, he gained eight first and four special prizes. At one time Mr. Amyes took an active interest in sporting matters, and was a member of the hunt and coursing clubs. In 1880 he married Miss Smart, and has three sons.
This splendid institution was established in 1886 by means of £10,000 contributed by the sons and daughters of the late Mr. R. H. Rhodes, of “Elmwood.” The building, which is a handsome twostorey structure erected in brick with stone facings, is divided into two wards for male and female patients, respectively. It stands on a magnificent plateau at a considerable elevation above the plain, having a magnificent view of the City of Christchurch and suburbs and the glorious snowy mountains in the distance. The site comprises an area of thirty acres of land, a portion of the Cashmere Estate, which has been leased for the Home for ninety-nine years. There are fourteen private rooms, a dormitory, two large dining-rooms, and a total accommodation for between twenty-five and thirty patients, public or private. The terms vary from fifteen shillings per week for dormitory patients to two guineas for private convalescents. The matron is assisted by a competent staff of indoor and outdoor servants. The property is invested in trustees. Six members of the managing committee are elected annually and the seventh member is nominated by the Rhodes family. The institution is supported by patients' fees, supplemented by subscriptions from the public.
Matron of the Rhodes' Convalescent Home, was born at Cust. She was appointed matron of the Girls' College, Nelson, in 1889, and continued in that position till 1896, when she received the above appointment. Miss Higgins has studied under the St. John Ambulance Association and has gained the medallion.
Pharmaceutical Chemists, Morten's Buildings, 199 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Telephone 654. This business dates back to the sixties when it was commenced by Mr. G. Fussell. Since that time it has been carried on by various chemists. In 1898, it was moved by Mr. William Barnett, its present proprietor, to the premises it now occupies.
Chemist and Druggist, Corner of Oxford Terrace and Montreal Street, Christchurch. Telephone 337. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Barrett's business was originally established by Mr. E. J. Elliot in 1870, and was acquired in 1898 by Mr. Barrett, who has since completely renovated the entire premises. The shop has been brought up to date in every respect, and some very handsome glass cases fitted up with a new stock of bottles, drugs, and druggists' sundries. The premises comprise a two-storey wooden building, and the shop is built with double windows. Mr. Barrett is an importer of the best drugs and always maintains a well-assorted stock, together with various lines of proprietary preparations. A night bell is attached to the shop entrance. Mr. Barrett was born at Ross, in Westland, in 1872, and educated at Hokitika and Westport. He commenced his apprenticeship with the late Mr. Alfred Richardson, of Westport, completed his term in Wellington with Mr. W. Woods, and passed his examination before the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand in October, 1894. He was appointed in the following year dispenser at the Christchurch Hospital, and held the position till June, 1898.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, 19 Victoria Street, Christchurch. Telephone 585. This pharmacy dates back to the early sixties, when it was founded by the late Mr. John Baxter, one of the early pioneers of Canterbury, who gained celebrity as the patentee of the cough mixture, known as “Baxter's Lung Preserver.” At the death of Mr. Baxter in 1895 the business was continued by his two sons.
Wholesale and Retail Manufacturer, Chemist and Druggist, 199 High Street, Christchurch. Telephone 580. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Factory, Ferry Road. This business has been conducted for upwards of twenty-five years. The premises are large, and contain a floor space of between 4000 and 5000 square feet, the shop being splendidly furnished with mirrors, show-cases, handsome counters, and extensive fittings. The proprietor is a direct importer of drugs and druggists' sundries, and holds a very large and choice selected stock of toilet requisites and medical appliances of the latest description. The factory on the Ferry Road, which has over 3000 square feet of floor space, is completely equipped with all the necessary plant for the manufacture of the proprietor's patent Pectoral Oxymel of Carrageen or Irish Moss, in which he does a very large business throughout New Zealand, and also in Australia and other parts of the world. The late Mr. George Bonnington, whose name is still borne by the business, is referred to in another article.
Pharmaceutical Chemists, Market Square, corner of Armagh and Colombo Streets, Christchurch. Telephone 670. P.O. Box 210. Night bell, Armagh Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This firm's business, which is the oldest of its kind in Christchurch, was established as long ago as 1859 by Drs. Turnbull and Hillson, and shortly afterwards the late J. V. Ross in conjunction with Mr. Cook purchased the concern. This partnership existed for six years when Mr. Ross became sole proprietor and carried on the business up to the time of his death in 1893. The business is still carried on for the benefit of his family, under the management of Mr. J. Stuart Ross, a son of the late proprietor, who has been identified with the business for many years. The retail premises comprise a very fine shop having a large frontage to Colombo Street, a first class dispensary, office, and other rooms on the ground floor; besides extensive store-rooms on the upper floor. Situated close by, in Armagh Street, is the brick wholesale store of the firm. Messrs. Cook and Ross, who have a well assorted and thoroughly up to date stock, possess a very large connection throughout Canterbury and transact an extensive business, both wholesale and retail.
J.P., Pharmaceutical Chemist, 177 Victoria Street, Christchurch. Telephone 448. This business has occupied its present site since about 1879, when it was established by Mr. Elliott, who conducted it till he sold out to Mr. Cook in 1899. The shop occupies the front compartment of a one-storey wooden building. It is well fitted up and neatly arranged, and has every appearance of an up-to-date pharmacy. The long and numerous shelves and glass cases contain a heavy stock of chemists' sundries, together with a large number of proprietary medicines, and two open windows are reserved for the exhibition of samples. A considerable dispensing and prescribing trade has been associated with the business since its establishment, and this has steadily increased under the management of Mr. Cook. The proprietor was one of the original members of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand, of which the present Pharmacy Board is an offshoot. He was for one term president of the Canterbury Pharmaceutical Society, and he is now it a vice-president. Mr. Cook was born in 1849, and educated at the English Church School, at Comber, County Down, Ireland. He landed at Lyttelton in 1862, and gained further instruction at the Scotch School, Lincoln Road, Christchurch. In 1864 he was apprenticed to Messrs Cook and Ross, with whom he remained twelve years, and resigned in 1876 to commence business on his own account. He carried on business successfully in various parts of the province, until taking up his present position
Chemist and Druggist, 178 and 180 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 920. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Haast Street Linwood. This well-known establishment was founded in 1863 by the late Mr. Robinson, and was conducted after that gentleman's death by his widow till 1886. In the latter year, the late Mr. J. S. Cooke, father of the present proprietor, purchased the business, and conducted the same until the time of his death on the 14th of November, 1894, since which time Mr. J. A. Cooke has carried it on. The premises consist of a large double fronted shop, the retail department being handsomely fitted up with glass show cases and shelves containing a very large and well assorted stock of drugs and druggists' sundries. Mr. Cooke makes a specialty of the Eureka Skin Lotion, and the tonic Pickme-up, which are leading lines prepared on the premises, besides numerous other proprietary articles. He is an importer of the usual goods kept by chemists and druggists, and has a large connection, particularly among the farming community. Prescriptions are carefully and accurately made up. Mr. Cooke was born in 1864 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, where he was educated. He accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in 1878, in the ship “Mannock,” and after serving six years to his father's busi ness, passed the prescribed examination under the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand, and received a certificate as a qualified chemist in January, 1895. Mr. Cooke was married in February, 1891, to a daughter of Mr. Dench, of East Oxford.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, 189 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 55. This business was established in 1862 by Mr. J. C. Brook, by whom it was conducted till 1866. In that year it was sold, and assumed the proprietorship title of Messrs Gould and Co. Thus it continued till 1898, when it was acquired by its present proprietor. The premises are well situated on one of the best business sites in the city, and occupy two floors of a threestorey stone building, facing Cashel Street. The dispensary is a brilliantly lighted and richly furnished apartment, and is supplied with the latest chemical appliances, including the cachet-filling-and-closing machinery for the compression of medicines into tablet form, and the tube-filling-and-closing machinery. These appliances were specially imported from England and America for this pharmacy. In addition to the numerous drugs and druggists' sundries which necessarily form a portion of the stock of a modern pharmacy, Mr. Hobden has a large quantity of proprietary preparations of his own manufacture, prominent amongst which are: Compound Syrup of Hypophosphites, Kay's Liver Tonic, Cloudy Ammonia, and Monk's Lung Balsam. Emmudsion of Cod Liver Oil is also manufactured on a large
Pharmaceutical Chemist, 178 Barbadoes Street. Christchurch. Telephone 264. This dispensary occupies two apartments of a substantial single storey building situated on a well chosen business site at the corner of Barbadoes and Kilmore Streets. It was established in the early eighties, and was conducted by Mr. R. Painter until 1901, when it was acquired by Mr. Charles R. Kiver, who has since completely renovated the premises. The open windows, which now face each street, are furnished with samples of the abundant stock kept within, whilst the shop itself, spacious and airy, and fitted up with numerous shelves, drawers, glass cases, and other conveniences for the trade, carries a large and varied assortment of bright and fresh drugs, and numerous proprietary medicines. Mr. River, the sole proprietor, is a son of the late Mr. Charles Kiver, who is referred to in another part of this volume as an ex-councillor of Christchurch. He was born in Christchurch in 1873, and educated at the public schools, and at the Boys' High School. On leaving school, Mr. Kiver was apprenticed to the late Mr. George Bonnington, with whom he remained for a period of twelve years, during which he gained his certificate as a qualified chemist.
Importer and Indenter of Drugs, Chemicals, etc. Head Office for New Zealand, Browron's Buildings, corner of Manchester and Hereford Streets, Christchurch. The chief office of this firm was established in Melbourne, in 1891, by Mr. Henry Markwald, its present proprietor, who had formerly been a partner in a large importing firm in Melbourne. The business of Mr. Markwald's firm rapidly increased, and at the present time (1902) it extends right over the Australasian colonies. Shortly after its inception Mr. Henderson, who had previously occupied the post of shipping clerk, was promoted to the position of intercolonial traveller. In 1894 he opened up business for the firm in New Zealand, and shortly after returned to Australia, where, under his supervision, the Sydney and Brisbane branches were established, and business opened up also in Tasmania. In the meantime business continued to increase in New Zealand, and in 1894 the Dunedin branch was established. This was followed by the opening of the Wellington and Auckland branches, in 1895 and 1896 respectively. The Christchurch branch, which is now made the head office for commercial operations in New Zealand, was established in 1901. It occupies two well-appointed and richly furnished apartments on the first floor of Bowron's Buildings
Manager of the Christchurch branch of this firm, is a native of Exeter, Devonshire, England, where he was born in 1877. As a child he came out with his parents to Melbourne where he was brought up and educated. In 1894 Mr. Guenett entered the head office of his firm in Melbourne, and five years later was transferred to the Dunedin branch. In December, 1899, he came to Christchurch, and opened up the present branch, of which Mr. J. Henderson became manager. Upon that gentleman's removal to Auckland, Mr. Guenett was appointed to his present position. Prior to his arrival in New Zealand Mr Guenett was an active member of the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Melbourne Bowling Club. While in Dunedin he became a member of the Commercial Travellers' Club, and he is a member of the Pioneer Bicycle Club in Christchurch, Mr. Guenett married a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hurley, formerly Collector of Customs at Melbourne, and has one daughter.
General Manager for New Zealand of Mr. Markwald's firm, was born in Victoria, Australia, in 1869. He was educated at Dick's College, Melbourne, and afterwards worked in a large commercial firm of that city. In 1891 he was engaged by Mr. Markwald as shipping clerk for the importing firm established by that gentleman, of which he was a member. From that post Mr. Henderson was promoted to that of intercolonial traveller, and after establishing branches in various centres throughout Australia, and opening up business in Tasmania and New Zealand, he was appointed general manager for this colony. Mr. Henderson is an athlete of repute, rowing, football, cricket, and lacrosse being his favourite sports.
(Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.), High Street, Christchurch. Head office, Dunedin. Telephones, 874 and 575. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The business of this popular and flourishing firm dates back to the seventies, when it was established in a wooden building on the half-acre allotment, which is now occupied by commanding premises. In 1892 the original premises were destroyed by fire, and, early in the succeeding year, the present handsome three-storey brick building was erected on the same site. Each floor is fitted up with counters, glass cases, and other conveniences for exhibiting and assorting the stock, which consists of many varied lines, each occupying separate and distinct portions of the spacious apartments. The ground floor is stocked with drugs—dry and wet—and chemicals, and the next carries druggists' sundries, patent medicines, photographic requisites, surgical instruments, and dental and toilet requisites, together with a large stock of corks for the supply of breweries and cordial factories. The uppermost flat is reserved for the storage of original packages and bulk stock. These apartments together with a well-appointed suite of offices on either side of the front entrance, complete the main establishment. But to the right of the building there is a spacious yard, where there still stands a portion of the original premises, together with a large packing department and bulk store room, of more recent origin. In one division of the older building large quantities of “Star Brand” ammonia— which is manufactured at, and sent up in bulk form, front the headquarters of the firm at Dunedin—are bottled and labelled ready for sale, whilst in another department a large stock of empty bottles for the supply of bottling houses and breweries is always kept. During its existence in Christchurch the business of the firm has pursued a steady and progressive career, corresponding to the development which has characterised the sister branches throughout the colony.
Manager of the Christchurch Branch of the firm, was promoted to his present position in March, 1901, after being associated with the firm at its head office for over twenty years. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1865, and, at the age of eight, sailed for New Zealand, and landed at Dunedin. There he received his early education at the public schools, and finally studied at the Dunedin High School. On leaving school, he entered the service of Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., as a factory hand. After being so employed for two years, he was promoted to a position in the warehouse. Later on he successively held the post of city traveller in Dunedin and country representative in the province of Otago, and in 1901 he succeeded Mr. Low in one of the highest posts in the firm's service. The tennis players of Dunedin lost a valuable member of their association on the departure of Mr. Borrows, who has frequently represented Otago in interprovincial matches.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, 65 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Telephone, 905. This well-known pharmacy was established in 1877
(Charles Augustus Fletcher), Chemists and Druggists, Triangle, Christchurch. Telephone 881. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ricearton. This firm's business was established by the late Mr. T. Wallace, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1892. The firm imports all kinds of drugs and medical sundries, and does a considerable family and dispensing trade.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, Christchurch. Mr. Rentoul was born in Scotland, in 1873, and was brought to New Zealand while he was a child. He landed at Lyttelton, and was educated at the public schools, and also received private tuition. On leaving school he was apprenticed to the Friendly Societies' Dispensary, at Timaru, and remained with that firm six years, when he went to Dunedin, where he entered the employment of Mr. A. M. Loasby, the wellknown patentee of “Wahoo” and other proprietary medicines. After gaining his diploma as a qualified chemist in 1894, at Dunedin, Mr. Rentoul left New Zealand for Australia, where, at Fremantle, he managed the business of Messrs E. Parry and Co. for some years. He returned to New Zealand shortly before commencing business in 1901, at 214 High Street, Christchurch. Mr. Rentoul retired in 1902.
J.P., Pharmaceutical Chemist, Lincoln Road, Addington. This well-known pharmacy was established in 1882, and occupies well-built premises on a freehold allotment, facing the main road. Three rooms of this building are specially arranged for business purposes. The large apartment facing the street, and furnished with a wide open window, filled with samples, is neatly fitted up as the dispensary, and immediately to the back are the office and general store room. Mr. Sopp's business has from the first enjoyed an ever increasing reputation for the care with which prescriptions are made up and the genuineness of its remedies. Mr. Sopp, who was a Justice of the Peace for New Zealand, was born at Kensington, England, in 1842, educated at the Kensington National School, and gained his early experience in chemistry under Dr Merriman, surgeon to the Duchess of Kent. At an early age he was appointed dispenser to the Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum, and was subsequently for seven years dispenser at St. George's Hospital, London. He left England in 1872, and came to Lyttelton, by the ship “Merope.” For six years after his arrival he was engaged by the Canterbury Education Board as a public school teacher. He resigned his position as a teacher and was appointed to take charge of the Lyttelton Orphanage, where he remained till he began business on his own account in 1882. Mr. Sopp was the first president of the Midland Pharmaceutical Society in England. He died on the 30th of July, 1902.
Medical Herbalist, 16 Victoria Street, Christchurch. This business was established in 1895 by Mr. Dawson, who is a native of Tasmania. He came to Invercargill during his boyhood, and there completed his education, and finally studied the business he is now following.
Medical Herbalist, 154 Armagh Street, 117 High Street, Christchurch, and at Ashburton. Private residence, 110 Colombo Street, Sydenham. Mr. Hall established his large business in 1887. He arrived in the Colony from Wisbech, Cambridge, England, in 1874. Mr. Hall's leading preparations are Neuroline for neuralgia, Liver Tonic, Balm of Gilead for coughs and colds, and Indigestion Mixture.
Medical Herbalist, 76 Oxford Terrace West, Christchurch. This business was originally established fifteen years ago in Wellington, whence it was transferred to Christchurch, in 1899, by Mrs Thompson, who was anxious to bring
(Robert Hall, proprietor), 121 Cashel Street, Christchurch. The building occupied by Mr. Hall is of brick and Iron, one storey in height. The Turkish baths were established in 1885, and are constructed on the “hot air” principle. There are three hot rooms in addition to the shampooing room, and an elegant and wellfurnished cooling-room, ten hot baths, three steam-boxes and douche, and shower-baths. Mr. Hall undertakes the treatment of patients daily for most complaints. The charge for a single Turkish or steam-bath is 3s., four tickets being supplied for 10s., and hot baths 1s. each. The proprietor, who is a native of Lancashire, arrived in New Zealand in 1879 by the ship “Opawa,” and learned his business with his father in Dunedin.
Christchurch. Established in 1892. Proprietors: William Gunn and George Weston, Specialists, Masseurs, Electricians. This company's business is divided into two departments; namely, the Chemical Department and the Hygienic Treatment Department. The chemical department is under the supervision of a gentleman who has had a large and varied experience in manufacturing chemistry in London. He was lecturer in Berner's College of Chemistry, London; also Prizeman in Theoretical and Practical Chemistry, King's College, London; Certificated Science Teacher, Royal Council of Education, and Lecturer on Chemistry and Physics, late Royal Polytechnic College, London. The medical, domestic and trade preparations of the Health Supplies Company, manufactured under this expert's supervision, therefore rank second to none in scientific accuracy. Among the list of the company's preparations are: Dr. Schussler's Natural Tissue Cell Salts. Gault's Cough Linctus, Gault's Health Iron and Quinine Tonic (the highest quality in existence), Gault's Little Pills, Life Guard Fidney Pills, Dr. Fisher's Spicoline, Sarsaparilla Compound, Teething, Worm, end Headache Powders, Fruit Essences, Health Food (malted), Health Baking and Egg Powders, etc., etc. The firm also manufactures electric belts and electrical lung protectors, etc., of the highest quality. The company imports enemas, douche cans, hot water bottles, rubber tubing, rubber and silk elastic stockings, toilet articles, perfumery, soaps, muscle rollers medical books, glassware, patent and homeopathic medicines. It is the sole New Zealand agent for the new E. J. Worst Corona Medicator, an instrument for the permanent cure of catarrh, deafness, and all diseases of the air passages of the head, throat and lungs. The fact that it has received the unqualified endorsement of the United States Health Reports, and has been awarded a silver medal, speaks for itself. The firm is also sole New Zealand agent for Dr. Forest's “Health—The New Method,” and sole Canterbury agent for Dr Coonley's “Orange Lily,” and Count Mattei's remedies, etc. The business of the firm's Hygienic Department is carried on in a brick building, specially built for the purpose, and consists of six large rooms fitted with every convenience for the treatment of massage, etc. Sufferers from various complaints are treated with electric, thermal, and medicated baths, massage, galvanism, and the thermo-ozone treatment, etc. The company applies Dr Forest's, Dr Kellog's, Professor Kirk's, and other celebrated treatments, according to the needs of the patient.
Metaphysician, 135 Montreal Street, Christchurch. Mr. Kline was born at Hokitika in 1866, and is a younger son of the late Mr J. P. Kline, journalist, formerly proprietor of the “West Coast Times” and “Evening Star.” He was educated at Hokitaka State School, and also at several private schools, including Mrs Alabaster's, in Christchurch, the Bishop's School, in Nelson, and Nelson College. Mr. Kline was brought up in his father's offices, and subsequently owned and managed, the “Evening Star.” Early in 1884 Mr. Kline made a trip of a year's duration to Europe, and some years after his return to the colony he took up the study of thought in its relation to health. Books treating of hypnotism, suggestion, and mental science were earnestly studied, and in 1897 Mr. Kline went to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, to ascertain the methods there employed in what was known as mental healing, and also to procure books which were not obtainable in New Zealand. The visit with its accompanying enquiries resulted in his taking up in 1899 the work of healing professionally, and his results have convinced him of the wonderful powder of mind, properly guided and controlled, to conquer diseases which have successfully resisted all other methods of cure. He contends that, by properly directed thought and habits of life, the causes of disease are reached, and with the removal of the cause the effect ceases. A booklet, by Mr. Kline, on “The Power of Thought in the Cause and Cure of Disease,” has run into a second edition, and he intends to publish a much larger work on the subject. His main argument is that the study of mental science shows that bad emotions, such as envy, jealousy, fear, ill-will, pessimism, hate, are injurious to the brain that feels them; that they poison their very source and express their influence physically on the body; and that, on the other hand, good emotions, such as the feelings of love, joy, good nature, kindness, courage, and a proper use of mind, unmistakably promote mental power, health, happiness, and success. Mr. Kline is hopeful that the great importance of this subject may impress the Legislature with the desirableness of giving facilities to mental practitioners of metaphysicians to pass an examination on mental science and physiclogy, and to thus secure legal recognition for themselves, and a scientific and honourable status for their profession.
Hygienic Face Masseuse, Manicurist, Hair Dresser, etc., 216 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Mrs Mason is a daughter of Mr. E. Thurlow Edwards, of Victoria, and a grand-daughter of Dr G. Dunn, physician to the late Baroness Rothschild. She came to New Zealand in 1893, and was afterwards married to Mr. G. H. Mason, of Canterbury College. In 1899 she visited England, where she became interested in hygienic treatment, and studied under Madame Deau, the skin, scalp, and hair specialist of Hanover Square, London. After completing her course, Mrs Mason was presented with a first-class certificate for skill.
M. E., E. M. G., ElectroBotanical Specialist, New Zealand Electropathic Institute, 248 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Prof. Notmann hails from Edinburgh, where he was born in 1853, and was educated in his native city and at Paris and Berlin. He commenced the practice of his profession in 1872 and with seventeen years' European experience he came out to the Colony, via Australia, and established himself in Christchurch. Prof. Notmann has special appliances for administering electricity and undertakes the treatment and cure of all debilitating diseases with special reference to the weaknesses of men. He is proprietor and manufacturer of all sorts of electrical appliances, such as belts, etc., which are very effective in all nervous complaints; these are splendidly made of genuine quality and are all guaranteed. These appliances and his concentrated treatment are in demand in various parts of the
Hypnotist, “Amwell,” Papanui Road, St. Albans. Mr. Shaw settled in Christchurch in 1883, and was for seven years travelling agent for the Mutual Life Association of Australia. He commenced practice as a hypnotist in 1890, and since that time has had a very large number of patients.
(New Zealand Centre). Christchurch Office, 141 Hereford Street, Christchurch. His Excellency the Governor is president of the New Zealand Centre, and the vice-presidents for Christchurch are Bishop Julius, Bishop Grimes, the Rev. Dr. Elmslie, Mr. Justice Denniston, Hon. C. Louisson, Dr. W. Thomas, Mr. C. P. Hulbert, and the Mayor of Christchurch, ex officio. Mr. H. J. C. Jekyll is honorary treasurer, and Mr. W. B. Dixon is secretary. It is about eighteen years since the New Zealand Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association came into existence, but the Association itself has a history which can be traced back to the year 1023, when some merchants of Amalfi, a seaport to the south of Naples, obtained permission from the Caliph of Bagdad to found a hospice at Jerusalem for the reception of Christian pilgrims, who were lodged, and, if sick, cared for at the establishment. This institution was so useful that it acquired a far-spread popularity, and not only pilgrims, but pious persons in all parts of Christendom, contributed to its funds. A well-defined organisation, therefore, soon became a necessity. From this organisation emerged the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, famous in connection with the Crusades, and the defence of Acre, Rhodes, and Malta, and for its influence generally upon war, politics, and religion, as well as for its treatment of sick and wayworn pilgrims and travellers. In its modern civic development as the St. John Ambulance Association, it continues to do a great philanthropic work in maintenance of its motto Pro utilitate hominum. Its present lines of action may be said to date from 1827, though it was not till 1877 that the association was formally founded, and its charter of incorporation was not granted till 1888. St. John's Gate, London, is the headquarters of the association. In England the work of the Order takes various forms, such as the relief of convalescents from hospitals and infirmaries, the promotion of cottage hospitals in country districts, the maintenance of ambulance stations, and the award of medals and diplomas for gallantry in saving life by land. Its classes for instruction in the methods of first aid in cases of accident or sickness are extremely interesting in themselves, and the means of conferring genuine benefits on the community. The Victoria Hospital at Cairo, a Nursing Home for the sick poor in London, and the British Ophthalmic Hospital at Jerusalem were instituted by the association. It may be stated that the Sultan of Turkey himself presented the association with the ground on which its hospital stands at Jerusalem; just as the Caliph of Bagdad, in 1023, gave the merchants of Amalfi a site for their hospice. The New Zealand Centre at Christchurch provides first aid and nursing classes for men and women, and has instituted a Home Hygiene course to diffuse, by means of classes of instruction, examination, and the issue of certificates, a practical knowledge of sanitary science and the laws of health, which will enable those acquiring it to keep their bodies and homes in a healthy condition, thereby tending to check the occurrence and spread of disease. There is also a Nurse Register, on which the secretary enters the names of professional nurses qualified to serve in accouchement, medical, surgical and mental cases. In connection with its invalid transport service it has four Ashford litters, wheeled and on springs. These litters are placed at the police station, the fire brigade stations, and at Sumner, for public use in case of accident or sickness, and each one is supplied with a hamper of surgical requisites. There is a hamper at the racecourse in charge of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and an ambulance stretcher at the Merivale parsonage. An ambulance stretcher and hamper for use in case of accident in the neighbourhood have also been procured by the Christchurch Working Men's Co-operative Society, at 82, 83 and 84 Colombo Street, where they are in charge of Mr. M. W. Woodfield, who holds the association's medallion. The association's horse ambulance is capable of being used for one or two patients at a time, on stretchers, with room for an attendant inside. It is furnished with indiarubber tyres as well as springs, and may, therefore, be relied upon to remove patients with comparative comfort. This is now stationed at the Rink Stablies Gloucester Street, and may be engaged on application to Mr. W. Hayward on the premises. Its use for infectious cases is prohibited. Mr. Hayward is furnished with a scale of charges which he is authorised to collect on behalf of the association. A Lowmoor jacket is placed at the Lyttelton railway station. It is an attachment for the stretcher to enable an injured person to be brought up in an upright position through a narrow opening such as a mine or shaft or the hold of a vessel. During the year which ended with the 31st of December, 1901, fifteen men passed the first aid examinations, eight in nursing and four for the association's medallion; and fifty-six women passed in first aid, forty-four in nursing, and twenty-three for the medallion. During the same period 154 patients were conveyed to the hospital and elsewhere by the horse ambulance. The association's litter service is carried out by the members of the fire brigade. The New Zealand volunteer medical staff, which has been organised by the Defence Office, is an ally of the association, the certificates of which are accepted as a proof of qualification for enrolment. The Canterbury company of the corps numbers over twenty-five men, most of whom are members of the association. They meet regularly for practice and instruction by Surgeon-Major H. Compton Parsons and Surgeon-Captain H. T. Thacker; and are prepared to go wherever their services are required in case of accidents, taking with them their very complete outfit.
All the banks in Christchurch are situated in business thoroughfares, where they are easily reached by their customers. The best site, probably, is that occupied by the Bank of New Zealand, which is at the corner of Hereford Street and Colombo Street, and quite close to Cathedral Square. The Bank of Australasia is in Cashel Street, and the Bank of New South Wales, the Union Bank, and the National Bank in Hereford Street, Speaking generally, and without going into any particulars, it may be said that banking in New Zealand was never on a sounder footing than it is at present. Eight years ago the Bank of New Zealand was shaken, and the Government was called upon to give it assistance in the shape of a guarantee of £2,000,000 for a special issue of shares. The institution, however, is now in a sound position—a position favourable to progress with stability. The total average liabilities of all the five banks in the colony for the year 1900, in respect to New Zealand transactions, were £16,964,582, and the average assets were set down at £17,314,535. The average amount on deposit during the year was £15,570,610, of which £777,381 belonged to the Government. The value of the notes in circulation was £1,299,826. The deposits in the several banks of issue, the two classes of savings banks, and the building societies reached an average of £28 7s 8d per head of the population, exclusive of Maoris.
Christchurch, is a two-storey brick building with stone front, situated in Hereford Street. It was erected in 1867 on half an acre of freehold land, purchased for the bank from the second Superintendent of Canterbury—Mr. Moorhouse—together with that gentleman's residence, which stood on the section and which was used for the first few years for the purposes of the branch. Until the removal of the inspector's department to Wellington in 1895, Christchurch was recognised as the headquarters of that officer in New Zealand. The ground floor contains the banking chamber and manager's office, the upper floor being set apart for the use of the inspector. The manager's residence, which was built in 1881, is situated behind the bank.
Manager of the Christchurch branch of the Bank of New South Wales, was formerly manager of the Wellington branch, in connection with which he is referred to on page 500 of the Wellington volume of this work.
Accountant in the Bank of New South Wales, Christchurch, was born in Wanganui, in 1861. He was educated at the Collegiate School there and joined the service of the Bank of New South Wales, in the branch of his native town. In 1885 he was transferred to Christchurch, and was appointed to his present position in 1890.
occupies a central position in Cashel Street, opposite the Triangle. Formerly it was a two-storey stone building, said to be the oldest of the kind in Christchurch. At present (October, 1902) a handsome building, in brick and stone, is being erected from designs by Messrs Clarkson and Ballantyne, architects. The bank has been represented in Christchurch since the very early days.
Manager of the Christchurch branch of the Bank of Australasia, is a native of Melbourne, where he was born in 1856, and educated at the Scotch College. He is the son of Mr. Francis McCrae Cobham, of Kallara, Victoria. He joined the Geelong branch of the Bank of Australasia as a junior in 1872. Two years later, he was transferred to Yackandandah, and a year later to New Zealand, where he was attached to the Wellington office for about three months after his arrival in the Colony. When only eighteen years of age Mr. Cobham was promoted to the position of manager, and was certainly the youngest bank manager in Australasia. He was entrusted with the opening of several branches, and was in charge at Marton, Foxton, Waverley, Featherston, and Hawera, at the last of which he remained between four and five years. In 1886, Mr. Cobham was recalled to Melbourne, where he joined the inspectorial staff, and after two years returned to New Zealand as acting subinspector, holding the position till 1891, when his services were again required in Australia. In 1886, he became sub-inspector in Victoria, and was appointed to the position which he holds in Christchurch in
Accountant at the Christchurch branch of the Bank of Australasia, was born in 1859 in Tasmania, where he was educated. He entered the service of the bank in Launceston as a junior in 1875, and was transferred to Ballarat in Victoria, two years later. In 1881, he was entrusted with the opening of a branch bank at Tallangatta, and continued as manager for two years. After a year at Adelaide, he was appointed agent at Smeaton, Victoria, and two years later manager at Mount Barker in South Australia, where he remained two years. In 1889, he was re-transferred to Adelaide, and became acting accountant in Geelong in 1891. Mr. Sams was subsequently teller at Batlarat for a year, and then returned to Geelong as accountant; eighteen months later he was transferred to New Zealand in a similar position at Christchurch, and received his present appointment in 1894.
Is centrally situated in Hereford Street, Christchurch. In the report of the directors of that bank in 1851, it is stated that “the directors had been applied to by the leading persons engaged in the formation of the Canterbury Settlement in New Zealand to facilitate the transmission of the funds of the settlers and others, and the negotiation of their monetary transactions, and they readily undertook to meet the wishes of so respectable a body by an arrangement mutually beneficial and satisfactory. An agency was thereupon opened at Lyttelton, under the direction of Mr. Quintin K. Gale, having associated with him, as local directors, Messrs W. G. Brittan, Henry Phillips, and E. R. Ward.” In 1856, Mr. Joseph Palmer came from Australia and assumed the management, and in 1857 opened an agency in Christchurch under the charge of Mr. John F. Lucas, but in 1860 transferred his own quarters thither and personally took up the management. The business was first carried on in a wooden building in Cashel Street, but the present site was purchased in 1856, and subsequently the bank erected a handsome stone building thereon, which was, however, partially destroyed by fire on the 4th of January, 1882. The present handsome two-storey building was erected in the same year. The banking chamber is a remarkably handsome apartment, is lighted by a noble dome, and, together with the manager's office, occupies the ground floor, the bank residence being at the side and on the first floor.
J.P., for upwards of forty years a well-known figure in Christchurch, and a local Director of the Union Bank of Australia, Ltd., comes from an old Bedfordshire family. He was born in London in 1829, educated in England, where he entered the service of the bank in London, and was sent out to Sydney in 1850 as clerk. The vessel by which he travelled completed the passage in three months, being the quickest voyage on record that year. Soon after his arrival in New South Wales, Mr. Palmer was sent to Adelaide, to which he sailed in the forty-ton cutter “Louisa,” which took one month to do the trip. He continued in the bank at Adelaide till 1856, when he was transferred to Canterbury, as manager at Lyttelton, then the sole branch in the provincial district. Mr. Palmer opened the office in Christchurch shortly after his arrival, and rode over the Bridle Path twice a week to superintend it until his permanent removal to Christchurch about two years later. For a great many years prior to 1800, Mr. Palmer was chief officer of the bank in New Zealand; in the latter year he retired from the service, and has since filled the office of a local director in Christchurch. Mr. Palmer has been closely associated with local institutions, having been for very many years a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he is a life member. He has long been a member of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce and Jockey Club. Mr. Palmer is a member of St. Michael's church vestry. He holds a sent on the local board of directors of the Alliance Insurance Company, and is a director of the Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company. Mr. Palmer was married in 1856 to a daughter of the late Sir James Hurtle Fisher, of Adelaide, and has four sons and four daughters.
Manager of the Union Bank of Australia, Christchurch, is referred to at length on page 576 of the Wellington volume, as manager of the bank's branch in that city whence he was transferred to his present position towards the close of 1896.
in Christchurch occupies a valuable section at the junction of Hereford, Colombo, and High Streets and Cathedral Square. The bank, which was founded in Auckland in 1861, was established shortly afterwards in Christchurch, Business was commenced in a twostorey wooden building in Cashel Street, not far from the site of the “Press” office. The substantial building now used was erected about the end of the sixties; it is of stone, a single storey, on an elevated foundation, and entirely utilised for the purposes of the local branch. A capacious banking chamber, well lighted on all sides, is handsomely finished, and has an entrance from Hereford Street.
formerly assistant-inspector at Wellington, is now manager of the Christchurch branch of the Bank of New Zealand. There is an article about him on page 511 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.
Accountant at the Christchurch Branch of the Bank of New Zealand, is a son of Mr. Robert Tapper, of Clifton Station, Southland, and was born in that province in 1865. He was educated at Orakanui College, Otago, and at Christ's College, Christchurch and afterwards joined the service of the Bank of New Zealand, at Gore, in 1885. After remaining four years in that branch he was transferred to Christchurch, where his service has been continuous. Various promotions followed, and he was appointed to his present position on the retirement of Mr. Burns, in December, 1899. Mr. Tapper, besides being a very
popular bank officer, is well known in athletic circles. He is a member of the United Canterbury Cricket Club of which he was secretary for three years. He filled the position of
which has been represented in Christchurch since the foundation of the bank in 1872, occupies a two-storey brick building at the corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets. The premises were erected in 1883, previous to which business was conducted on a leasehold property in Hereford Street, owned by Mr. Charles Clark.
Manager of the National Bank of New Zealand in Christchurch, was born in 1849, and educated at the Tain Academy. He served for about three years in the British Linen Company's bank at Tain, Scotland, (which dates back for 150 years), and three years later removed to London, joining the staff of the Oriental Bank Corporation. Subsequently Mr. Ferguson had a short commercial experience in Liverpool, and in 1873, joined the National Bank of New Zealand, in London. Four years later he was transferred to New Zealand; in 1878 he was appointed manager at Balclutha, and after two years' service was transferred to Timaru in a similar capacity. Since 1885, he has had charge of the bank in Christchurch.
There are ten life insurance companies carrying on business in the colony, and these are well represented in Christchurch by both colonial and foreign companies. All the insurance offices are in central positions, and the Government Life Insurance Department occupies a very good site in Cathedral Square. For life insurance there is keen competition, especially in view of the fact that there is no uniformity of rate; for fire insurance, however, there is uniformity in this respect throughout the colony. The Government office, which has a State guarantee, holds a very large proportion of the total number of the life policies. In regard to foreign offices, the Legislature has provided that they must deposit sufficient security with the Government to guarantee colonial insurers.
This office was established in London in 1824 for the transaction of Fire and Life Insurance, and has the reputation of being one of the most ably managed companies in England. Its assets on the 31st of December, 1900, amounted to £5,350,819. Lord Rothschild is president of the company, and the names of the directors are amongst the most influential in London. In 1802 the Alliance acquired the business of the Union Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand and has now a large business in this Colony and Australia. The head office for New Zealand is in Hereford Street, Christchurch. Local directors:— Hon. J. T. Peacock (chairman), Mr. George G. Stead (deputy-chairman), and Mr. Joseph Palmer; the general manager being Mr. W. Devenish Meares.
The Canterbury branch of this old-established corporation is situated in the Australian Mutual Provident Buildings, Cathedral Square. Mr. J. A. Bird is the manager.
Local Representative of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, was born in Middlesex, England, in 1821. He was educcated at Acton, Middlesex, and at King's College, London, and brought up as a civil engineer and surveyor, and attended the college for civil engineering, Putney. Mr. Bird came out to Sydney in 1854 as a representative of the Liverpool and London Fire and Life Insurance Company. When the existing amalgamation was formed he continued in the service as accountant and chief clerk. In 1868 be came to Christ- church as representative of the company. He held a captain's commission in the Sydney Artillery Volunteers, and afterwards in the Christchurch Artillery Volunteers. He is a member of the Masonic Order, having been initiated in England in 1845, and in 1852 became a Royal Arch Mason, and ten years later a Mark Master Mason. Mr. Bird was secretary to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce for twenty-six years, and he has been a member of the Christchurch City Council. He attended the opening of through railway traffic between Christchurch and Dunedin in 1878.
of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, is the only son of Mr. Antill A. Adley (who is referred to elsewhere in these pages as an Old Colonist), and was born in Christchurch, in 1862. He was educated at private schools, and has been connected with insurance business for eighteen years, haying been on the staff of the local office of the Liverpool and London and Globe Company since 1885, and is now its joint agent and attorney with Mr. J. A. Bird. He is a member of the committee of the Fire Underwriters' Association. In musical matters Mr. Adley has long been a member of the Liedertafel, and as an organist of the officiated at several churches, having fulfilled that duty at St. Barnabas Church, Fendalton, since 1893. He has been connected with the Fendalton Dramatic Club since 1894. Mr. Adley was married, in 1888. to a daughter of the late Colonel F. T. Wroughton, of her Majesty's Indian Army, Bengal, and has two daughters.
with which is amalgamated the New Zealand business of the Magdeburg Fire Insurance Company. Head Office for Canterbury, 193 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Attorneys, Messrs Gould, Beaumout and Co. Head Office, Liverpool.
Canterbury branch, Hereford Street, Christchurch; Agents, Messrs. W. Wood and Co.; Chief Office for the Colonies, Melbourne: Head office, London.
Established 1797. (Messrs J. M. Heywood and Co., Canterbury Agents).
Canterbury agents for the Norwich Fire Insurance Society, are referred to elsewhere as forwarding agents, etc.
Head Office, Liverpool, England; Canterbury Agency, 208 Hereford Street, Christchurch; Mr. A. C. Nottingham, chief agent. Chief Office for the Colonies, Melbourne. This old-established company has been represented in Christchurch since 1863, Messrs Miles and Co. being the agents from that time till the closing up of their business in 1895, when the agency was taken over by Mr. A. C. Nottingham.
was born in 1859 in London, and educated at the Whitgift School, Croydon, Surrey. He served an apprenticeship at the Hematite Steel Works, Barrow-in-Furness, and came out to Melbourne in 1876. In the following year he arrived in Lyttelton, and after a year in the Survey Department joined the firm of Miles and Co. as a clerk, and continued with it till its dissolution in 1895, at which time he held the position of assistant accountant. As a musician, Mr. Nottingham plays the 'cello, and was for many years a member of the old Orchestral Society. He was married in 1889 to a daughter of Mr. Lynskey, of Kaiapoi, and has five sons and five daughters.
(Fire and Marine). Canterbury branch, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Head office, Collins Street, Melbourne, This well-known corporation takes up fire and marine lines in New Zealand but in Australia transacts business in life assurance and fidelity guarantee also. It has been represented for over thirty years in New Zealand. The capital of the company is £250,000, of which £125,000 is paid up; the reserve fund amounts to £110,000, and the accumulated revenue to £281,785. Mr. J. L. Scarvell is Chief Agent for the Canterbury Provincial District.
Directors: Mr. F. D. S.Neave, chairman; Mr. James Gough, vice-chairman; and Messrs T. W. Adams, S. Bailey, F. H. Barker, W. Boag, R. Blunden, D. Buddo, H. F. Gray, E. Herring, R. B. Holdsworth, W. B. Howell, D. McMillan, H. Overton, H. W. Peryman, J. Rennie, E. P. Sealy, and J. Talbot. Secretary, Mr R. W. Brown, 119 Cashel Street, Christchurch. This company was established in 1891, and conducts fire and marine insurance business, which is to a great extent confined to farm and station risks. Originally the company intended to do business with shareholders only, but its operations have been extended, and lines are now accepted from non-shareholders. The business is conducted on the mutual principle, and bonuses are declared to shareholders in proportion to the amount of business they transact with the company, which has been a dividend paying concern from its inception. The capital is £100,000 divided into 20,000 shares of £5 each; and 14,894 shares have already been taken up, and £49,474 paid up upor. them. The reserve fund amounts to £7500.
Secretary and Manager of the Farmers' Co-operative Insurance Company, has filled that position from the date of its inception in 1891.
Head Office, Rattray Street, Dunedin; Canterbury branch (Mr. Alexander Carrick, manager), 195 Hereford Street, Christchurch. The local branch of this well-known New Zealand Company was established in October, 1873, and controls the operations within the whole of the Canterbury and Westland provincial districts.
Manager of the Canterbury Branch of the National Insurance Company of New Zealand, Is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was educated. Coming out to Australia in 1854, he remained for four years in the Colony of Victoria, and settled in Dunedin in 1859, and in 1871 opened a branch of the Victoria In- surance Company in Christchurch. On the establishment of the National Insurance Company, Mr. Carrick resigned his position in the Victoria and was appointed to the office he now holds. Mr. Carrick is a member of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Underwriters' Association.
Accountant in the Canterbury branch of the National Insurance Company, was born in Christchurch in 1863, and educated at private schools. After a few years of mercantile life in the city, Mr. Joynt joined the National Insurance Company as clerk in 1885, and was promoted to his present position of accountant in 1898.
(Canterbury Branch), New Zealand Insurance Buildings, 196 Hereford Street, Christchurch, (Mr. A. L. Parsons, manager); Head office, Queen Street, Auckland. The fine brick building occupied by this well-known company is three stories in height, was erected in 1870, and extends from Hereford Street to Cathedral Square, the ground floor fronting Hereford Street, being occupied by the company's offices. The Cathedral Square portion is used by the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
Manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company (Canterbury branch), was promoted to his present position in February, 1897. He is referred to on page 1406 of the Wellington volume of this work.
Ac countant in the Canterbury branch of the
Canterbury branch, Hereford Street, Christchurch; Messrs. W. Wood and Co., agents for the Canterbury Provincial District. Chief office for New Zealand, Wellington; Head office, Sydney.
(Thomas Wallace, District agent), Manchester Street, Christchurch. The business of the local branch of this old and very powerful office is conducted under the personal supervision of Mr. Wallace.
local Manager of the Canterbury District Agency of the Phoenix Fire and Marine Assurance Company of London, was born in 1863, at Stratford, Essex, England, and came to New Zealand in 1872 by the s.s. “Atrato,” landing at Lyttelton. He joined the staff of Messrs Moore and Crawley, grain merchants, with whom he remained for a period of ten years. Mr. Wallace was afterwards in the service of Messrs Cuff and Graham, shipbrokers, etc., and continued with them also for ten years, until the firm dissolved partnership. He then entered into partnership with Mr. Robert Pitcaithly, and is now a member of the firm of Wallace and Laurie. Mr. Wallace is referred to in another article as vice-consul for Italy.
which was incorporated in Auckland in 1872, and is more fully referred to in the Auckland volume of this work. has its Canterbury Branch Office at 170 Hereford Street, Christchurch. The building is a handsome, three-storey brick structure with granite pillars, the ground floor being occupied by the company's local offices, from which the whole of the company's business within the provincial district is managed.
Manager of the Canterbury branch of the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company, hails from Norwich, England, where he was born in 1855. He was educated at the City of London School, and entered the Bank of Messrs. Barnett, Hoare and Co., in which he continued for four years, before coming out to the Colonies. Mr. Croxton arrived in Lyttelton in 1876, to join the Bank of New Zealand at Christchurch, as a junior, but was subsequently transferred to Auckland and afterwards had charge of the branch bank at Mangawhare. Mr. Croxton left the bank to enter the employment of the South British n 1880; he occupied positions at Auckland and Oamaru and afterwards was inspector for the South Island. He took up his present duties in 1887. In 1879 Mr. Croxton was married to a daughter of Mr. Marriner, of Auckland, and has two daughters.
Canterbury branch, 177 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Head office, High Street, Dunedin. Branch Manager, Mr. Archibald Scott. From the time of its incorporation the company was represented in Canterbury by an agency, which was raised to the status of a separate branch in 1875, with scope over the whole of the Canterbury provincial district and Westland. Agents have been appointed at all the principal centres of population.
; Chief Office for Canterbury, 175 Hereford Street, Christchurch; Principal office in New Zealand, Dunedin; Head office, Melbourne. The Canterbury branch of this company was established in 1890, prior to which the office was represented by an agency. Mr. John F. Grierson is manager, and Mr. Archibald Ridley, chief clerk.
Manager of the Victoria Insurance Company, was born in Cardiff, South Wales, in 1861, and came to New Zealand in September, 1864, in the ship “British Empire,” one of the largest ships that ever came to the colony. He was educated at Christ's College, and joined the Union Bank in 1876. In 1877 he left the bank and entered the National Insurance Company, where he remained twelve years, and was chief clerk for six years. In 1890 he was appointed manager of the Victoria Insurance Company (Fire, Marine and Guarantee) in place of Messrs Dalgerty and Co., who resigned the agency which they had held for several years. Mr. Grierson has taken a great interest in athletics, having been a member of the Canterbury Rowing Club since 1875, and rowed for it successfully against the Otago Rowing Club for two years. As a member of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, he won the Champion Cup in Timaru in 1886,
Chief Clerk of the Victoria Insurance Company, Ltd., Christchurch, was born in Gloucestershire in 1869, and was educated in England and in the Colony. Mr. Ridley arrived in Lyttelton in 1881, and entered the employment of Messrs, Dalgety and Co., Ltd., of Christchurch, who were then agents for the Victoria Insurance Company. When the latter established a separate branch in 1890, Mr. Ridley continued in the service of the company. He has been interested in cricket, has been a member of the Lancaster Park Cricket Club, and represented New Zealand during two or three years in intercolonial matches. Mr. Ridley is also a member of the Linwood and Lancaster Park Tennis Clubs.
This office, which does marine and general insurance business, was established in 1824 in conjunction with the Alliance Assurance Company, Lord Rothschild being president of each company. The directors are also prominent business men. The assets of the company as shown in its last balance sheet were £540,521. A large marine business is underwritten in Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealand directors are Hon. J. T. Peacock (chairman), Mr. G. G. Stead (deputy chairman), and Mr. Joseph Palmer; the general manager is Mr. W. Devenish Meares.
London. Head Office for New Zealand, 193 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Attorneys, Messrs Gould, Beaumont and Co. This company, which has been represented by the present agents in Christchurch since 1882, has a capital of £1,000,000, of which £180,000 is paid up. Its reserve fund amounts to £600,000, premium reserve to £380,000, and the total accumulated funds to £1,144,000. The company is represented in Wellington by Mr. R. M. Simpson, and in Auckland by Mr. J. H. Harrop.
Canterbury District; office, corner of Cathedral Square and Worcester Street. Head office, Sydney, New South Wales. Chief office for the Colony, Custom House Quay, Wellington. District Secretary in Christchurch, erected by the Society, are in a handsome three-storey building of Oamaru stone.
District Secretary of the Australian Mutual Provident Society in Christchurch, was born in 1856 in Sydney, where he was educated. He joined the staff of the society in the Sydney office in 1874, and after serving there a number of years was transferred to various positions in other Colonies. He was transferred to Christchurch in 1894. Mr. Hair was married in 1883 to a daughter of Mr. Robert Marks, of Kiama, New South Wales, and has two sons and three daughters.
was founded in the year 1871. It has its head office at the corner of Collins and William Streets, Melbourne, and has branches in nearly all the states of the Commonwealth, as well as in New Zealand. The head office consists of Mr. Thompson Moore (chairman), Hon. Joseph M. Pratt, M.L.C., Senator Simon Fraser, the Rev. Alexander Marshall and Mr. Alexander Dick. At the beginning of 1897 the New Zealand branch was opened, with its principal office at Wellington. It has for directors Messrs J. G. W. Aitken (Mayor of Wellington), Alexander H. Turnbull (W. and G. Turnbull and Co.), and Walter Fell, M.D. District offices have been opened in all the principal centres; the Christchurch office is at the corner of High and Hereford Streets, and the local directors are Messrs A. E. G. Rhodes, W. Reece, and W. Clarkson, with Mr. C. J. Owen as district secretary. The resident secretary in New Zealand is Mr. V. H. Baxter. The growth of the society has been very marked. The accumulated funds now stand at over £1,500,000, and the annual income exceeds £250,000. During the last quinquennium 13,137 policies have been issued, assuring £2,729,165, and producing an annual income of £106,629. The business in force at the end of the sixth quinquennium exceeds £5,000,000, and the claims by death have only averaged during that period 69.3 of the expected losses. The reserves held by the society amount to £296 15s 3d for every £1000 of assurance in force. A now system of life assurance has been introduced, exempting from payment of premiums when the assured is either temporarily or permanently incapacitated, either by accidental bodily injury, by illness, or by mental disorder. The value of such a provision to those whose livelihood depends upon good health can hardly be overrated.
Manager for the Canterbury branch of the Australian Widows' Fund Life Assurance Society, was born in Auckland in 1860, and is the son of Mr. Edward Owen. He was educated partly in his native city and partly in England, and has been connected with life assurance from his early days. Joining the Mutual Life Assurance of Australia in Auckland in 1884 as a clerk, he afterwards held the position of district secretary in Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland, and continued in the service of that society till 1895. After an experience of eighteen months on the Auckland Stock Exchange, Mr. Owen joined the Australian Widows' Fund as manager of the Canterbury and Westland branch.
Special Agent for the Australian Widows' Fund Life Assurance Society, Limited, was born in Christchurch in 1872. He was educated in his native city and became a compositor, serving twelve years at the “Press” office. Mr. Asquith
formerly Resident Secretary and principal officer in New Zealand for the Australian Widows' Fund Life Assurance Society, entered the service in 1885 in an important position in the Sydney office. He was appointed resident secretary in Adelaide in 1896, and when it was decided to establish a branch in New Zealand early in 1898, Mr. Fowler was entrusted by the directors with the responsible duty of opening the business of the society in this Colony. Mr. Fowler was born at St. Hellers, Jersey, in 1862.
Head Office, Castlereagh and Moore Streets, Sydney. Chief Office for New Zealand, Custom House Quay, Wellington. Canterbury branch, Morten's Building, Cathedral Square, Christchurch; Mr. R. St. Clair McKenzie, district superintendent. The local branch of this company was established in Christchurch in 1894.
District Superintendent in Canterbury for the Citizens' Life Insurance Company, Limited, has had an extensive experience of insurance business throughout the colony. He joined the Citizens' Life Insurance Company in 1896, and, possessing in a high degree both enterprise and pertinacity, he proved to be eminently fitted for the transaction of insurance business. After filling various offices in succession, he was appointed to the superintendency of country branches in 1899, and was promoted in 1901 to his present post, under which he is Superintendent for North and South Canterbury as well as for Christchurch. Mr McKenzie was born at Thurso, Scotland, in 1872. A son of Mr. Donald McKenzie, now well known as a builder and contractor at Timaru, he came with his parents to New Zealand in 1879, and completed his education at the public schools at Timaru, having, before leaving Scotland, attended a private school at Dumbeath, near Thurso. Prior to entering the insurance business in 1896 he spent some years in touring the Australasian colonies. Mr. McKenzie was married in the early part of September, 1901, to Miss A. E. Bilson, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Charles Bilson, of Dunedin.
Canterbury and Westland Branch, Colonial Mutual Buildings, 208 and 210 High Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Manager, Mr. C. H. Black. Head Office, Melbourne. Chief office for New Zealand, Custom House Quay, Wellington. The society's Christchurch office is on the first floor of its fine building, the other portions of the premises being well let as shops and offices.
Cashier of the Canterbury branch of the Colonial Mutual Life Association, was born in Christchurch in 1855. He received his education at the Marist Bros,' school, and served six years as clerk with Mr. W. J. Byrne, and was subsequently a year with Mr. E. E. Papprill, solicitor, of Kaiapol. Mr. Taaffe was appointed to his present position in 1898. He has been a member of the Linwood Football Club since 1892, and was secretary and treasurer in 1896.
; Head Office for New Zealand, Lambton Quay, Wellington; District Office for Canterbury, 176 Hereford Street, Christchurch. This society was founded in New York, United States of America, on the 26th of July, 1859. Its distinguishing object is to conduct business solely on a mutual plan in the interests of policy-holders, to whom all the profits belong, and amongst whom they are distributed. From a modest beginning it has grown into a stupendous business, which now extends throughout the civilised world. At the end of 1860 there were only 268 policies in force, covering an assurance of £238,333, but in 1901 the assurances amounted to the enormous sum of £245,682,651. For the same year the assets were valued at £68,966,608; the surpluses totalled £14,797,717, and the number of policies was 409,296. In forty years the society has paid to policy-holders, or their represen tatives, over £63,000,000. As the business has always been conducted on the highest principles, success similar to that achieved elsewhere is certain to ensue in New Zealand and the Australian colonies.
District Manager for Canterbury of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, is a son of an early Australian colonist, Mr. Gilbert Nicol, who arrived in Victoria in 1839. He was born at Warrnambool, Victoria, in August, 1854, and brought up and educated at his native place. Mr. Nicol was trained to agriculture on his father's farm, where he remained until 1887, when he became a representative of the Equitable Life. Since then Mr. Nicol has been eminently successful in his business, and has written policies aggregating nearly half a million sterling. His operations have been chiefly confined to Victoria and the North Island of
Canterbury and Westland Branch, Cathedral Square, Christchurch; Manager, Mr. J. C. Prudhoe. The fine building occupied by the Government Life Office was erected for the department by Mr. Charles Clark, and is of three stories, in brick with facade of Oamaru and Mount Semers stone. The whole of the ground floor is occupied by the department.
District Manager of the Canterbury and Westland Branch of the Government Life Insurance Department, was born in 1858 in Sunderland, England, and arrived with his parents in Christchurch in 1859. He was educated privately and at the Wesleyan day school in Christchurch, and joined the education department of the Provincial Government of Canterbury. In 1876 he entered the Insurance department in Christchurch as a clerk, and was appointed to his present position in 1882. Mr. Prudhoe has long been a prominent member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and for some years was superintendent of the Durham Street Wesleyan Sunday school. He has also acted as circuit steward, holds office as trustee, and has several times been elected a representative at the annual conferences. Mr. Prudhoe is a member of the committee of the New Zealand Bible Society. He was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. Henry Manchester, of Watmate, and has one son.
Chief Clerk in the Government Insurance Office, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, was born in India, in 1854. He was educated in England, came to Auckland by the barque “Anazi,” in 1874, and was for eight years engaged in farming in the Waikato district. Mr. Wood joined the Government Insurance Department in Wellington as a clerk, in 1882, was appointed resident agent at Napier in August, 1884, and was transferred, in 1887, to Nelson, where he remained until 1892, when he was transferred to his present position. Mr. Wood takes an interest in cricket, football and golf, and belongs to the United Cricket Club, and the Christchurch Golf Club, of the committee of which he is a member. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Kennedy, of Napier.
Mutual Life Buildings, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Chief office for New Zealand, Featherston Street, Wellington. Head office, Sydney. The house and building occupied by the Mutual Life in Christchurch was, for the ten years ending 1884, the head office for the South Island of New Zealand. It is a two-storey brick structure; the whole of the ground floor is used for the association's offices, and the upper storey is let to tenants.
is the District Secretary for Canterbury, of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. He entered the service of the Association as a boy from school in January, 1884, and, after passing through various departments at the principal office, in Sydney, was appointed accountant at Melbourne in September, 1892; to the same position at Wellington, in December, 1895; and succeeded to his present position in March, 1901. Though really an Australian, Mr Morrison takes a keen interest in the progress of New Zealand. He devotes much of his space time to the support of general athletics, but rowing and gymnastics have special attractions for him.
formerly District Secretary in Canterbury of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, was born in Melbourne, in 1870, and educated in Christchurch, where he had arrived when seven years of age. Mr. Cotton joined the Mutual Life Office in 1884 as a junior, and became cashier of the South Island branch in 1893. At a later period of the same year he was promoted to the position of accountant, and transferred to Wellington in 1894 as accountant for New Zealand. In 1895, Mr. Cotton returned to Christchurch as district secretary. He was one of the founders of the New Zealand League of Wheelmen, of which he was first honorary secretary, and was also a member of the Christchurch Bowling Club. Mr. Cotton is now secretary of the South Australian Branch of the Mutual Life Association.
with which is incorporated the Mutual Assurance Society of Victoria; Head Office for New Zealand, Custom House Quay, Wellington, Canterbury Branch, Cathedral Square, Christchurch; Mr. H. C. Satchell, district secretary. The Canterbury branch of this well-known office operates over the whole of the Canterbury provincial district, and Nelson, Westland, and Marlborough. During one year recently over £100,000 of new business was underwritten by the Canterbury agency.
District Secretary in charge of the National Mutual Life Association's Canterbury Branch, was born in Kent, England, in
(unlimited liability). Canterbury Branch Offices, 205 Hereford Street, Christchurch; Head Office, Queen Street, Auckland; Mr. F. W. Deamer, District Manager. The company is represented in the various centres of the district, by responsible representatives, and is well known as the leading accident insurance company of the Colony.
District Manager of the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, Canterbury Branch, is the third son of the late Dr. W. Deamer, one of the early medical men of Christchurch, who died in 1889 after practising for over a quarter of a century. The subject of this notice was born in Christchurch in 1865, and educated at Christ's College. He entered the Bank of New Zealand as a junior, and subsequently became accountant in the service altogether for five years. On leaving the bank, he had some experience in life insurance business and was shortly afterwards appointed manager for Canterbury for the Standard Accident Insurance Company and representative of the New Zealand Plate Glass Insurance Company. After three years he was appointed to the position he now holds, and took charge in 1803.
45 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. This company, which was founded in 1871, has its headquarters in London. Its head office in Australasia is in Pitt Street, Sydney, and, for New Zealand, in Featherston Street, Wellington. Its authorised capital is £1,000,000; subscribed capital, £447,465; and its paid-up capital, £137,493. At the 31st of December, 1900, its reserves amounted to £921,417, and, at the same date, its total funds, exclusive of uncalled capital, stood at £1,154,900. Its income for the year 1900 was £878,492.
J.P., Manager in Christchurch of the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Limited, is the eldest son of the Hon. E. Richardson, C.M.G., M.L.C. He was born in Melbourne, in 1857, and was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School and at Christ's College. After Leaving School he was for some years on his father's station at Albury, and from 1880 till 1896, when the Government took it over, he managed the property for his father and the Assets Company. He then settled on Grange Farm, of 212 acres, close to Temuka, and, in addition to general farming, devoted a good deal of attention to the breeding of stud sheep. While Mr. Richardson was at Albury he was chairman of the Mackenzie County Council. After settling at Temuka he continued his interest in public affairs, and was president of the Temuka Horticultural Society, the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, and of the Temuka Athletic Club; vice-president of the Temuka Caledonian Society, and a member of the Geraldine County Council, the Timaru High School Board, and the Pareora Licensing Committee. He was also captain of the Temuka Rifles. In June, 1902, Mr. Richardson entered on the management of the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Limited, in Christchurch. He has been twice married; firstly, to Miss Lockhart, of Christchurch, who died in 1882, and, secondly, in 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Le Cren, of Timaru.
Committee for 1902: Messrs H. Antill Adley, chairman; A. Carrick, vice-chairman; A. L. Parsons, J. F. Grierson, T. D. Condell, A. Scott, and G. E. Way; Thornhill Cooper, auditor; and James Orme Barnard, secretary. The various offices represented are: The Alliance, Australian Alliance, Commercial Union, Guardian, Northern, Phœnix, and Royal Exchange Assurance Companies; the Imperial, Law Union and Crown, Liverpool and London and Globe, London and Lancashire, Manchester, National, New Zealand, North German, North Queensland, North British and Mercantile, Norwich Union, Royal, South British, Standard, Sun, United, Victoria, and Yorkshire Insurance Companies, and the Farmers' Cooperative Insurance Association. The original Fire Underwriters' Association of Canterbury existed for a period of twenty-eight years, prior to the establishment of the present association in September, 1895. The association controls the whole of Canterbury and Westland, but is subject to the directions or the general council of the Fire Underwriters' Association of New Zealand.
In Christchurch there are numerous associations, trade societies, and bodies which have been established for the purpose of furthering the interests of particular trades and professions. Hence this section, which is specially interesting in view of the growth of ideas in respect to the relations between the workers and their employers.
was instituted in 1859 and incorporated in 1882, Committee for 1901–2; Mr. William Wood, president; Mr. F. Waymouth, vice-president; and Messrs G. T. Booth, E. C. Brown, E. C. Ashby, W. Ballantyne, J. A. Frostick, I. Gibbs, R. E. McDougall, A. L. Parsons, H. Wood, A. Kaye, W. Lambie, W. D. Meares, H. Quane, W. Reece and H. G. Simms. Mr. H. Antill Adley is secretary. The Chamber is domiciled on the ground floor of the Australian Mutual Provident Society's Buildings in Cathedral Square. It has a large and convenient room well supplied with papers and periodicals, and a small committee-room is attached. The meeting-room is let for evening meetings, and is occupied, toy the Chess and Savage Clubs. The Chamber's annual report embodies a large amount of interesting information; and the issue of August, 1901, contains twenty-six pages of valuable commercial statistics, and the president's address which deals exhaustively with important mercantile matters. The secretary is to be found at the office of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company on the same floor.
Secretary of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, is referred to in connection with the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company.
Officers for 1902: Messrs W. Minson, president; Thomas Garrard, honorary secretary and treasurer. This corporation, which has its office in the Canterbury Hall, Manchester Street, was formed to aid, foster, and encourage the industries and productions of the colony, the Industrial Associations of Welington and Canterbury being affiliated with it. It gives consideration to questions of importance relating to the manufacturers and productions of the colony, and seeks to arouse a spirit of patriotism among the people, so that colonial manufactures may be sought after in preference to goods of foreign make.
Officers for 1902: Messrs W. Minson, president; J. C. Wilkin and W. Sey, vice-presidents; W. W. Charters, honorary treasurer; and Thomas Garrard, secretary. The association was established in 1879, its first title being the Association for the Fostering and Encouragement of Native Industries, which was altered in 1883, when it was incorporated under the Industrial. Societies' Act of that year. The association has been a most successful one, several exhibitions having been promoted and successfully carried through under its management. The first exhibition, which was held in 1880, was attended by 24,000 persons, and realised a handsome profit of over £400. A Royal Commission was appointed by the Government to visit the exhibition and report, and the result was highly favourable to the promoters of the association and to the manner in which the exhibition had been conducted. The last exhibition was held in November, December, and January, 1900 and 1901, and a subsidy of £1000 was granted by Government. The financial result was highly satisfactory, a sum of £3000 being netted. The whole ground under cover within the exhibition amounted to 74,000 square feet, and the space was occupied by 300 exhibitors, exclusive of about 2000 exhibits in the Home Industries and Working Exhibits sections.
who is a Life Member of the Canterbury Industrial Association, is a native of the United States, and was born at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1832. He is a descendant of John Howland, one of the “Pilgrims” who landed from the ship “Mayflower” at Plymouth in 1620, and was a native of Essex, England. In Mr. Howland's early days he had some little experience of sea-life with his father, who was a sea-captain. This was not to his liking, and he turned his attention to cottonspinning, which gave him a good insight into machinery and laid the foundation of his mechanical ideas. He apprenticed in the coach-building trade at Central Falls, Rhode Island, where he was afterwards in business on his own account, and subsequently went into the same business at Providence, Rhode Island. He afterwards went to Australia, arriving in Melbourne in March, 1859, and spent some months in Ballarat. He then returned to America via England, and was shipwrecked off the Nova Scotian coast, when twenty-five lives were lost. Mr. Howland, losing all his belongings, had to commence? the world afresh. He engaged in business for the third time in Providence City until 1862, and after the Civil War had been raging for eighteen months he sailed for Melbourne, where he arrived during the great “rush” for New Zealand. He joined the throng, and landed in Dunedin in 1863, from the ship “Hoozah,” of New Bedford, commanded by Capt. Howland, a relative of his. In 1864, he settled in Christchurch, and took
the management of Mr. L. G. Cole's carriage building establishment. Mr. Howland after a time invented machinery and started flaxdressing works at Spring Creek, Marlborough, in company with Mr. Henry Redwood, Returning to Christchurch in 1870, he became a partner with Mr. Cole, under the style of A. G. Howland and Co., and he has conducted business either on his own account or with partners up to the present time, with the exception of twelve months, when he paid a visit to the United States. Mr. Howland was one of the promoters of the Canterbury Industrial Association, and has always taken a leading part in promoting colonial industries. He was vice-president of the Industrial Association, for the years 1881–2, and president for two consecutive years, during which the Exhibition of 1884 was held. He used his influence with the Government to increase the duty on goods that could be made successfully in the Colony, such as boots, woollen goods, tinware, etc., which before were in a very languishing condition.
was established in 1890, but it remained practically inactive for a few years. In 1899, however, it was reorganised, and has since proved a most progressive and beneficial combination. Its membership represents all phases of the commercial and industrial life of the province. The objects of the Association are: (1) To encourage unanimrty of opinion and action amongst employers, and to endeavour to improve the relations between employers and employees; (2) to educate public opinion as to the effect of labour legislation on the industries and trade of the colony, and to make representation in proper quarters, with a view to amending present and influencing future legislation, and to take such other action as may be necessary to conserve the legitimate interests of employers; (3) to give advice concerning cases before the Conciliation Board and Arbitration Court; and (4) to encourage the formation of similar associations. The association's office is in Dearsley's Buildings in Cashel Street. The present officers are: George T. Booth, president; R. M. Macdonald and J. A. Frostick, vice-presidents; Alex. Lowry, honorary treasurer; and Henry Broadhead, secretary. There is also an executive committee consisting of about thirty members.
Secretary of the Canterbury Employers' Association, was appointed to the position in May, 1900, and has already won the entire confidence of the members by the conscientious manner in which he conducts the business of the association.
is composed of men and women who are prepared to use every constitutional means to uphold and protect the liberty of the subject, and to support every reform, having for its object the extension of personal liberty. It is claimed to be entirely free from political party bias, and will not give its support to any parliamentary candidate who is an extremist upon any subject prejudicial to the individual rights of the people. The league considers that, if carried, prohibition would prove a serious menace to personal liberty, and for that reason it systematically endeavours to retard the progress of the movement. The Christchurch Liberty League is the premier association of its kind in the colony. It was established in 1896, and at present (January, 1902) it has a membership of 7000. Meetings are held—when considered desirable—in the secretary's office, at 186, Gloucester Street. The league is managed by a council consisting of about thirty members. This council elects a chairman and a secretary. The present chairman is Mr. J. M. Thompson, and Mr. F. N. Meadows is the present secretary.
has held the appointment of Secretary of the Christchurch Liberty League since 1899. He is also Secretary of the Canterbury Kennel Club the Te Waiata, a musical club, and of the operatic section of the Christchurch Natives' Association. Mr. Meadows was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1859. He is a son of Mr. J. O. Meadows, an English barrister, and was educated at Lancing College, Sussex, and afterwards trained for the law. Ill-health, however, overtook him, and in 1879 he abandoned the hope of entering the legal profession and sailed for New Zealand. He entered commercial life, and, in 1886, floated the well-known Central Dairy Company, of which he was secretary for some years. Mr. Meadows was subsequently engaged to manage the Wellington, Auckland, and Dunedin Exhibitions respectively, and afterwards to represent the New Zealand Government at the Launceston, Hobart, and Brisbane Exhibitions. He also took a prominent part in the Joubert and Twopeny exhibition of 1881.
He was the Secretary of the Christchurch Operatic Society during its most progressive years. During his term of office the society produced the “Mikado,” “Iolanthe, and other popular operas, Mr. Meadows is the Christchurch Agent for Mr. J. P. McEvan, and Mr. J. L. Stevens, of Melbourne, and also for Mr. W. W. Crawford, of Sydney.
ranks amongst the strongest and most influential of New Zealand trade societies. It was established in 1890, but remained inactive till 1895, when it was reorganised in accordance with the requirements of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act passed in 1894. The object of the association is to protect the interests of builders and contractors, and to support and promote the best interests of the trades. Since its resuscitation in 1895, the association has been extremely popular with tradesmen, and has promoted a stronger feeling of friendly cooperation amongst them. Its membership now numbers about 150. The association occupies a large furnished room at 141 Hereford Street, where numerous trade journals and other suitable publications are kept for the use of members. Meetings for business purposes are held at this office monthly. The officers of the association are elected at a special meeting, held annually in the month of April, Officers for the year 1901–2: H. Pearce, president; J. Harrison and W. H. Bowen, vice-presidents; James Greig, secretary; and R. L. Scott, treasurer.
Secretary of the
Christchurch Branch, Inglis Buildings, corner of Cashel and High Streets, Christchurch. The first office of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers was established in Manchester, England, in 1851, by prominent engineers of that time, amongst them being Messrs William Allan and William Newton. The object of the promoters was to organise a society which should be representative of the various iron trades, act as a general governing body, provide weekly benefits for members unable to obtain employment or out of work through sickness, also compensation for accidents and the creation
was established in 1898, with Mr. James Gresham as its first president. In December. 1899, it was found, by a decision given by Judge Martin, that the Union, as constituted, did not come under the meaning of the Act and so was devoid of legal standing. It was accordingly reorganised in November, 1900, and since that date has done good work in the interests of the trade. The objects of the union are to counteract influences working against the interests of its members, to sweep away abuses, initiate reforms, and generally to guard and further the best interests of the trade, and also to create and maintain a more friendly feeling among the employees. It has already aided in reducing the hours of labour, and is labouring for the introduction of further improvements, now under discussion. Meetings are held for business purposes monthly, at the Trade Hall, Inglis' Buildings, Cashel Street. The officers of the Union for the year ending in September, 1902, were: Mr. E. H. Wood, president; Messrs Allan, Wilson, and Isaac Thomson, vice-presidents; Mr J. M. Bunt, secretary; Mr. George Gilkes, treasurer. There is also a committee of seven members.
Secretary of the Canterbury Grocers' Assistants' Industrial Union of Workers, was elected to that position in May, 1901, and re-elected in September of the same year. Mr. Bunt has been a member of the Union since its inception, and a great deal of its success is due to his untiring energy and able management. He has been chosen to represent the Union in cases in dispute and also at various conferences. Mr. Bunt was born in Christchurch, in 1880, educated at the Normal School, and at the age of fourteen entered the Workingmen's Co-operative stores as office boy in the grocery department. By hard work and perseverance he gradually gained promotion, and now (1902) he occupies the post of first counter hand in the same department. Mr. Bunt is at present secretary of the Primitive Methodist Literary and Debating Society; he is a member of the Christchurch Prohibition League, and was for eighteen months a private in the Christchurch City Rifles. He is also one of the representatives of his Union on the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council.
Christchurch, was founded in the interests of master painters, and is now (1902) one of the most active and influential trade unions in Christchurch. He objects are to protect the interests of master painters, and to work for the betterment of general trade conditions, Up to the year 1894, however, it experienced various ups and downs of fortune; it had enjoyed several prosperous years, but its career could not be called a successful one. However, towards the end of 1894, it was entirely reorganised, and since then it has done valuable work for the trade. The Union has helped to found a class, held three nights a week, for the instruction of young painters. This class does invaluable service by raising the intelligence of workmen and improving the quality of their work. Amongst other improvements initiated by the Union, the retail price list, which it drew up some years ago, has proved of great usefulness as a guide for members. Meetings of the members take place quarterly at Otley's Hall, Gloucester Street. Business matters, affecting the trade, are discussed, and articles, from various trade journals, are read with a view to keeping the members abreast of the times. The annual meeting for the election of officers is held in the month of July. The present officers are: C. Duggan, president; W. Sey and J. A. Paton, vice-presidents; W. H. Macdougall, secretary and treasurer.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Christchurch Master Painters' Industrial Union of Employers, has by his zeal and conscientious devotion to duty, won the highest esteem of the members of the union. Being a man of literary tastes, and having, for many years followed, with keen interest, matters affecting his own and other trades, he is particularly well adapted to fill the office of secretary for so important a union. He was first elected to his present position in June, 1898, and since that date he has not only conducted the business and clerical work of the union, but has also figured prominently in cases of dispute, in connection with which he has almost invariably been appointed spokesman. Mr. Macdougall was born in Cornwall, England, in 1868, and is a son of Mr. W. H. Macdougal, painter, now of Holly Road, St. Albans, Christchurch. He arrived in New Zealand at the age of seven years, was educated at the West Christchurch public school, and was afterwards trained as a house painter. At the early age of seventeen he was placed in charge of large undertakings, and seven years later he commenced business on his own account in Montreal Street. This he continued till 1894, when he was appointed working manager of the late Mr. B. Button's business, of which he took sole control in 1895. He conducted this business for over seven years, with great success, and in February, 1902, he accepted a partnership in the old established firm of Mr. J. A. Paton, painter, of Colombo Street, the business then assuming the style of Paton and Macdougall. Mr. Macdougall is an enthusiastic bowler, and was champion of the Christchurch bowling green for the year 1901. As a Freemason Mr. Macdougall has occupied a seat on the Board of General Purposes in the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, and has also held the position of Grand Steward and Bible Bearer. He is now a member of the St. Augustine Lodge, Christchurch, and is a Past Master in the Concord Lodge, Papanui. Mr. Macdougall was married in April, 1890, to Miss A. Goodwin, daughter of Mr. W. A. Goodwin, of Montreal Street, Sydenham, and has a family of three sons and one daughter.
Christchurch, was established in 1897 for the purpose of preserving and, where possible, advancing the best interests of tradesmen. The union's objects are to counteract influences working against the interests of its members, to sweep away abuses, and initiate reforms calculated to raise the standard of the trade. Since its establishment the union has been the means of raising wages from six to eleven
is one of the most prosperous and, in point of membership, one of the largest industrial unions in New Zealand, It was established in 1897 with about fifty members, but now (1902) with 309 members, its list includes the names of over seventy-five per cent, of the total number of tradesmen in the province. The Union's object is the proper regulation of the tailoring business with a view to advancing the social condition of its members, the management of trade disputes, and the general protection of the best interests of employees. Its influence extends over only the ordered tailoring section of the trade. Monthly meetings are held for business purposes at No. 22, Inglis' Buildings, High Street. Officers for 1902: Mr C. G. Whiteman, president; Mr. J. N. Tucker, vice-president; Mr. Gohns, secretary; and Mr. William Godfrey, treasurer. There is also a managing committee of eight members.
was appointed Secretary of the Christchurch Tailoring Trades Industrial Union of Workers in 1897, at the time of its inception. He has always taken a deep interest in the Union, and has done much to advance it to its present state of efficiency. As its delegate to the Trades Council, of the executive of which he is a member, he has taken a prominent part in the settlement of disputes. Mr Gohns was born in England in 1868, and is a son of Mr. Frederick Gohns, compositor. He arrived in New Zealand in 1876, was educated at the Sydenham Public School, and afterwards apprenticed to the tailoring trade. In 1893 he was appointed foreman in the workroom of the firm of Messrs F. Hobbs and Co., and held the position till March, 1902, when he resigned to accept a better appointment. Mr. Gohns is a musician of note and plays several instruments. He was married, in 1889, to Miss R. Whitford, of Christchurch, and has three daughters and two sons.
The general prosperity of a district and a country is bound up with its industrial progress, which is determined by the enterprise of the commercial, professional, and industrial sections of the community. Accordingly this section of the Cyclopedia has, rightly regarded, an interest of a very particular kind. By way of suggestion to all whom it may concern, it may be pointed out that a great deal of America's unparalleled commercial progress is due to the systematic manner in which information is supplied to American manufacturers from almost all parts of the world. The Philadelphia Museum is carrying on a great work in collecting and disseminating this kind of information. It is owing greatly to these methods that American manufacturers are able to send the proper goods at the proper time to the proper markets. Indeed, one of the most notable facts in connection with modern commercialism is the manner in which America is securing markets which, a short time ago, belonged exclusively to Great Britain. This tendency is specially marked in New Zealand. Storekeepers and merchants state that the American article is not, on the whole, any better than that from the United Kingdom; indeed, in many cases its quality is inferior. But it is made up and displayed in an attractive manner; it is cheaper; it is forwarded with greater dispatch; and its quality is often good enough to meet the requirements of the consumers. The total of the importations to the colony from the United Kingdom is still a long way ahead of the importations from America; but statistics show that America is making great advances in its trade with the British colonies. For example, certain tables which have been specially prepared for this article, show how the New Zealand market has been, and is being, captured from Great Britain by America. The figures represent certain imports to this colony from these two countries during the decennial period from 1891 to 1900, both years included. It will be seen that the values of important articles imported from the Old Country have considerably decreased, while there has been more than a corresponding increase in the values of the same articles sent to New Zealand from America. In other lines there has been an increase in favour of Great Britain, but it is very slight compared with the increase of the American article, and the process of capture in regard to these goods is just going on. The figures are here set forth in a table which shows how the facts stand:
The totals for all imports during the decennial period show the same remarkable increase of goods sent from America. Though there has been an increase in respect to Great Britain, it is relatively insignificant in comparison with that of the United States, as the reader will see by the figures which relate to the subject. These are:
The Old Country is still over £5,000,000 ahead of its great competitor, which, however, is progressing by leaps and bounds.
There is another aspect of the subject. In 1891 New Zealand's trade with the United States was: Imports, £361,795; exports, £515,208. But in
Cheapness is not the only factor in this increase in American commercial ascendancy. The Americans study the market, and push their goods with an enterprise which has never been shown by the British. They are acquainted with the requirements of each district. They have at their fingers' ends the latest and most reliable information regarding the conditions of each colonial market. They know what railways are being constructed, and where they will lead to, and the nature of the country which is being opened up for settlement. This knowledge is secured through the consular agents in the principle centres of population. These agents are constantly applied to for information of all kinds bearing on local markets. The Philadelphia Museum plays a prominent part in this connection. It collects information from the consular agents of the States, from the Government of New Zealand, from Official Year Books, Blue Books and Directories. In its correspondence with the consular agents, it invites suggestions from them, and gives suggestions in return. It sends out innumerable “information blanks.” “This is done,” it informs the consuls, “that we may gain a more practical knowledge of the possibilities of introducing American goods into your consular district.” In a personal note, the Museum sets forth that it is a public institution founded by the city of Philadelphia for the purpose of extending the trade of the United States of America. The institution brings to the use of the American business man any reports sent by the consuls, who fill in the “information blanks” without much difficulty from their stores of local knowledge.
Not very long ago the Museum sent the Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Information to Japan, China, the Straits Settlements, the East Indies, and Australasia. His visit to each city in the tour was preceded by a circular setting forth the scope of the Museum and the information which he desired to obtain for its use. Wherever he went he discussed matters with the consular agents, and urged them to keep the Musuem well posted in regard to everything that appertained to trade relationships between the consular country and the United States.
Besides these national efforts, as they may be termed, pushful private firms and individuals in America are always on the look-out for fresh business.
A letter recently received by a New Zealand consul from a firm that deals in canned meats makes some very pointed inquiries. The firm wants to know the kinds of canned meats that are being used, the names of the leading importers, and the names of persons with whom it might be advisable to establish trade relations. Another letter came to a consul from the United States Export Association, seeking information in regard to the trade in woodworking machinery in the consular districts. The letter is brief and to the point. An indication of the information desired is given in three simple questions. They are: “(1) From what countries is this machinery imported at present? (2) What are the importations of this line of machinery for the last year? (3.) Is the wood-working industry of sufficient importance in New Zealand to warrant increased importations of such machinery, and could a good business be done there by American wood-working machinery manufacturers?”
The National Association of Manufacturers of the United States a few years ago organised an International Freight and Transport Bureau, to furnish information to shippers, and arrange for shipments to various ports. The association sent forth circulars asking for information about shipping matters at each port in New Zealand, and gave as head lines for the guidance of consuls, “Steamship Lines,” “Bills of Lading,” “Freight Rates,” “Port Regulations,” and “Forwarding Agents.”
It is by these methods, and in this manner, that America is carrying on a successful commercial invasion in this part of the British Empire, and the conductors of the Cyclopedia of New Zealand have been at special pains to bring the facts together in the interest of the colony's inter-commercial relations with the Motherland.
Including—Agents (Advertising, Book, Commission, Customhouse, Chartering, Estate, Financial, Insurance, Labour, Loan, Manufacturers', Mercantile, Mining, News, Patent, Shipping, Station, Stock, Theatrical, Tourist); Auctioneers; Auditors; Average Adjusters, Native Agents and Interpreters; Sharebrokers; Valuators.
Land and Estate Agent, 192 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 794. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 259 Armagh Street, Christchurch. Mr. Appleby is further referred to as a former member of the Christchurch City Council.
House, Land, Estate, Financial, and General Agent, 150 Cashel Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Worcester Street, Linwood. Mr. Baggs has had a business experience of over twenty years in Christchurch, and in addition to the general objects de- scribed above, he also gives his personal attention in the capacity of valuator, arbitrator, and appraiser, and acts as agent for the Manchester Fire Insurance Company. He was born in Plymouth, England, in 1860, was educated sit Newton Abbot College, Devonshire, and came to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1874 by the ship “Walkato.” Subsequently, be settled in Christchurch, where he has built up a very successful business. Mr. Baggs issues a printed monthly register of properties for the benefit of his wide circle of clients throughout Canterbury. He takes great interest in agricultural and pastoral affairs, and is generally popular in the community.
(E. S. Baldwin and H. H. Rayward), Patent Agents, Consulting Engineers and Designers (Registered), Luck's Buildings, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. This firm, which is represented in Christchurch by Mr A. H. Hart, undertakes to obtain patents and to register trade marks in all parts of the world for its clients.
Land and Estate Agents, Victoria Square, 248 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Private residence, corner of Durham and Salisbury Streets. Mr. Bowker, senior, is an old colonist, well known in Christchurch, and has conducted a considerable business since its establishment in 1864.
Mr. A. A. M. McKellar, secretary; 2 Grain Agency Buildings, Triangle, Christchurch. This company, which was incorporated in 1873, has a capital of £14,000 in 2800 shares of £5 each, of which £12,750 is paid up, representing 1800 shares of £50, and 1000 shares of £3 15s. The reserve fund is £3182. Since 1892 it has paid a dividend of nine per cent., with the exception of 1894, when it was one per cent, lower. The company was formed to acquire twelve and a half acres of freehold land at Addington for the purpose of erecting extensive sale-yards thereon; these yards are well known to the public as the largest and most important stock sales in Canterbury are held at them. The yards afford accommodation for 30,000 sheep, 1500 head of cattle, and 1700 pigs, and there is good stabling, containing about 200 stalls. The central pavilion provides accommodation for ten auctioneers, besides large luncheon and refreshment rooms. Sales are conducted every Wednesday.
F.I.A.N.Z., Secretary of the Canterbury Sale Yards Company, was born in 1835, in Middlesex, and was educated in England. Arriving at New Plymouth in 1852 by the ship “St. Michael,” he resided in Taranaki for eleven years, during which time he followed farming pursuits, except when he was engaged in fighting. Mr. McKellar was lieutenant of No. 1 Company of Militia, and went throughout the Taranaki War, being present at the engagement at Waireka and at several others. He received the New Zealand war medal. On the termination of hostilities in 1863, and owing to a break down in his health, he
removed to Canterbury, and was employed by Messrs J. M. Heywood and Co., as manager of the wharf at Heathcote. After a short visit to Taranaki, Mr. McKellar returned to Canterbury and was for ten years at Timaru as accountant to Messrs. Miles and Co. In 1878 he came to Christchurch and filled a similar position for the firm of Messrs R. Wilkin and Co. till he commenced business on his own account ten years later as accountant, auditor, and secretary to companies. Mr. McKellar, who is a Fellow of the Institute of Accountants of New Zealand, was one of the original members in 1893, and holds office on the local committee of the institution. He is secretary to the Black Ball Coal Company; has for some time been auditor to the Diocesan Trust Board and to Christ's College, and various companies and institutions; and he also holds the position of treasurer to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
Manufacturers' Agent and Importer, 135 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 258. P.O. Box 82. Private residence, “Buckhurst,” Carlton Place. Mr. Clark holds several sole agencies of leading manufacturing houses for New Zealand, specially in connection with the drug and kindred trades, including the Vinolia Company, Limited, whose soap and various toilet preparations, perfumery, etc., command an extensive sale throughout the colony. The premises consist of the first floor of a substantial brick building, where Mr. Clark has large and well lighted sample rooms, as well as convenient offices. Mr. Clark was born in 1860, in London, where he was educated, and brought up to mercantile life in the office of a shipping merchant. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1890, and established himself in business in Christchurch three years later. His connection extends from Auckland to the Bluff.
Hardware Broker, Valuer, and Manufacturers' Agent, Varnish, Oil and Colour Importer, 22 Bedford Row, Christchurch. Mr. Clarke is referred to in another article as a member of the Christchurch City Council, on which he sits as a representative of North-East Ward.
Average Adjuster, Duncan's Buildings, Cashel Street, Christchurch. Mr. Cooper was born at Doncaster, Yorkshire, England, in 1840, and was educated at various schools in Yorkshire and Lancashire. In 1858 he became a clerk in the service of the Great Northern Railway Company, with which he remained for about two years and a half, chiefly in the audit department. In 1860–61 he was for a year in Victoria with the National Bank of Australasia. In 1862 Mr. Cooper visited California, where he remained about nine months, and sailed thence for Port Chalmers, in 1863, by the ship “Lady Young,” From 1863 to 1880 he resided in various parts of the colony, and was engaged for most of the time in banking. In 1880 Mr. Cooper became a partner in the firm of Lidbetter and Cooper, average adjusters and public accountants, of Wellington; and in 1882, he became sole proprietor of the business, which he has since conducted at Christchurch with considerable success. Mr. Cooper is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Accountants and a corresponding associate of the Association of Average Adjusters of London. He is the author of the well-known manual of book-keeping of the Southern Cross series, published by Whitcombe and Tombs, Christchurch. As a Freemason he was initiated in Lodge Otago Kilwinning in 1864, and is a Master Mason. Mr. Cooper has long taken an interest in art, and has been connected with the Canterbury, Auckland, and Dunedin Societies of Arts.
(Alfred Ernest Craddock and Walter Edwin Simes), Licensed Land Brokers, Land, Estate, and General Agents, 185 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established in January, 1898. The firm makes a specialty of conveyancing under the Land Transfer Act, and undertakes the purchase and sale of properties in all parts of the city, suburbs, and provincial district.
Land, Estate, Grain, Produce and General Agent, 149A Cashel Street. Mr. Day is referred to in another article as the commanding officer of the North Canterbury Infantry Battalion.
(Charles Leonard Dearsley, Arthur William Lane), House, Land, and Estate Agents, Hotel Brokers and Valuators, Licensed under the Land Transfer Act, 71 Cathedral Square, formerly of 133 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Telephone 426. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agents for the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Private residence, Mr Dearsley, Madras Street, St. Albans; Mr. Lane, 356 Colombo Street. This business was established by Mr. C. L. Dearsley in 1892, since which it has increased so much that the firm has removed to more commodious premises in Cathedral Square. The firm represents a number of absentee property owners, as well as many residents in the Colony. Properties are disposed of on very easy terms, money is advanced if required, and hotel brokering forms a leading feature of the business. Mr. Lane has had much experience in this branch, and the firm is prepared to give advice to any would-be purchasers of hotel properties. The firm bears a good name for prompt settlements.
Senior Partner of the firm of Messrs Dearsley and Lane, was born in Christchurch in 1870. After leaving Nelson, where he completed his education, he went to Sydney, where he remained for some time. On returning to New Zealand he engaged in commercial pursuits until he established the house and estate agency business. Mr. Dearsley, who is a son of one of the earliest colonists, joined the American Constitution of Oddfellows several years ago, and has passed through the various offices in connection with the Order. He was a member of the Canterbury Volunteer Engineers' Corps, and was also a member of the St. Albans Borough Council.
Junior Partner of the firm of Messrs Dearsley and Lane, was born in 1866, at Bedford, England. and was educated at Northampton. After leaving school he was apprenticed to Mr. C. C. Becke, solicitor, of Northampton. He arrived in Christchurch in 1883, and entered the office of Mr. Joyce, with whom he remained for about three years. He then joined his father, who was proprietor of the Canterbury Hotel at Lyttelton, and was subsequently at the Somerset Hotel, Ashburton. After leaving Ashburton he joined Mr. Dearsley in the house and estate agency business. Mr. Lane was a member of the Canterbury Volunteer Engineers Corps for about three years, and afterwards joined the N Battery of Artillery at Lyttelton. He was also a member of the Ashburton Fire Brigade, was captain of the Ashburton Cricket Club, and was for years an energetic member of the Christchurch Midland Cricket Club.
F.I.A.N.Z., Accountant and Auditor, Stock and Sharebroker, Land, Estate, and Commission Agent, 194 Hereford Street, Christchurch. P.O. Box, 213; Telephone, 621. This business, which was established by Mr. Duncan in October, 1898, now ranks among the foremost of its kind in the city, and the promptitude and straightforwardness of the proprietor have specially contributed to its success. As accountant and auditor for several mining companies and many of the leading firms in Christchurch, Mr. Duncan is highly esteemed in commercial circles in the city. At an early age he entered commercial life with Messrs Ollivier and Grierson, public accountants and auditors, and on the dissolution of that firm he continued with Mr. A. Morton Olivier as his managing clerk. On the death of that gentleman Mr. Duncan managed the business for Messrs Ollivier Bros, until 1898, when he entered into business on his own account. Mr. Duncan has taken a great interest in accountancy, and at the first examination held in Christchurch under the auspices of the Incorporated Institute of Accountants of New Zealand, he sat for an Associate's certificate, and, although he was at the time six months under the minimum age, he succeeded
Auctioneers, Valuers, Wool and Produce Brokers, New Zealand Wool Stores, 143 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 229; P.O. Box 405. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This firm was established in 1872, and holds weekly sales of live stock at Addington, of skins, fat, and hides every Thursday at the stores, and periodical sales at Darfield, Kirwee, Sheffield, Coalgate, Ashburton, and Tinwald. During the wool season (which extends from November till February), sales are held in conjunction with other auctioneers at the Chamber of Commerce, the wool being exhibited at the firm's New Zealand Wool Stores, which are well lighted and considered second to none in the Colony.
was born in Devonshire in 1828, was educated in his native land, and brought up as a farmer. He left England in 1856, and after spending two years in America, arrived in Lyttleton in February, 1859, in the ship “Oriental.” Till 1872 Mr. Ford was engaged in sheep farming on the Waimakariri, at Ashburton, and in the Mackenzie Country. In the latter year he settled in Christchurch, but carried on a station on the Selwyn for ten years after that time. The firm of J. T. Ford and Co. was established immediately on his settling in Christ church, the late Mr. Charles Newton becoming partner in the firm. In 1883 Mr. Ford joined the firm of Miles and Co. as a partner, and continued his connection until the formation of that firm into a limited company in 1892, in which year he resumed business on his own account under his present style. Mr. Ford was connected with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association for thirty-six years (from 1862 to 1898) as a member on various committees. honorary secretary for seven years, vicepresident, and president. In consideration of his services as honorary secretary, he was presented in 1872 with a suitably inscribed gold watch with chain. Mr. Ford has been an auctioneer continuously in Christchurch for nearly thirty years. In 1858 he married a daughter of the late Mr. Reuben Cooke, of Gloucestershire, England, and has four sons and five daughters.
Accountant, Broker, and Commission Agent, Canterbury Hall, Manchester Street, Christchurch. P.O. Box 279. Mr. Garrard's business was established in 1897. Mr. Garrard is referred to in another article as secretary of the Christchurch Musical Union.
(Joseph Gould and George Gould), Station, Finance, Insurance and Shipping Agents, 193 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 23; P.O. Box 76. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Mr. G. Gould, Avon Bank, Fendalton. The business of this firm was established in 1875 by the senior partner, and has been conducted by the present proprietors jointly since 1892. It extends throughout the Canterbury provincial district. Messrs. Gould, Beaumont and Co. are exporters and agents for the sale of woo and produce. They occupy a single-storey stone building containing large public offices, together with three private offices. As insurance agents, they represent the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company and the Marine Insurance Company of London. Mr. Joseph Gould is a director of the New Zealand Shipping Company and of several other local companies.
F.I.A.N.Z., Auditor, 179 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Albans. Mr. Gundry was born in Lyttelton, St. 1852, and was educated there by the Rev. J. Ferguson. He gained his first commercial experience in the office of his brother-in-law, the late Mr. E. C. Latter, of Akaroa, and
was afterwards articled to Mr. C. E. Fooks, surveyor. For some time, subsequently, Mr. Gundry was in the office of Messrs Twentyman and Cousin, merchants, of Christchurch,
(Richard J. Strachan Harman, and the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, M.L.C.), Land Agents, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 659. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Private residences: Mr. Harman, Windmill Road; Mr. Stevens, corner East Belt and River Road. This firm's business was established by the senior partner in 1851. Mr. Stevens joining him twelve years later. They are agents in Canterbury for the Northern Insurance Company and for the Dickson Investment Company of Birmingham. A biographical sketch of the Hon. Mr. Stevens appears in the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia, page 85.
Senior Partner in the firm of Harman and Stevens, is a very old Canterbury settler. He was born in Dublin, educated at Rugby, and at King's College, London, and became a pupil of Mr. George and Sir John Rennie, the celebrated engineers, London, with whom he served his time. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1850 by the ship “Sir George Seymour,” one of the first four historic ships, and has since that time resided continuously in Canterbury, with the exception of a short visit to England. Mr. Harman established himself in business in 1850 as a land agent, in which he was joined some years after by the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens. In the days of the Provincial Government Mr. Harman was member of the council for different constituencies, and acted as Deputy-Superintendent for several years, and was Provincial Treasurer and Auditor. He has served on many public bodies, including the Christchurch Drainage Board and Domain Board, being still a member of the latter, and was at one time chairman. Mr. Harman is a member of the Cathedral Chapter and Diocesan Synod. He was for thirty years a member of the governing body of Christ's College, and for some time of the Canterbury College. As a volunteer in the early days, he was captain of No. 2 Company Christchurch Rifles, and was also for many years captain of the Honorary Reserve Corps.
(J. M. Heywood and E. E. Heywood), Custom, Insurance, Forwarding, and General Commission Agents and Cartage Contractors. Head Office, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, Branch offices, Carlyle Street, Sydenham, and Norwich Quay, Lyttelton. Stables, Carlyle Street, Sydenham. Stores, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, and Byron Street, Sydenham. Telephone 27; P.O. Box 52. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Latimer Square, Christchurch. This extensive business was founded as far back as June, 1851, in Lyttelton, and the firm is now the only one in Canterbury whose business has continued since the earliest days of the settlement. Mr. J. M. Heywood was appointed agent in Lyttelton for the Northern Assurance Company in 1859, and is now the oldest insurance representative in Canterbury. In 1861, Mr. Heywood was appointed agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company, and continued to represent that company until it established a branch office in Christchurch. Since 1872 the firm (of which the late Mr. W. Day was a partner until 1880) has held the appointment of chief agents and attorneys in Canterbury for the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, and it also represents in Canterbury Messrs George W. Wheatley and Co., of London; Messrs. Davies, Turner and Co., of London and New York; The United States Express Company; Messrs. Mullaly and Byrne, Melbourne; Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son, tourist and general passenger agents; and is storage agent for the well-known “Orb” brand of iron. In 1860, Mr. Heywood erected the wharf on Ferry Road and ran the steamer “Planet,” and other small craft for the conveyance of goods and merchandise between Lyttelton and Christchurch. After the opening of the Lyttelton-Christchurch railway this property was rendered useless, and in 1879 the firm obtained the railway cartage contract for the delivery of goods in Christchurch and suburbs, which it successfully held for some seventeen years. The firm has established direct agents not only throughout New Zealand, but also agents and correspondents in all parts of the world. As custom house agents Messrs. J. M. Heywood and Co. are widely known in Canterbury; they have recently considerably developed the forwarding branch of the business, and now undertake the delivery of parcels and packages, not only in the city and all parts of the Colony, but to any part of the world, with door-to-door service, for which they have a safe and systematic organisation. The charges are based on the lowest possible scale, and can be made payable either by sender or receiver. Good storage accommodation is provided at their goods-shed in Sydenham, as also in their stores at the Cathedral Square premises, on the upper floor of which there are convenient sample-rooms.
(W. J. M. Hopkins and G. S. Simpson), Stock and Sharebrokers, Land, Estate and Financial Agents, Valuators, and Arbitrators, Insurance and General Commission Agents, corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets, Christchurch. P.O. Box 318. Telephone 983. Telegraphic address, “Hopkins Simpson,” Christchurch. Cable address, “Hopkins,” Christchurch. Messrs Hopkins and Simpson are members of the Stock Exchange of Canterbury.
International Patent and Trade Mark Agent, 183 Hereford Street, Christchurch, Head Office, Wellington; branches in Auckland, Dunedin and Invercargill, with associates all over the world. The
Canterbury Representative of the firm, is the great-grandson of Mr. William Newton, of London, who died in 1861, and was the first patent agent in the world. Mr. P. M. Newton is the fourth generation of a family of patent agents. He was for upwards of twelve years engaged in Australia in connection with patents and engineering, and came specially to New Zealand to take charge of the Canterbury branch.
Manufacturer's Agent and Importer, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Mr. Jamieson was born in Auckland in 1853, and educated at the Rev. P. Mason's Western Academy. His parents arrived in Auckland in the ship “Jane Gifford” in 1842. Brought up to the boot trade, he removed to Christchurch in 1875, and entered the service of Messrs. Lightband, Allan and Co., as salesman. After thirteen years in this situation, he returned to Auckland as manager of Messrs. William McArthur and Co.'s boot department, where he continued till 1891. Mr. Jamieson was married in 1876 to a daughter of the late Mr. James Lamb, of Christchurch, and has three sons and one daughter. He is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Linwood Borough Council.
Land, Estate, and Commission Agent, 7 Chancery Lane, Christchurch, Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 69 Kilmore Street, Christchurch. Mr. Kesteven, who is referred to elsewhere as agent for the Hyman Marks' Trust, established himself in business on the 10th of August, 1896.
(George King, managing director), Auctioneers, Stock, Station, Grain, Insurance, and General Agents, 160 Cashel Street, Christchurch. The large business conducted by this company was founded by the present managing director, Mr. George King, in 1872, and was conducted under the style of George King and Co. till 1888, when it was incorporated into a limited liability company. Weekly stock sales are held every Wednesday at Addington Yards, and periodical sales are held in various country districts; at the rooms in Cashel Street, sales of farms, stations, and other properties are held from time to time. The firm transacts considerable business as grain agents and brokers, and has a large number of station properties in various parts of Canterbury on its books for disposal. It represents the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation of London (fire and marine), as agents for the provincial district of Canterbury, the Live Stock General Insurance Company, and New Zealand Plate Glass Insurance Company. The offices and sample-rooms adjoin Tattersall's Horse Sale Yards in Cashel Street.
the Managing Director, has been well known in commercial circles in Christchurch for many years.
(Joseph James Kinsey and Fred. H. Barns), Shipping and Insurance Brokers, Hereford Street, Christchurch, and Norwich Quay, Lyttelton. Telephone, 762. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This firm represents the Tyser Line, Ltd., Oceanic Steamship Co., Huddart, Parker and Company, Ltd., and steamers trading on the Coast and to the Chatham Islands. The firm was established by Mr. Kinsey, shortly after his arrival in New Zealand. Its offices in Hereford Street occupy the ground floor and the second floor of a two-storey brick building, next the Bank of New Zealand. The head office of the firm is connected by private wire with their Lyttelton branch, where, under the personal supervision of Mr. Barns, the work of the Canterbury Stevedoring Association is also carried on.
Senior Partner in the firm, is referred to elsewhere in this volume as the Consul for Belgium.
Partner of the firm of Messrs Kinsey, Barns and Co., came to Canterbury in the early days, and was for a number of years in the employment of the New Zealand Shipping Co. He left the Company's service in 1879, and subsequently engaged as a stock and insurance broker, in partnership with the late Mr. T. Acland. When Mr. Acland died Mr. Barns joined the firm of Messrs Kinsey and Co., which then assumed its present title.
Licensed Land Broker and Estate Agent, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Marshall is referred to in another article as secretary of the Caledonian Society.
(Harry Matson, Leicester Matson, and David Matson), Auctioneers, Stock and Station Agents, Wool Brokers, Grain and Produce Merchants, 164 Cashel Street (offices, stores, and sale-rooms), Christchurch. This large business was founded in 1862 by Mr. Henry Matson, grandfather of the present proprietors. After some fifteen years or thereabouts under the management of its founder, the concern was taken over by his son, Mr. John T. Matson, father of the present proprietors, who carried on the business till the end of 1893. All the partners are New Zealanders. Owing to disputes between Mr. John T. Matson and the National Mortgage Company, an opportunity was afforded of which the present proprietors took advantage, and the business is now independent of any other company or firm. Under the late and present proprietors a large business has been built up, and regular sales of live stock are now held at Addington yards each Wednesday, Messrs. Leicester and David Matson being the auctioneers. At the rooms every Thursday there is the skins and hides sale, and each Saturday at the same place the grain sale is held. The other regular sales are at Dunsandel, Darfield, Kirwee, and Head of the Bays monthly, at Leeston, Oxford, and Culverden periodically, at Rangiora weekly, and at Little River, Culverden, and Ashburton periodically for all kinds of live stock. The wool sales are held in November, December, and January each year, and about 6000 bales on the average are marketed. The annual turnover in sheep is about 350,000. The firm claims to do the largest cattle trade in the Colony, fully 12,000 head being brought to the hammer at the various sales during the year. In pigs no fewer than 25,000 are disposed of per annum. In addition to the business of auctioneers and stock and station agents and wool-brokers, the firm carries on a large grain and produce trade. The turnover in grain, grass seed and produce generally is very considerable, a great portion being sold in transit by rail and for shipment. The offices, sale-rooms, and stores are very extensive, embracing about 14,000 square feet. The land auction-room has been the scene of many an exciting sale, the larger portion of the principal estates in Canterbury having been sold there. There is little doubt that the firm has sold more land than any other auctioneering firm in Canterbury.
was educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and at the Geelong Grammar School. While at the former he was captain of the football and cricket clubs, and won the school cup at the sports for two years running. At Geelong he became captain of the school team, and the best football player in the Victorian schools. He was also interprovincial player for Victoria for two years. In 1885 he joined the business as a junior, and two years later became account sales clerk and cashier at Addington. In 1889 he took the position of manager of Tattershall's and stock manager, which he held till the dissolution between the National Mortgage Company and the firm of Matson and Co. Mr. H. Matson is a first-class judge of stock, and for many years has handled and drafted the sheep at Addington sale yards, as well as booked the sales as made, thus gaining an experience invaluable to clients of the firm.
school days were broken up by a period of ill-health, which necessitated his leaving the Boys' High School in 1883. He was sent to his relatives, the Manifolds, in Australia, and worked as a station hand on Purrumbete, Danedite, and Coomete stations. The former place carried 10,000 head of cattle and 53,000 sheep, and in one year 900 head of fat stock realized at the Ballarat and Melbourne markets £14 10s. per head. Returning with renewed health to Christchurch, he went to Christ's College, to find that his enforced absence was the means of placing him in the lowest form. By close attention he speedily made up for lost time, and reached the middle fifth before leaving early in 1887, when he joined Matson, Cox and Co., at Ashburton, as a junior. After two years he returned to Christchurch, becoming grain clerk in the business, and continuing in various positions till 1891, when he joined Mr. David Thomas, of Ashburton, as auctioneer and stock manager. This position he held till 1892, when on the death of his eldest brother, he was called on to fill the vacant position in the business of H. Matson and Co., then associated with the National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd. His was a most difficult task (as the late Mr. Jack Matson was admitted to be the best all-round man in the stock trade in Canterbury), but constant perseverance has brought its usual reward.
was also educated at Christ's College, where he distinguished himself in athletics, winning the school cup and breaking the school records at the 120 yards hurdles. After leaving college he represented New Zealand in Wellington, won the quartermile hurdles and gained the championship of the Colony. The following year he visited the Australian Championship Meeting, won the 440 yards hurdles, and put up the world's record. His first appointment in commercial life was at the Bank of New South Wales, which, however, he left to join his uncle, Mr. David Thomas, of Ashburton. It was not long before he became an auctioneer and joined his two brothers in the present business at the beginning of 1894.
(J. Reynolds and R. C. Kinvig), Manufacturers' Agents, 164 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Messrs Reynolds and Kinvig are sole New Zealand representatives for Messrs J. E. Pickles and Co., Bradford, Dress Stuff Manufacturers; the Caledonian Carpet Co., Ltd., Stirling, Scotland; sole Canterbury representatives for Messrs Roberts (New Zealand), Ltd., Manchester; and Messrs Joseph Pickles and Son, Sydney, Dress Stuff Manufacturers. This enterprising firm was originally founded by Mr. Reynolds, the senior partner, in 1895, but owing to the great progress and extension of the business in New Zealand a partnership was entered into with Mr. Kinvig in 1899, since which the firm has carried on business under its present name. The firm occupies large brick premises in Lichfield Street, where choice selections of its various lines are displayed.
the Senior Partner, who is a native of Cornwall, England, has a complete knowledge of his business. He arrived in New Zealand in 1875, and for a number of years was connected with the firm of Messrs Hobday and Co. Being offered the responsible position of manager of the drapery department in the New Zealand Farmers' Co operative Association, he severed his connection with the former firm, and for ten years helped in developing the success of the Association. In 1895 Mr. Reynolds started the present business, which his experience and energy, coupled with those of his partner, have now placed in the front rank amongst manufacturers' agencies in Christchurch.
who, as a Partner, has also contributed to the success of the firm, is a native of Ballarat, Victoria. He gained his first commercial experience in the wellknown firm of Messrs Butterworth Bros., in New Zealand. Mr. Kinvig left Messrs Butterworth to take the position of travelling representative for Messrs Edwards, Bennett and Co., and retired when that firm discontinued its operations in New Zealand. For five years subsequently he was salesman for the Kaiapoi Woollen Co., and he joined his present partner in 1899.
Manufacturers' Agent and Importer, Bowron's Buildings, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Telegraphic address, “Sladen, Christchurch.” Mr. Sladen is the sole representative in New Zealand for several English and foreign watch manufacturers, including the well-known Lancashire Watch Company, Limited, England, the largest firm of its kind in the British Empire, with an output of 3000 watches per week. This firm supports a high class examiner, who was recently sent out to New Zealand for the purpose of examining and overhauling all the firm's watches, ordered through Mr Sladen, prior to their consignment to its numerous customers. Mr. Sladen also carries one of the largest varieties, if not the largest variety of gold silver, and nickel watches in the colony, and their sterling qualities bear a high record. He represents Messrs J. and H. Taylor, manufacturing opticians of Birmingham—gold spectacles a specialty; also Messrs Hirst Bros. and Company, Limited, Lancashire, noted for their watchmakers' and jewellers' tools and materials; and Messrs M. Hunter and Son, Sheffield, one of the leading cutlery manufacturers. Mr. Sladen does a large and extensive business throughout New Zealand in fitting up jewellers' shops and supplying for all trades, all kinds of fittings, including gold and embossed, as well as printed tickets for drapers and bootmakers, and has undoubtedly the finest show of tickets in New Zealand, as the representative of Messrs Potter and Sons, Limited, London. In 1897 Mr Sladen commenced his present business, which grew to such dimensions that he has twice been compelled to move to more extensive premises. His present offices are situated in Bowron's Buildings, at the corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets. His business is strictly wholesale, and he supplies the trade only. Mr. Sladen is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was brought up to business as a watchmaker and jeweller, but owing to delicate health he was recommended to try the mild climate of New Zealand, and settled in Christchurch. He is now one of the leading watch importers, with a splendid connection throughout the colony.
Broker, Commission and Financial Agent, 158 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Cambridge Terrace. Mr. Sutherland is further referred to in connection with the Canterbury Caledonian Society.
Accountant, Christchurch. Mr. Virtue was born in London in 1854, was educated there and on the Continent, and brought up as an accountant. Mr. Virtue, who has long been associated with church music came to the Colonies in 1873, and after being about six years in Melbourne, he was appointed organist for a time for the Tonic Sol-fa Association of South Melbourne, and filled a similar position at St. Matthew's church, Prahran. During his residence in the sister Colony, Mr. Virtue was an articled pupil of Mr. David Lee, city organist of Melbourne. In 1879 he settled in Christchurch, and shortly after became organist of St. Paul's Presbyterian church for two years. He was afterwards at St. Mary's church, Addington, for six years, and also for a number of years at St. Luke's, Christchurch.
Including—Architects, Civil and Mining Engineers, Draughtsmen, Surveyors, Etc.
(John James Collins and Richard Dacre Harman) Architects, 203 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. This firm was established many years ago, and on the death of its founder, the late Mr. W. B. Armson, the present partners, in conformity with his wishes, continued to carry on the business coupled with Mr. Armson's name. Since Messrs Collins and Harman have had the business some of the finest buildings in New Zealand have been built from the designs of the firm, and under its supervision; for instance, the fine stone Anglican church at Timaru, the Union Bank, Christchurch, the Bank of New South Wales, Auckland, the National Bank, Christchurch Strange's and Hobbs' new buildings, the “Lyttelton Times” and “Press” offices, Weeks' buildings, the public library, Charles Clark's buildings, the Royal Hotel, Christchurch, the Christchurch Gas Company's offices, the Borough Council Chambers and the fire brigade station, Lyttelton. Of the numerous fine private residences designed by Messrs Collins and Harman, a few may be mentioned; namely, the beautiful mansion of Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes, at “Te Koraha,” Merivale, where the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall stayed during their visit to Christchurch; the residence of Mr. G. H. Rhodes, at Claremont, Timaru; Mr. R. H. Rhodes' residence at Bluecliffs; Mr. G. E. Rhodes' residence at Meadowbank; Mr. H. D. Buchanan's residence at Little River; and Longbeach House, built to the order of the late Mr. John Grigg, and now the property of his son, Mr. J. C. N. Grigg. These are amongst the finest family residences in New Zealand, and in point of design and architecture they are unsurpassed in the colony.
was born in Christchurch, and educated at Christ's College. He served his articles with the late Mr. W. B. Armson, one of the leading architects of Christchurch, and remained with him after completing his articles until Mr. Armson's death in 1883. Since then Messrs Collins and Harman have carried on the business.
is a son of Mr. R. J. S. Harman, of the firm of Messrs Harman and Stevens. Like his partner, he was born in Christchurch, educated at Christ's College, and articled to the late Mr. Armson. On the death of the founder of the firm Mr. Harman entered into partnership with Mr. Collins.
A.R.V.I.A., Architect and Building Surveyor, 149 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telegraphic address, “Barlow, Christchurch.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence: Mr. Barlow, Carlton Mill Road. This business was established in 1893, by Mr. Barlow, who served his articles with Mr. A. W. Simpson, architect, Christchurch. At the expiration of his indentures he left for Victoria for the purpose of gaining further experience in the profession, and entered the extensive firm of Mr. William Salway, F.R.I.B.A., and remained there two years. He was subsequently associated with Mr. Phillip Treeby and Mr. W. Smith, both of Melbourne, but severed his connection with those firms in 1889 to commence practice in Geelong, in partnership with Mr. J. A. Laird. In 1893, Mr. Barlow came to Christchurch, and opened a branch in Colombo Street. The principal works carried out by the firm are the premises for Messrs Dalgety and Co., Geelong, £19,000, and the Geelong Show Grounds and Grand Stand, £9000—the design for which won first prize in an open competition—and the tannery and fellmongery for Mr. Walter Hill, Christchurch, £4000. The firm also won the prize for the best design for a butter factory in 1892. Mr. Barlow is vice-president of the Christchurch Architects' Association, and was for some time head instructor in architecture and building construction at the Gordon College, Geelong, Victoria.
Architect and Building Surveyor, Grain Agency Buildings, Christchurch. Mr. Cane is a native of Brighton, Sussex, where he was born in 1830. For many years he was in the employment of Sir Gilbert Scott, the celebrated architect of London. Mr. Cane came to Lyttelton in 1874, and was well known in the early days as Provincial Architect for Canterbury. He was appointed to the position soon after his arrival, and he held it until the abolition of the provinces; and during that time he designed a large number of important buildings in Canterbury.
Architect, corner of Armagh Street and Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Chidgey was born in London in 1856. He came to Christchurch with his parents in the ship “Canterbury” in 1863, and was brought up as an architect and builder. For two or three years he was in Sydney and Melbourne engaged in the building trade. Returning to Christchurch, he entered into business on his own account, was well known in his trade till early in 1897, when he discontinued that branch and began as an architect, to which he has since devoted himself. He was for several years a member of the St. Albans Borough Council. Mr. Chidgey was married in 1878 to a daughter of Mr. John Butler, of Ireland, and has three daughters and one son.
(William Albert Paxton Clarkson and Robert Anderson Ballantyne), Architects, 207 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telegraphic address, “Clarkson, Christchurch.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr. Clarkson, “Ellaston,” Rugby Street, Merivale; Mr Ballantyne, Glandovey Road, Fendalton. This business was established in 1899, and is located in Mr. R. D. Thomas's building in Hereford Street. Many of the buildings which now adorn the city and suburbs have been designed by Messrs Clarkson and Ballantyne during their partnership, notably the Agricultural and Industrial Hall, Manchester Street, Bank of Australasia, the Provincial and Waimate Hotels, and Mr. T. Coverdale's beautiful residence, “Clitherbeck.”
A.R.I.B.A., is the eldest son of the late Mr. Samuel Clarkson, one of Canterbury's earliest colonists. He was articled to Mr. J. C. Maddison, and, in 1886, went to England, where he further prosecuted his studies until 1890. After being admitted an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Mr. Clarkson visited South Africa and Australia. Since establishing himself in business in Christchurch, he has designed and supervised the erection of many public buildings, which have added much to the architectural beauty of the city; for example, the Temple of Truth, now the Choral Hall, the warehouses of Mr. Robert Malcolm, and Morrow, Bassett and Co., in Cashel and Manchester Streets, the block of shops in Colombo Street for Messrs Reece and Sons, warehouses and offices in Cashel Street, and (in conjunction with Mr. F. J. Barlow) Tonks, Norton and Co.'s premises, Hereford Street, besides a great number of private residences in various parts of Canterbury. Mr. Clarkson is the president of the Christchurch Association of Architects.
A.R.V.I.A., Partner in the firm of Messrs Clarkson and Ballantyne, is a son of the late Mr. T. A. Ballantyne, of Adelaide, South Australia. He was born at Adelaide, and educated at Prince Alfred College, in that city. Mr. Ballantyne came to New Zealand in 1883, and was articled to Mr. Frederick Strouts, M.R.I.B.A., of Christchurch. On the completion of his articles he practised his profession with success in Melbourne for five years, and was admitted an Associate of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. In 1893 he returned to New Zealand, and entered into a partnership with Mr. F. Strouts. This continued until 1899, when he joined his present partner, Mr. W. A. P. Clarkson. During his partnership with Mr. Strouts many large and handsome buildings were designed by the firm; for instance, the Hyman Marks' Wards at the Christchurch Hospital, Messrs Strange and Co.'s new buildings at the corner of Manchester Street; Messrs Ballantyne and Co.'s, the Jubilee Memorial Clock Tower, High Street; the beautiful residence of Mr. R. Heaton Rhodes, at “Otahuna,” Tai Tapu, and the residence of Mr. E. W. Roper, Papanui Road, besides many others.
(George Hanmer and C. Hastings Bridge), Surveyors, 207 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Hanmer, “Tilford,” Woolston; Mr Bridge, Cambridge Terrace. This firm was constituted in 1891.
Architect and Patent Agent, Luck's Buildings, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 710; P.O. Box 156. Telegraphic address, “Hart, Christchurch.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 76 Salisbury Street. Corresponding agents in Sydney, Melbourne, Washington, New York, and London. Mr. Hart established himself in business in 1885 in small premises in 258 Colombo Street, and was registered in July, 1890, as a patent agent, being the first in Christchurch and provincial district under the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1889. He has established communications for this branch throughout the world. As an architect he has confined himself chiefly to domestic architecture, and has designed many handsome residences throughout Canterbury. Mr. Hart halls from Birmingham, where he was born in 1848, and arrived in Lyttelton in November, 1879, via Australia. Mr. Hart's offices comprise a convenient suite on the ground floor of Luck's Buildings, at the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets. Illuminating is another class of his work, and many important presentation addresses have been executed by him, always remarkable for their high character.
F.R.I.B.A., Architect, 187 Hereford Street, Christchurch. P.O. Box 430. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, “Chiselhurst,” 250 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. Mr. Maddison, who has been well known in Canterbury for a quarter of a century as one of its leading architects, was born in Greenwich, in 1850. He was educated at private schools, and articled to Mr. George Morris, an old established architect in London, with whom he served for five years. For a short time before leaving his native land, Mr. Maddison was engaged professionally in London. In 1872 he arrived in Lyttelton, in the ship
A.R.I.B.A., Architect, Australian Mutual Provident Buildings, Cathedral Square. Private residence, Sumner. Mr. Seager was born in London in 1858, and came to Lyttelton with his parents in 1870. He returned to England and studied at London University College, Royal Academy, and at the Architects' Association, and passed his examinations as an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Returning to New Zealand in 1884, he established his present practice, and has designed and supervised many important buildings, including the City Council Offices, the Jubilee Home at Woolston. Strathmore Hospital, and the operating-room at the Christchurch Hospital, besides several private residences. Mr. Seager went to Sydney in 1891, and practised his profession, but came back in 1895 to Christchurch, where he resumed practice, and took up the lectureship of architecture at the Canterbury College School of Art.
Architect, 146 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Whitelaw was born near Glasgow, Scotland, received his early education at a parochial school, and was apprenticed to a builder. He arrived in Canterbury in 1863, and for the first few years worked as a carpenter and joiner, and subsequently as a master builder. In 1869 he started flax-milling, but shortly afterwards met with an accident which disabled him for twelve months. Mr. Whitelaw was next appointed chief clerk of works in the Provincial Engineer's Department, and after the abolition of the provinces was retained in a similar position in the Public Works Department. Retiring in 1878 from the public service, he commenced practice as an architect, and has often acted as arbitrator and valuator. For nearly twenty years he was valuer for the Property and Land Tax Department and for various local bodies. He has designed many commercial buildings, private houses, churches, and schools. Mr. Whitelaw took great interest in the establishment of the Sydenham Borough, and was for about two years a member of the committee formed for that purpose. He was elected to a seat in the council for Sydenham, and became chairman of the Borough Works Committee. He is also returning officer for Christchurch City, and was chairman of the Sydenham Licensing Committee in 1893–95. Mr. Whitelaw is also a sheep-farmer, and has a property of about 1000 acres in Ashburton County, of which his youngest son is in charge. He was married in Glasgow in 1860 to a daughter of the late Dr. W. Willison, of Douglas, Lanarkshire, and has two sons and three daughters.
(Alfred Ernest Preece), Photographers, 218 High Street, Christchurch. This extensive business was established by the present proprietor in conjunction with his late partner, Mr. Standish, in 1885. The latter retired from the firm in 1891. Mr. Preece, who was born in the Colony, was educated at Christ's College, and learned the rudiments of his profession in Birmingham, England. Subsequently, although trained for a clerk, he adopted photography from his love of the art. The work undertaken by the firm consists chiefly of portraits and groups, although all classes of pictures are executed
Artist, 56 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Gibb is one of the oldest and most prominent artists in New Zealand, and was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, in 1831. He studied art under the late Mr. John Mackenzie, of Greenock, and afterwards exhibited for several years at the West of Scotland Institute and the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts. In 1876 he arrived in New Zealand, where he has ever since followed his profession. Mr. Gibb's special talent lies in the treatment of marine subjects. He has exhibited in almost every exhibition held in the colony. Mr. Gibb helped to promote the Canterbury Society of Arts, of which he is now one of the vice-presidents, and has sent pictures to each of its exhibitions. Visitors to the Christchurch Museum have an opportunity of seeing his fine painting, “Golden Sunset, Lyttelton Harbour,” which was purchased by the late Mr. George Gould, and presented to the city. Mr. Gibb painted some of the scenery of Mount Cook for Sir Thomas McIllraith, late Premier of Queensland, and a picture of Otira Gorge was bought by Lord Glasgow. Mr. Gibb has trained a large number of students, and when Lord Onslow was staying in Christchurch Lady Onslow took private lessons from him. One of his sons, Mr. W. Menzies Gibb, is now following his father's profession in Christchurch.
(J.D. Wrigglesworth and Frederick Charles Binns), Photographers, 214 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This well known firm, which has its headquarters in Wellington, was formed in 1870. There is a branch in Dunedin as well as in Christchurch, and the firm is noted throughout New Zealand for the superiority of its workmanship. The Christchurch branch is in charge of one of the partners, Mr. F. C. Binns, who is referred to in another part of this work as Grand Superintendent of Canterbury under the Grand Masonic Lodge of New Zealand.
Including—Bakers and Confectioners, Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers, Caterers, Pastrycooks, Etc.
Wholesale and Retail Manufacturing Confectioner, 155 and 157 High Street, Christchurch. This business was established in 1882 by the present proprietor, and occupies premises in High Street opposite Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.'s warehouse. Besides manufacturing for the trade generally, Mr. Hill does an extensive retail business. His special lines are well known throughout Christchurch, and considerable quantities of his manufactures are sent to the surrounding districts. Mr. Edward Hill, the proprietor, is a native of Wiltshire, England. When seventeen years of age he joined the Royal Navy, in which he served twelve years, during which he took part in an engagement at Cape Hayti, San Domingo, which lasted ten hours and a half. After sinking two of the enemy's ships, H.M.S. “Bulldog” accidentally ran ashore, under the forts; but during the night she was blown up by the captain's orders, after the crew had taken to the boats. Mr. Hill arrived in Dunedin on the 5th of April, 1873, and immediately entered the firm of Messrs Hudson and Co., manufacturing confectioners, with whom he remained for eight years, and while with the firm he worked at the first steam pans imported into the colony. Shortly after leaving Dunedin, he started his present business, which is now firmly established.
Confectioner, 164 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch, Mr Robson is a native of New Zealand and was first employed as a confectioner by Mr. Salvatora Lessa in Christchurch about twenty years ago. After being four years in Mr. Lessa's service, Mr. Robson became foreman with Messrs Clarke and Co., confectioners, also of Christchurch, and remained with that firm for fourteen years. He then began business on his own account and has been thoroughly successful. Indeed, his ability and energy have been such that the increase in business has made it necessary for Mr. Robson to put up more machinery and employ more hands. Practically, all kinds of confectionery are manufactured on the premises, and Mr. Robson makes specialties of boiled dry chocolate and gelatine goods.
Baker and Confectioner, Tuam Street East, Christchurch. Mr. Sutherland was born in Timaru in 1879. He was educated at the Timaru public school, and was then apprenticed to his father's trade. Mr. Sutherland, senior, was an exceptionally expert tradesman, and as the son was a diligent and eager learner, he soon became a first-class hand. He was afterwards for some time with Mr. Hiorns, baker of Linwood, and later on he entered into business on his own account. Mr. Sutherland's skill as a tradesman and his businesslike methods are enabling him to reap the sure reward of success.
Including—Bottlers, Brewers and Maltsters, Wine and Spirit Merchants.
corner of Antigua and St. Asaph Streets, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Telephone, 108. Managing Director, the Hon. C. Louisson, M.L.C. This brewery dates from the early days of Christchurch. Previous to 1875 it was an unpretentious concern, but in that year the late Mr W. White took over the business and formed it into a company known as the Crown Brewery Company. In the following year Messrs Louisson Bros. purchased a large number of shares, and ultimately acquired all the remaining interests in the company; and since then its history has been one of continued prosperity and expansion. From a very small beginning, with an output of a few hogsheads per week for local consumption, its extension under the able management of the Messrs Louisson Bros. since their acquisition of the property has been great, and it now ranks as one of the leading businesses, with a very large output, and a connection extending all over New Zealand. The plant, which is considered one of the best and most up-to-date in the colony, was erected without regard to cost, and is capable of working up to fifty hogsheads per day. Only the best and purest ingredients are used in the manufacture. The hops are obtained from Nelson and the barley from Canterbury; of the latter 30,000 bushels are annually used by the firm, and this consumption materially adds to the activity of the farming industry. The cellars, of which there are several, are very spacious, and have a stowage capacity of over 2500 hogsheads. The floors are laid down in concrete, and the brick walls, as well as the walls of departments where the various processes are conducted, are painted with a patent germ-proof enamel. A copious supply of water is laid on and is used to its utmost so as to ensure the most scrupulous cleanliness. The water used in the manufacture is of the purest quality, and obtained at a depth of 400 feet with an average temperature of fifty-four degrees; it is laid all over the buildings, and can be utilised at a moment's notice, in case of fire. The brewery is constructed on the latest scientific principles, with all modern improvements, and built on the semi-gravitation system, which enables full advantage to be taken of the coldness of the water running through the refrigerators. An area of about four acres is taken up by the buildings, which form an extensive group, of which the brewery and offices are handsome and imposing. Brick premises were erected in 1898 to supersede the old wooden buildings then in existence. The fine suite of offices, occupying the corner of Antigua and St. Asaph Streets, is most conveniently designed and handsomely fitted up, and comprises a large counting-house, manager's room, and strong room, with other apartments. The brewery is conducted under the supervision of a thoroughly experienced first-class brewer who has been with the firm for a period of ten years, and who, previous to his arrival in New Zealand, gained a thorough knowledge in some of the leading British breweries. The Crown Brewery in its extensive operations employs a staff of thirty-two hands, whose efforts are often taxed to supply the
Managing Director of the Crown Brewery Company, is referred to in another article as a member of the Legislative Council.
Maltster, Miller, and Grain Merchant, Christchurch. Malthouses and Mills, Fendalton. Telephone 395; P.O. Box 278. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Fendalton. This business was established in 1869 by the present proprietor, who holds ten acres of land on which the works are situated, as well as a large and convenient residence. There are two malthouses and two kilns, each of two stories, built in brick and stone. Two steeps of 45 and 30 sacks capacity are in use, and 30,000 bushels can be stored in the buildings. The output of the works is equal to 30,000 bushels per annum. The mill is a threestorey building of iron, erected on concrete foundations four feet high. Mr. Cuddon has all the necessary plant for turning out pearl barley, roasted and ground chicory, ground pepper, rice, ginger, coffee, brose-meal, peameal, patent groats, split peas, crystallized amber, and porter malts. He deals with merchants only, and his clients are found in all parts of New Zealand and Australia. Agencies are established in Wellington, Dunedin, and Auckland. Mr. William Cuddon, the proprietor, is an old Colonist, who, arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Egmont” in 1856. He was born at Nayland, near Colchester, England, in 1835, educated at Wolverhampton and Kenny College, Richmond, Surrey, and brought up as a brewer and maltster under his father, who owned a large brewery and maltings in Suffolk. When he came to New Zealand in 1856, Mr. Cuddon brought with him the first engine and boiler imported into Canterbury, and started sawmilling in Le Bon's Bay, where he carried on the business very successfully; afterwards starting his present business. Mr. Cuddon was married in 1858 to a daughter of the late George Boggis, of Stoke by Nayland. Essex, and has three sons and seven daughters. Mrs. Cuddon died on the 24th of February, 1898.
Directors: — Messrs W. P. Cowlishaw (chairman), G. G. Stead, and J. Shand; solicitors, Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw, and Fisher. Manager and secretary, Mr. W. C. Hill; Brewers and Bottlers, Christchurch Brewery, Lower High Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. This well-known company has taken its place in the front rank of the large brewery concerns of the Colony. Its history has been one of continuous development and substantial growth. The nucleus of the business was formed by Mr. Samuel Manning in a very unpretentious way in the year 1860. In those days the total capacity of the plant was equal to two hogsheads of beer at one time; now the present plant will turn out forty hogsheads at one brewing. The area occupied is nearly nine acres, on which are substantial and permanent buildings. These comprise a large brick brewery, which replaced the original wooden building, and the offices fronting Lower High Street, the building being handsomely finished in Hoon Hay, Mount Somers, and Oamaru stone. From the entrance and lobby are the countinghouse, manager's room, and strong-room on the ground floor, and the board-room and committee-room on the other floor. The entire suite of rooms is handsomely finished with plastered cornices and ornamental ceilings, and the office fittings are executed in figured rimu relieved by ebonized bolection mouldings. The brewery is thoroughly up to date in every respect. Steam-power is generated by a seventeen horse-power Cornish boiler with Galloway tubes, Westport and Cardiff coal being exclusively used. The immense mashing tun and coppers are worked from this boiler, as well as a six and a half horsepower steam-engine by Messrs. Anderson and Co., fitted with a patent injector for forcing water into the boiler under pressure. This engine works the crushing mill, the elevator buckets, and the various pumps for transferring the liquor in process of brewing from one receptacle to another, and for raising water to the top of the building. At the basement of the brewery there is an immense underground concrete tank, which holds 4000 gallons, and is fed by artesian water. The pump may be utilised at a moment's notice for the suppression of fire, the premises being fully supplied with hose and couplings. Each floor is connected by speaking-tubes, which communicate also with the offices. Apart altogether from the brewery, there is a large bottling department in a handsome two-storey brick building in Lower High Street. The ground floor of this building is divided into two parts, one being used for the purpose of bottling and the other for
Secretary and Manager of S. Manning and Co.'s Brewery Company, is referred to elsewhere as a member of St. Albans Borough Council.
Brewers, Bottlers and Maltsters, Canterbury Brewery, corner of Kilmore and Chester Streets and East Belt, Christchurch. Directors: Messrs F. D. S. Neave, chairman; A. Appleby, A. Bullock, and H. F. Wigram. Telephone, 164 P.O. Box 59. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. Joint-managers, Messrs Thomas H. Bartlett, F.I.A.N.Z., and Richard Steele, the former gentleman being also secretary of the company. The business was founded (being the first brewery in Canterbury) in 1854 by Mr Archer C. Croft, who was shortly afterwards joined by Mr. J. Hamilton Ward, when the firm took the style of Croft and Ward; later, under Mr. Ward alone, it became Ward and Co. In 1867 he parted with the business to Messrs Thomas Donglas and Henry William Lee, by whom it was carried on under the same style. The present company was incorporated in 1881. The firm has an acre and a half of land, on which stand the Canterbury brewery, malt-houses, cooperage, and offices. It has also two malt-houses known as the Phoenix Maltings, which cover nearly a quarter of an acre in Kilmore Street East, and it owns the City Brewery and maltings in Colombo Street South, which were purchased in 1890 from Messrs Vincent and Co., together with all freeholds, leaseholds, and general business. Adjacent to its offices the company also hold a quarter of an acre of land, on which are erected a twelve-stall stable with cart and gig-house. It has also considerable leasehold and freehold properties in various parts of the city. The Canterbury Brewery is a stone and brick building with a forty hogsheads plant. The malt-house, which is built of brick and three stories in height, has a 300 bushel capacity with storage for 60,000 bushels; there is a full plant in the cooperage suitable for all purposes. The bottling department, which has separate entrances in Kilmore Street and East Belt, is a single-storey brick building with storage capacity of 8000 dozen of bottled beer, in addition to a considerable stock of bulk ale and enormous quantities of empties. The brewery is worked by steam, a six horsepower horizontal engine being employed. Steam is generated by a large boiler fitted with Galloway tubes. The company imports hops from England and California, but it uses mainly Nelson-grown hops, and is a large purchaser of locally-grown barley. During forty years the firm has been successful in gaining numerous certificates and medals at the various intercolonial exhibitions. The trade of the firm extends Largely throughout Canterbury, but recently it has been working up a very large business in the North Island.
B.A., J.P., Chairman of Directors of Ward and Company, Limited, was born in Essex in 1842. He was educated at Eton, and took his degree at Oxford in 1863. Coming to Lyttelton in the following year in the ship “Devonshire,” Mr. Neave purchased a run in the Rakaia district, which he curried on for twenty years, and became a resident in Riccarton in 1886. He has also acquired a freehold station property in Marlborough. Mr. Neave has taken considerable interest in educational matters. He is a Fellow of Christ's College, and for many years has been a Governor of Canterbury College and of the Lincoln Agricultural College. In mercantile matters he is a director of the Permanent Building and Investment Society, and chairman of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Society, and of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Insurance Company. He is also a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
, Maltsters and Brickmakers, 123 Cashel Street, Christchurch; Malt Kilns. Heathcote; Brick-yards, Heathcote Velley, and at Woolston. The business conduced by this well-known firm was established by Mr. Henry Wigram in 1886. The works at Heathcote adjoin the railway station. The malt-house consists of two long brick buildings, two stories in height. There are five steeps, with capacity equal to 10,000 bushels of malt per month. The upper storey is used for storage purposes; it has a total capacity which exceeds 200,000 bushels. The work is done by a most complete system of elevators, conveyors, and screening machinery. The product of the malt-houses is sold in the Colony, and largely in Australia. Between the two malt-houses a railway siding passes to the Heathcote brick-works, which include a large number of drying-sheds, and a very fine kiln with a tall chimney-stack. When in full operation the output of bricks is 170,000 per month. The Heathcote brick-works are in operation part of the year, but the Woolston works are kept going all the year round, and turn out 100,000 bricks per month.
Including—Bricklayers; Building, Road, Bridge, and General Contractors; Carpenters and Joiners; Monumental Masons and Sculptors; Plasterers.
Builder and Contractor, corner of Shakespeare Road and Falsgrave Street. Christchurch. Mr. Ablett began business in Christchurch in 1892, and has since then paid particular attention to the construction of villa residences. When taking private contracts, Mr. Ablett not only constructs the dwellings, but also draws the plans and prepares the specifications. In this way he has designed and built a very large number of residences in and around Christchurch. Mr. Ablett was born and educated in Canterbury, and served an apprenticeship under Mr. Arthur Chidgey, of Christchurch. After working two years as a journeyman on the West Coast, he went to Melbourne, where he was engaged in connection with some very important buildings. After two years of experience he returned to Christchurch, and started in business. Mr. Ablett is a member of the Rechabite Lodge, Christchurch, and also a member of the Builders' Association of Canterbury. He married Miss Mary E. Wilson, and has two sons and one daughter.
(Peter Graham and John Greig), Builders and Contractors, 199 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. This firm was established in 1896, both partners having been contractors in Canterbury for a number of years previously. During the term of partnership the firm has made rapid strides, and is now firmly established among the leading building firms of the colony. It has erected many of the largest and bestdesigned business buildings in Christchurch, including Messrs Tonks and Norton's premises in Hereford Street, the City Buffet, the Christchurch Gas Company's splendid new offices and showrooms in Worcester Street, and others. Messrs Graham and Greig are also now (1902) at work on the completion of the Anglican Cathedral, Christchurch.
is a native of Dumbartonshire, Scotland, where he learned his trade as a mason and builder with Messrs Barlas. Shortly after finishing his apprenticeship Mr. Graham came to New Zealand, and landed in Port Chalmers in 1879. He worked at his trade in Canterbury for about six years. In 1885 he left for Melbourne, and after working for two years at his trade he started in business as a builder and contractor. After a five years career in that capacity he returned to Christchurch and entered into business, and four years subsequently he took Mr. John Greig as a partner.
was born in the Isle of Bute, Scotland, and landed in Canterbury with his parents when thirteen years of age. He fulfilled an apprenticeship in Christchurch, and worked at his trade there, and for three years afterwards in Napier and Auckland. He was contracting for eight years in Melbourne, and built many Government buildings there. Later on he was in West Australia contracting for eighteen months, and also spent six months on the goldfields of Coolgardie and Menzies. He then returned to Canterbury, and two years afterwards joined Mr. Graham in partnership.
Monumental Sculptors, Colombo Street South, Christchurch. This business was established in 1872 by the late Mr. William Stocks, and was taken over by the present owners in 1894. Contracts in Oamaru stone carving are carried out by Messrs Hunter and Co. for the extensive buildings in progress in and around Christchurch. The firm received the order for the chaste and elegant carvings used in the construction and ornamentation of the beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral, in Barbadoes Street, Christchurch.
who is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, was brought up to the building and monumental trade. He arrived in Otago in 1862, and spent a considerable time on the goldfields with somewhat unsatisfactory results. In 1864 he settled in Dunedin, where he followed his trade in the monumental
(James Jamieson and William Jamieson). Builders and Contractors, 49 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This business was established by the late Mr. Samuel Jamieson in 1864, shortly after his arrival in the colony. It is amongst the oldest in Canterbury, has progressed steadily ever since its inception, and is at the present time acknowledged to be one of the leading building firms in New Zealand. Messrs J. And W. Jamieson, sons of the founder of the firm, arrived in the colony with their father. They have recently undertaken a very important contract—namely, the building of the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch, one of the architectural ornaments of the colony. In order to deal satisfactorily with so large and important an undertaking, one of the partners visited Europe to obtain the latest ideas, and a special plant for the construction of large stone work. Two powerful steam cranes, each with a lifting capacity of four tons, have been erected to facilitate the lifting of heavy masonry, some of which has to be raised 100 feet. These cranes are the first to be used in New Zealand in this connection; they stand on platforms 50 feet above the foundations, and the jibs are 75 feet long. The firm has recently obtained letters patent for a stone-planing and moulding machine, which does excellent service in cutting both straight and radiated planing and moulding to any design. Of course, as owners of the sole rights for this machine, the firm is in a very advantageous position. A large horizontal saw for hard stone work has been imported by the firm from Aberdeen, Scotland. Another noteworthy article in the firm's plant is a very large lathe for turning huge interior columns; and, besides a circular saw for stone-cutting, the firm has two large handcranes with a lifting capacity of seven tons each. Whilst the contractors were building the cathedral, blocks of stone weighing from one to six tons were lifted by these cranes and placed in one of the various machines, or in position under the masons' shed, where about forty or fifty men were employed in dressing the stone for the edifice. A fourteen horse-power portable steam engine provides the power for working the stone-cutting machines. Messrs J. and W. Jamieson's headquarters in Colombo Street occupy about an acre and a half, and comprise the office, the workshop, and a large timber yard, where wood is stowed and seasoned for the various works undertaken by the firm. The Messrs Jamieson have built a number of froezing works in various parts of the colony, notably those at Belfast, Wanganui, and Fairfield; the works at Fairfield are ranked amongst the largest and most complete in the colony. They have also built the fellmongery at Belfast and the Christchurch City Abattoirs. Amongst the numerous other contracts carried out by them may be mentioned Messrs Bing, Harris and Co.'s warehouse; the restoration and additions to the Sunnyside Asytum after the fire; a number of large grain sheds in Lyttelton and Christchurch; the Christchurch “Press” Company's offices; Messrs Morrow and Bassett's new premises; Captain R. Heaion Rhodes' house, “Otahuna,” Tai Tapu, one of the largest private residences in or around Christchurch; Mr. Struthers' house; additions to Mr G. G. Stead's house at “Strowan,” and Mr. Waymouth's residence at Fendalton.
(William Rennie and Herbert Pearce), Builders and Contractors, 142 Lower High Street, Christchurch. This business was established in 1888. Many large and important buildings in and around Christchurch have been erected by Messrs Rennie and Pearce, who were the builders of Mr. Allan McLean's residence in Manchester Street, which has the reputation of being the largest private residence in New Zealand. It contains over fifty rooms with offices. The dining room measures 35 feet by 24 feet, the main hall 40 feet by 30 feet, and there is a massive staircase of beautiful design. The installation of the electric light throughout the building is in harmony with the interior fittings and decorations, and the elegant electroliers give an artistic finish to the rooms. There are over 300 electric lamps throughout the buildings. There is a large underground concrete tank, which holds 22,000 gallons of water, for use in case of fire, and also to conserve all the rain water which falls on the house. The Canterbury Hall, another of the firm's contracts, is one of the largest halls in New Zealand, and over one million bricks were used in its construction. The principal
the Senior Partner, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he served an apprenticeship to the building trade. When nineteen years of age Mr. Rennie left his native country and travelled through England, working at his trade in the principal cities. On reaching Portsmouth he sailed for America, and landed in Halifax in 1869. He was successful in obtaining employment in many towns throughout the States and in the city of Mobile, Carolina, he worked for a firm of coloured men, Messrs Moses and Sons, builders and contractors. This was the only time Mr. Rennie had dark-skinned employers, and he still remembers with pleasure the gentlemanly treatment he received while in their employment. In 1870 Mr. Kennie sailed in the sailing ship “New World” for Liverpool, where he joined, as ship's carpenter, the ship “Eliethie,” bound for the East Indies, whence he went to Mauritius, and thence to Algoa Bay. The diamond fields at Kimberley were at that time attracting attention. Mr. Rennie, with the second officer of the ship, were among the earliest on the field, and during the nine months they spent there they met with some stirring incidents. One of these consisted in an attempt on the part of the Boers to eject fifty miners. Fourteen armed burghers, under Mr Cronje—afterwards the noted General Cronje—had this enterprise in hand. The miners, however, decided to make a stand, and during the night they made preparations to resist a daylight attack. However, with daybreak came a detachment of twenty-five Cape Mounted Police, who decided the point at issue, and Mr. Cronje and his burghers retired from the scene. After leaving the Diamond Fields Mr. Rennie worked at his trade at Grahamstown and other towns in South Africa. He then left Port Natal—now Durban—for Algoa Bay, whence he went to London, where he joined Messrs Green and Wigram's line of sailing ships, and sailed in the “Minerva” for Hong Kong. When 400 miles from her destination, the “Minerva” ran on a coral reef where she stuck fast with a crew of forty-nine hands. After experiencing a cyclone, and being exposed to all weathers for seven days and nights, lashed to the masts and rigging, the survivors, seven in number, were gallantly rescued by a Chinese crew on board a junk, that happened to sight them in their perilous position, and were taken to Hong Kong. Mr. Rennie was not long ashore, but soon shipped as ship's carpenter on a Government merchant vessel trading on the Yellow river, and was in her for nine months. He afterwards joined another junk bound from Foo Chow for Ngasurku. While in Japan he joined the ship “Land O' Cakes” and sailed for London, where he worked at the building trade until he joined the ship “Arabia Castle,” in which he sailed to the West Indies, Brazil, and La Plata. While at the latter place he witnessed a fight between a blockade runner, the “Rio Blanco,” and the Brazilian navy. The “Rio Blanco,” which was carrying stores to Paraguay, sank two men-of-war. On once more returning to London Mr. Rennie gave up seafaring, and went back to Scotland, where he spent twelve months working at his trade as a builder. In 1879 he decided to settle in New Zealand, took a passage in the sailing ship “Waitara,” and after an uneventful voyage, landed in Lyttelton. Since then Mr. Rennie has been engaged in the building trade.
the Junior Partner, is referred to in another article as Mayor of Linwood.
Builder and Contractor, 279 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. Mr. Smith began business as a builder in Christchurch in 1878, and during his long and successful career he has erected many public buildings and large business premises throughout Canterbury, besides additions to the Post Office in Cathedral Square. He erected the Council Chambers at Woolston, and built the Jubilee Home there, and its later additions. Four shops in the Triangle were built by him for the late Mr. William Wilson. He also built the St. Albans Wesleyan Church, and the additions to the Lincoin Agricultural College. The Metropolitan Hotel in Cashel Street he first built, and, at a later date, altered it to make it fit the purposes of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company. He also built the company's woollen mills at Kaiapoi. Messrs W. Strange and Co.'s new buildings and their Lichfield Street premises, also their factory at the corner of the South Belt and Manchester Street, were built by Mr. Smith, who also erected additions to the premises of Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co., the Excelsior Boot Factory, Tabart's Wool Stores, and cooling chambers for the Lyttelton Harbour Board, Messrs Wardell Bros.'s store and the Central Dairy Factory. Mr. Smith also built additions to the Central Dairy Factory buildings, and the municipal buildings and fire brigade station at Lyttelton. In July, 1902, the Government accepted his tender (£11,208) for building in brick, with concrete foundations, the girls' wing of the Deaf and Mute Institute at Sumner. Mr Smith is a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He served a five years' apprenticeship with Messrs Allan and Mann, a large firm of builders and contractors and brickmakers. Mr. Smith then went to the United States of America, but returned to Glasgow, where he remained eight years before leaving for New Zealand.
Builder and Contractor, 207 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Mr. Swanston is one of the most prominent contractors in New Zealand, and has successfully carried out many important works in various parts of the colony; such as the Birdling's Flat-Little River railway, additions to the Sunnyside Asylum, the Mataura waterrace, the Bank of New Zealand, Mataura, eight railway stations on the Wellington-Woodville line, the Congregational Church, Wellington, the Westport-Cardiff Coal Company's works, the Opawa traffic bridge, the
builder, Contractor, and Joiner, 308 Colmobo Street, Christchurch. Mr. Talbot is a native of Reading, England, where he served an apprenticeship. He afterwards worked at his trade for six years in London, and arrived in Canterbury in 1878. Mr. Talbot worked for four years in Christchurch, and went to Melbourne in 1882, where he followed his trade until 1887, when he began business as a contractor. While in Victoria Mr. Talbot made a large number of special air-tight show cases for the Victorian Government, to be sent with exhibits for permanent exhibition at the Imperial Institute in London. He also fitted up a number of banks, offices, and public buildings, including the Hawthorn Town Hall, and also the Temperance and General insurance Company's artistically-designed offices in Swanston Street, Melbourne. Mr. Talbot returned to Christchurch in 1893, and later on started in business at his present address. Since then he has filled up some of the largest business places in Christchurch with counter cases and other fittings. At the present time (1902) Mr. Talbot is engaged in building villa residences. Shortly after his return to Christchurch he was appointed Secretary of the Canterbury Carpenters' Union and conducted the first local dispute that was heard before the Canterbury Conciliation Board. In recognition of his services on this occasion the members of the union presented him with a handsome marble clock, suitably inscribed; he was later on elected to the Canterbury Conciliation Board on the first opportunity, and he held the position for eighteen months. As a Druid Mr. Talbot is a member of Lodge Melbourne.
Including—Coachbuilders, Coachpainters, and Wheelwrights.
Coachbuilder, 13, 15, and 17 Wilson Street, Christchurch. This business was first started by Mr. L. G. Cole. For many years afterwards it was carried on by Mr. A. G. Howland, who in 1882 entered into partnership with Mr. P. D. Cronin. This partnership was dissolved in 1885, when Mr. Cronin, with his brother, the present proprietor, entered into partnership under the style of G. and W. Cronin. The present premises were taken in 1897; in 1899 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. W. T. Cronin continued to carry on the business. Mr. Cronin is now engaged in a most successful trade. He builds all classes and styles of vehicles, four-wheeled and two-wheeled, and employs about nine hands. The premises are very large and conveniently situated in Wilson Street, with a frontage of 187 feet by a depth of 140 feet. Large stocks of timbers, American. Australian, and New Zealand, are kept, and all are thoroughly seasoned before being manufactured. Mr. Cronin was born in London, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1862, when he was about one year of age. He learned his business under Mr. A. G. Howland, with whom he remained for sixteen years. After gaining a more complete experience in some of the New Zealand leading coach factories, he joined his brother in partnership, and ultimately acquired the sole ownership in 1899.
Coachbuilder, Victoria Street, Christchurch. Mr. Howland has been well known in the coachbuilding trade in Christchurch since 1863. His premises are large and extensive, and he undertakes the building and repairing of vehicles of every description. Mr. Howland is further referred to as a life member of the Canterbury Industrial Association.
Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, 134 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. This business was originally established in 1875 by Messrs Langdown and Co., who were succeeded by the present proprietor in 1696. Although the business is not one of the largest in Christchurch, Mr. James does an extensive trade in the building of drags, lorries, expresses, gigs, and dogcarts, with a connection which extends through the whole of the provincial district. Mr James' work is recognised for its great superiority, and has gained, several awards at the various shows. Mr. W. A. James is a native of Devonshire, England, and learned his business with Messrs Joe Ward and Co., a leading West of England coachbuilding firm. He came to Canterbury in 1878, and was employed successively by the late Mr. James Robertson, coachbuilder, of Tuam Street, and by Messrs Elmsley and Curlett, Oxford Terrace. Mr. James was also for about one year and ten months in the railway workshops, and was for five years with Messrs P. and D. Duncan in doing their Exhibition work. He joined the service of Mr. Langdown in 1888, and on the retirement of that gentleman in 1896, succeeded to the business.
Including—Dairy Factories and Associations.
Directors: Messrs J. Barnett (chairman), C. Sanderson, A. Anderson, J. Barrett, R. Evans, J. P. Withell, W. Dunlop, J. Milne, P. Wright, J. Spence, J. Pannett, J. Reynolds, S. C. Watson, J. P. Lee, and E. J. Palmer. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Registered office, Christchurch; Butter Factory, Addington; Creameries: Halswell, Marshlands, Oxford, Doyleston, Springston, Lakeside, Little River, Ladbrooke's, Kaiapoi, Dunsandel, Rangiora, Tinwald, and Rabbit Island. Mr. R. Ellison (secretary), and Mr. J. Barrett (overseer). This important industry was founded in 1892. The principal factory at Addington is adjacent to the Addington Junction railway station, with which it is connected by a siding. The factory is a brick building of one and two stories, was erected in 1892, and contains a full plant, with capacity of 5000 Ibs. of butter per eight hours. The machinery is driven by a twelve horse-power engine and a twenty horse-power boiler. In addition to the ordinary butter machinery there is a No. 3 refrigerator and De Laval separators. From three to four hundred farmers are members of the company, the milk supply being the yield of nearly 4000 cows. The cost of the factory at Addington, including refrigerating plant, railway siding, and thirteen creameries, has been considerably more than £12,000. The capital of the company is £15,000, in 7500 shares of £2 each, of which £4728 shares are allotted and £7702 paid up. The directors some time since decided to extend the operations of the company by retailing milk in Christchurch and suburbs, and with the present capable management, there seems every reason to expect that the Central Dairy Company will have a prosperous future.
who is a Director, and also the Overseer of the Addington Central Dairy Factory, was born in West Australia in 1855. He arrived with his parents in Canterbury, and received his education at the old High School in Lincoln Road, now the West Christchurch School. His father, the late Mr. Thomas Barrett, took up 350 acres of land at Tai Tapu. Mr. Barrett was on the farm until he went to learn the grocery business with Mr. Gillespie in High Street—the leading grocer of that time—and had fourteen years' useful experience in that establishment. He was also with the late Mr. L. Preece, of Papanui Road, for some years. In 1884, Mr. Barrett started farming at Spreydon, where he worked till 1898, and during that period showed considerable interest in the dairy industry, making many experiments of his own on his farm. He was elected a director of the Central Dairy Factory in 1893, was re-elected at the annual meeting three years later, and appointed overseer in 1897. Since his appointment the company has paid dividends at the end of each financial year. Mr. Barrett was married in 1882 to Miss Emily M. Johnstone, fourth daughter of Mr. Joseph Johnstone, of Springfield Road, and has one son.
Secretary of the Canterbury Central Co-operative Dairy Company, was born in 1870 in Lyttelton, and received his education in Timaru and Dunedlu. He entered the employment of Messrs Sclanders and Co., merchants, Christchurch, and continued with them as shipping clerk until the closing of their Canterbury branch. Mr. Ellison was appointed to his present position in 1895. In aquatics, he has been a member of the Union Rowing Club. Mr. Ellison was married In 1896 to a daughter of Mr. W. I. Ballinger. J.P., of Christchurch, and has one son.
Including—Artists; Colourmen, Carvers and Gilders, Decorators, Fine Art Dealers, Glass Embossers, Glaziers, Oil and Colour Dealers, Painters and Paperhangers, Picture Framers.
Painter and Decorator, 231 Cashel Street and Lichfield Street, Christchurch. The business was established in the fifties by Mr. Wincop, and was purchased from him in 1863 by Messrs. Jones and Smith. Mr. Smith retiring in 1869, Mr. Jones carried on the business for ten years, when he was joined in partnership by Mr. Duggan, who two years later became sole proprietor. Mr. Duggan is a native of Birmingham, where he learned the trade with his father, and arrived in the Colonies in 1863 by the ship “Chariot of Fame” He was with the firm as an employee until becoming partner in 1879. Mr. Duggan is an importer of glass, oil, paints, paper-hangings, and other stocks required in the trade. The premises cover some 5000 square feet of space.
(Henry Fisher and John Henry Fisher), Picture Frame Manufacturers and Artists' Colourmen, 257 High Street, Christchurch. The senior partner is a native of London, where he served his time with Mr. J. H. Chane, of Fitzroy Square, and was in business for seven years in that line. He arrived in Canterbury in 1870, and at once established himself in business. Messrs Fisher and Son are direct importers of mouldings, pictures, and artists' colours, and maintain a large and wellassorted stock of the most modern materials in all branches, and also make a specialty of buying and selling artists' pictures on commission. There is a fine show-room, in which, as well as in the handsome plateglass shop windows, are displayed many productions by local artists. The premises save a total floor space of nearly 1300 square feet.
Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers, 71 Victoria Street, Christchurch. This firm's business was established many years ago by Mr. James Gapes, father of the present proprietor. The firm transacts a large business, and employs from twelve to fifteen men. Messrs Gapes and Co. are importers of paints, oils, paper-hangings, and other materials required in their trade, which is both wholesale and retail. The late Mr. James Gapes, and Mr. Thomas Gapes, are both referred to in other articles as ex-mayors of Christchurch.
Painters, Decorators, Glaziers and Paperhangers, and Importers, 186 Manchester Street, Christchurch. This wholesale and retail business, which is now under the management of Mr. David Lee, is one of the oldest in Canterbury, and has had a successful career.
Painter and Decorator, 107 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Telephone 343. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Mr. Sey is further referred to as one of the vicepresidents of the Canterbury Caledonian Society.
Including—Clothiers; Clothing, Corset, Hat, Hosiery and Shirt Manufacturers; Drapers, Dressmakers, Dyers and Cleaners; Milliners, Outfitters; Tailors.
Dunstable House, Christchurch; Stafford Street, Timaru; Basinghall Street, London. Dunstable House, the chief warehouse of this firm, is a handsomely ornate building in the Italian style of architecture, and occupies a block of land over an acre in extent in the very heart of the city. An imposing verandah stretches along the fine frontage, protecting the goods in the large show windows from the sun's rays, and also adding to the beauty of the building and the comfort of pedestrians. The artistic window displays embrace every article of apparel, from a gentleman's tie to the latest Parisian costume or mantle, and admirable taste is exhibited in the arrangement of goods, and in the charming combination of colour and effect. Inside each of the two entrances stands a handsome show case, filled with, goods typical of the establishment, and the motto on one of them, “Modern art in Modern Dress,' is applicable to all the work executed by Messrs Ballantyne and Co. So large a business is necessarily divided into many departments, and each branch is under
The bespoke tailoring and dressmaking departments are on the first floor, where there is a large well lighted showroom, heavily stocked with English and colonial tweeds, etc., and provided with separate rooms for measuring and cutting. From the corridors of the “wells,” which admit the light to the shops below, a busy scene is observed; the rustle of skirts, the hum of voices, the promptness and civility extended to everyone, and the clockwork precision with which the business is conducted, recall similar scenes in the large warehouses in the Mother Country. Along the corridors referred to there are a number of private rooms where ladies' dresses are fitted. In the many workrooms on the first and second floors numerous men, women, boys and girls are busily engaged in the manufacture of clothing and wearing apparel of every description. In these well lighted and any rooms some hundreds of people are thus engaged, and a large dining room is set apart for their convenience.
When it is known that leading colonial importers like Messrs Ballantyne and Co. closely watch changes of fashion in Paris and London, it ceases to be a matter for surprise that colonials generally are as well dressed and up-to-date in appearance as their friends in the English towns. The firm's London representatives are always on the watch for new ideas that create a favourable impression at Home; and by reason of this it has come to be generally known that whatever goods are obtained from Messrs Ballantyne and Co. are not only of good quality, but also in the correct and latest styles.
Messrs Ballantyne and Co.'s business was established in the very early days of the Canterbury settlement, and, under capable management, its expansion has been coincident with and akin to that of the province. Year by year the trade of the firm has increased, and it now extends to all parts of New Zealand. The accomplishment of this end has been facilitated by the businesslike system of “shopping by post,” which is such a feature of Messrs Ballantyne's management, and a great convenience to people in the country districts.
Apart from this and many other secondary causes, the high-class quality of the goods supplied, and the courtesy that is always extended to visitors to Dunstable House, have created in the public mind a feeling of confidence and respect that will ensure the continued success of Messrs Ballantyne and Co.'s business.
a scion of an old Border family, was born at Selkirk, Scotland, in 1825. At an early age he developed a taste for farming, a taste which was, however, not gratified till much later on in life.' After receiving a good education, he became, in accordance with the desire of his parents, apprenticed to a drapery firm at Berwick-on-Tweed. He faithfully served his time, and then, in order to gain a wider experience, he removed to Liverpool, where he remained a few years, and subsequently returned to Berwick. Australia at that time had begun to be looked upon as a desirable field for emigration, and Mr. John Ballantyne, seeing the opportunity for advancement in a new country, set sail for Sydney, where he arrived in 1852. His recommendations to the firm of Messrs McArthur and Co. secured for him the position of traveller, and, in recognition of his ability, he was subsequently admitted to a partnership in the firm. At Adelaide he established a branch business for the company, and at the same time he started another business, which he afterwards disposed of to his brother, as he himself desired to again see his native land, and look after the education of his family. During the years he resided in South Australia Mr. Ballantyne, in his periodical visits to the country, came in close touch with many of the pioneers, and having always evinced a keen interest in farming, he formed a wide circle of friends. On his return from the Old Country he again started in business in Adelaide, but as the climate proved unsuitable to his family, he visited New Zealand in 1858, and decided to settle in the country. He then returned to Adelaide, disposed of his business there, and landed in Auckland in 1872, after a troublesome voyage of five weeks in a leaky old wooden brig. Wishing to fulfil his youthful ambition of settling upon the land, Mr. Ballantyne travelled through New Zealand in quest of a suitable place. When he arrived in Christchurch he met the late Mr. George Gould, and, partly owing to that gentleman's influence, he was persuaded to take over Dunstable House, as Mr. William Pratt was about to retire from the business. Mr. Ballantyne decided, however, to confine the period of his control of the business to seven years, and, on the expiration of that time he disposed of his interest to a firm which, after various subsequent changes, now (1902) consists of his three sons, Mr Josiah Ballantyne, Mr. Thorne Ballantyne, and Mr. William Ballantyne. On his retirement from business. Mr. John Ballantyne was enabled to gratify his life's desire by purchasing a farm in the Rangitata district, in 1879. He became as successful as a farmer as he had been as a man of business, and for several years his face was a familiar one throughout South Canterbury, where he was highly esteemed as a man and a colonist. Mr. Ballantyne died on the 6th of August, 1899.
Ltd., D.I.C. Head Office, Dunedin. Canterbury Branch, Cashel and Lichfield Streets. Christchurch. Telephone 475: P.O. Box 354. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The main building occupied by this prominent commercial corporation in Christchurch extends from street to street, being 340 feet in depth. In addition to this, the company possesses the large three-storey brick and stone building with basement formerly occupied by Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen, which is used as a furniture warehouse and show-rooms. The ground floor of the building is occupied by a large number of different departments, devoted respectively, to haberdashery and trimmings; hosiery and gloves, ribbons, laces, and fancy goods; bargain corner (where special lines from all departments are in turn displayed); furnishing drapery, blankets and flannels; general Manchester; boots and shoes, through which the men's clothing branch is reached; musical instruments and sheet music, country order and parcel delivery office, linoleums, carpets, and bicycles department, and the recently added bicycle factory; furnishing ironmongery, and household utensils, crockery, glassware, and fancy china. All these departments contain heavy stocks. The first floor is reached by a double staircase, and contains departments devoted to toys, games, fancy goods, books, and stationery, woollen dresses, mourning silk and velvets; millinery and mantle show room. This floor has a well-appointed and spacious refreshment-room, with ladies' retiring-rooms attached; also large tastefully furnished ladies' fitting-rooms. The top floor is occupied by the various work-rooms, dress, mantle-making, and millinery. The firm's extensive furniture warehouse fronts on to Lichfield Street, and is also entered from the carpet department. The ground and first floors will be found to contain a splendid assortment of furniture of every description, from the ordinary kitchen chair to the most tasteful drawing and dining-room suites. The basement is used for the storage of reserve stocks, and the top storey as a bedding, wire-mattress, and upholstery factory. Further particulars concerning the company may be found in the Otago and Wellington volumes of this work.
who has held the position of Manager of the Drapery and General Importing Company of New Zealand in Christchurch since March, 1885, is a West of England man by birth; he was born in 1851 in Somersetshire, and educated at the Board and Grammar Schools. He served an apprenticeship of four years to the drapery trade in Birmingham, and was afterwards in some of the leading drapery houses in London. Mr. Brown arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Monarch” in 1870, and after a short experience of country pursuits he next became assistant in a Lyttelton drapery house, and five years later entered into partnership with Mr. J. W. Smith, under the style of Brown and Smith, purchasing the business of his previous employer. This partnership existed for seven years, when Mr. Brown visited the Old Country. On his return he became manager of a wholesale drapery establishment in Christchurch; subsequently he bought the business of Messrs. Craig and Smyth, whose premises were on the site now occupied by the “D.I.C.” in Cashel Street, and for two years conducted a large growing trade, under the style of E. C. Brown and Co. He then sold his stock and lease to the Company, and was appointed manager of the Canterbury branch. Mr. Brown went to England to purchase the opening stock of 1884. The premises at this time had not more than one-third of the ground floor space now occupied, every year having added some distinctly new department. Mr. Brown is a member of the Masonic Order, his mother lodge being Unanimity 604 E.C. For some years he has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is an active supporter of the Wesleyan Church, having been connected with the Lyttelton church for ten years, and with the St. Albans church for fifteen years, and also superintendent of the Sunday School since 1888. He has several times been elected a representative to the New Zealand Annual Conference, and in 1884 he went to Melbourne as delegate to the Australasian Wesleyan Methodist General Conference. Mr. Brown was married, first, in 1874, to Dora Eliza, third daughter of Mr. W. Bennett, of Milan House, Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland, and, secondly, in Dunedin, in 1881, to a daughter of the Rev. Edward Best, Wesleyan minister.
(sole partners and proprietors, William Strange and Thomas Coverdale), Wholesale and Family Drapers, Merchants, Manufacturers and Importers; retail premises, Victoria House, High Street; Furniture Department, corner of High and Lichfield Streets; Factory and Furniture Warehouse, corner of Manchester Street and South Belt (facing the railway station), Christchurch. Telephone 298; Post Office Box, 65; Bankers. Bank of New Zealand; Cable address, “Todtenbuch.” London offices, 139–141 Wool Exchange, Basinghall Street. E.C. This extensive business was founded about forty years ago by Mr. William Strange, in small premises, afterwards occupied by Mr. Papps. grocer. From the outset “Strange's” has been noted for the quality of its goods and the moderation of its prices. In the year 1882 Mr. W. Strange retired from the business, and turned his attention to agriculture and sheepfarming, becoming the owner of two fine sheep stations, one situated at the Selwyn and the other at Ashburton, and leaving the control of Strange and Company to his brother, Mr. E. Strange. Ten years later, in 1892, Mr. W. Strange returned to Christchurch, and once more assumed control of the business founded by himself, although retaining his sheep stations. Shortly afterwards he entrusted the sole management of the business to Mr. Coverdale, who was admitted to a full partnership in July, 1894. From that year onward the development of “Strange's” has been extraordinarily rapid, and the new departures made during the period between 1894 and the present time have been due to the initiation of Mr Coverdale. In 1900 the firm added the magnificent block at the corner of High and Lichfield Streets to its existing premises, and in order to do this, the demolition and removal of a whole row of dingy and dilapidated shops—relics of old Christchurch—became necessary. Where those old weatherboard shops once stood now stands “Strange's” furniture and furnishing warehouse, a really fine corner building of four stories in height, which has not merely added immensely to the appearance of the firm's premises, but constitutes a city improvement of a very striking character indeed. Strange and Company were, originally, drapers, pure and simple; now they are manufacturers as well, and actually produce many of the goods they sell. Thus, they now possess an up-to-date furniture factory, filed with the very latest labour-saving appliances and manned by skilled operators. This factory occupies a commanding position immediately facing the Christchurch railway station. There furniture of all descriptions is turned out, from the superb goods fitted to adorn the mansion, to the plain and useful articles suited to the cottage. From all parts of New Zealand Strange and Company receive orders for their furniture. In addition to being manufacturers of furniture, the firm has a factory for the production of Venetian and other blinds; a bedding factory, a wiremattress factory, a factory for the production of all kind of wire-work goods for farm, station, garden, and domestic use; a macintosh coat factory, a ready-made clothing factory, a bespoke tailoring branch, etc. In addition to all this “Strange's” are milliners, mantle-makers, dressmakers, and complete outfitters, and, besides running great departments devoted to various kinds of drapery, have one especially devoted to crockery and glass, including art pottery, etc., and one for boots and shoes. Indeed, so numerous are the goods in which this remarkable firm deals that its establishment is becoming more and more like the great departmenta stores of America, wherein may be purchased for personal use, under one roof, pretty nearly everything needed on land or at sea. Strange and Company's London House is at Nos. 139–141. Wool Exchange, Basinghall Street, E.C., in the commercial heart of the great metropolis. There “Strange's” maintain a manager, accountants, and staff of buyers. It is the duty of the latter to keep a vigilant look-out for the newest and most attractive lines of goods for shrpment to “Strange's.” Christchurch, direct. and so well do these buyer do their work, and so expeditiously do the modern ocean liners cover the distance between London and New Zealand, that “Strange's” are enabled to keep on sale a constant succession of the very newest goods, and to show novelties almost as quickly as the latter make their appearance in the shops and warehouses of London. It is especially worthy of note that this firm does all its importing direct from the leading manufacturers themselves; and, buying everything in great quantities at a time, it is necessarily in the happy position of being able to deal liberally by its innumerable patrons. It has been said and truly that local industries are the backbone of any town or district with which they are identified; and, this being so, Strange and Company certainly deserve well of the public, for they have founded, and maintain, a number of important industries of their own, which are constantly expanding with the growth of the city and the province, and materially assist in their development. “Strange's” now give employment to close upon 600 people, and the name of the firm has become “familiar as a household word” in the mouths of the New Zealand public. It only remains to add that “Strange's” now own the largest business of its kind in the colony, and one of the largest in all Australasia.
Drapers, Clothiers and Milliners, 202–206 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This well known firm carries on its extensive business in prominent premises at the corner of Colombo Street and Gloucester Street, in one of the busiest thoroughfares of the city.
(George Fletcher and Henry John Fletcher), Tailors, 219 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This firm, which was one of the first of its kind
Tailor, 219 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Mr. Patterson arrived in New Zealand from Belfast, Ireland, in the year 1887. He began business in 1896 at his present premises, and through sheer energy and perseverance has worked up his trade to a thoroughly successful state. Mr. Patterson makes a specialty of all kinds of tailor-made clothing, and his large connection proves that he gives general satisfaction to his numerous customers.
Fashionable Ladies' and Gentlemen's Tailor, Rhodes' Building, Manchester Street, Christchurch. This business has (1902) in the short space of one year acquired the reputation of one of the leading tailoring businesses in Christchurch. A specialty is made of ladies' costumes and riding habits, and Mr. Whittle keeps a fine assortment of the most fashionable materials required for his beautiful and stylish productions. He imports from the leading Home manufacturers, some of the choicest patterns of the goods, including silks and woollen materials, which go into the wonderful combination of ladies' dresses. Every article is cut out by Mr. Whittle, whose skill and experience in this branch are unequalled. Mr. Whittle is a native of England, and gained his knowledge of cutting out in some of the most fashionable London and Paris houses. For years he was cutter-out for Mr. H. J. Nicholl, of Regent Street, London, one of the leading fashionable ladies' tailors of the metropolis. He was also cutter-out and fitter for Messrs Redfern, the most fashionable ladies' tailors of London and Paris, and considered the leading tailors of England. Mr. Whittle then started a business as a ladies riding-habitmaker at South Malton Street, London, where he carried on a large and fashionable business for ten years. He holds letters from many of the leading horsewomen of England, testifying to his ability in that particular line of business. Having been offered a lucrative engagement as cutter and fitter to one of the leading Sydney tailors, Mr. Whittle disposed of his business, and came to the colonies. In 1901 he arrived in New Zealand, and established what is considered one of the leading and most fashionable businesses in Christchurch, with a connection with the most distinguished people in New Zealand.
(Permanent). Offices, 150 Worcester Street. This society, which was established in 1852, has an authorised capital of £100,000, of which £45,000 is paid up. The reserve fund amounts to £1300. The last dividend was at the rate of seven per cent. per annum. The society makes advances on the security of freehold property in the city and country districts.
Secretary of the Mutual Benefit Building and Investment Society of Canterbury, was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1842. He was educated at Blair Lodge Academy, Polmont, Stirlingshire, and brought up as a linen manufacturer and merchant in Dundee. Mr. Wallace was in partnership with his father for a period of ten years, under the style of W. Wallace and Son. He landed in Lyttelton in 1874, from the ship “Eastern Monarch,” and on arrival entered the service of Hon. W. Robinson as indoor manager at Cheviot Estate, remaining there for a period of three and a half years. Subsequently, Mr. Wallace was accountant in the office of the North Canterbury Education Board for a period of six years and a half, and received his present appointment in 1883. Mr. Wallace was married in 1876 to a daughter of Mr. F. Cottrell, of Meigle, Perthshire, Scotland, and has three sons and one daughter.
Directors:—Hon. J. T. Peacock, Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, Messrs F. de C. Malet, F. D. S. Neave, H. H. Pitman, and J. J. Thomson; Mr Walter J. Moore, manager. This association was established in 1871 under the Building Societies Act. Its permanent capital now amounts to £100,000 fully paid up. It has earned good dividends throughout. In 1891 the accumulated profits amounting to over £17,000, were devoted to the reinstatement of capital account. The reserve fund now stands at £3,300, and the last dividend was at the rate of five per cent. per annum. The association accepts money on deposit.
F.I.A.N.Z., Manager of the Permanent Investment and Loan Association of Canterbury, also Estate Agent, Accountant and Auditor, arrived in Wellington in 1876, and joined the Bank of New Zealand there in the following year. During the fourteen years in which he was in the Bank's service, he occupied various positions, including those of manager at Waimate and Waipukurau, and that of inspector's accountant. Mr. Moore left the Bank in 1892 to accept his present position.
(Terminating). Directors: Messrs H. Tuck, E. H. Couzins, R. Hill Fisher, J. M. Taylor, F. C. Hill, T. Gapes, and S. Day. Mr. J. Otley, secretary and treasurer. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Office, 108a Gloucester Street, Christchurch. This society was established in August, 1892, its object being to provide funds to make advances to members.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Starr-Bowkett Building Society of Canterbury and of the Excelsior Building Society of Canterbury, and others, was born in 1840 in London, where he was educated and brought up as a plasterer. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1862 by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” he worked at his trade till 1878, when he commenced business on his own account. Mr. Otley has long been interested in money clubs and building societies, having for many years acted as secretary and treasurer of such institutions and was a founder of the Friends of Labour Loan and Investment Society. He has been connected with the Foresters' Order as a member of Court Star of Canterbury. Mr. Otley was married in 1862 to a daughter of Mr. Joseph Peacock, of Cambridge, England. This lady died in 1893, leaving three sons and one daughter. Mr. Otley was again married in 1894 to a daughter of Mr. Joseph Palmer, of Kingston-on-Thames.
; Office, 108a, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Messrs T. Gapes (chairman), J. Otley (secretary and treasurer), F. Jacobs (cashier), H. Tuck, and J. Ibbolt (trustees). Bankers, Bank of New Zealand; Offices, Market Hotel, Colombo Street, Christchurch. This society, which was established in 1876, was the pioneer of many similar money clubs in Christchurch. Its capital stands at £3250, and dividends have ranged from six to eight per cent, from year to year.
Including–Coal and Wood Merchants and Dealers.
(John Edmonds and Thomas Williams), Coal and Produce Merchants, corner of Durham and Victoria Streets, Christchurch. This firm's business was established in 1887, and has been conducted by the present members ince 1890. Mr. Edmonds was for twenty years yardsman with the late Mr. J. Goss, and Mr. Williams was in business in Durham Street for several years prior to joiningin the partnership. The firm deals in firewood, drain pipes, fire bricks, etc., and has a large connection as produce merchants.
(Daniel Richardson and Arthur Thomas Stokes), Coal and Firewood Merchants, 5 Cashel Street, Christchurch, and 7 Cashel Street, Linwood. The business was founded in 1881, the senior partner having been actively engaged in the firm since its inception. Mr. Stokes joined the concern in 1888, when the style of the firm was altered as above. Messrs. Richardson and Stokes have large accommodation for the storage of firewood and coal, the yards being about half an acre in extent. They keep a well-assorted stock of fuel, and are in a position to supply their customers in any part of the city or suburbs on the most advantageous terms.
Including—Billiard Table Manufacturers; Cabinet Makers; Crockery and Glassware Importers and Dealers; French Polishers, Furniture Warehousemen, Looking-glass and Chair Manufacturers; Undertakers, Upholsterers.
Steam Cabinet and Turning Works, Tuam Street, Christchurch. The firm has a very complete plant, and first-class premises in which it carries on the business of wood-turning and cabinetmaking. Both partners have had a long experience at their respective trades. Mr. Edmonds supervises the turning department and Mr. Page the cabinet-making.
Undertakers and Embalmers, 35 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. This business was established in a very modest way by the late Mr. James Lamb on the present premises in 1871, but the energy and perseverance of the founder—qualities possessed also by his son, Mr. Herbert Lamb, the present proprietor—soon placed the ousiness amongst the first of its kind in the colonies. The firm's plant consists of five hearses, and sixteen mourning carriages, with a numerous stud of horses, and the working staff consists of ten men. A large variety of every article requisite in the conduct of funerals is kept in stock, and coffins and caskets are manufactured to order on the shortest notice. The firm is specially noted for the methods of its work in carrying out funerals. Embalming forms a large part of the business, and is carried on with the greatest skill as preventive of decay, and with the utmost consideration for every human feeling.
Founder of the firm, was born at Sherborne, England, in 1822. At the age of thirteen he joined a man-of-war training ship, and remained in the service for thirteen years. In 1848 he arrived in Australia, and for three years followed the alluring pursuit of gold digging with great success. Being desirous of seeing New Zealand, he visited Auckland in 1851, but not finding a suitable opening for his enterprise, he returned after three years to Australia, and went to the Turon diggings, where he engaged in successful gold speculations. On the breaking-out of the Thames goldfields he returned to Auckland, and remained on the Thames till 1868, and engaged in speculating and investing with his usual success. In that year he returned to Auckland and began to trade as a grain and corn merchant. This business he conducted until 1872, when, owing to the disastrous explosion of a boiler on his premises, several persons were injured, and Mr. Lamb was drawn into the vortex of the law with the result that he was mulcted in heavy damages; in consequence he was compelled to dispose of his business. He came to Christchurch in 1873 and two years later started the present business, which his enterprise soon made one of the fargest undertaking establishments in the colony. Mr Lamb was a very prominent Freemason previous to his arrival in Christchurch, and his devotion to the cause of temperance was well known in New Zealand; indeed, the last five years of his life were devoted by him to lecturing on and advocating the cause. He built the Blue Ribbon Mission Hall in Christchurch, and lectured in it for many years. After a long and useful life he died on the 22nd of September, 1897, leaving a family of six sons, all carrying on prosperous businesses, and five married daughters.
the youngest son of the late Mr. James Lamb, and sole proprietor of this extensive business, was born in Auckland in 1870. He was educated in his native city and brought up to his father's business, which he now carries on with marked success. As a volunteer, he joined the E Battery in 1890, and is the holder of a service medal.
Undertaker and Embalmer, corner of the North and East Belts; Office at 133 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Mr Walter Langford is a son of Mr. J. A. Langford, who arrived in Wellington on the 22nd of January, 1840, by the sailing ship “Aurora,” which was the first passenger ship that came to New Zealand. Mr. Langford, senior, was a native of Birmingham, England, and shortly after his arrival he established the first undertaker's business in the colony. He afterwards removed to Auckland, and, while carrying on business there, he superintended the funeral of Captain Hobson, the first Governor of New Zealand. During the troublous time of Heke's war, Mr. Langford was pressed into the Militia. He subsequently established one of the first businesses in Auckland in partnership with Mr. James Stone, trading under the style of Langford and Stone, grain merchants. Mr. Walter Langford was born in Auckland, in 1849, and was educated at Nelson. He served an apprenticeship in that city as a builder, and afterwards started in business there. After his wife's death at Waimea West, he sold his business and travelled through the colony for some years. While in Wellington he married his second wife, Miss E. Rippen, and settled in Christchurch, where he established his present business in 1880. Since that time Mr. Langford has held a prominent position in his profession, always keeping abreast of the times. His plant is in every way thoroughly up-to-date, and consists of hearses, coaches, landaus, etc. His open car is of the latest pattern. Some years ago Mr. Langford visited Sydney, and went through a course of instruction, in the modern art of embalming, at the Medical School of the Sydney University, where he was the first New Zealander to obtain a certificate. Since then he has operated in a very large number of cases, with remarkable results. By the processes he employs the bodies are left unmutilated, with a life-like appearance, and decomposition is absolutely arrested for months, or years if required. Mr. Langford was the first to introduce the art of embalming into New Zealand. His establishment is thoroughly efficient in every department, and under his direction the last sad offices connected with the dead are reverently, yet thoroughly carried out in accordance with the most modern means and principles. Mr. Langford has been connected with the Masonic body for years, and is a member of Lodge Conyers, 1916. He is also a very old member of the Order of Oddfellows, and belongs to Lodge Loyal City of Christchurch. Mr. Langford has one son and four daughters.
(George Kent Fisher Lawrence and Henry Williams Kircher), Furnishing Warehousemen, 182 and 184 High Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr. Lawrence, New Brighton; Mr. Kircher, 117 Cashel Street, Linwood. The business conducted by this well-known firm was founded by the senior partner in 1893. The premises, which are centrally situated in a brick building of two stories in High Street, one of the busiest streets of the city, have a floor space of nearly 6000 square feet. Messrs Lawrence and Kircher are direct importers of iron bedsteads, over-mantels, and other goods, and manufacture the larger proportion of the furniture with which their handsome show-rooms are tastefully stocked. The fine plate glass windows disclose a magnificent display of cabinet ware and dining and drawing-room suites. The senior partner, who hails from London, arrived in the Colony with his parents in the ship “Balaclava” in 1863. He was apprenticed to Mr. A. J. White in Christchurch, and after completing his apprenticeship was employed as a journeyman until he established the present business. It may be remarked that the drawing-room suite which took the first prize at the Christchurch Exhibition of 1882 was entirely his work.
Cabinetmaker and Undertaker, 87, 89 and 91 Victoria Street, and 41 Durham Street South, Christchurch. Mr. Scrimshaw carries on the separate lines of his business at different addresses, the cabinet making in Victoria Street, and the undertaking branch at the Durham Street address. He is a native of Nottingham, England, where he was brought up to the cabinetmaking trade, and arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Brother's Pride,” in 1862, from London. Six years later he founded his present business, and claims to be the oldest worker in the line, in Christchurch, as he worked for the late Mr. R. W. Walters for some time before commencing on his own behalf. Mr. Scrimshaw makes all kinds of furniture for stock and to order. His showrooms in Victoria Street cover 8000 square feet, and the goods are tastefully displayed.
(James Hat-field, proprietor). Manchester Street, Christchurch. Telephones, 478 and 677. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This house, which is one of the leading and fashionable hotels in New Zealand, is a handsome brick and concrete building of two stories, situated in Manchester Street, within a short distance of the railway station, and within a few minutes' walk of Cathedral Square. The entrance is by a handsome porch, which leads into a beautiful, spacious passage with a smoking room, a ladies' drawing room, and the dining room—capable of accommodating 100 guests—opening from the right. To the left of the passage there are a spacious coffee room, a private sitting room, a very conveniently situated office and a writing room, which, in the busy season, is converted into a second dining room, capable of accommodating another eighty-six guests. A corridor leads from the main passage into a lovely garden, bright with choice flowers and ornamented with a fountain, which adds beauty, and promotes coolness in the hot summer weather. Handsome shady seats and summer houses are placed in the grounds, where visitors can enjoy the luxury of after-noon tea. The billiard room, supplied with a fine billiard table, is approached from the right of the main passage. At one end of this room there is a handsome bar, decorated in ivory, walnut fitting, with plate glass, and stocked with a choice selection of the highest class of wines, spirits, and cigars, for which “Coker's” has so long enjoyed a high reputation. The upstairs portion of the house is reached by a fine staircase, and is devoted to bedrooms and private sitting rooms. Numerous bathrooms for ladies and gentlemen respectively, and containing hot and cold and shower water, are conveniently placed throughout the building, which has been extended by recent additions which provide twenty-five new rooms. The rooms, which number about 100, are furnished with the greatest luxury and good taste. “Coker's” is lighted by a system of incandescent gas lighting, and all rooms are supplied with electric bells. Each main passage is furnished with a telephone, by which communication can be held with all the various parts of the hotel, six telephones being available for this purpose. Several pieces of choice oak furniture, carved by celebrated artists in their profession, and presented to the late Mr. Coker, ornament the hotel, and many valuable pictures, with a similar history, cover the walls of the main passage. Every precaution has been taken for escape in case of fire, all windows upstairs being supplied with wire ladders and canvass shoots, and six staircases leading to the ground floor give every facility for escape. Taken altogether, “Coker's can boast of being one of the finest and most up-to-date hotels in New Zealand.
the Proprietor, is a native of England, and came to New Zealand in 1879 by the ship “Crusader.” For several years after his arrival he was connected with the service of the Union Steamship Company, and on leaving that was in the employment of the Canterbury Club for seven years. Having acquired possession of the Royal Hotel, Oxford Terrace, he conducted that business most successfully for five years, and in 1897 purchased “Coker's,” which he has carried on with increased prosperity. Mr. Hatfield is a Freemason of old standing, and a member of the Canterbury Lodge; and he is also a member of the Order of Druids. He is ably assisted in the domestic management of “Coker's” by Mrs Hatfield, who as a hostess is equally as popular as he himself is as a host.
(Edmund Carroll, proprietor), Colombo and Gloucester Streets, Christchurch. This handsome hotel was recently built in brick and concrete to replace the old building so long known as Hiorns' Hotel. It is three stories in height, and is an ornament to the street architecture of Christchurch. The main entrance is from Gloucester Street, through handsome cedar and ornamental glass doors. The private bar, immediately to the right of the entrance, is accessible by self-closing doors. It is a large, handsome room, elegantly fitted with polished cedar and numerous bevelled glass mirrors, and furnished with numerous easy chairs and couches upholstered in leather. To the left of the entrance there is a smaller private bar, which is also furnished in a finished style and fitted with excellent taste. A third and public bar is situated at the eastern end of the building, with entrances from the right-of-way running from Cathedral Square to Gloucester Street. A beautiful passage, paved with handsome tiles, leads from the Colombo Street entrance and runs east and west through the building. A fine staircase leads to the upper stories. The handsome dining room, a most popular place for luncheon, is on the first floor overlooking Colombo Street, and is capable of accommodating forty guests. There are also private sitting rooms on the same floor, a ladies' drawing room, and a commercial and reading room. The second storey is devoted to bedrooms, and to bathrooms with showers and hot and cold water. The “Masonic” is furnished throughout with luxury and excellent taste. Powerful incandescent lights in handsome chandeliers are used for lighting purposes, and the house is supplied all through with electric bells. The position of the house is all that can be desired, as it is within a minute's walk of the General Post Office and other Government departments, and banks. Altogether the “Masonic” is one of the finest hotels in Christchurch, and in respect to
the Proprietor, was landlord of the Terminus Hotel, which he conducted successfully for five years. He then purchased the Masonic Hotel, which he has raised to the position of one of the leading hotels in the colony. Mrs Carroll, who has had an extensive experience with hotels, superintends the general domestic arrangements and management of the house, and is a most popular hostess. Mr. Carroll is an enthusiastic bowler and a member of the Canterbury Bowling Club.
(G. Pain proprietor), Latimer Square, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone, 596. This hotel dates from the early days of Christchurch and is a very commodious house with such a reputation for comfort and convenience that it has always been extensively patronised. Its situation is one particularly to commend itself to travellers, as it is retired, faces Latimer Square, and is within one minute's walk of Cathedral Square. The house contains thirty-five rooms, including the large dining room, a commercial room, and several private sitting rooms. It is handsomely furnished throughout, and every attention is paid to the comfort and convenience of guests. Plans have now (1902) been drawn for a handsome and imposing new building in brick, to replace the present wooden structure. The new house will be a notable addition to the fine hotels in Christchurch, and an architectural ornament to its neighbourhood.
the Proprietor, is a native of Bristol England, and came to New Zealand in 1879. For years he carried on an engineering business in Rangiora, and he afterwards kept in succession the Club Hotel, Rangiora, and the Railway Hotel, Amberley. After two years' proprietorship of the Star and Garter Hotel at Waikari, he leased his present commodious and comfortable house in 1900, and his able management has greatly increased its popularity.
(Patrick Burke, proprietor), Cashel Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New zealand. Telephone, 214. This handsome building, which fronts Cashel Street, is of brick and concrete, and was erected in 1900. It is two stories in height, and presents an imposing appearance. The hotel is in the immediate neighbourhood of the well-known Tattersall's sale yards, and within one minute's walk of Cathedral Square and the General Post Office. The frontages of the ground floor are devoted to four shops, and the main entrance of the hotel itself is from Cashel Street. A broad passage opens from the main entrance, and leads, on the right, to numerous sitting rooms, commercial and reading rooms. The dining room, which is on the ground floor, is a large, well-proportioned apartment, capable of seating 100 guests. A fine broad stair leads to the first floor. To the front, overlooking Cashel Street, there are several private sitting rooms and the ladies' drawing room. A long, well-proportioned corridor runs at right angles to this portion, and is devoted to bedrooms, with conveniently placed bathrooms supplied with showers and hot and cold water A passage leads to the older portion of the hotel, which contains more bedrooms and bathrooms. The whole establishment is furnished throughout with excellent taste and great luxury. The extensive additions now (1902) under way will make “Tattersall's” one of the finest hotels in New Zealand. The private bar, which is a very fine apartment, is handsomely finished with cedar fittings and bevelled plate glass, and is stocked with the finest wines, spirits, and cigars. The hotel is lighted with electric light throughout, and is supplied with a complete system of electric bells. Great care has been taken to provide for escape in case of fire. Each bedroom is supplied with wire ladders, and numerous other means of easy exit are placed in several parts of the building. The hotel is one of the most popular places of resort in Christchurch, and is largely patronised by commercial men and the travelling public, besides numerous old Canterbury settlers.
the Proprietor, is a native of Ireland, and was born on New Year Day, 1854. He is the eldest son of Mr. William Burke, a large and prosperous farmer in Galway, and obtained a thorough knowledge of farming at Home. Filled with a strong desire to see other lands, he emigrated to Australia in quest of fortune. About 1870 he came to New Zealand, where his energy and thorough experience of farming led to his becoming manager of the Wantwood est te in Southland. He visited Australia in 1877, and on his return to New Zealand he was appointed manager of the Caroline station, where he remained until that property and numerous other estates were acquired by the New Zealand Agricultural Company, Limited. Mr. Burke was appointed one of the company's station managers. About 1880 Mr. Burke arrived in Christchurch, where he has since been successfully engaged in business as a hotelkeeper. He had the Victoria Hotel, opposite the old post office, for two years, and then he built and obtained a license for the Southern Cross Hotel, Lincoln Road, Addington, where he did a prosperous business for eight years. After that, for six years, Mr. Burke carried on Barrett's Hotel, at the corner of High and Manchester Streets, with great success. Then he had the Cafe de Paris for two years, after which he purchased Tattersall's Hotel, and erected the present fine building, in which he possesses one of the finest hotels in the colony. Mr. Burke is one of the largest and most successful caterers in New Zealand. He has been caterer for the Canterbury Saleyards' Company for over sixteen years, and is now, and has for many years been, caterer to the Canterbury Jockey Club. He also catered for the various New Zealand Contingents despatched from Christchurch to South Africa. In all these onerous undertakings Mr. Burke fulfils his obligations with admirable skill, effectiveness and conscientiousness. Mr. Burke has always refrained from entering into the turmoil of public life, but he has for many years been president of the Canterbury Branch of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, and devotes great attention to its welfare. Mr. Burke has been twice married; firstly, to a daughter of Mr. James Naughton, of Limerick, Ireland, and secondly, to the eldest daughter of Mr. Orton Guthrie Bradley, of Geraldine, and grand-niece of the late Rev. Mr. Bradley, of Charteris Bay. He has two sons and three daughters. His eldest son, Mr. William Joseph Burke, went as dispenser with the South Island Battalion of the Eighth Contingent, which left for service in South Africa in February, 1902.
(F. W. Millward, manager), corner of the South Belt and Manchester Street, Christchurch. This fine and popular hotel is situated opposite the railway terminus, and within a short distance of the centre of the city. It is a substantial two-storey building, ornamented on the South Belt frontage with a handsome balcony, under which is the main entrance. On the right of the entrance there is a sitting room for the use of visitors, and adjoining that again there is a spacious well-furnished dining room, capable of accommodating seventy guests. The private offices and the private bar are to the left of the entrance. The bar apartment is embellished with very handsome and elaborate fittings of cedarwood and plate glass, and furnished with numerous easy chairs and couches. A fine broad staircase, branching to the right and left, leads to the upper apartments. Several handsomely furnished private sitting rooms, including a ladies' drawing room, a commercial room, and a reading room, face the railway, and open on to the balcony. The bedrooms, of which there are over thirty, are placed on the wing running north from the South Belt. A recent addition to this part of the house can, in case of fire, be divided from the main portion of the hotel by iron doors. The whole house is furnished with great taste and elegance. Separate bathrooms—hot, cold and shower—for ladies and gentlemen are so placed as to be very convenient for the guests. Every facility for escape in case of fire has been provided; the rooms are supplied with wirerope ladders, and an easy descent can be
the Manager, was born in London, brought up to commercial life, and came to New Zealand in 1898. He gained his first knowledge of hotel-keeping with Mr. Quill, of Lancaster Park Hotel, and afterwards managed the Dunedin Refreshment Rooms for the same gentleman. Mr. Millward took over the management of the Terminus Hotel in 1902.
(Percy Herman, proprietor), Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Telephone 212. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. P.O. Box, 239. This favourite hotel has recently been erected to replace the old wooden building, which was destroyed by fire in 1900. It occupies the site of the old structure, and has two frontages of 134 feet one to Cathedral Square, and the other to Worcester Street. As a piece of architecture, “Warner's” is an ornament to Cathedral Square, a handsome addition to the city, and one of the finest hotels in New Zealand. It is in the Italian style, built of brick and stone, three stories in height, and is altogether an extremely handsome and imposing building. Light ornamental iron galleries run round the building, and the upper portions are connected with the ground floor by iron stairs at convenient distances apart, so as to give the most perfect facility to all persons entering or leaving the hotel. The main entrance is from Cathedral Square, through an ornamental porch into a large vestibule with handsome passages leading to right and left. On the left is situated the office, which is supplied with a system of telephones connected with every part of the establishment. The main dining room, which is one of the largest and handsomest in the colony, faces the main entrance, and has room for 200 guests. In the daytime this room is lighted by skylights, but at night innumerable electric lights of various colours, playing upon the rich display of silver plate and specially imported glassware on the tables, give to the whole apartment a look of extreme elegance. The dining room generally has been furnished with good taste and luxury. Tables of various sizes are so arranged that parties and families can enjoy that privacy which is all the more agreeable on account of the animation of a large dining hall. A separate room capable of seating 100 guests can be used for private dinners. Two private sitting rooms, with a handsome room for the convenience of visitors, and close to the public telephone room, are to the right of the entrance, opposite the office. One of these is the waiting room for gentlemen guests, and is furnished with roller desks each supplied with a movable electric light; and each guest has during his stay the control of the key of a desk. In the northern end of the buildings, and completely cut off from the private portions of the establishment, are the public and private bars, fitted with handsome cedar fittings and bevelled plate glass mirrors. The public bar is a large and handsome apartment furnished with numerous luxurious couches, upholstered in crimson velvet. A smaller private bar adjoins, equally well appointed, and both are equally supplied with the choice wines, liquors, and cigars, for which “Warner's' has so good a reputation. A broad passage laid down with ornamental tiles leads past the bars to a large commercial room, which is reserved for the use of commercial gentlemen and their friends. At the back, and separated by a splendid system of lavatories, is the fine billiard room, fitted with two exhibition tables. The approach to the upper stories is by a broad staircase carpeted with heavy Wilton carpet and with brass mountings. The same luxurious material covers the corridors. The ladies' drawing room, which is on the southern end of the building, is furnished with the greatest luxury and taste, and supplied by telephones connected
the popular Proprietor of Warner's Hotel, has had experience in some of the finest hotels in the North Island. Having secured a long lease of “Warner's” he instructed Mr Maddison, one of the leading architects of Christchurch, to prepare plans for an up-to-date building, in connection with which cost was not to be considered. The result is the present “Warner's,” which adds so much to the architectural attractiveness of Cathedral Square, and reflects so much credit on the architect and the proprietor. Mr Herman is ably assisted by Mrs Herman in the domestic management of the house, and both host and hostess co-operate in making things pleasant and satisfactory for all who are visitors or guests at “Warner's.”
Including—Bellhangers, Blacksmiths; Boilermakers; Coppersmiths; Electroplaters; Engineers, Farriers, Gun and Locksmiths, Gunmakers, Iron and Brass Founders, Iron Stove and Range Makers, Japanners, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Plumbers, Tinsmiths.
Wholesale and Retail Tinsmith, 173 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Private residence, Edinburgh street, Spreydon. Mr. Adcock established his business in 1883. He was born in Victoria in 1851, had some business experience in Geelong and arrived in New Zealand in 1872. His premises are extensive and fitted up with all machinery needful for his trade.
Manufacturing Tinsmith and Ironmonger, 167 Armagh Street, Christchurch. Mr. Albrecht was apprenticed in Germany, and has been engaged in the trade since 1858. He was for twenty years in business in Birmingham, England, before settling in Christchurch in 1886, when he established his present business.
(John and Andrew Anderson), Engineers, Boilermakers, Iron Merchants, and Machinery Manufacturers, Lichfield Street, Christchurch; and at Lyttelton. P.O. Box 90. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established by the late Mr. John Anderson. The Canterbury Foundry and offices are situated in Lichfield Street on a freehold section of about an acre and a half, the building being of one and two stories in height. At Lyttelton the firm's branch establishment occupies over an acre of Harbour Board leasehold, both works being replete with all the most modern plant. Messrs. Anderson and Co. have constructed many bridges throughout the Colony, notably the Waititi in Auckland, and the Kapua and Makotuku viaducts in Wellington, besides railway and road bridges in Canterbury and Otago. They are large makers of mining dredges, boilers, steam-engines, cranes, and other heavy machinery. In railway construction they have built sections of the North Island Trunk, the Rakaia-Ashburton Forks, and the Midland lines. Messrs. Anderson and Co. are in receipt of heavy shipments of girder and pig iron, which enable them to carry on engineering work of all descriptions.
Ironfounder and Engineer, City Foundry, 147 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. Mr. Buchanan was born in Scotland. He arrived in New Zealand in 1870, and established his business eight years later. His premises have over 14,000 square feet of floor space. Mr. Buchanan has a complete plant for the manufacture of all kinds of iron work and general castings, and does a large trade. A very important part of his business is the manufacture of ornamental ironwork of all descriptions. Mr. Buchanan has been interested in the Industrial Association of Canterbury since its inception; he has been a member of the committee for many years, and has been vice-president.
Whole-sale and Retail Tinsmith, 114 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This business was established in 1859 by the late Mr. William Calvert, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1894.
Consulting Engineer, 140a Hereford Street, Christchurch. Mr. Croll was Government Inspector of Machinery in Canterbury and Westland for over twenty-seven years. Besides pursuing the business of a consulting engineer, he now prepares engineers and engine-drivers for examination. Mr. Croll is further referred to in the section devoted to Old Colonists.
Brassfounder, Plumber and Artesian Well Sinker, “Providence Works,” 198 and 200 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Mr. Danks, who has been well known in Christchurch for over twenty years, was formerly in business in Melbourne, and settled in Christchurch in 1877. He has a complete plant for the manufacture of all kinds of brass work and plumbers' goods, and is the patentee of the “Canterbury Well Sinker,” and of the “Titan” patent windmill, which have been found very effective for their respective purposes. The premises have a floor space of about 13,000 square feet. A considerable number of hands are employed in the works, and a large stock of all classes of goods is kept in the shop, showrooms, and warehouse.
Engineer and General Blacksmith, 75 to 77 Montreal Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 276 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. Mr. Johnston is elsewhere referred to as a vice-president of the Canterbury Caledonian Society.
Blacksmith and Wheelwright, 182 Tuam Street, Christchurch. This business was established by Mr. Lilly in 1886. Every appliance for the successful pursuit of trade is to be found on the premises, including circular saws, lathes, drilling and boring machines, etc., the motive power being a light horse-power steam-engine, by Messrs, Garrett and Sons. Mr. Lilly turns out drays, waggons, expresses, and agricultural implements of every description. He arrived in the Colony in 1877 from Glasgow, and served under Messrs P. and D. Duncan for ten years before commencing business on his own account.
(John Lee Scott and George Scott, Directors), Engineers and Iron Founders, Atla Foundry, Manchester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 255; P.O. Box 261. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. J. L. Scott, “Elvaston,” Colombo Road South; Mr. G. Scott, Scott, Opawa. This large and important firm was established in 1871 by the present partners, together with another brother, who retired from the business in 1884. The premises, which are erected on freehold land, include a two-storey brick building fronting Manchester Street, which forms the show-room and offices of the firm; behind this is the machine-shop, a single-storey building, which includes the boiler-making department and blacksmith's shop. Further back on the section is a three-storey brick building, on the ground floor of which is the fitting shop, the pattern-making and brass-finishing shops being on the first floor, and the pattern store on the upper floor. At the extreme rear of the allotment is the moulding shop, constructed of timber and galvanised Iron. There are two cupolas, which have a combined capacity equal to providing molten metal for a casting of six tons weight. Messrs. Scott Bros, have had two contracts for the erection of railway engines, of which they completed twelve. The firm are makers of the celebrated “Peerless,” “Victor,” and “Record” ranges, which are in demand in all parts of New Zealand. General engineering work of every description, including steam-engines of all kinds, and the general manufacture of machinery are within the scope of the operations of the firm, which employs 120 men.
Electrical Engineers and Contractors; Showrooms, 223 Cashel, Street; Workshops, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch; Offices, Wellington and Dunedin, Mr. C. A. Seager, Manager of the Christchurch branch. Agents for Brown, Boveri and Co., Baden, Switzerland, for all Polyphase Power Plants; Ateliers Mecaniques. Vevy, Switzerland, for all classes of turbines; Crompton and Co., Limited, London, for dynamos, motors, are lamps, and instruments; Henley's Cable Co., Limited, London, for all classes of cable and wire; Edison, Swan and Co., London, glow lamps; Sturtevant Co., United States of America, engines, fans. The show-room in Cashel Street is fitted up with a show plant, consisting of B.H.P. gas engines (Crossley Bros. Special Electrical Lighting Type) each driving a 160 light dynamo of
Manager of the Christchurch branch of Messrs Turnbull and Jones, is a native of Christchurch. He was apprenticed in the railway workshops, but having a natural bent for electrical engineering, he left the Government service, and for six years had charge of Messrs Bannatyne and Co.'s electric plant. In 1896 Mr. Seager exhibited at the Industrial Exhibition, electric lighting which was an object lesson to Christchurch, and demonstrated the great superiority of electricity as an illuminant. The business which Mr. Seager established was taken over by Messrs Turnbull and Jones, he taking the management of the Christchurch branch. The transmission of electrical power is now made use of in nearly all the large factories in Christchurch. and Mr. Seager personally supervises the erection of all plants.
Including—Agricultural Implement Importers and Manufacturers; Cycle Importers and Manufacturers; Galvanised and Corrugated Iron Manufacturers; Ironmongers and Hardware Merchants; Sewing and other Machine Importers.
Agricultural Implement Agent and Importer, Canterbury Foundry, 185 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Telephone 939. P.O. Box 90. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 171 North Belt. This business, which was originally a branch of the Canterbury Foundry, was acquired by the present proprietor in 1888. Mr. Anderson maintains a stock of machinery at the store on the south side of Lichfield Street, the leading lines being traction-engines by the well-known firm of Aveling and Porter (for whom he acts as agent in New Zealand) and threshing-machines made by Mr. John Anderson, of the Canterbury Foundry. He represents Morgan's spading harrow, Pennsylvania drill, and holds a large number of agencies for other lines of machinery in use by agriculturists.
(William Andrews and Arthur Ward Beaven), Agricultural Implement Manufacturers, South Belt, Christchurch. This firm's business was established in 1878. Messrs Andrews and Beaven took the highest award for chaff-cutters at the Sydney Centennial Show (1888), Melbourne International Exhibition (1889), New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin (1890), Brisbane National Show (1889), and Launceston Exhibition (1892), thus obtaining a unanimous verdict in their favour from all the Colonies.
Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers, 217 High Street, and 129 Hereford Street, Christchurch. The business of this well-known firm was established in 1860, and was conducted by the late Mr. S. Nashelski from 1864 to 1890, when the present proprietor, in conjunction with the late Mr. Ludvig Bergh, acquired it. Mr. Ashby was associated with the late Mr. Nashelski in the business from 1864, and Mr. Bergh also from the same date, till the time of his death in 1895. The premises in High Street consist of a handsome two-storey building with a total floor space of over 8,000 square feet. The wholesale warehouse and yard in Hereford Street occupy about half an acre of land.
(Mr. John Fletcher Best), Cycle Importers and Manufacturers, Manchester Street, opposite the Clock Tower, Christchurch. Branches at Ashburton and Leeston. Mr. Best is the manufacturer and sole proprietor of the well-known Khaki Bicycle, which is a very popular machine. It is both light and durable, and obtained the One Mile Championship of Australasia at Sydney in January, 1902. The trade mark is “Khaki.” The machine is furnished with all the latest patents, and the parts are specially manufactured at Home to the firm's order. Mr. Best is also sole Canterbury agent for the Raleigh bicycle, manufactured by the Raleigh Cycle Co., of Nottingham, one of the oldest bicycle factories in England; the “Raleigh” is reputed one of the finest bicycles made. Messrs Best and Towne keep a large stock of motor bicycles and parts, including the “Werner,” one of the most up-to-date French bicycles. English motors are attached to the firm's own manufactures, and trailers are made also for attaching to motor bicycles. A large factory situated in Lichfield Street is used in manufacturing the firm's bicycles, and fifteen hands are constantly employed. The display of machines in the firm's showrooms, Manchester Street, is one of the finest in Christchurch.
Sole Proprietor of this large business, is a son of the late Rev. Edward Best, of Auckland, whose portrait and biography appear on page 233 of the Auckland volume of this Cyclopedia. Mr. J. F. Best was born at Cork, Ireland, and at an early age accompanied his parents to New Zealand. He was educated at Dunedin and Christchurch. On leaving school he entered into commercial pursuits, and in conjunction with his former partner, Mr. Towne, started the present successful business in 1900; Mr. Towne retiring from the firm in the following year. Mr. Best always took a great interest in athletic sports, and is a member of the Canterbury Amateur and Cycle Club.
(Thomas Boyd and John Boyd), Cycle Manufacturers, Boyd's Cycle Works, Gloucester Street West. Christchurch. Established in 1878 by the present proprietors. Mr. Boyd, senior, arrived in New Zealand in 1864, and has spent the greater part of the intervening time in Canterbury. For some years he followed the blacksmith and engineering trade, but in 1878 started in business in Rangiora as a general machinist. Soon afterwards he added cycle manufacturing, and claims to have been the first bicycle-maker in the Colony. One of the first machines he turned out is still in use in Rangiora. The firm manufactures on the premises every cycle appliance that can be colonially produced with economy. Its special make is the “Boyd,” late “Atalanta.”
((A. R. Barker and G. Lewis, sole Canterbury agents), Colombo Street, Christchurch, opposite F. A. Cook's; Sub-Agencies at Warmate, Temuka, Ashburton, Rakaia, Leeston, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, and Cheviot. The “Red Bird” is a favourite bicycle and is manufactured by the Canada Cycle and Motor Company. This machine, which is most durable and light has been most successful in various races in New Zealand. W. Martin, on his “Red Bird,” won the one and three mile Otago Championships at Dunedin, also the one five mile championships of New Zealand, for 1902, at Invercargill. On Good Friday, at Lancaster Park, the speedy “Red Bird” was eighteen times first in the one day, out of twenty-four heats and finals. The “Red Birds” are remarkable for durability and easy running qualities; they are fitted with ball-retainers, bearings of the simplest adjustment, and flush joints. These machines can be had in any colour, at the purchaser's choice. The firm also keeps an up-to-date stock of sundries, and also does enamelling and repairs to all classes of machines.
is a native of Christchurch, and was for many years travelling representative in Canterbury for Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co. With his partner he
is also a native of Christchurch. He has been a most enthusiastic cyclist for years, and was traveller for Messrs John Orr and Co., of Colombo Street, Christchurch. Like his partner he is a well-known champion cyclist, and the winner of numerous prizes and trophies. In the sports held at Lancaster Park on Good Friday, 1902, Mr. Lewis, on the “Red Bird,” won the £25 prize, against Mr Laughlin, the champion professional sprinter of New Zealand for 100 yard's.
Ironmonger, Tinplate, Iron, and Copper Worker, Locksmith, etc., 129 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Mr. Congreve established his well-known retail shop in 1893, and, previous to arriving in the Colony and embarking in business for himself, he was for seventeen years the proprietor of a similar trade establishment in Stockport, England. Mr. Congreve is a direct importer of all classes of goods required in his business.
Galvanised and General Sheet Iron Worker, Galvanising Works, 212 Tuam Street. Mr. Crompton is a native of Yorkshire, England, which he left for the Colonies in the fifties. He remained five years in Melbourne, and after three years in Queensland, arrived in New Zealand in 1864. He claims to have been the first to start the galvanised iron trade in the Colony, establishing himself in business in 1869. All the latest machinery is in use on the premises in the production of galvanised spouting and ridging as well as tanks, colonial ovens, and other requirements of the building trade. The works cover a floor space of 4680 square feet.
Bicycle Manufacturer, Pioneer Bicycle Works, Bedford Row and Victoria Street. Telephone 709. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. Private residence, Victoria Street, Mr. Kent, who founded this business in 1879, employs a large staff of skilled workmen and has most modern machinery, including a nickel-plating plant. Every machine is subjected to the severest tests before turned out. His bicycles comprise frames made of best English steel, Westwood rims, Dunlop tyres, and the smaller accessories from the world-renowned Eadie of Birmingham. Mr. Kent was born and educated at Woolwich, England, and apprenticed to the engineering trade. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Merope” in 1867, and was on the engineering staff of the Government railways for fourteen years. In partnership with Mr. E. W. Cunningham he exhibited the first electric light in Canterbury. Two years later, Mr. Oates Joined Mr. Kent and commenced the manufacture of bicycles. Mr. Kent takes an active interest in cycling, football, and tennis. He is a member of the Canterbury Industrial Association and of the Christchurch Musical Union. A splendid tepid swimming-bath, fitted up with dressing-rooms and showerbaths, has been built by Mr. Kent at his private grounds which he has turned into a cycling park, in the centre of which there are two tennis-courts. The park is nicely laid out, and contains three fountains, the basins of which are stocked with gold-fish; it is a delightful place of resort and is only about a mile out of Christchurch.
Agricultural Implement and Machinery Importers, 147 Cashel Street, Christchurch. This firm carries on business also in Dunedin and at Ashburton. It imports agricultural implements and machinery, and is agent for McCormick's reapers and binders.
(Nicholas Oates and Alexander Lowry), Cycle Manufacturers, Zealandia Cycle Works, 82 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 799; P.O. Box 128a. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Oates, Cambridge Street, Linwood; Mr. Lowry, 24
Cycle Manufacturer and Mechanical Engineer, Victoria Cycle Works, 45 Victoria Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, 54 Victoria Street. Mr. Ranger, who was born in Christchurch in 1863, learned his trade in Melbourne, and established the present business in 1896, as a high-grade cycle repairing depôt. In the following year he became a manufacturer of bicycles, and has succeeded in producing a first-class machine, which is giving general satisfaction. These machines are made from the best material procurable, and imported direct; they are finished in enamel of any colour, and are adorned with the well-known name plate “Victoria.” The premises occupied by Mr. Ranger consist of a two-storey building, having nearly 2000 square feet of floor space. The plate-glass windows display a large assortment of bicycles. Behind the shop is the factory, where a complete plant is in daily use, with a full staff of skilled workmen. Mr. Ranger is a member of the Foresters' Order, and has occupied the chief chair in connection with Court Star of Canterbury. He is also Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Orange Institution in the Middle Island, and secretary of the Canterbury Cycle Traders' Association.
(William Reece), Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers and Inporters of British and Foreign Hardware; Wholesale and Retail premises, Colombo Street, Christchuch; Iron-yard and store, Lichfield Street. The extensive and well-known business of this firm was founded in 1856 by the late Mr. Edward Reece, since whose death it has been continued by his son, the present proprietor. Many old colonists will remember the old wooden building with its three feet gables in which the business of the firm was originally commenced on the present site. This old relic of the past was pulled down in 1870, and replaced by the present handsome three-storey brick building in which the wholesale and retail business is conducted. The main retail show-room is on the ground floor, and extends back 150 feet from the street. An enormous stock is maintained, the entire department being set out with handsome glass show-cases, counters and other contrivances for displaying goods, which it would be impossible to enumerate. A few lines may, however, be mentioned; such as sterling silver and electro plated ware, fancy goods, cutlery, toilet and general brushware, lamps, filters, general furnishing ironmongery of all descriptions, cricket, tennis, and croquet tools, Milner's safes, brass foundry, bicycles and bicycle sundries, all kinds of fencing material, lawnmowers, farm and garden tools. Messrs, Reece and Sons make a special feature of maintaining a very fine stock of guns and ammunition. Ascending by a staircase, the
Founder of the firm of Edward Reece and Sons, was the son of a Shropshire farmer. After remaining some time on his father's farm, he went to Birmingham, where he acquired a practical knowledge of the hardware business, with a view to a future in the colonies. He had familiarised himself with colonial wants, and selected the new Canterbury settlement as the scene of his enterprise. Mr. Reece purchased a shipment of stock, and left England himself in the ship “Caroline Agnes” for Lyttelton, where he arrived on the 17th of August, 1855. He at once set about preparing the way in Christchurch for the business, which he carried on for many years; not, however, restricting his operations to Canterbury, but conducting large undertakings in other parts of New Zealand and in Fiji. Mr. Reece personally superintended the business till 1879, when he handed over the management to his son, Mr. W. Reece. As a colonist he was highly esteemed, both in his business relations and in private life. Mr. Reece died in 1887.
Including—Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers, Boot Upper Manufacturers; Fellmongers; Leather and Grindery Merchants, Portmanteau, Leather Bag and Trunk Makers; Saddlery and Harness Makers and Importers; Whip Thong Makers; and Tanners.
Saddler and Harness-Maker, 214 Cashel Street. Private residence, Abberley Road, St. Albans. This business was established in 1881, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since that time. The premises are extensive, with a floor space of about 1000 square feet. Mr. Admore, who arrived from Guernsey in 1874, learned his trade in Christchurch. He is a direct importer of saddlery and harness materials, and undertakes the making of every description of goods. He uses Colonial as well as English leather, and has a large business connection in the city and suburbs.
(William and George Bowron), Tanners, Curriers, Wool Merchants, corner of Manchester and Hereford Streets, Christchurch. Tannery, Heathcote Street, Woolston. The large business conducted by Messrs. Bowron Bros, was founded in 1880, in which year the partners arrived from England. The Woolston tannery stands on an area of seven acres in extent, the works being complete with all the latest appliances and machinery. The firm makes every description of leather, which finds ready sale in local markets, and is also exported to London.
, Wholesale Saddlers, Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Head office, Rattray Street, Dunedin. Telephone 273. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Manager, Mr. W. Broadhurst. Private residence, Opawa.
Manager of the Canterbury branch of Messrs Butler Bros., was born at Walsall, England, the centre of the saddlery and allied trades, with which he has been connected from his early days. Mr. Broadhurst was trained under Messrs. Brace and Co., Ltd., in his native town. After serving seven years in England, he came to Auckland in the ship “Sam Mendell” in 1877, and continued in the employment of that firm in New Zealand for six years after he arrived. Mr. Broadhurst was subsequently in the service of Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co., of Christchurch, as manager of the saddlery department for thirteen years, and was appointed to the position he now holds in 1897. In the Masonic Order he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, of which he is past master. Mr. Broadhurst was married in 1887 to a daughter of Mr. George Fraser, of the firm of Messrs Fraser and Tinne, Auckland.
Boot Importer and Manufacturer, Imperial Boot Depôt, 207 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 880. P.O. Box 189. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, 49 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Branch, Princes Street, Dunedin. Mr. Harris' old-established and flourishing business dates back to 1866, when it was originally established, by the proprietor in Colombo Street. Nine years later it was transferred, to Cashel Street, to the premises now occupied by Mr. H. J. Hobden, chemist, from which it was again removed later to Anderson's Buildings, in the same street. The large, handsome double-fronted shop, known as the Imperial Boot Depôt, has two elegant plate-glass show windows, in which is displayed a tastefully-arranged assortment, representative of the immense stock contained within the premises. The shop is splendidly fitted with numerous show-cases and shelving, and the departments possess both ladies' and gentlemen's fitting and show-rooms, the offices of the firm being at the back. In the basement a very large and valuable stock of bulk goods is kept. There is also a workshop on this flat, and another in a separate building on the ground floor. The manufacturing department is divided into two sections, one for repairing, which is kept busily occupied, and the other for manufacturing purposes proper, where all work is done by hand. A very considerable bespoke trade is carried on, especially since 1895, when Mr. Harris purchased the goodwill and business of Messrs. E. Nichols and Co., who had for many years made a specialty of bespoke work. The firm's trade in this department extends to various parts of the Colony, between Auckland and Invercargill, the connection being very considerable, special experts being employed in the manufacture of the very highest class of goods. As a direct importer of boots a and shoes, Mr. Harris deals with the best manufacturing houses of the old world. He is the agent for some of the best-known makers in the world, including the celebrated “K” boots, Bostock's “Queen,” Bective, and a great number of the best American houses have placed their goods under the firm's direct control. Under his complete system of buying. Mr. Harris is in a position to supply ladies', gentlemen's, and children's foot-wear of the best and latest styles, and at the most moderate prices. The Christchurch establishment is under the management of Mr. John Harris, a son of the founder, and the Dunedin branch under Mr. William Harris, junior, another son. This latter branch was opened in 1884. Born in Bristol in 1838, and
(William Maine, Junr., and James Thomas Maine), Boot and Shoe Manufacturers; Factory and Retail Shop, corner of High and Tuam Streets. Messrs. Maine Bros, commenced business on their own account in 1891, and have developed a considerable trade. They have established a factory at the above address, where they have all the latest boot-making machinery, capable of turning out 2000 pairs per week and providing employment for over 100 hands. The entire floor space occupied by the business, including factory and shop, is about 12,800 square feet.
Boot Manufacturers and Bicycle Importers, Premier Boot Factory, Dundas Street, Christchurch. The large factory of this important business stands conspicuously on a well-chosen site close to the Christchurch railway station. The premises are of two stories solid y constructed of brick, and were recently erected by the proprietors on the most modern and up-to-date lines. In the words of the Government Factory Inspector, the factory is “one of the best model factories in the colony.” At the entrance of the building, on the left, are the business offices, and on the right is the bicycle department, where the well-known Remington bicycles, for which Messrs O'Brien and Co. are the New Zealand agents, are put together by expert mechanics. The entrance leads directly to the warehouse which is fitted up on all sides with tiers of large shelves, and stacked with an infinite number of boots and shoes of various makes bearing the firm's “Premier” brand. The indent department, on the floor directly above, is filled with manufactures of the best English and American firms. Adjoining the indent department is the leather room, which contains an unlimited stock of English, American, Russian, and colonial leathers, used in the manufacture of uppers. The “clicking” room is an exceedingly spacious and well-ventilated apartment, lighted with windows on all sides. Here the manufacturing process commences; a number of men being busily employed cutting out the uppers from a large array of pattern shapes. Thus cut, they are passed on to the machinists, a small army of women and girls, who deftly work the complicated machines with an aptitude and precision, born of much practice. The uppers are passed from one machine to another until they are entirely stitched, eyeletted, and tagged. Then the already half-made boot is taken downstairs to the benching and finishing room, in which none but skilled male operators are employed, and a large staff is kept constantly busy. New Zealand manufactured leather is used to a large extent for soles in the Premier boot factory, as it is found very suitable for that purpose. It is first heavily rolled by powerful machinery, and then the soles and heels are stamped out with dies. The entire process of completion is exceedingly interesting. The half-manufactured article passes from one operator to another, down the whole length of the building, and is then sent back again similarly on the other side. Only the most modern and up-to-date machinery is used, and a small portion of the work is done by each machine. The machines for welting and stitching are marvels of inventive genius. It is claimed that boots sewn by these machines are stronger than hand-sewn boots, inasmuch as the thread used passes through molten wax, with which it is thoroughly saturated. By means of an attached gas jet the thread and wax are kept hot while the machine is stitching. Everything appears to be done by machinery, worked and controlled by capable men. The pegs and nails are driven by a machine at a faster rate than anyone can count, while the cutters of the trimming machines revolve at a rate of 4000 per minute. Right down to the polishing machines, every device that human ingenuity can conceive is
the Proprietor, is an Irishman by birth and ancestry. He learned his business in his native land, and came out to Australia in 1861. After a year in Melbourne he crossed over to New Zealand, where he has since resided. Mr. O'Brien established his business in 1884, and by his aptitude and perseverance he has increased it to its present extensive proportions. For some years he carried on operations in the premises known as the Skating Rink, but in January, 1902, he removed to his new establishment in Dundas Street.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and Importers, Leather and Grindery Merchants, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Directors: Messrs T. Skelton, J. A. Frostick, and R. Allan. The large importing and manufacturing business which was conducted for many years under the name of Lightband, Allan and Co., was acquired by the present proprietors in 1889. The firm are manufacturers of the celebrated “Zealandia” brand of boots. In 1895 they erected in Hereford Street a four-storey brick building which is claimed to be the largest boot factory in the Colony, and equipped with a most modern plant with a thirty-two horse-power Otto gas-engine. The firm employs 280 hands, and their business extends from Whangarei in the North Island to Riverton in the South, four travellers being engaged in visiting the various localities.
(Nathaniel Joseph, and John Suckling), Wholesale Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and Importers, Dundas Street, Christchurch South. Telephone, 354; P.O. Box, 358. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr N. J. Suckling, “Dearsleyhurst,” New Brighton; Mr. J. Suckling, Stanmore Road, Linwood. The large business conducted by this well-known firm was established in 1871; it has been carried on by the present proprietors for over thirty years, and the firm is the oldest in this trade in Christchurch. The premises, which were built especially in brick for the firm, have a floor space of over 12,000 feet. With the exception of the front part of the building, they are on the ground floor, but the front portion is of two stories. The factory contains a valuable plant, comprising the latest machinery invented for the trade, and is driven by a twenty-one horse-power Otto gas engine. Messrs Suckling Bros, were the first to introduce into the colony of New Zealand the “Goodyear” welting and stitching machinery for making facsimiles of hand-sewn boots. The firm makes it a rule, where practicable, to use colonia, manufactured leathers. However, it also imports all kinds of fancy leathers direct from Britain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and America. The firm's well-known brand of boots (S. B. in diamond) is a guarantee for the excellence of the quality and workmanship. About 150 hands are employed in connection with Messrs Suckling Bros.' works. Their business extends throughout the colony, and the partners periodically visit the firm's customers.
Boot Manufacturer, Tuam Street East, Christchurch. Mr. Toomer started his prosperous business in 1895. The premises occupy a space of about 7,000 superficial feet; they are equipped with the most up-to-date machinery, and the owner employs about sixty hands.
Saddler and Harness Maker, 116 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch, with a branch at Lincoln. Mr. Travis is a native of Staffordshire, England. He arrived in New Zealand in 1857 by the ship “Joseph Fletcher,” and learned his trade in Christchurch, where he worked for some years as a journeyman before establishing himself in business on his own account in 1882. He is a direct importer of saddlery and special lines of leather not made in the Colony. Mr Travis has patented a trace in which he utilises wire to give extra strength and lightness.
(Alfred Tyree), Boot, Leather, Grindery, and Machinery Merchants, Importers. Indentors, and Manufacturers. Head office, Lichfield-Street, Christchurch. Telephone 358; P.O. Box 96. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Cable address. “Tyree, Christchurch.” Codes: A1 and A.B.C. London office, 41 Bow Lane, E.C. Auckland branch, Queen Street. Private residence, “St. Lawrence,” Papanui Road. The large and important business of this firm was originally established in 1873, by the late Mr. Gavin Gibson, who was the proprietor until his death in June, 1888, Mr. Tyree having been manager of the concern for some years previously. From that time till 1896, the business was carried on under the style of Gavin Gibson and Co., the members of the firm being Messrs. F. Gibson, A. C. Bunting, W. W. Cabena, and A. Tyree, the latter of whom was the managing partner. In the month of June in that year, the style was again changed to Alfred Tyree and Co., the gentleman whose name appears in the title having acquired the sole proprietorship of the business. The premises occupied by the firm in Christchurch consist of a fine three-storey brick building with basement, having a total floor space of fully 12,000 square feet. The floor of the basement is of solid concrete, and is used for the storage of Colonial, American, and English
doors. The lift is worked by means of a six horse-power Otto gas-engine, placed in a new building alongside the back of the warehouse. At the rear of the main building are several sheds for the storage of rubber and bulk goods, and for general purposes, including the safe custody of bicycles used by the employees of the firm. Originally the firm was not a manufacturer; but relied for supplies of goods entirely on importations, to which the management confined its undivided energies. By degrees the attention of the firm was directed to the advisability of purchasing leathers produced within the Colony, and ultimately it commenced to deal in colonial made boots and shoes, as a great deal of the boot-making machinery now in use in the Colony was imported by the firm. Unequalled opportunities offered themselves in connection with the development of the industries in the Colony, and as the inventions of the master-minds of the Old World were, from time to time, received, the quality of the goods purchased in New Zealand improved considerably. Of late years, therefore, Messrs. Tyree and Co. have established themselves as manufacturers on the American system. About half a dozen factories, which are thoroughly equipped with the latest and most up-to-date machinery, are entirely employed in producing the well-known goods for which the firm has already made a name for itself. The work carried on at each factory is confined to the production of a few varieties only, and in consequence of this arrangement, goods are turned out more quickly and of a more uniform finish than would otherwise be the case. It may be stated that in all the factories of the firm none but union hands are employed, No pains or expense has been spared in equipping these factories with the most modern labour-saving appliances, and such has been the advance in the manufacture of boots and shoes in the Colony that it is now recognised that colonial made articles will compare favourably with those produced in other countries. Many hundreds of work people find employment in the various factories which are connected with this large business. It must be satisfactory to New Zealanders to know that the prejudices against locally manufactured boots have almost entirely disappeared, and that prices are lower owing to the high import duty. The trade mark of Messrs. Alfred Tyree and Co. is the word “Bhezt.” a new way of spelling “Best,” and its meaning is obvious. Messrs. Alfred Tyree and Co.'s business extends throughout the entire Colony including the Chatham Island's. There are eight travellers constantly moving among the firm's customers, who include not only boot and shoe vendors, but saddlers and harness-makers, coachbuilders, upholsterers, and other traders. Owing to the enormous extension of the business, which has more than doubled within the present decade, a branch warehouse has been established in Queen Street, Auckland, from which, as a centre, the Auckland provincial district is worked and is under the management of Mr. J. T. Norman. The imported stock kept by the firm, which is of the value of some £30,000, is drawn from the best markets of the Old World, and complete facilities exist for purchasing the latest styles and qualities of goods in every class through the expert buyers employed at the firm's London office. A very large business is done in indenting, whereby customers have the opportunity of becoming importers, the same opportunities enjoyed by the firm in the matter of buying being thus placed at their disposal. The firm is also an exporter of leathers.
the enterprising proprietor, is the patentee of a very convenient pair of plyers, known as “The Patent Lasting Plyers,” which has been patented throughout the world. This very useful tool has already received considerable attention not only in the Colony, but from a prominent firm of Sheffield manufactured, besides American and Continental makers, who state that the essence of the improvement is a most valuable one. namely, a convenient and ready method of obtaining leverage, and it is anticipated, that a very large sale is in store for the invention. Mr. Tyree is a native of Kent, England, where he was born in 1836. Educated at public schools and brought up to mercantile life, he came to Dunedin in 1871 per ship “Otago.” After several years' experience in the boot trade in Dunedin, he removed to Christchurch in 1883, having accepted the position of manager of Messrs Heymanson, Low and Co.'s boot factory. In 1886, Mr. Tyree was appointed attorney in Christchurch for the late Mr. Gavin Gibson and after that gentleman's death, in June, 1888, became managing partner of the firm of Gavin Gibson and Co. There are few men in the trade who have a better knowledge of business generally than Mr. Tyree, who is always on the alert for a profitable investment for his surplus capital. An instance of his enterprise occurred in May, 1894, when he purchased
Including—Bone Millers, Butchers, Fishmongers and Curers, Glue and Tallow Manufacturers, Ham and Bacon Curers, Meat Freezing and Preserving Companies.
Pork Butcher, Colombo Street, Christchurch. Mr. Andrews established his successful business in March, 1877. He makes a specialty of sausages and small goods, and has attained a wide reputation for his cooked hams, which are in great demand throughout the South Island. The business is said to be the oldest established pork butchery in Christchurch, and a very large number of pigs are killed annually. Mr. Andrews is referred to in another article as a former member of the Christchurch City Council.
Directors: Sir George Clifford, Bart. (chairman), and —Messrs J. T. Ford, James Gough, George Humphries, J. C. N. Grigg, and F. Waymouth (managing director); N. L. Macbeth (secretary). Registered office, 139 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of new Zealand. Works: Belfast; and Fairfield, Ashburton. This large and important company, established on the 5th of March, 1882, has a capital of £100,000 in ten thousand shares of £10 each, of which £75,000 is paid up. A reserve fund of £9138 has been accumulated and dividends at the average rate of eight per cent have been regularly paid. The company's works at Belfast, about seven miles to the north of Christchurch, are erected on 118 acres of land. The buildings consist of brick freezing-rcoms and stores, slaughterhouses, cooling rooms, fellmongery, tallow works, oleo works, manure factory, and preserving house. The ground floor space occupied by the buildings covers an area of ten acres of land. Three hundred and forty hands find regular employment at the works, irrespective of the office and managerial staff. There are also five experts in charge of the various departments, in addition to the chief engineer. The company commenced operations on the 16th of February, 1883, and up to the end of that year 58,010 sheep had been killed, and so great had been the development that the number killed during 1897 was 621,609. The total number of slaughtered animals up to the end of 1897 was 4,433,772 sheep, and 41,111 pigs. In the first six months of 1898 497,816 sheep and lambs were killed. At the time when the company began freezing they had one Haslam refrigerator, which was equal to freezing 300 sheep per day, with a storage capacity or about 12,000. A large amount of new plant has since then been laid down. The present freezing apparatus consists of two Hercules refrigerators, each equal to 2500 sheep per day, one Hall's refrigerator capable of 1800 daily, and one Haslam capable of freezing 750 per day, or a total capacity of 7550 per day, and the works have a storage capacity of about 90,000 carcases. The slaughterhouse is manned by sixty-six slaughtermen, in addition to the army of men and boys who act as slaughter-house labourers. Lines of rail are laid down between various parts of the works and connect with the Government railway system. The fellmongery is conveniently situated and sufficiently large to deal with the whole of the skins in the works, and is acknowledged one of the best south of the Line. Its plant is of the most modern description and includes an improved mechanical dryer, the invention of the chief engineer, Mr. Glass. The large boiling-down establishment deals with rejected sheep, farmers' culls, and the offal of the frozen sheep, together with about 1000 boilers per day. There is a large preserving-house, where immense quantities of tinned meats of all descriptions are produced.
Managing Director of the Belfast Freezing and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited, was born in London in 1849. He is a son of the late Mr. John Waymouth, accountant, of Auckland, and came out to the colony in 1859 by the ship “William Watson.” Educated in Auckland, Mr. Waymouth was for five years in the office of Messrs John Roberton and Co., merchants of that city, and was for a time on the Thames goldfields. Subsequently he joined his father in business under the style of Waymouth and Son, public accountants, and came to Canterbury in 1874 on business in connection with the firm. Since 1889 he has been a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, representing St. Albans, and was chairman for several years. He was for many years connected with St. Albans Borough Council, and was for three years mayor of the borough. Mr. Waymouth was a member of the Domain Board, and of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, of which he was president in 1896–7, and is vice-president this year. He is a member of the Masonic Order, being attached to Lodge St. Albans, and is now the W.M. of the District Grand Stewards' Lodge, E.C. In 1881 he was married to a daughter of Mr. William Collins, of Springston, and has two sons and two daughters.
Secretary of the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited, is a native of Canterbury. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and joined the clerical staff of the company in June, 1884. Before receiving his present appointment in 1901, Mr. Macbeth was accountant for the company for several years.
Directors:—Sir Montague Nelson, K.C.M.G. (chairman). Sir Westby Brook Percival, Messrs. T. Nelson, and W. S. Davidson. Head Office, 5 Dowgate Hill, London, E.C. Bankers, Lloyd's Bank, Ltd., and Bank of New Zealand. Colonial office, 202 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 399; P.O. Box 280. Bankers: Bank of New Zealand. Representative for New Zealand, Mr. J. B. Reid. This large and important company, which was established in 1895, possesses a capital of £300,000, in 60,000 shares of £5 each, all of which is fully paid up. The operations of the company include principally, the acceptance of consignments of frozen meat and dairy produce, which are received at the head office of the company in London and distributed by the company's representatives in various parts of the United Kingdom, so as to secure for the producers in New Zealand and the Australasian Colonies the very best returns for their produce. The Colonial Consignment Company is conducting a very large and growing trade, not only with New Zealand, but also with the Australian Colonies.
the Representative in New Zealand of the Colonial Consignment and Distributing Company, Limited, is the second son of Mr. John Reid, of Elderslie Station, Otago. Born in Australia and educated at the Dunedin High School, Mr. J. R. Held was brought up to station life, and subsequently entered into partnership with Mr. Maclean, of Dunedin. under the style of Reid and Maclean, as auctioneers and general agents. Several years later Mr. Reid became managing director of the Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand, whose business was afterwards purchased by Messrs. Dalgety and Co., Limited. Mr. Reid then accepted the position of representative in New Zealand for the above-named company.
Ham and Bacon Curers, Christchurch. This business was founded by the late Mr. Thomas Hillier Green in 1862, and has expanded with the progress of the colony until it is now the premier curing-house in New Zealand. The business was formerly carried on in the city, but in 1882 the present extensive premises were erected on the main south railway line, midway between Addington and Middleton. The works comprise a fine two-storied block of brick buildings, which, with the necessary outbuildings, cover almost an acre of ground. The factory is fitted throughout with every appliance and convenience that the extensive trade requires. Forty years have gone by since the establishment of the business, and every labour saving improvement in machinery for bacon curing purposes has been taken advantage of by the firm. An extensive refrigerating plant, erected on the most modern principles, enables Messrs Green and Co. to command a winter climate all the year round, so that curing operations can now be summer on as well by them in the height of summer as in the winter. This is a boon to the Canterbury farmers, as it enables them to dispose of their fat pigs in the summer, which for them is the best time for fattening. The refrigerating machinery is contained in a separate brick building, with the boiler house, also of brick, adjoining. In addition to providing the motive power for the refrigerator
Mr. William Allan, M.P. (chairman of directors). London Office, 89 Gresham Street. Head Office, Rotterdam. New Zealand Office, 139a Hereford Street, Christchurch. Works, Belfast and at Ashburton. General Manager for New Zealand, Mr. G. De Vries. This company was established in 1894. The works at Belfast are erected on a portion of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company's ground and consist of a three-storey brick and wood building, the ground floor of which is laid in concrete. The Oleo Company is under contract to purchase the whole of the fat available at the Belfast works which is received in a perfectly fresh condition. From this the company manufactures oleo of a very fine quality, and exports from 1000 to 1500 tons per annum. Oleo is the principal raw ingredient used for the manufacture of oleomargarine.
General Manager for New Zealand of the Oleo and General Produce Export Company of New Zealand, Ltd., is a native of Rotterdam, where he was born in 1862. He was educated in England, and brought up to mercantile life. Mr. De Vries was subsequently for five years in Persia and in Arabia, where he was engaged in commercial concerns. After returning to London he was appointed to proceed to Christchurch on behalf of his company to establish the industry in New Zealand, in which he has been very successful. Mr. De Vries was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. Adams, of London, and has one son.
(Gilbert Anderson, Managing Director), Christchurch. This company was formed in 1889 by a number of Christchurch business men, who had come to the conclusion that there was scope for carrying on the frozen meat trade on lines different from those which guided the operations of existing companies. It has now a capital of £200,000 in 20,000 shares of £10 each. The company's registered office is at 161 Hereford Street, Christchurch, and it has offices also in Stafford Street, Timaru, High Street, Blenheim, and at 64 West Smithfield, London; its works are at Islington, near Christchurch, Smithfield, near Timaru, and at Picton in the province of Marlborough. Two large shops are maintained by the company in Christchurch; one in Cashel Street, near its intersection by High Street, and the other, at the corner of Gloucester and Co lombo Streets. The company's operations are comprehensively described at page 79 of the general introduction to this volume.
Including—Commission Merchants, Exporters and Importers, General Merchants, Warehousemen, Wholesale Drapers, Wool Brokers and Manufacturers.
(S. S. Black-burne and A. L. Smith), Commission Merchants, 122 Manchester Street, Christchurch. This firm was formed in 1892 by the union of businesses which had been carried on separately by the individual partners, and by the addition of other lines. Mr. Blackburne had for four years held the agency for Little's Sheep Dips, whilst Mr Smith had, in 1891, acquired the agency for the Milburn Lime and Cement Company, of Dunedin. Little's Sheep Dips have been widely used for about thirty years in all sheepcarrying countries. Originally the manufacturers produced a fluid dip of a non-poisonous character. This was the original fluid dip, and was the first sheep dip introduced into New Zealand, and so great was the demand for it, that it acquired almost a monopoly of the fluid-dip market. About fifteen years ago a powder dip, under the same name, was brought out, in order to meet the requirements of those who prefer a poisonous article. This powder has several advantage, as glycerine in a dry state is incorporated with it; and by a special process the powder itself is ground much finer than any other. These peculiarities make Little's Powder exceptionally easy to mix, and this quality, combined with the moderate price at which it is sold, has led to a large and everincreasing demand for the article; so that, although the fluid dip still holds it own, the value of the powder dip now sold in New Zealand exceeds that of the fluid which was being sold when Mr. Blackburne took over the business. In the firm's lime and cement department the trade has of late assumed considerable proportions. The cement manufactured by the Milburn Company—which possesses the latest American machinery and plant—compares favourably with the imported article. Owing to the rapid extension of trade, Messrs Blackburne and Smith have been compelled to seek larger premises, and have recently erected a commodious brick building of two stories in Manchester Street.
the Senior Partner of the firm, is referred to in another article as a member of the Christchurch Licensing Committee.
Partner in the firm of Messrs Blackburne and Smith, is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand in 1866. He was educated at private schools in Christchurch, and, on his return to England, in 1873, he continued his studies in that country. Mr. Smith returned to Christchurch in 1876, and was for fifteen years engaged in various commercial pursuits. He established a lime and cement agency in Christchurch in 1891, and shortly afterwards joined Mr. Blackburne.
Warehousemen and Manufacturers, 156 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Head office, High Street, Christchurch. Head office, High Street, Dunedin. Branches at Wellington and Invercargill. Telephone 330; P.O. Box 195. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The premises occupied by the Christchurch branch of this well-known firm consist of a two-storey brick building, the ground floor being used for offices, entering and packing rooms, and for the stock of Manchester and other heavy goods. The first floor of the building is used for fancy and other departments.
formerly Manager of the Christchurch branch of Messrs Butterworth Bros. Limited, was born in London in 1853, and was educated at the City of London School. He was brought up in London to the soft goods trade, and had a wholesale and retail experience extending for several years till 1874, when he came to Lyttelton per ship “Lady Jocelyn.” After several years in the service of Messrs Twentyman and Couzins as a salesman, Mr. Parker entered the employment of Messrs. Butterworth Bros, In 1881, and was promoted to the position of manager in 1890. Mr. Parker was married in 1879 to a daughter of Mr. Ferrier, of Timaru, and had three sons and two daughters. He died on the 5th of July, 1901.
Directors:—Messrs. E. T. Doxat (chairman and managing director), C. Churchill (deputy-chairman), A. P. Blake, W. O. Gilehrist, R. Landale, W. W. Phipps, and the Hon. P. C. Glyn. Head Office: 52 Lombard Street, London, E.C. Branches: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South and West Australia. Chief Office for New Zealand: Christchurch. Manager and General Superintendent in the Colony: Mr. Fulbert A. Archer. This large and wealthy company was incorporated in 1884, for the purpose of taking over, working, and further extending the business of Dalgety and Co., which was founded in Australia in 1846, by the late Mr. Frederick Gonnermann Dalgety. The capital authorised and fully subseribed is four millions in 200,000 shares, on each of which one-fourth or £5 per share has been called up. £120,000 was paid for the good-will of the business, which amount was extinguished by reservations out of profits, and a reserve fund built up, amounting to £130,000 by the end of June, 1891. This large sum was invested and is now represented by £137,000 worth of consols. Regular dividends at the rate of 8 per cent. per annum have been paid to shareholders since the inception of the company. Yearly accounts are made up to the 30th of June, and placed before shareholders in November, interim dividends being declared in the month of May. Share registers of the company are kept at London, Melbourne, and Sydney. In Victoria, the company has offices at Melbourne and Geelong; at Sydney and Newcastle in New South Wales; at Perth, Fremantle, and Albany, in West Australia; at Adelaide in South Australia; at Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville, in Queensland. The offices in New Zealand are at Dunedin and Napier in addition to the Christchurch office. Messrs. Dalgety and Company, Ltd., are general merchants, stock and station agents, and auctioneers, special attention being given to the realisation of wool, tallow, and other produce, and at all the company's branches the business of absentees is undertaken. As wool importers into London, Dalgety and Company have headed the list for some years. The company holds a large number of agencies, foremost among which are those of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's direct steamers and sailers to London, the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's steamers for London, and the Aberdeen White Star steamers for the Cape and London.
(Henry Charles Godfrey), General Merchants, 166 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Telephone 908. Private residence, River Road, Richmond. This business was established by the present proprietor in October, 1894. The firm is an importer of general merchandise, and its business extends throughout Canterbury, two travellers being actively employed. The premises occupied comprise part of the ground, and part of the first floors, of a two-storey wood and iron building. Mr. Godfrey is the son of the late Mr. Henry Godfrey, of Marlborough, and was intimately associated with the early history of the Colony, and who arrived in the early forties by the ship “Will Watch.” Mr. H. C. Godfrey was born in Marlborough in 1854, educated locally and at Nelson, and brought up to a mercantile career. For eight years he was employed by Messrs. N. Edwards and Co. In 1881, he entered the service of Messrs. Sclanders and Co., and was in charge of the grocery department of their business till 1891, when the firm retired from Christchurch and since that time Mr. Godfrey has continued that department on his own account. He
Directors: Mr. G. H. Blackwell, J.P., chairman; the Hon. J. T. Peacock, M.L.C., Messrs J. Connal, J.P., W. Harris, W. R. Mitchell, E. Parnham, and W. Sansom; secretary, Mr. Henry A'Court; warehouse manager, Mr. Peter Hercus; mill manager, Mr T. R. Leithead. Warehouse and offices, 125 Cashel Street East; mills, Kaiapoi. Without a doubt this large company may be considered as one of the most important industrial concerns in the colony. Its manufactures are well and favourably known not only throughout New Zealand but all over the Australasian colonies. The Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company dates from the year 1878, when with a capital of £15,000 a very small beginning was made. The growth and expansion of the works have progressed with successive years, until the nominal capital of the company has been increased to £200,000, £100,000 of which has been fully paid up. The splendid mills, which occupy a section of ten acres in extent, are situated on the Cam river, a confluent of the Waimakariri, within the borough of Kaiapoi. The older part of the building now occupied was erected in 1866 for the purpose of a flax mill, but before it was fitted up for that purpose, the intention of the promoters was altered, and it was decided to establish a woollen mill. The original company, however, had to go into liquidation, and but for the pluck and enterprise of the Hon. J. T. Peacock one of the present directors, there is every probability that the machinery gathered together at that time would have been sent out of the colony.
In 1881, the capital of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company was enlarged from £15,000 to £100,000, and four years later it was doubled. Since then, the history of the company has been one of steady development, and immense sums of money have been expended from time to time in the importation of the latest and most up-to-date machinery for every department of the works. The whole of the buildings have brick walls with iron and glass roofing and concrete floors, and the carding, spinning, and weaving rooms are considered second to none in the southern hemisphere. The machinery at the mills is driven by steam, produced by three large boilers manufactured by Messrs John Anderson and Sons two measuring 25 feet in length by 6 feet in diameter, and the other one 28 feet by 7 feet 6 inches, and all fitted with Adamson's patent flues and McNeill's patent manholes. These boilers work up to a pressure of 110 pounds per square inch. The first engine used at the works was of twenty horse-power; this was replaced three years later by an eighty horse-power engine, manufactured by Messrs Scott Bros., of Christchurch; and the engine now employed, which was made by the same firm, is a magnificent compound condensing engine fitted with Corliss valve gear of 600 indicated horse-power. The mills are lighted by electricity, which is produced by a new Crompton's dynamo supplying 630 lamps. The various operations in the mills, including sorting, scouring, drying, dyeing, and teasing, are carried on in separate departments, each of which is equipped with every modern labour-saving appliance. Newest machinery of the latest type has been introduced from time to time, rendering the carding, spinning, warping, weaving, burling, and finishing rooms among the finest and best equipped in the colonies. A very important branch of the Kaiapoi factory is the hosiery department, which is a very interesting sight. The marvellous ingenuity of the inventors and the beautiful machines that are at work on every side interest and bewilder the spectator. About sixty hands are employed in this department. The machinery includes Cotton's and Rothwell's power machines, and a large number of Harrison's, Griswold's, and other machines are in use. Among the produce of this department may be mentioned ladies' vests, divided skirts, combinations and hose; men's shirts, pants, football jerseys, cycling knickers, sweaters, and cycling and hockey hose. In the delivery department there are also endless varieties of tweeds, coatings, serges, rugs, blankets, shirtings, flannels, and dress tweeds. Besides the main buildings at Kaiapoi there are rooms for the designer, in which there are special looms for the making of patterns. There is a yarn store, which contains large quantities of yarns in every conceivable colour. The wool-sorters' shed has lately been considerably enlarged.
There is a large dining-room where every provision is made for the convenience of the work people, who desire to shelter in wet weather or who live too far away to go home to meals. In a portion of this building there is a reading-room, with illustrated papers and magazines for the use of the employees. The greater portion of the area of land owned by the company is occupied by the mill buildings, and the various wool-scouring, drying, and sorting departments. The mills are situated amidst picturesque surroundings; on the south side flows the river Cam, which is fringed with willows and teems with trout, while in the distance the snow-clad ranges with rolling downs and forest-covered hills steeped in almost perpetual sunshine, charm the eye of every visitor.
The warehouse and offices of the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company are situated in Cashe. Street, Christchurch. The building, which is a three-storey brick structure with basement, contains immense floor space, and each flat is stored with large quantities of the company's manufactured goods ready for sale and distribution. The offices are on the ground floor fronting Cashel Street. On the basement is a large packing-room, from which lorries are loaded with goods to be conveyed by road, rail, or steamer to all parts of the colonies. The large building in Cashel Street, lately known as the Metropolitan Temperance Hotel, has been purchased by the directors for the purpose of a clothing factory, where men's and boys' clothing is made up from the company's tweeds and serges. The making-up of shirts and mackintosh coats is another important part of the company's operations, and this is carried on in a separate factory. Branch warehouses are established in Auckland and Wellington, from which the more immediate wants of the trade in those centres are supplied, and there are permanent sample-rooms in Dunedin, Napier, and Sydney. The company has customers not only in New Zealand, but in New South Wales and Queensland, and eight travellers are constantly effecting the sale of the company's goods direct to the shops and stores of every town. Some idea of the immense business conducted by the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company, Limited, may be gleaned from the consideration of a few figures. The weekly wages sheet exceeds £1000, which is distributed among the
J.P., Managing Director of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, was born at Leamington, Warwickshire, England, in the year 1840, and received a liberal education in that town. During the Russian war, he joined the navy, being desirous of accompanying Sir Charles Napier to the Baltic, and was present at the great naval demonstration at Spithead, prior to the sailing of the Baltic fleet. He afterwards served four years on the North American and West Indian stations. In 1861, he purchased his discharge from the navy, leaving England in the following year for New Zoaland per ship “Huntress,” and
Mill Manager of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, was born in 1873 in Kendal, Westmorland, England. He came to the colony with his father, Mr. James Leithead in 1879, and was educated in Kaiapoi. On leaving school he began to work at the local woollen mill, and, having gone through each department, he went to England in 1897, and gained further insight into the business. He was for some time with Messrs G. Roberts and Co., of Selkirk, Scotland, and afterwards with Messrs J. and J. Craven, at Keightley, Yorkshire. On returning to New Zealand at the end of 1899, he was appointed assistant manager of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, and on his father's retirement, on the 1st of February, 1902, succeeded to the management.
formerly Manager of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, is of Scottish descent. Born in New Hampshire, in the United States, he was taken to Scotland at the age of six, and educated at Selkirk, and was afterwards in the employment of Messrs. Geoige Roberts and Co., of that town. He went to Westmoreland in 1857 to take charge of the tweed department in Mr. John J. Wilson's manufacturing works, and retained the position for twenty-two years. Mr. Leithead arrived at Port Chalmers in 1879 by the ship “Wanganui,” and for the first year was engaged at the Mosgiel woollen mills, at the end of which time he came to Canterbury to take charge of the Kaiapoi woollen mills, the largest establishment connected with that industry in New Zealand. He was married in 1858 to a daughter of Mr. James Scott, of Selkirk, and had ten children, of whom four are living. He afterwards married the eldest daughter of Mr. James Johnson, of Sunderland.
(Robert Malcolm), Warehousemen and Indentors, 164, Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Telephone 484; P.O. Box 217. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, “Matatiki,” Opawa. Cable address, “Malcolm.” Code, A.B.C. 4th edition and private. Branches, Moray Place, Dunedin, and Fort Street, Auckland. The business of this firm was established by Mr. Malcolm in 1884 on the first floor of Inglis' Buildings, corner of the Triangle and Cashel Street. In 1886, the premises having become too small, the firm removed to Ford's Buildings, Here ford Street, and two years later removed to the warehouse built for Messrs. P. Hayman and Co., in Manchester Street, and now occupied by Messrs. Bowron Bros., tanners. Messrs. Malcolm and Co. continued to occupy those premises till 1896, when in consequence of the continued development of their business throughout the Colony, it became necessary to have a larger establishment. The firm purchased a freehold section in Lichfield Street at the corner of the White Hart Hotel right-of-way, and a fine three-storey brick building was erected from the plans of Mr. W. A. P. Clarkson, architect, at a cost of £3000. The ground floor is occupied by Mr. Malcolm's private office, with the counting house at the back, the intermediate space being utilised for the general stock. The first floor is likewise used for general stock, and the upper storey for the indenting department. Samples of goods from a very large number of the leading manufacturers of the world are appropriately grouped in the various departments to which they belong. The warehouse proper contains about 9000 square feet of floor space, and behind this is a single-storey brick building used for the storage of bulk goods and having a cart entrance to the “White Hart” right-of-way. The representatives of the firm travel throughout the various towns and districts of the Colony, and a large and increasing trade is the result. Mr. Malcolm was born in Glasgow in 1860. He has for a number of years been a member of the Heathcote Road Board, of which he was at one time chairman. He is a local director of the United Fire and Marine Insurance Company, Limited, also of the “Cyclopedia” Company, Limited, and several other companies.
Canterbury Branch, 104 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Representative, Mr. R. Shanks. Head Office, High Street. Dunedin. Mills, Mosgiel. The sample-rooms of this flourishing company are situated on the first floor of Messrs. Edward Bennett's
the Canterbury representative of the Mosgiel Woollen Company, was born near Airdrie, Scotland. In 1866 he came out to Dunedin per ship “Paria,” and at once became connected with the soft goods trade in the Colony. He was for some years in the employment of Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Co., and came to Christchurch in 1872, to take charge of the soft goods branch of Messrs. Twentyman and Conzens' business. Six years later he was appointed general manager of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, and held that position till 1887, when he resigned and accepted the agency of the Mosgiel Company for Canterbury.
Canterbury Branch, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 358. P.O. Box 292. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. G. F. Martin (manager); private residence, 18 Holly Road, St. Albans. Full particulars of this important company, whose head office is in Bond Street, Dunedin, will be found in the Otago volume of the “Cyclopedia.” The Christchurch offices of the firm are in a handsome two-storey brick building, in addition to which the company has a large grain store at Addington.
Directors, 1901: Messrs F. D. S. Neave, chairman; D. McMillan, vice-chairman; S. Bailey, R. Blunden, W. Boag, F. H. Brittan, D. Buddo, S. Chapman, C. H. Ensor, J. Gough, J. Haydon, E. Herring, J. Holmes, W. Henderson, J. J. Herrick, H. A. Knight, R. Morrish, H. Overton, H. W. Peryman, J. Rennie. Head offices and warehouses: Cashel Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London office, 110 Fenchurch Street, E.C. Sydney office, Sussex Street. Branches, Ashburton and Auckland. Mr. Robert Hardie, Secretary and General Manager. Solicitors: Messrs Maude and Harman, Hereford Street, Christchurch. This prosperous co-operative business, which was established in 1881, has attained a premier position, not only in New Zealand, but throughout Australasia. Its subscribed capital amounts to £164,837, of which £64,072 is paid up, and it has already accumulated a reserve fund of £26,592. Some idea of the progress of the association may be gleaned from a comparison of figures. In 1883 there were 1076 shareholders, holding 5217 shares. This had increased in 1901 to 3372 shareholders holding 29,917 shares, and at the time of writing this has further increased to 3576 shareholders holding 33,001 shares. The business of the association had similarly increased; thus in 1883 the total sales amounted to £27,400, whereas in 1901 they reached £178,116. The quantity of wool sold locally by the association in the season of 1885–6 was only 470 bales, while in the season 1900–1 the sales amounted to 7198 bales. The objects of the Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury are to afford facilities to farmers for realising in the local, Australian, or English markets, the best possible price on their produce of wool, grain, frozen meat, hides, and skins, at the lowest possible rate of expense by way of commission and charges, and to supply from all parts of the world goods of all kinds required by farmers, at the most advantageous prices and of the best quality. The essential feature of the association is that members should furnish the capital, and thus reap the advantages derived from its use by becoming their own customers, without the expense of elaborate premises in expensive thoroughfares, the outlay of advertising, and the expense of travellers. Such has been the success of the society that it became necessary to open branches in Sydney and Auckland; and also, in 1896, to establish an office in London, which is now under the management of Mr. C. H. Inglis, who devotes the whole of his time and energies to the interests of New Zealand farmers. Regarding the profits of the association, it may be noted that merchandise profits are divided annually amongst shareholders in proportion to the business done; and a large percentage on the amount of commission earned, which is fixed at the lowest possible scale, is rebated to sellers of grain, wool, etc. The company also acts as a banker for many of its shareholders, and allows interest on daily credit balances. Advances are made on grown crops and wool clips, and no charge whatever is made for commission, interest only being charged at the current rates. Arrangements exist for executing indents of special goods, machinery of all kinds, and live stock, on the most favcurable terms. Liberal cash advances, free of interest or commission, and subject only to current rates of exchange, are made on shipments when desired. It may be noted that the company has made special arrangements for the conduct of local wool sales, and the large increase in the quantity offered in the local market affords conclusive
Manager and Secretary of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association, is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland. He was brought up as an accountant in Glasgow, and arrived in Auckland in 1865. Mr. Hardie was for nine years in the North Island of New Zealand, and in 1874 removed to Christchurch, where, shortly after his arrival, he received the appointment of accountant to Messrs P. Cunningham and Co., general grain merchants, and subsequently acted in a similar capacity to the New Zealand Grain Agency Company, Limited. Mr. Hardie was for some time in business as a public accountant in Chrischurch, but in 1892 he joined the staff of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, as accountant, which position he held until
Manager of the Drapery Department of the Farmers Co-operative Association, is a native of Victoria where he gained a thorough practical all-round knowledge of the trade in the best Bendigo and Melbourne houses. He is well known in business circles, having since his arrival in New Zealand visited almost every town of note from Auckland to the Bluff. Under his management the department which he controls has made marked progress, and there is ample evidence to show that he possesses the confidence of both directors and sharehoiders.
Head Cutter in the Tailoring Department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, in 1861, was educated at the Grammar School at Llanarth, and apprenticed in the same town to the tailoring trade. After his apprenticeship expired, he went to London, and graduated in the art of cutting at the Argyle Academy, under the late Dr. Humphreys. He subsequently had six years experience in London in the employment of Messrs. McKena and Dark, of New Bond Street, and afterwards with Mr. Evans, of New North Road, as a cutter. Mr. Evans came to Lyttelton in the ship “Ionic” in 1887, and became manager of Mr. J. Phillips' tailoring establishment. Christchurch, which' he conducted for two years. He subsequently started business on his own account in High Street, and about eighteen months later was engaged for the position he now holds. As a Forester he is attached to Court Star of Canterbury. Mr. Evans was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. J. Skilling, farmer, of Lakeside.
Manager of the Hardware Department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, was born in London in 1850, and educated at Home and in the Colony. Mr. Woodford arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Ivanhoe” in 1864, and after completing his school course at Scott's High School, was brought up to mercantile life in Christchurch. For seven and a half years Mr. Woodford was engaged in the railway service as a telegraphist and booking-clerk and in charge of the stationery and ticket printing department. Retiring from the service in 1877, he commenced business as a general storekeeper in Richmond, where two years later he was unfortunately burned out. Subsequently, Mr. Woodford was respectively with Mr. C. B. Taylor, American importer, Mr. E. W. Roper, auctioneer, and Mr. F. W. Isitt. In 1889, he joined the Co-operative Association as assistant in the hardware department, of which he became manager in 1894. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, into which he was initiated in 1870, and is a member of the Loyal Perseverance Lodge, Woolston, and a Past District Officer. Since 1888 he has occupied the position of District Treasurer of the order, and on his retiring from the office of a trustee of his lodge, he was presented with a medal in recognition of his services. Mr. Woodford was for over seven years in No. 1 Company of Christchurch Artillery Volunteers. He was married in 1877 to a daughter of Mr. J. Sandford, of Heathcote Valley; she died in 1885, leaving two sons and one daughter. He was married a second time in 1891 to the daughter of Mr. G. T. Gibbons, late of Oxford, by whom he has three sons living.
Manager of the Saddlery Department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Limited, is a native of the Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire, Scotland. He was born in 1853, and educated in one of the Free Church schools in his nativeisland, and was apprenticed to the drapery trade in Portree, serving five years. He arrived at Lyttelton on the 1st of September, 1874, in the ship “Canterbury,” entered the service of Messrs Vaughan and Cordner, general storekeepers, of Saltwater Creek and Sefton, and remained in the employment of the firm for upwards of nine years. He was subsequently with Messrs W. S. Smith and Co., merchants, of Amberley and Waikari. In 1883, he commenced business on his own account at Sefton as a storekeeper, and joined the service of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association in 1890, taking charge of the saddlery, which was made a separate department in June, 1897. As a volunteer, Mr. Robertson served in the 8th Inverness Highland Rifles for a period of eighteen months before coming to the Colony. In 1876 he joined the Kowai Rifles Club (said to be the oldest rifle club south of the line), of which he is still a member. He has taken part in many competitions and won a number of trophies. Mr. Robertson joined the Honorary Reserve Corps, in
Manager of the Seed Department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, was born at Belfast, Canterbury, in 1857, was educated at the North Road (Belfast) school, and brought up to mercantile life in Christchurch, where he served an apprenticeship of five years to the grocery trade. He was in various employments in the trade until 1887, when he was appointed to his present position. The department was organized by Mr. Duncan and has developed very considerably since its establishment. For five years he was a member of the Spreydon School Committee, and acted also as secretary. He is an old member of the Oddfellows' Order. Mr. Duncan was married in 1879 to a daughter of the late Mr. Shrimpton, Rangiora, and has one daughter living.
Auctioneer in charge of the Stock and Wool Department of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., was born in the Orkney Isles in 1853, educated at Kirkwall Grammar School and brought up on his father's farm. Subsequently, he was bound to an apprenticeship in the Commercial Bank of Scotland, which, however, he left, and was engaged for six years in commercial life in Liverpool. Mr. Isbister arrived in Port Chalmers in 1872 per ship “Nelson,” and was for four years engaged in station life of which he gained a general and useful insight. In 1876, he became a clerk at the Dunedin railway station, from which he was afterwards transferred to Christchurch, and there left the service at the end of three years. Up to 1882 he was employed as accountant and assistant manager by Mr. John Grigg of Longbeach, and then returned to Dunedin to take charge of the wool and grain store of Messrs. Wright, Stevenson and Co. He joined the Co-operative Association in July, 1886, as manager of the wool and grain department, which he has since conducted, and from 1894 has acted as auctioneer, taking charge of all stock and wool sales. Mr. Isbister was sergeant in the 15th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, in which he served for four years before leaving Liverpool. Since settling in Christchurch he has taken great interest in swimming, and has been a member of the West Christchurch Swimming Club since 1887, of which he is also vicepresident. He was initiated in the Masonic Order in Dunedin, and is attached to St. Augustine Lodge. Mr. Isbister was married in 1886 to a daughter of Mr. A. McWilliam, and has three daughters.
who was first Chairman of Directors of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., was born at Rollesby, Norfolk, England, in 1842, was educated at Embury College; and came to Lyttelton in the ship “William Miles” in 1861. He took up the “Rollesby” station at Burke's Pass, which he worked for ten years. Mr. Ensor afterwards removed to Blackburn, where he owned Mount Grey station of 12,000 acres. For some years he was chairman of the Mount Grey Road Board, and for nine years occupied a similar position on the Kowai Road Board. He was interested in cricket, and was for some years president of the Ashley County Cricket Association. In connection with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was a member for many years, Mr. Ensor had been a judge of sheep at various shows. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and vice-chairman of directors of the Farmers' Co-operative Insurance Association. Mr. Ensor was married in 1872 to a daughter of Mr. R. Valentyne Leach, of Devizes Castle, Wiltshire, England, and had three sons and two daughters. He died on the 22nd of February, 1901.
formerly General Manager of the New Zealand Farmers' Co operative Association of Canterbury, Limited, is a native of Manchester, where he was born in 1850. Before coming to the Colony he attended the Manchester Grammar School, and after his arrival in Lyttelton per ship “Sebastopol” on the 21st of May, 1863, he attended Christ's College for a time. Mr. Jameson entered the service of Messrs. Robert Symington, general merchants, Cathedral Square, who occupied the site on which Messrs. Dalgety and Co.'s new building is erected. From 1868 to 1873 he was employed by Messrs. Twentyman and Couzens, and subsequently for five years occupied the position of accountant to the New Zealand Shipping Company. Removing to Ashburton, Mr. Jameson commenced business on his own account as a grain and produce merchant, which he conducted till 1891, when he purchased the Moston estate at Springston. Having disposed of his Ashburton business to Messrs. Mills and Co., in February, 1895, Mr. Jameson went to England to represent the Christchurch, Timaru, and Napier Farmers' Co-operative Associations, and returned to the Colony in March, 1897, when he was appointed general manager of the New Zealand Farmers' Co operative Association of Canterbury. Mr. Jameson has long been a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association on the committee of which he has acted for some years. During his residence in Ashburton, he was chairman of the Stock and Saleyards Company, for a long period, and for many years was a director of the Ashburton Building Society. He has long been a member of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce. In outdoor recreations, Mr. Jameson has been associated with aquatics, having been one of the promoters of the Union Rowing Club, in which he took part in the early days in competitions at Lyttelton, Heathcote, and Kaiapoi, winning many cups and other trophies. Mr. Jameson has a farm of 1000 acres at Springston. He was married in 1877 to a daughter of the late Mr. I. Macfarlane, of Coldstream, Rangiora, an old settler, and has six sons and four daughters.
Canterbury Branch, Herford Street, Christchurch. Head office, corner of Featherston Street, Wellington. Mr. E. G. Staveley, manager. The offices of this company are situated in a handsome three-storey brick and stone building in Hereford Street. The wool and grain stores are in Durham Street, and at the South Belt. The company has also stores at Lyttelton, which are connected by railway sidings. It conducts auction sales of wool, grain, and live stock, the manager, Mr. Staveley, and Mr. C. Calcutt being the auctioneers.
Manager of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., was born in 1855 in Victoria, and was educated partly in England and partly in Australia. He was brought up to a mercantile life in the Colonies and joined the service of the company as stock-salesman at Christehurch in 1883. Prior to that date he was for eight years in the service of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Stavetey continued with the company till 1894, when, in conjunction with the National Mortgage Agency, he entered into business as a wool and grain merchant and proprietor of Tattersall's saleyards; but he rejoined the company in 1895 as manager. Mr. Staveley has long been connected with the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president for one year. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Woolbrokers' Association, and a director of the Canterbury Saleyards Company.
Manager of the Christchurch Produce Department of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., was born at New-castle-on-Tyne in 1854. He was brought up as an analytical chemist, and was in charge of large chemical works near Newcastle-on-Tyne for some years. Mr. Barkas came to the Colony in 1881, as lecturer on chemistry and physics at the Lincoln Argicultural College. He joined the company in 1883 as salesman, and was appointed to his present position in July, 1896.
(H. Quane), Merchants, 111 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Telephone 46; P.O. Box 315. Cable address, “Quane, Christchurch”; Codes, A.B.C. 4th Edition and Al. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Limited. Private residence, Webb Street, St. Albans. This firm's business was established by the proprietor, who has been close upon twenty-five years associated with the wholesale trade. Mr. Quane conducts the business purely on agency lines. He personally visits Nelson and the West Coast, and also attends to his clients in Christchurch. The firm has a branch in Wellington under the management of Mr. W. Highman, and also one in Auckland under the management of Mr H. Herman; in addition, it also has travellers who entirely cover the whole of New Zealand. Messrs Quane and Co. execute English and foreign indents, and their customers have by this means exceptional facilities for purchasing in the best and cheapest markets of the world. Amongst the agencies held by Messrs Quane and Co. are the following; Messrs Nelson, Moate and Co., Limited, teas; S. Kirkpatrick and Co., Limited, jams, conserves, etc.; Crown Dairy Factory Company, Limited, butter, cheese, etc.; the New Zealand Candle Company, Limited, candles: the New Zealand Wax Vesta Co., Limited vestas; John Ferguson and Co., Glasgow, Scotch whisky; Hunt, Roope, Teague and Co., London, port wines; Conrad W. Schmidt. London, varnish; T. C. Williams Co., nosegay tobacco; David Dunlop and Co., Derby tobacco; Henry Wells Oil Co., Manchester, lubricating oils; and J. K. Armsby Co., San Francisco, Californian fruits. Owing to the rapid extension of the firm's business, Mr. Quane has recently erected a two-storey building of brick and stone, which is considered one of the handsomest business houses in Lichfield Street.
Limited, Importers, Warehousemen, Worsted, Woollen and Clothing Manufacturers, 152 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. This firm owns the Roslyn Worsted and Woollen Mills, and has its head office and clothing factory in High Street, Dunedin. The business is fully described in the Otago volume of this Cyclopedia.
(Henry George Simms), Commission Merchants, Manufacturers' Agents and Indentors, 141 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 800; P.O. Box 273. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Fendalton. The business was established in 1887 by the late Mr. W. H. Simms, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1892. The firm has large transactions throughout the Colony in Queensland sugars, and holds the following important sole agencies for the Colony:—Bengera Sugar Plantation, Queensland; Neumann and Hennig, Berlin, picture find room mouldings; Mauri Brothers, cork-growers, Spain; Rautenberg, Forbes and Co., Calcutta, Indian teas, cornsacks, woolpacks; Grosvenor, Chater and Co. Ltd., London, paper-makers; Felten and Guilleaume, Germany, makers of every description of wire; Walter H. Hindley and Co., exporters, London and New York; and Lipton Limited, Colombo and Calcutta, etc., etc.
(Alexander Morsburgh Turnbull and Nicholas Reid), General Merchants, 157 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 188; P.O. Box 13. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Head office, Custom House Quay, Wellington. Local manager, Mr. Walter Edward Reid. Private residence. North Belt. This well-known and old-established firm is more fully referred to in the Wellington Volume of the Cyclopedia, page 718. The Christchurch branch works the whole of the provincial district as far south as Oamaru, and keeps two travellers engaged. The local branch imports direct from England and America, the celebrated Empire Teas, and other factory goods are supplied from the head office in Wellington.
the Manager of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull's Canterbury Branch, was born in Wellington in 1870, educated at the Wellington College, and brought; up to business in his father's firm. Mr. Reid took charge of the Canterbury branch in 1895.
Merchant, Shipping and Commission Agent, and General Agent in New Zealand for the Blackball Coal Company and its steamers, 150 worcester Street, Christchurch. Branch, Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Private residence, 247 North Bell Christchurch. A sketch of Mr. Turner's life appears in the section devoted to Old Colonists.
(Thomas Guthrie Williamson), Merchants, Importers and Manufacturers' Agents, 53 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Mr. Williamson is sole Canterbury agent for Messrs R. Hudson and Co., Limited, manufacturing confectioners, Dunedin; for Messrs Irvine and Stevenson, manufacturers
Sole Canterbury Agent, is a native of Dunedin, where he was educated; and after representing Messrs Watson and Co. successfully for some years, he took over his present business in 1899.
(William Wood), Export Merchants and Basil Manufacturers, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Telephone 900; P.O. Box 369. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Papanui Road. This firm's business, which was established by the proprietor in 1896, embraces chiefly the exportation of frozen meat, basils, salted pelts, New Zealand hemp, wool, tallow, and cocksfoot. The factory at wooden consists or three or four large wooden buildings, and contains a very complete and up-to-date plant, which is kept fully employed, and finds occupation for thirty hands. Messrs. Wood and Co. are cash buyers of all lines exported by them and in which they do a very large trade. They are New Zealand agents for Messrs. John Fowler and Co., Ltd., of Leeds, engineers and manufacturers of agricultural machinery and engines, and for Messrs. Henry Simon and Co., of Melbourne, mill-wrights and engineers. As Insurance agents, Messrs W. Wood and Co. represent the North British Fire Insurance Company and the North Queensland Fire and Marine Association of Canterbury.
the Sole Partner, who is the eldest son of Mr. W. D. Wood, was born in Christchurch in 1858, educated at Christ's College, and brought up to mercantile life. He entered a London office for about two years, returning to Christchurch to join the firm of Wood, Shand and Co., with whom he was connected for fifteen years. On the dissolution of partnership, Mr. Wood took over that section of the business which he has since conducted and greatly developed. For many years Mr. Wood has been a member of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married in 1895 to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Loughnan. Mrs. Wood died leaving one son and two daughters.
Including—Fern Dealers, Florists, Nurserymen and Seedsmen; Fruiterers, Greengrocers, Etc.
Nurseryman and Landscape Gardener, Premier Nursery, Wilson's Road, St. Martin's, near Christchurch. This nursery, which has an area of nine acres, contains one of the finest collections, including all the latest and choicest varieties, of fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, roses and flowers in New Zealand. A large portion of the grounds is devoted to the cultivation of flowers and bulbs, and a specialiy is made of the culture of roses, of which there are over 25,000 strong, healthy plants, with specimens of the best known varieties in cultivation. In his landscape garden department Mr. Buxton employs about thirty persons. Many of the most beautiful and picturesque gardens in Christchurch and throughout the country have been laid out with the greatest taste by Mr. Buxton, who
Florist, Seedsman, and Nurseryman, Richmond Nursery, and 215 Colombo Street, Christchurch. The nurseries, which are situated at Draper's Road, Richmond, contain one of the finest collections of bulbs and carnations in New Zealand Mr. Davis has a collection of daffodils considered to be unequalled in the colony. It contains over 300 varieties, and with exhibits from these he won the Royal Horticultural Bronze Medal at the Dunedin Horticultural Show for three consecutive years, and every other prize competed for in the class. At the Industrial Exhibition held in Christchurch 1900, Mr. Davis received three gold medals for the finest varieties of carnations, and the handsomest collection of cut flowers and orchids. Numerous large glass hothouses are devoted to the cultivation of exotic plants, ferns, palms, and rare orchids. Of these Mr Davis makes a specialty. His collection comprises orchids from all parts of the globe, and contains many hundreds of plants of the rarest varieties, and most dazzling hues. There are two large fern houses filled with nearly every New Zealand and foreign variety. Mr. Davis has a large glass house devoted to the cultivation of early tomatoes, and to the cultivation of chrysanthemums required for winter floral decorations. A large and important branch of the business is connected with bouquets, wreaths, and cut flowers. This department is presided over by Mrs Davis whose exquisite taste was perfected under the tuition of some of the leading florists in Melbourne and Sydney. Her floral decorative work has received numerous prizes at exhibitions throughout New Zealand, and she and Mr. Davis have wisely given their daughter equal opportunities in Australia to become proficient in that refined and refining art. At his shop at 215 Colombo Street. Christchurch, Mr. Davis keeps a large variety of seeds and bulbs in stock; and bouquets, bridal wreaths, and flowers for decorative purposes can be seen and ordered there at any time. Mr. Davis is a native of Victoria. He came to New Zealand in 1877, and was for fifteen years head accountant in the firm of Messrs Strange and Co. He always showed a great partiality for the cultivation of flowers, and in 1879 he succeeded in winning the first prize for his fine collection of pansies. At first he cultivated for the love of gardening, but on severing his connection with Messrs Strange and Co. he determined to apply his knowledge of horticulture to a practical purpose, and in 1894 he started his present nursery. His business has been successful from the first; and Mr. Davis now has an ever-increasing connection throughout New Zealand and Australia. In his earlier years Mr. Davis was well known as an athlete and gymnast in Melbourne and New Zealand. He has long taken a great interest in the local affairs of Richmond. He was a member of the Richmond school committee for several years, and was for four years a churchwarden of Avonside Anglican Church. Mr. Davis is a member of the Horticultural Society, and a most successful prize-taker at the various exhibitions.
(Mrs Barnett), Stanmore Nursery, North Avon Road, Christchurch. This extensive and old-established nursery has an area of over five acres, and is one of the leading nurseries in Christchurch. Great attention is given to the cultivation of fruit trees, in connection with which the nursery has a high reputation. The apple
trees are grafted on blight-proof stocks. A special interest is taken in the cultivation of forest trees, conifers, shrubs, rhododendrons and roses, of the last of which a very large assortment is kept, including nearly every known variety. The firm has a very extensive connection throughout New Zealand, and employs seven men during the busy season. In removing plants the greatest care is taken
Florists and Seedsmen, Native Seed and Fern Collectors, 253 High Street, Christchurch. The firm of A. and S Reid has been established forty years. Its floral branch in Christchurch was originally begun in 1897 by Miss Annie S. Reid, a native of Dunedin, and daughter of Mr. William Reid, florist, of that city. Miss Reid's success is a striking example of what can be accomplished, even in times of keen competition, by a young lady of excellent business abilities, with a thorough knowledge of her profession. Mr. William Reid, her father, an old identity, originally from the Royal Norfolk Nurseries, England, is the oldest seedaman and florist trading in New Zealand, and has won world-wide reputation as a collector of native ferns and shrub-seeds, which he exports to all parts of the world. Miss Reid shows great taste in the mounting of New Zealand ferns; she supplies the Royal Family, and continues to receive very flattering letters of praise from members of the English aristocracy who have visited New Zealand. Her business has increased to such an extent that she has had to considerably enlarge her premises. The firm has fifteen acres under cultivation for flower culture, and therefore, has special facilities for conducting a first-class business. A glance at the lovely roses, carnations, and other choice blooms on view in the window, even in mid-winter, is more suggestive of summer than any other season. In March, 1902, Miss Reid married Mr. Edwin Elsom, son of Mr. Joseph Elsom, of the well-known firm of Royal Florists, of Bath, England, Mr. Elsom came to the colonies about twelve years ago under engagement with one of the leading seed houses in South Australia, and after spending four years in that colony, he arrived in New Zealand. He has been with one of the leading seed houses in Christchurch for the past six years, but has now (1902) taken over the seed department of the establishment at 253 High Street. As Mr. Elsom has been connected for the past twenty years with the principal English and colonial seed houses, he is sure to receive a share of the Canterbury trade. His stocks of new seeds are drawn from all the best growers of England, America, and the Continent of Europe. The whole business is conducted under the old name of A. and S. Reid.
trading as A. C. Wilson and Co., Seed Merchants, 122 Cashel Street, Agent for James Carter and Co., Seed Merchants, London. Cable Code, A.B.C. Telephone 541, P.O. Box 253. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Albans. This business was established in 1895 by the proprietor, who was born in Sydenham, and was educated at Christ's College. He was in the service of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association in Cashel Street for eight years, and had some further experience in the general produce trade in London. Mr. Wilson, naturally, takes a deep interest in all agricultural and pastoral matters. He is the son of Mr. William Wilson, an early Canterbury settler, who was the first mayor of Christchurch. During 1893, Mr. Wilson proceeded to England, where he was for some time in a leading mercantile office until he was given the New Zealand agency for Messrs. Carter and Co., upon which he returned to the Colony, where he landed, per s.s. “Aorangi,” in September, 1895, and at once entered upon the business.
(Charles Carmichael, proprietor), Fendalton, Christchurch. Though still in a comparatively early stage, these gardens are already well known in their own neighbourhood and beyond it. The kitchen garden is noted for its excellent vegetables, and crops of fine fruit. As regards size, quantity, and quality, its gooseberries are such as are not often seen. The apple trees are quite free from blight, and yield such heavy crops that the branches have to be propped up each summer to prevent them breaking down under the weight. In the summer of 1901 a young tree of Peasegood's Nonsuch, that had only been planted three years, carried thirteen apples, several of which weighed over a pound, and a young Alfriston, that had been planted two years, produced fourteen apples, which averaged twelve ounces each. Peaches, plums, and pears are equally as successful as the apples. According to Mr. Carmichael's experience these results are chiefly due to (1) summer pruning, (2) keeping the trees free from insect pests, and (3) growing apples for profit. Weeds receive no quarter in Sommerville House garden, and thus all the value of the plant food from both the soil and atmosphere is secured for the fruit trees and the vegetables. Equal attention is given to the flower garden and the vinery. In the first, there are very fine collections of roses, marcissii, rhododendrons and herbaceous plants, which give a good supply of flowers all the season round. The chrysanthemums are the best in cultivation, and Mr. Carmichael is a most successful grower of this magnificent Oriental flower, his exhibits of which have secured first honours at the Christchurch Timaru, and Dunedin Chrysanthemum Shows. Mr. Carmichael's vinery is thoroughly up to date. It is well built, and in the various details is a model in every way, especially in respect to ventilation, as by moving a small lever one half of each ventilator can be opened an inch or as much or as little as necessary. The heating apparatus, a twelve-hours stove, is a marvel of efficiency with economy, and with very little, attention, a steady temperature is maintained with a very small amount of fuel. The vines give great promise, and are now (1902) showing some good bunches. While the vines were small Mr. Carmichael grew tomatoes under them, and produced the finest in the district. This was proved by the fact, that at the Canterbury Industrial Jubilee Exhibition in 1900 Mr. Carmichael won the silver medal for a dish of tomatoes against all comers, beating the local nurserymen and gardeners.
Proprietor of Somerville House Garden, was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1856, and educated at Dundee High School and Dollar Academy. He was apprenticed to the engineering profession, which he followed until 1892, first in Scotland, and afterwards in New Zealand. Mr. Carmichael arrived in Dunedin in 1880, and several years afterwards he settled at Loburn, in Canterbury, where, in 1892, he bought a farm of 160 acres, which he devoted to grain growing and stock raising. At the same time he acquired a liking for horticulture, to which he gave a great deal of sympathetic attention. In 1899 he gave up the farm, and settled at Somerville House, Fendalton, where he now (1902) devotes most of his time to gardening. Mr. Carmichael has for a number of years, been a vice-president of the Christchurch Chrysanthemum Society, and also a regular exhibitor at the society's annual shows. He is also a member of the Christchurch Beautifying Society. Mr. Carmichael married a daughter of Mr. Robert Duncan, of Loburn, and has one daughter and two sons.
Fruit-Grower, Nurseryman, Seedsman, and Florist, Christchurch. Orchards, Nursery, and Fruit Gardens, Heathcote Valley and Woolston; Shop, 129 Lichfield Street. Mr. Gimblett arrived in the Colony from Cornwall in 1866 by the ship “Mermaid,” and learned his trade in New Zealand, purchasing the business—which has been established since 1862—ten years later. The Heathcote property embraces twenty-seven acres, which are laid out in orchard. That at Woolston is thirty-four acres in extent, twelve being in fruit trees and two acres in nursery. These well-established orchards have no fewer than 8000 permanent fruit trees. The nurseries contain between 100,000 and 200,000 young trees. The glass-houses are 4158 square feet in extent, and large quantities of grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and potplants are produced yearly. Mr. Gimblett pays £800 to £900 every year in wages, mostly for cultivation. He is a direct importer of seeds from Hurst and Sons, of London.
Fruiterer, Confectioner, and Seedsman, Colombo Street, Christchurch Mr. Robinson was born in Christchurch, in 1881, and educated at the East Christchurch School. He commenced his present business in 1901, and it has proved a growing and prosperous one, Mr. Robinson is a direct importer from the islands and from Sydney, and is thus able, not only to obtain the best fruits, but also to sell at the lowest prices. Seeds constitute a special part of his business, and of these he keeps varieties of the best quality in season.
(William Ross and E. W. Leighton), Fruitgrowers and Orchardists. “Candilli,” St. Martin's, near Christchurch. This property is about five acres and a quarter in extent. Messrs Ross and Leighton successfully carried on business as nurserymen for many years, but, in 1900, having determined to confine their operations to fruitgrowing solely, they disposed of their nursery in Ferry Road to Messrs Grant and Macdonald, re-named their present premises after a village on the Bosphorus, and converted their business into a fruitgrowing concern. They have erected four of the largest glass houses in Christchurch, on brick and concrete foundations, and have them excellently heated with a system of hot water pipes. Two large forcing houses, each 100 feet by 24 feet, are devoted to the cultivation of dessert grapes, some of the bunches of which grow to a length of 18 inches, and weigh from four to nine pounds. The firm has acquired so great a reputation for its grapes that it is unable to supply the demand, and improvements and enlargements are contemplated which will double the present output. Two large tomato houses, one 150 feet long and 30 feet in breadth, with a second of 100 feet by 30 feet, are devoted solely to the growth of this esteemed fruit, for the early spring consumption. Outdoors two acres are planted with numerous varieties which come to maturity later in the season, and are shipped in large quantities to the various New Zealand markets, principally Dunedin and Wellington. A portion of the grounds is devoted to the growth of plums, chiefly of the Japanese varieties. The finest varieties of pears are grown for table consumption, and also numerous cooking sorts. There is a magnificent collection of dessert and cooking apples of every variety. The orchard is extremely clear of all pests and blights, and the trees are pictures of health and vigour. An unlimited water supply, so necessary to the proper growth of fruit, is obtained from two wells of 312 and 237 feet respectively, each supplying about fifty gallons per minute.
is a native of Scotland, where he learned his business. He spent several years with Messrs Veitch and Son, of Chelsea, celebrated as nursery owners, and famous as orchid growers, and was sent by that firm to Constantinople to take charge of a collection of those beautiful plants belonging to a Belgian gentleman, who resided in that city. After fulfilling his commission, he was sent by Messrs Veitch and Son to the Philippine Islands to collect orchids for their home collection. Shortly after again returning to England, he turned his thoughts towards the colonies, especially New Zealand, and sailed for Lyttelton in 1880. Some time was spent in Wellington and Napier respectively, but Mr. Ross then returned to Christchurch, where, in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Leighton, he started
was born in England, and was for years employed at Lambton Castle, in the beautiful gardens of Lord Durham. He subsequently came to New Zealand, and after spending several years as a gardener in various places, he entered into partnership with Mr. Ross.
Including—Account Book Makers; Bookbinders; Booksellers and News Agents; Cardboard Box Makers, Die Sinkers, Electrotypers; Engravers; Lithographers; Paper Makers, Dealers and Merchants; Publishers; Stationers, etc.
(Arthur Andrews), Manufacturing Stationers and Bookbinders, 63 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. This firm commenced business in Christchurch in 1891, the premises affording a floor space (if nearly 4000 square feet, which is devoted to the various branches of the business. The firm has all necessary machinery and plant for carrying out a large manufacturing trade. Library binding, school stationery, and the manufacture of account-books of all kinds are special lines, and the material used in the business is largely imported direct from the best makers. The proprietor was born in the Colonies, and was educated and served his time at the trade in Christchurch.
Bookbinder and Paper Ruler, Worcester Street, Christchurch. Mr. McHarg is a New Zealander, served his time to the trade in Christchurch, and established himself in business in 1893. He undertakes all classes of work and bindings in any style.
“Oakey's” Variety Bazaar (Henry Oakey, proprietor), corner of Colombo and Lichfield Streets, Christchurch. Mr. Oakey established this business in 1870, after having resided for five years in Melbourne. His stock consists of fancy lines, including fancy jewellery, all kinds of toys, dolls, and fancy goods, and a large stock of china and glassware. The premises consist of a fine large shop over fifty feet long, with a window frontage of twenty-five feet. As Mr. Oakey is heavily stocked, the public an rely on procuring all goods at his place at the lowest prices.
Booksellers, Stationers, Publishers, and News Agents, 214 High Street, Christchurch. Established in 1862 by Mr. J. T. Hughes who was succeeded in 1878 by Mr. Alfred Simpson. Mr. J. S. Williams, who had been associated with the business from 1864, joined the firm in 1886 when the style was altered to Simpson and Williams. In the following year Mr. Simpson retired and his son, Mr. E. Y. Simpson, became a partner, the business being incorporated as a limited liability company in 1893, for family reasons. The firm is a direct importer of all lines and holds an immense up-to-date stock of the latest productions. It is agent in Canterbury for Messrs Gordon and Gotch, and for the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and makes a special feature of importing English books and newspapers. As publishers, Messts Simpson and Williams have successfully issued several works.
Importer, Wholesale Bookseller and Stationer, Wesleyan-Methodist Book Depôt, 211 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Private residence, Gloucester Street, Linwood, Mr. Smith has conducted this business since 1877, when he removed the depôt from Colombo Street, where it was previously located, to the present situation in Cashel Street. He keeps a large and varied stock of school-books and current literature, and is prepared to supply school and public libraries on specially advantageous terms. Mr. Smith is further referred to as a member of the Christchurch City Council.
Paper Merchants, Printers, Publishers, Engravers, Art Autographers, and Manufacturing Stationers, Crown Printing Office, 153 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Telepone 217. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Weeks'
flourishing business dates from 1886, when it was commenced in premises in Gloucester Street, and employed only three hands. Within the short period of two years business had progressed so rapidly that larger premises were secured at the corner of High and Manchester Streets. This building in its turn had to be enlarged later on in order to meet the growing requirements of the trade, and it was here that Mr. Weeks added the wholesale stationery department and imported papers and printing trade requisites. The business continued to expand in all departments until the staff of employees numbered about seventy. In 1897 the magnificent structure now occupied was erected specially for Mr. Weeks' fully developed business. It is designed and fitted up with every modern convenience for the trade, and acknowledged to be the finest building in the Colony solely devoted to the general printing trade. The features of the business are striking and unique, and its excellent manufactures in cardboard and leather-board boxes for all trades, tea-packets, cartoons for manufacturing chemists, cordial-makers, and confectioners are special lines sent to all parts of the Colony, and for which Mr. Weeks holds machinery with sole rights. The general lines of the work turned out are:—General printing, newspaper and book publishing, lithography, engraving, photo-engraving, book-binding, account-book making, cardboard, leatherboard, and box manufacturing; also, paperbags, tea-packets, and stationery of all descriptions. The photo-engraving department is second to none in the Colony, while the artistic show-cards turned out have commanded orders from the four leading cities of New Zealand. The handsome premises now occupied are built of brick, and are five stories in height; they were designed by Messrs. Collins and Harman, the wellknown architects, and built by Messrs. D. Scott and Son, in 1898. The ground floor in Manchester Street consists of a large double-fronted shop with plate-glass windows; the offices are on either side of the entrance into the wholesale and retail sale-room. Behind these is the machine-room, which has six printing machines, some of them being of the very latest kind. The entire plant is driven by one of Tangye's best gas-engines, and electric light is run by a Stockport gas-engine. The first floor is used for job-printing and lithographic work, each branch being thoroughly complete. The box-making department is on the second floor, the machinery including Stevenson's patent metal edging box-making machines, whose patent rights Mr. Weeks holds. It may be stated that Stevenson's
(Henry Arthur Wise and George Wise), Publishers, Australian Mutual Provident Society Buildings, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Canterbury representative, Mr. J. G. Crompton. Head Office, Princes Street, Dunedin. Full particulars of this large firm appear in the Otago volume of the Cyclopedia.
Representative of Wise's Directories in Canterbury, is a Lancashire man. He was born in Liverpool in 1833, was educated in Cheshire and brought up to mercantile life. After some years he learned land surveying and farming, and in 1852, came out to Australia per ship “Albatross,” and two years later returned Home via South America. Taking up a large farm in Cumberland, an old homestead known as Calthwaite Hall, he remained there for three years, and subsequently travelled in Scotland as the representative of a Sheffield firm for two years. Arriving in Otago in 1861, at the time of the Gabriel's Gully “rush,” Mr. Crompton resided for thirty years in that provincial district, following gold-buying for several of the banks, and also storekeeping. He followed the various “rushes” in Otago. Removing to Christchurch in 1891, Mr. Crompton has represented Messrs. Wise and Co. since that date. He was married in 1855, in Montrose, Scotland, and has one son and two daughters.
Including—Grain Merchants, Grain and Produce Brokers; Grocers, Millers, Provision Merchants, Tea Dealers, Storekeepers, Etc.
Grain and Produce Merchant, Cashel Street, Christchurch, Mr. Banks has been well known in business circles in Christchurch since 1863. He is further referred to elsewhere as an ex-member of the Christchurch City Council.
(John Atkins Brown), Millers and Grain Merchants, Brookfield Roller Mills, South Belt, Christchurch. Telephone 701; P.O. Box 242. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, “Glancairn,” Fendalton. Cable address,” Peerless, Christchurch.” Telegraphic address. “Brown, Brookfield, Christchurch.” Codes, A.B.C. and private code. This firm's well-equipped mill was erected in 1892, and occupies a freehold section of two acres of land fronting the railway line, with which it is connected by a siding extending for about 500 feet alongside the mill and grain stores. The main building, which is five stories in height, is built of brick, and contains about 12,000 square feet of floor space. The main driving shaft is on the ground floor, which is chiefly occupied by the bottoms of the numerous elevators which communicate with the upper floors. On the first floor are the rollers and flour and bran-packers in full operation. The purifiers and special machinery for making wheatmeal occupy the second floor. The third and top stories are utilised for all the silk-dressing machinery, which includes two five feet Universal Bolters by the E. P. Allis Company of Milwaukee, U.S.A.; these machines, most ingenious in their construction, are said to be the first of the kind introduced into the Southern Hemisphere. The whole of the operations conducted in this very compact mill are absolutely automatic. From the time the wheat is shot into the bins on the basement, it is never touched by hand till, as flour, it is made up in sacks and bags ready for the consumer. During the process of milling, the grain passes from the basement to the various machines on the upper stories backwards and forwards a considerable number of times. The motive power
(T. H. Caverhill and F. W. Hilson), Grain and Produce Merchants, 114 Manchester Street, Christchurch.
formerly Manager of the Kaiapoi branch of the Bank of New Zealand, was born in 1859 at Motunau station, Canterbury. He is the second son of Mr. John Scott Caverhill, and was educated at the old High School, Christchurch, and at Christ's College. In 1873, he entered the service of the Bank of Australasia at Christchurch, remaining in that branch until 1877, when he received the appointment of agent at Rakaia, where he remained for six months and was then transferred to Sanson in the Manawatu district. He joined the Bank of New Zealand in 1879, and was in Christchurch for about twelve months, when he received the appointment of agent at Kaikoura and Oxford. In 1880, he was appointed manager at Palmerston North, where he remained until 1884; then came to the Christchurch branch and was transferred to Kaiapoi as manager in July, 1885. He also managed the Oxford agency from 1888. For a number of years he was an active member of the Kaiapoi school committee. When at the high school in Christchurch, he was lieutenant of the volunteer rifle corps. He has taken a great interest in football ever since his school days, and was secretary of the Kaiapoi football club for two years; he played in several country matches in the Rangitikei and Manawatu districts. In conjunction with Mr. Blackwell, he was instrumental in purchasing the present ground known as Kaiapoi Park, the purchase money, £550, being all paid off by means of bazaars, art unions, etc. He is a life trustee for this property, which is held in trust for the benefit of all local athletic bodies. It has already proved a great boon to the community, as a recreation ground, and is likely to be of greater service in the future. As an adherent of the Presbyterian church, he held the position of local secretary for a time. He is also a strong sympathiser in all temperance movements. Mr. Caverhill was married in December, 1880, to the daughter of Mr. Francis Kelly, of Swannanoa, Canterbury, and has four children.
Limited, 82 to 88 Colombo Street; branch at High Street, Kaiapoi. Officers for 1901: Mr. W. H. McKellow, president; Mr. J. A. Efford, vicepresident; Messrs J. Hislop and H. Chaplin, trustees; Mr M. W. Woodfield, A.N.Z.A.A., secretary. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This society was established in 1889, and has grown and developed with astonishing rapidity; the sales increased from £1200 in 1890 to nearly £25,000 for 1900. On the 30th of June, 1901, the amount of paid-up capital was £3444, on account of transferable and withdrawal shares, and that left an amount of £2107 still uncalled. Dividends at the rate of 8 per cent on transferable and 6 per cent on withdrawal capital have been paid, making a total distribution to shareholders of £1889 on capital invested, and £6245 as bonuses on purchases and wages. This society was one of the first in New Zealand to give its employees a weekly half-holiday, and they enjoyed that privilege several years before the Act on the subject was brought into force. There are grocery, provision, general ironmongery, boot, drapery, mercery, tailoring, and underclothing departments at the society's fine shops in Colombo Street. These shops and eight acres of land are the freehold property of the society.
Grocer and Italian Warehouseman, 222 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Mr. Cook established himself in business in 1890, and he now fulfils orders from all parts of New Zealand. He has a branch establishment at Cheviot, and also a butter factory, where he makes clover-brand butter, which has gained four first prizes at agricultural and pastoral shows in Canterbury. For the year ending December, 1901, the output was sixty tons, all made from pasteurised milk.
Grocer and Tea-Dealer, 103 Victoria Street, Christchurch. Mr. Goode was born in Warwickshire, England, and arrived in New Zealand in 1874. Educated at the St. Albans and Normal public schools, he was apprenticed to Mr. T. Kincaid, Christchurch, and served as journeyman for a short time after the completion of his term. In 1890, he was branch manager for Mr. Allan Smith in Newtown, Wellington, and afterwards in business for himself in that city for about twelve months, then came to Christchurch and established his present business in 1893. Being thoroughly conversant with the requirements of the trade, and a man of push and enterprise, he has been able to command a large measure of success. Mr. Goode is a direct importer, and has exceptional facilities for buying goods at the very lowest wholesale rates.
(E. J. Jackman and John Lord), Grocers and Provision Merchants, 142 Cashel Street, corner of Manchester Street, Christchurch.
Senior Partner in the firm of Jackman and Lord, was born in 1864, in Christchurch, and educated in the Colony. In his boyhood he had some experience in farming, and subsequently got a preliminary insight into mercantile life in Christchurch in the employment of the late Mr. T. H. Green, bacon curer, with whom he was for three years. In his nineteenth year, he joined the New Zealand Farmers' Co-Operative Association, and was appointed manager of the grocery department in 1886. It was then but a very small concern, and gave little promise of the large dimensions to which it has since grown. In the latter part of 1902 Mr. Jackman and Mr. Lord entered into partnership in their present business. Mr. Jackman was married, in 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. Berry, of Christchurch.
is referred to in another article as a member of the Woolston Borough Council.
Grocer and Provision Merchant, and Proprietor of the celebrated Ceylindo Tea, 161 and 163 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Telephone, shop, 565; private house, 668; P.O Box, 180. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Cable address, Kincaid's.” Private residence, 34 Cashel Street. Bacon factory and cool stores, Lichfield Street East. From the time he commenced curing hams and bacon up to the present date (1902) Mr. Kincaid has obtained fifty-three first and special prizes for the excellence of the goods turned out by his firm. Mr. Kincaid is further reterred to in another article as having been for many years a member of the Christchurch City Council.
(William Moir), Millers and Grain Merchants, 108 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 835; P.O. Box 289. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Styx; Mills, South brook. This firm's large milling business was established in 1869 by Mr. Moir, who arrived in Otago in the ship “Alpine” in 1858. He had a short gold-mining experience, and was for two years in the trade before settling in Christchurch. The mill at South-brook is built of wood and iron, five stories in height, and contains about 15,000 square feet of floor space. The mill is driven by an eighty horse-power steam-engine, together with a fourteen horse-power water-wheel, and the plant comprises both stone and roller and oatmeal machinery. The firm's brands are “Zealandia” in flour and “Moir and Co.” in outmeal, and first prizes were gained against all comers at Sydney and melbourne Exhibitions for the latter, and at the Christchurch Exhibition of 1882 for flour. The Southbrook mill will produce about ten tons of roller flour and four tons of stone dressed flour each twenty-four hours, and about four tons of oatmeal. The product of the mill is shipped to all parts of New Zealand and to the Australasian Colonies. Mr. Moir, the proprietor, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1833, and brought up to the trade by his father. He was married in 1863 to a daughter of Mr. John Kain, of Carlow, County Wicklow, Ireland, and has four sons and six daughters.
Grocer and Provision Merchant, 195–197 High Street, Christchurch. Telephone 754. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Asaph Street, Linwood, Mr. Papps, who is a colonist of about twenty-five years' standing, established himself in business soon after landing in Lyttelton. He was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, in 1856, and learned the trade with Mr. James Starling, grocer and provision merchant, of Birkenhead, Cheshire, About six years later he went to Bristol, and engaged in the same business there for two years. Mr. Papps then left England, in 1878, by the ship “Northern Monarch,” and reached Lyttelton in the same year. He was employed as salesman for Mr. Thomas Taylor, grocer, of Christchurch, for about a year, and then he decided to start in business for himself. A partnership was arranged with Mr. Arthur Taylor, and the firm opened in premises in High Street. The partnership was dissolved in its third year, but was renewed four years later, when Mr. Taylor and Mr. Papps took in as partners Messrs Hannibal and Ernest Brown. This firm lasted until twelve or thirteen years ago, and since then Mr. Papps has conducted the business alone. He is fully alive to the requirements of his customers, and keeps a first-class general stock of all lines. A specialty is made of hams and bacon, cured under Mr. Papps' own direction, and for which he has gained a wide reputation. The shop in High Street is brilliantly lighted and very attractive at night, the various lines of goods being displayed to the best possible advantage. Mr. Papps was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr E. Weston, of Birmingham, and has two children.
(Richard Allen, proprietor). Telephone 858. P.O. Box 163a. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Riccarton. This mill was erected by Mr. W. D. Wood in the early sixties, and was subsequently conducted by the firm of Wood Bros., Limited, the present proprietor purchasing the business in 1895. It is a four-storey wooden building, prettily situated on the river Avon, and is driven by a turbine wheel of about forty horse-power. The plant has a capacity of six sacks per hour, and about nine hands are employed. Mr. Allen's trade brand is “Snowball,” and he does business throughout the Colony. Messrs. Quane and Co., of Christchurch, act as manufacturers' agent.
(Claude E. W. Sawtell and John F. Wachsmann). Grain, Seed and Produce Merchants, 134 and 136 Cashel Street, Christchurch. The business was established in 1888, since which it has grown in a really remarkable manner. Owing to the energy displayed in all departments the name of this firm is known favourably throughout the principal colonial markets and also in the great European centres. In 1897, Messrs. Charles Sharpe and Co., Ltd., the well-known seed growers of Sleaford, England, appointed Messrs. Sawtell and Wachsmann their sole agents in New Zealand.
Grocer, Durham Street North (late of the Golden Teapot Stores, Victoria Street), Christchurch. Mr. Smith arrived from Kent, England, in 1879, having served an apprenticeship to the trade and gained general experience in the Old Country. On arrival in the Colony he obtained employment at his calling and for ten years was in the establishments of leading local firms. In 1889, he commenced business on his own account in Colombo Street, removing two years later to Victoria Street, where he built up a good connection under the style of the Victoria Tea Company. Mr. Smith subsequently changed his business address to the locality given above.
(George Gatonby Stead and George Joseph Fisher Palmer), Grain and Export Merchants. Offices, Triaugle, Christchurch. Warehouse and Seed Factory, Addington. This important firm was founded by the senior partner in 1870. The offices comprise a portion of the ground floor of a three-storey building erected by the New Zealand Grain Agency Company, Ltd., which has since become the property of Mr. Stead. The firm has three large grain stores at Addington adjoining the railway, and these have a very large storage capacity; in one of them there is a seed-cleaning plant which
the Senior Partner, is one of the most prominent commercial men in Canterbury. He was born in 1841 in London, where he commenced his primary education, and subsequently completed his studies at St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown. Returning to London in 1865 Mr. Stead left for New Zealand, per ship “Talbot” in the following year, and joined the staff of the Union Bank of Australia, in Christchurch, soon after his arrival. He remained in the service of that institution until 1870, when he entered into partnership with the late Mr. William Royse, under the style of Royse, Stead and Co., as grain and export merchants. The firm conducted a large and successful business till 1882, when they disposed of it to the New Zealand Grain Agency Company, Ltd., which, however, discontinued business in 1884. Mr. Stead has long been prominently connected with public enterprises in Canterbury; he is chairman of directors of “The Press” Newspaper Company, Ltd., and a director of the Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, Ltd., S. Manning and Co., Ltd., and the New Zealand Shipping Company. He was a promoter and deputy-chairman of the Union Insurance Company up to the time of its purchase by the Alliance Assurance Company of London, of which he is now deputy-chairman in New Zealand. He was foremost in the formation of the Canterbury Club, has long been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was president during the years 1881-5-6, and took a leading part in the establishment of the Tai Tapu and Central Dairy Factories. Mr. Stead was the moving spirit of the Press Relief Fund and Winter Work Fund, which rendered such good service to the necessitous of Christchurch during two winters, and he assisted to forward the Brunner Relief Fund by his influence. It will be remembered that during the great maritime strike of 1800, Mr. Stead was active in organising the freelabourers in Lyttelton, and at the general election held at the end of that year, he became a candidate for the House of Representatives for the Avon constituency, but was defeated, owing to the labour party opposing his return, by a comparatively nar row majority of 160. Mr. Stead has long been conspicuous in racing matters in Canterbury, and has filled the office of treasurer of the Jockey Club for twenty-five years. He is one of the largest owners of racehorses in the Colony, and has been very successful as a prize-winner. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Stout-Vogel Ministry. It was he who initiated the patriotic movement which resulted in Canterbury providing and equipping a troop of 110 mounted men, who were despatched to South Africa by the s.s. “Knight Templar” in February, 1900. Mr. Stead was married in 1876 to a daughter of Mr. Wilkinson, of Yorkshire, England, and has three sons and one daughter.
Partner in the firm of Messrs Stead and Co., was born in Christchurch in 1864, and is a son of Mr. Joseph Palmer, for many years Chief Officer for New Zealand of the Union Bank of Australia. He was educated at Christ's College, and afterwards joined the Christchurch branch of the Union Bank, on the staff of which he remained for fourteen years. He then severed his connection with that institution to take up his present position as partner in the extensive business of Messrs Stead and Co. Mr. Palmer takes a great interest in sports. He is a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and has been in turn president and captain of the Christchurch Polo Club, of which he is still a member.
Produce Merchants, Armagh Street. Christchurch. Telephone 77. This firm's large brick premises, which face Market Place and Victoria Square, and occupy a quarter of an acre of land, are stored with wheat, oats, barley, and the various other stocks appertaining to a general produce store. An extensive business is done in chaff-cutting, and pressing hay into bales. The motive power for this purpose is a Crossley and Otto ten horse-power gas
Flour Millers, Grain and Produce Merchants, 198 High Street, Christchurch. Mills, Addington. Branch, New Plymouth. The important business of this firm has grown from a very small beginning made by the founder, Mr. William Derisley Wood, who erected the first windmill in the neighbourhood of Christchurch, on the Windmill Road. The plant was completed and operations commenced on the 25th of August, 1856, since which the firm has continuously supplied flour of a very fine quality to Canterbury settlers. It was not long before the capacity of the windmill was totally insufficient to meet requirements, and it became an imperative necessity that a much larger plant should be erected. Mr. Wood was successful in securing the lease of water rights at Ricearton, where a much larger mill was built and started in 1860. With the growth of settlement the demand for Wood's flour increased, and further extension of the milling premises and plant became necessary. Additional machinery was procured and the grinding power of the mill largely increased, the output of fine flour being fully doubled. Up to this time Messrs. Wood Bros.' mills were worked on the old stone system, but with the introduction of the roller process into New Zealand the firm decided to adopt it and keep pace with the times. Mr. Henry Wood visited England and America in order to acquaint himself with the different systems in use, and the result of his visit was the decision to erect the large steam-mill at Addington. The splendid structure is built of brick and four stories in height. Motive power is supplied by a magnificent steam-engine of 120 horse-power. The whole of the machinery, which was imported, is of the latest roller type, and the capacity of the mill when in full work is equal to the production of fifteen sacks of finished flour per hour. About sixty tons of coal are consumed per month in connection with the Addingon mill, which is considered to be one of the best in the Colony, and is admirably situated at Addington station at the junction of the North and South lines of railway, with the addington advantage of a siding whereby large supplies of grain brought in from the country are received direct from the trucks and waggons which also are loaded with outgoing freight. Messrs. Wood Bros., Ltd., have been exhibitors at all the principal foreign and colonial exhibitions, and have secured a large number of certificates. At the Industrial Exhibition of 1895 they had a well arranged show of their famous roller flour, wheaten meal, porridge meal, and semolina. Mr. W. D. Wood, the founder of the firm, landed in Lyttelton in 1850 by the ship “Randolph,” one of the “four pilgrim ships.” In 1892 the business, together with the grain, farm, and dairy export trade, was incorporated into a company under the style of Wood Bros., Ltd., of which Mr. Wood is chairman.
Grain and Produce Merchant. Lower High Street, Christchurch. Mr. Woods' business was established in 1885. He himself is referred to in another article as a former member of the Christchurch City Council.
Including—Basket, Brush and Broom, Coffee and Spice, Gas and Electric Light Manufacturers, Rope and Twine, Sausage Skins, Soap and Candle, Spring and Wire Mattresses, Wire Workers; Boat Builders; Paint and Oilskin Manufacturers; Umbrella Makers.
Bedford Preserving Works, Manufacturers of Pickles, Sauces, Malt Vinegar, Jams and Jellies, Herbal Beer, Ginger Beer, Sarsaparilla, Hop Tonic, Jargonelle Tonic, Fruit Wines, etc., London Street, Richmond, Christchurch. This business was established in 1898 by the present proprietors, who, at the outset, adopted modern methods of manufacture, and have always maintained a high standard of purity in all their manufactures. Besides supplying some of the city merchants, Messrs Barcock and Co. have an increasing private trade throughout Christchurch and suburbs. The factory possesses an excellent plant, the most prominent features of which are the large steam engine and boiler, the steam vats for boiling the beverages, and the steam jacketpans for the jams. There are several store rooms for sauces and jams, and a packing room, whence goods are despatched to the various customers.
is a native of Bedford, England. Soon after his arrival in New Zealand he established himself in business at Rakata, and afterwards settled in Christchurch. Mr. Barcock is married, and resides in London Street, in the Richmond Ward of Christchurch.
Brushware Manufacturer, Cashel Street, Christchurch. This business was bought by Mr. Bunting from Messrs Nind-Ward and Co., in 1895, when it was employing seven hands. Under the new management the business increased to such an extent in two years that it was necessary for Mr. Bunting to pay a visit to the Old Country in search of new machinery, with the result that he has now the most up-to-date brush-making plant in New Zealand, and constantly employes from forty-five to fifty hands. His brushware is well known throughout New Zealand, and business is increasing rapidly, so that the present commodious premises will shortly require to be extended.
Limited. R. C. Bishop, secretary; and A. Neil, manager of the works. Offices, corner of Worcester street and Oxford Terrace; show-rooms, 199 Colombo Street; works, Waltham Road, Sydenham. This large and successful company was established in 1864. It has now a capital of £160,000, of which £120,000 is paid up. Its reserve fund exceeds £16,000. The value of its working plant, mains, meters, freehold property, and buildings is over £120,000, besides which a sum exceeding £7500 is invested on good securities. The company has paid a steady dividend at the rate of ten per cent per annum. Twelve thousand tons of coal are carbonised every year, the product being 114 million cubic feet of gas, which is disposed of at the rate of 6s 3a per 1000 feet for household consumption, and 5s per 1000 feet for motive power. There are eighty-four miles of mains laid down in the city and suburbs, and the number of consumers exceeds 4500. Formerly there were three large gas-holders at the works with a capacity, respectively, of 340,000, 80,000, and 40,000, or a total of 460,000 cubic feet; and a fourth, with a capacity of 400,000 cubic feet, has recently been erected. The number of retorts is 127, capable of producing 650,000 cubic feet of gas daily. The company claims to be the only gas company in the Southern Hemisphere which manufactures its own gas stoves, a very large number of which have already been made, and admitted to be equal, if not superior, to the imported article.
J.P., F.I.A.N.Z., Secretary of the Christchurch Gas Company, is one of the very early settlers of Canterbury, having arrived with his father, the late Mr. C. W. Bishop, in 1850 in the ship “Charlotte Jane,” the first of the now historical “four ships” which brought the first “pilgrim fathers” to Lyttelton. Born in 1847, at Bermondsey, London, the subject of this notice was educated at Christ's College, and was brought up to mercantile life in Australia. He was engaged with a land and estate agent and surveyor, had a seven years' experience on the West Coast diggings, and was for some time in the Justice Department. Mr. Bishop returned to Christchurch in 1872, and joined his father in business as an accountant and commission agent. The late Mr. Bishop was secretary to the Christchurch Gas Company from its inception until his death, when Mr. R. C. Bishop succeeded to the position, which he still holds. He was a member of the Christchurch City Council for Northeast Ward for a number of years. As a resident of New Brighton, he took an active part in promoting the incorporation of his district into a borough, and was elected its first mayor, being returned unopposed for a second term at the end of 1897. Mr. Bishop has also been an active Volunteer both on the West Coast and in Christchurch. At the age of eighteen he was sergeant in the original No. 2 Rifle Corps. After his return to Christchurch, he was captain of the City Guards, from which he retired after many years' service. Mr. Bishop has taken a very active interest in
Perambulator Manufacturer, corner of High and Tuam Streets, Christchurch. Mr. Clegg established himself in this line of business in Auckland in 1884, and five years later removed to Christchurch. He served his time at the trade in Manchester, leaving that city in 1883 for the Colony. Mr. Clegg has been successful in building up an extensive trade throughout New Zealand, especially with perambulators and go-carts. His works are the largest of the kind in New Zealand.
(George C. Hayward and Joseph Robert Hayward), Malt-vinegar, Pickle, and Sauce Manufacturers, 171 Peterborough Street, Christchurch. Telephone 588; P.O. Box 163. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. G. C. Hayward, Kilmore Street; Mr. J. R. Hayward, Hereford Street, Linwood. This well-known firm was established in 1890 after the return of the junior partner from London, where he had spent two years in the factory of Messrs. Hayward Bros., pickle, sauce, and vinegar manufacturers. From very small beginnings the firm has made rapid progress. The factory has a floor space of over 21,000 square feet. The “Flag Brand” of pickles, sauces and vinegar is familiar throughout the length and breadth of the Colony, and occupies the front rank in the manufactures of New Zealand. Over thirty first-class awards have been gained by the firm at various exhibitions. In addition to the manufacture of all kinds of pickles and sauces Messrs Hayward Bros, make cordials, lemon squash, baking powder, etc.
(Frederick Trent, sole proprietor), Manufacturers of Chicory, Pepper, Coffee, and Spices, corner of Durham and Chester Streets, Christchurch. This business, whose founder was the first to grow and manufacture chicory in the Australasian colonies, was established in 1868, when Mr. E. W. Trent bought about 150 acres of land near the Templeton railway station, and there began the cultivation of chicory. As early as 1873 the chicory grown on the property and manufactured in Mr. Trent's mill, gained the world's award at the Vienna Exhibition. At the Christchurch Exhibition, in 1882, Messrs Trent Bros, gained a special gold medal for the general excellence of their manufactures, as well as first awards at the Melbourne and Sydney Exhibitions. The farm at Templeton is now 600 acres in extent, and some of the produce is exported to all parts of the Aus tralasian colonies. Some years ago the firm purchased the world's rights of Dr Brandt's malted food, and its business in this manufacture has so rapidly extended in Australia as to necessitate the establishment of a branch office in Sydney for the distribution of this much appreciated product. The Christchurch factory, which was established in 1874, is domiciled in a two-storey brick building. Mr. Frederick Trent is referred to in another article as a member of the Christchurch Licensing Committee.
Umbrella Manfacturer, Armagh Street, Christchurch. Mr. Vear was born in Christchurch on the 5th of June, 1879. As a manufacturer of umbrellas he is carving out a successful career for himself. Owing to his father's retirement from business he is manager of the establishment in Armagh Street, where a large wholesale trade is carried on. About two years ago, he had a tempting offer to go to London for a year's training in Long and Co.'s celebrated Westend house. This opportunity he promptly seized, sailing four days later for Sydney by the “Waikare.” From Sydney he sailed for London in the well-known “Ophir,” and arrived in the Thames three days before Christmas. Mr. Vear's experience, during the year spent in London, was a broad and extremely valuable one. He went through the various departments of umbrella and parasol manufacture, visited stick and silk factories, and made arrangements for a constant supply of the latest fashions in silks and mixtures for the Christchurch trade, at rock-bottom quotations. He returned to New Zealand by the “Rimutaka,” direct, and had a pleasant trip. Ladies and gentlemen requiring parasols or umbrellas should inspect Mr. Vear's local manufactures, which are equal to the finest London finished article, and can be obtained for at least 20 per cent less cost. Mr. Vear is further referred to in the Social Section of this volume under the heading of Hockey.
Including—Goldsmiths, Diamond Cutters, Mounters and Setters; Opticians; Watchmakers and Jewellers.
Watchmaker and Manufacturing Jeweller, 210 High Street, Christchurch. Mr. Butcher was born in London, where he served an apprenticeship as a watchmaker and manufacturing jeweller. He arrived in New Zealand in 1885, and established himself in business in High Street in 1895.
(Francis J. Smith, proprietor), Manufacturing Jewellers, Watchmakers and Opticians, Importers of Mathematical Instruments, Diamonds, Precious Stones, Clocks, Watches, and Jewellery, 218 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This business was established by Mr. G. Coates in Nelson in 1851, and removed to Christchurch in 1861, and is one of the oldest and one of the leading firms in Canterbury. In 1868 Mr. Smith entered into partnership with Mr. H. Thompson, and purchased the business, carrying it on under the name of G. Coates and Co. In 1882 a handsome brick building was erected to accommodate the increased business. Mr. Thompson retired in 1890, and Mr. Smith was joined by Mr. W. G. Coates, son of the founder of the firm. Mr. Coates retired in 1893, and since then Mr. Smith has traded as G. Coates and Co. The handsome interior of the shop gives every facility for the display of the extensive stock held by the firm. There are full and up-to-date lines of all goods pertaining to the business, including watches of all descriptions, clocks, chronographs, carriage and French striking clocks, jewellery of the latest designs, and solid silver goods, importations of which are received every month. There is also a splendid stock of instruments of the best quality for draughtsmen and surveyors, altitude aneroids, maximum and minimum, self-registering thermometers, field and opera glasses, Goertz's binoculars, diamonds, and precious stones. Designs for special work in plain gold or set with gems are prepared by the firm free of cost, on application.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, 155 Colombo Street, Christchurch. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, May's Road, Papanui. Mr. Grieshaber was born in 1853, in Baden, Germany, where he was educated, and served an apprenticeship of three and a half years to the watchmaking and jewellery trade. He subsequently worked as an assistant in London, Birmingham, Worcester, South Wales, Essex, and Kent. While in London he was employed at the establishments of Messrs. Benson, Lockhart Hill, and Connell, 83 Cheapside. Mr. Grieshaber came to Lyttelton in 1877 per ship “Crusader,” and established himself at his trade in the same year. He is a direct importer of every description of manufactured articles, as well as being himself a manufacturer of jewellery, rings, brooches, etc., in every variety, for stock as well as to order, his specialty being diamond-setting. The premises occupied in Colombo Street are centrally situated, and consist of a two storey brick building. The shop is well-appointed in every respect, and fitted with handsome counters and show-cases. The work-room is situated on the first floor, and has all the necessary machinery for the trade. Mr. Grieshaber has complete sight-testing appliances, and undertakes the grinding and fitting of lenses to suit all eyes, for which he has a large, up-to-date stock of optical requisites. His business extends throughout Canterbury, and he makes monthly trips into the country districts. Mr. Grieshaber was married in 1884 to a daughter of the late Mr. Strien, of Prussia.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Manufacturer and Patentee of Electrical “Tell-Tale” and Factory Clocks, 251 High Street, Christchurch. Mr. Gundersen is a native of Bergen, Norway, where he was apprenticed to the trade; and he
D.B.O.A. and F.S.M.C., Consulting Optician, 187 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 397. This business was established in 1899, in well appointed apartments above the premises of the well-known jewellery business of the late Mr. M. Sandstein. The consulting room occupies the fore part of the floor, and is furnished with all the modern optical appliances used in connection with the profession in the most advanced centres of England and America. The workshops are likewise up to date, whilst the waiting room is a model for convenience and comfort. Mr. Ernest Mark Sandstein, the founder and present proprietor of the business, is an optician and refractionist of the most modern experience, having just recently returned from England, where he spent six years in studying the most advanced and effective methods of remedying defective vision. He is a son of the late Mr. M. Sandstein, who established the jewellery business—now carried on by his son in Cashel Street—in 1862, and a brother of Dr. Alfred Charles Sandstein, M.D., of Edinburgh, who, as a medical student, has one of the most brilliant careers on record. Mr. E. M. Sandstein was born in Christchurch, in 1871, and educated at the Boys' High School. At the age of twenty he proceeded to London, where he studied under some of the most brilliant opticians of England, and in 1897 gained his diploma as a D.B.O.A. In the following year he became a Fellow of the Spectacle Makers' Company, and in 1899 returned to Christchurch, where he established his present business. In this enterprise he has met with considerable success, and has been patronised by some of the best known people of the colony. As a violinist Mr. Sandstein has taken a prominent part in public performances in Christchurch, and, when in London, he became a member of one of the principal orchestral societies—the Strolling Players' Amateur Orchestral Society.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Diamond Setter, Cashel Street, Christchurch. Mr. Sandstein established his business in 1862. He died in 1901, but the business is still carried on in his name.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, 175 Colombo Street, Christchurch. A native of Inverness-shire, Scotland, where he was brought up to the trade, Mr. Urquhart arrived in the Colony in 1860. His business was established in 1859 by Mr. Carl Asmussen, and has been conducted by the present proprietor almost since his arrival in the Colony.
Watch and Chronometer Maker, Morten's Buildings, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Arriving in the Colony in 1883 from London, where he had learned his trade, Mr. Wakelin was for six years in the service of Messrs B. Petersen and Co. He was the winner of medals at the Agricultural Hall, London, for watchwork models for teaching apprentices.
(Seth R. Whale, working jeweller, and Cyril K. Whale, practical watchmaker), Manufacturing Jewellers, Watchmakers, and Importers, 230 Colombo Street; Workshop in Chancery Lane, Christchurch. This partnership was formed in 1901, when the premises in Colombo Street, opposite Messrs Cook and Ross's, were acquired. The business has from the first rapidly increased in all its branches—watchmaking, repairing, and jewellery—and the firm has received a large amount of patronage throughout Christchurch and its suburbs, besides securing a growing country trade. The shop facing Colombo Street is fitted with well-filled show cases, in which a good general stock of electro-plate, silver plate, handsome clocks of various styles, and other high-class articles are displayed to advantage. The counter cases also are well stocked with tastefully arranged gold and silver brooches, case goods, sleeve links, watches, etc. The arrangement of the windows also shows excellent taste, and displays a very fine assortment of jewellery, electro-plate, and other goods of the very best quality. One window especially is stocked with an artistic display of greenstone goods. At the workshop in Chancery Lane there is a competent staff of working jewellers, and the interesting art of manufacturing jewellery is carried on in all its stages, from the melting of the gold to the setting of precious gems.
the Senior Partner, served an apprenticeship with Messrs Taylor and Co., manufacturing jewellers to the trade in Christchurch, and was for four years in that firm's employment as working jeweller. He then, in 1898, started in business on his own account in Chancery Lane, where he met with a large amount of success in manufacturing for the trade only.
served an apprenticeship to watchmaking, and was afterwards employed by Mr. George Oxley, of Pahiatua, and was also for some years watchmaker to Mr. Frank Hyams, who has one of the leading businesses in New Zealand.
Watchmaker, Manufacturing Jeweller, and Importer, 208 Colombo Street. Christchurch. Established in 1878. All kinds of jewellery, Including wedding-rings and keepers, are made on the premises, which are registered as a workshop under the “Factories Act.” Mr. White was previously in business in Taunton, Somersetshire, England.
Watchmaker and Manufacturing Jeweller, 261 High Street, Christchurch; branches at 64 Colombo Road, Sydenham, and West End, Kaikoura. Mr. Whitehead established himself in business in 1890, and met with success at the outset, his connection gradually widening, and now he has three shops, each of which does a considerable business. The premises in High Street are Mr. Whitehead's headquarters, where the manufacture of jewellery is carried on. There is a fine display of all kinds of jewellery and electro-plate. Amongst the jewellery there is a great variety of New Zealand greenstone, mounted in gold, and of the latest and most exquisite designs. The interior of the shop is so tastefully arranged that a visitor sees at a glance the quality of the stock kept on the premises—in gold and silver watches, clocks of all sizes and designs, plated goods, field glasses, and other lines. Mr. Whitehead does a very large trade in repairing. At his Sydenham shop Mr. Whitehead has a good general stock of watches and jewellery, and this branch also has a large connection for repairs. The branch at the West End, Kaikoura, has recently been opened under the management of the proprietor's brother, Mr. E. Whitehead, and contains a general stock of watches and jewellery and plated ware. Mr. Whitehead's special line, namely, greenstone goods of his own manufacture, is also well represented at the Kaikoura branch. Mr. Whitehead is a son of Mr. G. J. Whitehead, of the Christchurch Post Office; a very old colonist, who arrived in Canterbury in 1852. He has been connected with the post office for over thirty years, and is now chief of the mail room staff.
Head office and central depôt, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. Depôts and stables at Worcester Street, Sumner, Papanui, Riccarton, Halswell, and Tai Tapu. The Canterbury Tramway Company (from which the present company took over the tramways in 1893) commenced running cars in 1879. Since then the lines have been greatly extended, and now run from the centre of the city, Cathedral Square, to the Papanui railway station, to Sunnyside on the Lincoln Road, through Sydenham to the Port Hills at the end of Colombo street, Christchurch Railway Station, and to Sumner via the Ferry Road, Woolston, the estuaries of the Avon, and Heathcote and the sea-beach. The total length of lines is eighteen miles. The Sumner line is worked by steam motors, and the other lines with horses. The company employs a large staff of engine-drivers, horse-drivers, stablemen, guards, platelayers, and has a number of mechanics in the workshops, where cars are built and painted and engines and machinery kept in repair.
Chairman of the Christchurch Tramway Company, Limited, who has been at its head since its inception, is elsewhere referred to as a member of the Christchurch City Council.
Secretary of the Christchurch Tramway Company, Limited, was born in Lyttelton in 1862, educated at Christ's College, and brought up to mercantile life in Christchurch. Mr. Hartland was subsequently for five years in Townsville, North Queensland, but returned to his native country in 1889. He joined the service of the Canterbury Tramway Company in 1891, as secretary, and on the inception of the Christchurch Tramway Company in 1893, was appointed to his present position.
Traffic Manager of the Christchurch Tramway Co., was born in Christchurch in 1857. He was brought up to the coaching business, and in 1878 established a line of omnibuses on the Riccarton Road, which he conducted for fifteen years, when he sold out his interest to the tramway company, and was appointed to his present position. Mr. Wood was married in 1879 to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomson, of Riccarton, and has two sons and three daughters.
Registered offices, 49 Cathedral Square, Christchurch. This company runs a direct line to New Brighton. It extends from Cathedral Square through the city, borough of Linwood, Heathcote road board district, passes the Public Cemetery, crosses the river Avon, and terminates at the New Brighton pier—a total distance of five miles and a half. The company has stables in the city, New Brighton, and at the Junction. It was incorporated in 1885, and the dividends have averaged over seven per cent per annum.
Chairman and Managing Director of the New Brighton Tramway Company, is referred to in another article as mayor of New Brighton.
who is a Director of the New Brighton Tramway Company, Limited, with which he has been connected since 1886, was born in Dunedin in 1863, and was educated in Wellington and Christchurch. He served his articles as a surveyor with Messrs. McIntyre and Lewis, became qualified in 1886, and joined the firm as a partner. Mr. Slater finds recreation in aquatics, and has been a member of the New Brighton Sailing Club since 1891, and captain since 1893. He was married in 1889 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Jones, of Christchurch, and has one daughter.
formerly Manager of the New Brighton Tramway Company, Limited, was born in 1863 at Upper Riccarton, where he was educated and brought up to farming pursuits. He was for four years driver of the Riccarton coach, and on the occasion of the first tram being driven to New Brighton, in 1886, he was in charge as driver. Two years later Mr. Thomson was promoted to be traffic manager, and held the position till 1895, when he was entrusted with the management of the company. He was zealous and painstaking, and was the first to introduce the system of driving four horses in tram cars. He initiated the system of sixpenny return fares which has proved a great boon to families and others seeking a day's outing at the seaside. Mr. Thomson was married in 1885 to a daughter of Mr. J. Lister, of Balcairn, and had one daughter. He died on the 13th of July, 1902.
Including—Coopers, Sash and Door Manufacturers, Sawmillers, Timber Merchants, Venetian Blind Makers and Wood Turners.
(John Thompson Brown and John Brown), Timber and Coal Merchants, 79 Colombo Street, corner of Tuam Street, Christchurch. Established in 1868 by the senior partner, the business has been conducted under its present style since 1889. Mr. Brown, who is a shipwright by trade, hails from Sunderland, and arrived in the Colony in 1858. For the first seven years of his Colonial experience, he was engaged as a shipwright at Port Levy, Banks' Peninsula, and for three years in Lyttelton. The firm is a direct importer of builders' ironmongery of all kinds, and supplies every description of building materials required by the trade. It keeps a large stock of New Zealand and foreign and Colonial timbers, coal, galvanised iron, fire-bricks, and tiles.
Timber Merchant, Tuam Street, Christchurch. Telephone 225; P.O. Box 313. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Holly Road. Mr. England has been in business since his arrival in the Colony in 1860, and since 1881 has confined himself to the timber trade on the present site in Tuam Street, where he has an acre and a quarter of freehold land. He transacts a large business, both in imported and New Zealand timbers. He pays special attention to maintaining large stocks in order to thoroughly season in the stacks and racks before being delivered. Mr. England is referred to in other articles as chairman of the South Waimakariri River Board, and as a former member of the Christchurch City Council.
Timber Merchant, Saw-miller, etc., Corner of Peterborough and Durham Streets, Christchurch. This business was founded by the late Mr. James Goss, who landed in New Zealand in 1858, and established himself as a builder in Christchurch in 1859. He carried on that trade till 1868, when he became a timber merchant, and soon after established a sawmill, with a department for builders' ironmongery, and a joinery factory for the supply of the trade. The buildings are of a permanent and extensive character, and fully equipped with complete machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of joinery, doors, and sashes, etc. The firm as a direct importer of builders' ironmongery of every description.
(Harry Tom and Eden William Smith), Sawmillers, Tuam Street, Christchurch. This business was established in 1892, and has since then been conducted continuously by the present proprietors as a general sawing, moulding, and planing mill. The motive power is steam, which is supplied by two large multitubular high-pressure boilers; the engines are of the compound condensing type, and develop about one hundred horse-power. Nothing is wanting in the plant, which consists of planing, moulding, and sawing machinery of the latest and most suitable description. The ground floor covers a space of 18,620 feet, and the buildings, which are lighted throughout by the electric light, are commodious and fitted with suitable and modern improvements. The proprietors of the business are both practical and experienced men. The senior partner, Mr. H. T. Smith, arrived in the colony from London in 1883, but Mr. E. W. Smith had come out seven years previously, having arrived from Ireland in 1876. Mr. H. T. Smith is an engineer, while his partner is a machinist by trade, and their long experience and personal supervision are guarantees that work at the mills is done in a thoroughly up-to-date style.
Wood-Turner and Chair-Maker, 190 Tuam Street, Christchurch. Mr. Smith established his business in 1874. Born in Tasmania, where he learned his trade, he arrived in New Zealand in 1861. His premises are extensive, affording over 1300 square feet of floor space. The plant, which consists of lathes, circular and band saws, and other machinery, is driven by a two and a half horse-power vertical steam-engine. All kinds of turning and band-sawing for builders' work in stone or wood is executed by Mr. Smith, who also makes a specialty of the manufacture of Windsor and other chairs. Before settling in Christchurch, Mr. Smith was for two years in business in Invercargill.
(Thomas Wallace and Patrick Arthur Laurie), Timber and General Merchants. Office, 88 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Telephone 253; P.O. Box 184. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mills at Little River. This business was established in 1881 by Mr. R. H. Wood, and has been carried on under the present style since Mr. Wallace joined the firm.
Cooper, Christchurch, with branches at Islington and Templeton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 17 Antigua Street. Mr. Russell was born in Scotland in 1846, came to New Zealand at the age of sixteen, and worked at his trade. He established his present business in 1887, with a complete plant and a ten horse-power engine. Mr. Russell is the Inventor of a patent chiming and crozing machine for grooving the ends of casks or barrels. It is very simple in construction, and does its work cleanly and accurately, reducing the hitherto laborious effort of planing to one of ease and expedition. The machine is a solid spindle, mounted on standards projecting about six inches on each side beyond its bearings. Four cutting tools are fitted on a circular cutter head at each extremity. By means of this very simple contrivance two casks can be accurately cut at the same time, a regular groove or croze being made round the inside of the staves. The machine is so adjusted as to insure a straight course for the teeth of the cutting tools, and there is a complete arrangement whereby the cask is held in position during the process of the operation. The spindle revolves at the rate of 1500 revolutions per minute, and at the same time the casks make a rotary motion in the opposite direction. A single revolution of the cask is sufficient to bevel the ends, plane the inside surface of the staves, and cut the grooves for the cask's head. The machine is simply invaluable for the purposes for which it is constructed, and is so rapid in its work that two ends of a large cask can be completely operated on in less than a minute. The machine is compact in size, occupying a floor space of about three feet by two, is strongly built, and is already in considerable demand in New Zealand and Australia. It is manufactured by Messrs. Scott Bros., of Christchurch, and has been introduced into England.
When the future historian, novelist, dramatist, or student of life turns, as turn he will, to the Cyclopedia of New Zealand for information or inspiration, it is probable that the sections devoted to old colonists will interest him most and delay him longest, especially if he is in search of the distinctive human elements and vicissitudes of early colonial times. It is no part of the plan of the conductors of the Cyclopedia to publish biographies of all old colonists; that would be practically impossible, and it is not necessary for any practical purpose; but in this section, and in the corresponding sections of other volumes, sketches that are interesting in themselves, and invaluable for the light they throw on the characters and lives of pioneer colonists and on the salient characteristics of early colonial life and enterprise, are presented to the reader. Nor is this all; for glimpses into other times, customs and countries are obtained by means of not a few of these notices, which touch on adventures, disclose elements of romance, and present views of many-coloured life throughout that older and larger outer world, whence the early colonists came to this country. It is true that biographies which contribute to these results are to be found in well nigh all parts of the Cyclopedia, and in connection with the names of men who are not in a specific sense old colonists. Then, in keeping with the plan of the work, many of the fathers and founders of the country are dealt with under the districts to which they belonged or still belong through residence; but where convenience is served and nothing else is prejudiced, notices of old colonists never specially or continuously connected with Christchurch or its suburbs are, in some instances, brought into this section, which includes, also, names of men who have been connected with the public service.
J.P., was born at Wilden Manor, Worcestershire, England, in 1843, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Adams, an English solicitor, who took up two runs in the Wairau, and afterwards became leader of the separation movement between Nelson and the Wairau, afterwards called Marlborough, of which latter province he was the first Superintendent; he was also the first Commissioner of Crown Lands, and afterwards member of the House of Representatives for Picton. The family arrived in Nelson by the ship “Eden,” in 1850, and while Mr. Adams, senior, was engaged in politics, his son had his first experience in sheep-farming, in the management of his father's runs. Mr. Adams, senior, on retiring from political life, took Mr. Travers' place in the firm of Travers and Kingdon, of Nelson, the style being altered to Adams and Kingdon. Mr. Travers came to Christchurch and established the well-known legal firm known afterwards as Harper and Co. Mr. Acton-Adams was articled in 1862 to his father's firm, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1867. For two years, subsequently, he studied at the Inner Temple, London, returned to Nelson, in 1869, and became a junior partner in the firm of Adams and Kingdon. The business of this firm largely increased, and was the leading legal firm in Nelson and surrounding districts. During ‘Mr. Acton-Adams’ visit to England, he married the eldest daughter of the late T. R. Leadam, M.D., 1 York Place, Portland Square, London. After some years of successful practice in Nelson. Mr. Acton-Adams in 1878 purchased a half-share in the Tarndale run from the Hon. N. Edwards, and subsequently acquired the other half from that gentleman's partner, Mr. John Kerr. During the seventies, Mr. Acton-Adams represented Nelson in the Provincial Council, and as leader of the Opposition carried and established the principle of the responsibility to the Council of the Executive, which had up to that time been nominated by the Superintendent. In 1872, as treasurer of the Nelson and West Coast Railway League, he drew the first scheme for constructing the line by means of land grants, the principles of which were afterwards adopted in connection with that, and with the East and West Coast railways. Mr. Acton-Adams was elected a member of the House of Representatives by a large majority for Nelson in 1878, after one of the most keenly contested elections ever held in that town. Colonel Pitt being his opponent. He entered the House as a supporter of Sir John Hall, and voted with the want of confidence motion carried against the Grey Government. In the election which followed immediately on the resignation of that government. Mr. Acton-Adams was again returned for Nelson as a supporter of the Hall Ministry. In 1881 over-work produced a very serious illness, and although he was requested by an influential deputation at his bedside not to resign, Mr. Adams thought it fairer to retire from polities as his medical advisers held out no hope of his recovery, and meanwhile his constituents were unrepresented; and it is interesting to note that the seat thus vacated has not since been occupied by a member of his party. Retiring from the firm of Adams and Kingdon in favour of his brother, and from all his public positions, Mr. Acton Adams went on an extended trip to Europe to regain his health, taking his family with him. Rest and freedom from worry worked wonders, and after two years, Mr. Acton-Adams returned to the Colony, settling in Christchurch in 1883, in consequence of an agreement not to practise in Nelson. Having been a supporter of the West Coast Railway, Mr. Acton-Adams joined the Christchurch League in 1885, and with his friends carried the principle of connection with Nelson and formed the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway League, of which on the retirement of Mr. Chrystall he became chairman. Mr. Acton-Adams worked enthusiastically in connection with the Railway League, and supervised the issue of the well-known “History of the East and
who is an old colonist and a long-standing Canterbury settler, and the son of the Rev. William Adley, late of South Wales, was born in Ceylon in 1832, and was educated at King William's College, Isle of Man. At the age of nineteen he sailed for Lyttelton in the ship “Castle Eden,” settled in Christchurch, was employed in the grocery trade with Mr. George Gould (afterwards Gould and Miles), and three years later with Mr. J. S. White, of Kaiapoi. For a short time, subsequently, he had a goldfields' experience at Gabriel's Gully, Otago, and on his return to Canterbury was for a short time employed in business as a grocer. Mr. Adley entered into boarding-house keeping on the site of the Oxford Hotel, which he built in 1860, and conducted for twelve years, retiring in 1873, when he purchased property at Opawa. Mr. Adley was married, in 1858, to the widow of the late Mr. East, of Oxford, England. She died in 1890, leaving one son, Mr. H. A. Adley, joint agent and attorney of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co., and secretary of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.
was born in London in 1846 and brought to Auckland by his parents during the same year. He was educated at public schools and at the Wesleyan College in the northern city. After serving a seven years' apprenticeship as a shipwright, Mr. Anderson went to sea for some years, then followed his trade till 1873, when he removed to Christchurch. He worked at the building of the Cathedral for some time and was afterwards made caretaker of the tower and steeple, and in 1883 was appointed verger. Mr. Anderson is an old volunteer and saw service during the Maori war, for which he received the New Zealand medal. He was one of the promoters and a member of the Christchurch Engineer Corps in 1885, and rose to the rank of lieutenant four years later. For many years he was secretary of the Garrison library. Mr. Anderson was married in 1873 to a daughter of Mr. W. Pierce, of Christchurch; but she died, leaving one son and one daughter. He afterwards married a daughter of Mr. W. Foster, of Tasmania, and has seven sons and one daughter by this union.
was born in 1848 in Rugby, England, and arrived with his parents by the ship “Charlotte Jane” in 1850. He was educated at Christ's College and was brought up to pastoral pursuits, in which he engaged in South Canterbury till 1886. After settling in Christchurch, Mr. Barker was appointed Librarian of the Supreme Court in 1887. He was secretary of the St. John Ambulance Association and of the Christchurch Domain Board, also supervisor of New Zealand University Examinations held in Christchurch, and a member of the committee of the Christchurch Beautifying Association. Mr. Barker was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Colonel Lean, who was then commanding officer of the Canterbury Volunteer District. He died on the 17th of September, 1901, leaving a widow, four sons and three daughters.
was born in Peckham, near London, in 1833. He was educated at a private school and at King's College, Somerset House, London. Mr. Beatson was brought up as an architect, engineer, and surveyor in London by his father, and served as a pupil for five years. He came out to Nelson per ship “Midlothian” in 1851, and
was born on the estate of Balmadies, Forfarshire, Scotland, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Matoaka” on the 2nd of December, 1860. He is a carpenter and builder by trade, and carried on that industry in the Christchurch district until 1868. In that year he settled at Bennett's Junction, where he carried on the same business for twenty-five years, when he took to farming. Mr. Bennett was postmaster at Bennett's for seven years, and was elected three times to a seat on the Oxford Road Board, and several times to the Carleton school committee. He was thirty-three years in the district, and when he left it in June, 1901, the neighbours gave him and Mrs Bennett a complimentary social, and presented them with an address and two easy chairs. Mr. and Mrs Bennett now (1902) reside in George Street, Richmond, Christchurch.
“Burnside,” Fendalton, arrived by the ship “Cornwall” at Lyttelton on the 11th of December, 1851. He is descended from an old Scottish family at Braco, West Perthshire, was born in 1828, and followed farming until he left Home by the “Cornwall” in 1851. When Mr. Boag arrived at Lyttelton he was, like many other early colonists, not burdened with much money, but he possessed good health and strength and a determination to succeed. On landing he immediately walked to Pigeon Bay, where he obtained employment. In about a year and a half he engaged with Mr. Thompson, of Port Cooper, to manage his dairy business, which was then the principal industry in the young colony. During this time he devoted his money to the purchase of stock, with which to set up his future farm. In 1853 Mr. Boag moved to Riccarton, which was then in its native state, chiefly swamp covered with tussock and “niggerheads.” There he rented from the first Mr. John Deans about 100 acres of land, with a right to purchase at five pounds per acre at the end of five years. With his practical knowledge of farming, Mr. Boag could see how very rich the swamp land was, and chose the property on that account, as well as on account of its nearness to the embryo city of Christchurch. There were then neither roads nor fences, but Mr. Boag built a stockyard and a fine dairy of sods, which did duty for some years. At first the pioneer had to contend with many difficulties, but he worked steadily for success and won it by the right use of his property and his opportunities. The present beautiful park-like paddocks, the handsomely laid out grounds, planted with the choicest shelter and ornamental trees, and the fine residence at “Burnside,” make the property an object lesson, to the present generation as to what energy and determination can produce from rather unpromising materials. Long before the expiration of his lease Mr. Boag was in a position to purchase the freehold of the original 100 acres. That area has been added to at various times by purchase, often at a very high figure, and “Burnside” now consists of about 1700 acres of land of the highest quality. As a practical colonist Mr. Boag early saw that a demand for a high class of cattle must arise in New Zealand, and having the means, he imported from England shorthorn bulls of the best lineage. The result was that his stock soon became known throughout the Australian colonies, and grew very much in demand. For similar reasons, and under corresponding conditions, Mr. Boag became equally well known as a breeder of the highest class of draught horses. His first importation was Prince Charlie, who was followed by the Laird of Kilbryde, and by Lord Dunmore. The progeny of these famous sires are known throughout Canterbury as draughts of the highest type. The Border Chief and Marshal Keith, which took the gold medal at Melbourne for several years, fully sustained Mr. Boag's reputation as an owner of draught sires of the best stamp and quality. It was natural that Mr. Boag should, as the importer of the very best stock, become noted for his exhibits at the agricultural shows of the colony. Innumerable prizes and cups have been won by his stock. He attaches particular value to a cup which was presented by the late Mr. Peter Cunningham for competition to all New Zealand, to be awarded to the exhibitor of both horses and cattle who should succeed in obtaining the highest number of points. Mr Boag's exhibits scored the greatest number—namely, ninety-two points, and the cup is now one of his treasures. Mr. Boag has not confined his attention solely to cattle and horses, for he has been a successful breeder of a well-known strain of Leicester sheep, which are in great demand by breeders. Mr. Boag has been a member of the Riccarton Road Board since its foundation, and is at present its chairman. He was one of the first elected members of the Waimakariri River Board, but retired after holding the position of chairman for twelve years. Mr. Boag was for twelve years a member of the Selwyn County Council, and was for a number of years on the Board of Advice for Lincoln College. He is one of the oldest members, and also a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was president in 1886. Mr. Boag is a member of the Caledonian Society, and was its president for two years. He was one of the promoters and is still a director of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative and Insurance Association; also a member of the Canterbury Trotting Club, of which he was judge for years. Mr. Boag was for over three years a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board, and he is an elder of St. Andrew's Church, Christchurch. Since his original arrival in New Zealand Mr. Boag has twice visited the Old World, first, in 1875, when he was absent about twelve months, and returned via America. On that occasion he spent over £4000 in the purchase of high-class stock and machinery for his farm in New Zealand. His second visit took place in 1899, when he travelled on the Continent, and returned by the S.S. “Wakanui,” calling at Capetown, where all was excitement, war having been proclaimed a few days after the steamer left. Mr. Boag brought two purebred Clydesdale horses to Canterbury with him. Part of Mr. Boag's estate has been purchased by the Government as workingmen's settlements, and disposed of on perpetual lease, in areas of from two to five acres. These settlements are situated at Fendalton, and are thriving and prosperous. In addition to his estate at Fendalton, Mr. Boag owns a fine property
who was a Canterbury Settler for the best part of fifty years, and well known as a public school teacher in the early days, was born in Bawtry, Yorkshire, England, in 1830. He was originally intended for the Church, but after receiving a military education in Germany, he entered the Royal Engineers. Retiring from the army, he went through a course of study at one of the agricultural colleges of England. Mr. Broughton arrived in Lyttelton in 1850, in the ship “Cressy,” one of the “first four ships.” After engaging in various occupations, he became the first schoolmaster in Christchurch, and continued in that capacity till the year 1870, when he retired into private life. Mr. Broughton was a well-known local preacher of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for many years, indefatigable in his labours, and it was no uncommon thing for him to walk over the Bridle Track from Christchurch to Lyttelton and return the same day, after conducting one or two services. At a later period, when roads to various localities were made, Mr. Broughton used to drive long distances with other preachers to different churches in outlying districts, experiencing many difficulties, such as crossing the Waimakariri river. He devoted much of his time to the visitation of the sick and poor. His favourite pastime was the culture of flowers, and he was interested in his garden up to the last years of his life. Mr. Broughton was married to a daughter of the late Mr. T. R. Cresswell. That lady died in 1878, leaving a large family. In 1890 Mr. Broughton married the widow of the late Judge Clarke.
is a native of Great Dunmow, Essex, England, and was born on the 24th of January, 1834. Dunmow is famous for several notable things. It has in its neighbourhood the beautiful ruins of a great Augustinian priory which was founded in the year 1104. Then there is the unique Dunmow Flitch of Bacon, which was instituted in 1244 by Robert Fitzwalter, who must have been a humourist with a fine old English talent for hearty laughter. The charter of his quaint and curious endowment sets forth that “whatever married couple will go to the priory, and, kneeling on two sharp pointed stones, will swear that they have not quarrelled, nor repented of their marriage, within a year and a day after its celebration, shall receive a flitch of bacon.” It cannot now be stated with certainty whether Robert Fitzwalter intended merely to provide periodical diversion for the monks and the good people of Dunmow, or to establish statistics of striking suggestiveness to the social philosophers of all ages and countries; but it is matter of history that no couple claimed the flitch until 1445, exactly 201 years after its institution, and up to the year 1757 there had been altogether only five presentations. The flitch remained unclaimed from 1757 till 1855; but between 1860 and 1877 four awards were made, there were three in 1891, and there have been others since then. Dunmow has more serious claims to be remembered in connection with the invention of the lifeboat. Henry Greathead, boat-builder, of North Shields, is generally credited with designing and building the first lifeboat about the year 1789, and the improvements that followed had, in the main, his boat as a starting point. But four or five years before Greathead's invention was heard of Lionel Lukin, a coachbuilder of Long Acre, and a native of Dunmow, designed and fitted what he calded an unimmergible boat for saving life in cases of shipwreck. He took out a patient for this boat in November, 1785, and is said to have saved some lives by its means. In any case, his share in so notable an invention as the lifeboat is in itself enough to immortalise Dunmow, and Mr. Bush is not the only native who is all the prouder of his birthplace on Lukin's account. Mr. Bush, who is well known in Christchurch, and the oldest local surviving member of the guild of house decorators, arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Glen-tanner” on the 3rd of October, 1857. Probably no man living is better acquainted than he is with Christchurch, and the human side of the history of its people. For a long time he devoted himself to the work of collecting photographs of the pioneer and pilgrim settlers of Canterbury, and he presented his collection to the Christchurch Museum in January, 1895. Since then it has attracted, and must continue to attract and interest, visitors to the Museum. Mr. Bush is the father of Miss M. E. Bush, pianist and vocalist, whose notice appears in another section of this volume.
who was long a personality in Christchurch, and an old Colonist of over forty years' standing, was born at Wootton, Bedfordshire, England, in 1833, served his apprenticeship as a saddler with his father, and came to Lyttelton in 1858 by the ship “Westminster.” Soon afterwards Mr. Buxton opened business on his own account in Manchester Street, being one of the first to commence that line of business in Christchurch, and after conducting it successfully for fourteen years, he retired on account of ill-health, and purchased a farm on the outskirts of the city, where he lived for about two years. Mr. Buxton subsequently resided at Heathcote for about twenty years, and had many property transactions, by which he acquired a great knowledge of values, his services being frequently called into requisition as a valuer on that account. In 1895, Mr. Buxton built the charming residence at the corner of Office and Boundary Roads, St. Albans. He took part in local politics, having been a member of the first Sydenham Borough Council, and subsequently of the Spreydon and other road boards. Mr. Buxton was married in 1857 to a daughter of Mr. Gallimore, of Elleston, Staffordshire. This lady died in 1879, leaving three sons and three daughters. His second marriage took place in 1886, with the daughter of Mr. William Bonnily, of Deloraine, Tasmania, by whom he had one daughter. Mr. Buxton died on the 22nd November, 1898, aged sixty-five years.
is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1835. He was educated in his native land, and brought up to a nautical life. Mr. Carl went to sea as steward during the time of the Crimean war, and was subsequently wrecked at the Dunedin Heads, in the ship “Genevieve,” then on her voyage to Port Chalmers, at the time of the Otago gold rush. He joined another vessel in Dunedin, and was for some years engaged in trading on the coast. Subsequently Mr. Carl abandoned the sea, and was afterwards in business in Dunedin. He settled in Christchurch in 1863. In 1870 Mr. Carl started the Empire Hotel, of which he afterwards purchased the freehold. Mr. Carl was one of the promoters of the Plumpton Park Trotting Club, and has been connected with it since its inception in 1890. He is also a life member of the New Brighton Trotting Club.
was well known in commercial circles in Christchurch for many years. He was born in Belhelvie parish, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1839, was educated at national schools in Cruden parish, and brought up to mercantile life in a general merchant's office. Mr. Chrystall afterwards gained experience in London, and was sent out to China by a banking firm in 1870, remaining in that country for several years. Arriving in Lyttelton about the end of 1877. Mr. Chrystall settled in Christchurch, and established the business of Chrystall and Co. Mr. Chrystall was interested in educational maters in Christchurch for very many years, having been a member of the North Canterbury Education Board for six years, during which period he was chairman for two successive years, and was also a Governor of Canterbury College. He was an active member of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce from 1879, and was president during 1881 and 1882. Mr. Chrystall was chairman of the board of managers of Herrick's Home, treasurer of the Canterbury Bible Society, for two years president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and was treasurer of the Christchurch School of Domestic Instruetion. Mr. Chrystall took a very active part in connection with the West Coast Railway League and was for several years its president. He had been a director of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company from its incorporation, and was chairman of the local board of advice of the Australian Widows' Life Assurance Society Ltd. Mr. Chrystall was married in 1877, but his wife died in 1881 leaving two sons. In 1886 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Inglis, J.P., of Christchurch, and there were three sons and two daughters by this marriage. Mr. Chrystall died on the 5th of July, 1901.
J.P., is a son of the late Captain L. F. Cox, of the 1st Life Guards, and of Sandford Park, Oxfordshire, England. He was educated at Cheltenham College, with a view to his entering the army as a profession. He, however, gave up that intention on hearing most promising reports about the then little-known country of New Zealand, in which he arrived in 1853 by the ship “North Fleet.” Sheepfarming then seemed the surest way of accumulating a fortune, and Mr. Cox went to Mr. Hunter Brown's station at Double Corner, where he was initiated into the methods of working a sheep station. After being there two years he visited Auckland, but, not finding a suitable opening there, he returned to Christchurch in 1856, and made up his mind to remain permanently in Canterbury, me then entered into large land and station operations, in which he had for his partner Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, afterwards Auditor-General. They had Spring station and Long Beach station, and worked these properties in conjunction. In 1861 Mr. Cox went to England, but returned in the following year to New Zealand. During his absence portions of the Spring station were taken up by small farmers, and he and his partner sold their interest in both stations to Messrs Russell, Grigg, and Roberts. Mr. Roberts resided on Spring station, and Mr. Grigg on Long Beach. Messrs Cox and Fitzgerald then bought the Mount Somers station, and, Mr. Fitzgerald having been bought out, Mr. Cox carried it on with considerable success for fifteen years, when he sold it to the present proprietor, Mr. Peach. Mr. Cox purchased at various times land in the Hinds district, and at Ashburton. In 1878, in conjunction with the late Mr. John Matson, he started the business in Ashburton known as that of Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., auctioneers and land agents. This firm continued a successful career until 1888, when tae business was disposed of to Mr. David Thomas. Mr. Cox then devoted his attention to several mining ventures in Dunedin, on the West Coast, and in Auckland, and put up the first dredge in Waipori; but the returns proved unsatisfactory. About 1890 he went Home with the intention of putting the most promising of his claims on the London market, but the time was inopportune. English investors were shy of New Zealand mining claims, and his efforts to secure English capital for the development of the mines were unsuccessful, though four years later millions of English money were poured into the Auckland goldfields to develop their mineral wealth, and with successful results. In 1895 Mr. Cox went to England by the “Tekoa” with a tria, shipment of fat sheep, and was successful in landing them in splendid condition, on behalf of his cousin, Mr. E. Owen Cox. During recent years Mr. Cox has not been actively engaged in business, and he now lives in retirement at his home in St. Asaph Street. Mr. Cox has always taken a prominent part in the various local affairs of his district. On the formation of the Ashburton Road Board (now merged into the Ashburton County Council), which had jurisdiction from the Rakaia to the Rangitata, Mr. Cox was one of the first members, and became its third chairman. The first chairman was the late Mr. E. Chapman, of the Rakaia station, and he was succeeded by the late Colonel Lean. In these early days the road board experienced great difficulty with the Provincial Government. through the moneys accruing from the and sales; the boards were entitled to one-third which the Government delayed in handing over. The Timaru district, then very prosperous, wished to separate from Canterbury, but refrained from carrying out its wish for separation on being promised the third of the profits resulting from land sales. During the chairmanship of Mr. Cox, a sum of £300,000, which represented the third due to the Ashburton Board from land sales was held back by the Provincial Government, but after great difficulty a sum of £150,000 was obtained by
was an Old Colonist, who brought his family out in the ship “Sir George Seymour.” He was a builder by trade in London, where he was in business on his own account. On his arrival in Canterbury he followed his calling, and erected many buildings in Christchurch in the early days. The old Clarendon Hotel, so long one of the landmarks of Christchurch, was built by Mr Cresswell as a residence for Mr. William Guise Brittan, who was chairman of the Council of Land Purchasers under the Canterbury Association. Mr. Cresswell also built the residence of Mr C. W. Turner, Papanui Road, that of the late Mr. F. Garrick, the Hon. J. T. Peacock's present residence, and others. After retiring he lived on the Papanui Road, and finally at Carlton Mill Road. He died at the age of seventy-six on the 2nd of May, 1890.
was born in Dundee in 1837, and accompanied his father, the late Mr. William Croll, to Melbourne at the age of five years. Mr. Croll's father came out to Victoria under engagement to Messrs. Langlands and Fulton to start the Port Philip Foundry, the first foundry in Melbourne, and was afterwards in business in Geelong, where he established the Vulcan Foundry. It was there that the subject of this notice served his time, learning every branch of the trade, during the seven years of his apprenticeship. Arriving in Otago in 1861, Mr. Croll followed his profession as an engineer both on land and sea, till January, 1875, when he entered the machinery department under the late Joseph Nancarrow, and had the supervision of the Canterbury district till May, 1902, when he was retired on a pension. Mr. Croll was married in 1857 to a daughter of Mr. William Grundy, builder, of Geelong, and has four sons.
sometime of “Westburn,” Brookside, and now of 34, Park Road, Addington, was born at Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Mystery,” in 1859, and in 1861 he took up the first 100 acres of “Westburn,” which now consists of about 1300 acres. Mr. Cunningham's origina' selection was, when he bought it from the Government, all in its native state of heavy swamp, covered with flax and raupo. After draining and clearing his land, Mr. Cunningham stocked it with dairy cows, and obtained as much as two shillings and sixpence per pound for butter and one shilling per pound for cheese. The land would not carry crops till it became solidified, but after that it gave heavy yields. “Westburn” is now chiefly devoted to rearing Shorthorn cattle, and to fattening sheep for the export trade. The Shorthorn herd was established in 1863 by the purchase of the bull “Lord Nelson, who was directly descended on both sides from imported stock, and was mated with cows purchased from Mr. Pavitt, of Fendalton. Mr Cunningham also bought a cow, out of “Can ary,” from Mr. W. Boag, and with these he laid the foundation of a valuable herd. None but purebred sires have been used, such as “John o' Groat,” “Prince Gwyne,” and a son of “Ruby Knight,” “Blyth's Duke 7,” bred by Mr. John Deans, and bulls bred in the herd, and by other eminent breeders. Hence members of the “Westburn” herd have come to be noted as prize-winners. Mr. Cunningham has served on the local road board and school committee, and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Boag, who came to the Colony in the ship “Glentanner, in 1857, and has two sons and two daughters.
was a familiar figure in shipping circles in the early days of Canterbury. He was born in London about 1819, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Egmont,” landing at Lyttelton in 1856. Mr. Dale
who was for about thirty years a Civil Servant, and is a well-known old Canterbury settler, was born at Ilfracombe, Devonshire, in 1840, and educated at Sherborne and Wey mouth in Dorsetshire. He is the youngest son of the late Major Chas. Dawe, of the 46th and 8th Foot Regiments, who had twenty-five years service in India, the West Indies and Sydney, and held a high position as a Freemason; and is a member of an old-established county family in England—Dawe or Dawes of Ditcheat Manor, Somerset. Mr. Dawe was brought up to the profession of an architect, engineer, and surveyor, and arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Indiana” in 1858, to join his brother, Mr. W. H. Dawe, in farming operations at Halswell. The brothers were afterwards located at Ellesmere, where they engaged in dairying and horse-breeding. The subject of this sketch was subsequently on the West Coast gold-fields for about six years engaged in surveying. From 1876 to 1878 Mr. Dawe was assistant engineer to the Christchurch City Council. In 1871, he paid a visit to England, and returning in the following year, joined the Public Works Department in the North Island. During his career as a surveyor, Mr. Dawe had many exciting experiences. On one occasion his survey party was stopped by the rebel Te Kooti and they had to run for their lives a distance of about thirty-five miles, Mr. Dawe nearly losing his life in crossing the Wairoa river. On another occasion he was threatened by the murderer Sullivan, and had many narrow escapes from falling down old shafts overgrown with fern and in crossing rivers. Mr. Dawe retired from the service in 1886, and now resides at Chelborough House, Bryndwr, Fendalton. He was initiated in the Foresters' Order in Timaru, but is unattached. In 1878 he married a daughter of Mr. Edmund Amyes, of Oakhampton, Hornby, Canterbury, and has one daughter and two sons.
was born at Langport, Somerset, England, in 1834, and educated at the local grammar school. After an experience of two years in the Great Western Railway service, Mr. Denham went to the Crimea in 1855 as War Office clerk, on the staff of the Deputy-Quartermaster-General in the Turkish Contingent, and served under Colonel Morris, C.B., of the 17th Lancers. He has received the Foreign Service medal. Mr. Denham went out to South Australia shortly afterwards and was for some time engaged in conveyancing, being in the same office as the present Chief Justice Way. Settling in Canterbury in 1859, he was appointed a clerk in the Deeds Office in 1861, and became deputy-registrar in 1868. Mr. Denham was Deeds Registrar and Deputy Commissioner of Stamps at Christchurch till he retired at the end of April, 1902. He has been an active church officer and is a member of the Standing Committee of the Canterbury diocese; he is a life member of the Canterbury Rowing Club, and was formerly its treasurer, was a sergeant in No. 2 Rifle Volunteer Company until its disbandment, and also for a time honorary secretary of the Literary Institute, which grew into the Public Library. Mr. Denham was married in 1874 to a daughter of the late Mr. G. W. Nalder, solicitor, Christchurch, and has four sons and two daughters living.
is one of the band of old colonists who arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Labuan” in 1851. Born in Sheffield, England, in 1827, and brought up to farming pursuits, he was engaged for many years as a dairy farmer, and retired in 1888 to “Spring Villa,” Crescent Road, St. Albans, a property he had purchased in London before coming to the Colony. He was for many years a member of the St. Albans Borough Council.
M. Inst. C.E., for many years Chief Engineer of the Province of Canterbury, was born in London, in 1816. He was articled for six years to a well-known architect and surveyor, and subsequently practised his profession, and was occupied on various railway surveys and works till 1850. In that year he sailed for the Canterbury settlement, in the ship “Cressy.” He was one of the original land purchasers from the Canterbury Association, having taken up fifty acres of land at Sumner. In 1854 Mr. Dobson was appointed Provincial Engineer, an office which he held for fourteen years. During that period he laid out and superintended the construction of the Christchurch-Lyttelton Road, the Great Northern and the Great Southern Roads, and the road to the West Coast over Porter's and Arthur's Passes, through the Otira Gorge. He also planned and supervised the Officers' Point Breakwater, drainage works at Rangiora swamp and in other parts of the province, and many works and surveys, including the first telegraph line opened in New Zealand, that between Christchurch and Lyttelton. Under his direction a complete system of railways throughout the province was surveyed and mapped, and the portion extending from Lyttelton, through Christchurch, to the Selwyn, a distance of twenty-nine miles, was completed during his tenure of office. The chief work in this connection was the famous Lyttelton tunnel. On leaving the Provincial Government service in
was born in London in 1835, educated at various private schools in Bedfordshire, and brought up as a butcher and farmer. After some years' experience at the Cape of Good Hope, in Adelaide, and in India during the time of the Mutiny, he visited Mauritius, then came to Melbourne, and was at the Port Curtis “rush” in the northern districts. Mr. Ell arrived in Lyttelton in 1858, and after working at his trade for two years, bought his employer's business in 1861. In 1863, he entered into partnership with Mr. R. Waterton, under the style of Waterton and Ell, and a year later bought his partner's interest and conducted the business on his own account in Cashel Street till 1868. Subsequently, Mr. Ell had a boiling-down establishment near Sunnyside, and in 1870 commenced business as a stock and land dealer. During the following nine years, he had large transactions and considerable dealings with the firm of Messrs. Hanmer and Harper. Out of the events which happened at that period, the law suits of Ell versus Hanmer and Harper arose. After that much of Mr. Ell's time was spent in endeavouring to make good his claim against the Government for the alleged wrong-doing of certain public servants, and a sum of £200 was refunded to him to recoup certain expenses which he had incurred. He was married in 1861 to a daughter of Mr. R. Atkins, of London, and has six sons and two daughters.
was the third son of Captain Dixie Ellis of His Majesty's 49th Regiment, and was educated at King William's College, Isle of Man. He entered the railway department in the north of England, and in 1855 went out to the Crimea, where he served in the Turkish Contingent, Commissariat Department, during the war, and received the Sultan's medal with the order of the Medijie. In 1857 Mr. Ellis left the army, and came to Wellington in the ship “Alma,” and settled in Canterbury immediately afterwards. For the first few years of his colonial experience, he was engaged in quarrying, in partnership with his brother, under the style of N. and A. Ellis, Greystone Quarries, Cashmere. A great deal of the stone which appears in many important public buildings in Christchurch was quarried by the firm, including that used in the building of the Bank of New Zealand, the Cathedral, Durham Street Wesleyan church, and the immense seven-ton stone which forms the basement of the Godley monument. Mr. Ellis was appointed overseer for the Riccarton Road Board in 1868, and held the position up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 5th of March, 1901. He was also inspector under the Board of Health, and was Government Valuer for the district for many years.
was born in Baldock, Hertfordshire, England, in 1827, and left London on the 19th of November, 1849, in the barque “The Monarch,” for Aucklond. On he 5th of March, 1860, while “The Monarch” was crossing the Tasman Sea in a heavy gale, her rudder was carried away. The vessel drifted with the wind to the south of Stewart's Island, and it took a fortnight to get a temporary rudder into adjustment. A start was then made up the east coast, but a week later the new rudder was carried away and was lost. On the 2nd of April, 1850, “The Monarch” managed to reach Akaroa, and there forty-one passengers, including Mr. Farr, decided to remain. Then began the hardships and difficulties
was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1820, and was admitted a solicitor of the High Court of Chancery and an attorney of the Court of Queen's Bench in 1849. He practised his profession in Birmingham and afterwards in London, and was engaged investigating the titles to and completing purchases of lands for the London and North-Western and Midland Railway Companies for fifteen years prior to 1862, when he came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Queen of the Mersey.” After two years' residence with his brother, Mr. E. H. Fereday, a runholder, who then held the Oakley station on the Rakaia, he resumed his profession and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1864, and afterwards carried on practice in Colombo Street, Christchurch. From 1885 to 1888 inclusive, he held the office of vice-president of the Canterbury Law Society. He was also a Governor of Canterbury College from 1876 to 1897, when in pursuance of “The Canterbury College and the Canterbury Agricultural College Act 1896,” the old members retired. He was a president of the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury and a member of the Council of the Canterbury Society of Arts. In early life he was a member of the Entomological Society of London and became a Fellow of that society on its obtaining a Royal Charter, lepidoptera being a branch of entomology to which he particularly gave his attention. A fine collection of English lepidoptera collected by himself in England was presented by him some years prior to his death, to the Canterbury Museum. He also made a large collection of the lepidoptera of New Zealand and the transactions of the New Zealand Institute contain many of his papers on that subject.
who was born in Staffordshire, England, came to New Zealand in 1866. He was for several years in the service of Messrs Twentyman and Cousin, merchants, and was afterwards engaged in the flax-dressing business, from which he retired after about three years' experience, and was subsequently in business in Christchurch as a land and estate agent. He was a member of the Heathcote Road Board, of which he was for some time chairman. Mr. Ford married a daughter of the late Dr Willis, of Opawa, who came to New Zealand with her parents in the ship “Isabella Hercus” in 1851.
was born in 1839 near Halifax, Yorkshire, England, and was educated at Popple and Illingworth. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits, arrived in Wellington by the barque “Alceste” in 1859, and after a short time removed to Otago. He had an experience on the diggings, and was in business in the stock trade, and opened some butchers' shops. From Otago he went to Westland in 1865, and remained there till 1870. He was also in partnership with the late Mr. John Morrison in the “Whareana” property in Wellington province for many years. In 1870, Mr. Garforth settled in the Spreydon district, and became well known as a farmer and cattle dealer. For many years he was a director of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, and closely associated with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association as a member, president, and vice-president. Mr. Garforth was for many years a member of the Spreydon school committee, and chairman of the Haiswell Road Board. He was married, in 1870, to a daughter of the late Mr P. Hannon, of Melbourne, Mrs Garforth died in 1894, leaving five daughters, and Mr. Garforth himself passed away on the 20th of June, 1901.
was born at Southampton, England, in June, 1830. At an early age he went to Jersey, in the Channel Islands, where he resided for fifteen years. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Canterbury,” which landed at Lyttelton, in 1864. Soon after his arrival Mr. Garland became a hotelkeeper, and was for four years proprietor of the first hotel in the Heathcote Valley, at the foot of the hills. He then bought the White Horse Hotel, in Tuam Street, Christchurch, and conducted it for about fourteen years. Mr. and Mrs Garland afterwards went to England, via America, and travelled in the East on the return journey. As a Freemason Mr. Garland was initiated in the Yarborough Lodge, Island of Jersey, and subsequently became a member of the St. Augustine Lodge in Christchurch. He married Miss Carter, of Jersey, and has a family of two sons.
whose name is a household word in Canterbury, was born at Hambeldon, two miles from Henley-on-the-Thames, in Oxfordshire, England, on the 23rd of April, 1823. In 1850, just after his first marriage, he left England to seek his fortune in New Zealand. He landed first at Auckland, but, shortly afterwards, proceeded to Canterbury, where he remained till his death. Mr. Gould left New Zealand only on two occasions—once on a trip to Australia, and once when he visited England for the benefit of his health in 1877. His first undertaking in Christchurch was the erection, with his own hands, of a small wooden store and house in Armagh Street. It was the first finished house in Christchurch, and is still in existence at Addington. Mr. Gould commenced by opening a general store. About 1855 he was joined in the business by the late Mr. Grosvenor Miles, and the firm was carried on under the style of Gould and Miles until, 1859, when the partnership was dissolved through the ill-health of Mr. Gould, who then removed into the premises still known as Cookham house. Mr. Gould carried on business there until 1875, when he sold it to Messrs Chisnall and Stewart. For many years Mr. Gould himself had been personally occupied chiefly with his financial business as an agent for the owners and occupiers of sheep stations. At one time he was the largest exporter of wool from Canterbury, and he was the first to ship wheat from New Zealand to London. Like other early colonists, Mr. Gould had to go through a lot of hard physical work, and in the days before the tunnel was made, he knew what it was to trudge over the Port Hills with a load of goods on his back. Mr. Gould was a, man of very orderly habits, with a clear and vigorous undertanding. He was a singularly calm man, yet prompt and energetic, though never giving way to worry or excitement. As an employer he was well served, for his employees respected and liked him, as he treated them with unvarying frankness and manly fairness, Mr. Gould was a large landowner, and used his ample wealth in the employment of productive labour. He took a prominent part in the promotion of banking, insurance, building societies, and such institutions as the Christchurch Gas Company and the New Zealand Shipping Company. Mr. Gould was essentially a religious man, but was undemonstrative about this religious beliefs. He never took any part in politics, as his deafness prevented him from entering on a political career, though one was open to him at any time. Mr. Gould took a warm interest in all matters affecting the people, but he relied more on moral elevation than on acts of Parliament to improve their condition. He was for many years an active member of the old Canterbury Education board, and was a generous benefactor to Christ's College. His valuable gifts to the art gallery and the museum are lasting memorials of his liberality in respect to the purposes of those institutions. Mr. Gould's general benevolence was very great, and request for help for a deserving object never met with a refusal from him. He was a good friend to the Christchurch Working Men's Club, not only helping financially, but also by frequent donations of books. Although believing in the necessity and importance of hard work, he recognised the benefit of healthy amusements, and was a liberal patron of manly sports. In him the Agricultural and Pastoral Association had a staunch friend during the days of its early struggles; he helped to free it from debt, and gave many valuable prizes for competition at its shows. Mr. Gould was never a strong man, and was seriously ill for a considerable time before his death, which took place on the 28th of March, 1889.
arrived in Christchurch from Melbourne in 1864, and became well known in commercial circles. For some years he conducted the business of Messrs T. J. Maling and Co., wine and spirit merchants and general importers, and was afterwards produce manager for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited. In 1881, he, in conjunction with the company's general manager, Mr. John Cooke, took the initial steps for founding the first freezing works in Canterbury—namely, those of the Belfast Company, the extraordinary success of which has been of the very greatest advantage to the flockowners of Canterbury. Owing to ill-health, Mr. Harley visited England in 1885, and on his return retired from the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's service. He subsequently set up in business on his own account. Mr. Harley was auditor for the Christchurch Gas, Coal, and Coke Company, Lyttelton Gas and Coal Company, New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited, Ward and Co., Manning and Co., Limited, and for the Permanent Investment and Loan Association of Canterbury. During the first twelve years of his New Zealand experience, Mr. Harley was connected with the affairs of the late Mr. Robert Heaton Rhodes, and with the firm of Messrs W. R. and G. Rhodes. Mr. Harley died on the 9th of June, 1901, at Rakahuri, near Rangiora.
arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Sir Edward Paget” on the 2nd of July, 1856, and had a large experience of trying times in Canterbury in the early days. He was born at Maidstone, Kent, England, and was employed in London as carrier by Messrs Pickford and Co., and also by Messrs White and Ponsfort, and the City Flour Mills. Soon after his arriva, in the colony, he was engaged by Messrs Hebner and Perceval, stationholders, at Hororata, and was afterwards with Messrs Tripp and Acland, on their Mount Somers station. Mr. Hawkins has many reminiscences to relate regarding his experiences during weary journeys over hill and river, tussock and shingle, with his goods, and his wife in the waggon behind a costly team of bullocks. Mrs Hawkins was the first white woman to live in the Mount Somers district, and their son was the first white child born there. Potatoes were imported by Messrs Tripp and Acland for the station, and Mr. Hawkins was one of the first to plant them in the district. The event was
one of the pioneer colonists of New Zealand, settled in Canterbury seven years before the official foundation of the province and the arrival of the first immigrants brought out to it by the New Zealand Company in the year 1850. He was born in 1814, and was the youngest son of Mr. James Hay, of Midbuïston, Ayrshire, Scotland. Though brought up to country life on his fathers farm, he was, before leaving for New Zealand, in business in Glasgow for several years as a grain and produce merchant. On the 27th of October, 1839, he married Agnes, fifth daughter of Mr. Thomas Orr, whose farm of “Annandale” was within a few miles of that of Mr. James Hay, and both families belonged to stocks who had for centuries been characterised by industry, hardihood, high character and righteous living. Before their marriage the young couple had arranged to leave, Scotland at once for New Zealand, and their ship, the “Bengal Merchant, Captain Henley, got away from the land on the 31st of the month. There were 120 passengers on board, and after a passage of 104 days the “Bengal Merchant” dropped anchor on the 12th of February, 1840, near Somes' Island, in the harbour of Wellington, close to her three predecessors, the “Ariel,” “Aurora,” and “Roxburgh,” and was thus the fourth passenger ship to reach the colony under the auspices of the New Zealand Land Company. After many inquiries and much looking about the country, under trying and even dangerous conditions, Mr. Hay found that he could not obtain and which suited him in the North Island. Accordingly, he and a friend of his, Captain Sinclair, decided to examine the southern districts of the colony, and in the end of 1842 they left Wellington in the schooner “Richmond,” which was their own property. On reaching Port Cooper—afterwards named Lyttelton—they dropped anchor, and the two friends climbed the hills till they reached the summit, which, later on, became known as Gebbie's Pass. Seeing nothing which they thought likely to prove a suitable site for a settlement, they returned to the schooner, and made for Pigeon Bay, the original native name of which was Wakaroa, or, more correctly Whangaroa (deep bay). With what they saw they were very much impressed, (but did not at once decide to settle there. Akaroa was visited, and in fact the explorers went as far south as Otakau (subsequently corrupted into Otago), and travelled all over the site of what was to become the populous, prosperous and picturesque city of Dunedin, then a wilderness. Nowhere, however, did they see any place which equalled Pigeon Bay in their estimation, and they decided in its favour. On their way back the pioneers called at Moeraki, and bought from the Maoris there a cargo of potatoes for the Wellington market. That was the first shipment of native produce taken to Wellington, and the reputation of the Oamaru district for the super-excellence of its poetoes dates from that early day. On returning south again from Wellington, with Pigeon Bay as their definite destination, Messrs Sinclair and Hay brought Messrs W. and J. Deans and Messrs Manson and Gebbie in the “Richmond” to Lyttelton, the Messrs also having decided to endeavour to get their land orders satisfactorily fulfilled in the Middle Island, After landing their passengers, Captain Sinclair and Mr. Hay went straight to Pigeon Bay, and there, acting under Colonel Wakefield's promise of protection, they selected their estates and chose sites for their homesteads, Captain Sinclair taking the Holmes' Bay land, and Mr. Hay part of Pigeon Bay valley, and a run to the eastward extending to the heads. Of course no formal surveys were then possible, but all that was done was done in good faith and with the knowledge and under the approval of Colonel Wakefield, as representative of the New Zealand Land Company. Early in April, 1843, the pioneers brought their families from Wellington, where all, especially during the first months of their stay there, had had to put up with many privations, occasionally a startling experience with the Maoris, or an unannounced and decidedly disturbing shock of earthquake. However, the women and children, as well as the men of those days, exhibited a hardihood which was little short of heroism, and everything was faced and generally overcome in the spirit of Ulysses and his companions, That ever with a frolic welcome took The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed Free hearts, free foreheads.
Captain Sinclair's household consisted of himself. Mrs Sinclair, three sons, three daughters, and Mr J. Hutchison; and Mr. Hay's, of himself and Mrs Hay and their two baby sons, James, aged one year and ten months, and Thomas Orr, five months, and their nephew, Mr. John Hay. The men of both parties unitedly built one long house of saplings covered with toitoi grass, and there they all lived for two years till they were able to build their separate homesteads. Alter conveying their families to Pigeon Bay. Messrs Sinclair and Hay sold their schooner to Mr. W. B. Rhodes for ten head of horned cattle, to be delivered at Akaroa. This, as it stood, was a plain enough bargain, but to get the
sometime of Spreydon, was born in Thurso, Scotland, in 1830. He was apprenticed to the trade of carpentry, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Tiptree,” in 1864, with his wife and children. Soon after he arrived he obtained employment with Messrs Holmes and Co., contractors for the Lyttelton tunnel, and helped to build the old railway station at Christchurch. When gold was discovered on the West Coast, he went to Hokitika, where he was engaged in most successful building operations for some months. On returning to Christchurch Mr. Henderson rented about 100 acres, where the town of Sydenham stands. He then entered into partnership with Mr. John McBeth, and the firm became noted for its extensive transactions in live stock. The property on which Mr. Henderson has so long resided at Spreydon was at first used as a grazing ground for the firm's sheep and cattle. About 1880 business complications with a customer compelled the firm to take over a butchering business at Sydenham, and after the retirement of his partner, Mr. Henderson carried this on on his own account until 1901, when he decided to retire from the active pursuits of trade. During his long residence in Canterbury Mr. Henderson identified himself with movements intended to promote the progress of the province. He was for many years a member of the Spreydon Road Board, and was previously a member of the Heathcote Road Board. In 1882 he was president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, with the progress of which he had been associated from the early days when shows were held at Sydenham. He was one of those who negotiated the purchase of twenty-five acres for the present site at Addington from Mr. Twigger, who made the association a present of seven additional acres. Mr. Henderson was long a successful exhibitor of sheep and cattle at the association's shows, and for many years he owned a celebrated stud flock of Border Leicesters. He took a leading part in the foundation of the Canterbury Sale Yards Company, the first chairman of which, was the late Sir Cracroft Wilson, who, at his death, was succeeded by Mr. Henderson, who then continuously occupied the chair. Mr. Henderson also took a leading part in founding the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, and was one of the executive for many years. He had been similarly identified with the meat freezing industry in Canterbury. Altogether Mr. Henderson was an energetic, enterprising colonist, who did much to promote the advancement of Canterbury. He had a family of six sons and two daughters, and died on the 2nd of October, 1902.
who was for many years Inspectorin-Charge of the North Canterbury District under the Stock Department, was born in 1842, in Hampshire, England, where he was educated. He came, in 1856, by the ship “Westminster,” to Wellington, whence he moved to Lyttelton, and has ever since been a settler in the Middle Island. Mr. Holderness spent the first nine years of his colonial life in Otago, and was connected with the Stock Department, in Canterbury from 1865 till June, 1902. He originally joined the public service under the Provincial Government of Canterbury, but was transferred to the General Government with the Department in 1876. Mr. Holderness was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Dr. Coward, of Christchurch, and has seven sons and four daughters.
was placed on the roll of the Justices of the Peace when the Hon. W. Rolleston was Superintendent of Canterbury, and was sworn in under the late Mr. Watson, Resident Magistrate of Akaroa. He is a son at Mr. Thomas Gibson Inman, barrister, and was born at Bath, England, in 1840. Mr. Inman left England in the latter part of 1859, by the ship “Roman Emperor,” and reached Lyttelton in January of the following year. As a cadet on a sheep station he soon gained valuable experience, and he afterwards acquired a farm at German Bay, Akaroa, where he carried on sheep and cattle farming successfully for about eighteen years. Mr. Inman then bought the Rockwood station, near Albury, where he remained for about ten years, at the end of which he disposed of the properly and retired from active life. He was a passenger in the opening run of the first coach service between Little River and Akaroa. Mr. Inman served as a member of the first Akaroa Road Board, and also on school committees in South Canterbury. He has resided at Fendalton for some years. Mr. Inman is married to a daughter of a very early colonist, Mr. Thomas Dicken, of French Farm, Akaroa, and has one son and two daughters.
who was well known in the early days of Christchurch, was born at Alton, Hampshire, England, in 1803, and came to Canterbury, in 1850, by the historic ship “Sir George Seymour.” Mr. Inwood, who had been engaged in milling and farming in England, was advised by Mr. Felix Wakefield, who was known to him in the Old Country, to try New Zealand, where Mr Wakefield considered there was a brighter and better prospect for Mr. Inwood and his young family than in England. Mr. Inwood accordingly left with his family in the “Sir George Seymour,” by which he also brought out machinery for a flour mill. It was Mr. Inwood who erected at Fendalton the first flour mill on the Plains. After working it for seven years, he built, on the Avon, at Christchurch, the flour mill which was so long known as the “City Hill”; and which was afterwards purchased by Mr. Lane: the building was long one of the landmarks of Christchurch, and was demolished only a few years ago. On disposing of the City Mill, Mr. Inwood purchased
is an Old Colonist who has been associated with the development of Canterbury from its infancy to the present time. He was born in Surrey, England, and came out in the ship “Sir George Seymour,” in 1850, with his parents. Mr. Inwood was educated in Christchurch for the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar by the late Judge Gresson. For some time Mr. Inwood practised his profesion both in Christchurch and at Akarca, but when the opportunity offered he went to Southbridge, where he took up land and followed pastoral pursuits for twenty-five years. In 1901 he sold his property and came to Christchurch, where he has since resided. While at Southbridge Mr. Inwood identified himself with many of the public affairs of the district. He has been a Justice of the Peace for many years; in 1901 he was president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and he shares in the esteem with which the family name has ever been associated in Canterbury. As a Freemason Mr. Inwood was initiated in Lodge Akaroa. He is married to a daughter of the late Mr. E. C. Latter, of Christchurch.
was born at Maidstone, Kent, England, in 1839, and was brought up to the coachbuilding trade. He arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Ramsey,” on the 21st of June, 1870. Soon afterwards he started in business in Christchurch under the style of Elmslie, Denham and James, coachbuilders. This partnership existed for about three years, when it was dissolved, and Mr. James started at Addington on his own account. Three years later he entered the hotel business, with which he was associated for many years, and will long be remembered as a popular landlord. Mr. James owned in succession the Ellesmere Bridge Hotel, Doyleston Hotel, Crown Hotel, and Star and Garter Hotel, in Christchurch, the “Somerset” in Ashburton, and the “Masonic” in Christchurch. Mr. James recently took a trip to the Old Country, where he revisited the scenes of his youth. He now lives in retirement in a pretty villa in Cashel Street Linwood. As a Freemason, Mr. James was initiated in the Crown Lodge, Christchurch. He was married in England, and has a family of six sons and two daughters.
an Old Colonist, who long took a prominent part in racing matters in Canterbury, was born in 1833 in Chilton, near Hungerford, Berkshire, England. He was brought up as a groom, and was employed in Drinkall's stables, in Lamburn, Berkshire, and afterwards at Tom Parrs' stables, Upper Lamburn, and while there rode his first race as a jockey. Before leaving for New Zealand he was groom and coachman to Alderman Carter, afterwards Lord Mayor of London. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1852, per ship “Duke of Portland,” he became groom to Mr. Watts Russell, of “Ham,” and had charge of the two entires, “Canterbury” and “Shamrock.” Mr. Janaway subsequently went into business in Kaiapoi as a horse-breaker and livery stablekeeper, and continued as such for seventeen years. Removing to Christchurch, he was a driver for various employers until 1890. As a jockey Mr. Janaway had his first mount in New Zealand in Hagley Park in December, 1852, and was well known as a rider for many years. He won the first steeplechases at Papanui and at Kaiapoi. Mr. Janaway, who had been twice married, died on the 28th of December, 1900.
J.P., was born in South Wales, in 1843. He was educated at Kensington Grammar School, and afterwards had a private tutor, the Rev. Piercy Frost, under whom he studied for the Army. In 1864 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Derwentwater,” and went as a cadet on the Hon. Robert Daly's run, Dunsandel, where he remained for four years, when he made a start for himself by purchasing a good-sized block of swamp land near Leeston, which he named “Ravensworth. after his old home in Wales. His property after large sums of money had been spent in draining and other important improvements, became known as the best grazing land in the Ellesmere distriot. Mr. Lawrence was a large breeder of sheep and shorthorn cattle, and he was instrumental in raising a stud flock of Romney Marsh sheep, so favourably known throughout New Zealand. He retired from farming in 1892, and purchased and settled on a small property near Christchurch. Mr. Lawrence has taken a very prominent part in public affairs, especially in connection with the district where he so long resided. He was created a Justice of the Peace in 1873, and was sworn in under the Hon. C. C. Bowen, when that gentleman was Resident Magistrate of Christchurch. For many years he was a member of the Ellesmere Road Board, and chairman of the local school committee. He has also been president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and chairman of the Ellesmere Licensing
was born in Bedale, Yorkshire, England, in 1837. He was educated in his native town and apprenticed as a currier, but was attracted to the Australian goldfields in 1857, and was at the Ararat, Pleasant Creek, and Inglewood diggings. In 1861 he crossed over to Otago, and was at Gabriel's Gully and Weatherstone's, and subsequently went to the West Coast. For some years afterwards Mr. Mace was in Wellington, where he was engaged in the brewing business. He came to Christchurch in 1884, and purchased the mineral water business afterwards associated with his name. Mr. Mace resided at New Brighton, where he had two farms of 100 and seventy acres, respectively. On a smaller section which adjoins the City and Suburban Tram Company's line he spent a large sum of money in constructing a fine racecourse, beautifully laid down in grass and completely fenced on both sides. Four artesian wells were sunk — more than one to a depth of over 300 feet—at different points so as to enable the course to be thoroughly watered when required. There are about forty acres enclosed within the course, and the trotting track is laid off within the fence. The meetings of the New Brighton Trotting Club are held on the course. Mr. Mace was, a member of the Heathcote Road Board. He died on the 19th of July, 1902, at his residence, “Brooklyn,” New Brighton.
Old Colonist, was born in Melbourne in 1843. He received his education in Australia, and was brought up to business as a cordial and aerated water manufacturer. Mr. Marr arrived in Hokitika at the time of the West Coast “rush” in 1865, and after a goldmining experience of some years, settled in Christchurch in 1878, as manager of Mr. Milsom's cordial factory. After Mr. Henry Mace purchased the business, Mr. Marr continued in the position for some years. Mr. Marr has long taken a prominent interest in trotting matters in Christchurch and was one of the founders of the Canterbury Trotting Club. As a breeder and owner of trotting horses he has had the handling of a great many horses. He was married in 1862, to a daughter of Mr. R. Barry, of New South Wales, and has two sons and one daughter.
who has been a Colonist for over forty years, comes of an Edinburgh family and was born in Glasgow, in 1832. Left an orphan at a very early age, he was mostly self-educated, and was apprenticed to the sea. In 1853 he arrived in Dunedin as second mate of the brigantine “Clutha,” after a voyage of six months from the port of Leith. Taking his discharge shortly afterwards at Lyttelton, he joined his brother George, who had previously settled in the Colony, and was employed in shipbuilding. He was afterwards master of one of their vessels, the “Canterbury,” and ran mails and passengers between Wellington and Lyttelton. Captain Marshall subsequently built the ketch “Midlothian” for the Heathcote river trade, and was frequently engaged as a trusted pilot. The brothers imported a sawmill which they erected at Pigeon Bay, where they acquired a farm. After working the mill for a few years, it was closed down, as it did not prove remunerative. Captain Marshall held a contract for conveying mails by whale boat, between Pigeon Bay and Lyttelton, and had many hairbreadth escapes during stormy weather. Subsequently he had charge of the “Midlothian,” between Dunedin and the Taieri, and was engaged in that trade for two years at the time of the Tuapeka diggings. He afterwards built a 20-ton cutter, the “Clarendon,” to run on Lake Waiho'a, having contracted with the Otago Provincial Government to clear Scorgie's Creek for navigation. On the completion of this remunerative work, both vessels were sold, and Captain Marshall returned to Pigeon Bay. Not long after this he bought the schooner “Lucy James,” in which he was engaged in the coastal trade for six years. In the early days of settlement in the colony Captain Marshall passed through many hard times and experienced thrilling adventures by sea and land, particularly in entering bar harbours, pursuing whales, and in getting spars out of the bush. In 1877 Captain Marshall sold out his interests, and after a four years' visit to England, settled at St. Albans, where he named his property “Midlothian,” after the vessel which he had built and worked so successfully. He was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Allen, solicitor, of Edinburgh.
was born in Paisley in 1839, was educated at the Bathson Academy, and brought up to the sea, serving in various ships. Mr. Meikleham arrived in Sydney in the S.S. “Queensland” in 1861. He joined the Intercolonial Royal Mail Company, which afterwards merged into the Panama
Papanui, Christchurch, is an Old Colonist, who was born in Tasmania in 1858, and came with his parents to New Zealand when he was four years of age. His father, Mr. Edwin Meredith, is referred to at page 946 of the Wellington volume of this work. Mr. C. K. Meredith-Kaye was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Wellington College, and finished his education at Horton College, Tasmania. He then went on a station in Tasmania for twelve months. Subsequently he came back to New Zealand and went to Wairarapa, where he managed his father's estate for three years, and afterwards that of his brother, the late Mr. Edwin Meredith, for six years. He then went on a visit to England, and on returning he purchased a property of about 300 acres at Salisbury, near Timaru, and carried on general farming. In 1895 he went again to the Old Country, and returned the following year. Shortly after returning, in 1897, he sold his property to Mr. Goodwin. Mr. Meredith-Kaye has always identified himself with sport. He was instrumental in forming the Timaru Tourists' Cycling Club, and filled the office of president from its inception until he left the district. He was also a prominent member of the South Canterbury Hunt Club and the Timaru Jockey Club. During his residence in New Zealand, Mr. Meredith-Kaye has done much to promote the interests of sport, and was presented with several testimonials from the residents of Timaru when he left the district. He was married in Melbourne to a daughter of the late Captain Kaye, of the Royal Navy, and has three children.
was born in Wandsworth, Surrey, in 1845, was educated at private schools in England and France, and came to Wellington, per ship “Wild Duck,” in 1861. He was articled in Wanganui, and afterwards practised as a surveyor in that town until 1874 when he entered the Wellington Provincial Government service as a surveyor. He was shortly afterwards transferred to the land purchase department of the General Government as a district surveyor, and continued to hold that position till appointed in 1878 to a draughtsmanship in the Lands and Survey Office, Canterbury. Mr. Monro died on the 28th of July, 1901.
J.P., an old Canterbury colonist, was born in 1830 in Buckinghamshire, England, educated at private schools, and brought up to the shipping trade. He left in 1859, by the ship “Yorkshire,” for Victoria, and after a short stay in Tasmania settled in Canterbury in 1860 as a sheepfarmer at Rakaia. Mr. Morten subsequently purchased “Mount Pleasant,” a block of 6000 acres, and also acquired “Ahuriri,” at Taj Tapu, which contains 4000 acres, and also “Waipara” and “White Rock,” two small sheep-stations, of about 1200 acres each. Soon after Mr. Morten came to Christchurch, he bought the land which forms the site of Morten's Buildings, for the sum of £3750, at that time considered an extremely high price. The investment, however, proved a good one, as the purchaser refused £20,000 for the site in 1885. The greater portion of the stone for the building was obtained from Mr. Morten's quarry at Ruapaki; it is of a very durable quality, and withstands the most severe fire-test. The building, five stories in height, is faced with Mount Somers stone, and cost £30,000. Mr. Morten has long been interested in the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is one of the oldest members of the Canterbury Jockey Club. For a time he kept his own racehorses, and was for many years a steward and a member of the club committee. He was married, in 1871, and has two sons.
was a very early settler in Canterbury. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Cressy” on the 27th of December, 1850. For many years he followed the occupation of farmer and contractor, and had farms at Templeton, Yaldhurst, Springston, and Ferry Road, Christchurch. He had the contract for the construction of the Ferry Road, and was also associated with the making of the Bridle Path. Mr. Parish was a well-known figure in the early days; he took
who was born near Hull, in Yorkshire, England, came to New Zealand in 1853. In 1855 he bought some of the Maori bush at Woodend, and started in the timber trade. He afterwards took up land in Kaiapoi Island, and initiated a scheme which confined the Waimakariri to its southern course, and thereby saved the land on the north bank of the river from destructive floods, which in the early days ruined many valuable crops. Mr. Pashby was a member of the North Waimakariri River Board for many years, and also chairman of the Farmers' Club, and of the Eyreton Road Board. He now (1902) resides on his farm at Woolston.
was born at Rochester, Kent, England, in 1837, and educated at King's school, Rochester Cathedral, in his native city. Mr. Patten came to New Zealand with the late Sir Harry Atkinson in the ship “Sir Edward Paget,” which arrived in New Plymouth in 1853. For three years he was engaged on that gentleman's estate, known as “Hurworth,” where he had experience in the general life of an early settler. On the outbreak of the Nelson goldfields in 1857, Mr. Patten worked at Colllngwood, and helped to turn the State river with a party or twenty men. He served for twelve months as assistant surveyor to the late Mr. Alfred Dobson, of Nelson, and afterwards met with a severe accident at the Hurunui, breaking his leg. He was brought sixty miles on a bullock-dray, doctors being very scarce in 1858. Mr. Patten entered the Customs Department in 1859 as a clerk at Lyttelton, receiving his appointment from the late Mr. Justice Richmond, who was Commissioner of Customs in the Stafford Ministry. Mr. Patten was appointed acting sub-collector at Timaru in March, 1865. On the outbreak of the West Coast goldfields he was sent to Hokitika as collector, and subsequently opened several offices on the coast, including Greymouth. Mr. Patten saw some rough life while protecting the revenue during the early days of Westland, before roads were made and bridges built over the rivers. He was a member of the Hokitika Licensing Bench, and when Westland was separated from Canterbury was appointed auditor and receiver of land revenue. On the coming into force of the Education Act, Mr. Patten became a member of the Westland Education Board, of which body he acted as chairman for several years. On the abolition of the provinces he had charge of the special settlement of Jackson's Bay. In 1880, when he was transferred to Napier, he was presented with a handsome testimonial in recognition of his services on the West Coast. Mr. Patten took charge of the Canterbury custom-house in April, 1892. He died suddenly on the 22nd of February, 1902.
came out in one of the first four ships, with a family of seven children, and became well known and highly esteemed as a citizen of Christchurch. Shortly after his arrival he took up land in St. Albans, and, later on, about 300 acres at Ashley. He also had a farm named “Raithby,” on the Waimakariri river. After following agricultural pursuits for a number of years he retired and lived at St. Albans, where he died on the 19th of June, 1880, at the age of sixty-five. His wife, surviving him, died fifteen years afterwards at Papanui.
J.P., is a native of Dartmouth, Devonshire, England, and was born in 1828, educated in his native place, and brought up as a builder. He came out to South Australia in 1849, and in 1858 removed to New Zealand and settled in Nelson, where he was engaged in the milling business for six years. He became a Canterbury settler in 1864, purchasing land at Tal Tapu, where he has since been ocupied in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Peryman has taken a prominent part with local bedies for many years. He was elected to the Education Board in 1880, of which he has been continuously a member since that time. For eighteen years he was a member of the Selwyn County Council, from which he retired in 1896; he has also held a seat on the Hospital Board, representing Selwyn County Council, and was for six years a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, of which he was chairman for one year. Mr. Peryman has been on the South Waimakariri River Board since its inception, and has twice filled the office of its chairman. He was one of the original directors of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Associaton of Canterbury, on which he still holds a seat, and is also a director of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Insurance Company. He has been prominently connected with the Wesleyan Church during his life, has attended nearly all the annual conferences in New Zealand as a delegate, and in 1888 and 1894, was sent to the general conferences held in Australia. Mr. Peryman was married in 1853 to a daughter of the late Mr. Amram Saunders, of Devizes, Wiltshire, and sister of Mr. A. Saunders, and has two sons and two daughters living. One of his sons is the Rev. S. H. D. Peryman, Wesleyan minister.
sometime of St. Aroans, arrived by the ship “Randolph” at Lyttelton on the 16th of December, 1850. He was a native of Kent, England. After a short time spent at Lyttelton, he came to Christchurch, and was engaged in sawing timber in the Riccarton bush. Mr. Philpott purchased an acre of the Papanui bush, felled the trees, and turned them into sawn timber, firewood and shingles, for which there was a great demand in Christchurch. He also bought a team of bullocks, and carted timber and firewood from the Papanui bush and afterwards from the Maori bush, Kaiapoi, to Christchurch. Later on he bought one of the horse-power threshing machines of Barrett, Exall and Andrews, of Reading, England. This machine has been in continuous use up to the present day, and is still in good order; a proof of the good workmanship of English made machinery. Mr. Philpott acquired a fine block of land at Harewood Road, and St. Albans, and he also carried on farming in conjunction with his threshing business. The horse-power thresher was in time disposed of to his son, and he bought a steam threshing machine for use in his own business.
of “Happy Home,” Cashmere, was born in the parish of Clunie, Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1833, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Roman Emperor” in 1862, and after a short stay in Lyttelton proceeded to the Tuapeka gold diggings, where he secured a large tract of Crown land on which he carried, grazed, and fattened sheep. Later on, at the outbreak of the West Coast diggings, he went there with the intention of taking up land for grazing purposes, but, finding the country covered with dense bush, he returned by the Hurunui Saddle to Oamaru. He afterwards returned to the West Coast, and was mining successfully at Waimea for seven months. Mr. Robertson then devoted his energies to cattle dealing as between Canterbury and the West Coast, where there was a great demand for stock, and for three years he carried on a most flourishing business. About 1868 he began to confine his operations to Canterbury, when he became well known as a stock dealer. At first he resided at Christchurch, but was afterwards successively at Southbridge, Barry's Bay, and Poverty Bay. In 1896 he took up his residence at “Happy Home,” Cashmere, where he carries on the business of a grazier. On one occasion in the early days, he had promised to take part in certain sports which were to be held at Hokkika. He missed the coach, but in order to keep his promise he travelled from Christchurch to Hokitika in two days and a half, and arrived about noon of the day on which the sports were held in the old Montezuma yards. Notwithstanding the circumstances, Mr. Robertson won five prizes, running, jumping, and throwing the hammer. At the first sports held at Moko Moko, Invercargill, he won the 600 yard race, the high jumping, and stone-throwing. His very active life has left him with no leisure for public affairs, but he has always taken an active interest in sports and exercises. Mr. Robertson married Miss Braddell, and has a family of two sons and four daughters. His eldest son is on a cattle run, and his youngest, Mr. Struan Sholto Douglas Robertson, is qualifying for an engineer after a distinguished course at College.
is an Old Colonist who has had a most interesting career. He was born in Lavington, Wiltshire, England, on the 12th of June, 1820. He was educated at Dr. Day's Academy, Bristol, and brought up as a farmer and miller. Arriving in Nelson in 1842 in the first immigrant ship, “Flfeshire,” he was the first to step on shore, and was closely identified with the Nelson Provincial District for fully twenty-five years. He was elected a member of the Nelson Provincial Council for Waimea South in 1855, and represented the district continuously until he became Superintendent of the Province. He was re-elected to this important position in 1865, and only resigned in 1867 to visit England with his family. He was appointed a Justice the Peace by the Stafford Government in 1858. In the following year Mr. Saunders was criminally prosecuted for writing a letter to the “Nelson Examiner” charging District Judge Travers with giving a verdict at variance with evidence and with sending a garbied report to the Press. A fine of £150 was inflicted, Mr. Saunders' name struck off the Commission of the Peace, and he was sentenced by Judge Johnston to six months' imprisonment. By the interposition of the visiting justices of the gaol and the good-will of the Nelson settlers, what the judge intended for a punishment was converted into a real good time, and Mr. Saunders was released by the Governor without reference to the judge as soon as an answer could be returned to the petition signed by more than a thousand of his fellow-settlers. In consequence of his imprisonment Mr. Saunders resigned his seat in the Provincial Council, but was re-elected whilst still in durance without opposition. This event seems to have had a considerable influence upon his political career, as he was immediately afterwards elected to Parliament for Walmea, his name was restored to the Commission of the Peace, and in the year immediately following he declined the position of Colonial Treasurer offered to him by the Premier, Sir W. Fox. Mr. Saunders remained in England from 1867 to 1871, when he returned to the Colony and settled in Canterbury. He was elected to the House of Representatives for Cheviet, for which constituency he was again elected in 1879. In 1880 he was appointed chairman
who was well known for about thirty years as the Officer in Charge of the Immigration Barracks in Christchurch, was born in 1830 at Vauxhall, Surrey. He was educated at the national schools in Stockwell, and brought up as a candle manufacturer. Mr. Smith arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Roman Empire” in 1860, and joined the police force, in which he became sergeant, and was placed in charge of the Immigration Barracks, from which position he did not retire till 1892. It is estimated that at least 20,000 immigrants passed through the barracks during Mr. Smith's term of office. He was married in 1854 to a daughter of Mr. Richard Atkins, of Vauxhall, Surrey, and has seven sons and one daughter.
an old Christchurch settler, was well known for many years as a plumber, gasfitter, paperhanger, and art decorator in High Street. He was born in 1828, near Derby, was apprenticed to the trade in Lenton, Nottinghamshire, and for nine years before leaving England was manager for a Derby firm. Mr. Smith remembers the commencement of the railway system in England before he left for Lyttelton in the ship “Cameo” in 1859. After his arrival in the Colony he established himself in High Street, where he conducted business till his retirement some years ago. Mr. Smith inserted the first plate-glass in the Provincial Council Chambers in Durham Street, and fitted up most of the breweries in the early days, and also work connected with many churches from Christchurch to Timaru. Mr. Smith took part in the Masonic ceremony at the laying of the foundation stone of Christchurch Cathedral. He also did considerable work for the “Lyttelton Times” and “Press” company. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic Order, being a past master of Lodge St. Augustine, and third principal of the Royal Arch. He was married in 1850 to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Rogers, of Derbyshire, England, chair manufacturer. Mrs. Smith died in 1890.
was born in Hewessfield Parish, Gloucestershire, in 1828, and educated at St. Bravel's in the Forest of Dean. He was brought up as a farmer, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. Before coming to New Zealand he leased farms respectively from the Duke of Beaufort and from Mr. W. H. Peel, cousin of the celebrated Sir Robert Peel. He arrived in Victoria in 1861, and after two years in Melbourne Mr. Spencer came to this Colony and settled in Canterbury. For some time he was employed by Mr. E. Mitchell, auctioneer, in Christchurch, and for seventeen years managed Mr. E. Reece's farm at Bottle Lake, which he successfully transformed from a wilderness into a state of cultivation. Mr. Spencer bought the first portion of his farm at the Styx in 1871, and has since increased his area to 2000 acres in all, 900 of which is freehold. Mr. Spencer has resided in Spencer Road, Papanui, since 1884, and has been a member of the Avon Road Board and of the Belfast School Committee. He was married in 1849 to a daughter of Mr. John Pritchard, of Hewessfield, and has four sons and five daughters.
is the second son of the late Mr. John Studholme, of Morton House, near Carlisle, Cumberland, and was born in 1829. He was educated at Sedbergh Grammar School and Queen's College. Oxford, was an exhibitioner of his college, and rowed in the college eight. Having purchased land in England from the Canterbury Association, he came out to the Colony in 1851 in the “Labuan,” accompanied by two younger brothers, Paul and Michael. Shortly after arriving, they took up runs on the Selwyn and Rakaia. In the following year, leaving their runs, they went over to Australia and spent some months on the Victorian goldfields. They returned from Australia in a ship which only went as far as Nelson, and seeing no prospect of otherwise getting back to Christchurch, they walked along the coast, a distance of about 350 miles. With the exception of Mr. Valpy, he and his brother Michael were the first overlanders between Christchurch and Dunedin, and they were also the first to bring cattle across the Waitaki river. In 1853, there was no bank in Otago, or any business transactions between the two provinces. Cheques on Christchurch were valueless; so, to get money to pay for the cattle they purchased, Mr. John Studholme walked to Christchurch and back, carrying his blankets and provisions, and crossing the rivers at great risk. In January, 1854, along with Dr. Menzies and Capt. Bellairs, he made an expedition to explore the Southland district,
an old resident of Canterbury, and well known in Christchurch for many years as an auctioneer, was the son of F. G. Tabart, R.N., who retired from the Royal Navy with the rank of paymaster. Mr. F. C. Tabart was born in London in 1830, and eight months later accompanied his parents to Tasmania, where he was educated and brought up. On the death of his father, he went to Victoria, where he became manager of large cattle and sheep stations in the Murray and Riverina districts. During that period Mr. labart was considered one of the best riders in Australia, and in 1855 he won the Melbourne Grand National Steeplechase, on a horse named “Triton.” Mr. Tabart was also the first man in Australasia to swim a racehorse for exercise. He was married in 1858, and returned to Tasmania, where he managed a station and bought a farm. About 1863 he sold out his property and came to New Zealand, and entered into partnership with the late Sir Richard Dry and Mr. J. Meredith, in the Highfield station, in the Amuri district. However, the heavy snowstorm of 1869 depleted the flocks, and the property was sold, and the partnership dissolved. Mr. Tabart then went to Hokitika, purchased the auctioneering business of Mr. Mark Sprott, and carried it on till he returned to Christchurch in 1877. While at Hokitika Mr. Tabart was three times elected mayor of the borough. On his arrival in Christchurch he joined the firm of Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co., as a partner, in the business of auctioneers and general merchants. When Mr. Wilkin died in 1886, Mr. Tabart formed the firm of Messrs F. C. Tabart and Co., of which he was the head up to the time of his death. He was a familiar figure at the Addington market, where he was most popular, as indeed he was with all classes of the community. Mr. Tabart was for some years honorary judge for the Canterbury Jockey Club, and upon his retirement from that position the club made him a handsome presentation and elected him a life member. He died at his residence, Opawa, on the 12th of February, 1901, leaving a widow, two sons, and six daughters, and a wide circle of friends to mourn him.
J.P., was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, and left his native land in 1851. After being ten years in Victoria, he settled in Christchurch and established himself in business as a builder, contractor, and monumental mason. He erected a large number of very important buildings, including the offices of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in Hereford Street; Fisher's Buildings, corner of High Street; Mr. John Lewis' buildings in Hereford Street; the railway passengers' station; Government Insurance Buildings, Cathedral Square; Messrs. Reece and Sons' building in Colombo Street; Anderson's foundry, Cashel and Lichfield streets; the Museum, and a considerable portion of the Cathedral. Mr. Tait was a Justice of the Peace for many years and had been connected with local governing bodies; he filled the office of mayor of Sumner, and was for some time a councillor of the City of Christchurch. He carried on business at 275 Cashel Street, at the corner of Montreal Street, where he owned a large section of land and premises having 15,000 square feet of floor space. He practically retired from business in 1895 leaving the management to his son, Mr. J. A. Tait, who is now conducting it on his own account. Mr. Tait died on the 3rd of July, 1898.
eighth holder of the baronetcy, which was created in 1662, the second year of the reign of Charles the Second, was one of the earliest colonists of Canterbury. He and his family arrived at Lyttelton in 1851, and resided in Canterbury continuously for some years. They then paid a prolonged visit to England and the Continent of Europe, but returned to New Zealand in 1872. After again residing in Canterbury for about eight years, he and Lady Tancred went to live in Clareville, Wairarapa, in the province of Wellington. Sir Thomas Tancred belonged to one of the most ancient families in England; the founder, then known as Tankard, held lands at Boroughbridge, Yorkshire, at the time of the Conquest, and
formerly of Rangitata, but now of Christchurch, was born in ‘1834. He was brought up as a blacksmith, and when twenty-six years of age left his native land for New Zealand, arriving in Dunedin in 1860 by the ship “Pladda.” Working for a time at his trade in Southland, he afterwards came to Temuka, where he opened the first black-smith's shop and the second building put up in Temuka. After carrying on business for about twelve months, at the request of the late Mr. W. K. Macdonald, he removed to Orarl, where he remained for fourteen years. Purchasing 284 acres at Rangitata in 1876, Mr. Taylor became a farmer. He was for many years a member of the South Rangitata School Committee, and assisted the Rev. G. Barclay to establish the Presbyterian church at Temuka. He was married to Miss Dunn, sister of Mrs. James Blyth, of Temuka, and daughter of Mr. Dunn, of the “Stumps' Farm,” Temuka—an old settler who came to Canterbury by the ship “Joseph Fletcher” in 1854—and has two sons and eight daughters.
was the only son of the late Mr. John Theobald, of Spratton Hall, Spratton, Northampton, England, and the eldest grandson of the late Mr. John Theobald, of Bedford Row, Stockwell. London, who was well known on the turf as the owner of the Stockwell stud, and left half a million of money at his death in 1849. His mother's father was Major-General Richard Augustus Seymour, Colonel of the 15th Hussars, and Governor of the Island of St. Lucia, W. Indies, where he was accidentally killed in 1817. Mr. Theobald's aunt on his mother's side was Lady Barlow, wife of Sir Robert Barlow, an Indian judge, and his only sister became the wife of Mr. John Gatehouse Raymond, of Shaftesbury, Dorset, whose son became the Rev John Story Raymond of Hemington Rectory, Bath. Mr Peter Thelluson, of Brodsworth Hall, Doncaster, was a first cousin of Mr. Theobald, on his father's side. Born in 1829, the subject of this notice was left fatherless when but five years old, and was educated at Boulogne, France, and in England, under the guardianship of his grandfather. He was married in 1857 to Miss Persis Barter, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Norris, of River View, Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland, and resided in Ireland till 1883. In that year the family came to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Tongariro” on her first trip, and settled in Gloucester
who was born in Bavaria in 1819, was one of the pioneers of Canterbury, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Midlothian” on the 8th of October, 1851. He was accompanied by his two sons, Mr. William Tisch, of Stratford, Taranaki, and Mr. Henry Tisch, of Papanui, Christchurch; and also by two daughters, who died shortly after the family's arrival. Mr. Tisch's first purchase was a section of land in Armagh Street, the site of the residence of the late Dr J. H. Deamer. Shortly after his arrival Mr. Tisch started farming on about fifty acres of Church property between the Styx and Kapitone Creek. He farmed the property for five years, and then purchased the land still known as Tisch's Corner on the North Road near Belfast; and he kept on buying until he had an area of about 700 acres. Seeing the great demand for sawn timber in a new colony, he also started a sawmill in Christchurch in partnership with Mr. Neece, now of Wellington. The demand for sawn timber increased, and to keep up the supply Mr. Tisch purchased a large tract of forest land at Alford Forest, and erected a sawmill. Mr. Tisch had timber rights also at Alford Forest, and to meet the requirements of the increasing population in the district he erected the Alford Forest Hotel, which still remains, and also the Spread Eagle Hotel midway between Ashburton and Alford Forest. Wishing to consolidate his extensive business, he disposed of his property between Duncan's Lane and Chaney's Corner, where the chemical and Kapitone wool works now stand. After a long and active life Mr. Tisch gave up business and returned to Hitchen's Corner, which he had purchased in 1883, and led a life of well-deserved ease until his death in 1892, when, of a family of twelve, eight sons and daughters were still surviving. Mr. Tisch was a Freemason of many years' standing. He took great interest in the Anglican Church, and was for years a vestryman of the North Road church, now known as the Belfast church.
of Papanui Road, was born in Germany in 1847, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand by the ship “Midlothian,' which arrived at Lyttelton in 1851. He was educated at Christchurch, and afterwards worked with his father until 1865 at the Tisch Corner farm. In that year he was seized with the gold fever, and went to Hokitika with his eldest brother, Mr. William Tisch. Not succeeding at Hokitika, the brothers moved to Maori Gully near Greymouth, but with equally unsatisfactory results, and after about thirteen months of unsuccessful prospecting, they gave up gold digging. During his stay at Maori Gully Mr. Tisch narrowly escaped meeting the same fate as poor Dobson, who was murdered by the Levy, Burgess, and Kelly gang. On that day Mr. Tisch was returning from Greymouth to Maori Gully. Near the camp of the gang the track was very bad, and Mr. Tisch overtook a traveller, who recommended him to take another route along the river. He took this advice, and by doing so, no doubt escaped the fate which befel Mr. Dobson. After leaving the diggings, and returning to Christchurch. Mr. Tisch bought ninety-two acres of land at Chaney's Corner from his father, and started farming on his own account. At first his success was about equal to that of his search for gold, but he was encouraged by a wife who has been a worthy helpmate, and, cheered by her sympathy, he carried on farming against great odds; but with perseverance and thrift he succeeded, and after nine years he sold his farm at a handsome figure. Mr. Tisch then speculated in buying and selling various properties, but always with great advantage to himself. Finally, he purchased his present beautiful place in Papanui Road. While he was dealing in properties Mr. Tisch bought and sold the Haselden Estate, consisting of 1235 acres, in Wairere Valley, Glen-tunnel. Mr. Tisch has long been well known as a judge of cattle, and, indeed, he considers that his success has been largely due to his knowledge of stock, which he has dealt in for over thirty years. In 1892 Mr. Tisch paid a prolonged visit to the Old World. He travelled through Australia, and visited Naples, Rome, Switzerland, and his own birthplace, Bohingheim in Prussia. He visited the large centres of Great Britain, and returned by way of America, Honolulu and Samoa. During a second trip to Europe, he visited the Paris Exhibition, and witnessed the Royal Agricultural Show at Stirling, Scotland. He also visited the Trossachs and other Scottish scenes, made famous by Sir Walter Scott. Ireland was visited during the same tour, and Mr. Tisch returned by the “Ophir,” through the Red Sea, and landed in New Zealand on the 2nd of November, 1901. Mr. Tisch married Miss Mary Schmitt, in 1866. and to her help and devotion he attributes the greater part of his material success. Of a family of ten children, two sons and four daughters are married.
who has been well known in commercial circles in Canterbury for about thirty years as an enterprising Colonist, was born on the 10th of March, 1851, at Oldford, Middlesex, England, in a
a very well-known old settler, who has been a Colonist of New Zealand for upwards of sixty years, is the son of the Rev. Nathaniel Turner, one of the pioneer missionaries who came to the Colony in 1823. Mr. Turner was born in Tasmania in 1834, was educated in Hobart and Sydney, and was in the service of the Union Bank of Australia in Sydney, Adelaide, and New Zealand respectively. When it was decided to open a branch of the Bank of New South Wales in this Colony, Mr. Turner was selected as manager to inaugurate the business in Canterbury in 1860. Some years later Mr. Turner retired from the Bank to follow commercial pursuits, and for many years was known as a merchant in Christchurch. Largely interested in the mercantile marine before the introduction of steamers, Mr. Turner employed many ships in the direct trade with London, China, India, Singapore, Batavia, Mauritius, South Africa, United States of America, Vancouver, and ports on the West Coast of South America, besides in the Intercolonial trade. Mr. Turner occupied a seat on the Christchurch City Council for several years. He was prominent in promoting the establishment of savings banks and building societies, and has been a member of the committees of these institutions since 1855. Mr. Turner still carries on business in Christchurch as a merchant, and also represents the Black Ball Coal Company and its steamers in New Zealand. He is referred to in that connection in another article in the commercial section of this volume.
M.A., belonged to an old Gloucestershire family and was born in 1830. He received his education at Kidderminster and Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he graduated and took his M.A. degree in 1856, coming out to New Zealand in the following year. Mr. Veel was originally intended for holy orders, but preferred to follow other pursuits. After settling in Christchurch, he joined the Staff of the “Press” newspaper, as sub-editor, succeeding Mr. Sale (now Professor Sale, of Otago University), and, subsequently, became leader-writer and eventually editor. With a short intermission, Mr. Veel continued his journalistic work in Christchurch till 1878. In 1875, he was elected a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. In his college days at Oxford he was known as a light-weight athlete, and in bis later career, took a great Interest in the game of chess, of which he was a strong player. In April, 1878, Mr. Veel succeeded the Rev. Mr. Habens, as Secretary of the North Canterbury Education Board, on that gentleman's appointment as Inspector-General of schools for the Colony. He became also principal of the Normal school about the year 1890. Mr. Veel was married at St. John's, Notting Hiii, London, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Anstey, of Oxford, and when he died in 1895, he left his widow, one son and three daughters.
F.R.M.S., was a native of the Colony of New South Wales, where he was born in 1829, his parents being amongst the passengers who arrived in the previous year in the ship “Eliza.” Mr. Webb was educated at the Sydney College, and entered mercantile life in that city, subsequently going into business as a member of the firm of Fergusson, Webb and Co., merchants. He was for a long time connected with the Horticultural and Agricultural Society
F.R.G.S., was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1841, and educated in England. After spending some years in Tasmania, where he became a surveyor in 1862, Mr. Weetman arrived in Southland in 1863, and was on the survey staff till 1865, when he went to Auckland and joined the survey office in that city. In 1887, he was transferred to Poverty Bay, remaining in charge of the branch office at Gisborne until 1889. From that year until 1893 Mr. Weetman was commissioner of Crown lands in Taranaki, whence he was transferred to Marlborough, where he remained till 1897, when he took up the duties of his office in Christchurch. Mr. Weetman was elected in 1884 a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, of which he is a life member. He retired from the public service early in 1902.
an old colonist of Christchurch, arrived at Lyttelton in the ship “Randolph” in 1850, one of the “first four” historic ships. After spending a few years in this Colony he made a trip to England, and on his return brought out a windmill, which was erected and started in 1856, and which formed the foundation of the present extensive milling business now carried on by Messrs. Wood Bros., of this city, and of which Mr. Wood is chairman of directors. Mr. Wood has been engaged in other successful mercantile enterprises during his long residence here, and has given some time to pastoral pursuits. He has been a member of the Christchurch City Council and other public institutions. The accompanying portrait represents him in the 74th year of his age.
J.P., is a grandson five times removed of John Evelyn, surnamed “Sylva,” but better known as the author of “Evelyn's Diary.” Mr. Wright was born in England in 1829, educated at the Portman Grammar School, and arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Samarang” in 1852. He was for four years in the service of the Union Bank of Australia, and opened the books of the Christchurch office in Cashel Street, in the shop now occupied by Mr. Duggan. In 1857, he was offered a good position in the firm of Miles, Kingston and Co., which he accepted, signing an agreement for two years; but before the termination of the first year, Mr. Wright received a letter from the Government telling him that the post-mastership of the Province of Canterbury was at his refusal. He accepted the appointment, and remained chief postmaster of the Province for eighteen years, resigning it to take the chief agency for Canterbury and Westland of the Government Life Insurance Department. During the time Mr. Wright was chief postmaster he invented a date-stamping machine, which he believes was on the same principle as the one now in use in the Post Office, Wellington. He finally left the Government service in 1876. In June, 1859, he travelled through to Dunedin to establish an overland mail between that city and Christchurch, and as the rivers had all to be forded, and there were few accommodation-houses in those days, it was not a small undertaking for one only accustomed to a town life. In 1873, he read a paper at the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury “On the desirability of dedicating to the people of New Zealand small areas of land assimilating in character to the village-greens of England.” The newspapers of the Colony took the matter up, and it resulted in the formation of recreation reserves in various parts of the Colony. While resident in Lyttelton, Mr. Wright, in conjunction with Mr. C. W. Turner, started the first Savings Bank in Canterbury, which after a life of
The colony's Customs returns and the operations of the Lyttelton Harbour Board set forth, better than anything else could, the extent and conditions of the shipping trade of Canterbury. Valuable information in connection with the Customs is given at pages 28 and 29 of the general introduction to this volume, and the operations of the Lyttelton Harbour Board are described at pages 118 and 119. In the year 1901 New Zealand exported to Great Britain, to Australia, to America, and to Africa, goods valued at £12,692,796 (more or less), and, of that total, Canterbury's share amounted to £3,126,530. Figures like these give a better idea of the shipping trade of Canterbury than could be given by mere details about the shipping itself, and, consequently, it has not been thought necessary to bring these into this section.
Head Offices, 138 Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., and Christchurch, New Zealand. Mr. H. P. Murray-Aynsley is Chairman of Directors in New Zealand, and Mr. Isaac Gibbs, General Manager for the Colonies. The New Zealand Shipping Company was founded in Christchurch in 1872 with a capital of £100,000. In the following year the capital was increased to £250,000, and has since been increased to £800,000. Prior to 1872 the trade to and from the Colony was in the hands of two firms; but in that year a combination of merchants and agriculturists in New Zealand formed the company, considering that the time had arrived when their interests demanded the establishment of an independent line. At first the newly-fledged institution had to depend mainly on chartered ships, but gradually it secured a fleet of its own, in which large numbers of passengers were conveyed. Between the years 1877 and 1882, inclusive, when the New Zealand Shipping Company was under contract with the New Zealand Government to carry immigrants from the Old Country, its monthly sailing vessels brought out close on 20,000 immigrants and passengers. In January, 1883, the s.s. “British King,” 3559 tons register, came from London as the pioneer of the company's direct monthly line of steamers. With the object of constructing steamers which would make the passages with regularity under forty-five days out and forty-two days Home, and to facilitate the frozen-meat trade, the company contracted with the firm of Messrs. John Elder and Co., Glasgow, for the building of five steamers all fitted with refrigerating machinery, and chambers capable of carrying 12,000 to 15,000 carcases of mutton, and with accommodation for about eighty first class, eighty second-class, and 250 third-class passengers. the meat chambers have since been enlarged to double the original capacity. The great expansion of trade demanded more accommodation for cargo than was afforded by the mail liners, and the company therefore acquired three cargosteamers—the “Tekoa,” “Otarama,” and “Waikato,” and built the “Waimate” and “Rakaia,” making ten steamers in all, besides chartering a large number of sailing vessels and steamers for homeward loading in addition to the permanent fleet. At present (1902) the company's fleet consists of the following steamships: “Aorangi,” “Miowera,” “Otarama,” “Papanui,” “Paparoa” (twin screw), “Pareora,” “Petone,” “Rakaia,” “Rimutaka” (twin screw), “Ruapehu” (twin screw), “Tekoa,” “Tongariro” (twin screw), “Waikato,” “Waimate,” “Wakanui,” and “Whakatane.”
J.P., Chairman of the New Zealand Directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited, was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1828. He came out to Lyttelton in 1858 by the s.s. “Queen,” a vessel purchased by the late Hon. James Macandrew to open up trade between Melbourne and New Zealand. For many years after settling in Christchurch Mr. Murray Aynsley was engaged in business as a partner in the firm of Miles and Co., from which he retired shortly before the firm was incorporated into a limited liability company. Mr. Murray-Aynsley was engaged for many years as a sheep-farmer at Mount Hutt, but afterwards disposed of his landed interest. He joined the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1873, and has been a director since that time. In the days of the Provincial Government he was a member of the executive, and sat as member for Lyttelton in the Provincial Council. In 1869 he acted as deputy-superintendent of the province during Mr. Rolleston's absence in the House of Representatives. He represented Lyttel ton in the General Assembly during 1876–79. Mr. Murray-Aynsley has long been a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and at one time filled the position of president. He has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 1860, and was president during 1862–3. Mr. Murray-Aynsley was married in 1859 to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Campbell, of Edinburgh. This lady died in 1893, leaving four sons and three daughters.
General Manager in New Zealand of the New Zealand Shipping Company, Ltd., was born in 1851 in Oxfordshire England, and educated at Cowley, near Oxford. He was trained to mercantile life, and before coming out to the Colonies in 1872 was in the office of Messrs. Woolley, Saunders, and Co., merchants, Wood Street, London. Mr. Gibbs spent four years in Sydney, where he was in the office of Messrs. Gilchrist and Weston, mine
Accountant to the New Zealand Shipping Company, in Christchurch, was born at St. Kilda, Melbourne, in 1861. He was educated at Mr. Gee's Grammar School in Christchurch, joined the service of the Shipping Company as a junor in 1875, and was promoted to the position he now holds in 1888. Mr. Callender has been Honorary Treasurer of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church for twelve years. In 1891 he married a daughter of Colonel Wroughton, C.B., of Her Majesty's Indian Army, Bengal.
Chief Bookkeeper of the New Zealand Shipping Company, was born in Christchurch in 1869, was educated at the Boys' High School and and joined the company as clerk in 1883. He subsequently served in Wellington, Napier, and Oamaru, and was re-transferred to Christchurch in his present capacity in 1896. Mr. Hall was married in 1897 to a daughter of Mr. T. Kennedy, of Oamaru, and has one daughter.
Limited, 116 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Mr. George Lambie is the Christchurch manager of this important company, which was established in 1877, and has its headquarters in Dunedin. Articles on the company appear at page 791 of the Wellington volume and at page 449 of the Auckland volume of this Cyclopedia; and an article in connection with its headquarters in Dunedin will be found in the Otago volume.
Chief Engineer of the Union Steamship Company's fine steamer “Hawea,” was born at Dumbarton, Scotland, in 1868, and educated at Dumbarton Bargh Academy. After serving his apprenticeship with Messrs Denny and Co., the celebrated ship-builders, he came to New Zealand in 1887, as fourth engineer of the Union Company's steamer “Pukaki” and remained in her about six months. He was afterwards in the “Rotomahana” and “Ovalau,” and was second engineer on the “Wairarapa” on her fatal trip when she struck on the Great Barrier. Mr. Dunlop's bravery in that awful catastrophe in saving life will long live in the memory of the present generation. For his many acts of hercism he was presented with a silver medal from the Royal Humane Society, and a handsome cheque from the Union Company. He was then appointed second engineer on the “Monowai,” and subsequently in the “Rotomahana.” Mr. Dunlop went Home in 1896 and returned as chief engineer of the company's new steamer “Hawea,” which arrived in New Zealand in April, 1897.
of the Blackball Coal Company's s.s. “Pareora,” was appointed to the command of that vessel on her arrival in the Colonies in December, 1896. He was born in Denmark in 1835, went to sea at the age of sixteen, and was engaged in the collier trade out of North Shields till 1855, when he went to India in the P. and O. Company's boat, “Madras.” in 1859 he came to New Zealand “before the mast” on the “Zealandia,” and left his vessel in November of that year to engage in the coastal trade of the Colony. Captain Christian took command of the s.s. “Moa” when that vessel was launched. He subsequently had charge of the three-masted schooner “Rifleman,” which was captured by Te Kooti and his fellow-prisoners when they escaped from the Cuatham Islands in 1868. Captain Christian was in charge of the “Bruce” in trading to the West Coast. The old Harbour Company (the nucleus of the present Union Steamship Company) had Captain Christian in its service for several years, and he was in turn in the “Beautiful Star,” “Maori,” “Wanganui,” and other vessels of the fleet. From 1873 he sailed the barque “Hadda,” between China and the Australasian Colonies, for two years. Captair Christian then purchased the brigantine “Wave” and sailed her in the intercolonial trade, but disposed of her to take charge of the “Vision” for the Kauri Timber Company, Auckland, and for eight years he traded between New Zealand and Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. Captain Christian joined the Blackball Coal Company's service in 1894, when he took command of the s.s. “Hesketh,” and was promoted to his present position two years later.
formerly Chief Officer of the s.s. “Hesketh' of the Blackball Coal Company, was born in Sweden in 1845. At the age of fourteen he went to sea and sailed in the Mediterranean and West Indies trade for five years. He joined Messrs Wigram and Co.'s vessel “True Briton,” which was in Australian waters in 1867. Shortly afterwards he joined the brigantine “Magnet,” trading between Grey mouth and other colonial ports Mr. Dillner sailed out of Hobart in charge of the barque “Glencoe,” and subsequently he was captain of the brig “Prairie.” In 1878 he entered Mr C. W. Turner's service, and then that of Messrs Waterson, of Invercargill. He joined the service of the Blackball Coal Company, in 1895, as second officer on the “Hesketh,” and was promoted to be chief in December of the following year.
which adjoins the city of Christchurch, has the distinction of being the largest borough in the colony, outside of the four chief centres. Originally, it formed a part of the Heathcote and Spreydon road districts. But on the 20th of September, 1877, it was raised to the dignity of a borough, with a full complement of municipal officials, and a population of between 5000 and 6000. At the end of twenty-five years of vigorous and healthy life, it now has a population of 12,000. The first Mayor was the late Mr G. Booth, father of Mr G. T. Booth, who has also occupied the mayoral chair. The borough comprises 1100 acres, and contains 2470 dwellings, and about sixty other buildings. The ratepayers number 2009; the ratable properties, 2449. The ratable value of these properties is £799,465, and the unimproved value, £247,924. There are twenty-six miles of streets and six miles of boundary roads. The total revenue for the year ending the 31st March, 1902, was—exclusive of about £2500, collected for the Drainage Board, the Waimakariri River Board, and the Charitable Aid and Hospital Boards—£7980. The expenditure, including loan money, was £2192. The net public debt is now (1902) £25,825, at 5 per cent, borrowed for street improvements; but loans of £10,000 for public works, and £15,000 for water works, were recently authorised by the ratepayers. The borough is lighted by ninety-five gas lamps supplied by the Christchurch Gas Company. Water is obtained by means of artesian wells, and a scheme for a high pressure system has been authorised by the ratepayers. The rates are a general rate of 3 1/4d in the pound on the unimproved value; a special rate of 51–64ths of a penny on the unimproved value; a hospital and charitable aid rate of one-eighth of a penny on the capital value; a Waimakariri rate of one-tenth of a penny on the unimproved value; and drainage rates of 3/4d in the sewage area on the capital value, and 3/4d on the unimproved in the rural area. A tramway runs down Colombo Street, the main thoroughfare, from one end of the borough to the other, to the foot of the Port Hills, and also on the Lincoln road. The borough had constructed in Christchurch recently a chemical fire engine, the first of its kind made in New Zealand, and perhaps the first made in Australasia. Sydenham's endowments consist of a reserve of 1200 acres at Cairnbrae, which produces an annual income of £500, a section of 200 acres of sandhills, a public library reserve, and several other small sections.
for 1902 consists of Mr J. B. Sim (mayor), and Messrs N. K. Bowden, W. Johnson, and A. T. Smith, representing Addington ward; J. Forrester, W. (Miller and A. H. Webb, for Newton ward; J. Hadfield, E. Jones, and G. W. J. Parsons for Waltham ward; and A. Clifford, A. McMeekan, and John Taylor for East ward. The staff consists of Messrs C. Allison (town clerk and surveyor), R. G. Metcalfe (clerk), B. Throp (collector), and R. McGonagle (foreman of works). The council chambers were formerly situated in Bowen Street, but new offices and a fire brigade station are now (1902) in course of erection in Colombo Street.
J.P., was first elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1897, and held a seat continuously until his election as mayor on the 30th of April, 1902. In 1896 Mr. Sim was appointed a Justice of the Peace. Ever since his arrival in the colony, he has taken a lively interest in politics, and has generally supported the policy of the present Government. He has been a member of the Waltham school committee since 1892, and its chairman since 1896. Mr. Sim is a native of Fraserburg, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he received his education, and served an apprenticeship as a cooper, and worked at his trade up to the time of his leaving for New Zealand. He landed in Lyttelton from the s.s. “Aorangi” in 1885. Mr. Sim was married in Christchurch, and his two sons and three daughters.
J.P., of the Sydenham Borough Council, was for six years and a half continuously a member of the council. In 1897 he was elected mayor, and retired on the completion of his term of office, but re-entered the council in 1901. Mr. Bowden was born in the parish of Luxulyan, Cornwall, England, on the 31st off January, 1837, and went to work at an early age in the copper mines of Cornwall. In March, 1862, he arrived in Auckland, and tried his fortune on the goldfields of that province. Later on he made a similar effort in the Dunstan district of Otago. Not being successful, he removed to Lyttelton, where he worked at the railway tunnel and was the first man to go through it. He was afterwards in business in Colombo Street, Christchurch, and Lincoln Road, Addington, but retired in 1901, in favour of his son.
was first elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1894, and was re-elected in 1899 and 1901. He is chairman of the cemetery committee, and is also a member of the fire prevention committee. During his active career as a councillor he has taken part in all progressive movements, and was a consistent supporter of the high pressure water scheme. Mr. Johnson was born in Brecon, Wales, and arrived with his parents in New Zealand in 1858, by the ship “Zealandia.” He was educated at the Old Boys' High School, Lincoln Road, and joined the Government service in 1894,
was elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1901. He was born in Middlesex, England, and landed in New Zealand with his parents in 1860, and has been a resident of Sydenham since 1864. In 1893 he entered the service of Messrs J. M. Heywood and Co., and is now manager of that firm's carrying business.
of the Sydenham Borough Council, hails from Stirlingshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1842; was educated at Kilsyth, and brought up to the business of a general storekeeper. At the age of twenty he landed from the ship “Chrysolite” in Lyttelton, and was employed as a bookkeeper till 1866 when he returned to England. Settling in Canterbury, permanently, in 1870, Mr. Forrester established himself as a butcher in Sydenham four years later. He has been a member of the Sydenham School Committee and of the Borough Council since 1882 and occupied the mayoral chair in the year 1887–1888, to which position he was re-elected at the close of 1897. Mr. Forrester was initiated in the Masonic Order in Scotland, but he is unattached in New Zealand. He was married in 1865 to a daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Stirling, farmer, of Brookside, and has one son and four daughters.
was elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1901. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Conflict” in 1877, and settled in Christchurch, where he worked at his trade for a number of years. On the opening of the boot department of the Working Men's Co-operative Company Mr. Millar was placed in charge of that branch of the business, which has from the first shown steady progress. Mr. Millar is lieutenant of the Sydenham Rifles, and has been in that company since its foundation.
of the Sydenham Borough Council, is a native of Wiltshire, England, and came to Lyttelton by the sailing ship “Crusader” in 1879. He is a builder and contractor, and takes an active interest in the municipal affairs of Sydenham.
was first elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1892, and sat as a councillor until 1899, when he was elected to the office of mayor. He was re-elected to the council in 1901.
J.P. of the Sydenham Borough Council, is referred to elsewhere in connection with the carriage works carried on by him.
was elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1902. Mr. Parsons carries on business as a monumental mason in Manchester Street, Christchurch.
was elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1893, and again in 1899. He is also a member of the Waltham school committee.
was first elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1899, and was re-elected in 1901. He was born at Springston, Canterbury, and was for some years in business as a commission agent. He was afterwards in business as a baker and storekeeper at Apiti, in the North Island, and also as a baker, pastrycook, confectioner, and caterer, in Colombo Street, Christchurch and now carries on business in Cashel Street.
was elected to the Sydenham Borough Council in 1901. He had previously served on the Linwood Borough Council for eight years. Mr. Taylor was born at Wigton, Cumberland, England. He served on apprenticeship to the building trade at Carlisle, and worked at Newcastle-on-Tyne, but afterwards returned to Wigton, where he worked at his trade for three years, and then in Cleatormore for nine years. Mr. Taylor sailed for New Zealand by the ship “Hurunui,” and arrived at Lyttelton on the 6th of December, 1880. He at once started in business as a builder and contractor in Christchurch, where he built the retort houses for the Christchurch Gas Company. Mr. Taylor
Town Clerk and Surveyor for the Borough of Sydenham, was born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, in 1845. His education was commenced in England and completed in the Colony, where he arrived in 1856 with his parents per ship “Isabella Hercus.” After two years' service as junior clerk in a local bank, he learned the business of a builder with his father, in which trade he was engaged for fifteen years. Mr. Allison was appointed to the positions which he holds under the Sydenham Borough Council on the 1st of September, 1879. As a member of the craft, he is attached to Lodge Conyers, and as a Forester, to Court Star of Canterbury. In the Volunteer movement he has taken an active part for over fifteen years. He held commissions in the No. 1 company of Canterbury Rifle Volunteers and in the E Battery of Artillery for several years, and initiated the proceedings which resulted in the formation of the latter corps, which he afterwards commanded as first lieutenant. As a rifle shot, he took a leading position and won many district trophies. He has been a member of the Reserve Corps since 1889. Mr. Allison takes a keen interest in social and political questions, especially in those relating to local government. He was married in 1867 to a daughter of Mr. Charles Howard, of Christchurch, and has six sons and four daughters.
Pastrycook and Confectioner, corner of Colombo and Sandyford Streets, Sydenham. Mr. Clements is a native of Southland, New Zealand. He learned his trade in Christchurch, and after serving five years with Messrs W. and E. Broadway, he started business in the premises which he still occupies. This shop has two attractive fronts, one on Colombo Street and one on Sandyford Street. The counter trade is one of the best in the Sydenham district. Mr. Clements also does an extensive business in supplying parties, socials, picnics, etc., in connection with which he receives a large amount of support. As a Druid, Mr. Clements is a member of the Oak of Sydenham Lodge.
Bakers, 70 Montreal Street, Sydenham. This business was originally established in 1863 by Mr Alexander Fraser. It was purchased by Mr Neave in 1880, and is now carried on by his son, Mr. John Neave, but Mr. Neave, senior, is still connected with the business. The premises in Montreal Street consist of a bakehouse, a large grain and flour store, stables, and a large two-storey dwellinghouse, with half an acre of land.
is a native of Forfarshire, Scotland, where he learned his business. He arrived in New Zealand by the sailing ship “Milwall,” and immediately started to work at his trade. Finding the country and climate to his liking, Mr. Neave sent for his wife and family, who arrived by the sailing ship “Waimate” in 1875. After working for seven years at his trade in Christchurch, he purchased the business of Mr. Plumridge, and the premises of Mr. Fraser, in Sydenham. In 1899 Mr. Neave purchased a farm at Ladbrooks. It was managed by himself and his son Henry, but upon the latter's departure with the New Zealand Third Contingent to fight in South Africa, the farm was let. Mr. Neave has been a member of the Bobby Burns Masonic Lodge, No. 604, for twenty years, of the Caledonian Society of Canterbury for twenty years, and also a member of the Protestant Alliance for twenty-eight years. Mr Neave has four sons and one daughter.
Builder and Contractor, Colombo Road. Sydenham. Mr. Allen served an apprenticeship as a ship-joiner in Blackwall, with one of the largest shipbuilding firms in England, and afterwards worked for five years as a journeyman ship-joiner. He assisted in fitting up the luxurious pleasure yacht for the Khedive of Egypt. He arrived in Lyttelton by the steamship “Atrata,” from Blackwall, in 1874, and immediately entered into business as a builder and contractor. Mr. Allen has erected a very large number of villa residences, houses, and cottages in Christchurch, Sydenham, Sumner, and other places, and has also built many of the principal business premises in the borough of Sydenham. As an Oddfellow he has been a member of the Loyal Volunteer Lodge, Sydenham, since 1874. He is a member of the Builders' Association of Canterbury. Mr. Allen was married in Tottenham, a suburb of London, and has two daughters and one son.
Builder and Contractor, 70 Queen Street, Sydenham. Mr. Chegwin is a native of Cornwall, England, and arrived in New Zealand in 1873. He has carried out numerous important contracts in and about Christchurch, and has a large workshop at which he keeps a number of men in constant employment. Mr Chegwin is a member of the Builders' Association of Canterbury. As a Freemason, he is attached to Lodge Concord.
Builder and Contractor, and Agent for the National Mutual Fire and Marine' Insurance Company, Limited, of New Zealand, Rosewarne Street, Addington, Sydenham. Mr. Down is a native of Devonshire, England, where he learned his trade by serving an apprenticeship of five years with his father. He afterwards worked for seven years in Plymouth, the greater part of the time as foreman. In 1879 he left England by the steamship “Norfolk,” and arrived in New Zealand the same year. Mr. Down settled in Christchurch and started in business as a builder and contractor. He has confined himself chiefly to the building of villa residences and dwellinghouses, though he built Tabart's grain stores, in conjunction with Mr W. W. Smith, and has also built several public schools in different parts of Canterbury for the Education Board. and made extensive alterations and new fittings at the Agricultural College, Lincoln. Mr Down designs most of the houses he builds. He sometimes has a couple of dozen men employed on his contracts, in addition to the staff in the joinery workshop in Rosewarne Street. Mr. Down has taken an active interest in public affairs for a considerable time. He is member of the Christchurch Drainage Board, an ex-chairman of the Spreydon Road Board, a member of the Addington school committee, choirmaster for the Selwyn Street Wesleyan Church, secretary for the trustees of the same church, teacher of the adult. class in the Sunday school, and a chartered member of the Perseverance Lodge of Druids, Addington.
Builder and Contractor; Sawing, Planing. and General Joinery Works, 63 Selwyn Street, Addington, Sydenham. Mr. Hammett arrived in Christchurch in 1883, and very soon afterwards started in business as a builder and contractor. He has erected a large number of buildings in the Christchurch district; such as Messrs D. H. Brown. and Sons' Brookfield roller mills and grain stores. Mr Beswick's private residence at Fendalton, and the late Mr. John Deans' house at Riccarton—the last-mentioned close to the site of the first house erected in Canterbury. Owing to the large increase in his business, Mr. Hammett has recently erected one of the most modern joinery plants in New Zealand. The whole of the machinery, which was made by the celebrated firm of Messrs Sagar and Co., of Halifax, England, is driven by a powerful engine. His planing and moulding machine, which is used for raised door panels, mouldings, and architraves, can be adjusted to cut the most complicated designs, and the work turned out is so true and clean that very little labour is required to give it a high finish. The panelling machine, which is also strongly built, does its work equally well. A band saw, a circular, crosscut saw, and a mortising machine form part of the plant. The workshops and machine room are skilfully planned; the shafting for driving the various machines is under the floor—a contrivance which minimises the chances of accident, and admits of the long lengths of timber being moved about without inconvenience. The proprietor has a large permanent staff of expert workmen, some of whom have been with him for many years Mr. Hammett is a native of Sandford, Devonshire, England. He served an apprenticeship in Exeter, and was afterwards in the employment of Messrs Cubits and Son. London. It was while with this firm that Mr Hammett gained a practical knowledge of the application of machinery and joinery work.
Carriage Builder, Sydenham Carriage Works. Colombo Street. Mr. Jones arrived in the Colony in 1863 by the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and is a native of Stourbridge, Worcestershire. He learnt his trade under his father in England, and on arriving in New Zealand worked at his calling for various employers for about five years before starting on his own account in Tuam Street, Christchurch. This business he conducted for about ten years, selling it out then and purchasing the present concern in 1880. Mr. Jones has made many improvements in several classes of vehicles, especially in four-wheelers, vans, and steel-framed roadsters, and imports steel and other requisites. The premises cover about a quarter of an acre of ground.
Manufacturer of Aerated Waters, etc., Wordsworth Street, Sydenham. Mr. Hill established his business shortly after his arrival in the Colony in 1879, on a very modest scale in Colombo Street. With a rapidly increasing trade, which was the first of the kind started in Christchurch, he soon found it necessary to occupy larger premises, and moved to his present place in Wordsworth Street, where he erected a more extensive plant, suitable for the manufacture of all descriptions of aerated beverages. Additions to the factory became necessary with the growing business. The plant Includes three filling and corking machines, siphons, and a two horse-power steam engine. Twelve thirty-six gallon barrels are In use for the production of hop. beer alone, and the purest artesian water is obtained for all purposes. Mr, Hill has been successful by careful Industry in creating one of the largest businesses in Christ-church for miscellaneous and summer beverages.
Painter, Decorator and Paperhanger, 6S and 70 Colombo Road, Sydenham, Mr. Davies started business in 1885 in Christchurch, and after two successful years he erected his present premises, which are the largest in their line in Canterbury. The double-fronted shop is beautifully decorated. and contains a large picture of the Blue Room at Buckingham Palace, characterised by perfect perspective, harmonious colouring, and admirable technique. Mr. Davies has decorated the private residences of Dr. Jennings, the late Mr. John Deans, of Riccarton, Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes, Mr. McDougall, Papanui Road, and others, and also such public buildings as the Canterbury Hall, the Public Trust Office, the business houses of Messrs Strange and Co. and the Christchurch Gas Company's new offices and show rooms. Mr. Davies was born at Papanui in 1860. He served an apprenticeship with Mr. C. Duggan, and after working for four years as a journeyman, he started in business, and now employs a permanent staff of twenty-five men. Examples of his work may be seen in the shop, the interior of which is beautifully decorated, especially with landscapes. In the showroom upstairs the colour scheme is quiet and subdued, the tints blending harmoniously with the rich furnishings of the room. The wall papers are displayed on a patent rack, which enables with visitor to inspect all specimens and varieties while he sits in the room. The sign and ticket-writing department is at the rear of the building, and the stock includes the various styles of art glass, murenies—figured, coloured, and plain; paints, mixed and dry, oil coloured, brushes, and artists' materials. Mr. Davies is agent for the celebrated Sherwin-Williams Mixed Paint. and also the cameoid decorations and xylo cornices and mouldings. Some fine samples or these materials are exhibited in the shop.
Painter, Paperhanger and Glazier, Sydenham. Mr. Manhire is a native of Canterbury, and after learning his trade he visited Australia, where he gained much valuable experience. On his return to Christchurch he established himself in business in Sydenham in 1887, and has since that time met with considerable success. He now has an extensive connection throughout Sydenham and the surrounding districts. Mr. Manhire is a Justice of the Peace, and has been twice mayor of Sydenham, and took a prominent part in the work in connection with the Jubilee of Canterbury, the sending off of contingents to the war in South Africa, and many other important public functions. Before finally retiring from the mayor's chair he laid the foundation stone of the new municipal buildings of Sydenham.
Draper, London House, 44 Colombo Road, Sydenham. Mr. Gill, who is a native of Cumberland, was apprenticed in Maryport, and resided in London for some years. On arriving in the Colony in 1887 by the s.s. “Tongariro” he established his present business. Mr. Gill is a direct importer, and keeps up a large stock of all goods, specialties being made of hosiery and ladies' corsets.
(George Thomas Booth), Agricultural Implement-Makers, Carlyle Implement Works, Carlyle Street, Sydenham. Private residence, Wind mill Road, Sydenham. This firm was established in 1882 by the present proprietor in conjunction with Mr. R. M. Macdonald, but has been conducted solely by Mr. Booth since 1886. The works occupy a leasehold section of one acre and a half in extent, and the main portion of the factory is a large iron building comprising the fitting, blacksmith. and wheelwright's shops. The fitting shop is completely equipped with four large lathes, three vertical drills, three screwing, one planing, and two emery-grinding machines. There is also a large Root's blower for providing a blast to two cupolas which have a capacity respectively of thirty and fifty hundredweight per hour. Behind this building there is a twelve horse-power horizontal engine. with a sixteen horse-power boiler built in a separate space at the back. In the blacksmith's department there are nine forges, which are worked by means of a large air-fan; also a seven hundredweight steam-hammer, besides a shearing-machine, grinders. coke-crusher, two large grindstones, and a rumbler for cleaning castings. The joinery machinery in the wheelwright's shop comprises a vertical borer, saw bench, a circular saw with rising table. a band-saw, a spoke-machine, and other necessary plant. The paint-shop adjoins the main building, and is connected with the packing shed. On another part of the premises is the moulding-shed which has two core ravans. In the pattern-shop there are two separate pattern stores. The plant also includes crucible steel and brass furnaces and a pump testing-machine. At the back of the section there is a large new store measuring 100 feet by 35 feet, and an old building also used for storing purposes. Messrs. Booth and Macdonald manufacture single and treble ploughs, discs, tine-harrows, grubbers, broadcast-sowers, turnip and manure drills, horse-power and hand chaff-cutters, spring and block drays, Cambridge rollers, wool-presses, windmills, pumps of all descriptions and other appliances too numerous to be mentioned in a summary. Over 100 hands are employed in the works, which are supervised by experts in charge of the various departments.
Bootmaker, 98 Colombo and Elizabeth Streets, Sydenham. Mr. Hadfield was born in Glossop, Derbyshire, England, in 1857, and came to New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Indian Empire” in 1865. He established his present business in 1889, and it has made steady progress. Mr. Hadfield is referred to in another article as a member of the Sydenham Borough Council.
Butcher, 45 Selwyn Street, Addington, Sydenham. Mr. Bull first started in business with his brother, Mr. F. Bull, in 1873, at Waddington. The partnership lasted three years, and when Mr. Bull sold out he entered business on his own account, in 1876, on the site of his present premises. Since that time the trade has continued to expand, and now it is one of the leading suburban businesses in Canterbury. Three carts are constantly employed in delivering orders to Mr. Bull's numerous customers, among whom there are many leading citizens. During the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, Mr. Bull had the honour of supplying the city's royal guests. The premises in Selwyn Street are specially designed for the work in connection with a large butchery business, and the shop is admirably fitted up for the display of meat, with heavy marble slabs and polished hanging rails, Immediately behind the shop there is a large workroom for the manufacture of small goods. The machinery is driven by an eight horse-power gas engine, and the largest meat-cutting machine has a capacity of 500 pounds per hour. The stables, traphouse, and
Butcher, 47 and 49 Colombo Street. Sydenham, and Lower High Street, Christchurch. Telephone, Colombo Street, 671; High Street, 679. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Kelvin House, Battersea Street, This Business was established in 1874, the main shop is in Colombo Street, to which a freezing chamber is attached, being erected on freehold land. Mr. Forrester employs ten assistants and twelve horses in connection with his business.
(Harry New-combe Bates proprietor), 96 Colombo Street, Sydenham. These stores were established in 1888. The proprietor arrived In the Colony per ship “Duke of Athol” in 1878.
Jam Manufacturer, Wholesale and Retail Family Grocer, Lincoln Road, corner of South Belt, Addington Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Munnings added the manufacture of jams to his ordinary business in 1878, and it has gradually developed till the turnover amounts to about twenty tons annually. The factory is supplied with every requirement, and its products are well known in the North Island and the whole of Canterbury. Mr. Munnings, who was for a number of years a member of the North Canterbury Board of Education, was born at Great Horksley, Essex, in 1841. He was educated at private and pubic schools and brought up as a farmer at Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, and came to Lyttelton in 1859 per ship “Zealandia.” After being a year at Governor's Bay he settled in Christ-church and became a partner in the firm, of Cudden and Munnings in Oxford Terrace as general storekeepers. In 1866, he took over the business on his own account, and on the termination of his lease in 1880 removed his business to the site now occupied at the corner of Lincoln Road and South Belt. Mr. Munnings has half an acre of freehold land. and the premises have been enlarged from time to time to provide accommodation for the extension of his jam manufacturing business. For some years Mr. Munnings was a member of the west Christchurch School Committee, and for three years he was chairman of that body. He has several times declined to stand as a candidate for the House of Representatives owing to the pressure of business matters. In the early days, Mr. Munnings was connected with the Christ-church Fire Police, in which he held the rank of captain, He has taken an interest in Sunday school work for many years, was superintendent of St. Luke's Anglican church school, of Durham Street Wesleyan school, and of the Anglican school at Fendalton. For some years he was a member of the committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and was a trustee, class-leader, and one of the stewards of Durham Street church. Mr. Munnings was married in 1866 to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Brown, of Polstead, Suffolk, farmer, and has seven daughters and three sons. He has frequently acted as a judge at agricultural shows.
In one respect the borough of Linwood, which adjoins Christchurch on the east, is unique. It has a population of 7000 inhabitants, and does not contain a licensed house. There is no other borough in the colony, of the same size, in such a position, But not only is the Borough Council without license fees, for it has to meet its expenses without the aid of revenue from reserves, from which some boroughs derive nearly as much as they do from rates. Linwood is, to a large extent, a residential borough, where many people whose vocations call them to the city have erected pretty cottages, close to the centre of business, yet far from its incessant noise and turmoil. Three miles of tramways run through the borough; one line on Ferry Road, leading to Sumner, and the other lines, on Stanmore Road and Worcester Street, going to New Brighton. Linwood, therefore, is within easy distance of the two favourite seaside holiday resorts. There are eighteen miles of streets in the borough. Some of the principal thoroughfares are being widened to meet the increasing demands of traffic, and £1000 has been set apart for acquiring land, shifting fences, and meeting other expenses in connection with the work. Channelling and kerbing, also, have been taken in hand by the Borough Council. For water the residents depend on artesian wells.
Members for 1902; Mr. H. Pearce, J.P. mayor; and Messrs H. J. Otley, J. R. Brunt, W. H. Young, John Jamieson, C. H. Wagstaff W. H. Seed, M. S. Brown, Joseph Cleworth, M. Robertson, W. H. Denton, Andrew Schumacher, and C. Dixon, councillors. Mr. James Anderson is town clerk and borough surveyor. The borough of Linwood comprises an area of 650 acres, and was incorporated in February, 1893. For eleven year previous to that it existed as a town board district. It is rated on the unimproved value system. Its unimproved value is £16,251, and its capital value, £516,070. There is a general rate of 41/2d on the unimproved value; a charitable aid rate of 1-10th of a penny on the capital value; a Waimakariri River Board rate of 3-32 parts of a penny on the unimproved value; a Christchurch sewage area rate of 3/4d on the capital value; and a Christchurch drainage rural area rate of 5/8 parts of a penny (unimproved value); besides Id in the pound for a special loan for public works. The revenue from rates for the year ending March 31st, 1902, was £5,682, and the total income £8,816; while the total expenditure was £10,835. The council chambers, which are situated at the corner of Stanmore Road and Worcester Street, consist of a one-storey wooden building, originally erected in 1884 by the Linwood Town Board, which was the local governing body prior to the incorporation of the borough.
was born in Cornwall. England. At the age of seven he came to New Zealand with his parents, and was brought up and educated in Canterbury. He served an apprenticeship of five years as a builder, and after three years of further experience, he started in business as a builder and contractor. Mr. Pearce has taken an interest in municipal matters for a number of years. He represented the North Opawa ward on the Heathcote Road Board, and when the ward was joined to the borough of Linwood, Mr. Pearce was elected a member of the borough council, and has been in office ever since, For four years he was chairman of the works committee, As Mayor of Linwood Mr. Pearce took an active, interest in the administrative work connected with the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York in June, 1901. During Mr. Pearce's connection with the local government of Linwood, the borough has borrowed money for channelling, widening, and improving the streets, and lighting the town with incandescent
was elected a Member of the Lin-wood Borough Council in 1900. He was born at Port Levy in 1863, and is a son of Mr. Matthew Stoddart Brown, of Lyttelton, who arrived in New Zealand in 1857. from Sunderland, England, where the family name was an honoured one for many generations. Mr. Brown was brought up at Lyttelton, and educated at Ross's Grammar School, and the District School. He was articled to Mr. Nalder. solicitor, and since the 1st of October, 1880, has been associated with Mr. Wynn Williams, in Christchurch. In 1898 he was admitted as a partner in the firm, which has since borne the designation of Wynn Williams and Brown. Mr. Brown was for some time a member of the East Christchurch school committee. He has taken an active part in bicycle racing, has been captain of the Pioneer Bicycle Club. was a member of its committee for several years, and is now one of its trustees. As a Freemason he fills one of the warden's chairs of Lodge Canterbury, in which he was initiated. Mr. Brown married a niece of the late Mr. John Thompson, formerly Mayor of Lyttelton.
is one of the oldest members of the Linwood Borough Council. Before the inauguration of the borough he was a commissioner of the town board for the Linwood district, and was the mover of the resolution which led to the formation of the borough. He was elected a member of the first council, and has since, with the exception of a few months. held office continuously. He has headed the poll at the various elections; all the important offices in connection with the council have been filled by him, and at the present time he is chairman of the finance committee. Mr. Brunt has always devoted much of his time and thought to furthering the interests of the borough. His services in connection with the East Christchurch school committee, on which he served for twelve years, were much appreciated, and for two years before his retirement he held the office of chairman. Mr. Brunt was well known for many years as publisher of the Christchurch “Press.” He is now representative for the Government Accident Insurance Department.
of the Linwood Borough Council, was born at Bolton, Lancashire, England, in November, 1856, and arrived in Lyttelton by the emigrant ship “Piako” on the 5th of March, 1879. During the trip out a fire occurred in the hold of the ship, and caused a delay of six weeks at Pernambuco, in Brazil, South America. Mr. Cleworth was elected to the Linwood Borough Council in 1895, and has been continuously a member except during an interval of six months. He is also a member of the Woolston school committee, on which he has held a seat since 1891. Mr. Cleworth is at present (1902) president of the Lancashire Society.
was elected a Member of the Linwood Borough Council in 1901. He was born in London, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Eastern Monarch,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1879. He is a partner in the firm of Messrs Triggs and Denton, saddlers, Manchester Street, Christchurch.
of the Linwood Borough Council, is a native of Leeds, Yorkshire, England, where he learned his trade as a builder. He landed in New Zealand in 1879 and immediately started to work at his trade in Christchurch, where he has been engaged on many important buildings. For many years he was retort-setter to the Christchurch and Lyttelton gasworks, and still does a considerable amount of work of the same kind. Mr. Dixon has built the principal brick and pottery kilns throughout Canterbury. He was elected a member of the Linwood Borough Council in 1901.
of the Linwood Borough Council, was a member of the old Linwood Town Board for two years prior to 1888. He was first elected to the Council in 1895, and has been repeatedly elected since that date. Mr. Jamieson has also served on the East Christchurch school committee. He is further referred to in connection with the business which he conducts in Hereford Street. Christchurch.
Member of the Linwood Borough Council. is a son of Mr. John Otley, who is referred to in another part of this volume. Councillor Otley is a builder by profession, and as a Freemason he is attached to Lodge Canterbury.
of the Linwood Borough Council, is referred to in connection with the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Limited.
of the Linwood Borough Council, was born at Papanui, Christchurch, and is a son of Mr. P. C. Schumacher, a very old colonist, who arrived in 1853 by the sailing ship “Sir Edward Paget.” Mr, Schumacher, senior, was connected with some of the first public works in Canterbury, and saw the rise of the province from its early days. Councillor Schumacher has been a member of the Linwood Borough Council since 1899. At a previous election in 1898 he was defeated by the narrow majority of twenty-four votes, but was at the same time elected as a member of the Recreation Reserve committee. He has taken an active interest in municipal affairs for a considerable time, and is a member of the works committee, which has made great improvements throughout the borough in asphalting the footpaths, widening many of the streets, and completing the concrete channels. As a Druid, Mr. Schumacher is a member of the Pioneer Lodge No. 1 of Canterbury, and was a member of the Canterbury Prohibition Council. He is referred to elsewhere as a baker and confectioner.
of the Linwood Borough Council, was born at Preston, Lancashire, England. He was educated at the denominational school, and was brought up to the business of a jeweller. He arrived in New Zealand in 1879, and shortly afterwards entered the service of the firm of Messrs B. Petersen and Co., jewellers, for whom he is now manager. Mr. Seed is trustee and secretary of the East Belt Wesleyan Church, and has been chief secretary of the Christchurch division of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society for ten years. He was chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Shop Assistants' half-holiday movement at the time of the passing of the Act.
was elected a Member of the Linwood Borough Council on the 24th of April, 1901. He was born at Mary Tavy, Devonshire, England, in 1868; in 1878 he accompanied his parents to Melbourne, and three months later came on to New Zealand. After spending a year in Timaru Mr. Wagstaff came to Christ-church, where, for a short period, he was engaged in the Customs Department, after which he obtained his present position with the Lytttelton Times Company. As a Freemason Mr. Wagstaff was initiated in Lodge St. Augustine, and he has filled the office of Deacon in Lodge Concord. He has also been a member of the Christchurch Liedertafel, and is a member of the Linwood Club. In 1892. he married the youngest daughter of Mr. Robert Spence, of Christchurch, and has one daughter. Mrs Wagstaff is elsewhere referred to as the first assistant mistress at the Gloucester Street School.
was elected a Member of the Linwood Borough Council in 1899 and again in 1901. Mr. Young is also president of the Christchurch Working Men's Club, of which he has been a member for fifteen years, and has been on the committee for five years.
Town Clerk and Surveyor to the Linwood Borough Council, was appointed to his present position in October, 1902. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. A. F. Anderson, who is referred to under St. Andrews, in the South Canterbury section of this volume, and was born at Seaward Downs, Southland, in 1865. After removing with his parents to St. Andrews, he was educated at Timaru, and served three years under Mr. Thomas Roberts, as a civil engineer and architect. Mr. Anderson then came to Christchurch, and soon afterwards accepted a position as accountant in Mr. Bruges' office, where he remained for ten years. Later on he was clerk and surveyor to the Avon Road Board for twelve months, and for a similar period was assistant town clerk at Timaru; resigning the latter position to accept his present appointment. As a member of the Ancient Order of Druids Mr. Anderson first joined the Pioneer Lodge in Christchurch, and after-wards the Timaru Lodge. He has been secretary of the Druids' annual gala, and for over six years he kept the books of the Christchurch and St. Albans Money Club. Mr. Anderson married a daughter of the late Mr. Duncan McFarlane, an old colonist, of Deep Stream. Otago, and has a family of one son and one daughter.
Baker, Confectioner, and Caterer, 38 Albert Street, Linwood. Mr. Crowe established himself in business at his present address in 1881, the year of his marriage. His present premises are well adapted to the carrying on of his extensive trade, which has increased steadily since its inception. A large trade is conducted in the shop, at the back of which there is an up-to-date bake-house and oven, with all accessories. Two carts are continually employed by Mr. Crowe. who has lately been obliged to increase his staff. He has also recently purchased one acre and three-quarters of land adjoining his section, to provide accommodation for his horses, and to be used in part for an orchard. Mr. Crowe was favoured with the patronage of the city in its capacity as host to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in June, 1901. He lately paid an extended visit to England on account of his health. Mr. Crowe has two sons and one daughter. As an Odd-fellow, Mr. Crowe is a member of the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge.
Baker and Confectioner, 65 Ferry Road, Linwood, Mr. Schumacher started in business in 1881, when he purchased the Star bakery from Mr. G. R. Drew. Under his management the business increased so rapidly that he had to build larger and more up-to-date premises at his present address. The business still continues to expand, and is now the largest in the district. The staff has had to be increased at different times, and Mr. Schumacher contemplates still further additions to his bakehouse and plant. In the shop facing Ferry Road a very large counter trade is conducted, and Mr. Schumacher has three carts. Mr. Schumacher was married to Miss Etheridge, of St. Albans, and has four daughters. He is referred to in another article as a member of the Linwood Borough Council.
Coach-builders by appointment to their Excellencies the Earls of Onslow, Glasgow, and Ranfurly, successively Governors of New Zealand; East Belt, Linwood. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Telephone, 635. This extensive business was founded in 1879 by Mr. Hugh Brabner. From the first, its career has been one of prosperity and success, and it is one of the leading coachbuilding establishments in Christchurch. The work is conducted in premises at the juncture of the East Belt and Hereford Street, and the buildings, which are of wood and iron, stand on about half and acre of land. Motive power is obtained from an eight horse-power gas engine. All the machinery is of the newest design, and twenty hands are employed in the factory. The firm is noted for its high-class work, and orders arrive from all parts of New Zealand for vehicles of every style, from the luxurious landau to the natty dogcart. The
the Senior Partner, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1834. He learned his trade with Messrs J. and W. Croall, a well-known firm of coach-builders of that city, and was for seventeen years in the employment of Messrs M'Naught and Smith, one of the largest coachbuilding firms of the midland counties. Mr. Brabner came to New Zealand in 1879, and shortly after his arrival started his present business, which now stands in the front rank of the coachbuilding trade in Christchurch.
Coal and Firewood Merchant, 23 Tuam Street, Linwood. Mr. Irwin was born at Ardmone, County Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1859. He lived on his father's farm and attended the village school until he was fourteen years of age, after which he spent four years at the Baillieborough Model School, one of the leading schools in Ireland. At the end of that time he was appointed to take charge of a country school. While in that position he received letters from friends in New Zealand, who had been in the colony for a number of years, and who spoke so highly of it, that he gave up his appointment and came out in the ship “Wanganui,” by which he arrived at Lyttelton on the 14th of February, 1878. The first ten years of his life in the colony were spent in farming and storekeeping. In 1882 he married, and in 1888 removed to Linwood, Christchurch, and settled down to his present business at his present address. Mr. Irwin does a highly successful trade, and supplies the best articles at the lowest current prices.
Bootmaker, 9 Armagh Street, Linwood. Mr. Williams arrived in Port Lyttelton in October, 1878, and soon turned his attention to business. Before leaving England for New Zealand he served his apprenticeship at Helston, Cornwall, England. Mr. Williams has been in business for fourteen years, during which he has built up an excellent trade by giving satisfaction to his customers.
(late Ross and Leighton), Messrs Grant and Macdonald, Proprietors, Ferry road, Linwood. This nursery was started in 1880 by Messrs Ross and Leighton, and purchased by the present owners in 1900. The grounds are charmingly laid out, and are planted with an immense stock of the finest fruit trees of every variety, including pears, Japanese plums, and apples. the latter being all grafted on blight-proof stocks. This nursery has had a reputation for years for its magnificent selection of roses. Large stocks of beautiful ornamental shrubs are cultivated, and all varieties of shrubs, conifers, and other ornamental plants capable of standing the Canterbury climate are grown in large numbers. Only the strongest and healthiest plants are sent out, to customers. At all the leading rose shows the Ferry Road Nursery roses have been awarded numerous prizes and certificates of merit. The nurseries, which cover five acres, are within ten minutes' ride by the Sumner tram from Cathedral Square, and visitors, who are made cordially welcome, will be well rapaid by a visit to these handsomely laid out grounds.
is a native of Otago, and was for three years in the Exeter Nurseries. Christchurch, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the cultivation of plants and flowers. In 1900, in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Macdonald. he purchased the Ferry Road Nursery.
was born at Wellington, and gained the first knowledge of his profession with Messrs Gibbons and Son, the well-known florists and nurserymen. Like his partner, he was for a considerable time in the Exeter Nurseries, Papanui Road, where he added to his large North Island experience. He is a member of the Canterbury Rose Society, and helps to sustain the high reputation of the Ferry Road Nursery for choice collections and varieties.
There are very few boroughs in the colony which contain so many fine and attractive residences as St. Albans. Houses in brick, wood, stone, and in divers styles of architecture, from those of the Swiss chateau and the Indian bungalow to that of the two-storied English mansion, are to be seen within the boundaries of the borough. Some of the streets resemble lanes, hedged and prettily fenced, often in rural fashion. St. Albans has the appearance and the urban atmosphere of an English town, and almost suggests the idea of having been imported straight from England, to the
The members for 1902 consist, of Mr. T. H. Davey, mayor, and Messrs H. E. Morgan, J. Andersen, W. Newton, A. W. Buxton, A. H Hobbs, C. Carter, J. Jackman, R. M. Cresswell, G. Hyde, W. Keig, A. F. Carey, and F. J. Barlow, councillors; Mr. John H. Morley, town clerk and surveyor. The borough of St. Albans, which originally formed a part of the Avon road district, was incorporated in November, 1881. Its area is 1,500 acres, and its population 6,607. It contains 1,490 dwellings, and 1,783 ratable properties. The unimproved value. on which the rating is based, is £285,763. St. Albans contains forty miles of streets. The total revenue for the year ending the 31st of March, 1902 was £5,603. There is a general rate of 3d in the pound on the unimproved value, and a special rate of 7/8ths of a penny in the pound for a loan of £23,000, raised at 4 per cent in 1898, for the purposes of kerbing, channelling and asphalting. There are also a drainage rate of 3/4d in the pound, a Waimakariri River Board rate of 1/5d and a charitable aid rate of 1/8d. The total expenditure for the year ending March, 1902, was £7,031. The public debt is £21,282. St. Albans has a mile and a half of tramway running up Papanui Road. A fire brigade is supported by the Borough Council; water is obtained from an artesian supply, and there is a sewage system of drainage within a certain area.
joined the St. Albans Borough Council as a member in 1897. Eight months later he was elected Mayor, and has filled the position with credit from that date to the present time. Mr. Davey has taken an active part in endeavouring to promote the Greater Christchurch scheme, and the municipalisation of the tramway service. He has been a member of the Hospital Board and the Domain Board, and has also been vice president of the Trades and Labour Council, President of the Typographical Society, President of the “Lyttelton Times” Sick Fund Society, and was for many years “Father” of the “Lyttelton Times” companionship. Mr. Davey was born in Liskeard, Cornwall, England, in 1856, but was brought up and educated at Uxbridge, Middlesex, where he was apprenticed as a printer on Broadwater's “Buckinghamshire Advertiser.” When this business was sold he removed to Ealing, Middlesex, and took up a position on Ackworth's “Middlesex Gazette.” In 1874. Mr. Davey arrived in Wellington, by the ship “Douglas,” together with his parents. The family then went to Feilding, where Mr. Davey had an experience of colonial life for seven years, during which he was engaged in bush-felling and in sawmilling at the Aorangi and Tainui mills. He then returned to Wellington. where he worked for three months in the Government Printing Office, after which he came to Christchurch, and found employment with the “Lyttelton Times” Company, with which he has been connected ever since, with the exception of a short interval of three months in Dunedin. Of late years Mr. Davey has been a member of the editorial staff of the “Canterbury Times.” On the 6th of September, 1902, he was presented with a requisition asking him to become a parliamentary candidate for Christchurch. It bore 1000 signatures. At the general election, on the 25th of November, there were nine candidates for the three Christchurch seats, and Mr. Davey was elected to the third with 6,329 votes to his credit; his fellow members being Mr. T. E. Taylor with 8,113, and Mr. H. G. Ell, 7,914 votes. Mr. Davey is married to a daughter of Mr. John Dobson, of Oxford, and has a Family of two sons.
was elected to the St. Albans Borough Council in 1900. He is a native of Denmark, where he was brought up as a watchmaker and jeweller. Mr. Andersen landed in Lyttelton in 1874, and now carries on business in Hereford Street, Christchurch.
of the St. Albans Borough Council, is referred to elsewhere in connection with his profession as an architect.
of the St. Albans Borough Council, is referred to elsehere in connection with his nurseries at St. Martins.
who was elected a Member of the St. Albans Borough Council in April, 1901, was born at Wolverhampton, England, in 1863, and learned the business of a draper in London. He arrived in Dunedin by the ship “Benan,” in 1881, and after a short stay there, and a year in Oamaru, he came to Christchurch, where for three years he had charge of the fancy department of Messrs W. Strange and Co. He next managed a business at Ross, and in 1889 returned to Christchurch, where, in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Toneycliffe, he started the business of Messrs
was elected to the St. Albans Borough Council in 1901. He has been proprietor of the Spring-field Road and St. Albans coaches since 1893, and is one of the oldest members of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.
of the St. Albans Borough Council, was born in London, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Sir George Seymour
was elected a Member of the St. Albans Borough Council on the 24th of April, 1901. He was born in St. Albans in 1868. and is a son of Mr. W. B. Hobbs. Mr. Hobbs served as apprenticeship as a bookbinder, and was for fifteen years with the firm of Messrs Whit-combe and Tombs. In 1900 he accepted his present position as superintendent of the binding department in the establishment of Messrs Horace J. Weeks, Limited. Mr. Hobbs was for some time a member of the Christchurch Engineers, and he was also a member of the Garrison Band for three years. He is a Forester, and has passed through the chairs of the Juvenile Lodge. In 1894 Mr. Hobbs married a daughter of the late Mr. B. Midgley, of Sydenham, and has two daughters and one son.
was elected to the St. Albans Borough Council in 1901. He is a native of Huntingdonshire, England, and came to New Zealand in 1866, and settled in Canterbury.
of the St. Albans Borough Council, was born in St. Albans in 1868, and is a son of Mr. E. J. Jackman, who arrrived in the colony in 1860. He was brought up and educated in Auckland, to which he had, while a boy, removed with his parents. In 1882 he returned to Christchurch, and entered the office of the “Lyttelton Times” Company, with which he has ever since held a position. Mr. Jackman is married to a daughter of Mr. G. Newall, of St. Albans, and has one daughter.
has been a Member of the St. Albans Borough Council for over fourteen years. He was born in the Isle of Man in 1842, and brought up as a millwright and engineer. In 1863 he came to Lyttelton, by the ship “Canterbury,” and has for nearly forty years been employed in the firm of Mr. James Goss, timber merchant. For the last thirty years he has been manager of Goss's Canterbury Steam Sawmills. In 1872 Mr. Keig married a daughter of the late Mr. Stephen Brooker, of St. Albans. Mrs Keig died in 1896, leaving a family of eight sons and four daughters.
of the St. Albans Borough Council, was first elected to that body in 1882, and has been returned at every election since that date. Mr. Morgan is well known in connection with the Loyal Papanui Lodge of Odd-fellows, and holds the office of secretary.
was elected to the St. Albans Borough Council in 1899, and is a member of the works and fire brigade committees. He is a native of Leicestershire, England, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Northampton,” which arrived at Wellington in 1877. Shortly afterwards the family settled in Christchurch, where he learned the upholstering trade. As a Druid, Mr. Newton is an active member of the Hope of St. Albans Lodge, which he joined in 1890. The various offices of the lodge have all been filed by him, and also the offices of the District Grand Lodge and ho was representative of The Hope of St. Albans at the District Grand Lodge for four years. He took a leading part in the introduction of the graduated scale of contributions, and is now Past District Grand President, Mr. Newton's skill and tact have enabled him to do good service to his fellow workers. In 1897 he was appointed secretary of the Furniture Employees' Union, which he has represented on the Trades' and Labour Council, and before the Board of Conciliation and the Arbitration Court. He has been through all the offices of the Trades' and Labour Council, and was the president of that body for the year 1899 and 1900, during part of which he was the Council's representative at the New Zealand Trades' Conference, and was workers' representative on the Board of Conciliation.
Town Clerk to the St. Albans Borough Council, was appointed to the position in 1899. He was born in Leeds, England, in 1859. when twenty years of age he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” and settled at Kaiapoi, in 1880. Mr. Morley was manager of the Northern Brewery at Kaiapoi for seven years, and afterwards engaged in building and contracting. Prior to receiving his present appointment he was Town Clerk of Kaiapoi for seven years. As a Freemason he is a Past Master of the Southern Cross Lodge, and as
Commission Agent and Collector, Springfield Road, St. Albans. Mr. Dawe is a native of Bath, England, where he was born in 1835, educated at Sherborne, in Dorsetshire, and landed in Lyttelton in 1854 from the ship “Royal Stuart,” having been recommended to come to New Zealand by Mr. Brittan, secretary to the Superintendent of the Province. For a time Mr. Dawe was a cadet on Mr. Brittan's farm, and after a general Colonial experience went to Messrs. Brittan and Stace's station at Ashburton, where he remained for two years. He was subsequently for a year at Mount Thomas station, Lake Ellesmere, and for three years afterwards worked a dairy farm with his brother. Mr. Dawe afterwards settled in Christchurch, and became a partner in the firm of Messrs. A. Moore and Co., whose business premises were on the present site of Messrs. Hayward and Co.'s pickle factory. Four years later, Mr. Dawe established himself as a commission agent, which he has followed for fully thirty years. He was married in 1878 to a daughter of the late Mr. J. St. Quentin, of Christchurch, and has four sons and three daughters.
Baker, Edgeware Road, St. Albans. Mr. Pratt started in business in 1894, and in June, 1895, he bought the trade of Mr. T. Summerton, who had a very fair connection. Since taking over the business Mr. Pratt has met with considerable success, and it is now one of the best in or around Christchurch, end is still growing. The premises in Edgeware Road are well adapted to carrying on an extensive trade, as the bakehouse is one of the largest and best in Canterbury, with its capacious well-built oven and otherwise complete and up-to-date plant. Mr. Pratt is a native of Christchurch, and a son of Mr. J Pratt a pioneer colonist. He served a five years' apprenticeship, after which he worked at his trade for nine years as a journeyman. As a Druid he is a Past Arch-Master of Pioneer Lodge No. 1 of Canterbury, and was inside guardian of the same lodge for over eleven years.
Builder and Contractor, of Abberley Road, St. Albans. Mr Bull was born in London in 1844. At the age of twelve he went to sea, and after four years returned to London, where he learned his trade as a builder, and subsequently followed it until he left for New Zealand In 1873, arriving in Wellington by the ship “St. Leonards.” Mr. Bull came on to Christchurch and established himself in business as a builder and contractor. He has erected a large number of villas, cottages, and other residences in the city and suburbs, and built the Halswell church, the Wesleyan church at Shirley, and the public schools at Spreydon and Lyttelton, besides others. He also put up additions to the Post Office and Provincial Government Buildings and to the Burnham Industrial School. Mr. Bull, who is a Justice of the Peace, was for three years Mayor of St. Albans, and for eleven years a councillor of the borough; he has been a member of the St. Albans School Committee and for about twelve years held a seat on the licensing bench. He takes an active interest in general politics and has invariably espoused the Liberal cause. As an Oddfellow he is connected with the City of Christchurch Lodge, having been initiated in 1860. Mr. Bull was married in 1865 to a daughter of Mr. R. Sivells, of London, and has three sons and two daughters. His eldest son, who was educated at Canterbury College and graduated M.A., and B.Sc., is a Doctor of Physics in London, and was formerly Professor of Science at the University of Munich.
(George Frederick Bryant), Coachbuilders, Papanui Road, St. Albans, Christchurch. The business was established in 1872, and the present proprietor has been connected with the firm for over sixteen years. Mr. Bryant served his apprenticeship in Melbourne to the old-time firm of Messrs. Stevenson and Elliott, remaining with it for a period of seven years, and thoroughly mastering his trade in every detail. The premises now used for the coach-building and the repairing trade are very extensive, embracing no less than 7500 square feet, and are situated within a stone's throw of the North Belt. They consist of a spacious workshop with large showroom in front, while at the back is the commodious paint shop, and there is ample space for standing vehicles sent in for repairs, outside the buildings, Among the specialties of the firm are racing and road sulkies, which have attained considerable celebrity. These are constructed with a view to strength and durability, as well as lightness, patent pneumatic tyres being used to ensure the latter when required.
Farmer, St. Albans. Mr. Burgess is a native of Montgomeryshire, Wales, and was educated at private schools in his native county, where he was brought up to the grocery and drapery
(H. Forwood, proprietor), St, Albans. This property, which is termed the “St. Albans Model Farm,” is of fifty acres in extent, and consists of land of rich quality. Cropping, dairying, pig raising, and poultry farming, are carried on by the manager. About thirteen cows are kept, chiefly of the Jersey and Shorthorn breeds. The cow-sheds are models of cleanness and comfort. They are constructed of corrugated iron, lined with timber, and are open to the sun; the floors are laid with bricks, and the whole of the interior is whitewashed. There are two compact dairies, and in the centre of their concrete floors, artesian fountains play during the summer months. The stables. coach-houses, and the harness rooms are substantial buildings, well ventilated, and models of cleanliness and order. About 150 fowls of the best breeds are kept, and each breed is separately housed. The pigstyes are raised three or four feet from the ground level, and the pigs are fed solely on milk, potatoes, and sharps. Around the homestead or manager's residence, there are beautifu ornamental grounds, in which there are numerous aviaries of pigeons, doves, canaries and Australian birds of beautiful plumage. On the stream which flows through the property a black swan is swimming, in company with a flock of Muscovite ducks. A rustic bridge crosses an artificial pond stocked with trout and planted with water lilies. The gardens have many choice flowers, and two greenhouses are stocked with rare varieties A beautiful fernery near the house is constructed in the style of a Maori whare; many varieties of native fern are inside, and small cascades flow over broken surfaces. Alto gether, “Churchill” deserves its designation as a model farm.
the Proprietor is a son of the late Mr. T. W. J. Forwood solicitor, of Tiverton, Devonshire, England and was born in 1850, He was educated at the Forest School, Walthamstow, Essex, and afterwards served twelve years in the Dorking branch of the London County Bank. In 1879 he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship Red Gauntlet.” For some years he engaged in commercial pursuits. On returning from a trip to the Old Country he started his present farm. Mr. Forwood, who is a member of the High Church school, has been actively connected with ecclesiastical work. He was manager of the “Church News,” is a vestryman, and has been churchwarden of St. Matthew's Church, to which extensive additions are being made in consequence of his personal liberality and activity. Mr. Forwood is a member of the English Church Union, which was formed in the year 1859 for the purpose of uniting the clergy and laity of the English Church in defence of the doctrine and discipline of the church, and of the rights and liberties of her faithful children. He is also a life member of the St. Matthew's Young Men's Guild, a member of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance, advocate of Church of England Temperance Society, a member of the Hope of St. Albans Lodge of Druids, a patron of the Christchurch Poultry Society, and vice-president of the St. Albans Library, the Midland Cricket Club, and Albion Football Club. He was married at Merivale Church, Christchurch, to a daughter of the late Mr. E. Foot, of Wimborne, Dorsetshire, England, and has one daughter, who is also married. Mr. Forwood resides at Oak Hill Lodge, Murray street, St Albans.
Farmer, Woodlands Farm, St. Albans. Mr. Philpott is a son of the late Mr. Isaac William Philpott. He was porn at Borton, Kent, England, in 1841, and came with his parents to New Zealand, by the ship “Randolph,” which arrived at Lyttelton on the 16th of December, 1850. After attending school for some time in Christchurch, he worked as a boundary shepherd for the late Mr. John McFarlane, of Loburn, for eighteen months, and at various
Woolston is an attractive suburban town about half-way between Christchurch and Sumner, Ferry Road, with its tram service and constant line of
was incorporated in 1893, prior to which Woolston had been under the jurisdiction of a town board. The Hillsborough and Ashbourne districts were included within the boundaries of the borough, which has an area of 1276 acres, At present the ratable value is £210,722, and the rates consist of a general rate of 1 1/4d in the pound, a Waimakariri River Board rate of 2-64ths of a penny, a drainage rate of 1/2d, and a hospital and charitable aid rate of 5-32 parts of a penny. From this source the total annual revenue is £1,621; the expenditure, £1,201. In June, 1902, the ratepayers resolved to adopt the Rating on Unimproved Values Act. The Borough Council contemplates the expenditure of £20,000 in a number of public works, including new channeling, the widening of streets, asphalting, and the erection of new municipal buildings, a library and a post office.
was born in the town of Cupar, in Fifeshire, Scotland, and received his education in Edinburgh, where he also served an apprenticeship to the leather trade. He came to New Zealand in the ship “West Australian,” and landed in Wellington on the 1st of July, 1864. Soon after landing he was pressed into the militia, and underwent much military discipline. As the trouble with the Wanganui Maoris was at that time very acute. the company to which he belonged was held in readiness to go to the front. When the crisis was over Mr. Richardson removed to Canterbury with his uncle, who established himself in business as a tanner and currier in 1870. Mr. Richardson, who had all along been connected with the business. carried it on after his uncle's death until 1897, when he sold it as a going concern, and retired into private life. He was elected a member of the Woolston Town Board in 1884; and when the borough was created in 1893, he was elected its first mayor. To commemorate this event he presented the borough with a handsome memorial lamp and fountain suitably inscribed. and these were erected in front of the Council Chambers. He held office until 1896, when he resigned and made an extended tour of Australia. In 1902, Mr. Richardson was re-elected mayor, without opposition.
is one of the oldest Members of the Woolston Borough Council. He was returned to the Council at it second election, and, with the exception of four years, has since sat continuously. He is a member of the works committee, and takes an active interest in municipal affairs. Mr. Bowron was born in London, and came to New Zealand in 1879. In conjunction with his brother, Mr. George Bowron, he immediately established a tannery at Woolston. Mr. Bowron has represented the firm in England in connection with the development of the trade with England and America. The firm is referred to elsewhere.
of the Woolston Borough Council, was elected in 1898, and again in 1901. He is a native of Essex, England, and came to New Zealand in 1874. Mr. Henley is a partner in the firm of Messrs Offwood and rarely, general contract carriers, Cathedral Square, Christchurch.
was first elected to the Woolston Borough Council in 1895, and has ever since, except during nine months, been a member of that body. As a councilor Mr. Hobson has been, a member of many of the committees. He was elected chairman of the finance committee in 1901 and still holds that office. Mr. Hobson was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, in 1856, but was educated in Ireland at the Belfast Model School. He entered an apprenticeship of seven years with Messrs V. and D. Coates, engineers, of Belfast. On his parents returning to Leeds his indentures were cancelled, but he was re-indentured to Messrs J. Whitham and Sons, of that city, and was with them seven years. On the 17th of June, 1879, Mr. Hobson married Miss S. Hale, of Gloucester, and sailed for New Zealand on the 26th by the s.s, “Waitangi,” by which he reached Lyttelton in due course. Soon after his arrival Mr. Hobson was engaged by Mr. Watters, engineer and range manufacturer, of Christchurch, and is still in his employment. Mr. Hobson joined the Druids in 1887. and is a member of the Anchor Loage. For many years he acted as representative to the Grand Lodge, and has passed through all the offices, and now holds a Past District President's certificate, which was presented to him on the 2nd of May, 1890, by the Grand Lodge, Melbourne. Mr. Hobson resides in Randolph Street, Woolston, and has eight sons and one daughter.
Was elected to the Woolston Borough Council in 1895. He was born at Courtenay, Canterbury, New Zealand, and after growing up worked at farming with his father, Mr. Jabez Lord, on his farms in the Courtenay and Kirwee districts. Mr. Lord always had a strong inclination for commercial life, and after many years spent on the farm, he had charge of the setting and starting of reapers and binders for Messrs Morrow, Bassett, and Co., of Christchurch,
of the Woolston Borough Council, was elected in 1899, and again in 1901. He is a member of the works committee, and was appointed the council's delegate to the Canal Conference. Mr. Moore is a member of the Canterbury Yorkshire Society, and also of the Anchor Lodge of Druids, Woolston. He is referred to in another article as a man of business.
was elected to the Woolston Borough Council in April, 1901. He has supported all progressive movements since his election, and has proved a useful and energetic member of the council. for Owen was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, where he served an apprenticeship with his father. He landed at Lyttelton by the ship “Soukar” in January, 1875, was in the employment of the Christchurch Tramway Company for about three years, and served it in connection with the International Exhibition in 1882. In 1883 he joined the Government railway service, and has since been appointed to the charge of the Pintsch gas plant, for the manufacture of Pintsch gas for the Canterbury section of railways. Mr. Owen has been a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters since 1876, and is now a P.C.R. In 1890 he was appointed secretary of the Railway Sick Benefit Society, and still (1902) holds the position. He has been a member of the Woolston school committee since 1899, was formerly on the St. Albans school committee, and has been executive officer of the School Committees' Association of Canterbury since 1899. Mr. Owen is married, and has four sons and two daughters.
was elected to the Woolston Borough Council at the inauguration of the borough. On leaving the district he resigned his seat, but he stood again and was elected in 1901. He has always taken a great interest in the welfare of the borough, and holds the position of chairman of the works committee. Mr. Parish is a son of Mr. William Parish, one of the pioneer settlers. He was born at Ferry Road, Linwood, and was educated in Christchurch. For a number of years he was engaged in contracting and formed many roads throughout the Canterbury district. In 1882 Mr. Parish took to dairy farming, and in 1890 purchased the property of about forty acres which he now farms. Mr. Parish is well-known as a cattle dealer throughout the Christchurch district.
who was elected a Member of the Woolston Borough Council in 1899, is a partner in the firm of Messrs Rennie and Pearce, builders and contractors. A sketch of his interesting career is given in connection with the article on the firm.
was elected to the Woolston Borough Council in 1899. He was born in Wiltshire, England, and was brought up as a gardener. Mr. Spreadbury arrived in New Zealand in 1884, and now follows the occupation of a fruitgrower and market-gardener in Tilford Street, Woolston, where he has twelve acres under cultivation.
was appointed Town Clerk to the Woolston Borough Council in 1902, and soon after his arrival from Invercargill he accepted the position of bandmaster of the Woolston Brass Band. Mr. Siddall was born in Corfu, Ionian Islands, in 1857. He was educated at the Duke of York School, London, and came out to Dunedin in the ship “Dunedin” in 1876 In the following year Mr. Siddall went to Invercargill and entered the service of Messrs Macrorie and Cuthbertson, auctioneers, and when that firm ceased to exist he joined the service of the Scottish and New Zealand Investment Company, Limited, as clerk. In 1881 he became accountant, and ten years later was appointed to the position of secretary. During his residence in Invercargill Mr. Siddall was well known as master of the Garrison Band, which he joined in April, 1877, as leader and teacher, and in 1882 took over the conductorship. In recognition of his services the Government, In 1890, conferred upon him a lieutenant's commission. Mr. Siddall has always taken a deep interest in the New Zealand Brass Band Association, and has assisted to raise brass bandmusic to its present standard. He holds a record of over twenty-five consecutive years of service in the volunteers, and has received the long service medal.
Butcher, Regent Street, Woolston. Mr. Moore is a native of Bradford, Yorkshire, England, where he served an apprenticeship to his trade, after which he started in business as a butcher on his own account in Blackpool. He landed in New Zealand by the s.s. “Tainui,” at Lyttelton, in 1889. After working at his trade in Christchurch for some months he opened in business at Woolston, whence he removed to the East Belt, Christchurch, but returned to Woolston, and started his present business, which has shown steady growth since its inception, and is now the largest in the district. Mr. Moore's plant is up to date in every respect. The
Manufacturer of Sausage Skins and Butchers' Requisites Woolston. Established 1895; Trade Mark, “Black Bull.” The sausage skins made by Mr. McBride are pronounced by all the leading butchers in Canterbury to be superior to any of the imported article. Mr. McBride is a buyer of every description of hog and sheep runners. Mr. McBride was born in Melbourne, Victoria, where he first learned his business. He was afterwards at the trade in Sydney, and also for three years in London, and came to New Zealand in 1890. His father, the late Mr. Samuel McBride, was well known in Melbourne and Sydney, and also in England, as a sausage skin manufacturer, and the family still carries on a large business in London, with a branch establishment in New York.
Stonequarry Proprietor, Heathcote Bridge. Mr. Andrews, who is referred to elsewhere as an ex-member of the House of Representatives, became proprietor of this large quarry in 1892, having previously, for several years, been engaged In the stone business. There are fifty acres of freehold land and large quantities of splendid stone are being quarried. There is a fine Blake-Marsden stone-breaking machine, which will produce metal for roads or foot-paths, of any reasonable grade that may be required. The machine is driven by a ten horse-power portable steam-engine. and over two dozen drays are constantly employed in carrying away the broken metal to its destination. The produce of the quarry is about 17,000 yards per annum. Mr. Andrews holds extensive contracts for the Avon and Heathcote Road Boards, and also supplies the City of Christchurch and suburban boroughs.
Tannery, Woolston. This tannery was established by Mr. Travis in 1888 on half an acre of land whereon the necessary buildings have been erected. The intention of the proprietor in establishing these works was primarily to supply his own requirements. His trade having considerably increased he now manufactures shoe-leather, a portion of which he exports.
the chief port of Canterbury, will ever be a place of interest to the descendents of the early colonists, for at this port the passengers of the “first four ships,” and of the other ships of the Canterbury Association which followed later, were landed on the soil of their new home. In preparing for their arrival the Association had expended a sum of about £24,000. Captain Thomas had arrived from Wellington and surveyed and laid out the town, which was named after Lord Lyttleton, one of the chief promoters of the Association. A substantial landing jetty was built, four large immigration barracks were erected, also a number of small houses; and a bridle track had been made over the hills to Heathcote Valley. Mr. William Pratt, who now resides in Christchurch, opened the first store and bakery, and Messrs Longdon and LeCren were the first merchants and importers. About thirty buildings in all comprised the picturesque little village when the first four ships arrived, and their appearance imparted a feeling of welcome and a sense of civilisation to the new arrivals.
The settlers began to work in earnest immediately after landing, and, as many of them remained in Lyttleton, the place soon presented a busy appearance. Messrs A. J. Allport, B. Beamish, P. Campbell, J. T. Cookson, D. M. Lauer, R. Wormald, Heywood, Nankivell, Silk, Tippits, and Waters were amongst the first people of business. Within the next year nineteen vessels arrived from the Old Country, whence they brought 3,000 persons, and many smaller ships came from other parts of the colony and from Australia. Thus, for several years in the early fifties, Lyttleton was the chief town in the province. At that time the sea came up to where the Post Office now stands in Norwich Quay; but the reclamation works and harbor works have completely changed the aspect of the original settlement.
The tunnel, which connects Lyttleton by rail with the Canterbury Plains, was completed in 1867. It pierces the hills for a distance of 2,870 yards, and the cost of the work was £195,000. It was mainly through the efforts of Mr. William Sefton Moorhouse, the second Superintendent of Canterbury, that this momentous work was undertaken; and it is a worthy monument of his foresight and of the energy of the early settlers.
There have been some memorable incidents in the purely local history of Lyttleton. For instance, a disastrous fire, on the 24th of October, 1870, destroyed one-half of the town. It originated in the Queen's Hotel, and spread with resistless rapidity, The Christchurch Fire Brigade rendered valuable assistance, but before the flames were subdued damage had been done to the extent of about £100,000.
The entrance to Lyttelton Harbour, one of the finest natural harbours in New Zealand, is at the southern portion of Pegasus Bay. The entire length is about seven miles. About five miles from the Godley Heads is the inner harbour, or Port of Lyttelton, a natural bight now enclosed by breakwaters. The configuration of the hills surrounding the harbour suggests that the spot where the large liners now moor in safety, was at one time the crater of a mighty volcano, and the scene of a titanic upheaval. Now, however, the placid waters afford ample and safe harborage to numerous steamers, ships, yachts, and other vessels. The New Zealand Shipping Company, which inaugurated the direct service with England, is usually represented by one ore more of its steamers, while the familiar funnels of the local Union Company are always in evidence. Figures and other more specific information regarding the Port will be found in the article which deals with the Lyttelton Harbour Board.
The town lies round the northern side of the harbour, and the dwellings, which are mostly of wood, range from the low levels almost to the summit of the hills. In the lower or business portion of the town, there are many substantial brick and stone buildings. Oxford Street, which leads to the railway station and wharves, contains the Government buildings, which provide accommodation for the Post Office, the Telegraph and the Customs Departments. Right opposite, in another handsome building, there are the offices of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. Further up the street are seen the recently-erected Fire Brigade Station and Technical School, the large Borough Council offices, and the Courthouse. Close by there is a quaint old wooden building, the Colonists' Hall, which contains the Public Library and Reading Room, where meetings and entertainments are held. The Borough School and the Lyttleton Goal, which come next in order, are described in other articles.
The Port offices of the various shipping companies, and of the local banks, are situated in Norwich Quay. The next parallel street is London Street, where most of the retail business is done; and above that, again, is Winchester Street-the street of churches.
Lyttelton has an efficient water supply from the Heathcote, where there is a pumping station which forces the water up to a large reservoir on the side of the hill, whence it is conducted through the tunnel to the Port.
To the dwellers on the Plains Lyttleton presents many refreshing
Member for Lyttleton in the House of Representatives, was elected at the general election of December, 1899, when he received 2700 votes, to the 887 polled by his opponent, Mr. W. Jacques. At the general election of November, 1902, he polled 3,113 votes, and his opponent, Mr. W. Rollitt, 925 votes. Mr. Laurenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1857. He arrived in New Zealand with his parents, in 1876, and landed at Lyttelton, where he has been in business ever since, and is now a partner in the firm which he entered on his arrival in the colony. He has served his apprenticeship in public affairs as he has been member and chairman of the Lyttelton school committee, member of the Borough Council, the Harbour Board, and other bodies for a number of years. About twelve years ago Mr. Laurenson married a daughter of the late Mr. James Tait, of Christchurch, and he has a family of six. He is an active member of the Presbyterian church.
formerly Member of the House of Representatives for Lyttelton, was born in Cornwall in 1839, and was a self-made man. As a fisher-boy he had many experiences in deep sea-fishing on the British coast, and became the master of a schooner at the age of nineteen. Coming out to Victoria In 1854, he was engaged in the Water Police, and stationed at Williamstown. In 1861 he came to Port Chalmers to organize and take charge of the Water Police, there, and after nineteen months service was appointed clerk in the magistrates' court at Port Chalmers, where he remained for four and a-half years. Mr. Joyce was subsequently articled to Messrs. Howorth and Hodgkins, of Dunedin, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1873. He commenced the practice of the law in Dunedin, and with Mr. J. A. D. Adams, founded the firm of Joyce and Adams. Having been offered a lucrative appointment under the new Plymouth Harbour Board, he decided to leave Dunedin, but for family reasons remained in Canterbury, where he commenced the practice of his profession in 1879, with offices in Christchurch and Lyttelton. For three years Mr. Joyce lived in Sydenham. where he was a member and chairman of the Sydenham School Committee, and also a member of the Sydenham Borough Council, of which he was the third elected mayor. Removing to Lyttelton, with the intention of founding a deep sea-fishing company, he continued to reside at the Port. He was elected to the Lyttelton Borough Council in 1885, and made himself prominent in connection with the establishment of salt-water baths and municipal buildings. Mr. Joyce was returned to Parliament in 1887 and at each succeeding general election. In 1882 he raised the Sydenham Rifle Corps, of which he became captain, and three years later, on the foundation of the Canterbury Rifle Battalion, was raised to the rank of major, subsequently senior-major, and retired in 1891 with the rank of major. Mr. Joyce served for five years on the North Canterbury Board of Education. As a member of the Masonic Order, he was initiated in Victoria in 1859, and established one of the first lodges in Otago in 1862; he had been several times master of different lodges and was the first grand registrar of the New Zealand Grand Lodge. He was a past Z. of three Royal Arch Chapters, one of which was named after himself as a compliment to him as founder of the lodge with which it is connected. Mr. Joyce had been superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday School in Lyttelton since 1886, He was married in 1864, to a daughter of Mr. G. Coates, jeweller, or Christchurch, and had four sons and six daughters. Mr. Joyce died at Lyttelton on the 1st of December, 1900.
Prior to the inauguration of the Borough Council, on the 28th of May, 1868, the local affairs of Lyttelton were controlled by a Municipal Council, which had come into existence in 1862. The first chairman was Dr. Donald, a man of many parts, who held several important public positions, and Messrs E. A. Hargreaves and Joseph Ward were subsequent chairmen. Among the early members of the Council were Messrs John Peacock, Murray-Aynsley, John Grubb, J. G. Fife, J. S. Wilcox, and Edward Genet. Since the creation of the borough, Messrs Thomas Merson, J. S. Willcox, H. Allwright, Adam Chalmers, Dr. J. T. Rouse, Messrs S. R. Webb. J. B. Milsom, J. T. Brice, J. Thompson, N. C. Schumacher, J. Stinson, W. Rad cliffe, T. C. Field, and the present Mayor, Mr. James Grubb, have filled the position of its chief magistrate. Lyttelton has an area of 2,014 acres, its ratable value is £25,600, and the annual rate is Is 3D in the pound. There are 600 ratepayers, who own 800 ratable properties. The Fire Brigade and public abattoirs are under the control of the Council. At the census of April, 1901, Lyttelton had a population of 4,023. The Borough Council Chambers are situated in Oxford Street, in a handsome stone building, which contains a large board room, several smaller offices, the Town Clerk's office, and the Mayor's room, which is a well furnished apartment.
J.P., entered public life as a member of the Lyttelton Borough Council in 1895, and was elected Mayor in April, 1902, He was born in Lyttelton in 1852, and is a son of the late Mr. John Grubb, who is referred to elsewhere. After leaving school Mr. Grubb went Home, and worked for some years with the Tay Shipbuilding Company and other large shipbuilding firms in Scotland. Mr. Grubb claims to be the first New Zealander to have signed his name in the visitors' book at the Burns monument at Ayr. He returned to the colony in 1880, but went to sea for some time in coastal sailing vessels. Subsequently he started with his father in business as a shipwright, and has carried on the trade on his own account since about 1892. The workshops are situated on the reclaimed ground, and Mr. Grubb owns a slip in Baker's Bay. As a Freemason he was for eight years Worshipful Master of Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning. He is also a member of the newly-formed Scottish Society. Mr. Grubb married Miss McDonald, and has a family of seven children. A part of the house in which the family resides was built in 1851, yet it appears to be as strong and in as good condition as the more recent additions to the home.
of the Lyttelton Borough Council, was born in Abarnethy, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1850. His early years were passed upon a farm, after which he became an engineer in the service of the firm of Messrs John Elder and Co., of Glasgow. Mr. Brown went to sea for some years as engineer on various steamers, and first came to New Zealand in 1875, as second engineer on the Union Steam Ship Company's “Hawea.” He has been a resident of Lyttelton since 1877, when he joined the Harbour Board's staff. At the present time he is the engineer of the s.s. Cygnet.” Mr. Brown has served three years on the Lyttelton school committee, and as a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Unanimity. He was married in 1878, and has a family of three sons and three daughters.
was elected a Member of the Lyttelton Borough Council in 1901. He was born in Lyttelton in 1875, and is a son of the late Captain W. S. Cleary. On leaving school in 1890 he entered the service of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, with which he has been since connected, and now occupies the position of manager of the Association's branch at Lyttelton. As a Freemason Mr. Cleary is the present Senior Warden of Lodge Unanimity. He has displayed a very active interest in connection with the Lyttelton regattas, has been a member of the committee for ten years, and was secretary for the regatta of 1902. Mr. Cleary is also an enthusiastic yachtsman, and has taken part in yacht races since 1890.
of the Lyttelton Borough Council, was born in 1858, in London, where he was brought up as a butcher. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Oriana,” which arrived at Lyttelton about 1875. After residing in Christchurch for some time he took over his present business in Lyttelton, where he has been very successful. Mr. Cook was chairman of the Abattoirs Committee. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Unanimity, has passed through all the chairs, and has also taken the Royal Arch and Mark Masters' degrees. He has been a member of the committees at the annual Lyttelton regattas. Mr. Cook married a lady from Devonshire, and has a family of three daughters.
of the Lyttelton Borough Council, was elected in 1901. He is son of Mr. William Garrard, of Christchurch, and was born in Nelson in 1866. His parents afterwards removed to Christchurch, where he was educated at the Normal School. He joined the staff of the firm of Messrs Kinsey, Barns and Co. in 1882, in Christchurch, and two years later was transferred to the Lyttelton branch, where he now occupies the position of chief clerk. Mr. Garrard has been a member of the regatta committees, and also honorary treasurer, and he has taken an active part in social and athletic affairs. He is married to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Curties, of London.
Member of the Lyttelton Borough Council, is elsewhere referred to as the Worshipful Master of Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning.
J.P., has been a Member of the Lyttelton Borough Council since his first election in 1890. He was also Mayor of Lyttelton for two years and four months, and was in office when the “send-off” was given to the New Zealand Rough Riders. Mr. Radcliffe sat as a member of the Christchurch Charitable Aid Board, and represented Lyttelton, Rangiora, and Kaiapoi on the Hospital Board, and has occupied a seat on the local school committee since 1887. Mr. Radcliffe. was born in 1850, in the Isle of Man, where he was educated. and learned the trade of a painter. He left for New Zealand in 1870, in the ship “Zealandia,” then on her second trip, and arrived at Lyttelton in the same year. With the exception of five years on Banks' Peninsula, he has resided at the Port ever since, and in 1874 he began business as painter and house decorator. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1896. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning, of which he was one of the first initiates. Mr. Radcliffe has been twice married; first, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Hollis. and afterwards to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. James Pitcaithly, of Pigeon Bay. He has a family of five children.
was first elected to the Lyttelton Borough Council in 1898, and has been a member of the Lyttelton West End school committee. He was born in the Isle of Wight, in 1859, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Waimate, in 1882. After travelling through the country for some time he settled at Lyttelton and entered the service of Mr. Harvey Hawkins, merchant. In 1895 he became a partner in the firm. The partnership was dissolved in 1901, and since then Mr. Smith has conducted the business on his own account, with continued success. He was quartermaster sergeant in the N Battery, and for some years he was a member of the old Lyttelton Band and the Oddfellows' Band. As a Freemason Mr. Smith is attached to Lodge Unanimity. Since 1895 he has been a churchwarden in St. Saviour's Church, Lyttelton. Mr. Smith married Miss Spedding, a Yorkshire lady, whom he met on board the “Waimate,” and they have a family of three children.
J.P., the senior Member of the Lyttelton Borough Council, has been almost continuously a member since his first election in 1880, and he was Mayor for four terms. He has
J.P., was electer a Member of the Lyttelton Borough Council in 1899. He was born at King's Lynn, Norfolk, England, in 1838, and as a lad went to sea in January, 1853, in the ship “Progress,” which was employed by the British Government as a transport in the Mediterranean and West India. He followed his profession for forty-seven years, and became a master and a part-owner. Captain Whitby, on his first voyage to New Zealand, arrived at Nelson in 1857, as an able seaman on the barque “Melbourne,” his first voyage in that capacity. After returning to England in her he shipped on the “Regina,” which came to Lyttelton in 1858 Being impressed with the colony, he returned Home in the “Regina,” and on her next voyage, in the following year, came out for one shilling a month in order to get his discharge at Lyttelton. In 1860 he was appointed to the command of the ketch “Ebenezer,” owned by Mr. J. T. Brown, timber merchant, Christchurch, and engaged in the coastal trade. Two years later the owners built the ketch “Annie,” which Captain Whitby commanded for three years. He next took charge of the ketch “Emerald,” which he sailed for thirteen years, after which he sold the vessel. Captain Whitby had a third interest in two of these vessels, and owned a two-thirds interest in the “Emerald.” He afterwards had charge of the s.s. “Heath-cote” in dredging Lyttelton harbour, and after the operations were suspended, he, with Messrs Cuff and Graham, bought the s.s. “Jane Douglas,” which he commanded for twelve years. On retiring from the sea in 1900 he sold out his interest in this vessel and has since resided at his pretty villa, “Sea View,” which overlooks the harbour and Heads. One at the Captain's many experiences was in bringing the “Amelia Simms” from Newcastle to Nelson. During a heavy gale, when 400 miles from the New Zealand coast, she lost her rudder and was partially disabled. Yet, notwithstanding this, Captain Whitby made the passage in fifteen days. At the time of the Crimean war he was wrecked in the barque “Peltona,” a transport in the Black Sea, and was an eye-witness of the celebrated charge at Balaclava and the battle of Inkermann. Captain Whitby was for many years a member of the committee of the Lyttelton regattas, and he has been a member of the Shipmasters' Association of New Zealand since its inception. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1900. Captain Whitby was married by the late Archdeacon Cholmondeley to a lady who came out from his native town in 1865.
Town Clerk and Treasurer to the Lyttelton Borough Council, was appointed to these offices in 1899. He was born in 1867, at Lyttelton, and is a son of Pilot Lewin. After leaving school he became connected with journalism, and was for seventeen years the Lyttelton correspondent of the “Lyttelton Times.” While engaged in that capacity, Mr. Lewin entered the Lyttelton Borough Council in 1896. He has taken an active part in the social life of the community, and has been a prominent figure in connection with the Lyttelton regattas, having been secretary of the committees for twelve years. Mr. Lewin married a daughter of Mr. Turpin, Superintendent Engineer of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and has a family of two children.
was Mayor of Lyttelton in Canterbury's Jubilee year of 1900, and was re-elected for 1901, when it devolved upon him to welcome their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York and Cornwall to Canterbury. He is a son of Mr. George Field, who arrived in New Zealand in 1845, and is an old resident of Port Levy. His mother was a passenger to Lyttelton by the “Charlotte Jane,” one of the first four ships. Mr. Field was born at Port Levy in 1864, and was educated there and at Lyttelton. He managed the Lyttelton branch of Messrs Kaye and Carter's business for fourteen years, and was subsequently for four years in a partnership business at Lyttelton, under the style of Field and Ferrier. shipping agents. In 1902 Mr. Field and Mr. Royds started their business in Cashel Street, Christchurch, as grain and produce merchants, and stock and station agents, and the new firm has already achieved a decided success. Mr. Field was a member of the Lyttelton Borough Council for nearly four years in addition to this mayoral terms, and was also chairman of the Borough school committee. During his terms as mayor he was a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. As a Freemason he was initiated in Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning, of which he is a Past Master. He was for many years a vestryman of the Holy Trinity Church. Mr. Field was one of the promoters of the Premier Building Society, and has been a director and auditor since its inauguration. He has been a member of several regatta committees, also vice-commodore, and was chairman of the Flagship Committee for two years. All the athletic clubs at Lyttelton claim him as a vice-president. He is an old member of the Lyttelton Literary and Debating Society, of which he has been the president and vice-president; and he is president of the Lyttelton branch of the Children's Aid Society, and a director of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand. Mr. Field married a daughter of Captain Norris, a very old resident of Lyttelton, and has a family of one daughter and one son.
Lyttelton. These offices occupy a handsome building of brick and stone, in Oxford Street, facing the Post Office. The front and adjoining offices are occupied by the harbourmaster. There is also a large reading room on the ground floor, known as the captain's room, which is well supplied with newspapers and magazines for the convenience of masters of ships trading into the port. At the back of the building there is another room for the use of the pilots. The upstairs portion of the building contains a large boardroom, the stores department, and the secretarial
Harbourmaster for the Port of Lyttelton. has occupied the position since the 1st of January, 1886. He was born at Hobart, Tasmania, and there received his education. At an early age he adopted a seafaring life, which he has followed for over half a century. As a master mariner. Captain Clark was for thirteen years engaged in the inter-colonial trade, in the service of Messrs McMeckan and Blackwood, of Melbourne. When this firm's business was taken over by the Union Steamship Company, in 1879. he joined the staff of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, as master of the tug “Lyttelton.” Captain Clark possesses an interesting and unique relic of the past, in the shape of a special license, issued by the New South Wales Government in 1862, appointing him one of the pilots of Sydney Harbour. This old and faded parchment is the only one of its kind in existence. Captain Clark married a Melbourne lady, and has a surviving family of two sons and five daughters.
These works occupy large brick premises, to which extensive additions are being made, near No. 6 wharf. Butter and other perishable products are stored, while awaiting shipment, and the chamber is supplied with cool air by a Linde British ammonia engine of four-ton power; a ten-ton Hercules freezing machine is being fitted up in the additional premises. The electrical department and boiler room occupy the remainder of the building. A Kapp dynamo is driven by a 100-horse power engine manufactured by Messrs Scott Bros., of Christchurch. The electric switchboard is one of Crompton and Co.'s, and that London firm also manufactures the electric lamps in use. Electric light is supplied to all the wharves, the western breakwater, and the Sailors' Home and Rest, in addition to the 3000-candle power lamp over the railway bridge for foot passengers, and the 2000-candle power lamp in the railway yard.
Engineer-in-charge et the works, was appointed to his present position in 1895, previous to which he had for several years been chief engineer on some of the Union Steamship Company's boats. Mr. Milne was born in 1859, in Forfarshire, Scotland, and served an apprenticeship with the engineering firm of Messrs Muir and Houston, of Glasgow. Subsequently he went to sea in the Baltic, American, and Mediterranean trade, and made his first voyage to New Zealand, in 1882, as second engineer of the Union Steamship Company's s.s. “Omapere.” Mr. Milne is a member of the Marine Engineers' Institute of Australasia. He is married to a daughter of Mr. R. B. Denniston, mining engineer, of Dunedin (after whom Denniston, near Westport, is named), and has one daughter
Inspector of Works for the Lyttelton Harbour Board, has been connected with the harbour since 1867. He was born at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England, in 1841, and while young gained experience of railway and electric telegraph work. In 1865 he arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Greyhound.” He at once went to the West Coast diggings, and a few months later to the North Island. In 1867 he returned to Lyttelton, and engaged in the erection of the screw-pile jetty, now No. 2. Soon afterwards he was appointed foreman of works under the Provincial Government, and he also had charge of the powder magazine, now in Baker's Bay. On the abolition of the provinces Mr. Derbidge and Mr. Whitelaw-now a well-known architect in Christchurch-were the only two officials retained in the Public Works Department in the service of the General Government. Mr. Derbidge did all the necessary diving in the days of provincial government, and also for the Harbour Board up to the year 1900. He was a member of No. 8 Company of Volunteers, under Captain George Holmes, at Heathcote, about 1868, and for ten years he was foreman of the Lyttelton Fire Brigade. As a Freemason he is one of the oldest past masters of Lodge Unanimity, and he is one of the present trustees of the Loyal City of Norwich Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Derbidge married a daughter of the late Mr. S. Trumper, and has a family of four sons and three daughters.
The site of the Post Office, at the corner of Oxford Street and Norwich Quay, marks the spot up to where the sea originally came, prior to the laying out of the reclaimed land. The post office is a handsome building of brick and stone, artistically ornamented, and is of two stories. It has a clock tower, with four dials. The public office and money-order department, telegraph, and customs offices, together with the postmaster's office are all on the ground floor. There is also a public telephone bureau connected with the Christchurch Exchange. Below the basement there are several cellars, which are used as bond stores and postal store rooms. The whole of the upstairs portion of the building is divided into offices, which are let to various business firms.
Postmaster at Lyttelton, entered the Government service at Wellington, in 1871, as a cadet in the telegraph department. Four years later he was appointed relieving officer, and in that capacity he travelled for twelve years all over the colony. Mr. Curtis was then appointed postmaster at Naseby, and two and a half years later was transferred to Foxton, where he remained eight years. In 1897 he was appointed to his present post. Mr. Curtis was born in Wellington in 1858 and is a son of the late Mr. John James Curtis, of that city. He is married to a daughter of Mr. Armitage, of Wanganui, and has a family of two children.
This station, which is scheduled under Class Special, is an irregular one-storey building, with a long platform. The booking and parcels offices, and the waiting rooms, are at the station, but the stationmaster's office, chief clerk's office, wharf office, and strong room are in a separate building at the corner of Oxford Street, facing the station. There are a large number of railway sheds around the wharves; of the total number, five are owned by the railway department and the balance by the Harbour Board and the various shipping companies. From the mouth of the tunnel to the station there is a complete network of lines, which extend to all the wharves. For the safety of pedestrians a large overhead bridge is erected across the lines, and is lighted at might with electric light, supplied from the Harbour Board's plant.
Stationmaster at Lyttelton, was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, in 1846. After spending some years in America he arrived in New Zealand in 1876, and at once joined the railway service at Lyttelton, as clerk. Subsequently he was appointed stationmaster at the Bluff, where he remained nine years, and was then transferred to Greymouth, where he held a similar position for over six years. In 1897 he was appointed to his present position. While residing at the Bluff Mr. Hannay was instrumental in opening the masonic Lodge Fortitude, which he named after his parent lodge in Brooklyn, New York.
This school, which stands on the steep slopes of Oxford Street, was built by the Provincial Government in 1873, and was opened in the following year. The older portion of the main building is of two stories, and the newer portion, which is on the higher side of the site, is of one storey. It is constructed of brick, with stone facings. and is supported by heavy balustrades, and covered with a tiled roof, with gabled ventilators. The school is of Gothic architecture, beautifully ornamented, and is surmounted with a bell spire; altogether one of the handsomest public schools in New Zealand. The classrooms are lofty and well lighted, and the building is furnished with every modern convenience. The infant school is a separate building, erected in a similar style by the North Canterbury Board of Education. A striking feature is the immense asphalted level playground, cut entirely from the side of a steep hill. the number of scholars on the roll is about 500, and the average attendance is nearly 450. The staff comprises the headmaster, Mr. Emile U. Just Mr. Frank Evans first assistant master; Miss E. Chaplin, mistress; Miss M. Dickenson, assistant mistress, and two pupil teachers; and, in the infant department, Miss M. E. Olliver, mistress, with Miss Menzies as assistant, and
Headmaster of the Lyttelton Borough School, was born in Victoria in 1851. He was educated in Melbourne, and trained in the Associated Training Schools of Victoria, under the old Board of Education, of which Mr. B. F. Kane was secretary. After teaching for fifteen years in various schools in Victoria. Mr. Just was recommended by Mr. John Main, Inspector-General of Schools in that colony, to the Westland Education Board, under which he held the position of master of the Stafford school for two years. He was then appointed master of the Kumara school, and at the same time was offered the second mastership of the East Christchurch school; the latter position he accepted, and held for nine years. In 1890 Mr. Just was appointed to his present position. He is also instructor of the commercial and mathematical classes at the Lyttelton Technical School. As a Freemason Mr. Just was mitiated in Lodge Conyers, of which he is a Past master, and he is also a Past Grand Warden of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury. Mr. Just has taken an active part in musical matters. For several years while in Christchurch he was a member of St. Michael's choir and he was a member of the Motett Society from its inauguration. After settling in Lyttelton he was connected with the Holy Trinity Church choir for about six years, and he is now the conductor of the Lyttelton Orchestral Society. He has been connected with the Lyttelton Cricket Club for several year, and since his residence in the borough he has served on the regatta committees, and taken part in numerous social functions and celebrations Mr. Just was married in Victoria, and has two sons and four daughters.
This school was opened in May, 1887, as a side school, under the control of the headmaster of the borough school; but owing to the growth of the west end of the town it was made a main school in 1894, with a separate school committee. At that date the average number of scholars attending daily was 130. This average has since grown to 180, with a roll number of 203. The school is divided into three rooms, which are large, lofty and well lighted. It is constructed of wood, and stands upon raised concrete foundations on the slope of the hill overlooking the harbour. Owing to its position the playground has had to be excavated at the back of the school, and built up in front. It is all asphalted, and protected by retaining walls. The staff of the school consists of the headmaster, Mr. John W. McGregor; Miss F. Pilliet, infant mistress; Miss B. Joyce, assistant mistress, and two pupil teachers.
the Headmaster, is a son of the late Mr. Alexander Innes McGregor, who was several times Mayor of Akaroa, and also represented that electorate in the House of Representatives from 1887 to 1890. He was born in Stonehaven, Scotland, in 1866, and four years later arrived with his parents at Akaroa. After being educated at the Akaroa school he served five years there as a pupil teacher. He then became master of the Le Bon's Bay school, was afterwards assistant master of the Sydenham school, and later, first assistant master at the Woolston school. Mr. McGregor, who holds a
is a handsome modern wooden building, and stands on a commanding site. Children to the number of about ninety are taught by the Sisters, in a day school and a high school. The convent and school were established in 1890 by the Rev. Mother Aloysius, who is still Superioress.
Winchester Street, Lyttelton. This church was consecrated in 1869, to replace a building of an earlier date. The church has numerous stained-glass windows, and to the left of the communion table there is a handsome lectern, presented by Mrs Allwright, in memory of her husband, the late Mr. H. Allwright. The font was erected in commemoration of the jubilee of the parish and province, and the altar in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The first services were held on the 16th of December, 1850, in the customhouse, on the day of the landing of the first settlers. Services were regularly held in the old immigration barracks until the completion of the first church. The first churchwardens were Messrs J. R. Godley, J. E. Fitzgerald, and the first incumbent, the late Archdeacon Dudley. Owing either to a defect in the building, or to the exceptional severity of the south-westers, the first church, which was of brick, was taken down, and replaced by the present building, Daily services are held, and there are four services on Sunday, with a surpliced choir, and a fine
Vicar of Lyttelton, was born in Yorkshire, England, and educated at the St. Augustine College, Canterbury. He was ordained deacon in 1875, and priest in 1876 by the late Bishop of Christchurch. At first he was assistant curate at St. John's, Christchurch, and was vicar of Waimate from 1876 to 1891, when he took charge of his present parish. Mr. Coates is also chaplain to the Lyttelton Gaol.
Lyttelton West. This church was built in 1885, and is capable of seating 250 persons. It is used chiefly as a seamen's church and for men-of-war calling at the Port. There are daily services.
Vicar of St. Saviour's, Lyttelton, is a son of the Rev. J. Chambers, vicar of Cary, Cornwall. England, and was born in 1850. He entered the Navy in 1863 and retired in 1870 with the rank of lieutenant. In 1872 he entered Trinity College, Dublin, which he left in 1875. as Associate of Arts. Mr. Chambers arrived in New Zealand in 1881, when he took charge of Ross, on the West Coast. He was vicar of Rakaia from 1881 till 1885, when he was appointed chaplain to the seamen in what is now known as the parish of West Lyttelton. Mr. Chambers is honorary chaplain to the N Battery, and entitled to the long service medal, as he has been connected with that corps since 1885. He is the sole chaplain to the Permanent Artillery in the South Island, acting-chaplain to the Royal Navy, and chaplain to the seamen at Port Lyttelton.
Winchester Street, Lyttelton, is a plain old stone building, beautifully decorated and ornamented in the interior. There is accommodation for about 200 persons. The original site was presented by the late Sir Frederick Weld, and the church itself was built by Father Boibieux in 1871. Lyttelton, Governor's Bay, Port Levy, Heathcote Valley, and Sumner are all in the parish, and Sumner has a church capable of accommodating 200 persons. Masses are held on the second Sunday in each month.
of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lyttelton, was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1872, and received his primary education with the Christian Brothers of his native town. He proceeded to Rome and studied theology in the Gregorian college, which is attended by students from nearly every nation of the Christian world. While in attendance there Father Cooney attained to a special fluency and knowledge of the modern European languages. He took the B. Ph. degree in 1894 and was ordained at Dublin, Ireland, in 1897, by the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch. Father Cooney arrived in New Zealand in March, 1898, and served as curate at Rangiora under Father Aubry and some time later at Kumara under Father O'Hallahan. He was appointed to his present charge in 1901. Father Cooney's knowledge of French, German, and Italian is of great advantage in connection with the crews of the various foreign vessels entering the port.
Lyttelton. The first Wesleyan church in Lyttelton was a small wooden building, 30 feet by 20 feet, which cost £334 to erect. It was opened on the 4th of March, 1855, but prior to that services had been held in private houses after the arrival of the first four ships. The accommodation of the church was increased by means of a gallery across the end, but even that was soon insufficient, and within six years the foundation of a new and handsome church was laid on Norwich Quay. The building was erected at an outlay of £1,770, and was opened on the 1st of September, 1861, altogether free from debt. Cruciform in shape, with a carved altar rail, and a somewhat elaborate pulpit, it was exceedingly attractive, but was not destined to remain where it was first built. The site became unsuitable, as it was surrounded by business premises, and it was removed to its present position in Winchester Street, in 1866. Ninety additional sittings were added in 1877, at a cost of £200. It was again enlarged three years later, and an excellent pipe organ introduced at a cost of £500. After forty years' service it is still a substantial building, and has accommodation for a numerous congregation. The Sunday school, which has been a marked feature from the outset, has been held in various places, in 1863 the Winchester Street site was purchased for £150, and the school building put up at a cost of £400. It was subsequently enlarged, and an infant room was added. The school sustained a heavy loss by the death of Mr. J. Joyce, M.H.R., who for some years had been superintendent.
Captain Chaplain of the 10th New Zealand Mounted Rifles, and Superintendent of the Lyttelton circuit, was born in Wellington in 1855, and is the son of Mr. C. E. Luxford, who arrived in New Zealand in 1839. He became a local preacher at an early age, and after studying in Wellington and Christchurch, was formally accepted by the Conference for the ministry. His first charge was at Rangiora, Canterbury, in 1876. Mr Luxford has laboured for only six years in the north, having spent most of his ministerial life in the South Island. Churches were built under his direction at Hawera and at Manaia, in the north, and at St. Albans and Leeston during his ministry in Canterbury. He was appointed to his present charge by the Conference held in Dunedin in 1902, having previously been superintendent of the Invercargill church. Before entering on his duties at Lyttelton he was appointed Captain Captain to the New Zealand Tenth Contingent in South Africa. He returned to New Zealand with his regiment in September, 1902, and immediately resumed the work of his ministry at Lyttelton. Mr. Luxford is also Chaplain to the Second Battalion of the Otago Mounted Rifles, and is one of the most prominent Freemasons in New Zealand. He is Chaplain to the Masonic district of Southland.
L.R.C.P., and S.E. (Edin.), Oxford Street, Lyttelton. Dr. Pairman is a son of Dr. Pairman. of Biggar, Scotland, the well-known author of several notable works and poetical pieces. He was born at Biggar, in 1859, and educated at the Edinburgh Royal High School and University. In 1882 he returned to biggar, where he practised his profession for a period of eighteen months. In the latter part of 1883 he settled at Stogumber, in the West of England. There he conducted a practice till 1886, when he left England for New Zealand. On landing in Auckland he proceeded to the Waikato, and there carried on practice for about four years. On leaving the Waikato he came to Lyttelton, where at the present time (1902) he holds many important medical appointments.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (London), Winchester Street, Lyttelton. Dr. Upham was born in Hampstead, London, in 1863, and educated at Christ's Hospital. He subsequently studied at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where he gained his diplomas in 1885 and 1886.
Pharmaceutical Chemist and Druggist, “The Corner Chemist,” Lyttelton. This business, occupying premises at the corner of Oxford and London Streets, was established by Dr. Macdonald in 1874. The shop, although small, is compact, and is well stocked with a large variety of patent and proprietary medicines, and chemists' sundries, and has a dispensing department and office at the back. The business, which was purchased by the present proprietor early in 1902, has been eminently successful. Mr. Vangioni, the proprietor, who was born in Akaroa in 1875, is a son of Mr. Joseph Vangioni, an old colonist of Akaroa. He was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School, and afterwards served an apprenticeship with Messrs Gould and Co., chemists, Christchurch. In 1897 he qualified and gained his diploma under the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand. Mr. Vangioni was dispenser at the Christchurch Hospital for a time, and he afterwards managed Messrs Bagley and Sons' business in Dunedin for over two years. Shortly after returning to Christchurch, in 1901, he took over his present business. Mr. Vangioni was a member of the Christchurch Football Club for several years, and he has
Surgeon Dentist, London Street, Lyttelton. Mr Wilson, who is a native of Lyttelton, is a son of Mr. E. Wilson, an old resident of the Port. He was born in 1881, educated at the local schools, and afterwards served an apprenticeship in Wellington with the firm of Messrs Bulkley and Forte, surgeon dentists, of that city. In June, 1902, he gained his diploma as a qualified dentist, and soon afterwards returned to Lyttelton and established his present business. Mr. Wilson has taken an active interest in athletic sports, and is a member of several athletic and social clubs in Lyttelton.
Aerated Water Manufacturer, Lyttelton. Mr. Schumacher was born in the province of Schleswig-Holstein, North Germany, in 1845. For seven years he followed a seafaring life, during which he voyaged all over the world. Early in 1869 he arrived at Port Chalmers, on the same day as the Duke of Edinburgh, second son of Queen Victoria. Mr. Schumacher settled at Port Chalmers where he was a partner in the firm of John Mill and Co. for eighteen years. He also served ten years on the local borough council. In 1889 Mr. Schumacher sold out his interest and came to Lyttelton, where he was appointed master stevedore for the Canterbury Stevedores' Association. After filling this position for a year, he purchased the aerated water manufacturing business of Mr. J. B. Milsom, and has since successfully conducted it. This business was established in 1859, Mr. Schumacher was initiated into Freemasonry in the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge, in which he passed through the chairs also of the Mark and Royal Arch Chapters. Since his arrival in Lyttelton he has been affiliated with Lodge Unanimity. He has also been connected with the Oddfellows. Mr. Schumacher was vice-president of the Lyttelton Rowing Club, President of the Lyttelton Lawn Tennis Club for six years, the first President of the Lyttelton Young Men's Club, and is now President of the Lyttelton Marine Band and Hockey Club. He was for several years an active member of the Lyttelton Borough Council, was Mayor for one year, also a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and for several years member of the local school committee. Mr. Schumacher was married in Port Chalmers to a lady from Christiana. Norway, and has a family of three sons and three daughters. The eldest son, Dr. Carl H. Schumacher, obtained his medical degrees of M.B. and Ch. B. at the University of Otago, and is now (1902) following further professional studies in London.
Clothier and Tailor, Lyttelton. Mr. Palmer has an extensive business connection in Lyttelton. He was born in Devonshire, England, in 1859, and came to New Zealand, via Melbourne, in 1879. Since then he has carried on business in Lyttelton. Mr. Palmer has been an honorary member of the Lyttelton Fire Brigade for over nineteen years. He is well known as a capital shot and an ardent sportsman, and is elsewhere referred to as a volunteer officer.
J.P., who was placed on the roll of the Justices of the Peace in 1902, is a native of the Isle of Man, where he was born in 1866. On leaving school he went to sea, as an apprentice to the well-known Liverpool shipping firm of Messrs Joseph Heaps and Co. Mr. Ferrier first came to New Zealand in 1888, as an officer in the Union Steamship Company's fleet, and remained in that service until 1890, when he accepted an appointment with the Canterbury Stevedores' Association, which he held for four years. He then returned to the Union Steamship Company, and filled the position of wharfinger at Lyttelton, also for four years. In 1898 Mr. Ferrier established himself in business at Lyttelton, in partnership with Mr. Field, who, however, retired from the firm in 1902, and since then the business has been conducted solely by Mr. Ferrier, under the style of Claude Ferrier and Co., Ship and Insurance Brokers, Customs and Forwarding Agents, Grain and Produce Experts. Mr. Ferrier is also surveyor to the Bureau-Veritas, for the South Island. Although repeatedly requested to stand for various public positions, the demands of Mr. Ferrier's business have so far prevented him from complying. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, he was initiated in the Isle of Man, and he is now affiliated with Lodge St. Augustine. Mr. Ferrier has been presented with two certificates from the Boyal Humane Society of Australasia for saving life. He is married to the second daughter of the late Mr. Cornelius Cuff. of Christchurch, and has a family of two sons and two daughters.
who has resided over forty years at Lyttelton, was born in Devonport, England, in 1828. He emigrated from Plymouth to Adelalde in 1847, in the ship “Princess Royal,” and returned to England in 1859. Mr. Blackler came to Lyttelton in the “Robert Small, which brought out the first batch of men to construct the tunnel. After the tunnel was completed he worked for several years as a stonemason, and was subsequently appointed to his present position of sexton. Since 1871 he has been a teetotaller, and has taken an active part among temperance societies. He was married in South Australia in 1850, and has a family of two sons and one daughter, and a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
was born in Akaroa in 1857. His father, the late Mr. Peter Brown, one of the pioneers of New Zealand, arrived in Wellington in 1840, and shortly afterwards removed to Akaroa. Mr. Campbell Brown was brought up and educated at the French settlement, and afterwards served five years in Mr. J. D. Garwood's store. He then took over the management of the bakery and grocery business which his mother had previously established, and conducted it for seven years. Mr. Brown then purchased the Criterion Hotel, Akaroa, which he conducted for a similar period. In 1890 he came to Lyttelton, and took over the Canterbury Hotel, where he has maintained a successful business, and of which he is still the proprietor. As a Freemason, Mr. Brown was initiated in Lodge Akaroa. He is married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Sunckell, of Akaroa, and has a family of four sons and three daughters.
has been identified with the public affairs of Lyttelton for many years. He was a member of the first borough council, to which he was elected on the 20th of January, 1868, and was Mayor for the
was a well-known figure in Lyttelton for many years. He was born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1843, and went to sea at an early age. Captain Cleary commanded the “Helenslea,” the pioneer ship of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and subsequently had charge of the ship “Emperor,” which was engaged in the intercolonial trade. In partnership with Mr. C. W. Turner, of Christ-church, he owned the latter vessel. Captain Cleary made his home in Lyttelton, where he died, leaving a family of four sons and one daughter.
who was one of the earliest residents of Lyttelton, was born at Tayport, Fifeshire, Scotland. He was a ship carpenter on the “General Palmer,” when that vessel, on a voyage from Melbourne to London, put into Wellington in a leaky condition, and was there condemned. Mr. Grubb came to Lyttelton, in 1847, to build tne first wharf at that port for the Canterbury Association. He afterwards built a small vessel named the “Caledonia,” which traded between Lyttelton and Wellington; and at Pigeon Bay he built the “Canterbury,” which also traded to Wellington. On settling in Lyttelton Mr. Grubb started in business as a shipwright, and he also owned the first slip at the Port. The shipwright's business is now conducted by his son, the present Mayor of Lyttelton. Mr. Grubb was for several years a member of the early borough councils. As a Freemason he was for about twenty years treasurer of Lodge Canterbury Kilwinning. In conjunction with the Deans of Riccarton, he was instrumental in establishing St. Andrew's Church in Christchurch, and for many years he was an elder of St. John's Church, Lyttelton. Mr. Grubb was married in Scotland, and his wife came out in the ship “Charlotte Jane,” one of the first four ships. He died in February, 1900, leaving a family of seven.
was born in Middlesex, England, in 1841, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Chrysolite,” in 1857. Shortly afterwards he entered the employment of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, then under the Provincial Government, and has ever since remained in the service. Mr. Lewin married a daughter of Mr. William Walker, an old colonist who was in business in Lyttelton in the early days, and has a family of three sons and seven daughters.
is one of the beauty spots of Canterbury. Nestling under the steep hills and cliffs, washed by the waves of the Pacific Ocean, and drawing its robust yet genial atmosphere straight from the sea, it is, firstly, a health resort, and secondly, a pleasure resort, for the toilers and moilers who dwell in the city, about eight miles away. Sumner can be reached in an hour on the tramcars, after a delightful ride past fields and pastures, cottages and mansions, gardens and beautiful vistas formed by the winding course of the Heathcote river. In the warm weather it is specially well patronised, as then sea-bathing is added to other quiet attractions. On Saturdays, and public holidays, the tramcars are generally crowded with visitors, who have taken “a day off” to spend it in recuperative recreation at Sumner. Settlement at Sumner was begun as early as the year 1851, and even earlier, for before that time Captain Thomas, the Canterbury Association's advance agent, had established a store, as he had also laid out and commenced the Lyttelton-Sumner Road before the arrival of the first four ships at Lyttelton in December, 1850. The colony's Institute for Deaf Mutes is close to the town. At present (1902) there is a proposal to construct a small harbour at Sumner, and to complete the Sumner-Lyttelton Road, with a tramway to Lyttelton, running through the hill at Evans's Pass. In this way Christ-church and Lyttelton would have direct communication by means of alternative routes.
has jurisdiction over an area estimated at 4,786 acres. Previous to June 1891, when the borough was incorporated, there was a town board, and before it was brought into operation, the area now included in the borough had been a portion of the rfeathcote road district. At the census taken in April, 1901, Sumner had a population of 844. It has 190 houses and 282 ratepayers. The value of the unimproved property within the borough is £64,236, and the value of improvements is £66,787. There is a general rate of 1s in the pound, a waterworks rate of 7d in the pound to provide annually recurring interest on an inscribed loan of £3,550, and a water rate of two and a half per cent. on land and buildings not connected with the main but within 100 yards of it. The charge for water is £1 a year for each house, and where meters are used the consumers are allowed 15,000 gallons for £1: for all water used in excess of that amount the charge is at the rate of 4s 3d per thousand gallons. Sumner's water supply is obtained by means of a reservoir, into which water is pumped from artesian wells sunk into the deep strata. The borough is lighted by acetylene gas.
is a member of the well-known family of engineers and iron-founders of Thorne. Yorkshire, England. He was born in 1856, and educated at Brooke's Grammar School, of which his father was one of the governors. After passing through his father's works he came to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Norfolk” in 1874, and took up land at Hororata, where he had a mill and farm for some years. Mr. Rollitt is one of the founders of the well-known milling firm at Ashburton, which still bears his name and from which he retired in 1896. He was connected with the Sumner Borough Council for some time before being elected to the civic chair, and has always taken an interest in educational matters; he was chairman of the Hororata School Committee for some years, and is at present chairman of the Sumner School Committee. Mr. Rollitt has long been connected with racing matters and has been a breeder of horses, the well-known hurdle racer “Mammoe” having been bred by him. He was an active member of the Ashburton Racing Club, and now holds office as secretary of the New Zealand Trotting Association, of which he was at one time chairman. He is secretary of the Al and Hokitika River Gold Dredging Companies, and as a Freemason he was initiated in Lodge St. John, E.C., Ashburton. Mr. Rollitt was married in 1885 to a daughter of Mr. J. S. Woodhouse of Hursley, Amberley, and has one daughter and four sons.
was elected a Member of the Sumner Borough Council in 1900. He is a native of Christ-church, and was for many years a prominent member of the Union Rowing Club. Mr. Bradbury also took a leading part in the formation
was elected to the Stunner Borough Council in January, 1902, and has since served on the finance committee. Mr. Clark was born at Watford, England, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1875, by the sailing ship “Blairgowrie.” He was educated in Christ-church, and has been engaged in the ironmongery business for nineteen years. He now holds the position of manager of a department in the hardware firm of Messrs Mason, Struthers, and Co., of Christchurch. Mr. Clark is well known in athletic circles, and for two years played with the senior champion team of the Christchurch Football Club.
was elected to the Sumner Borough Council in 1901. Mr. Drew arrived in Melbourne from England in June, 1840, and came to New Zealand in 1875. He carried on business, on the Ferry Road, as a baker and confectioner for sixteen years. Mr. Drew was afterwards in business in the same line at Sumner, but has recently retired.
was elected a Member of the Sumner Borough Council on the 24th of April, 1898. He had, at a previous period, been a member of the Council for seven years. Mr. Hughes has also been a member of the Sumner school committee. He is referred to in another article as a teacher of music.
was elected to the Sumner Dorough Council in 1902. He was born in Canterbury, and was brought up to farming. Mr. Illingworth resides on his farm on the Sumner-Lyttelton Road. His fruit garden of twenty acres is recognised as one of the chief attractions of Sumner, and is much frequented and patronised by visitors from all parts of Canterbury. Mr. Illingworth has one of the finest vinerles in the colony, and the grapes he grows are second to none. Besides the orchard, Mr. Illingworth farms 120 acres of land. Tomatoes grown on his sunny slopes mature a month earlier than those grown on lower ground. A visit to Mr. Illingworth's farm daring the fruit season will well repay the visitor.
was elected to the Sumner Borough Council in 1899. He follows the occupation of a market gardener at Reacliffs.
was elected to the Sumner Borough Council on the 24th of April, 1901.
was elected to the Sumner Borough Council in 1899, and is a member of the works and finance committees. Mr. Rowell is a native of Canterbury, and was brought up to farming in the Springston district. He, however, joined the telegraph department in Christ-church, and remained in it for ten years. Mr. Rowell afterwards resigned his position and took up a business in Sumner.
was elected to the Sumner Borough Council at the by-election of 1900, and was re-elected in 1901. He is a builder and contractor.
Town Clerk and Borough Engineer, Valner, and Returning Officer for the Borough of Sumner, was born in Liverpool, and educated at Barrow, Wexford, Ireland. Mr. Crawford was subsequently brought up as a civil engineer in Ireland, and came to Wellington in the ship “Alma.” Soon after his arrival, he joined the Public Works Department in Wellington, and was afterwards in Hawke's Bay. He arrived in Canterbury in 1863, and was appointed engineer in the Public Works Department, Christchurch. Under the Provincial Government, he was engaged by the Railway Department in 1872 to survey and prepare plans and sections for the following lines of railway:—Rolleston, Sheffield, and Whltecliffs; Southbridge, Kaiapol, and Lyttelton; Rangiora, Oxford, Pareora, and Waitaki. He was engaged by the late Mr. Doyne, C.E., in making an engineering surrey of the Canterbury plains, between the Waimakariri and Rakaia. This survey extended over an area of nearly 500 square miles. He joined the Survey Department in Christchurch, in 1875, and two years later retired, since which time he has been engaged in private practice as a civil engineer, having been frequently called to supervise works in Hororata and Malvern districts. He also held several mining appointments, notably in connection with the Home Bush Mine. Mr. Crawford was appointed, on the establishment of the Borough of Sumner, to the offices he now fills, and carried out the system of water supply for Sumner which has been so successful. He has also designed the system of water supply for the town of Geraldine, which has been adopted by the Council. For many years Mr. Crawford was the chairman of the Sumner school committee. He was married, in 1870, to a daughter of the late Mr. Slater, of Christ-church, solicitor, and has four sons and one daughter.
which is situated on one acre of land with a considerable frontage to Bury Street, is a onestorey wooden building of two rooms, with accommodation for 120 children. The number on the roll is 106, and the average attendance ninety-one. The staff consists of the headmaster, one certificated mistress and a pupil-teacher. The master's residence consists of seven rooms.
Headmaster of the Sumner School, was born in 1869 at Timaru, and was educated at Orari, where he served for four years as a pupil-teacher. Subsequently he was granted a D1 certificate, and became an undergraduate of Canterbury College. After keeping two years' terms he passed the first section of the B A. degree, and his certificate was then raised to C1. For over a year he was headmaster at Opihi, and was afterwards assistant master at the Southbridge school. After four years as headmaster of the Annat school, he was appointed to Sumner in 1807. Mr. McLeod was married in 1894 to a daughter of Mr G. C. Waby, of Southbridge.
Teacher of Music, Piano and Organ, Sumner. Mr. Hughes was born at Clapham, England, and came to New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Isabel Hercus,” landing in Lyttelton in 1862. When he was fifteen he learnt joinery in connection with the tuning and repairing of organs and pianos. He studied for several terms under Mr. Robert Parker, of Wellington, then went to Sydney to finish under Mr. F. Morley, and found constant occupation in teaching, tuning,
is a seaside resort, within six miles of Christchurch. It is reached by two tram lines, on which trams run at intervals all day, and the main road is also much used by bicyclists, especially on Sundays and the weekly half-holiday. The settled population is about 1000, but it is increased by several hundreds during the summer, when many Christchurch people take cottages by the sea shore, so that they may enjoy the benefits of sea-bathing and the fresh, invigorating air. Formerly, New Brighton was a portion of the Avon road district. Its area of 1500 acres includes a public reserve of 300 acres, in which there is a domain, thickly planted with trees. Lately a Beautifying Association has been formed in the borough, and has already done a good deal of work. Sometimes the members set apart a day of the week, and go round the residences, planting trees in the gardens, close to the footpath. In this manner about 150 palm-lilies, popularly known as cabbage-trees, have been planted. When a few years have passed, these trees should be higher than the fences, and in ten years, probably, there will be a complete avenue of palm-lilies from the bridge over the Avon to the seaside, or close to it. The idea has been adapted from towns in the United States of America, and the object is the introduction of some uniform system of public gardening, which will add to the general effectiveness of the town's appearance. A fountain, in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII., on the 9th of August, 1902, has been erected at the end of the main street, opposite the pier, and is supplied from an artesian well.
for 1902 consists of Mr. G. McIntyre, mayor; and Messrs C. H. Winny, William Edwards, William Bellamy, Charles Foster, H. R. Walker, C. J. Clayton, A. H. Wyatt, James Glanville, and Dr. C. D. Greenwood, councillors; Mr. Walter Blake, town clerk. The district of New Brighton, which comprises about 1500 acres, with a seabeach frontage of some six miles by a depth of three-quarters of a mile, was incorporated as a borough in 1897. There are already about five miles of formed streets within the borough. The capital value of ratable property is £95,000, and the annual value £6,914. Rates are levied on the annual value, and there is a general rate of 1/4d, a separate rate of 2d, and a special rate of 6d. The revenue for the year which ended with March, 1902, was £891, and the expenditure, £1,202. It is proposed to spend £3,000 in concrete channelling, in sinking wells, and in other works within the borough.
is a Canadian by birth. He was born in 1844 and educated in his native land, in England, and Tasmania, studied for his profession in the sister Colony, and became a qualified surveyor. Arriving in New Zealand in 1866, he was for a short time in Timaru, and for five years subsequently was on the Hansard staff in Wellington. After a short stay in Auckland, he settled in Christchurch in 1872, and held an appointment in the Survey Department for six years, when he established, in conjunction with Mr. A. J. Lewis, the firm of McIntyre and Lewis. He is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors. Mr. McIntyre has taken an interest in the management of local governing bodies, and has been a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board since 1892, and of the New Brighton
was elected to the New Brighton Borough Council in 1900. He is a native of Canterbury. His parents arrived in New Zealand in 1859, and resided in Poverty Bay at the time of the Te Kooti massacres. Mr. Bellamy was brought up to the trade of a coachbuilder, and he holds a position with Messrs Boon and Co., of Lower High Street, Christchurch.
was elected to the New Brighton Borough Council in 1902. He was born in England, where, for twenty-two years, he was engaged in an extensive manufacturing business. Mr. Clayton arrived in New Zealand in 1892, and began business in Christchurch by forming the Reliance Boot and Shoe Factory, which was merged in 1898 into the Excelsior Boot Manufacturing Company, Limited, with Mr. Clayton as manager. Mr. Clayton is a member of the Federated Boot Manufacturers' Association.
has for several years occupied a seat on the New Brighton Borough Council. He carries on a successful business in Cashel Street, Christchurch, under the style of Edwards and Son, pastrycooks and confectioners.
was first elected to the New Brighton Borough Council in 1899. He was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1851, and arrived on the West Coast of New Zealand at the age of sixteen. Since 1871 he has been connected with Oddfellowship, and has held every office open to members in connection with the order.
has for several years occupied a seat on the New Brighton Borough Council. He is well known as an architect in Christchurch, where he has an office at 9 Cathedral Square. Mr. Glanville resides at New Brighton.
who was elected a Member of the New Brighton Borough Council in 1902, is a well-known medical practitioner. Dr. Greenwood resides at New Brighton, where he has a large practice.
Member of the New Brighton Borough Council, is a native of Oldham, England. He was educated at King William's College, Castletown, Isle of Man, and afterwards apprenticed to the engineering trade at the Barrow engineering works. In 1885 he left England for New Zealand, and since 1893 has been a resident of New Brighton, where he has taken a very active interest in the progress of the district, and was elected to the Borough Council in 1901. Mr. Walker has recently introduced an efficient motor ferry service between New Brighton and Sumner, which adds to the attractions of these favourite seaside resorts. The twin screw launch “Tuariki,” which makes a number of trips during the day, has ample accommodation for sixty passengers. As the route taken is down the river Avon and across the Sumner estuary, a smooth passage is always assured. The launch is strongly built on modern lines. She is constructed entirely of kauri, and has a speed of nine miles an hour. Her dimensions are 40 feet in length, and 10 feet beam. She is fitted up with twin engines of eight-horse power each, and of the Sintz double cylinder two-cycle make. The journey between New Brighton and Sumner occupies three-quarters of an hour, and the trip is truly a pleasure one. During the summer, evening excursions are run at intervals. Mr. Walker's private residence is situated near the river wharf, and beside it there is a very fine engineering workshop, where any repairs can be easily effected. A large stable, which is constructed on the most modern and sanitary lines, is another feature of Mr. Walker's premises.
the senior Member of the New Brighton Borough Council, was Mayor of the borough for the year 1900. Mr. Winny is manager for the firm of Messrs William White and Co., timber and coal merchants, Christchurch.
who has for several years been a Member of the New Brighton Borough Council, is referred elsewhere to in connection with his store at New Brighton.
C.E., Town Clerk of the Borough of New Brighton, was born in 1832 in Hampshire, England, where he was also educated and brought up as a civil engineer. Mr. Blake came out to Australia in the fifties, and after some years in the sister Colonies crossed the Tasman Sea to Port Chalmers, in the ship “Aldinga.” After a short experience on the Otago goldfields, he settled in Christchurch about the end of 1863. He entered the service of the Provincial Engineers' Department, and was employed in opening up the West Coast, being one of the first to lay out and make roads during the great “rush” to the coast. Subsequently, he was engaged in telegraph and railway construction under the General Government, and has since had a general colonial experience. Mr. Blake was appointed town clerk of the Borough of New Brighton on its incorporation. He was married in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. B. Bishop, of Christchurch.
which occupies two acres of land fronting Sea View and Hawkes Streets, is a single-storey wooden building, with three classrooms. There are 275 pupils on the roll, with an average attendance of 240. This school was first opened in February, 1889, in a small building belonging to the Wesleyan church, with thirty-eight scholars. The headmaster is assisted by three certificated and two pupil-teachers.
Headmaster of the New Brighton Public School, has been in charge since its establishment. He was born on Banks' Peninsula in 1858, was educated at various public schools, and is an undergraduate of Canterbury College, where he studied for two years. He served a pupil-teachership of four years at the Sonthbridge and West Christchurch schools, and after a year's training at the Normal School, gained his D2 certificate, and was sent to New Brighton to establish the school. Mr. Bishop is a member of the North Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. He is an old footballer and tennis-player.
which was originally known as the New Brighton School, was opened in 1870, a side school having been conducted at New Brighton itself for many years. The school is a single-storey wooden building with two rooms and two porches, and is erected on three and a half acres of land. The headmaster is assisted by a lady teacher and one pupil-teacher. There are 110 pupils on the roll, the average attendance being ninety.
Headmaster of the Burwood Public School, who is a uative of Morayshire, Scotland, was born in 1859, and educated at Milne's Institute. He was brought up to a scholastic career. Mr. Davidson landed in Port Chalmers per ship “James Nichol Fleming” in 1873, and served a pupil-teachership of four years at the Oamaru Grammar School, and subsequently studied for one year at the Normal Training School, Dunedin, gaining a D1 certificate. He was appointed junior master at the Training College, Dunedin, and served for three and a half years. Subsequently, he was stationed at Teaneraki, where he was headmaster for fifteen months; for two years he acted as senior relieving-officer for the Otago Education Board, and was transferred to the service of the North Canterbury Board of Education in 1890. He was headmaster of the Annat public school for four years, and was appointed to his present position in May, 1894. Mr. Davidson is a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute. As a tennis-player, he is connected with the New Brighton and Linwood Tennis Clubs.
Burwood, Parish of New Brighton. This church is a pretty little wooden building, and was erected in 1877 at a cost of £500. There is accommodation for one hundred worshippers, and services are held twice on Sunday. The church is beautifully situated; it overlooks the Avon, and stands in the midst of a well-kept cemetery. The parish has a scattered population, and is about five miles long and four wide. New Brighton township, which forms a part of the parish, possesses a church which was erected about 1880. It is capable of seating 150 persons. Two services are held at New Brighton on Sunday, and also one on Friday. The vicar is assisted by lay readers. There is a Sunday school, with about one hundred scholars.
Vicar of New Brighton, is a son of the late Mr. D. Inwood, one of the pioneers who arrived in Canterbury in 1850, by the ship “Sir George Seymour.” Mr. Inwood was born in Surrey, England, in 1849, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand. He was educated at Christ's College, and ordained by the late Bishop Harper in 1877. His first charge was at Flaxton and Ohoka, where he served for one year as curate, and for eleven years afterwards as vicar. He has been in charge of his present parish of New Brighton since 1889.
M.R.C.S., Eng., and L.S.A., London, Surgeon and Physician, New Brighton. Dr. Greenwood is elsewhere referred to as a member of the New Brighton Borough Council.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, Sea View Road, New Brighton. This business was established in 1897, and was the first pharmacy to occupy permanent premises at New Brighton.
Grocer, Carrier, and House Agent, New Brighton. Mr. Wyatt was born in Christchurch in 1861, and was educated partly at St. Luke's, and partly at Mr. T. M. Gee's Grammar School. After serving an apprenticeship of seven years with his father (the late Mr. M. M. Wyatt) he started in business on his own account in the latter part of 1882 in Colombo Street North, Christchurch. He successfully carried on his business for five years, when, owing to illhealth, he was compelled to remove to New Brighton, where he has been in business ever since. Mr. Wyatt was married, in December. 1862, to Isabella, only surviving daughter of the late Thomas Langhorn, of Brighton, England, and has five sons and three daughters living. He is a member of the New Brighton Borough Council, and also of the local school committee.
was born in Dover, England, in 1856, and arrived at Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Cameo,” in 1859. He was educated at the St. Albans school under the late Mr. John Broughton, and at Durham Street school, and served an apprenticeship as a printer with the Lyttelton Times Company, with which he remained for twelve years. Subsequently he had charge of the jobbing department of the Telegraph newspaper office, and afterwards of the business of the Union Printing Office. In 1890 Mr. Pine accepted his present position as manager of the printing department of the Press Company, and since then the business has grown at a remarkable rate. Mr. Pine is at present (1902) chairman of the New Brighton school committee. He served for three years as a member of the St. Albans Borough Council, and was for one year on the New Brighton Borough Council. He was also a member of the St. Albans school committee for about ten years, and chairman during the latter portion of that time. Mr. Pine helped to establish the Christchurch and St. Albans Money Club, of which he was president for several years. For the past ten years he has been chairman of the Industrial Building Society of Canterbury, and has been on the directorate of several other build ing societies. He was one of the original promoters of the New Brighton Pier Company, of which he was chairman of directors for several years, and is still a director. As a Forester he has been a member of the Court Star of Canterbury since 1887. He was for one year chairman of the Canterbury branch of the Association of Master Printers, and has for the past three years been warden of the Beach church at New Brighton. In 1882 Mr. Pine married Miss Elizabeth Hunt, of Hull. Yorkshire, and has a family of two sons and six daughters.
was born in 1840, in England, where he was educated, and apprenticed to the engineering trade. He came to New Zealand in 1864, and worked as a mechanical engineer with Mr. John Anderson for thirty years. Mr. Walshaw owned the Sheffield hotel at Sheffield for some time. He now resides at New Brighton.
is associated with much that was characteristic of the early days of colonisation. In January, 1852, the country north of the Avon was in its native state. There were no bridges, and the river had to be forded. The banks, afterwards partially levelled, were covered with a thick growth of flax, toitoi, and tutu, intermingled with high ferns. Vegetation was luxuriant, and the varied colours of the grass and foliage had a pleasant effect on the eye. After crossing the Avon there was only a Maori track in a northerly direction to Papanui, where there was a bush of about seventy acres, consisting chiefly of white and red pine and totara. The track passed through high ferns and tussock, and the land, which was fairly level, literally swarmed with native quail, which were then so plentiful that a traveller or settler could shoot as many as he wished to, and very often his dog provided him with a dinner. If a settler wished in those days to take a bullock dray to Papanui, he had to make a wide detour to the west, to head the springs and creek now flowing through Mr. G. G. Stead's property at Strowan. Many a team got bogged in the locality. When that part of his journey had been accomplished, the teamster steered eastward until he hit the track again in the neighbourhood now known as Norman's Road. At Bligh's Road treacherous ground was again reached; and, indeed, the surrounding country then consisted chiefly of an almost impassable swamp, practically bottomless, for the purposes of the teamster. Only an expert bullock driver, with a team well under command, could hope to take even a small load of timber from the bush, and even he would think himself fortunate if he succeeded in landing his load in Christchurch the same evening. The first house of any importance erected at Papanui was one brought out from England in 1851 by the Rev. G. Dunnage. It formed an excellent landmark, and stood on the site now occupied by Mr. H. Tisch's residence. Another house, brought out in 1851 in the ship “Fatima” by Mr. Green, is still standing opposite to the Papanui hotel. The cartage of goods from the Ferry Road wharf to Papanui cost £2 10s per ton in those days. The driver of the team most in use was a character—a coloured man named Black Jim. He was an expert teamster, and equally proficient in the use of the blasphemies which were supposed to be better understood by oxen than the phraseology of the drawing room. Jim afterwards came to an evil end in Victoria through his inability to distinguish between meum and tuum, but that was not to be wondered at, as those who knew him as a teamster between Papanui and Christchurch were, though well-minded men, unable to think of him as far removed from the level of his team. In 1852 almost the only residents at Papanui were sawyers, a hard-working, but free-living, lot of men. Even in those days a public-house was deemed a necessity, and an American named Carr opened and kept what he called the Sawyers' Arms, where doubtless he reaped a rich harvest from the patronage of his customers. The late Mr. W. G. Brittan owned part of the Papanui bush, and it was he who presented the Church of England with timber for its local building. In 1853 the Rev. R. R. Bradley became the first resident clergyman, and he afterwards assured a friend that his remuneration at first averaged barely six shillings a day. Even up to the year 1860 portions of the track beyond Papanui, towards the Styx, were almost impassable for heavy loads, owing to the swampy nature of the ground. The bush swarmed at times with kakas and native pigeons, and it was no unusual thing for settlers to shoot paradise ducks, grey ducks, and teal from the verandahs of their houses. It indeed seems a long way back to those times from these days of railways, tram services, bicycles, and other luxurious modern conveniences.
(William A. Lawrence, proprietor), Papanui. This hotel is situated at the junction of the Papanui, the Main North, and the Harewood Roads, the terminus of the Papanui-Christchurch tram line, the terminus of the Belfast-Papanui coach service, and close to the railway station. Persons intending to be passengers by the early morning train for the north find excellent accommodation at the hotel, which is well appointed in every particular. The bar has an excellent stock of all the best brands of liquors; the billiard room is fitted with one of Alcock's latest tables, and for those who prefer outdoor recreation there is an ideal quoit ground near the orchard, which covers one acre, in well laid out grounds. One feature of the hotel is the skittle alley, which, although not so well patronised now as in former years, when many a keenly contested battle was fought there, still affords pleasure to those patrons of the hotel who take an interest in this once fashionable pastime. There is also a large stable with excellent accommodation for horses. Mr. William Lawrence, father of the present proprietor, bought the hotel from the late Mr. Meddings, who had bought the building from the Rev. Mr. Bradley, for whom it had been erected as a parsonage. Mr. Lawrence, senior, arrived in New Zealand in 1862.
Proprietor of the Papanui Hotel, corner of Harewood and North Roads, was born in 1862 at Ferrymeade, and was educated partly at Papanui and afterwards at Melville House. He was first engaged in business as clerk to Mr. P. Cunningham, at Timaru, and later on with Mr. Evans of that town. In 1882 he returned to Christchurch and joined the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, with which he remained for eleven years, after which he was connected with the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. On leaving that company in 1897 he took over the license of the Papanui Hotel.
Produce and General Merchant, Papanui. Mr. Derrett is a native of Newport, Monmouthshire, England, and, as a child, arrived with his parents in New Zealand in 1858, by the ship “Roehampton,” which landed at Lyttelton. He was brought up and educated in Christchurch and followed pastoral pursuits for some years. Mr. Derrett established his present successful buiness at Papanui about twenty years ago. He has taken an active interest in the Papanui Public Library, and was for a number of years a member of the managing committee. Mr. Derrett was elected to the Riccarton Road Board in 1895, when he served for two years. After an interval he was again elected, and is one of the present members of the Board.
Wairarapa Farm, Papanui. Mr. Taylor was born near Worksworth, Derbyshire, England, and was the
which lies about five miles to the north of Christchurch, is a very rich and closely settled district. There are various soils, but the peaty one predominates. Onions are grown in abundance on areas of from five to thirty acres. Although the soil is rich, it requires a great deal of working to bring it into proper order. In some places it costs as much as £20 an acre for grubbing out the buried timber, and clearing and draining the land. So soft and spongy is the soil in places that the feet of the horses have to be padded to prevent them from sinking. There is a post office, a public school, with an average attendance of 108, and an Anglican church and a Methodist church in the settlement. The Styx railway station is situated about two miles from the school, which is in the centre of the district. The main roads are good, and are much frequented by driving parties and by bicyclists from Christchurch.
Farmer, “Waitikiri,” Marshlands. Mr. Dalgety is a native of Hampshire, England, and third son of Mr. Frederick G. Dalgety, the founder of Messrs Dalgety and Co., the extensive wool buyers and stock and station agents, who have branches throughout the Autralian colonies. He was educated at Eton, and was afterwards in the office of Messrs Dalgety and Co., in London for two years. Mr. Dalgety came to New Zealand in 1891, and passed the first two years of his colonial life in the Oamaru district. He was then for twelve months on Hawkdun station in Central Otago. In 1894 he visited England, and returned to New Zealand in 1895. Mr. Dalgety was married in Otago, and was for four years inspector of his brother's stations in that province. Mr. Dalgety bought “Waitikiri,” which consists of 200 acres of rich land, in 1901. He is a steward and committeeman of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and owns a few thoroughbreds. Mr. Dalgety resides at “Waitikiri” homestead, which is situated in the northern portion of the Avon district.
Dairy Farmer, Marshlands. Mr. Parish was born at Ellesworth, Cambridgeshire, England, in 1846, and accompanied his parents to the Colony by the ship “Cressy,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1850. His father settled in the Heathcote district, where the subject of this notice was brought up to agricultural pursuits. Since 1866 he has been engaged in farming first in the Heathcote district, and subsequently in the Avon district. He has four small farms, aggregating about 100 acres, which are used for dairy purposes. Mr. Parish was married in 1866 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Piper, of Christchurch, and has six sons and two daughters. He has served as a member of the Avon Road Board.
sometime of Marshlands, was a native of Hungary, and arrived in Australia in 1852. He followed various callings for eight years in New South Wales, whence he came to Christchurch. Sheep grazing and wool-classing engaged his attention for three years, and he then took up 200 acres of land from the Church Property Trustees. He used this land as a cattle run for a number of years, and then sub-let it in small areas. Mr. Bing dealt largely in stock, and was a well-known figure at the old Carlton sale yards, and also at Addington. He bought land north of the river Avon, near the Stanmore Road, and sub-divided it into building areas, ranging from a quarter of an acre to one acre. These sections sold readily, and one of the first suburban districts adjacent to Christchurch was formed out of them, and was for many years known as Bingsland. Mr. Bing was esscntially a business man, and was invariably successful in his various transactions, but he took no part in local politics. He was married, in 1863, and when he died, in January, 1877, he left a family of three sons and four daughters.
The district of Styx adjoins Papanui on the south and Belfast on the north. It is named after the river Styx, which crosses the main north road five miles from Christchurch, though the journey by rail is seven miles from the city to the Styx railway station. Some of the richest and most fertile land in New Zealand lies along the banks of the Styx. The district is closely settled, and well cultivated, and the crops are chiefly of onions, potatoes, and oats for horse feed. A considerable amount of fruit is also grown in the district. The Styx Apple Company has a very fine orchard of thirty-six acres, thirty-four of which are taken up with full bearing apple and pear trees, the first of which were planted by Mr. G. S. Hickman, as early as 1877. There is a very fine specially constructed brick cool store at the orchard, capable of holding ten thousand cases; also a cider house with all the necessary plant for extracting the juice and manufacturing cider. Towards the sea the soil becomes lighter, and is chiefly used for grazing purposes. Dairy farms are numerous, but there are also some sheep farms.
Woolscourer and Fellmonger, North Road, Styx. Mr. Gifkins is a native of Hertfordshire, England, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand in the ship Celestial Queen,” landed at Dunedin in the year 1868, and learned his business with Mr. W. Rutherford, at the Burnside Fellmongery, Green Island, Otago. Then he removed to Canterbury, and erected woolscouring plants in several parts of the province, first at Alford station, in the Ashburton district, and afterwards at Double Hill, Mount Hutt, Acheron, Lake Heron, Lake Coleridge, and Glenthorne. In 1882 he bought the property where he now resides and commenced his present business, which has steadily increased. The property contains about eleven and a half acres, and the buildings consist of a sorting shed, 72 feet by 36 feet, a scouring shed 60 feet by 24 feet, and a packing shed, 60 feet by 50 feet. The buildings contam all the necessary appliances for the successful treatment of wool and skins, and the machinery includes a thoroughly up-to-date wool press, and a wool scouring machine designed by the proprietor, and manufactured by Messrs Booth and Macdonald, Christchurch. Mr. Gifkins is well known in Masonic circles. He was initiated in the Lodge of Concord in 1890, under the New Zealand Constitution, and was the first New Zealand initiate to obtain the Master's chair, in which ne was installed in 1893, and was re-eleoted the following year. In 1896 he was elected to the office of Assistant Grand Secretary; he received the appointment of Junior Grand Warden in 1897, and in 1900 was appointed Provincial Grand Master for the district of Canterbury. He is a member of the Albert Edward Royal Arch Chapter, was also one of the founders of the Canterbury Rose Croix Chapter, and in 1896 was elected to the office of Most Wise, and received the degree of Prince of Memphis 32–94 degree. He holds the office of Deputy Grand Representative of the Grand Mystic Temple Council General 32degree, also Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, United States of America. Mr. Gifkins takes considerable interest in local affairs, and was for some time chairman of the Papanui school committee.
Farmer, Radcliff Road, Styx. Mr. Harris is a native of Canterbury, and a son of the late Mr. Stephen Harris, who arrived in New Zealand, in 1851, and shortly afterwards purchased 100 acres of first-class land on the south side of the river Styx, and subsequently acquired another 100 acres. Mr. Harris, senior, who was well known throughout the district for many years, left five sons and five daughters. Mr. Edward Harris now farms, on the banks of the river, twenty-six acres of land which has yielded some very heavy crops, chiefly oats, peas, wheat, and root crops. Latterly dairying has come much into favour in the district, and Mr. Harris has, with others, turned his attention towards this industry, and has obtained a herd of very suitable cattle. Mr. Harris is married, and has four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Styx. Mr. Inch is a native of Cornwall, England, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the sailing ship “Crusader,” in 1874. The family first settled at Oxford, where Mr. Inch, senior, was engaged on railway work on the Cust-to-Oxford line; after which he took up land there and farmed it, until his death in 1899. Mr. W. J. Inch purchased his present farm of fourteen acres of first-class loamy land in 1892, and has since cultivated it successfully, growing cereal and root crops in rotation. He also rents ten acres of excellent grazing land. Mr. Inch is married and has four children.
Farmer, North Road, Styx. Mr. Morris was born in Woodend, Canterbury, and was educated at the public school. His father, Mr. John Morris, on whose farm he was brought up, arrived in Christchurch when it was a mere village. After working for his father for eight years, and for five with his brother, Mr. Morris purchased his present farm of twenty-one acres, in the year 1900. The land, which is very rich, is well cultivated, and yields large crops of cereals and potatoes, onions and mangolds. The dwellinghouse at the North Road is pleasantly situated within a small plantation. Mr. Morris is a member of the Foresters' Lodge at Belfast, and is at present (July, 1902) its secretary. He has passed through all the chairs, and now holds a Past Chief Ranger's certificate.
The township of Belfast is situated seven miles to the north of Christchurch, with which it is connected by a coach service and also by rail, the distance by the railway being nine miles. Belfast is surrounded by a rich agricultural district, occupied by farmers holding an average of about forty acres each, and growing chiefly oats, potatoes, and onions. Messrs Bealey Bros, were about the first to purchase land in the district, but they long ago sold their property, which is now cultivated in small holdings. The Church Property Trustees still hold a considerable area of the land, which is rented to farmers. Local industries, of great importance to Canterbuy, have helped Belfast ahead; such as the Belfast freezing works, the New Zealand Provision and Produce Company's soap and manure works, the Kaputone wool works, the oleo works, and Messrs Oppenheimer's works. There is also a butter factory and a creamery belonging to the Central Dairy Factory in the township. The local public schoool has accommodation for 320 scholars. The railway station is well situated between the township and the freezing works; and there is a branch line between the large brick buildings, with platforms at the different departments, for the purpose of facilitating the loading and unloading of sheep and cattle, and the various by-products of the works.
occupies a section of about three acres in extent. There are 300 children on the roll, and the average attendance for the year which ended on the 31st of March, 1902, was 218. The headmaster's residence is on a portion of the school property. There are three certificated mistresses, and two pupil-teachers, besides the headmaster, Mr. W. D. Bean.
at Belfast was erected in the early days of the province by the Church of England Trustees as a schoolhouse, Mr. Folger being the first schoolmaster. It was used for services on Sundays, and a small chancel was aftcrwards added, rendering the building more complete and convenient for public worship. For many years it was the only church in Belfast. The district was originally part of the parish of Papanui, from which it was separated in 1899, when the present vicar, the Rev. Frank Dunnage was appointed. Owing to the increased number of parishioners, it has been decided to build a new church, for which plans have been prepared by Mr. Hurst Seager, A.R.I.D.A. The design is that of a typical English church, and the building will be in concrete and wood. Inside there will be a tablet in memory of the pioneer settlers of the district. Sufficient funds are now (August, 1902) in hand, and the building will shortly be in the hards of the contractor.
who was born at the Styx, was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Christchurch in 1895, and priest in 1896. He was for two years curate at Rangiora, and two years at St. Luke's, Christchurch, after which he was appointed to his present charge.
Belfast. This church was originally built for a Bible Christian congregation. The section on which it stands was a gift from the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and the late Mr. James Watt, who always took an interest in the welfare of the district, gave a handsome donation towards the building fund. At the time of the union of the Methodist churches, Belfast was joined to the Kaiapoi circuit.
Minister of the Belfast Methodist Church, was born in Yorkshire, England. He came to New Zealand with his parents in 1881, and was educated in the province of Auckland up to the time of being accepted for the ministry in 1890. Mr. Bellhouse was appointed to his first circuit in Taranaki in 1893, and since then he has been stationed in various parts of the colony, including Dunedin, Woolston, Wellington and Milton. He took up his work at Belfast, in 1902, as second minister in the Kaiapoi circuit, which includes Belfast and Marshlands.
is situated in Howard Street. It is well patronised by the public, and a small annual fee is paid by members, who have the choice of 1500 volumes. The library occupies part of the Town Hall building, which was erected by public subscription in the year 1888. The institution owes its existence chiefly to the energies and generosity of the late Mr. W. Chrystall. Mr. John Cook, and Mr. John Longman. The main hall is used for entertainments of various kinds, and has an excellent floor for dancing. Mr. Robert Guthrie is chairman of the Library Committee, Mr. W. D. Bean secretary, and Mr. W. H. Allen librarian.
Librarian of the Belfast Public Library, is a native of Worcestershire, England, where he was educated and served an apprenticeship to the wool trade. He was married in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and sailed for New Zealand in 1874 by the “Pylades,” which arrived at Lyttelton on the 16th of December in that year. Mr. Allen took up 110 acres of farm land on the lower Styx, and cultivated it for some years. He has been in the district since 1874. except two years during which he was in business as a dealer near Rangiora. He then removed to Belfast, and has been engaged in the wool department of the Belfast Freezing Works for ten years.
(David Marshall, proprietor), Belfast. The Belfast Hotel is situated on the North Road, Belfast, seven miles from Christchurch. It is a well built and substantial house of twenty-four rooms, all of which are comfortably furnished. Excellent accommodation is provided for boarders.
Proprietor of the Belfast Hotel, was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1855, and came with his parents to Auckland, in 1863. After a few months on the Thames goldfields, the whole family removed to Christchurch, and the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to the building trade for six years. He afterwards took over the Mandeville Hotel, Kaiapoi, and made it the foremost hotel in the district. Mr. Marshall has been proprietor of the Belfast Hotel for some time. He has been a Freemason for many years, is a Past Master, and has been a Druid for twenty-five years. As a volunteer he was reckoned one of the best shots in his time. In 1874 he represented Canterbury for the championship belt, and gained third place. He is president of the Kaiapoi Caledonian Society. Mr. Marshall was married, in 1880, to a daughter of Mr. John Allard, and has four children.
Bootmaker, North Road, Belfast. Mr. Scott is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and came to New Zealand by the ship “David G. Fleming,” in 1861. He was brought up and educated in Christchurch, where he also served an apprenticeship to the bootmaking trade, and was afterwards for a number of years in the employment of Messrs Suckling Brothers, and Messrs Lightband, Allen, and Co. Mr. Scott left the lastnamed firm to take a position with Messrs Hannah and Co., of Wellington, and was afterwards at Wanganui. He returned to Canterbury, and established himself in the year 1900 in business at Belfast, where he carries on a good general trade, and also does a considerable amount of bootmaking and repairing. Mr. Scott has an all round general stock of men's, women's and children's boots and shoes. Bespoke work, however, is his specialty. As a Druid Mr. Scott is a member of the Pioneer Lodge of Canterbury. He is married, and has one daughter.
Belfast. These works belong to the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited. They are situated on 118 acres of land, and are very extensive, and exceptionally complete in the matter of machinery and all the appliances needful to the company's operations. The buildings are constructed chiefly of brick, and separate departments are connected by means of a branch railway. An article on the company and its business appears in the section devoted to the meat trade.
Engineer of the Belfast and Fairfield Freezing Works, was born in Kincardinshire, Scotland. He was educated in Arbroath, and afterwards served an apprenticeship with Messrs Napier and Sons, engineers and shipbuilders, Glasgow. Mr. Glass left Scotland and joined the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, in 1876, and was chief engineer of the s.s. “Te Anau” when he resigned his position to fulfil an engagement with the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company in 1887. The extension of the Company's plant, made necessary by the rapid growth in its business, has been carried out under the supervision of Mr. Glass, who has designed the additions made to the works within recent years. Mr. Glass
who is head of the clerical staff at the Belfast Freezing Works is a native of Devonshire, England. After being some years at sea, he came to New Zealand, in 1880, and followed various pursuits, including gold digging at Coromandel. He was afterwards book-keeper for Messrs T. P. Baber and Co., general merchants, of Christchurch, for seven years. Mr. Hopkins then entered the service of the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Export Company. He has been a member of the Belfast school committee for many years, and has been chairman part of the time.
Foreman of the Preserving Department of the Belfast Freezing Works, is a native of Croydon, England. Accompanied by his mother and other members of the family who settled in Christchurch, the came to New Zealand in 1863 by the “Himalaya.” He was educated in Christchurch, where he had a few years of experience in business. Later on he was engaged at the Templeton Meat Preserving Works, where he learned his business. He was for five years at the Belfast Preserving Works, which he left to take charge of the late Mr. W. H. Mein's meat preserving works in Durham Street, Christchurch. During this engagement Mr. Caldwell obtained a first prize bronze medal for preserved meats. He afterwards spent five years with Messrs Nelson Brothers at their Tomoana works in Hawke's Bay, and went thence to Messrs Hellaby Brothers, of Auckland, with whom he remained for two years and a half. Mr. Caldwell then accepted a position with the Gear Meat Company of Wellington, and after the death of his wife he went to the Boga Rabbit Preserving Works at Blenheim, whose preserves were awarded a first prize medal at the Paris Exhibition during Mr. Caldwell's term of management. He was appointed to his present position in 1890. During his term of supervision the Company has obtained seven first prizes in different parts of the colony. Mr. Caldwell became a Freemason in 1895, and is attached to Lodge Concord Papanui. He was married to his second wife in 1900, and has a family of two sons and four daughters. Mr. Caldwell resides on his own farm near the freezing works.
Head of the Wool Department of the Belfast Freezing Works, was born in Christchurch, and educated there at Mr. Gee's grammar school. He acquired a knowledge of wool classing with his father. Mr. Arthur Ellis, an old Crimean veteran, who now resides in Park Road, Addington Subsequently he worked at his trade in various parts of Canterbury. He received his present appointment in 1892, and now supervises the whole of the wool works at Belfast. Mr. Ellis takes an active interest in local affairs. He has been chairman of the Belfast school committee for the past five years, and has been one of its members since 1893. Mr. Ellis became a Freemason in Lodge Concord, Papanui, in 1895. He is married, and has a family of three sons and one daughter.
Stock-classer at the Belfast Freezing Works, for the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, is a native of the parish of Balmaghie, Kirkcud-brightshire, Scotland, and was brought up with Mr. S. R. Crockett, the novelist. He followed pastoral pursuits in his native land. In 1891 he arrived in New Zealand, and started colonial life under Mr. M. Stitt, of Winchmore, in the Ashburton district. He was with Mr. Stitt for three years and was afterwards in the service of Mr. John Grigg, of Longbeach, for five years. After that he received the appointment of head sheep-classer and stock-grader for the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company. Mr. Sproat has acted as a judge of sheep at many of the agricultural and pastoral shows throughout the province of Canterbury.
Butcher, North Road, Belfast. Mr. Gregory was born in Melbourne, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the s.s. “Alhambra” in 1867. The family settled first in Dunedin and afterwards in Christchurch, where the subject of this notice received his education, and was afterwards in the employment of Mr. Mein, butcher, of Cashel and Colombo Streets, and later on with Mr. Lane, of Cashel Street. Mr. Gregory then removed to Belfast, where, after being employed at the Belfast Freezing Works for ten years, he established his present business in 1900, and now has a growing and prosperous trade. As a Forester Mr. Gregory is a member of the Court Star of Belfast. He is a married man.
Fruitgrower, Chaney's Corner, near Belfast. Mr. Wilson is the youngest son of the late Mr. William Wilson, one of the oldest and most prominent of the early settlers of Canterbury, referred to elsewhere in this volume as the first Mayor of Christchurch. Mr. L. M. Wilson was born in Sydenham, and received his education at Warwick House School under Mr. C. Cook. He was afterwards apprenticed to the engineering trade at the Canterbury Foundry. After being seven years at his trade, he took up his present holding of twenty-five acres of first-class land, which is planted with a choice selection of pears and apples, the majority of which are in full bearing. Since acquiring the property Mr. Wilson has carried on considerable improvements in planting and building. His cool store, which is built of brick with double walls and specially ventilated, has room for the storage of three thousand cases, and gives him a distinct advantage as an extensive dealer in fruit. He exports a considerable amount of fruit to Wellington and Dunedin, in addition to supplying the local demands. Mr. Wilson resides at his orchard, and personally superintends the pruning of the trees and packing of the fruit.
Storekeeper, North Road, Belfast. This business was established in 1882, by Mrs Brown's husband, the late Mr. William E. Brown, who was a native of Lancashire, England. He arrived in New Zealand with his wife in 1879, and since his death, in 1891, the business has been carried on by Mrs Brown. The store occupies the front of a two-storey double-fronted building, contains a very complete stock of groceries, ironmongery, glassware, and all goods necessary to the equipment of a general store, and does the largest trade in the district. Mrs Brown is a native of Lancashire, England, and the appearance of her well-stocked shop does credit to her business ability.
Belfast. These works are situated between the Belfast freezing works
Proprietor of the Kaputone Wool Works and Fellmongery, Belfast, is a native of St. Anstill, Cornwall, England. He came to New Zealand in the sailing ship “Warsprit, and landed at Auckland in 1863. Four years later he removed to Canterbury, where he completed his education and served an apprenticeship to the wool trade under the late Major Hornebrook, with whom he remained for ten years, after completing his term of apprenticeship. Mr. Nicholls started in business in the wool trade at Belfast in 1877, in conjunction with the late Mr. J. M. Watt, under the style of the New Zealand Provision and Produce Company. After Mr. Watt's death Mr. Nicholls took over the wool scouring branch of the business and still carries it on under the style of the Kaputone works. Mr. Nicholls resides on his farm “Springrove,” at Belfast, where he has a very fine residence and one hundred acres of first-rate agricultural land.
Belfast. The first soap works in Canterbury were established by the late Mr. W. H. Mein, about thirtyeight years ago, on the Lincoln Road. In 1871 he removed his plant to Belfast. It was very primitive, the output of soap was very small, and, like the plant, the manufactured article was very crude. At that time most of the soap used in the colony was imported from England. The late Mr. J. M. Watt took the business over from Mr. Mein. In 1879 the premises were destroyed by fire, and a much improved building and plant took their place. A light tax was placed on imported soap, sufficient to protect the colonial industry, and the trade in locally made soap then increased very largely. On the death of Mr. J. M. Watt, the business was taken over by the present proprietors, Messrs Wood and Gibbs, who have improved and enlarged the premises. New and up-to-date plant has taken the place of the old, and the trade in Belfast soap now extends from Auckland to the Bluff. Messrs Wood and Gibbs manufacture not only the well known Silkstone soap, for they are extending their trade to other varieties and also to the manufacture of soda crystals.
J.P., Works Manager of the New Zealand Provision and Produce Company's Works at Belfast, is a native of London, where he was educated, and had charge of the stores department of one of the largest London sugar refineries, of which his father was the works manager. In early life New Zealand attracted his attention, and he arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Mermaid,” Captain Rose, in the year 1862. Finding things very quiet in Canterbury, Mr. Longman made his way to Wellington, by the three-masted schooner “Rifleman,” but finding no improvement in trade in that province, he returned, and followed various callings. Very soon after Messrs Holmes and Richardson secured the contract from the New Zealand Government for the completion of the Lyttelton Tunnel, and for the construction of the railway work between Christchurch and Ferrymead. As a sub-contractor under these gentlemen, Mr. Longman completed the covering-in of the first shed on the Canterbury railways, and so satisfied were they with the work, that he subsequently obtained the contract for the whole of the work. The goldfields of the West Coast then attracted his attention, and after working on them for some time without any marked success, he was engaged on the Government surveys of the district. In 1867 he was engaged by the Canterbury Meat Export Company, which had the first meat preserving works in New Zealand, as foreman of the tinning department. After holding that position for four years, he joined the late Mr. W. H. Mein, as manager and preserver at his new works, at Belfast. The factory was afterwards carried on by the late Mr. J. M. Watt, and at his death, was taken over by Messrs Wood and Gibbs, who entrusted Mr. Longman with the management of their soap works, where the well known Silkstone soap is manufactured During his thirty-one years' residence at Belfast Mr. Longman has taken a leading part in all social and educational matters. He was the first chairman of the school committee, under the present Education Act, and served in that posrtion and as a committeman for twenty years. Mr. Longman took a leading part in establishing the Belfast Town Hall and Public Library, and also the Wesleyan church in the township. In politics Mr. Longman is a Liberal, but in addition to presiding at the general elections for his own party, he has invariably presided for the opposing candidate so that his spirit of fair play has made him very popular. As a Freemason, he is secretary to the Lodge of Concord Papanui, and is esteemed, not only by his
Farmer, Belfast Road, Belfast. Mr. Baker came to New Zealand in the ship “Cressy,” and landed in Lyttelton in 1850, with his parents, he being then only five years of age. He was brought up on his father's farm at Kaiapoi, and later on he was for ten years owner of a threshing machine plant, and afterwards owned and worked a farm at Kaiapoi for a number of years. He purchased his present holding in 1888. Mr. Baker was married in Kaiapoi to Miss Burrows, a daughter of a very old colonist, who was a coalminer on the West Coast. Three sons and two daughters have been born of the union. Mr. Baker's father is referred to in another article as an old colonist.
Farmer, Kyrsee Villa, Belfast. Mr. Gimblett was born at Kyrsee Manor, in the parish of Trenogliss, Cornwall, England, in the year 1837. He was brought up to farming on the farm of his father, Mr. John Gimblett, of Kyrsee Manor. Mr. Gimblett left England for New Zealand on the 21st of November, 1870, in the ship “Charlotte Gladstone,” which arrived in Lyttelton on the 1st of January, 1871. After seven years of experience in various occupations in Canterbury he took up his present residence in the Belfast district. His land is very rich, and second to none in Canterbury for growing potatoes, beans and all root crops. Mr. Gimblett resides at Kyrsee villa, Belfast. He was married in the year 1861 to the daughter of Mr. William Stone, of St. Gennys, Cornwall, and has two sons and three daughters.
has claims to consideration on account of both its past and present associations. Its past is interestingly described by the Rev. Canon Stack in “Kaiapohia: The Story of a Siege,” in which he speaks of its settlement by successive Maori tribes in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the building of its historic pa by Tu Rahautahi about the year 1700, and its siege and eapture by Te Rauparaha in 1831. Kaiapoi as a modern town, dates from 1853, when its site was surveyed, and its first building, which was a wattle and daub cottage, was put up in 1855. It is now a flourishing borough, with a large woollen factory —described fully in another part of this volume—and other industries. The business people trade with Wellington and the coastal settlements by means of schooners, which take away produce and bring coal and timber, and other cargo. A branch of the Bank of New Zealand does business in the town, which has a post, telegraph and money order office, and a Government Savings Bank. Kaiapoi is built on the Waimakariri river, and is fourteen miles north from Christchurch by rail. The old coaching road from Christchurch runs through the centre of the town, where it crosses a handsome traffic bridge, which spans the northern branch of the Waimakariri. Kaiapoi stands only seven feet above the level of the sea, and is liable to floods, but the danger from this cause has been largely reduced by the construction of the extensive protective embankments which completely surround the town. The town is about three miles from the sea beach, where there are favourite spots for holidaymakers, and the walk thither is a pleasant one. Within the boundaries of the borough there are some very fine public recreation grounds, such as the park, the domain, and Darnley square. The park, which is twenty acres in extent, fronts the beach road, and has a bicycle track, hockey and football grounds, and asphalted tennis courts. In the domain, which is opposite the Woollen Factory in Ranfurly Street, there are gardens and ornamental ponds, with swans and other water fowls. The domain has an area of fifteen acres, and is planted with fine trees, amongst which there are winding paths. In Darnley square—the gift of Mr J. S. White, of Ohoka—there is a memorial which was erected by public subscription in 1901 to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria. The square is a common rendezvous, especially in times when the public heart is reached by some event of a joyous or sorrowful nature. At the census taken in April, 1901, the population of Kaiapoi was 1795, which showed a decrease of thirty-three as compared with the census of 1896. Camside and other places close to Kaiapoi, however, have amongst them a population of 244, and thus the total may fairly be set down at 2039.
Member of the House of Representatives for Kaiapoi, resides and carries on farming in the neighbourhood of Rangiora. He was born in Edinburgh, was educated at a public school and a private grammar school, and took to engineering as a profession. Coming to New Zealand at the age of twenty-one, he settled at Ellesmere, where he was very successful at farming. He made a trip to the Old Country, Europe, and America, and on his return purchased the property on which he now resides. Mr. Buddo was returned for Kaiapoi at the general elections in 1893, defeating Mr. Moore by a majority of eighty-seven. Mr. Moore defeated him at the election of 1896, but at that of 1899 he polled 2,186 votes to Mr. Moore's 1,705. At the election of November, 1902, Mr. Buddo received 2,534 votes; his opponent, Mr. Hassall, 1302. He is a well-known public man, being a member of the Mandeville-Rangiora Road Board, North Canterbury Board of Education, Lyttelton Harbour Board, and a director of the Farmers' Association. Mr. Buddo is a keen farmer and well known in the show-yard as an exhibitor of draught horses and Border-Leicester sheep. The Waimakariri and Ashley Water Supply districts are much indebted to his efforts in advancing legislation to extricate them from legal difficulties.
J.P., formerly Member of the House of Representatives for Kaiapoi, first contested the seat with the Hon. E. Richardson, but was defeated by a small majority. At the next election he opposed Mr. Hoban, of Christchurch, and was returned with a majority of 389. In 1893, Mr. Moore was defeated by Mr. Buddo, but at the election of 1896 he turned the tables on that gentleman and regained h:s seat by a majority of 270. However, at the election of 1899, Mr. Buddo polled 2,186 votes to Mr. Moore's 1,705. During Mr. Moore's first session in parliament the “Waimakarirl Harbour Board Investment Bill” was passed, mainly through his vigilance and persuasive eloquence. He was born in London in 1849, and came out to the Colony with his parents per ship “Steadfast,” when quite young. He has resided almost continuously in the district for thirty-six years. He first entered into business on his own account when nineteen years of age, continuing for fifteen years, after which he joined the firm of the Kaiapoi Produce and Milling Company. This firm being dissolved by mutual consent in 1893, he with Mr. J. Harold Evans, took over the grain business in Kaiapol, which was connected with the old firm, and they now carry it on under the style of the Kaiapoi Produce Company. Mr. Moore was chairman of the Waimakariri Harbour Board for a number of years, chairman of the Domain Board for eight years, member of the Licensing Committee for one year, and chairman of the School Committee from the year 1885. For the past fourteen years, he has been chairman of the local building society, and was elected one of the first members of the Charitable Aid Board. Mr. Moore was Mayor of Kaiapoi from 1884 to 1888, and had previously sat as a councillor for eight years. During his term of office as mayor, the large iron bridge over the river at Kaiapoi was constructed under his direction.
covers an area of 1020 acres. It has 335 ratepayers, who own 627 ratable properties of a total annual value of £10,324. At the census of April, 1901, the population was 1795 and there are 410 dwellings in the borough. A rate of Is 3d in the £ produces a revenue of £645, and the council has a reserve of 400 acres at Ashburton, which yields £425 a year. The license fees produce £160, and dog and other taxes, £50 a year. The borough was originally a portion of the Mandeville and Rangiora road district, from which it was taken, when constituted in 1864. A sum of £2,000 has been borrowed under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, and £2913 has been raised on debentures. These loans were specially obtained for the construction of em bankment to prevent flooding in the borough, and for a main bridge for the central branch of the Waimakariri river. Twelve miles of these embankments have been constructed, and have been effective in preventing damage from floods which formerly did much harm in the district. The borough is lighted by fifty kerosene lamps. The roads appear to be well formed and maintained, and there are asphalt foot-paths with concrete kerbing and channelling, throughout the borough. The Council Chambers, in stone and brick, were built in 1888, and comprise a council chamber, with offices for the Mayor and the Town Clerk. The building is centrally situated in High Street, and was erected at a cost of £700. There is a volunteer fire brigade of forty-eight members, and a station with a bell-tower was erected in 1872. The brigade has a fairly good plant, and a number of concrete fire-sumps are located in various parts of the borough. Members for 1902-Mr. J. Daly, Mayor, and Messrs T. E. Keetley, W. E. Parnham, A. Pearce, W. Midgley, W. Eagle, J. Bugg, W. H. Hayman, J. H. Blackwell, and A. Winterbourn, Councillors. Mr E. E. Papprill is borough solicitor, Mr C. H. Wright, town clerk, Mr. J. Hayman, superintendent of the fire brigade, and Mr. H. Gough, engineer.
who was returned for a second term in April, 1902, was born in County Monaghan, Ireland. In 1880 he came out to Nelson by the ship “Edwin Fox,” but removed to Kaiapoi in 1884.
has served on the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1899. He was born in Kaiapoi in 1871, educated locally and at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and brought up to mercantile life in connection with his father's business. Mr. Blackwell has been prominent in temperance and church work, and has also taken an interest in cricket and football in the district. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. J. Leithead, late manager of the Kaiapoi woollen mill, and has one son and one daughter.
has been a Member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1888, without a break, and has been frequently returned at the top of the poll. He was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 5th of June, 1843, and served an apprenticeship as a carpenter and wheelwright. In 1865 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Tudor,” and shortly after the discovery of gold on the West Coast, walked overland, and had some experience of rough work on the diggings. He returned in 1865 to Canterbury, by way of Nelson, Picton and Wellington, and settled at Kaiapoi. For a few years he worked at his trade, and afterwards undertook building contracts. In 1879 Mr. Bugg was appointed carpenter and millwright to the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, and still holds the position.
who has held a seat on the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1897, was born in the town of Hillsborough, Norfolk, England, in 1844. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Waipa,” in 1876, and shortly afterwards settled at Kaiapoi. Being a handy man, he found work in connection with the local road boards, or on farms and in connection with agricultural machinery, till 1899, when he commenced business as a builder and contractor on his own account. Mr. Eagle resides on the Cam road, where he has a comfortable homestead. He has been connected with the Loyal Kaiapoi Lodge of Oddfellows since 1867. In 1869 he was married to a daughter of Mr. J. Nickles, of Cockley, Clye, England. Mrs Eagle died in 1888, leaving one son and three daughters.
has held a seat on the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1897. He was born at Lyttelton in 1852, and removed with his parents to Kaiapoi at the age of ten years. Mr. Hayman was educated and brought up to country life in the district, and has been in business on his own account since about 1871. He has conducted business as a grocer since 1892, and his premises are situated in Cookson Street. As a Forester, he is attached to Court Woodford, Kaiapoi, of which he was secretary for a number of years. Mr. Hayman served in the Kaiapoi Rifles for three years. He was married, on the 19th of May, 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Corrick, of Christchurch. Mrs Hayman died on the 7th of November, 1901, leaving six daughters and one son.
who has been a Member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council since early in 1901, was born in 1856, in Derbyshire, England. In 1858 he came with his parents to Lyttelton, by the ship “Mystery.” The family settled at Kaiapoi, where the subject of this notice went to school, and afterwards learned his trade as a blacksmith. He has carried on business on his own account since 1880 at the corner of Piraki and Fuller Streets, where he has about three-quarters of an acre, on part of which stands his smithy. Mr. Keetley has been a member of the Waimakariri Harbour Board since 1900. For four years he served as a member of the Kaiapoi Fire Brigade, and has been for many years connected with the local school committee, the chairmanship of which he held for seven years. He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Milne, of Christchurch, and has six sons and six daughters.
has been a Member of the Borough Council of Kaiapoi since 1900. He was born in Brandford, England, in 1863, brought up to the drapery trade in his native town, and came to Christchurch in 1880. Mr. Midgley was for some time in the Cust and Sefton districts, and began business as a draper on his own account in Kaiapoi in 1887.
who has been a Member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1898, was born in the district in 1864. He was brought up as a outcher and a farmer, and has been a member of the firm of Parnham Bros., butchers, since 1890. Mr. Parnham has been a member of the Waimakariri Harbour Board since 1892, and was for one year its chairman. He served for two years on the Kaiapoi school committee, and has been a member of the local fire brigade since 1888. Mr. Parnham belongs to the Methodist body, and has held office as a trustee and circuit steward. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Johnson, of Durham, England, and has two sons and two daughters.
who has served on the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1897, was born at Greenwich, England, in 1848, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Maori” in 1857. The family settled at Kaiapoi, where Mr. Pearce learned his trade as a builder and contractor.
who has held a seat on the Kaiapoi Borough Council since 1900, and has served a year on the Waimakariri Harbour Board, was born at Kaiapoi in 1863. After attending the local school he was apprenticed as a carpenter and builder, and has since then been employed at his trade. Mr. Winterbourn served as a volunteer for eleven years, and held the rank of sergeant on his retirement in 1897. He was six years on the Fire Brigade. Mr. Winterbourn has been a prominent member of the Cure Boating Club, and after eleven years of active work, retired as a life member. As a Forester he was for five years a member of Court Woodford, Kaiapoi. Mr. Winterbourn was married, in 1887, to a daughter of Mr. George Wilmot, of Kaiapoi, retired schoolmaster, and has three sons.
This body has the control of the navigation of the Waimakariri river, which affords water communication for coasting vessels to the manufacturing and export town of Kaiapoi. The depth of water is 10 feet at high and 6 feet at low tide, and vessels of 7 feet draught can enter the harbour. The district, which was constituted in 1876, embraces an area with a radius of one mile and a half from the old Trig Pole No. 4, extending from the sea up the river to the Cam bridge, and by both branches of the Waimakariri river to the railway traffic bridges. The Board has a reserve of about sixteen acres, from which it derives a revenue of £270 per annum. There are no port charges, and free wharfage is provided at the Kaiapoi wharf. Members of the Board for 1902: Mr. W. Doubleday, chairman, and Messrs W. E. Parnham, J. Wright, G. C. Clothier, B. L. Lissaman, T. E. Keetley, R. H. Mathews, L. Edmonds, and the Mayor of Kaiapoi, ex-officio. Officers: Mr. E. Revell, secretary and treasurer, and Mr. G. Wright, signalman.
who has been Chairman of the Waimakariri Harbour Board since 1899, was born in Norwich, England, in 1854. He was brought up as an engineer, and served an apprenticeship with the well known firm of Fowler, of Leeds. In 1879 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Hurunui” and settled at Kaiapoi. Mr. Doubleday became proprietor of a inreshing machine, which he has since worked, and has also a farm of 250 acres, on the Avon side of the, south branch of the Waimakariri. He has been a councillor of the borough of Kaiapoi for about ten years, and Mayor for three years, and has held a seat on the Waimakariri Harbour Board since 1892. Mr. Doubleday was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr. J. Merrin, of Kaiapoi, and has three sons and three daughters.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Waimakariri Harbour Board, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1833. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Minerva” in 1853, and has resided since that time in the Kaiapoi district. For many years he was farming or engaged in mercantile life before he was appointed to his present position in 1883. Mr. Revell was one of the first volunteers in the district, as he joined the local corps in 1859, and served seven years. He was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. F. Tipping, of Ashley Bank, and has one son and two daughters.
was established in the very early days of settlement in North Canterbury. The building is of wood and iron, and is situated in Charles Street. It contains a public office, the postmaster's room, and operating and sorting room combined, and a private box lobby with twenty-four boxes. There is telephonic communication with Woodend, and there is a bureau connecting with the Christchurch exchange. Several mails are received and despatched daily. The staff consists of the postmaster, two letter carriers, and a messenger.
Postmaster, Telegraphist, and Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages at Kaiapoi, was born in London, in 1853. He came with his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Sir Edward Paget,” in 1856, was educated at the Scotch School, Lyttelton, and entered the telegraph department at the age of thirteen. Mr. Hester was stationed for nearly six years at Lyttelton, and for three years at Napier, whence he was transferred to Kopua, Hawke's Bay, where he was stationmaster and postmaster for five years, and was subsequently for a similar time in charge of the Wairoa post office in Hawke's Bay. In 1889 Mr. Hester was transferred to Cambridge, in the Waikato, where he remained till taking up his duties at Kaiapoi in 1895. He was married, in 1877, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Monk, of Dublin, and has one son and two daughters Mr. Hester's son is in the Postal Department in South Africa.
at Kaiapoi is a wood and iron building of the usual type, and contains a public office, station-master's office, and a ladies' waiting-room. There are extensive wood and asphalt platforms, and a very large goods shed, 150 feet by 42 feet. There is also an engine-shed, and cart and waggon weighbridges. The station is on the North Canterbury line, at the junction of the Eyreton-Bennett's branch. About eight trains pass through the station daily, and large quantities of grain are carried in the season. The staff includes the stationmaster, a clerk, storeman, shunter, and signalman.
Station-master at Kaiapoi, was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, in 1854. He was educated at a boarding-school in Cheshire, and before coming to the colony had a thorough grounding in railway work in connection with the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway, on which he served for eight years. In 1876 be arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Crusader,” and was for about eighteen months on the Otago goldfields. Mr. Meadowcroft joined the railway department at Christchurch as goods clerk, in 1879, and served for eleven years in the same department. He was appointed stationmaster at Kaiapoi in 1891. In 1881 Mr. Meadowcroft was married to a daughter of the late Mr. B. Gahagan, Christchurch. This lady died in 1897, leaving two daughters and one son. Mr. Meadowcroft married a daughter of Mr. J. Sims, of Kaiapoi, in 1899, and has one son by this union.
Hilton Street, Kaiapoi; Robert James Alexander, headmaster; Michael Lynskey, first assistant; Thomas Hills, second assistant; Miss Menzies, infant-mistress; Misses Blackwell and Smith, assistants. There are four pupilteachers. The number of pupils on the roll exceeds 480, with an average attendance of 430.
Headmaster of the Kaiapoi Borough School, was born at Saxmundham, Suffolk, England, in 1844. He is the eldest son of Mr. R. Alexander, carriage-builder of that town. At an early age the subject of this notice became a pupil-teacher in the national school in his native town, where, after serving five years, he won the Queen's scholarship which entitled him to free board, residence, and tuition for two years in the Metropolitan Training Institute, Highbury Park, London. Mr. Alexander left London in 1864 to take charge of the boys' department of the national school at Aldeburgh, Suffolk. In August, 1871, he emigrated to Queensland, where he arrived in the following December:
is stationed in Sewell Street, Kaiapoi. It was built in the early sixties, and has accommodation for 250 adults. The vicarage, which stands in the property, two acres in extent, was built in 1877.
Vicar of St. Bartholomew's, was born in Lancashire. England, and was educated at St. Augustine's College, Canterbury, Kent. He was ordained deacon in 1877, and priest in the following year, and became a missionary; as such he was stationed at Sarawak, North Borneo, for two years and a half, and at Singapore for a similar period. In 1881 Mr. Holland came to New Zealand, and was stationed at Kumara for nearly three years. He was subsequently for about five years chaplain to the public institutions in Christchurch. After being nine years at Rakaia, he became vicar at Kaiapoi in 1900.
at Kaiapoi, dates back to 1860, when the original church and Sunday school were built in Sewell Street. This old property was sold and is now used as an Orange Hall. In 1863 Kaiapoi became a definite charge, and
M.A., Minister in charge of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, was born in Perthshire, Scotland. He studied at the Glasgow University, and graduated M.A. in 1881. In 1888 Mr. Ritchie was inducted to a charge in Stirlingshire, and ten years later, came to Wellington, New Zealand. He was stationed for two years and a half at Carterton, and received a call to Kaiapoi, into which he was inducted on the 9th of May, 1901. Mr. Ritchie was married, in 1888, to the eldest daughter of ex-Provost Hugh Duncan, of Dunoon, Argyleshire, Scotland.
Kaiapoi, is situated in Piraki Street. It is a neat building of wood and shingle, with accommodation for 250 adults, and was erected in 1882 at a cost of £1,100, including the land, which is three acres in extent. The district is under the charge of the parish priest at Rangiora.
at Kaiapoi, occupies a position at the corner of Fuller and Piraki Streets, and was erected in 1870 at a cost of £670. Seven years later the building was enlarged and £330 was spent on the additions. In 1879 an organ was added at a cost of £200, and a further enlargement of the church, in 1887, cost £130. Kaiapoi became a separate circuit in 1868, prior to which Christchurch had been the centre. There is about half an acre of land attached to the church premises. Adjoining the church there is a commodious parsonage, the first portion of which was built in 1868, and which was enlarged in 1875 and 1896. The church owns a fine Sunday school in Fuller Street, built in 1883, at a cost of £800. All these buildings are of wood and iron. The Sunday school in Kaiapoi has 267 children on the roll, and about twenty-two teachers. The minister in charge of the Kaiapoi circuit holds services at Clarkville, Ohoka, Swannanoa, Eyreton, Belfast and Marshlands, where there are separate churches, and also at Coutts's Island, where services are conducted in the public school.
Minister in charge of the Kaiapoi circuit, was born at Rugeley, Staffordshire, England, in 1845. He was educated at the National School, but was apprenticed to the drapery trade, when he was twelve years of age, and was employed in connection with that trade for about twenty-two years. He began to preach in 1866, and after thirteen years' experience he became a candidate for the ministry, was recommended for the colonial work, came to New Zealand, was accepted by the Conference of 1880, and appointed to Masterton, where he resided two years. Mr. Dukes was three years at Hamilton in the Waikato. He was ordained at Wellington, in 1884, and after another year at Hamilton, was stationed at Whangarei in 1885. He was then removed to North Shore, Auckland, and in 1891 he returned to Masterton, where he remained for five years. He was afterwards for three years at Waimate, in Canterbury, and for three years at Hawera, whence he was appointed to Kaiapoi in 1902. Mr. Dukes was married in 1873, to the daughter of Mr. J. Scott, of Armitage, Rugeley, and has one daughter.
has been represented in Kaiapoi since 1884. Its barracks in Hiiton Street, behind the Borough Council Chambers, were originally a grain store, and there are seats for about 500 people. Services are held three times each Sunday, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday during the week.
at Kaiapoi was established in 1885, and is situated in Raven Street on an acre of land. The building, which has been several times enlarged, has excellent accommodation for the members, who number about 400. Officers for 1902: Mr. J. Lynskey, president; Mr. E. Feldiwick, vice-president; and Mr R. H. Mathews, secretary. Trustees, Messrs E. Feldwick, Thomas Lush, and A. T. Clark.
Manager of the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club, was born in 1869, at Worcester, England, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton, in the ship “Punjaub,” in 1874. The family settled in Eyreton, where the subject of this notice was brought up to country life. He found employment for some years in contracting and road-making, and in 1893 became lessee of the Commercial Hotel, Kaikoura which he conducted for three years. Mr. Driscoll was appointed to his present position in January, 1898. He was connected with football for a number of years, as a member of the Kaikoura club, and represented the province in 1894, in matches against New South Wales and Taranaki. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of Mr. D. Leech, of Sydenham, and has two sons and one daughter.
Music Teacher, Cass Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Blakeley was born at Batley, Yorkshire, in 1834, and is eldest son of the late Mr. Abraham Blakeley, of that town. He was at Mr. Benjamin Preston's school at Batley, and finished his education at the local grammar school under the tutorship of the late Dr. Joseph Senior, LL.D. In 1846 he entered the woollen works at Batley, and was employed there for about ten years, when he joined his father and assisted him in his business until he died in 1872, on which he assumed the sole management. He came to New Zealand in 1880, and resided at Timaru for a few months. He was always of a musical disposition; he was organist at the Batley Zion Chapel when seventeen years of age, and continued in that position till he left for this Colony. Mr. Blakeley was also a promoter of the Batley Choral Society, and was much gratified to find the progress music had made in New Zealand. He went to Kaiapoi in 1880 as organist at the Wesleyan church, which position he has filled for the past twenty years, being also vice-president of the Kaiapoi Musical Society. He was married to the daughter of Mr. John Blakeley, of Batley, in 1855, and has had ten children, of whom only four are living.
Journalist, Kaiapoi. Mr. Fowler, who has acted as Correspondent and Agent of the “Lyttelton Times” since 1879, was born at Macclesfie'd, Cheshire, England, in 1850. He was educated at the local grammar school, and was brought up to mercantile life. In 1873 he landed in Lyttelton from the ship “Dilharree.” After spending about two years at Leeston and Southbridge successively, Mr. Fowler settled at Kaiapoi. He acts as correspondent for his paper for the borough of Kaiapoi, and for the districts of Woodend, Kaiapoi Island, and Eyreton, and also does general commission and agency business. Mr. Fowler is Past Grand Master of the Loyal Kaiapoi Lodge of Oddfellows. For some years he has served in the local fire brigade, and was for a short time captain of the fire police. Mr. Fowler was married, in 1871, to the daughter of the late Mr. M. Athey, brewer, of Maccles-field, and has four sons and three daughters.
Journalist, Kaiapoi. Mr. Wilson was born in 1846, in Penrith, Cumberland, and was educated at the Wesleyan day school, and Blancoe grammar school. As a lad he was put to the drapery trade, and served a portion of his apprenticeship. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Chariot of Fame” on the 29th of January, 1863, and settled at Kaiapoi, where he turned his attention to journalism, and was appointed representative of the Christchurch “Press,” on the 13th of August, 1863. Since that time he has had ample opportunities for watching the rise and progress of the district. Mr. Wilson has been careful to file copies of all the papers published in Canterbury since he became interested in the “Press.” He was the first letter carrier in Kaiapoi, and held that position from 1866 to 1873. Mr. Wilson has been manager of the Kaiapoi
has been in the district since about 1861. The present building is situated in Cookson Street, and was erected in 1891. It is of brick, and contains, besides the court-room, a room for the clerk and the magistrate. Weekly sittings are held each Monday, by Mr. H. W. Bishop, Stipendiary Magistrate, who also holds courts periodically at Rangiora, Oxford, Amberley, Cheviot, Culverden, Little River, Akaroa, and Darfield.
Clerk of the Magistrate's Court, Registrar of Electors at Kaiapoi, Returning Officer, and Deputy Registrar of Old Age Pensions, has been in the district over forty years. He was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1838, and came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Chrysolite,” in 1861. Entering the police force, he shortly afterwards became bailiff for North Canterbury, and subsequently succeeded to his present position. Mr. Lynskey was married, in 1858, to a daughter of Mr. W. Norman, of County Mayo, Ireland, and has six sons and five daughters.
includes, in addition to the borough of Kaiapoi, Woodend, Waimakariri, Ohoka, Swannanoa, Eyreton, Clarkville, and extends as far as the river Styx, towards Christchurch. It was constituted about 1898. The officer in charge at Kaiapoi reports to the sergeant stationed at Rangiora. A mounted constable assists the constable in charge at Kaiapoi.
who is in charge of the Kaiapoi Police Sub-district, was born in Christchurch, on the 28th of January, 1864. For some years he resided in Christchurch, Kaiapoi and Timaru respectively, and joined the police force in Wellington in 1892. Constable Wildermoth was stationed at Greymouth for four and a half years, at Reefton two years, and at Hokitika one year. He was subsequently stationed for three years and four months at Denniston, whence he was transferred to his present position at Kaiapoi, in April, 1902. Constable Wildermoth was married in August, 1888, to the daughter of Mr. Pye, of Geraldine, and has three sons and one daughter.
Barrister and Solicitor, Hansen's Chambers, Charles Street, Kaiapoi. This gentleman was born in Christchurch in September, 1868, and was educated at St. Michael's School and the Boys' High School, Christchurch. He was articled to Mr. George Harper for five years, from March, 1886, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in March, 1891. Mr. Papprill continued with the firm of Harper and Co. until November, 1892, when he went to Kaiapoi as locum tenens for Mr. Marshall Nalder, and was afterwards in partnership with him until May, 1896, since which he has practised on his own account.
M.B. and C.M. (Edinburgh, 1883), Physician and Surgeon, Cookson Street, Kaiapoi. Dr. Murray has been praotising his profession in Kaiapoi since 1885.
Chemist and Druggist, Cookson Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established by the proprietor in 1898. Mr. Reynolds was born in Queensland, and was educated at Rangiora, where he qualified for his profession. After gaining experience in Auckland and Napier, he commenced his present business.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, High Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established in 1876. The shop has a central position, and a good general stock is maintained. Miss Roll is a pharmaceutical chemist and takes the active management of the business. Her father, who is the proprietor, is a founder of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and was in business for a considerable number of years in London before arriving in Lyttelton by the ship “E. P. Bouverie” in 1874. After a short stay in Christchurch, Mr. Roll removed to Kaiapoi, where he shortly afterwards started business on his own account, and has carried it on continuously, though others have come and gone in the meantime.
The premises of the Kaiapoi branch of the Bank of New Zealand were built in 1884. They are situated at the corner of Charles Street. The building is of handsome design, in brick, and two stories in height. A tacade in Oamaru stone gives a look of distinction to the building. Ample room is provided for the bank's public business, and there are commodious private quarters for the manager.
Accountant and Commission Agent, Charles Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Eckersley was born in 1833, in Lancashire, England. He was educated in his native town, and at Leamington College, and was brought up to mercantile life, by his father. Mr. Eckersley came to New Zealand in the ship “Victoria,” in 1862. In the same year he settled at Kaiapoi, and has resided in the district since then, except during his absence on a trip to England in 1886. Soon after settling at Kaiapoi Mr. Eckersley commenced business as an accountant and commission agent, and still carries on that business. He
Baker and Confectioner, Charles Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established in 1872, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1876. The premises are freehold, and include one shop and a dwelling constructed in wood and iron, and there is a large bakery containing two ovens at the back. Mr. Anderson does a considerable trade and employ's two carts in the work of delivery. He was born in Morayshire, Scotland, in 1839, and was apprenticed in his native place. In 1872 he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Hereford.” After a year in Christchurch, he removed to Kaiapoi and took a position in connection with the business which he now owns. Mr Anderson served for one term as a member of the local borough council. He was a member of the Order of Oddfellows from 1866, to 1897, and as a Forester he has been attached to Lodge Woodford, at Kaiapoi, since the 16th of September, 1880. Mr. Anderson was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Holl, of London, and has six sons and two daughters surviving.
Baker and Confectioner, Charles Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Wilson was born in 1835 at Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and was educated at a private school in Stranraer. He was apprenticed to the bakery trade for five years, and emigrated to New Zealand in the ship “Joseph Fletcher” which arrived at Lyttelton in October, 1856. Mr. Wilson joined his brother, who was in business as a baker in Christchurch, and remained with him for about two years, when he left for Kaiapoi and started on his own account. He is an active adherent of the Presbyterian church of Kaiapoi, of which he has been an elder since it was established, and at the present time is superintendent of the Sabbath school. Mr. Wilson has always been a strong advocate of all temperance movements. In 1856 he was married to the daughter of the late Mr. McConnell, of Stranraer, Wigtonshire, Scotland, and has six children living.
was established about 1864, and stands on three and a half acres of land, on the banks of the Cam river. The buildings are constructed of wood, brick and iron, and comprise a brewery and a malting house. There is a fourteen hogshead plant, and the motive power is supplied by a steam engine and boiler of eight horse power. The malting house is of brick with a concrete basement, and has three floors, each capable of holding 100 bushels for malting purposes. There is a large kiln with a capacity for forty sacks of grain. The property has been owned by Mr. Frank Egan since 1884.
Malster and Brewer in charge of the Kaiapoi Brewery, was born at Kaiapoi in 1869. He began his career as a brewer in 1885, and was afterwards in the employment of Messrs Scarlett and Co. of the Standard Brewery, Christchurch, as brewer for nearly two years. On returning to Kaiapoi he became brewer at the Kaiapoi Brewery, but some time afterwards went again to Christchurch to take charge of the Palace Brewery, in Gloucester Street. Subsequently, he returned to his native place to take up his present duties. Mr. Stevenson served for three years as a member of the Kaiapoi Rifles, and is a member of the local Lodge of Druids. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Major, and has two sons and two daughters.
(Central Dairy Company, proprietors), Ohoka Road, Kaiapoi. The wood and iron building used for this creamery contains a six horse-power stationary engine and two Alpha Laval separators of 440 and 400 gallons' capacity respectively per hour. During the season of 1902, there were fifty-seven suppliers; the cream is forwarded daily to the central factory at Addington.
Cabinetmaker, Kaiapoi. Mr. Brown is a very old colonist, having spent forty-two years in Australia, and has been in business for many years in Kaiapoi.
Tailor, Outfitter, and Manufacturer, Cookson Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Johnson commenced business in 1898. He occupies a double-fronted shop erected on his own freehold. There is a workroom and a dwellinghouse attached; a single fronted shop forms part of Mr. Johnson's building, and is let to Mr. Hayman. Mr. Johnson
(James Miller Henderson, proprietor), Raven Street, Kaiapoi. This well-known hostelry was established in 1885, and was taken over by the present proprietor in April, 1902. The building is of wood and iron, two stories in height, and contains ten bedrooms, two sitting-rooms, a large dining-room with seating accommodation for forty guests, and the usual offices. There is good stabling at the back of the hotel.
the Proprietor, was born in Timaru, in 1877, was educated in Dunedin, and was brought up as a professional cook in Otago. As such he held positions from time to time in some of the leading hotels in the colony, notably at “The Grand,” in Dunedin, “Coker's” and the “Cafe de Paris,” Christchurch, the “Empire,” at Wellington, and the Grand Hotel, at Rotorua. Afterwards he held a position on the Union Company's s.s. “Mokoia.” Mr. Henderson was married in April, 1902, to a daughter of Mr. Henry Allen, of Christchurch, late manager of Warner's Hotel.
(William Mitchell, proprietor), Kaiapoi. The hotel is well known throughout the district, and is a popular resort for the travelling public.
was born at Islip, Oxford, England, in 1848. He came to New Zealand, in the ship “Stonehouse,” in 1874, and landed at Lyttelton. For several years he was engaged on railway work in the North Canterbury district, and was for three years a contractor. Mr. and Mrs Mitchell were caretakers of the Oxford Working Men's Club for eleven years, and are well and favourably known throughout the district of Oxford. In 1872 Mr. Mitchell married Miss Nappin, daughter of Mr. James Nappin, Buckinghamshire, England, and they have two daughters and two sons. Mr. Mitchell took over the Pier Hotel, Kaiapoi, in July, 1898.
Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Kaiapoi. This business is one of the best of its kind in the district, and has been successfully carried on by Mr. Baker for about nineteen years. Mr. Baker makes shoeing and repairing a specialty.
Cycle Engineer. Mr. Shearsby was born in Warwickshire, England, and came to New Zealand when very young. He served a seven years' apprenticeship with Messrs, Scott Brothers, of Christchurch, and was for three years with Messrs. Luke and Sons, of Wellington. During his term with the latter, the firm made the first four safety bicycles in Wellington, and since that time he has been engaged as a masterhand with some of the leading firms in the Colony. Mr. Shearsby had extensive premises in High Street, Kaiapoi, for some years, and is now (1902) cycle engineer at the railway workshops in Dunedin.
Bootmaker (A. J. Whitley. manager), High Street, Kaiapoi, headquarters at Rangiora. This branch of Mr. Bridget's business was established in 1895. The premises consist of a large double shop, with ladies' and gentlemen's fitting rooms, with a workshop behind, and also a six-roomed residence. The building is of wood and iron, and two stories in height.
Boot and Shoemaker, Church Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established in 1877, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1901. The premises consist of a shop and workroom and a residence. Mr. Carey keeps a well-assorted stock of English and colonial goods. He was born in Islington, England, in 1858, accompanied his parents in that year to Lyttelton by the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and was apprenticed in Christchurch, where he worked for a number of years before entering business on his own account at St. Albans. After four years in that suburb he removed to Kaiapoi, where he took over his present business. Mr. Carey was a member of the Christchurch Engineers for three years. He is attached to the Trafalgar Lodge of Druids in Kaiapoi. Mr. Carey was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Martin, of Christchurch, and has three daughters.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Kaiapoi. Mr. Edmonds was born in Kaiapoi in 1861, and was educated at the local school. He was apprenticed to his trade in 1874, under Mr. C. Hansen, and after serving his time entered into business
Fellmonger. Mr. Heney was born in Carrickfergus, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Mary Ann,” when four years of age. He resided in Kaiapoi for forty-four years, and for twenty years has been engaged in the wool trade, as a fell-monger. For ten years he was foreman for Mr. H. R. Butcher, and has been with Messrs Bowron Bros, for a number of years. He has always taken a lively interest in church matters. Mr. Heney was married in Kaiapoi in 1877 to Miss Amelia Thompson, and has five children.
This is one of the most flourishing industries in the Colony, and its fabrics have earned a wide and well-merited reputation. As many as 600 people find employment at the works, which are described in one of the Christchurch sections of this volume.
Stationer and Fancy Goods Dealer, Cookson Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Hunt was born at Great Yarmouth, in November, 1853. and went to sea as a lad and served twelve years. He was shipwrecked in the “Queen Bee,” bound to Nelson, at Farewell Spit, in 1877, and had twice before experienced the norrors of a similar disaster. After eighteen months in Nelson, Mr. Hunt removed to Canterbury, and soon afterwards settled at Kaiapoi. He was employed for a few years in the Kaiapoi Brewery, and afterwards leased the Pier Hotel, which he conducted for five years. In 1896 he started his business as stationer and fancy goods dealer. Mr. Hunt has been a member of the Loyal Kaiapoi Lodge of Oddfellows since 1882, and as a Fremason he is connected with the Southern Cross Lodge No. 6, New Zealand Constitution. He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Salmon, of Nelson, and has two sons and one daughter.
Fancy Goods Importer and House Furnisher, Charles Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established in 1897 by the proprietor. The premises are freehold, and consist of two main buildings, the furnishing warehouse being constructed of iron, and the fancy goods department of wood with a slate roof. These buildings contain a large and general stock of all classes of goods required for the complete furnishing of houses. Mr. Wilkinson was born at Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, in 1854, and educated in Yorkshire. He is the son of the late Mr. G. N. Wilkinson, officer of Inland Revenue, and grandson of the Rev. J. Wilkinson, vicar of Bubwith, near York. He came out to Wellington in 1875, and was for some time employed in the grocery trade. In 1884 he went to New South Wales, where he was engaged in the sawmilling industry at Riverstone, near Windsor. Having sold out his interests in Australia, Mr. Wilkinson returned to New Zealand in 1896 and settled at Kaiapoi, where he established his present business, and is organist at St. Bartholomew's English Church. He was married, in 1879, to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. W. Smith, manager of the Lagan Factory at Lisburn, near Belfast, Ireland, and has three sons and two daughters.
Storekeeper and Cordial Manufacturer, High Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Alexander was born in England, in 1836, and came to New Zealand per ship “Robert Small,” in 1858. Before coming to the Colony, Mr. Alexander served in the Royal Navy for eight years, and was in the Crimean war. He worked at the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel, after which he kept the Kaiapoi ferry for some years. The first store at the Waitua Gorge was opened by him in 1865 prior to the West Coast “rush,” and he kept the ferry at
Storekeeper, Kaiapoi. Mr. Feldwick was born in Westminster, England, in 1853, and is a brother of the Hon. Henry Feldwick, M.L.C., of Invercargill. He was educated at Kaiapoi, and is one of the oldest residents of the district, where in the earlier part of his life he was farming with his father, but afterwards entered the employment of Mr. John Beharrell, storekeeper. Five years later he obtained employment with Messrs Saunders and Henderson, wholesale merchants, Christchurch, as traveller, and remained with them for a year. He was next appointed general collector for the “Lyttelton Times,” for the whole of Canterbury. About twenty-five years ago he started business in Kaiapoi as storekeeper, and has carried it on successfully ever since. Mr. Feldwick has been many times mayor of Kaiapoi, a member of the council for about twenty-five years, and also of the Waimakariri Harbour Board, school committee, and other bodies. He was the first president of the workingmen's club. Mr. Feldwick, who is a Justice of the Peace, was married in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Ball, of Woodend.
(Richard Evans, proprietor), Wilson's Siding, Kaiapoi. This mill was one of the first established in Canterbury. The building, which is of wood, and four stories in height, has been enlarged several times. There is a full roller milling plant, and the capacity is about four sacks and a half per hour. The plant is driven by a thirty horse-power water wheel, and a supplementary steam engine of thirty horsepower. Mr. W. H. Martyn is the manager.
was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, England, and educated by his father, who was a bailiff of Lord Sudley, and came of an old Welsh family. In early life, Mr. Evans served an apprenticeship of four years to Messrs. Henry and David Lewis, flour millers. He then went to London, and entered the service of Messrs. Meekins and Co., drapers, &c., Cornhill. In consequence of ill-health he returned to Wales, and remained for five years in Lianbrynmair. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Zealandia,” in 1871, and obtained work in Kaiapoi with Mr. Isaac Wilson, at flax dressing—an industry at that time very brisk. He then started as a carrier between Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, and Oxford, but relinquished the business in 1882. In that year he bought his present farm in Kaiapoi, and he and Mr. Moore began business as flour-millers and produce merchants. He bought out his partner in 1894, and has since conducted the business alone. His farm comprises 1600 acres, half of which he puts under crop in wheat, oats, and beans. The mill has a potential output of 1600 tons of flour per annum. Mr. Evans has been chairman of the Eyreton Road Board, chairman of the Waimakariri Harbour Board, a director of the Kaiapoi Building Society since its inception, and a member of three licensing committees. He has taken a prominent part at all times in the temperance movement, and is grand worthy patriarch for New Zealand in the Sons and Daughters of Temperance lodge. Mr. Evans has for many years been a trustee and a circuit steward in the Wesleyan Church. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Fanny Blackwell, and has six children.
Manager of the Kaiapoi Flour Mill, and Owner of Inglewood Mill, was born in 1859 in Cornwall, England, where he was brought up to milling. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Wanganui” in 1880, and settled at Kaiapoi. Being a competent miller he found work at the Kaiapoi mill, and has continued at that employment, with an interval of about two years. Mr. Martyn was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr. B. Morris, of Inglewood, Taranaki, and has two daughters and three sons.
(Richard Moore and Joseph Harold Evans, proprietors), Charles Street, Kaiapoi. This large business was established in 1882. The firm extensively buys and ships farm produce to London, the Cape, and other parts of the world.
Senior Partner, is referred to in another article as an ex-Member of the House of Representatives.
Junior Partner in this firm, is a native of Liverpool, England. Before joining Mr. Moore he was for several years with Messrs Belcher and Fairweather, who did a large grain trade in the early days. Mr. Evans was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Fairweather, of Wellington, in 1872, and has three sons and three daughters.
Storekeeper, Jubilee Store, Cookson Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Williscroft was born at Worley, Staffordshire, England, in 1858, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Indiana.” The family settled at Papanui, and were afterwards at Malvern and Ohoka, where Mr. Williscroft was brought up to country life, which he followed till 1889. In October of that year he removed to Hawke's Bay, and was employed there at the Tomoana Freezing Works till 1894. He then removed to Kaiapoi, where he established the Jubilee Store. Mr. Williscroft is also interested in the poultry industry, and has about five acres of land on the sandhills behind the domain, where he has started a breeding and raising farm; he often has as many as 600 birds, and does a large trade as a dealer in fowls. He was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr. W. Thurlow, a retired bootmaker, of Kaiapoi, and has one son and three daughters.
Kaiapoi Branch, High Street, Kaiapoi; head office, Colombo Street, Christchurch. The sub-committee for Kaiapoi district consists of Messrs R. Jenner, (chairman), G. C. Clothier, C. Ching, F. Best, and J. Templeton, (secretary). The Kaiapoi branch was opened in 1899, under the direction of Mr. T. Sullivan, the manager. The premises consist of a two storey building in brick and wood, and contain a large shop, an office, and storeroom. There are departments for groceries, drapery, boots, and produce, and delivery is made to customers in all parts of the district. Business has largely increased since the opening of the branch.
Manager of the Kaiapoi branch of the Working Men's Cooperative Society, was born in Dunedin in 1872, but was educated in Christchurch and brought up there to mercantile life. He was for seven years assistant to Mr. J. H. Gilohrist, in Christchurch, and joined the staff
General Storekeeper, High Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established in the early eighties by Mr. May; it was afterwards conducted for ten years by Mr. J. Gaarder, and was acquired by the present proprietor in May, 1902. The premises are centrally situated, and comprise a two-storey building of wood and iron, with a shop and dwelling. There is also stable and storage accommodation behind the main building. There are departments for drapery and groceries, and the proprietor intends to import leading lines of goods. Mr. Wylie was born at Onehunga, Auckland, in 1866. He gained experience in mercantile life with the firm of J. W. Smith and Co., Lyttelton, in whose employment he was for sixteen years. Mr. Wylie was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. R. Blakeley, of Kaiapoi, and has four sons and two daughters.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Cookson Street, Kaiapoi. This business was established by Mr. N. G. Robilliard, in 1888, and was conducted by him till February, 1902, when it was taken over by the present proprietor. Mr. Robilliard keeps a general stock of watches and jewellery, and his establishment is well fitted with glass show cases. He was born in 1879, in Rangiora, was educated at Kaiapoi, and learned his trade under his father's tuition. Mr. Robiliard is a member of the Kaiapoi Hockey Club. He was married, in March, 1902, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Young, of Kaiapoi.
Livery and Bait Stables Proprietor, Raven Street, Kaiapoi. This is an old established business which has been successfully conducted by the present proprietor for thirty years. Vehicles of all descriptions are on hire, and good allround accommodation for the travelling public is provided. Mr. Moran arrived in New Zealand, in 1864, in the ship “Blue Jacket,” and settled in North Canterbury. He is a member of the Caledonian Society, and an Oddfellow of twenty-eight years' standing.
Timber Merchant, Sawmiller, and Shipowner, Kaiapoi. Mr. Sims was born in 1831, in Birmingham, England, and is an ironmoulder by trade. He arrived in Wellington by the ship “Alma,” on the 15th of May, 1856. For some time he found employment at Wanganui, and afterwards worked on the Turakina bridge. Having decided to visit Sydney, he intended to sail in a top-sail schooner, but changed his mind at the last moment, and thus saved himself from shipwreck, as the vessel was lost in Bass's Straits. Mr. Sims came to Lyttelton in the end of 1857, by a small vessel named “Mary Thompson” and had the satisfaction of sleeping on a winnowing machine on the passage. He settled at Kaiapoi, and worked for a time at the Maori Bush, but was subsequently engaged in carting and dealing in horses. Afterwards he established waggons on the road, and for seven or eight years was thus engaged between Kaiapoi and Oxford. After the great flood of 1868 Mr. Sims discontinued his carrying business, and became interested in the flax industry, and was one of the first to introduce rotary machinery in the district north of Waimakariri. About eighteen months later Mr. Sims recommenced carting and continued that business for about eight years, in opposition to the railway between Kaiapoi and Christchurch, and subsequently branched out into the coal trade. Recognising the value of the river, Mr. Sims chartered a small vessel named “Croydon Lass,” with which he re-opened up trade on the river, and conducted it for a number of years. This was the commencement of his career as a shipowner, and since then he has been interested in a number of vessels, either as charterer or owner. He has owned the “Jessie,” the “Janette,” the “Huon Belle,” the “Owake Belle,” the “Rock Lily,” and other vessels. Some of these were wrecked after being used for a longer or shorter period. In 1895 Mr. Sims went to Sydney and had his vessel the “Emma Sims” built. Three years later he built the “Joseph Sims,” and in 1901 the “Amelia Sims.” These three vessels are now sailed as traders from Kaiapoi to Collingwood, Wellington, Waitara, and other New Zealand ports; carrying produce from North Canterbury, and returning laden with timber. Mr. Sims has a mill for dressing purposes at the Kaiapoi wharf, and conducts a large trade. He has also a plant for chaff cutting and gristing purposes. It may be remarked that, in connection with the Maori Coronation Contingent which went to London in 1902, Mr. Sims made an arrangement whereby the Maoris should visit his sister, Mrs E. Wells, near Birmingham, and be entertained by her. In 1872 Mr. Sims married Miss Leigh, of the Isle of Wight, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Kaiapoi, Mr. Blackmore was born in Devonshire, England, in 1844, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Castle Eden,” in 1851. He lived with his parents at Papanui and
Farmer, Clarkville Road, Kaiapoi. Mr. Bowring was born in 1850 in Dorsetshire, England, where he was brought up to country life. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Eastern Monarch” in 1874, when the settled at Kaiapoi, where for some time he had a market garden. In 1899 he leased the forty acre farm on which he has since resided. Mr. Bowring was married, in 1879, to a daughter of Mr. R. Jury, of Kaiapoi, and has two daughters and six sons.
Farmer, Kaiapoi. Mr. Busby was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1851, and has always followed an outdoor life. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Waimate” in January, 1875, and settled in the Kaiapoi district. In July of the following year, he leased his property (which is forty-four acres in extent) on the North Road, and has since carried on mixed farming. Mr. Busby's father, who died in April, 1902, was a clever ploughman, and was for many years employed by the celebrated firm of the Howards of Bedford. He ploughed in almost every county in England, giving trials of the firm's well-known ploughs, and took many championprizes at Royal shows. During the life of the late Prince Consort, Mr. Busby, senior, was sent to the Isle of Wight, to start a plough, which had been purchased from his firm by the Prince. Mr. W. Busby has followed in his father's footsteps, and has been a successful competitor at ploughing matches in Canterbury, under the auspices of the local clubs. He has won medals, a silver cup, and champion prizes in various parts of the district, and has gained as many as five prizes in a single day. Mr. Busby was married, in May, 1881, to a daughter of Mr. J. Burridge, of Petone, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Okair Farm,” Kaiapoi. Mr. Edwards was born in Beeford, Yorkshire, in the “thirties,” and came to Lyttelton in the “Sir Edward Paget” in 1856, and went shearing at the Tolias station, and afterwards was engaged in bush work for some time. He began farming on Kaiapoi Island in conjunction with Mr. Pashby, and suffered severe loss in the flood six years later. The firm entered into reaping and threshing contracts, and owned the first reaping machine and the second horse threshing machine in North Canterbury. The partnership existed for over fifteen years, but was dissolved when Mr. Edwards settled down at Okair Farm. Mr. Edwards has since added to the property, and has now about 910 acres of land, which he has improved and carried on chiefly as a grazing farm. He has been a member of the Rangiora Road Board for fifteen years. Mr. Edwards was married in 1866, and has five daughters and four sons.
Farmer, Raven Street, Kaiapoi. Mr. Forrest was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1840, and landed in Lyttelton on the 2nd of April, 1863, from the ship “Huntress.” He had been brought up as a farmer, and settled at Kaiapoi, where after a time he entered into dairying and mixed farming. At first he found employment in connection with waggoning on the road, and was afterwards engaged on construction work in connection with the telegraph line from Canterbury to Nelson. Mr. Forrest's farm, on which he has resided for many years, consists of 180 acres of leasehold and freehold land. Mr. Forrest has been associated with the Kaiapoi Lodge of Druids. He has taken great interest in Caledonian games, and has been associated with the local society since its inception, and has held the office of treasurer. Mr. Forrest was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Elliott, of Kaiapoi. Mrs Forrest died in 1881, leaving two daughters and four sons, and a son and daughter have since died. In June, 1882, Mr. Forrest married the daughter of the late Mr.
Farmer, “Bloomdale Farm,” Kaiapoi. Mr. Holland is fourth son of Mr. Robert Holland, County Down, Ireland, and was born in 1842. He was educated at Clare School, County Down, and remained with his father, assisting him on his farm, until the latter's death in 1862. He came out to the Colony per ship “Mermaid” in 1868. Soon after his arrival in Lyttelton, he entered the employment of the late Mr. Marmaduke Dixon, of Irwell, Eyreton, remaining in his service until 1873 when he entered into partnership with his brother Samuel in possession of “Ivy Farm,” Kaiapoi Island. He sold out his interest to his brother and bought a farm at Ohoka, which he sold to Mr. Pays, and purchased “Bloomdale,” where he now resides. This farm contains about fifty acres of good arable land, part of which is annually under crop and the balance used for dairying purposes. He joined the Druids in 1879, and was chairman of the lodge in 1890. Mr. Holland was married in 1874 to the daughter of Mr. Jonathan Whallay, County Armagh, Ireland, and has five children.
Farmer, Okair Farm, Kaiapoi. Mr. Hudson was born in Portsmouth, England, in 1847, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Sydenham,” about twenty-eight years ago. He landed at Auckland, and was first engaged with Mr. Porter at his store at Miranda, near the Thames, and afterwards with Mr. Dodd. Eventually he came down to Longbeach and worked for Mr. Grigg for about four years. He started the first store at Waterton, near Longbeach, and kept it for six years. Desiring an occupation more congenial to his taste, he went farming in the Wakanui and Halswell districts, and finally settled at Okair farm, Kaiapoi. This farm consists of 200 acres of cuitivated and grazing land, and adjoins Mr Edward's farm, which bears the same name. In 1878 Mr. Hudson married Miss Dawson, daughter of Mr. Andrew Dawson, Waterton. There is no offspring of the marriage.
Farmer, Clongain Farm, Camside, Kaiapoi. Mr. O'Neill was born on the 17th of March, 1838, in County Carlow, Ireland, and was the eldest son of John and Mary O'Neill, of that county. Mr. O'Neill was managing his father's estate before coming to the colony; he was also as accomplished ploughman, and won a gold cup twice in succession for his ploughing. He left his native land in 1863, in the ship “Accrington,” and arrived in Lyttelton on the 10th of September the same year. Mr. O'Neill had two years of experience in the colony before selecting where to settle; then in 1868, he took up a parcel of land near Kaiapoi in the Church Bush, and started to convert what was then little better than a wilderness into his home which he named after the place where he was born, “Clongain.” Mr. O'Neill was married, in the year 1874, to Miss McDermott, of County Carlow, Ireland. She died in 1884, leaving him with one son and four daughters. He was married a second time, to Miss McDrury, the eldest daughter of Mr. Patrick McDrury, of Roscommon, Ireland.
Farmer, “Beachvale,” Kaiapoi. Mr. Parnham is third son of the late Mr. John Parnham, of Flintham, Nottinghamshire, England, and was born on the 17th day of January, 1835. He was educated at Bengham in his native county, and trained to commercial pursuits. He arrived at Lyttelton per ship, “Glentanner” in 1857, and his first employment was sawing timber in the Kaiapoi bush; subsequently, he took up 300 acres of land, near Kaiapoi, which he worked for a few years; then he went to the goldfields and was at Gabriel's Gully for a short time, then returned to Kaiapoi. He took charge of Mr. Mein's butchery business in 1860 for about twelve months, when he joined Mr. Weston in purchasing the goodwill, the partnership continuing for about five years, at the expiration of which he bought Mr. Weston's interest. In 1891, he handed over the business to his son in order to give more attention to his farms. One of these, 700 acres of freehold, is adjacent to Kaiapoi, the other of 220 acres is at Sefton; and on both he does a considerable amount of cropping and grazes large numbers of sheep and cattle. His homestead at Beachvale is surrounded with every comfort and convenience, such as garden, orchard, and out-buildings. He has been active in local politics and has sat on the borough council for upwards of twelve years, and was elected mayor for one term. Taking a great interest in educational matters, he has been chairman of the school committee for about fifteen years, and was one of the promoters, and for a long period was chairman, of the Farmers' Club, which has been a great boon to the farmers in the surrounding districts. He has served on the Waimakariri Harbour Board for many yeas, and was some time chairman. As a master mason he has been a member of the Southern Cross Lodge since 1867, and was treasurer for upwards of twenty years; he was also senior warden of the Grand Lodge. He joined the Oddfellows in 1858 and has held various offices in connection with that order. Mr. Parnham was one of the first promoters of the Kaiapoi woollen factory and has been a director of the company from the first. He was one of the promoters of the Kaiapoi
Farmer, “Helmwood,” Kaiapoi. Mr. Penwell was born in Devonshire, England, in 1839, and was brought up to country life. He arrived at Nelson in 1861, by the ship “Waterlily,” on which he came out as a sailor. Mr. Penwell found employment for a few years at road making in the Woodend district, and afterwards settled at Rangiora, where he engaged in farming for about fifteen years. He has been a settler in the Kaiapoi district for a long time. Mr. Penwell leases “Helmwood,” which is 180 acres in extent, and has worked the property as a dairy and agricultural farm since 1896. He was married in 1869 to a daughter of Mr. J. Coatman, of Woodend, and has seven sons and three daughters. Mrs Penwell came to New Zealand in 1859 by the ship “Clontarf.”
was born in Bacup, Lancashire, England, in 1829, and arrived in Wellington by the ship “Indian Queen” in 1857. He settled in Canterbury in 1859, and has ever since resided in the district, except while absent on a trip to the Otago goldfields. He is a cabinet-maker by trade, and was for some time in partnership with Mr. W. Weston, but had to retire from active work in 1895 in consequence of an injury to his spine. Mr. Ashworth was married, in 1850, to the daughter of the late Mr. H. Omerod, of Lancashire, and has two daughters and two sons.
was born in the year 1818 near Faversham, Kent, England, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Cressy” in 1850. He lived for about five years in Lyttelton, and helped to form the Ferry road. In 1855 Mr. Baker settled in Kaiapoi, where he leased some land, and broke up thirteen acres with a bullock team. He sowed this land with oats, which were reaped with sickles and threshed with flails. The land thus treated was the first farmed in Kaiapoi. Mr. Baker then purchased two acres of land in Otaki Street, where his homestead was erected and still stands. For some years Mr. Baker had practically the whole of the Kaia poi Island as a cattle run, but as settlement developed, portions of his run were, from time to time, sold, and he betook himself to dairy farming, which he conducted till within a few years of his death in 1885. He also had a threshing plant, which he worked for a good many years. Mr. Baker was married, in 1840, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Court, of Kent, England, and at his death left seven sons and four daughters; one daughter, Mrs Isaac Wilson, has since died. Mrs Baker is still hale and hearty, and has forty-two grandchildren and thirteen greatgrandchildren.
came to Canterbury with his father, the late Mr. J. Baker, in the ship “Cressy,” in 1850, and was brought up to country life in the Kaiapoi district. He learned to drive his father's threshing plant at the age of fourteen, and was afterwards for twenty-two years engine-driver at the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, where he still works in the finishing room. Mr. Baker was a member of the No. 5 Kaiapoi Rifles and was present at the Hillsborough encampment in 1868. He was married, in 1879, to the daughter of the late Mr. A. Rhodes, of Leithfield, and has three sons and two daughters.
was born at Swaffham, Norfolk, England, in 1829. He is by trade a tellow chandler, and settled in Canterbury in 1852. For the first few years he worked in the bush, and just before the great flood of 1868, bought twenty acres at Camside, where his homestead is situated. He was one of the first settlers at Church Bush, Kaiapoi. Mr. Brundell served on the local school committee at Kaiapoi, and has been superintendent of the Anglican Sunday school there for a great number of years. He was married, in October, 1851, to the daughter of the late Mr. J. Stocking, of Cockley Cley, Norfolk, and has one son, two daughters, and about twenty grandchildren.
was born in Manchester, England, in 1855, and came to Canterbury, in 1859, by the ship “Lady Nugent.” He was brought up to country life in the Kaiapoi district, where he was farming on his own account for a good many years, but having disposed of his interest, he settled in Charles Street, Kaiapoi, in 1896. Mr. Burgess was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Norman, of Kaiapoi, and has three daughters and two sons.
settled at Kaiapoi in 1857, and practised his profession almost up to the time of his death in 1881. He was born in 1801, and was educated at Edinburgh, Paris, and London, for the medical profession. For five years before settling at Kaiapoi, Dr. Dudley practised in Lyttelton. He was well known in the district as a public man, and served three times as Mayor, and for about twenty years as a councillor of the borough of Rangiora. Dr. Dudley was also
was born in Denmark in 1844. He is a saddler by trade and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Glenmark,” in 1865, when he settled at Kaiapoi, and was for a number of years in business. Mr. Hansen is vice-president of the Working Men's Club, and was for three years Mayor of the borough, and for about six years a member of the borough council. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of Mr. R. Smith, of Kaiapoi.
sometime of Kaiapoi, arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Sir George Pollock” in November, 1851. He was born in 1829, in Norfolk, England, and was brought up as a shepherd. For four years after his arrival in New Zealand he was shepherding at Courtenay, but settled at Kaiapoi in 1855, and was farming in the district until his death in December, 1900. He was married, in 1851, to the daughter of Mr. J. Stapleton, of Norfolk, and left five daughters and four sons; and there are thirty grandchildren.
was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Strathallan” in 1859. He settled in the Kaiapoi district, where he acquired a small property of eleven acres, on which he worked till his death, at the age of eighty-seven, in 1894. Mr. Humphries was married, in 1852, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Clending, of Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland, and left seven sons and four daughters; and there are nineteen grandchildren.
was born at Melbourne, Derbyshire, England, in 1850, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery” in 1859, since which he has lived at Kaiapoi. He is a blacksmith by trade, and has been employed for twenty-two years at the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory. Mr. Keetley was married, in 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Peters, of Kaiapoi. This lady died in 1886, leaving two sons and one daughter. In 1888 Mr. Keetley married a daughter of the late Mr. J. Elliot, of Kaiapoi, and two sons and one daughter have been born of this union.
was born in Stockport, England, in 1846, and came to Wellington, in 1857 by the ship “Indian Queen.” He has resided since 1859, in Kaiapoi, where he carries on business as a coal and wood merchant. Mr. Mellor was married, in 1883, to a daughter of Mr. E. Farnhill, of Yorkshire, England, and has two sons and one daughter.
was born at Smethwick, Staffordshire, England, in 1827, and arrived in New Zealand in 1858, when he settled at the Styx, where he took up a farm. Afterwards he kept the White's Bridge Hotel for seven years, and went to Kaiapoi, where he took over the Kakanui Hotel, from which he retired about 1878. Mr. Monk was for a short time a member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council, and he was also a Freemason. He died in 1881, leaving a widow, who still survives, and two sons and four daughters.
sometime of Kaiapoi, was the seventh son of Mr. William Oram, of Midsomer Norton, Somersetshire, England, and was born in that town on the 19th of July, 1834. He was educated at the public school, and served an apprenticeship of five years to the boot trade in the West End of London. In 1857 he left England in the ship “Glentanner,” and arrived in Lyttelton in October of that year. He worked at his trade in Christchurch for six months, and then went into the Maori Bush, at Kaiapoi, where he was engaged as a bush-sawyer. When the Otago goldfields broke out Mr. Oram went to Tuapeka, where he worked for some months during the year 1861. He then returned to Kaiapoi to his old occupation. Mr. Oram had the enterprise of a true colonist, and in 1864 he built the Pier Hotel, which he conducted for twelve years. During that time he was instrumental in inducing Messrs Cobb and Co. to open coach communication between Christchurch, Rangiora, and Hurunui, and that company's coaches ran to and fro on the route till the opening of the railway. In conjunction with his brother, Mr. H. H. Oram, Mr. Oram established hotels in Christchurch, notably “The Royal.” In 1880 Mr. Oram entered into partnership with Mr. Carl Hansen, and the firm carried on business as general merchants for several years. In the course of time Mr. Oram retired from business, but he was always an active man. He was for some time a member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council, and of the Waimakariri Harbour Board. He was one of the original promoters and directors of the woollen factory at Kaiapoi, and he in conjunction with other directors succeeded in keeping the industry at Kaiapoi when it was proposed to remove the works to Opawa. As president of the Cure Boating Club, Mr. Oram imported the first sliding seat used for the purposes of racing. Mr. Oram was a free user of pen and voice in the cause of education and in connection with general politics. As a member of the Kaiapoi fire police, he did excellent service for the district. He was a Freemason of many years' standing, and he was one of those who helped to establish Oddfellowship in Kaiapoi. Mr. Oram was married on the 13th of June, 1867, to the daughter of the late Mr. S. Treleaven, who arrived at Lyttelton in February, 1851, by the ship “Castle Eden,” within two months of the arrival of the first four ships. He died on the 21st of November, 1900, and was survived by his wife, seven sons, and three daughters.
was born in Portsmouth, England, in 1830. He came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Minerva” in 1853, and settled in Kaiapoi in 1855, when there was but a single house in the district, and neither roads nor bridges. Mr. Smith was a builder for many years, and was actively engaged in the erection of a great many well known houses in Kaiapoi. He was also for some years superintendent of the Fire Brigade. Mr. Smith was married, in 1852, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Sharp, of Portsmouth, and has three sons and four daughters.
was born in 1834, at Hailsham, Sussex, England. He went to America in 1851, and learned his trade as a builder in the United States. After returning to England to avoid the Civil War, he came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Roehampton” in 1858. Mr. Weston settled in Kaiapoi, when there were no bridges and few roads, and there was a great deal of swamp in the locality. He has erected a large number of buildings in the district. For several years he served on the local borough council, and for about six years he belonged to the Kaiapoi Rifles. He was married, in 1862, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Gulliver, of Bristol. This lady died in 1888, leaving four sons and five daughters. Mr. Weston was afterwards married to the widow of Mr. W. Edmonds, of Kaiapoi.
was born at Wray, Ambleside, Westmorland, England, in 1840, and brought up to country life. He arrived at Lyttelton in January, 1854, and was for some time farming with his brother Thomas, at Church Bush, Kaiapoi. In 1862 he started a passenger coach on the North Road, between Kaiapoi and Christchurch, and it was kept running for some years. Mr. Wilson afterwards entered into the grain and milling business, in which he was successful. In 1879, with eleven other gentlemen, he became the purchaser of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, and the plant afterwards became the nucleus of the present successful company. Mr. Wilson became chairman of directors and held the position till 1883. During his term of office the capital was increased from £15,000 to £100,000, and the number of hands employed increased from twenty-seven to 750, including those at the clothing factory in Christchurch. Mr. Wilson was for a short time a member of the Kaiapoi Borough Council, and for many years he held office as chairman of the Eyreton Road Board. For some time he was a Justice of the Peace for New Zealand. He represented Kaiapoi for some years in the Canterbury Provincial Council, and sat for the district in the House of Representatives in 1882–1883, but had to resign on account of his health. Mr. Wilson was married, in 1861, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Baker, of Kaiapoi. Mrs Wilson died in 1897, leaving one daughter. In 1900 Mr. Wilson was married to a daughter of Mr. James Johnston, of Sunderland, England. Mr. Wilson has always been a very liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, and is well known as a friend of those who need assistance.
was born at Mortlake, Surrey, England, in 1843. He came out to Melbourne in 1867, and afterwards settled at Eyreton, Canterbury, where he acquired land, which he farmed for some years. Mr. Wood afterwards edited the North Canterbury Independent at Kaiapoi, and was subsequently editor of a paper in Southland. As a young man he served in the volunteers. Mr. Wood was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Dr. Dudley, of Kaiapoi, and at his death in December, 1901, left one son and two daughters.
was born at Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, in 1817, and was apprenticed as a carpenter. He ran away, however, and went to Spain in 1835, served two years as a volunteer under General Sir de Lacy Evans, and was in seventeen engagements against Don Carlos. On returning to England he entered the East India Company's service, as a sapper and miner, and was stationed at Addiscombe for fourteen years. In 1852 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Stag.” After arriving in Canterbury, Mr. Wright was for four years at Lyttelton, and settled at Kaiapoi in 1856. He has worked as a carpenter since landing, except for a few years spent on the diggings. Mr. Wright was married, in 1839, to the daughter of the late Mr. B. Squires, of Addiscombe. Mrs Wright died about 1872, leaving four sons and three daughters, and there are thirty grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren.
extends from White's Bridge on the North Road to the end of the island, a distance of about five miles. The public school of the district is known by the name of Kaiapoi Island school. There is also a post office. The district is in the Eyreton riding of the Ashley county, and at the census of 1901 it had a population of seventy-one souls. The land is good agricultural and pastoral country.
. This school was established in the early seventies. It stands on an acre and a half of ground, contains a class room and porch, and has accommodation for thirty-six children. Adjoining the school there is a four-roomed residence for the teacher. The section is well planted with ornamental shelter trees.
Headmaster of the Coutts's Island School, was born at Sydenham, Christchurch, in 1865. He was educated at the West Oxford school, where he served a pupil-teachership of five years. After a year at the Normal Training College, Mr. McGillivray was appointed to the charge of the Russell's Flat school, and after three years' service, was transferred, in 1889, to his present position. Mr McGillivray was married, in 1901, to the daughter of the late Mr W. Henry, of Russell's Flat.
(Arthur Clements, Robert James, and Herbert Reginald Belcher), Farmers, Coutts's Island, Kaiapoi. The property farmed by this firm, consists of 400 acres, leased from Mr. Richard Belcher, of Papanui, father of the partners.
Junior Partner in the firm, was born in 1881, at Coutts's Island, and was educated at the local school. He gained his experience of country life on his father's estate, and became a member of the firm in 1900.
Farmer, Springfield Farm, Coutts's Island, Kaiapoi Mr. Belcher is a son of Mr. Richard Belcher, of Papanui, and was born at Kaiapoi in 1865. He was educated locally, and was brought up to agriculture by his father. Since 1885 he has farmed on his own account, and has an estate of 700 acres of freehold land. Mr. Belcher has served in the Kaiapoi Rifles, and is a member of the Kaiapoi Lodge of Oddfellows. He was married, in 1896, to the daughter of the late Mr. J. S. Theobald, librarian of the Christchurch library, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Riverbank Farm, Coutts's Island. Mr. Grant was born in 1871 at Swannanoa, where he was educated and gained his early experience of country life. In 1900 he leased ten acres of land at Ohoka, and grew a large crop of potatoes, and in August, 1901, he purchased his present farm, which consists of fifty acres of fine land. Mr. Grant was married, in June, 1901, to a daughter of Mr. W. Lake, of Ohoka.
Farmer, “Willow Bank,” White's Bridge; Postal address, Coutts's Island, Kaiapoi. Mr. Wright was born at Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire. England, in 1854, and arrived with his parents at Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” in September, 1858. His father settled in the Kaiapoi district, and about eight years later bought land at White's Bridge, where the old homestead is now part of Mr. Wright's estate. Mr. Wright has always been engaged in outdoor work, and has successfully carried on mixed farming on his own account, since 1880. He now holds 433 acres of freehold land, of which 308 acres are at Fernside. Mr. Wright has held a seat on the Eyreton Road Board since 1896, and was chairman in 1899. He has been a member of the Waimakariri Harbour Board since 1898, and of the Kaiapoi Island school committee since 1896, and chairman of the committee since 1897. Mr. Wright was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Patterson, of Swannanoa, and has six sons and one daughter.
was formerly known as Kaiapoi Island. The district lies between the north and south branches of the Waimakariri river, and commences about three miles from the borough of Kaiapoi. It is in the Eyreton riding of the Ashley county, and the village had a population of 253 at the census of 1901. The district, which was first settled about the year 1858, has a public school, post office, a library of 1200 volumes, and two churches. It is a fine agricultural district, and potatoes and wheat are the principal crops.
Clarkville, is conducted at the local school, and has existed since 1882. Mails are received and despatched three times a week. The local schoolmaster, Mr W. H. Herbert, acts as postmaster.
Clarkville, was established about 1880. It contains a large classroom and two porches, and has accommodation for ninety children; there are sixty-two names on the roll, and the average attendance is fifty-seven. The headmaster's residence of eight rooms is situated on the section, which is an acre in extent.
Headmaster of Clarkville Public School, was born in 1857 in Northamptonshire, England. He was brought by his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Matoaka,” in 1861. Mr. Herbert was educated in Christchurch, graduated M.A. from Canterbury College, and became a teacher at the Boys' High School in 1882. A year later he engaged in private teaching, and held various positions till he was appointed to Clarkville in 1889. Mr. Herbert was married, in 1886 to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Stocks, of Messingham, Lincolnshire, England, and has one son and three daughters.
at Clarkville was removed in 1897 from Kaiapoi, where it had been originally erected by the Bible Christian denomination. The entire cost of the property, including a quarter of an acre of land, was £266. Services are conducted every Sunday by the ministers in charge of the Kaiapoi circuit. The building has seats for 150 persons.
Fellmonger, and Farmer, Ohoka Road, Kaiapoi Island. Mr. Butcher was born in 1841, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. Thomas Butcher, of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. He was educated at the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, and was afterwards for about three years with Messrs Smith, Payne and Co., bankers, of London. He then acquired his father's leather and currying businesses at Wycombe, and opened branches at Whitney, Oxfordshire, and at Beckenham in Kent, which he carried on until he left for New Zealand in the s.s “Doric,” which landed at Lyttelton in 1884. On his arrival he proceeded to Kaiapoi Island, and purchased his present business, which was then carried on by Messrs Webster Bros. The property comprises about thirty acres of good land, well under cultivation, and the fellmongery is supplied with modern machinery, driven by steam, including a first-class labour-saving fleshing machine. Mr. Butcher owns a flax mill, and also a sheep farm of 48,000 acres at Strathmore, Waiotapu Valley, in the North Island, managed by two of his sons. He has been a member of the Church of England synod for the past twelve years, and a lay-reader for fourteen years, and was on the school committee for several years. Mr. Butcher is married and has five sons, the eldest of whom is a partner in the fellmongery business of Bowron nad Butcher, Napier.
Farmer, “Oakfield,” Clarkville; Postal address, Kaiapoi. Mr. Bollington was born in Bollington, in Cheshire, England, in 1834, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “British Crown” in 1863. Having selected forty-five acres of land, he settled in the district in which he has since resided. Mr. Bollington has been constantly employed in growing potatoes, grain, and other crops on his property. He was married, in 1859, to a daughter of the late Mr. Edwin Sutton, of Bollington, and has two sons.
Farmer, “Firgrove,” Clarkville. Mr. Clothier was born, in 1860, in Christchurch, and was educated at Mr. Wake's school, Kaiapoi. He has always been engaged in country pursuits since 1887, and has farmed on his own account or in conjunction with his brothers under the style of Clothier Brothers. The firm has imported wrinkled peas from England, and has made a feature of growing seed for the London and local markets. Mr G. C. Clothier has held a seat on the Waimakariri Harbour Board since 1899. He is a strong advocate of cooperation, and is a director of the Working Men's Co-operative Stores at Christchurch and Kaiapoi, and also a shareholder in the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Society. In 1882 he was married to a daughter of Mr Jamcs Ashworth, carpenter, of Kaiapoi.
Farmer, Clarkville. Mr. Clothier was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1850, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the “Sir George Seymour,” one of the first four ships that arrived at Lyttelton. The family settled in Christchurch for about four years, and then removed to Kaiapoi, where Mr. Clothier was brought up to country life. About 1877 he began farming on his own account, having acquired seventyfive acres known as Cherry's Farm. The property is situated on the corner of two roads, both leading from Eyreton to Kaiapoi, and is known as Clothier's Corner. Mr. Clothier was married to a daughter of Mr. A. Gillies, in October, 1880, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Willowbrook,” Clarkville. Mr. Clothier was born in 1865 at Clarkville, and was educated at Kaiapoi public school. He was brought up to country life at Clarkville, and has farmed on his own account in the district since 1891, and for five years previously as a member of the firm of Clothier Bros. His property consists of sixty acres of freehold and forty acres of leasehold land at Clarkville, and 200 acres of freehold at Flaxton. Mr. Clothier has served as a member of the local school committee, of which he has been chairman. He was married in September, 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Edmonds, of Kaiapoi, and has two daughters.
who was formerly farming on Kaiapoi Island, was born in 1836, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Coup, of Derbyshire, England, and subsequently of Kaiapoi. He was educated at Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and afterwards joined his father, who was engaged in milling and farming operations. Leaving England in the ship “Sabrina” in 1854, for Sydney, New South Wales, he went mining at the Turon for several years, and in 1860 came to New Zealand and joined his father at Kaiapoi. Shortly after, he went to Gabriel's Gully and worked on the Otago goldfields until 1866, when he returned to Canterbury and purchased a block of land in North Waiparl, and resided there for about six years. Mr. Coup has taken a life long interest in mining pursuits, and holds the position of director of a West Coast gold mining company; he has also considerable interests in gold, silver, and copper mines at Broken Hill, New South Wales, and in Tasmania. He is a trustee of the Kaiapoi Wesleyan church, and was one of the original promoters of the Kaiapoi woollen mills, in which he takes keen interest. Mr. Coup was married to the daughter of Mrs Armitage, of Leeds, England, and has two children living. He is now (1902) on an extended visit to England.
Farmer, Coup's Road, Kaiapoi Island. Mr. Coup, who is the youngest son of the late Mr. W. Coup (lost in the ship “Matoaka” in 1869), was born at Bradley, Derbyshire, England, in 1840, and
Farmer and Traction Engine Proprietor, Clarkville; Postal address, Kaiapoi. Mr. Giles was born in 1857 at Clarkville, and has always followed outdoor work. He commenced bullock driving at the age of seven, and gained his early experiences in connection with threshing machines when he was thirteen. In 1879 he began farming on his property of thirty-three acres of freehold land, and two years later started a threshing machine, to which he has since added a traction engine. In the year 1868 Mr. Giles, while engaged in bullock driving, had an accident which resulted in his losing one of his legs, but notwithstanding this, he has succeeded in working his plant and machinery in various parts of the district. He has always had a liking for mechanical work, and does most of the repairs. Since 1892 he has been a member of the Clarkville school committee. Mr. Giles was married in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. E. Clothier, of Castle Cary, Somerset, England; his wife died on the 27th of January, 1900, leaving one daughter and three sons.
Farmer, Hanley Farm, Clarkville. Mr. Hassall was born at Hanley, Staffordshire, England, in 1847, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in 1853. The family settled in the Kaiapoi district, where the subject of this notice has been farming on his own account since 1874. Mr. Hassall has been a member of the local school committee for about twenty years, and has held the chair since 1894. He was married, in 1874, to the daughter of the late Mr. J. Keetley, and has eight sons and five daughters.
Farmer, “Springfield,” Kaiapoi Island. Mr. Heyward was born in Devonshire, England, in 1834, and passed his early years on his father's farm. In 1853 he was attracted to the Australian diggings, on which he remained about two years. He came to Canterbury in the brig “Gratitude” in 1855, and walked over the Bridle track from Port Lyttelton to Christchurch. Somewhere in the neighbourhood of what is now the Ferry road he had to navigate his way through a raupo swamp. At the corner near the present White Hart Hotel, he hailed the first man he had met since leaving Lyttelton, and asked him if he could direct him to Christchurch. This gentleman evidently saw the humour of the situation, for he replied with a cordial smile: “Well, friend, we are, as nearly as I can guess, just about the centre of the city.” There were then no roads in that part of Christchurch, but only tracks through long tussocks and stunted flax bushes. Mr. Heyward bought forty acres of swamp land at the back of Papanui bush. He fenced and drained this property, but afterwards sold it and bought 100 acres on Kaiapoi Island, where he now resides. Mr. Heyward carries on mixed farming, and crops, on an average, 200 acres; he also shears 1000 sheep, and kills 300 pigs yearly. Mr. Heyward was instrumental in getting the school, and post office and library at Clarkville, and has been on the school committee for years. He was married, in the year 1862, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Hill, of Stoke Canon, Devonshire, England, and has one son and two daughters.
Farmer and Threshing Machine Proprietor, Middle Island Road, Clarkville, Kaiapoi Island. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Smith was born in 1842 at Cruden, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and was educated at the Errol schools in the same place. After leaving school, he was apprenticed to the butchering trade and worked for Mr. Robert Sutherland, of Peterhead, Scotland, remaining with him for about three years. He then emigrated to New Zealand in the ship “Metropolis,” which arrived at Lyttelton in January, 1862. On his arrival he proceeded with his brother to Kaiapoi and engaged with Mr. Stevenson, farmer, of Flaxton. He then worked for Messrs. Belcher and Fairweather, of Kaiapoi, for about four years, when he rented some church property, near Kaiapoi, and engaged in contracts of various kinds for several years, in conjunction with his brother Charles. In the year 1877, he rented his present property and subsequently purchased it; then, successively, bought the farms of Messrs. Laurie, Whitmere, Taylor, Coutts, and Walls. His property contains 300 acres freehold, of good arable land, and
was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1818, and was brought up on a large cheese and cider-making farm. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Oriental” in 1856, bringing with him his wife and nine children, and after spending a few months on the Stanmore road, Christchurch, bought land at Clarkville. His homestead was built on a sixty-four acre section, which he named Somerset Farm. The original house did duty for many years, and was afterwards replaced by the present homestead. Mr. Giles had had experience in England in connection with threshing machinery, and early imported a plant to the colony. Subsequently he got out more modern machinery and worked his machines for a long period. Mr. Giles was married, in 1838, to Miss Clothier, of Somersetshire. This lady died in 1877, leaving seven sons and five daughters. In 1879 Mr. Giles was married to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Moore, of Eyreton, who, with his two children, arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Isabella Hercus,” in 1855. Mr. Moore had been a cabinetmaker in England, but became a farmer in New Zealand. At his death on the 8th of March, 1900, Mr. Giles left two sons and one daughter, born of his second marriage. His descendants number 180 persons.
is about five miles from Kaipaoi, and about eight from Rangiora. It is a good sheep farming district, and has a post office, and also a public school with a capital library. The district was first settled in 1863. It is in the Eyreton riding of the county of Ashley, and at the census of 1901 had a population of 195 persons.
was established about 1867 by the Provincial Government of Canterbury. It is bounded on the north by the Mandeville and Rangiora district; on the west by the West Eyreton district; and on the south and east by the Waimakariri river and the borough of Kaiapoi. Its ratable value in 1892, was £439,259, on which a rate of 5/8d was levied. The district has about 100 miles of formed and metalled roads: and several large bridges, up to 300 feet long, are also maintained by the board. Members for 1902: Messrs J. Wright (chairman), R. Evans, T. Skevington, F. Kelly, F. Moore. Mr R. M. Wright is clerk and treasurer. The board possesses first-class offices, and a residence for the clerk in Ohoka township. The buildings, which were erected in 1880, are of wood, and contain the clerk's offices, a vestibule, and a storeroom. There is also a six-stall stable and a very comfortable two-storey dwellinghouse. The property cost about £1200.
Clerk, Treasurer, and Surveyor of the Eyreton and West Eyreton Road Boards, and of the Mandeville and Rangiora River Board, was born at Addiscombe College, near Croydon, Surrey, England, in 1840. He landed in Lyttelton by the ship “Stag” in 1852, and after a few years settled at Kaiapoi, where he carried on his trade as a builder and contractor till 1873. In that year he was appointed to the position he has since held under the Eyreton Road Board. Ten years later, he received his appointment from the West Eyreton Board. As a volunteer Mr. Wright was enrolled in 1863, in the Kaiapoi Rifles, in which he became colour-sergeant, and served altogether eight years. He joined the Order of Oddfellows at the age of nineteen, has been true to the Order ever since, and has filled the office of Grand Master. Mr. Wright for the last thirty years has been agent in his district for the Standard Insurance Company. He was married, in 1859, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Baker, an old settler who arrived
East Eyreton, was established about 1872. It is conducted at the residence of Mr. J. Moffat. Mails are received and despatched thrice a week.
who has been Postmaster at East Eyreton since 1882, was born in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1841. He was brought up as a blacksmith, and was employed in Scotland as such before coming to the Bluff in 1863, in the ship “Sir William Eyre.” For two years after his arrival in Southland, he was employed at bush work, and subsequently worked at his trade at Wallacetown, Blueskin, and Dunedin. Mr. Moffat then left for Christchurch, where he found employment at his trade. In 1866 he settled at East Eyreton, where he took a lease of the local smithy; in the following year he became the proprietor, and has ever since conducted the business. Mr. Moffat has thirty-two acres of land adjoining his residence and shop. In 1865 he married a daughter of the late Mr. C. McKay, of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and has one daughter surviving.
. This is one of the oldest public schools in North Canterbury. The timber for the original building is said to have been supplied by the settlers some forty years ago, and was carted from the Oxford bush; the local residents contributing fully one-half of the cost. The building, which has since been re-roofed and repaired, consists of two class rooms and two porches, and has accommodation for ninety children. There are fifty-one names on the roll, and the average attendance is forty-six. The headmistress in charge has a residence of seven rooms, and is aided by an infant mistress. A local library, with about 2,000 volumes and thirty subscribers, is conducted in a portion of the school premises. The library is well patronised, especially on Thursday evenings, during the winter months.
Headmistress in charge of the Eyreton Public School, was born at Papanui, Christchurch, and was educated chiefly at the Papanui and West Christchurch schools. She served her pupil-teacher-ship at Belfast, and was afterwards in charge of the Belfast side school for two years and a half. Miss Alley was appointed to her present position in 1895.
at East Eyreton was built in 1875, at a cost of £200. The building is constructed of wood and iron, and has seats for eighty persons. The Sunday school is held in the church, and is attended by thirty-five children, who are instructed by two teachers. There is half an acre of land attached to the church property.
Farmer, Grange Farm, East Eyreton. Mr. Beal was born in 1857 at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, and, at the age of two years, he accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Clontarf.” The family settled at Eyreton almost immediately, and have ever since farmed the original holding. Since 1892 Mr. Beal has owned and worked Grange Farm, which consists of 100 acres. He is also the proprietor of threshing machinery and traction engines, and undertakes work in the season throughout the district. Mr. Beal is a member of the Ohoka Lodge of Oddfellows. He was married, in 1889, to a daughter of the late Mr. F. Moore, of East Eyreton, and has one son and four daughters.
Farmer, East Eyreton. Mr. Beal was born at York, England, in 1854, and accompanied his father, the late Mr. Henry Beal, to Lyttelton in the ship “Clontarf” in 1859. After two years at Kaiapoi the family settled at East Eyreton. Mr. Beal commenced farming in 1884 in company with his brothers. Ten years later he acquired his present property of fifty acres by inheritance, and has since farmed on his own account. Mr. Beal has served as a member of the Eyreton school committee. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of Mr J. Lilly, of Ashley Bauk, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Willow Farm, East Eyreton; Postal address, Clarkville. Mr. Burgess was born on the 12th of March, 1837, at Macclesfield, England, and was brought up to country life. He came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Lady Nugent” in 1851, and found employment as a shearer and in bush work till 1863. In that year he settled in East Eyreton district, where he had previously purchased 107 acres of land, which was then in its natural condition, and contained a good deal of boggy ground. Mr. Burgess has brought it into a good state of cultivation, and has increased his holding to 370 acres. He is a member of the Kaiapoi Lodge of Druids. Mr. Burgess was married in 1862 to a daughter of Mr S. Kember, of Green-park, one of the very early settlers, who landed in Lyttelton from the ship “Castle Eden” in 1851, and has seven sons and four daughters.
Farmer, East Eyreton. Mr. Giles, who farms eighty acres of land, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1840. He arrived in Lytteiton by the ship “Oriental” in 1856, and settled at East Eyreton. After finding employment for about five years in country life, he bought land, which he has since farmed on his own account. Mr. Giles served for six years as a member of the Eyreton Road Board, and as a member of the local school committee. In the Order of Druids he is attached to Lodge Trafalgar, Kaiapoi. His first wife, a daughter of the late Mr. D. Marshall, of Wellington, died in 1882, leaving
Farmer, East Eyreton. Mr. Murphy was born in the district in 1868, and has always been engaged in country pursuits. He has been for seven years a member of the East Eyreton school committee. As an Oddfellow he was a member of the Ohoka Lodge for six years. Mr. Murphy was married, in 1889, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Gray, of East Eyreton, and has four daughters and one son.
Farmer, “Eyrebridge,” East Eyreton. Mr. Murphy was born in 1872 in the district in which he resides, and was brought up to a country life by his farther, after whom he was named, and who died in 1875. He gained experience in farming work at an early age, and has worked the farm on which he resides since 1890. The property consists of eighty acres of freehold, and 140 acres of leasehold land. Mr. Murphy is a member of the Order of Oddfellows, and is attached to the Ohoka Lodge. He was married in 1896, to a daughter of Mr. R. Rice, of Kaiapoi Island.
Farmer, “Wai-iti,” East Eyreton. Mr. Scott was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1849, and brought up to country life. He was farming for some time on his own account in his native place. In 1877 he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Norval,” and settled for about three years on Kaiapoi Island. About 1880 Mr. Scott removed to the Eyreton district, with which he has been since identified. His farm is 396 acres in extent, and he also owns nintey-three acres at Drain Road, Southbrook. For some years Mr. Scott served as a member of the Eyreton school committee. He was married, in 1871, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Scott, of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This lady died in 1901, leaving two daughters and one son. After his bereavement Mr. Scott paid a visit to his native land.
sometime of East Eyreton, was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1826, and was engaged in outdoor life from his early years He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery” in 1862, and became one of the early settlers in the East Eyreton district, where he bought land, and built a sod where, which served as his homestead for a good many years, and the ruins of which are still standing. Mr. Cherry was married, in 1861, and at his death, in 1902, left eight sons and six daughters. The farm, which consists of fifty acres of fine land, is worked by two of the sons, Messrs W. and J. Cherry.
sometime of “Eyrewell,” Eyreton, was one of Canterbury's earliest colonists. He was born at Caistor, in Lincolnshire, in 1828, and was descended from an old Lincolnshire family. His grandfather, Mr. Thomas Dixon, of Holton Park, who owned one of the largest estates in that part of the county, took a prominent part in draining the fens of Lincoln. When fourteen years of age, Mr. Dixon was entered as an apprentice to seamanship on board the ship “Senator,” one of the merchant fleet of Mr. Robert Brooks, the principal founder of the Union Bank of Australia, who carried on a large shipping business with the colonies. The “Senator” was wrecked on the coast of South America, and part of the crew went back to England in the ship “Swordfish.” Mr. Dixon was in Port Philip soon after the discovery of gold, at a time when there were in the harbour nearly 400 ships, which had been deserted by their crews; but he, by sheer tact, kept his men together, and soon got loaded and away to the high seas. After several voyages he decided to give up the sea; and though he was at that time offered the command of the “Southern Cross,” Bishop Selwyn's yacht, he refused, as he had made up his mind to settle in New Zealand, to which he came out with Sir John Hall and his two brothers in 1852. Mr. Dixon took up a large run on the banks of the Waimakariri, and settled in the centre of the run for five years. In 1859 he went Home and married Miss Wood, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Wood, of Woodhall Park, Wensleydale, Yorkshire. On returning to the Colony in 1860, he began to take an active part in public affairs. He was elected a member of the Provincial Council, and continued to sit in that body till the provinces were abolished in 1876. While in the Council, Mr. Dixon supported the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel and the West Coast road. He was at one time chairman of three road boards, when most of the main roads and drains in the Ashley county were laid off and made. Mr. Dixon was one of the promoters and founders of the present system of education, and took an extremely active part in organising the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was one of the first vice-presidents. In 1860 Mr. Dixon imported some choice animals from his father's English herd of purebred Shorthorns. He was the first to introduce into Canterbury straw elevators, three-furrow ploughs, earth-scoops, and the slip-gate for drafting sheep. He also inaugurated a large experimental system of irrigation on the north bank of the Waimakariri in 1893. From 1891 to 1894, Mr. Dixon took a very active part in connection with the introduction of the Ashley-Waimakariri water supply scheme. He died in 1895.
sometime of East Eyreton, was born in Glasgow, in 1839, and accompanied his parents to Port Nicholson in 1841. At the age of sixteen he commenced carting and working with horses in Wellington, and about 1859 he and Mr. W. Belcher brought horses to Canterbury. For some years he was a member of the firm of Belcher and Fairweather, who had waggons
sometime of East Eyreton, was born in 1826 near Skipton, Yorkshire, England. He was brought up as a farmer, and worked, as such for a number of years, before coming to Lyttelton, by the ship “Cashmere,” about 1864. He settled almost immediately in the East Eyreton district, and about two years afterwards purchased his first section of fifty acres of land, which he subsequently increased to seventy acres. Mr. Gray was married, in 1855, to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Laytham, of York. He died in 1890, leaving three daughters. Mrs Gray still survives her husband.
in the county of Ashley, is a well settled district devoted almost entirely to sheep farming. It has two flag railway stations; one is known as West Eyreton, twenty-nine miles from Christchurch and 376 feet above sea level, and the other is named School Road, as it adjoins the West Eyreton school. This station is thirty-one miles from Christchurch, and 418 feet above sea level. The centre of the district is about three miles from Cust, and is reached by a good road. There are blacksmiths' and wheelwrights' shops near the West Eyreton railway station, and there is a daily mail service with Christchurch, but the nearest telegraph office is at Cust, three miles away. The population of the district is 431. Water abounds throughout the district, as the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board has constructed a network of races.
was originally included in the Cust district, from which it was separated about 1872. It is bounded on the east by the Eyreton Road District; on the north by the Cust Road District; on the west by the Oxford Road District; and on the south by the Waimakariri river. The ratable value, in 1902, was £194,154. The board has been fortunate in having a considerable endowment out of the old Provincial Land Fund, which has been sufficient for some years to cover ordinary expenditure. There are sixty miles of formed and metalled roads in the district. Members for 1902: Messrs A. Hunter (chairman), J. Smith, I. Waiting, and H. J. Horrell. Mr. r. M. Wright is clerk and treasurer.
West Eyreton, was founded about 1878. Its business is carried on in one of the railway cottages adjoining the station. Mails are received and despatched daily. Mrs Julia Lawlor has been postmistress since 1894.
West Eyreton. This school was established about 1872. There are four acres of land attached to the premises. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains two class rooms and a porch. There are two good playgrounds, and a comfortable schoolhouse of eight rooms. The school has accommodation for seventy children, there are fifty-five names on the roll and the average attendance is forty-five. The headmaster is assisted by an assistant mistress.
Headmaster of the West Eyreton Public School, attended the training college, Christchurch; and had been stationed as a teacher at Lismore for eighteen months, at Weedons for four years, and at Ashburton and at Mayfield for five years respectively, before taking up his duties at West Eyreton, in January, 1900.
General Blacksmith, Implement-maker, Storekeeper, and Shoemaker, West Eyreton. This business was established by the proprietor in 1887. Mr. Martin has a faculty for invention, and in 1891 produced a new kind of gorse-cutting knife, which proved so satisfactory that he was encouraged to manufacture it as a specialty, and in no fewer than thirteen different sizes, weights, and shapes. These knives are tempered by a particular process, which enables them to preserve a good edge all day, and should the handle break a new one can be inserted without difficulty with the aid of a pocket-knife. Mr. Martin has exhibited this knife at many shows, from Wellington to Dunedin, and has gained twenty-four awards. He has invented several garden tools, for which he has received many testimonials. Mr. Martin is a member of the school committee, and takeslan active interest in athletic sports. He was born in 1859, at Woodend, where he was
Farmer, “Stonycroft,” West Eyreton. Mr. Addinell was born of Yorkshire parents, in London, in 1842, and was educated at Merchant Taylors' School. He arrived in the Colony in 1861 in the ship “Sir George Pollock,” landing in Nelson. After a short stay there he removed to Canterbury, and took up his first land at Waimate in 1863, near Willow Bridge Farm, where he was settled for twelve years. He took a trip Home in 1876 via Melbourne, and returned in 1878, when he purchased his present farm of 662 acres at West Eyreton. He revisited England in 1887 in the s.s. “Arawa,” returning to the Colony in the same year by the s.s. “Ruapehu.” Mr. Addinell was chairman of the West Eyreton Road Board for twenty-one years, and was also chairman of the school committee. He was married, in 1884, to Miss Horrell, and has three daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “The Ranche,” West Eyreton. Mr. Chapman is a son of the late Mr. Robert Chapman, and was born at Springbank in 1857. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and served for five years as an officer of the Union Bank, for most of the time at Timaru. When he retired from the bank Mr. Chapman held the position of teller. In 1885 he commenced farming on his own account on his estate of 3,680 acres of land at West Eyreton. On this fine property Mr. Chapman runs on an average, about 5,000 sheep, besides cropping about 300 acres each year. Mr. Chapman is a member of the Canterbury and Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and served nine years as a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He was married, in 1885, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. E. Cooper, of Timaru, and has three daughters and two sons.
Farmer, “Pine Grove,” Ohoka Road, West Eyreton. Mr. Crysell was born in 1837, in Essex, England, and came out to South Australia in charge of horses in 1855. On arriving in New Zealand in 1860, he settled in the Cust district. He had exciting experiences in connection with the great flood in 1868, and has seen the district develop from its natural condition to its present state of cultivation. Since 1868 he has resided in the West Eyreton district. Mr. Crysell has served on the local road board, and school committee, and was vestryman of the Anglican Church at Cust for a number of years. He was married, in 1864, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Knight, of Cornwall. Mrs Crysell died in November, 1901, leaving two sons and one daughter.
Sheepfarmer, West Eyreton. Mr. Dixon is the eldest son of Mr. Marmaduke Dixon, formerly of “Eyrewell.” He was born in 1862, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. After leaving College, he joined his father in the management of his estate of 48,000 acres, and in 1893 he carried out under his father's direction, the first large irrigation scheme in Canterbury. In doing this he sowed and planted 1300 acres of poor country, and experimentally irrigated the whole, with excellent results. Mr. Dixon succeeded to the full management of the estate on the death of his father in 1895. From 1885 to 1890 he spent his annual holidays in climbing and exploring the Southern Alps, and ascended to within 100 feet of the top of Mount Cook. In 1890 he took an active part in exploring the region round Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Leaving Mount Cook, in company with Mr. G. Mannering, he paddled his canoe down the Tasman river, and down Pukaki lake and river and the Waitaki river. In 1891 Mr. Dixon was one of the three founders of the New Zealand Alpine Club. He was married, in 1897, to Miss Mabel Courage, of Seadown, Amberley.
is a native settlement three miles and a half from Rangiora, four and a half from Kaiapoi, and one and a half from Woodend. The old name of the place was St. Stephen's, Maori Pa, and the native name is Tuahiwi. The settlement is said to be the largest pa in the South Island, and has a population of about 150 Maoris. There is a native school, church, and also a post office; the land surrounding the settlement is the property of the natives, and is for the most part leased to Europeans.
Tuahiwi, was established in 1900, at the schoolhouse, Maori Pa. A daily mail is received and despatched, and the local schoolmaster, Mr. David Cossgrove, is postmaster.
Tuahiwi. This school was established by the Church of England about 1872, and taken over by the Education Department ten years later. The building, which is of wood, contains two class rooms and two porches, and has accommodation for seventy-five children. There are fifty names on the roll, and the headmaster is assisted by an assistant mistress. The school residence has seven rooms.
Headmaster of Kaiapoi Native School, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1852. He came with his parents to Port Chalmers by the ship “Alpine,” and was educated at Milton. In 1872 he commenced as a teacher under the Otago Board of Education, and held several appointments in the district. He was afterwards on the West Coast, and joined the Kaiapoi school in 1899. Mr. Cossgrove has been connected with volunteering since 1866. He now holds the rank of captain and quartermaster, and went to South Africa with the Sixth Contingent, and again with the Tenth as paymaster. He was also gazetted as captain and quartermaster in the New Zealand Militia on the 25th of April, 1901. In 1875 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr W. Robertson, of Sandfly Bay, Otago, and has four sons and four daughters.
Maori Pa, Kaiapoi Native Reserve. The Maori mission was established in 1859 under the charge of the Rev. J. W. Stack, who resided at St Stephen's, Kaiapoi, on a glebe of twenty acres, reserved by the Government for the Church endowment at the time of the allotment of the Kaiapoi reserve to the Maoris. Attached to the mission-house there was a boarding-school for native children. In 1865 Sir George Gray laid the foundation stone of St. Stephen's Church, which was formally opened by Bishop Harper a few months later. The original building, which has since been enlarged, was erected of timber cut by the natives in the local bush, which was named Church Bush, and the Maoris also took part in its erection. In 1870 the school and mission-house were burnt down, and, owing to want of funds, were never rebuilt. The Government objecting to build on church property, four acres of the glebe were transferred by Bishop Harper to the Government for school purposes; and Mr. Henry Reeves and Mrs Reeves were appointed teachers of the school then erected by the Education Department. In May, 1873, the Rev. G. P. Mutu was ordained deacon, and appointed assistant curate at the mission. He held the office, with a short interval, till April 1893. In 1884 the Rev. Mr. Stack resigned owing to ill-health, and from that date till 1894 the mission lacked the supervision of an English clergyman until the appointment of the Rev. R. A. Woodthorpe, M.A., in that year. Mr. Woodthorpe resigned his office in the beginning of 1898, and the Rev. Wynter Bblathwayt, of the Otago diocese, was appointed on the 16th of May, and is now (1902) in charge. The church has seating accommodation for about 200 persons, and services are held three times each Sunday. The services are choral. The choir consists of about fifty members, nearly all of whom are Maoris, who all wear surplices, and the female members have college caps. The Sunday school in connection with the church has at present a roll number of thirty children. There is also a sewing guild and a young men's and young women's class, which meet weekly. Messrs Hoani Hape, Taituha Hape, and H. C. Blathway are lay readers. The Rev. Wynter Blathwayt, chap lain to the Maoris in the Canterbury district, resides at St. Stephen's, Maori Pa.
Farmer, Maori Pa. Mr. McQuillan was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1844, and came with his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” in 1863. The family settled in North Canterbury, where young McQuillan was brought up to farming. Subsequently he started on his own account, and has been successfully engaged in agriculture for twenty-five years. Mr. McQuillan owns a small farm at Waikuku, and leases over 100 acres of Maori land at the pa. He has resided in the district ever since his arrival in New Zealand. In 1873 he married Miss Hamilton, also of Irish birth, and they have a surviving family of four sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Tuahiwi, Maori Pa. Mr. Moody was born in Leicestershire,
Farmer, Maori Pa. Mr. Rowe was born at Cam Mill, Rangiora, in 1872, and has always been engaged in country pursuits. He has 100 acres of leasehold land, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Rowe is a member of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles; and as an Oddfellow, he is attached to the Royal Rangiora Lodge. He was married, in 1896, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Sills, of Woodend, and has two sons.
Farmer, Maori Pa. Mr. Rowe was born in 1837 in Shropshire, England, and was brought up as an iron moulder. He landed in Lyttelton by the ship “Mary Ann” in 1859, and after a short residence at Riccarton he removed to Woodend, and was subsequently farming at Moeraki Downs. He has lived at the Maori Pa since 1873. Mr. Rowe was married, in 1859, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Roberts, of Birmingham, and has three sons and one daughter surviving.
(Philip George), Settler, Tuahiwi. Mr. Whare was born in the Settlement of Arahura, in 1870, is a son of the late Teoti Tau Whare, and a descendant of a very early tribe of natives on the West Coast. In athletic affairs he is very prominent, and has ranked amongst the leading football players in the colony.
is situated on the main North Road, about four miles from Kaiapoi, and also about four from the borough of Rangiora. It is a long straggling settlement in the Mandeville riding of the county of Ashley, and at the census of April, 1901, contained a population of 365 souls. The district is devoted chiefly to agriculture and dairy farming. Flourmilling, flaxmilling, brickmaking, and bacon-curing are carried on in the township, which has a mechanics' institute and public library. There is also a creamery, which is well supported by the local settlers. The district has several churches, and there is a public school. Woodend has daily postal communication with Christchurch.
which was establisied in the early days of settlement in the district, is erected on a section of about three acres in extent. The building consists of two class rooms and two porches, and has accommodation for 150 pupils; the roll in March, 1902, contained 131 pames, and there was an average attendance of 117. The headmaster is assisted by a mistress. There is a good playground attached to the school, and a recreation reserve adjoins the site. A schoolhouse of eight rooms is erected on the property.
B.A., Master of Woodend School, was born in the North of Scotland in 1862. In November, 1890, he was placed in charge of the Model School, Christchurch, whence he was appointed to Woodend in 1899. He is a member of the North Canterbury Educational Institute, and, as a Freemason, belongs to Lodge Concord, Papanui. Mr. Sutherland was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. T. Ritchie, of Duredin, and has one daughter.
Woodend. This is one of the oldest churches in North Canterbury, and was erected at the end of the fifties. It is built of wood and iron, and has accommodation for 150 worshippers. There is also a convenient schoolroom, which will hold 100 pupils. The Sunday school has sixty pupils and eight teachers. The parsonage, a seven-roomed building of one storey, adjoins the church. There are two acres of land, one of which is used as a cemetery.
Minister in charge of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, was born at Kirkbride, Ramsey, Isle of Man, in 1863, and educated at the Ramsey Grammar School and King William's College, Castletwn, Isle of Man. He arrived in Auckland in 1880, by the ship “British Empire,” and was for three years engaged in farming with his brother at Pukekohe, till he became a local preacher in that district, and subsequently a candidate for the ministry. The Conference of 1884 accepted him for training at Three Kings College. He was called out to supply in the Upper Thames circuit in November 1883. In March, 1887, Mr. Joughin succeeded the Rev. T. G. Hammond in charge of the Native and European work in the Hokianga district, where he remained for six years. He was afterwards stationed at Te Aroha, Upper Thames, from 1893 to 1896, when, owing to domestic bereavement and ill-health, he obtained the permission of the Conference to visit England. His health being restored by the voyage, he supplied in the Wesley circuit, Liverpool, for one year, and returned to New Zealand about Christmas, 1897. Mr Joughin was appointed to Roxburgh, Otago, in 1898, and to Woodend in 1901. He was married, in 1890, but Mrs Joughin died on the 1st of December, 1895, leaving one daughter. In September, 1902, Mr. Joughin was married at Kaiapoi to Miss Wilson, daughter of Mr. Isaac Wilson, of that town.
(Sefton Dairy Company, Ltd., proprietors), Woodend. This creamery was opened on the 19th of December, 1901, and by March, 1902, it was being supplied by eighteen settlers, who were milking, in the aggregate, about 200 cows. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a Delaval separator, capable of dealing with 440 gallons per hour. The machinery is driven by a four-horse power turbine, and the cream is sent daily to the Sefton factory.
Manager of the Woodend Creamery, was born in 1867 at Tei Tapu. He was educated at Leeston, and gained his experience of dairy work at the Central Company's creamery. Lakeside. On the opening of the Woodend establishment he was appointed to the position of manager. Mr. Barnett is a member of the Order of Druids, and is attached to the Ashburton Lodge
Blacksmith and Implement Maker, Woodend. Mr. Little has been in business in his present premises for over thirty years. His barrows and horse-hoes are a specialty and have been successfully exhibited at the leading agricultural shows in the South Island since 1869, and have secured no fewer than 100 first prizes and nineteen second prizes. Mr. Little arrived in New Zealand in the ship “Zambesi” in 1863 from Cumberland, England. He has a grown-up family of sons who take a great interest in the business. Mr. Little has always taken an active part in education and church matters, and was chairman of the Woodend school committee for some years.
Butcher and Farmer, Woodend Butchery, Main North Road, Woodend. This butchery, which is situated in the centre of the township, is the oldest-established in the district. Mr. Chambers acquired the business on his arrival at Woodend in 1882, and he has since conducted it in a successful and highly efficient manner. Meat is delivered daily to the settlers in the surrounding country. The slaughter-houses are situated some distance away from the township, on the native reserve. In addition to his business, Mr. Chambers owns and farms a property of ninety-six acres, fourteen acres of which are leasehold and the balance freehold. Mr. Chambers was born in Victoria, in 1858, and arrived in Otago with his parents four years later. He was brought up as a butcher, but has also been engaged in agricultural work ever since he was a lad. Mr. Chambers has been a member of the Woodend school committee for about twenty years, during four of which he has been chairman. As an Oddfellow he is a member of the local lodge, and has passed through all the chairs. He was married at Woodend to a daughter of the late Mr. Edwin Howell, and has six sons and six daughters. One of his sons served with the New Zealand Contingents in the war in South Africa.
Flourmiller, Ravenswood Roller Flour Mill, Woodend. This well known mill, which is of wood and iron, and contains two stories and a basement, was built about 1856. The plant, which produces about a sack of flour per hour, is driven by a water-wheel, of about five-horse power. The water-race was originally out by the Rev. John Raven, one of the earliest settlers in the district. Mr. Raven also built the mill, which has been worked by the present proprietor since 1882. Mr. Archer was born in 1846 in Essex, England, where his father was a farmer, and he himself was brought up to the milling business. He landed in Lyttelton on the 1st of January, 1870, and in the following year he went to Australia, but returned to New Zealand in 1872, and settled at Southbrook. A year later, he went to Christchurch, and after twelve months removed to Oxford, where he lived for three years. Since settling in the district Mr. Archer has served for a good many years, on the Waikuku school committee, and holds office as a member of the Waikuku Domain Board He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. J. Maddison, of Templeton, and has three sons and four daughters surviving.
General Storekeeper, Woodend. Mr. Little has conducted his present business since 1897. His store contains the local post and telegraph office, telephone bureau, Government money order office and savings bank, and mails are received and despatched daily. Mr. Little does a general trade throughout the district. He was born at Yaldhurst, Canterbury, in 1866, and was educated at Woodend, where he also learned his trade as a blacksmith. Mr. Little worked at his trade with his father, Mr. J. Little, for twelve years, before entering on his present business. He was for eight years a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. Mr. Little was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Bramley, and has three daughters and one son.
Stock-dealer, Woodend. Mr. Counsell was born in Mark, Somersetshire, England, in the year 1842, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Motueka” in 1862. He commenced business as a butcher, but went to the goldfields at the time of the Dunstan “rush” in that year, and was successively at the Bannockburn, Arrow, Shotover
Farmer, “Brockenhurst,” Woodend. Postal address, Kaiapoi. Mr. Crossley was born at Esk Head, Hurunui, Canterbury, in 1873, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was brought up to country pursuits, and became manager of Brockenhurst estate, which consists of 400 acres of freehold, and is used for fattening and cropping purposes. “Brockenhurst” was leased by him in 1895, and in 1902 he bought a block of the late Colonel Fox's estate at Hawarden. Mr. Crossley is a member of the Canterbury and Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. He was married, in 1900, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. W. McRae, of the “Glens of Tekoa,” and has one son.
Farmer, Woodend. This settler was born in Herefordshire. England, in 1834, and arrived in New Zealand in the ship “Columbia.” He worked in the Lyttelton tunnel, and for some time after-wards on the Lyttelton breakwater. After leaving Lyttelton he had charge of the Oxford branch of the railway formation, and, after living in Rangiora a few years, he took up his present property at Woodend, where he has since carried on mixed farming. Mrs Derbridge was born in Bierford, Shropshire, England, in 1825, and came to New Zealand in 1863 in the ship “Antress.”
Farmer, Woodend. This settier was born in Hamburg, Germany, in the year 1836, and arrived at Lyttelton in the ship “Egmont” in 1856. He was for a short time at Kaiapoi, then settled at Woodend,
Farmer, Woodend. Mr. Flutey was born in Okain's Bay, Banks' Peninsula, in June, 1853, and was brought up to country pursuits at the Maori Pa. He farms about fifty acres of land, which is well situated, in Woodend. Mr. Flutey was married, in May, 1878, to a daughter of Mr. J. Crane, of Waihola, Otago, and has five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Woodend. Mr. Gibbs is a son of the late Mr. James Gibbs, who arrived in Lyttelton in 1858. He was born in 1862, at Woodend, and in early life turned his attention to farming. He farms 370 acres altogether, and is a stud breeder of Shropshire Down sheep. In 1892 a ram which he exhibited won the championship at the Canterbury agricultural and pastoral show, and Mr. Gibbs has also gained many other prizes. Besides being a farmer, Mr. Gibbs carries on business as a stock-dealer and freezer, and shipper of mutton. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of Mr. J. Marshall, farmer, Ohoka, and has one son and two daughters.
Farmer, Woodend. Mr. Hewitt was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1837. He was brought up as a gentleman's servant, and held various positions, as groom and coachman, till coming to Lyttelton in 1874 by the ship “Mongol.” After passing six months in Dunedin, he settled at Woodend, and has been engaged chiefly in farming; his farm is 100 acres in extent. Mr. Hewitt has served as a member of the local school committee for some years. He married a daughter of Mr. T. Griffith, of North Wales, and has seven sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Te Pakiaka,” Woodend. Mr. Horrell was born in Devonshire, England, in 1852, and came to Lyttelton with his parents in the “Roe-hampton” in 1857. He was educated at the Woodend school and at Mr. C. Merton's boarding school at Rangiora. In the year 1808, he took the Board of Education's first prize at that school for general proficiency. After leaving school he worked on the farm and took the management of it some time prior to his father's death in 1892. This property contains about 150 acres of freehold land, which is under thorough cultivation, partly under crops, and grazed by sheep and cattle. The Improvements include a substantial dwelling, with gardens and orchards eight acres in extent. Mr. Horrell was appointed organist at St. Barnabas Church, Woodend, when only sixteen years of age, and has occupied the position ever since. He was instrumental in obtaining six acres of ground from the Government for a public domain, and has taken great interest in athletic sports, having played several football matches for the old North Canterbury team. He joined the Woodend lodge of Oddfellows in 1874, and has been through all the different offices connected with the lodge, and a trustee for fifteen years. Mr. Horrell has been an energetic member of the Waimakariri Harbour Board for many years, and is a member of the Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board. He was married in 1876 to the daughter of Mr. William Rayner, printer, Lyttelton, and has eight children living. Mr. Horrell is further referred to in the Military Section of this volume.
Farmer, Woodend. Mr. Judson was born in 1847, in Leicestershire, England, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Clontarf” in 1860. Having gained experience in farming, he began on his own account at Woodend, in 1870. Mr. Judson has always taken an interest in local matters, and for fifteen years acted as librarian and treasurer of the local library. He also served one year as a member of the licensing committee. Mr. Judson was married, in 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr J. Sutherland, of Helmsdale, and has three sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Beaconsfield Farm. Woodend. Mr. Pateman was born in Christchurch in 1861, and, since he was three years of age, he had spent most of his time in Woodend. He was brought up to a country life, and has farmed on his own account since 1880. As a volunteer, Mr. Pateman is a member of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of Mr. W. Judson, of Woodend, and has had three sons and two daughters. One son is dead.
Farmer, Woodend. Mr. Stalker was born in Cumberland, England, in the year 1844, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Canterbury” in 1864. He first resided between Woodend and Rangiora for two years, when he removed to Church Bush and remained there until the flood in 1868. On that occasion he narrowly escaped being drowned, his house being nearly under water, and he had to escape through the window, and by means of a canoe; all his small stock were drowned. He made a fresh start on swamp land near Rangiora, but after another year or two he took a farm near Fernside for a term of two years, and in 1872 finally settled at Woodend. In 1883, Mr. Stalker went to England in the ship “British King,” which took the first shipment of frozen meat from Lyttelton. In spite
Farmer, North Road, Woodend. Mr. Stanton came out to New Zealand in 1865, and took up land at Woodend, at a time when heavy bush covered the whole of that part of the country. He was born in Smetwich, Staffordshire, England, in 1832. His little homestead is situated between Rangiora and Woodend.
Farmer, Woodend, Mr. Stanton was born at Olney, Bedfordshire, England, in 1856, and was brought up to farming, having tried his hand at ploughing before he was able to lift a single-furrow plough. He was brought to Lyttelton by his parents in the ship “Zealandia,” in 1858, and the family were early settlers in Woodend, where he has since resided. The remains of a sod-house (one of the first in Woodend) are still (1902) to be seen on his property. It was erected about 1858, and for some time afterwards was the home of two families. Mr. Stanton was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. R. Petrie, of Woodend, and has four sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “The Sandhills” Woodend. Mr. Stone is a son of the late Mr. Samuel Stone, who came to Nelson, as a blacksmith for the New Zealand Company, by the ship “Prince of Wales,” in 1842. Mr. Stone, senior, went through the troubles of early colonial life in Nelson during the trying time when, owing to a dispute between the Imperial Government and the New Zealand Company, the settlers were almost reduced to starvation. He removed to Canterbury in 1856 and settled at “The Sandhills,” where be lived till 1896, when he died at the advanced age of eighty-nine. Mr. H. J. Stone was born at Richmond, Nelson, in 1850, and was brought up to country life, in the Kaiapoi district, by his father. His property consists of fifty-eight acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. For ten years Mr. Stone was a member of the Kaiapoi Volunteer Band. He is well known as a capital shot, and has won many prizes in that connection. As a sportsman he has also taken many trophies in connection with large game. Mr. Stone was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. R. Hamlett, a very early settler, who arrived in the ship “Castle Eden” at Lyttelton, in February, 1851, and was one of the first to erect a house in Kaiapoi. Mr. and Mrs Stone's family consists of one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Woodend. Mr. Zuppicich was born in Austria in 1841, was brought up to a seafaring life, and came to Lyttelton, by the ship “Sebastopol,” in 1861. After a short time in the Timaru district he settled at Woodend in 1862. He was married, in 1863, to a daughter of Mr. H. Cleaver, of Woodend, who came out in one of the first four ships, and has three sons and four daughters.
is one of the oldest surviving settlers in the Woodend district. He was born in 1815, at Turvey, Bedfordshire, England, and after a varied experience in England and on the Continent, he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Cashmere' in 1855. He settled in Woodend in August, 1857, and was engaged in farming for over twenty years. Mr. Bailey was married, in 1838, to a daughter of the late Mr. Gibbs, of Turvey. His wife died in 1884, leaving one son.
sometime of Woodend, was born in 1812, in Ayrshire, Scotland, in the next house to that in which the poet Burns was born. He was educated for the medical profession, and came out to New Zealand about 1862. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Bowie settled in Woodend, where he had acquired Ravenswood farm (so named after the Rev. John Raven), which at that time consisted of about 1200 acres of choice land. Mr. Bowie was noted as a horse-breeder, was an excellent judge, and took considerable interest in the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was a frequent exhibitor. He was married, in 1840, to a daughter of Mr. J. Dunning, of Ayr, and died in 1869, leaving two sons and four daughters. His widow survived till 1886. A considerable portion of Ravenswood farm has been sold, and Mr. Bowie's daughters (the Misses
was born at Egworth, near Liverpool, in 1839, and arrived in Auckland in 1848. Subsequently he went to Wairau with Sir Charles Clifford, with whom he remained for two years. He then removed to Canterbury, and afterwards went on to the Otago goldfields, where he remained until 1864. On returning to Canterbury he settled at Woodend, where he engaged in farming. Mr. Porter had the misfortune to lose an arm in the Ravenswood flaxmill, Woodend, about 1875, and in consequence he took up a carrying business between Christchurch, Woodend, and Rangiora, which he still keeps up. His house was destroyed by fire in 1896, and the inhabitants of Woodend and the surrounding district showed their esteem and sympathy by replacing it with a good four-roomed house. Mr. Porter was married, in 1864, to a daughter of Mr. William Judson, of Woodend, and has four sons and six daughters.
extends from the flag station of its name on the northern railway to the Wetheral station on the Eyreton-Bennett's branch, a distance of probably five or six miles. The flag station is sixteen miles from Christchurch, and four miles from Rangiora, and is only twelve feet above sea level. Wetheral station is eighteen miles from Christchurch, and thirty-nine feet above sea level. Flaxton is a rich agricultural district in the centre of what was once known as the Rangiora swamp. Plans for the drainage of this swamp, of 4000 acres, were prepared by Mr. E. Bray, C.E., and the first two miles of main drain were cut about 1860. Two years later another two and a half miles were added, and also several branch drains. These drains have had the effect of drying the land, and lowering the level of the ground in places by as much as eight feet. The first settlers were Mr. James Sealey and Messrs N. and H. Ellis, who were followed, in 1862, by Mr. P. C. Threlkeld. Shortly before these settlers appeared on the scene, Messrs P. Pawsey, James Clark, Samuel Burrell, R. Duffel, and George Clist were settled on the higher bank of the Ohoka creek; and Mr. James Wylde, C.E., lived in the centre of the Ohoka bush. In 1865 a church was erected, principally through the exertions of Canon Dudley. The Flaxton school district has now two schools attended by 120 scholars. There are also two churches, and a public library which is said to be second to no country library in Canterbury. Flaxton has a daily mail service, and there is a flour mill at Wetheral station. In the earlier years of the settlement the settlers were actual prisoners during the winter months; now the district is served by two lines of railway and five railway stations.
Flaxton, is situated at the corner of the Rangiora and Kaiapoi roads. It has been established many years, and a daily mail is received and despatched.
Postmaster at Flaxton, was born at Saltwater Creek in 1866. He is a blacksmith by trade, and bought his present business at Flaxton in 1892. Mr. Hopkins was married, in that year, to a daughter of Mr. T. Stevenson, of Kaiapoi, and has four sons and two daughters.
Flaxton, is situated near Wetheral railway station, at Ohoka. It serves that district, and was originally established on the site of the Flaxton side school, whence it was removed about 1877. The grounds consist of about three acres, and the school, which is built of wood and iron, contains two class rooms and two porches, with accommodation for 150 children. There are eighty-one names on the roll, and the average attendance is sixty. The staff consists of a headmaster and mistress. A good playground surrounds the school, and there is a substantial two-storied residence.
Headmaster of the Flaxton Main School, was born in London, in 1852 He arrived in Wellington in 1874, by the ship “Douglas,” and served under the Education Board of Westland at Greenstone, and after coming to Canterbury was at Wainui, Akaroa, for three years, and also for a similar term at Sedgemere. In
Flaxton, which was founded many years ago, was the principal school in the district till the main school was established at Wetheral railway station in 1877. Its grounds are about an acre in extent, and the building, which is of wood and iron, contains a class room and a porch, with accommodation for forty children. There are twenty-eight names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-four. There is a four-roomed residence, which is occupied by the caretaker.
Mistress in charge of the Flaxton Side School, was born in Herefordshire, England. Having arrived with her parents in the colony, she qualified as a teacher at Kaiapoi, prior to being appointed mistress at Flaxton.
Farmer, Flaxton. Mr. Chatterton was born in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, in 1846. As a youth he went to sea, sailing with two of his uncles (named Vine), who were sea captains, and others. In 1864 he joined the London Fire Brigade, stationed at Watling Street. In December, 1871, he left the Fire Brigade, and was married the following day to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Parrett, carpenter, of Devonshire, England. Six weeks afterwards Mr. and Mrs Chatterton sailed for New Zealand in the ship “Dover Castle.” in 1878 Mr. Chatterton began farming in the Flaxton district, where he has remained ever since, except for a trip Home in 1889. He was for four years on the Flaxton main school committee, and was chairman for three years He is a member of the Wesleyan Church, and has held nearly every office in connection with it in the Rangiora circuit Mr. Chatterton was recently presented with a handsome illuminated testimonial, framed with the portraits of himself, the teachers, and the school, in recognition of his having completed a quarter of a century as superintendent of the Southbrook Sunday school. He has a family of six sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Easter-brook Road, Flaxton. Mr. Dickhoff was born in 1841 in the province of Hanover, Germany. He was brought up to a country life, and left his native land in 1859 for London, where he lived for four years, and then sailed for Auckland by the ship “Queen of Beauty.” As the native troubles were then very prominent, he left immediately for Canterbury, where he worked in various places for two years, when he purchased fifty acres of land in the Flaxton district. On the outbreak of the West Coast diggings, Mr. Dickhoff went to the Buller district, and was more or less successful as a miner for a period of eleven years. After taking a trip to the Fatherland, he settled on his land at Flaxton. Mr. Dickhoff was married in Germany, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. H. Wahlers, of Hanover, and has three sons and two daughters surviving. Mrs Dickhoff died in October, 1894.
Farmer, Easterbrook Road, Flaxton. Mr. Fayen was born in 1836 in Hanover, Germany, and has always been engaged in country pursuits. He landed in Victoria in 1857, and after a short sojourn at Sandhurst, he came to New Zealand, and was interested in the goldfields of Otago and the West Coast for a short time. Ultimately he settled in the Flaxton district, and has for many years been engaged in mixed farming.
“The Grange” (De Renzie Mathias, manager), Flaxton. Mr. De Renzie Mathias is a son of Mr. V. W. Mathias, and a grandson of the late Archdeacon Mathias He was born in Kirwee, at the residence of the late Colonel Brett, in 1875, and was educated at Mr. Cook's school, Christchurch. Besides managing the farm for his father, he is also an inventor, and has invented a potato-sorter, which has been tried successfully at several places, and is likely to come into general use. He is also interested in several other inventions, including a potate-planter and a noiseless ram. Mr. Mathias takes a great interest in music and painting, and is very proficient in both these arts. He is also an athlete of repute, and for one hundred yards or a half-mile sprint, there are few in the district who can distance him.
Farmer, Main Drain Road, Flaxton, Mr. Kelcher was born
Farmer, “Peverel Place,” Flaxton, Mr. Mulcock was born at Hatfield Peverels, Essex, England, in 1857, and was educated at Great Baddow Grammar School. He came to New Zealand in 1860, after being in business for three years in Australia. Coming from an old farming stock, Mr. Mulcock struck out in that direction, and in stock-dealing. At different times he has brought large quantities of stock from the Nelson and Marlborough districts. His farm is one of the best and most complete in the district, and has all been reclaimed from very rough swamp land. Mr. Mulcock is chairman of the Mandeville River Board, having been a member of the board since its formation, and has taken a prominent interest in educational and church matters, being a member of the Anglican synod. He was married in 1861 to a daughter of Mr. Charles Thompson, of Cambridge, England, and has seven sons and eight daughters, all born in the Colony. Three of his sons are settled on farms at Waimate, and amongst them have 1800 acres of first-class land.
“Inglewood,” Flaxton. Mr. Threlkeld was born at Milburn, Westmorland, England, in 1832. Hisfather, the Rev. Philip Threlkeld, with his father, also the Rev. Philip, together, held the living for the greater part of a century. Mr. Philip C Threlkeld was educated partly by his father, and afterwards at the grammar school of Penrith. After a few years spent in Sunderland, he sailed for the Canterbury settlement, New Zealand, in 1854. For two years he stayed with his countryman, Sir Michael le Fleming who, in partnership with Mr. Robert Jackson, owned the run extending from the site of the present town of Sheffield to Mount Torlesse and Otarama. Then Mr. Threlkeld acted as overseer for Mr. R. H. Rhodes for nearly six years, on his Purau estate. In 1862 he wen' on to land that he had bought in the Rangiora swamp, well so-named at that time, for Mr Threlkeld states that there would be little exaggeration in saying that the land was knee deep in water. Mr. Threlkeld started breeding with a good selection of Shorthorn cattle, and in 1865 visited England and purchased the nucleus of his since celebrated English Leicester flock, so well known in every part of New Zealand and also in Australia. The prizes obtained by the Inglewood flock and herd number over one thousand, including very many champions, and the prize tickets would cover a space 30 or 40 feet square. The stud flock, including those under the charge of Mr. P. C. Threlkeld, junior, at “The Terraces,” Methven, numbers 2000 breeding ewes. Mr. Threlkeld married, in 1867, a daughter of Mr. Thomas Cholmondeley, of Vale Royal, and has a family of five sons and three daughters.
sometime of Flaxton, was born in Armagh, Ireland, in 1837 and arrived in Lyttelton in the ship “Greenock” in the early part of 1860. He was engaged by Mr. Leslie Lee to go to Nelson, and drove for the whole journey in a bullock dray, occupying several days and nights. After being with Mr. Lee for about twelve months, he tried his luck at the Otago diggings, but soon after returned again to Nelson and finally left for Canterbury, taking up about fifty acres of Government land where Flaxton now stands, which at that time was all bush. At the time of
was one of the early settlers who took up land in the Rangiora Swamp. He was born at Paisley, Scotland, in 1835, and brought up to country life. Mr. Stevenson came out to New Zealand in 1862, and lived to see his land brought from swamp and flax to a state of cultivation. He served for a number of years as a member of the Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board, and was also a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Mr. Stevenson was married, in 1861, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Boyd, of Ayrshire, Scotland, who afterwards lived for some sixteen years with his son-in-law and daughter in New Zealand. Mr. Stevenson died in 1885, leaving five sons and five daughters, but one daughter has since died.
is in the Mandeville riding of the county of Ashley. It is built on the Christchurch-Culverden line, nineteen miles from Christchurch, and a little more than one mile from Rangiora. The railway station stands at an elevation of fifty-five feet above the sea. There are two flour mills, a flax mill, a number of churches, a public school, post office, and two stores in the district, which was formerly covered with heavy bush. This, however, has all been cleared away, and the land is now covered with agricultural and dairy farms. At the census of 1901 Southbrook and neighbourhood had a population of 1070 souls.
Southbrook, was established about 1872. Daily mails are received and despatched, and the postmaster, who has held office since 1893, is Mr. W. Dyson.
Southbrook, is one of the oldest in North Canterbury. It is built of wood and iron, contains two class rooms and two porches, and has accommodation for 175 pupils. There are 148 names on the roll, and the average attendance is 124. The headmaster is assisted by a mistress and two pupil-teachers. There are about three acres of land attached to the school premises, which include a schoolhouse of five rooms.
Headmaster of the Southbrook Public School, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1860. He arrived with his mother in Lyttelton by the ship “Canterbury,” in 1866, and finished his primary school education at the West Christchurch School, where he served his pupilteachership. After a year at the Normal Training College, he entered the service of the Board of Education, and was appointed to Southbrook in 1900. Mr. Borthwick was married, in 1896, to a daughter of Mr. Dorman, of Springfield and has two daughters.
Southbrook is centrally situated in the township. The first portion of the building was removed from Ashley Street, Rangiora, but a new church was subsequently erected, and the two, having since been joined together, provide ample Sunday school room accommodation. When the Methodist Union was consummated, the Free Methodist Church in Rangiora was removed to Southbrook, and adjoins the other premises. It is a good building of wood and iron, and has seating accommodation for 180 persons. There is a very fine Sunday school at Southbrook, with 130 scholars and fifteen teachers.
Butcher, Southbrook. Mr. Watson was born in January, 1837, at Monk Wearmouth, Sunderland, England. He was brought up as a butcher, and was in business on his own account in his native place for about three years before he came to New Zealand, in 1858 by the ship “Indiana.” After his arrival he settled at Southbrook, where, for over forty years, he has resided on his present premises. Mr. Watson was actively engaged in business as a butcher till 1901, when he retired in favour of his son.
General Merchant, Flax and Rope Miller, Builder and Contractor, Sawmiller and Timber Merchant, Southbrook. This extensive business was founded by the proprietor in 1867. Though he began only in the building line, Mr. Withers gradually developed the flax industry, to which he subsequently added rope-manufacturing. In connection with his business as a builder and contractor, he put down a sawmilling plant, and has extensive yards for stacking timber. The buildings are large and well adapted for the requirements of a considerable trade, which includes storekeeping in all branches. Mr. Withers was born in London, in 1843, educated in his native city, and apprenticed to the trade of a builder. As such he worked in England till 1862, when he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Queen of the Mersey.” At first he settled in Rangiora, where he engaged in farming pursuits for about three years before establishing his business in Southbrook. Mr. Withers was married on the 29th of February, 1864, to a daughter of Mr. G. Smith, of Southbrook, and has one son surviving.
Rangiora Flour Mill, Southbrook. Mr. Archer was born in Essex, England, in 1844, and was brought up to the milling trade. He arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Mermaid” in 1865. At first he was employed at Messrs Aulsebrook's, in Christchurch, for a short time, and afterwards had four years of experience on the West Coast. On returning to Canterbury, Mr. Archer built a mill at Malvern, and worked it for some time before settling at Southbrook. Mr. Archer was married, in 1876, to a daughter of Mr. G. Willis, of Malvern, and has two sons and three daughters.
(Messrs Moir and Co., proprietors), Southbrook. This mill was built many years ago, and was afterwards burnt down and rebuilt. It is a wood and iron building of four stories, and is driven by steam and water power. There is a weekly output of fifty tons, and the mill is under the management of Mr. John McKenzie.
Farmer, Southbrook. Mr. McIntosh was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1832, and was brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery” in 1858, and settled in Kaiapoi, where he took up land, and engaged in farming for fifteen years. On removing to Southbrook, he took up an area of 700 acres, on which he has since resided, and altogether he farms over 2000 acres. As a breeder of Clydesdale horses, Mr. McIntosh has taken many prizes. He was married, in 1858, to a daughter of Mr. A. Cruickshank, of Invernessshire, and has four daughters and eight sons.
Farmer, Southbrook, Mr. Pearson was born at Flaxton, in 1876, was brought up as a farmer, and has worked his property, which is forty-one acres in extent, since 1899. He also possesses a full threshing machine and chaff-cutting plant, which is in demand for many miles around. Mr. Pearson has been a member of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles. He was married, in 1900, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. Ridley, of Fendalton, and has one son.
Farmer, Southbrook. Mr. Sansom was born in Surrey, England, in 1844, came to New Zealand in the ship “Ashburton,” in 1857, and afterwards became a coach proprietor and mail contractor in North Canterbury. When the railway was completed to Amberley, and the coaching days mine to an end, Mr. Sansom took to farming and settled on his compact property, which contains about 300 acres of good land. He has always taken a leading interest in Masonic affairs, and has been a member of the craft for over thirty years. He is also connected with the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, of which he was one of the first promoters. Mr. Sansom was married in Kaiapoi in 1864, and has seven children.
Farmer, Southbrook. Mr. Todd was burn in Suffolk, England, in 1826. He arrived in New Zealand in 1856 by the ship “Isabella Hercus,” and settled at Riccarton. Four years later Mr. Todd moved to Southbrook where he bought land. He was one of the first to settle on the Rangiora Swamp. Mr. Todd was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Norfolk, and has five daughters and four sons.
Southbrook. Mr. Seed was born in Walton Lee Dale, near Preston, Lancashire, England, in 1842, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Victory” which arrived at Lyttelton on the 18th October, 1863. He found employment at general station work for a few months, then settled at Rangiora and engaged at bush work for about six years. Mr. Seed then turned his attention to the flax industry and rope and twine manufacture, and went into partnership with Messrs J. and J. Thompson in one of the first mills in Canterbury. He continued in that line of business for twenty-four years, after which he entered into business as a general merchant. About the time the first Deering binder came into use, Mr. Seed invented a new twine which was a great success and has come extensively into demand. He has also invented a patent window sash-roller for railway carriages, which is both noiseless and useful. Mr. Seed was a member of the school committee for upwards of twenty years, and for some years was chairman. Mr. Seed was the founder of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance lodge at Rangiora in 1872, and at one time held the position of G. W. P. and later of M. W. P. of New Zealand. He was married in 1870, and has one son and three daughters living. Mr. Seed sold his business at Southbrook in 1902 to Mr. Harry Hill.
in the county of Ashley, is one of the chief towns of North Canterbury, and is twenty miles from Christchurch by rail. It is also connected with the city by a good road. The district consists of fine farming land, suitable for crops and pasturage. There are flour mills and flax mills and other industries in the town, which has a post, telegraph and money order office, a Government Savings Bank, two branch banks, two newspapers, and several schools and churches. Large stock sales are held every Tuesday, when the town is crowded with settlers, and other visitors, and a large amount of business is done by buyers and sellers. The Ashley river, about a mile distant, abounds in trout. The first settlers in the district began to make their homes on the site of Rangiora in the fifties. According to men learned in the Maori language, Rangiora means place of rest, or freedom from care; and this interpretation is fully sustained by the climate, the pleasant aspect and the richness of the land, and the cordiality and prosperity of the inhabitants. At the census of April, 1901, Rangiora had a population of 1768; 793 males, and 975 females.
consists of 1040 acres, and is bounded on all sides by the Mandeville and Rangiora road district, out of which it was taken on the 14th of May, 1878, when the municipality was constituted. Geographically, Rangiora is within the county of Ashley, within which, however, the Counties Act has never been brought into force. The total capital value of the district in April, 1902, was £185,066, on which a rate of 3/4d in the £ is struck; the revenue for the previous year was £1905, and the expenditure £1851. There are 404 dwellings, exclusive of shops in the borough, and these are owned by 349 ratepayers, representing in all 567 ratable properties. At the census of April, 1901, the population of the borough was 1768. There are fully three miles and a half of asphalt footpathts in the borough, and about five miles of concrete kerbing and channelling. The borough is lighted by forty-seven kerosene lamps; and water is obtained from wells and artesian bores. A central fire brigade station adjoins the municipal office, and a bell-tower and bell have been erected at a cost of over £100; there is also a second bell in another part of the borough. The volunteer fire brigade consists of twenty-five members. The Council Chambers, built of wood, consist of a large chamber for the meetings of the Council, and the clerk's office; and behind the building there is a comfortable cottage for the caretaker. A recreation reserve of two acres and a half, named Victoria Square, adjoins the Council office. Besides this, there is a section of thirty acres, the gift of Mr. S. H. Andrews, now of Exeter, England, which is situated in the Mandeville and Raugiora road district, and has been planted with shrubs and ornamental trees. This property is leased for grazing purposes, subject to the rights of the public, and is a favourite
who had been a Member of the Borough Council since 1895, was elected Mayor of Rangiora without opposition in 1902. He is an engineer by trade, and was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1855. Mr. Carmichael arrived in New Zealand in 1880, and worked as an engineer for the Iron and Woodware Co., in Dunedin, and for the Union Steamship Company, till 1886. In that year he started a woodware factory and cooperage in Rangiora, which he conducted for about four years. In 1897, in conjunction with Mr. H. Martin, he commenced cycle-engineering under the style of Carmichael and Martin, the “Star” and “Swift” machines being their specialties. The first locomotive built in Scotland was constructed by Mr. Carmichael's grandfather, the late Mr. J. Carmichael, of Dundee, who is said to have built also the first iron ship constructed in that country.
who has held a seat in the Rangiora Borough Council since 1901, was born in 1871 in Rangiora, where he was educated, and also served his apprenticeship as a tailor. He afterwards went to Wellington, where he gained additional experience at Messrs Veitch and Allan's, and then returned to Rangiora, where he entered into business on his own account in 1894. Mr. Bell has been a member of the local school committee since 1900. As an Oddfellow he is a member of the Loyal Rangiora Lodge, has been through all the chairs in the Juvenile Lodge, and on two occasions in the Adult Lodge, and holds office as District Grand Master. He served for seven years in the Rangiora Rifles and retired with the rank of sergeant; keenly interested in shooting matters, he is captain of the Morris Tube Club. Mr. Bell was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. J. Patterson, of Rangiora, and has one son and one daughter.
has been a Member of the Rangiora Borough Council since 1893. He was born in London, in 1855, was brought out to the colony in the year following in the ship “Philip Laing,” and was educated at the Rangiora Church school, where he was a pupil of the late Mr. Charles Merton. Mr. Foster has been engaged in farming on his own account in the Rangiora district since 1882. He owns 200 acres of land altogether in the district, and resides on Bush Farm, King Street South. Mr. Foster takes a general interest in local affairs, and has for two years been president of the North Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also of the Rangiora Atheltic Club for a similar period. He is also a member of the Rangiora Domain Board, and was for three years a member of the licensing committee. Mr. Foster is also a director of the North Canterbury Co-operative Association. He was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. Williams, of Bush Farm, Rangiora, and has three daughters and two sons.
J.P., is one of the oldest Members of the Rangiora Borough Council, over which he presided as Mayor in the years 1899, 1890, and 1891. He was born in Shropshire, England, in 1850, and was brought to Lyttelton by his parents in the ship “Royal Stuart” in 1855. His father, the late Mr. Edward Good, settled in Rangiora in 1856. The subject of this notice was educated in Rangiora and at the old High School, Christchurch, and learned his trade as draper in the township, where he entered into business on his own account in 1881. Mr. Good was first returned to the Borough Council in 1878, and has continuously held a seat at the Council board since that time. During his visit to the Colonial Exhibition in England in 1886, he had leave of absence from the Council. Mr. Good has long been prominently connected with the Rangiora Literary Society, of which be was
who has held a seat on the Rangiora Borough Council since 1899, was born in Rangiora in 1863. He was educated at Ernley Academy, Rangiora, and was brought up by his father to the brick-making trade. Mr. Hills is manager of the large brick works established by his father, and now owned by Messrs Wigram Bros. He is a member of the local Masonic and Druid Lodges, and has always shown interest in the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and in athletic and outdoor games. Mr. Hills was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. S. Stephens.
J.P., who has occupied a seat on the Rangiora Borough Council since 1886, and was Mayor for two years, in 1896 and 1897, was born in Rangiora in 1860. He was educated in the district, where he was also brought up to mercantile life. In 1884 he became representative in North Canterbury for the “Lyttelton Times,” and has acted continuously as its correspondent and business manager for the district since that time. Since 1885 he has acted as secretary of the Rangiora Literary Institute, which controls the local library and reading room. As an Oddfellow, of the Manchester Unity, he is a past officer of the Loyal Rangiora Lodge, and has been Provincial Corresponding Secretary for the Ashley District since 1885. Mr. Jennings has served on the Rangiora school committee for about seventeen years; and has for eighteen years been secretary of the Presbyterian Church and for a long period superintendent of the Sunday school. He was married in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. W. Stapleforth, of Rangiora, and has two daughters. In 1891 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace.
who has been a Member of the Rangiora Borough Council since 1892, and was mayor for 1896–7, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1837. Mr. Keir is a carpenter by trade, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” in 1864. After working for two years in Christchurch, he settled in Rangiora, as a builder and contractor, and afterwards joined Mr. Hugh Boyd, under the style of Boyd and Keir, a partnership which still exists. Mr. Keir has been for about thirty years a member of the committee of the Rangiora Institute, and served on the school committee for many years in the early days. He is one of the oldest members of the Sons of Temperance. Mr. Keir was married, in 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. D. Niven, of Forfarshire, Scotland, and has two daughters surviving.
who was elected to a seat on the Rangiora Borough Council in 1901, was born in 1858 in Wicklin, Kent, England. He was brought up to commerical life in London, and served for five years in the office of the East and West India Dock Company. Subsequently Mr. Relph visited China and the Straits Settlements on business. He returned to the Old Country, and after a short stay came to Lyttelton in the ship “Hurunui,” and settled in Christchurch. After temporary employment in the office of the New Zealand Shipping Company, he entered the service of Mr. C. W. Turner, whom he subsequently left, to gain country experience with a firm of merchants in North Canterbury. On returning to Christchurch some years later he was again employed by Mr. Turner until November, 1892, when he became manager of the North Canterbury Co-operative Society. Mr. Relph takes an interest in all local matters, and holds office as treasurer to the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He was married in 1883, to a daughter of Mr. J. Jackson, of Papanui; this lady died in 1896, leaving three daughters. In 1899 Mr. Relph was married to a daughter of Mr. Edward Mulcock, of Flaxton, and has two sons by this union.
of the Rangiora Borough Council, was born in the township in 1864, and educated and brought up to the printing business in his native place. Mr. Wilson worked at the office of the “Rangiora Standard,” prior to entering into business, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. J. J. Wilson, in June, 1896. He was returned as a member of the Rangiora Borough Council in 1901. Mr. Wilson has been an active member of the Rangiora Fire Brigade, since 1887, and has held various offices. For years he has competed in fire brigade competitions, and has been a winner of several events personally, as well as being a member of winning teams. In January, 1897, Mr. Wilson won the one-man manual event in 32 3-5th seconds. He has also taken a great interest in Oddfellowship, having passed through the chairs of the local Lodge twice, and through the chairs of the Ashley District Lodge; he is a Past Provincial Grand Master, and at present (1902) is secretary of the Juvenile Lodge. Athletic sports also receive Mr. Wilson's support and encouragement.
Town Clerk and Borough Surveyor for the Borough of Rangiora, was born in the Channel Islands. He was educated partly in his native place and partly in France, and came to New Zealand in 1867. For more than fourteen years Mr. Amy was a school teacher in Canterbury. He settled in Rangiora in 1882, and has held his present positions since 1885. Mr. Amy has also been secretary of the Rangiora Investment and Building Society since 1882.
Borough Solicitor for Rangiora, was born in Christchurch in 1862. He was educated at Christ's College, and after serving his articles in Christchurch, was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1883. His appointment as borough solicitor at Rangiora dates from December, 1884. For a number of years previous to 1901 Mr. Helmore was captain of the Rangiora Rifles. He was married, in 1893, to a daughter of the Hon. Ernest Gray, of Hoon Hay, Christchurch, and has two sons and one daughter.
has jurisdiction over a district with a ratable value of £218,820, on which a rate of 1/4d in the £ is levied; revenue in 1902, £228. This board has the care of the Main Drain, which is about five miles in length and one chain wide, besides thirteen side-drains, varying from 6 feet to 10 feet wide. The Southbrook and Ohoka creeks and
was originally constituted in April, 1864, when it included part of the Eyreton road district and the borough of Rangiora, in addition to the country now under its jurisdiction. The first board, which was elected on the 26th of January, 1864, at a meeting held at Hinge's Hotel, Woodend, consisted of the Rev. John Raven (chairman), and Messrs Lee, Jagoe, Dixon, and Beswick. A grant of £1200 was supplied by the Provincial Council. The district is bounded on the north by the Ashley river; on the south by the Main Drain; on the west by the Cust road district; and on the east by the Pacific Ocean; the borough of Rangiora, of course, being excepted. Till June, 1867, meetings of the board were held at Woodend, but since then the offices have been in High Street, Rangiora. In 1902 the capital value of the district was £623,287, and the unimproved value, £494,674. The rate, which had usually been 1/2d in the £, was raised to 5/8d for that year. The revenue was £1606, exclusive of a subsidy of £401 10s 0d, and £150 from other sources. The expenditure was fully equal to the receipts. There are 131 miles of formed and metalled roads, besides many miles of unformed highways. The members of the board in 1902 were: Messrs F. Horrell (chairman), J. Stacker, C. Leech, G. Dalziel, and J. Stevenson, with Mr. J. Marshall as clerk and surveyor.
Clerk and Surveyor to the Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board, was born in the parish of Urney, Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1859. He came to Lyttelton in 1877 by the ship “Rakaia,” and was for about ten years employed by Mr. W. J. Crothers, storekeeper, of Rangiora. Mr. Marshall was one of the promoters of the North Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association. He has held office as Secretary of the Loyal Rangiora Lodge of Oddfellows, since his appointment in June, 1885, and has been clerk and surveyor for the Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board since 1895. Mr. Marshall served for seven years as a member of the Rangiora borough school committee, and was chairman for four years. As a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge since 1882, he has passed all the chairs in both lodge and district. Mr. Marshall was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr C. G. T. Alfred, of Balcairn, and has one son and three daughters.
Rangiora, is a prominent building at the corner of Percival and High Streets, and was taken possession of by the department in 1887. The building is of brick with concrete facing, and has a clock tower. It contains a public office, scrting and operating room, and postmaster's office, besides a lobby for the private boxes, which number thirty-six. There is also a telephone exchange, with ten subscribers and a public bureau. Three mails are exchanged with Christchurch daily, besides local mails; and two letter-carriers, besides a telegraphist and messenger, with the postmaster, constitute the staff. The first post office in Rangiora was conducted by Mr. J. B. Wilton in a store near the railway crossing in High Street. The building in use before the one now occupied was of wood and shingle, and was in High Street, adjoining the present premises.
was opened about the year 1875. It is situated on the main line through North Canterbury, and at the junction of the Oxford branch. The building is of wood and iron, and includes a public lobby, ladies' waiting room, luggage room, stationmaster's room, and an office for the inspector of permanent way. The extensive asphalt platforms have proved insufficient for the traffic, and are shortly (1902) to be extended. Nine passenger trains and six goods trains pass through the station daily, besides specials and extras. There is a large goods shed, and a considerable amount of grain is railed from the town. The stationmaster has a staff of five assistants.
Station-master at Rangiora, was born in Stirlingshire. Scotland, in 1846. After coming to New Zealand in 1874, Mr. Donaldson joined the railway service, and was stationed as clerk at Ashburton, traffic inspector at Timaru, and stationmaster at Waimate, Temuka, Sefton, Hornby, Studholme, and traffic inspector at Wanganui and Wellington, before being transferred in 1900 to his present position at Rangiora. Mr. Donaldson was married, in 1981, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Hooper, of Dunedin, and has one son and two daughters.
Inspector of Permanent Way for the Rangiora District, was appointed to his present position in November, 1898. The district extends from Belfast to Culverden, on the main line, and from Rangiora to Sheffield, on the Eyreton-Bennetts line. Mr. Sanders was born in Torquay, Devonshire, England, in 1859, and was brought to the colony by his father, Mr. W. Sanders, of Riccarton, who came out under engagement to the contractor for the Lyttelton tunnel, by the ship “Robert Small,” in 1859. Mr. Sanders commenced his experience in connection with railways in 1874, under the contractor for the Southbridge section. He was afterwards employed on construction works, by the railway department, till 1880, when he went to Australia, and in the same year enlisted under the Colonial Government of South Africa to fight the Basutos in that country. In this expedition he was engaged for nine months, and returned to New Zealand about the end of 1881. On rejoining the railway service he was for nine years stationed successively at Addington, Timaru, and other parts of Canterbury. Mr. Sanders then became ganger at Addington, and held that position for about seven years. Subsequently he gained experience during fifteen months in the Addington workshops, before being appointed to his present position. He was married, in 1889, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Williscroft, of Ohoka, and has four daughters and two sons surviving.
Rangiora was established in 1878, under an Act of Parliament, which provided various endowments. Its establishment was largely due to the energy of the late Mr. A. H. Cunningham. The school is under the control of a Board of Governors, consisting of Messrs J. Johnson (chairman), J. Sansom, R. Ball, M. Macfarlane, H. Boyd, R. Whiteside, and W. Harrison, who are elected by various local bodies. Boys and girls to the number of about forty, fairly equally divided, are in attendance at the school which stands on a section of about five acres of land on the East Belt, and has extensive play fields. The building is of wood, and contains two class rooms, with accommodation for about seventy scholars. There is a twelve-roomed house on the property for the headmaster, who is assisted by Miss Howard, M.A.
M.A., Headmaster of the Rangiora High School, was born in Christchurch in 1868, and was educated at the West Christchurch Public School, the Beys' High School, and at Canterbury College. He graduated B.A. in 1889, and M.A., with honours in Latin and English, in the following year. Mr. Cresswell was also successful in gaining two Board of Education scholarships, besides a Junior University scholarship. For three years he was assistant at the Wanganui Boys' School, and for one year at the Wanganui Technical School. Mr. Cresswell was appointed to his present position in May, 1899. He was married, in 1896, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Reese, of Papanui, Christchurch, and has one son and two daughters.
Rangiora, was established about the year 1872. It is situtaed in King Street, on a site about two acres in extent. The school buildings are of wood and iron, and contain six class rooms and three porches. There is accommodation for 450 pupils. The number on the roll for the first
B.A. (New Zealand University), Headmaster of the Rangiora District School, was born in 1855, in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “William Miles” in 1860, and was educated in Christchurch at the Wesleyan school, Durham Street, and the old Boys' High school in Lincoln Road. In 1872 Mr. Ambrose entered the service of the Provincial Government, in the Provincial Secretary's office, where he continued till the abolition of the provinces. For two years subsequently he was second master at Burnham, but resigned that position and engaged in farming at Greendale for three years. Mr. Ambrose then joined the staff of the West Christchurch School, where he served for fifteen years and a half, rose to the position of second master, and obtained his degree at Canterbury College. He has been in charge at Rangiora since January, 1898. Mr. Ambrose was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. A. Lusk, of Ashburton, and has one daughter and one son.
Rangiora, was founded in 1860. A small wooden church was originally built on a portion of the present site, which consists of four acres and a half of land in High Street. The old building was removed about 1875, and the foundations of the present church were laid in solid concrete. The superstructure is composite, and a tower has still to be added to the building, which has accommodation for 500 persons. There are two Sunday schools adjoining the church, one in wood, and the other in concrete. About 200 children attend the schools, and there are twenty teachers in charge. The small churches at Fernside, Southbrook, Flaxton, Ohoka, and Eyreton, respectively, are supplied from Rangiora.
B.A., Incumbent of the Parish of Rangiora, was born in Christchurch, in 1860. He was educated at Christ's College and at Canterbury College, and graduated B.A. in 1886. In the same year Mr. Fendall was ordained deacon, and priest in 1888. In 1886 he was appointed to Ross, Westland, where he was stationed for five years, and was after-wards a year at Cust, before being appointed to Rangiora in November, 1892. Mr. Fendall was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. T. York, of Nelson, and has two sons and two daughters.
Curate of Rangiora, was born at Teignmouth, Devon, England, in 1868. He was educated at Blundell School, Tiverton, Devon, and became a student at St. Angustine's College, Canterbury, England. Mr. Beaven arrived in New Zealand in 1899, and was ordained deacon in the same year in Christchurch Cathedral. Before entering upon his duties at Rangiora in 1902, he had been stationed at Methven as curate.
Rangiora, was built in 1872, while the congregation was joined to Kaiapoi, under one charge, but the Rangiora congregation became a separate charge in 1880. The building is constructed of wood, with a shingle roof, and has accommodation for 200 worshippers. It occupies a prominent position in High Street. A Sunday school is held in the church, and is attended by eighty-five children with seven children. The manse is situated in Church Street, and is a convenient two-storey building of eight rooms.
M.A., Presbyterian Minister in charge of Rangiora, was born in the Island of Fetlar, Shetlands, in 1871. He is the son of the Rev. James Doull, of Bulls, Rangitikei, and received his education in the colony at the Otago University College, and at the New College, Edinburgh. During his studies in Dunedin he graduated B.A. in 1892, and M.A., with honours in mathematics, in the following year. Mr. Doull was ordained in May, 1897, when he was inducted to the church of Rangiora. He was married, in the following year, to a daughter of Mr. J. W. Robinson, chemist, of Parnell, Auckland, and has two daughters.
of Rangiora includes the Kaiapoi, Oxford, and Loburn districts. In the early days the spiritual wants of the settlement were attended from Christchurch, and afterwards from Shand's Track, but in 1877 the present parish was formed. At that time the Rangiora parish extended from the Waimakariri to the Conway river, but at the advent of Bishop Grimes, the districts of Amberley, Hawarden, Waiau and Cheviot were organised into a separate parish. The Church property in Rangiora is situated in Victoria Street, and the princpal building is the church, which is of wood and shingle, and has accommodation for from 350 to 400 worshippers. It was completed in October, 1886, at a cost of £1400, including the price of the land. The original church, erected about 1870, is also of wood and shingle; it has accommodation for about 200 persons, cost £550, and is at present used as a school. The presbytery, which is a fine two-storey building, stands between the old and new churches, and was erected in 1878, at a cost of £970. The Sisters of the mission are in charge of the educational work, and have about fifty children in attendance. There is a residence for the Sisters on the opposite side of Victoria Street. It was purchased in 1885. The present parish priest, the Rev. W. Hyland, has for an assistant the Rev. J. P. O'Connor.
Rangiora. This church was established in 1864, in a small building erected in Ashley Street, and was subsequently removed to Southbrook. The present church, situated in King Street, was built in 1874. It is of wood, finished with lath and plaster, and was enlarged in 1896, at the time of the union, to provide accommodation for the increased congregation. The church will seat about 250 persons, and there are vestries at the back. A convenient Sunday school, with accommodation for 150 adults, adjoins the church; it has about 100 scholars and thirteen teachers. There is fully half an acre of land in connection with the church. The parsonage is within a few minutes' walk of the church, and was built in 1877. It is a two storey building of wood and iron, with eight rooms, besides bathroom and washhouse. The site, an acre and a half in extent, carries also a stable and coach-house.
Minister at Rangiora, formerly belonged to the United Methodist Free Church, in which he held the office of district chairman, and was also connexional secretary for two years, and treasurer for five years. After the union of the Wesleyan and Methodist churches he was in charge of the Ponsonby Circuit, Auckland, until March, 1899, when he was transferred to Rangiora, and succeeded at Ponsonby by the Rev. W. Ready. Mr. Peters was born at Probus, Truro, Cornwall, England, in 1851, and educated at Probus Grammar School. He arrived in Nelson in 1876. and in 1877 was ordained to the ministry of the United Methodist Church, for which he officiated successively at Reefton, Christchurch, Oxford, Rangiora, Wellington, and Auckland. Mr. Peters was married to Miss Watson, youngest daughter of the late William Morgan Watson, of Fendalton, Christchurch. Mrs Peters died in 1897. Whilst originally residing in Rangiora, Mr. Peters was a member of the school committee and of the Oxford licensing committee. He was appointed a deputation to wait upon all the United Free Methodist Churches, throughout New Zealand, in connection with the Loan on Buildings Fund scheme, and was very successful in his work in that respect. Mr. Peters has always taken an active part in the cause of education and temperance.
Rangiora, is situated in Victoria Street. It was one of the earliest churches in the district. In the first instance it was a Calvinistic Baptist Church, and has had a somewhat eventful history, having been two or three times closed, and again reopened; at last the New Zealand Baptist Union took the church over, and a minister has since been resident in the district. The building is of wood, iron, and shingle, and has accommodation for 120 persons. There is a Sunday school connected with the church, which is attended by about forty children and six teachers.
Minister in Charge, was appointed to the position in March, 1901. Mr. Barry was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1871, and educated in Auckland. He studied for the ministry in Dunedin with a view to foreign mission work, and was ordained in Ponsonby, Auckland, in 1896. The four succeeding years were spent in mission work in Bengal and India, but at the end of 1900 Mr. Barry was compelled, through ill-health, to return to New Zealand, and has since shortly after his return resided at Rangiora.
was established in Kaiapoi in 1873, but three years later Rangiora became its headquarters. There is now a membership of 250. The association possesses a freehold section of twelve acres in Ashley Street. This has been improved
who has been Secretary of the Association since 1894, is well known as an auctioneer in the district. He has acted in that capacity for the North Canterbury Co-operative Society since 1898.
is published twice a week and circulated throughout the district. It is a double-demy sheet of four pages, and has a fairly good circulation. It is the oldest paper north of Christchurch, and was established in 1875. Mr. H. Turner is the proprietor.
Rangiora, is held in a courthouse built of brick and iron, and adjoining the police station in Percival Street. The courthouse was erected in 1892, and contains, in addition to the courtroom, rooms for the magistrate, the clerk, and for the suitors. Mr. Bishop, S.M., holds sittings every Tuesday to deal with civil and criminal cases. Sergeant Johnston acts as bailiff of the court.
includes the borough and the surrounding settlements. The station is in Percival Street, and includes a concrete seven-roomed residence and office, with stables and a lock-up containing two cells. An officer has been stationed in the district since about 1860.
who is in charge of the Rangiora Police Sub-District, was born in 1850, in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand in 1874. He farmed for two years at Razorback, Auckland, and joined the police force in Canterbury in 1876. Since then he has been stationed in various parts of Canterbury, and has been in charge at Rangiora since September, 1894. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1887, to a daughter of Mr. J. Bray, of Southbridge, and has two sons and two daughters.
Mem. R. Coll. Surg. Eng., 1880; Lic. R. Coll. Phys. Edin., 1881; Victoria Street, Rangiora.
Surgeon Dentist, High Street, Rangiora. Mr. McGill was born in 1878 in Dunedin, where he became an articled student, and studied for his profession with Mr. Hay, qualifying in 1898. On removing to Christchurch he served for about eighteen months with some of the leading dentists, and was for nearly a year subsequently in charge of Mr. Scott's practice at Waimate. Mr. McGill established his practice in Rangiora in October, 1900. He pays a weekly visit to Amberley. Mr McGill is greatly interested in local sports and pastimes, and is vice-president of a local football club, and a member of the cricket, morris-tube, and tennis clubs.
Chemist and Druggist, High Street, Rangiora. This business was established in 1888 by Mr W. Gower, by whom it was conducted till early in 1902, when the present proprietor came into possession. Mr. Allison was born in 1874, at Sydenham, Christchurch, where he was educated, and is the third son of Mr. Allison, town clerk of Sydenham. Having served his articles to Mr. W. R. Cook, he was registered in 1896, and was employed in connection with his profession at Oamaru and in Christchurch before settling in Rangiora.
Chemist and Druggist, High Street, Rangiora. This business was established about the year 1878 by Dr. Downes, who conducted it for twelve years. It was then taken over by Mr. George Shorland, who carried on the business till October, 1891, when the present proprietor came into possession. Mr. Vincent was born in 1870, in Christchurch.
has been represented in Rangiora since 1873. The premises are in a central position in High Street, and were built about 1882. They consist of a two-storey building, which contains the banking chamber, manager's office and residence. The manager and three assistants constitute the staff of the branch.
Manager of the Union Bank at Rangiora, was born at Enniskillen, in Ireland, and has been in charge at Rangiora since 1894.
Rangiora. This branch was opened in 1868, and in 1878 the handsome two-storied premises were erected at the corner of High and Ashley Streets. The building, which is of wood and iron, and is plastered throughout, contains a very fine banking chamber, with the manager's room and strong room in front. The other portions of the ground floor, together with the upper flat, consist of ten large apartments, besides bathroom and offices, and are used as the manager's residence. The manager is assisted by a teller, ledgerkeeper, and a junior.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Rangiora, was born in Nairn, Scotland, in 1865. He was educated at Nairn Academy, and studied law for six months, but, preferring banking, he entered the National Bank of Scotland, in which he served three years. In 1884 he came to Wellington, by the s.s. “Aorangi,” but went on to Auckland, where he joined the staff of the Bank of New Zealand, taking a position in the correspondence department. For several months in 1886 he served as ledgerkeeper at Greymouth, and was transferred to Christchurch about the end of that year. In March, 1887, Mr. MacBean took up his duties as ledgerkeeper at Oamaru, where he continued till 1894, and rose successively to the positions of bill clerk and teller. He then returned to Christchurch, where he continued till 1900, and became sub-accountant of the branch. Since July, 1900, he has been stationed in Rangiora. Mr MacBean is vice-president of the Rangiora hockey, football, tennis and morris tube clubs.
Auctioneer and Grain Merchant, Victoria Street, Rangiora. Mr. Tutton founded his well-known business in 1888. The offices and grain stores are situated in Victoria Street, and periodical sales of produce, live stock and horses are held in all parts of North Canterbury. Mr. Tutton was born at Biddisham, near Weston-super-Mare, Somersetshire, England, in 1854. He was educated at Cross Middle Class School, near Axbridge. His father was an English farmer, but Mr. Tutton was brought up to mercantile life, which he followed till coming to Lyttelton by the ship “Border Chief” in 1876. For the first two years of his colonial life Mr. Tutton was salesman in the mercantile department of Messrs Edwards, Bennett and Co., Christchurch, but he then settled in Rangiora and established his present business. As a Freemason he has filled the Master's chair, but is now unattached. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Northern and Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and served for some time on the committee of the Northern Association. Mr. Tutton was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. F. Busch, Rangiora, and has two sons and seven daughters.
Photographer, Rangiora. Mr. Clarke was for some years employed as a traveller for the D.I.C. He afterwards entered into partnership with Mr. T. S. Tolputt, and when the
Photographer, North Canterbury Studio, Rangiora. This studio was established in 1895, and has been carried on up to the present time. The premises are built of wood, and have a large showroom in front with workrooms behind, and the studio and waiting-rooms upstairs. Mr. Tolputt undertakes every description of photographic work, including enlargements, and all up-to-date styles of portraiture. He served an apprenticeship in England, with the firm of Lambert Weston and Son (photographers to the Queen), Kent. In 1883 he came to New Zealand, and was in Christchurch for ten years, four of which were spent in the employment of the late Mr. P. Schourup.
Baker and Confectioner, High Street, Rangiora. This well-known business was established by Mr. Hughes in 1889. The premises are centrally situated in High Street, and the shop and residence, built of wood, contain a comfortable refreshment room. The bakehouse, which is of brick, is large and well appointed, and bread is delivered over a wide area. Mr. Hughes was born in 1857 in Wiltshire, England, where he was apprenticed to his trade, which he followed there until coming to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Atrato.” On settling in Christchurch he found employment, and was for a year in business on his own account in High Street. Afterwards he worked at his trade at Timaru, Ashburton, and other parts of Canterbury. He settled in Rangiora in 1886, and founded his present business three years later. As a volunteer, Mr. Hughes joined the historic expedition to Parihaka, where he served under the Hon. John Bryce. He is a member of the North Canterbury Jockey Club. As a Druid he is a Past Arch, and is attached to Band of Hope Lodge, 108, Rangiora. Mr. Hughes was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr. J. Luxton, of Rangiora, and has two daughters surviving.
Aerated Water and Cordial Water Manufacturer, Rangiora Aerated Water and Cordial Factory, Victoria Street, Rangiora. This factory was acquired by Mr. Young on the 9th of December, 1901, and has since then been worked by him. It contains a complete modern plant. Mr. Young was born at Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1866, and accompanied his parents to Port Chalmers in the ship “Cartsburn” in 1870. He was educated in Timaru, where he was brought up to the calling of an engineer. Subsequently Mr. Young was engaged in storekeeping, and, later on, he had a hotel in Marlborough. He was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. James Thompson, of Kaiapoi, and has two daughters and one son.
Tailor, High Street, Rangiora. This business was established in 1894 in small premises higher up the street than its present site; but owing to the rapid increase of trade, Mr. Bell has twice removed into larger premises. The building now occupied is a double-fronted shop, with a cutting room behind, and work room upstairs. When Mr. Bell began business he had a small boy as his assistant; now he finds employment for ten hands.
General Draper, High Street, Rangiora. This well-known business was founded in 1857 by the late Mr. Edward A. Good, father of the present proprietor. The premises at first occupied were situated on the Woodend Road. After a few years the business was removed to a more central position in High Street, on the site now occupied by the Junction Hotel. Six years later the central section now occupied was purchased; and a wooden store erected. These premises did duty for thirty-three years, when they were taken down and replaced by a handsome brick building of one storey, and with three handsome show windows in the front. The departments include general drapery, millinery, mantles, and clothing. Mr. Good is referred to in another article as a member of the Rangiora Borough Council.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, High Street, Rangiora. Mr. Reynolds was born in Cornwall, England, in 1846, became a miner, and was engaged as such till emigrating to Queensland in 1872. He landed in that country under a three years' contract as a miner, but owing to the ill-health of his wife, he removed at the end of eighteen months to South Australia, where he was engaged in mining for three years and a half. In 1877 he came to New Zealand, and settled in Canterbury. Mr. Reynolds learned his trade as a hairdresser in Christchurch with a brother, and has been in business on his own account in Rangiora since 1884. He has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows for some years. Mr. Reynolds was married, in 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Hocking, of Cornwall, and has two sons and three daughters.
Refreshment Room Proprietor, Rangiora. Mr. Burt was born in 1843, in Hastings, Sussex, England. As a lad he went to sea, and in 1859 accompanied his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery.” On his arrival, he was employed in connection with the unloading of the vessel, whose cargo was delivered by lighters at Heathcote Ferry. After serving at Cheviot station for three years, Mr. Burt joined his father, who had settled at Rangiora, and assisted on the farm. He afterwards farmed in the Amberley district on his own account. His experiences as a wheat grower in the early days were somewhat hard—the owner received only 2s 6d a bushel for his crop, out of which he had to pay 1s for carriage and 8d for threshing. On returning to Rangiora he purchased a team of horses, and commenced carting to Kaiapoi, and subsequently extended his trips to Christchurch. Owing to the development of the trade, he soon afterwards established coaches for the carrying of passengers and parcels, and for a time became mail contractor on the road. After the railway was extended to Rangiora he gave up coaching, and continued another branch of business which he had already established, as a coal merchant, until 1896. Mr. Burt was extensively engaged in the grain trade for some years. For a time he held an estate at Rangiora, known as “Ricton,” and worked it for a number of years, but ultimately sold it. One of the large grain stores near the Rangiora railway station was built by Mr Burt, who also erected the Rangiora weigh-bridge. He was one of the first members of the Rangiora Borough Council, and headed the first poll when there were about sixteen candidates. At the present time he is contractor for the refreshment stall at the Rangiora railway station. Mr. Burt was married, in 1868, to a daughter of Mr. W. E. Ivory, and has four daughters and three sons surviving.
Engineer and General Ironmonger, Rangiora. Mr. Johnston was born in Aberdeenshire in 1840, and at the age of nineteen came to New Zealand with his father in the ship “Mystery.” Heobtained permanent employment at Anderson's foundry, Christchurch. At the end of 1863 he removed to Rangiora and opened business on his own account in a small shop opposite the one he now occupies. He at first gave his attention chiefly to repairing agricultural implements, which, being in those days less substantial than the modern machinery, necessitated the employment of a larger number of hands. At present the working staff consists of four men and two boys. The plant is in perfect order. It comprises fourteen machines of various kinds, driven by steam power, and is a particularly good one for doing general engineering work. The industry having increased, the workshop was removed from its former prominent position to make room for the ironmongery business, and the present handsome structure known as Johnston's Buildings was erected. Mr. Johnston's has built other business places on the same section; these are occupied by various tenants, and there is also a large smithy used in the business. He carries on a considerable trade in hardware, of which he has been a direct importer for nearly thirty years, and also holds many agencies, including that for Duncan's agricultural implements, Deering's binders and mowers, Envoy bicycles. Little's sheep dip. Vacuum Oil Company, and Alliance Assurance Company. Mr. Johnston is assisted in his business by his son, and Mr. Foster, son-in-law. He was elected second mayor of Rangiora in 1880, and filled that office for three years, but owing to pressure of business he afterwards retired from the council. For the same reason he declined office in the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a member. He is an adherent of the Presbyterian church, and a total abstainer without being dogmatic. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1864, to Miss McIntyre, and has three children.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturer and Importer, Corner of High and Victoria Streets, Rangiora; Branch at Kaiapoi. This large business was established by the proprietor in 1876, and in 1894 a branch of the business was established in Kaiapoi. The commodious premises now occupied by Mr. Bridget were purchased from the liquidator of the Colonial Bank, in 1896, and were immediately altered so as to include a spacious and convenient retail establishment, with a handsome showroom adjoining, a private residence behind and above, and a separate department at the rear of the main building, which is used as a factory, and is equipped with ample machinery for the work. Mr. Bridget was born in 1849, in Torquay, England, where he was educated. He served an apprenticeship to his trade in Cornwall, and came out to Lyttelton in 1875 by the ship “Carisbrook Castle,” having been for three years in business prior to sailing. Mr. Bridget at once settled in Rangiora, where he has from the first been prominent as a business man. As a Druid, he is one of the founders of the local lodge, as well as of three others in North Canterbury; and he ranks as a District President of the Order. Mr. Bridget married a daughter of Mr. J. Luke, of Gunnis Lake, Cornwall; but was left a widower in 1901, with six daughters and one son.
(William Meech, manager), High Street, Rangiora. This business, which is conducted in a single storey brick building, was established in 1898. A special feature is made of the stocking of locally made goods.
the Manager, was born in 1844, in Hobart, Tasmania. His parents arrived in Nelson, New Zealand, in 1840, but on account of the massacre of Captain Wakefield and his party at Wairan in June, 1843, they left New Zealand and settled at Hobart. In 1863 Mr. Meech came from Tasmania to New Zealand. He settled temporarily at Rangiora in 1866, but left in 1868 for Akaroa, where he resided for fourteen years and took his share of the work of local government. He was at one time a member of the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board, chairman of the borough school committee, a member of the borough council, and a member of
Butcher, High Street, Rangiora. This business was established in 1899. Mr. Bevington occupies a leasehold shop and residence, with stabling and small goods room, all situated in a prominent position in the main street of Rangiora. His slaughterhouse and stock paddock are in Rangiora Swamp. Mr. Bevington was born in 1874, at Flaxton, and was educated in the district. He learned his trade as a butcher with the late Mr. G. Cone, and continued in that gentleman's employment for eight years after serving his apprenticeship. Mr. Bevington was married, in 1899, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Hancock, of Rangiora, and has one daughter.
(William Emms Ivory, Proprietor), Rangiora. Trees have been sent from this well-known nursery not only to the local settlers, but to all parts of New Zealand. It contains thousands of young trees, very large numbers of which are fruit trees, bearing, in season, splendid specimens of fruit. Mr. Ivory was born in Norfolk, England, in 1823. He was brought up as a nurseryman at Breacondale, a horticultural establishment in Norwich, where he served for seven years, and was subsequently gardener at Tring Park, Herts. On arriving in Lyttelton in October, 1855, by the ship “Cash-mere,” Mr. Ivory experienced some of the difficulties of early colonial life, and had to carry some of his goods over the Lyttelton hills. The first of his swags consisted of a seventy-pound feather bed, which he carried over the hills and down to Ferrymead on his back one morning before breakfast. This historic relic of the early days is still used in the family. In the year of his arrival Mr. Ivory settled in Rangiora, and planted an orchard for one of the earliest settlers who then resided at Rangiora. His object in life was to succeed in raising fruit and ornamental trees, and generally in nursery work, and it was not long before he began to lay the foundations of the now well-known Rangiora Nursery. Many of the original stocks were imported from Great Britain, and through careful attention and plenty of hard work, a considerable area of land is now covered over with nursery stock, or bearing orchard. Mr. Ivory was married about 1843, and had the misfortune to lose his wife shortly after settling in Rangiora; in fact, Mrs Ivory was the second European adult to die in the place. She left two sons and three daughters.
is the eldest son of Mr. W. E. Ivory, the proprietor of the Rangiora Nursery. He was born at Norwich, England, in 1844, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Cashmere” in 1855. The family settled at once in Rangiora, and Mr. Ivory was employed for three years by Mr. Hamilton Ward, brother of the late Mr. Crosbie Ward, chiefly amongst cattle; also by the late Mr. George John Leech, of Rangiora, for three years, and by Mrs Carter, of Seadown estate, Amberley, for three years, in farming work generally. With the growth and development of the Rangioa Nursery, his services became necessary to his father, and Mr. Ivory has for about thirty-five years been actively engaged in nursery work, principally in superintending the propagating and the packing departments.
(A. W. Hills, manager), Oxford Road, Rangiora. This valuable industry was first initiated by Mr. Thomas Hills when Rangiora was barely a mere hamlet, with only a few seattered settlers contending with the struggles of early settlement in virgin country. The first kiln was erected on a section in the present King Street South, which is now the centre of the flourishing town of Rangiora. But the clay in that locality proving of inferior quality, Mr. Hills was compelled to relinquish his enterprise and engaged in contract work for some years. He also went to the Otago goldfields, and worked on the diggings for about four years. Returning to Rangiora in 1862, he again took up his old idea of brick and drain-pipe manufacture, and selected a site on the
Th” brand of bricks is widely and favourably known throughout Canterbury for their excellent make, durability and substantial qualities. (The works are now—1903—owned by Messrs Wigram Bros.)
(John Jepson Wilson and William Thomas Wilson), General Printers, Victoria Street, Rangiora. The firm possesses a full jobbing plant, and undertakes mercantile and general printing of every description. The junior partner is referred to in another article as a member of the Rangiora Borough Council.
Flour and Flax Miller, Woodend Road, Rangiora. The Cam Roller Flour Mill, which is situated about a mile from Rangiora, was established in 1859 by the late Mr. E. Steggall, and was owned successively by other well-known millers until 1898, when—till then a stone mill—it underwent a complete overhaul, and a roller plant was substituted by the present owners. The building, which is of wood and iron, is four stories in height, and the machinery is driven by water power. The Cam Flax Mill is situated about half a mile lower down the same stream, and was established in 1870. The weekly output averages from three to four tons of dressed fibre, and the industry yields employment to a number of men and boys. Mr. Leech is a native of Rangiora, and holds many prominent positions as a public man. He is a member of the Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board, a director of the North Canterbury Co-operative Stores Company, Clerk of the Scales for the Rangiora Jockey Club, a vice-president of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has served for a number of years in the Rangiora Rifles.
High Street, Rangiora. Directors: Messrs J. Carmichael (chairman), A. Crearer, J. W. Foster, C. King, M. H. Stokes, W. Chapman, R. Dalziel, C. Leech, J. J. A. Ruddenklau and J. Waiting. The storekeeping part of this business was established by Messrs W. J. Crothers and Co., and was purchased by the company in 1890. The retail departments and office are conducted in a two-storey brick building, with substantial verandah, and the trade is divided into several departments, which are under capable managers. Early in 1902 the company acquired the large auctioneering business of Mr. W. Buss, and weekly sales are held every Tuesday. The cattle, sheep, and auction yards are extensive, and present a busy scene to the onlooker on sale days. Mr. E. W. Relph has for some years been the company's manager.
Storekeeper, Rangiora. Mr. Sansom was born in London in 1854. When three years of age his parents emigrated to Canterbury. Mr. Sansom has been a resident in the Rangoira district for more than forty years. He was educated in Rangiora, and his first connection with business was in that thriving town. For a number of years he has been in business as a general storekeeper. He was a member of the borough council for an unbroken period of fourteen years, and was mayor for four or five years. Mr. Sansom is a director of the Rangiora Permanent Building Society. He is one of the strongest chessplayers in the district, and has for several years been captain of the rifle club, which has had a unique record of victories. It was mainly by his efforts that the Rangiora Chess Club was formed. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of Mr. Henry Blackett, and has three children.
Livery Stablekeeper, Rink Stables, High Street, Rangiora. These well-known central stables were established in 1894 by Mr. Coward, and were acquired by Mr. Ingram in 1901. The accommodation consists of thirty-four stalls and five loose boxes, and there is dry standing room for fully forty vehicles. Mr. Ingram was born in Dorsetshire, England, in 1850, learned the business of a brewer, and lived for four years near Kings Lynn. In 1876 he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Wave King,” and was afterwards employed as clerk for fourteen years in Christchurch, by Mr. F. Rickman, auctioneer. Subsequently Mr. Ingram was in the employment of Mr. Starkey, Brackenfield Station, North Canterbury, and came to Rangiora to take over his present business. He is a member of the local volunteer fire brigade. Mr. Ingram was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. G. Orchard, of Waikuku, and has five sons and six daughters.
(Peter Loudon Donald, proprietor), Ashley Street, Rangiora. This large establishment was founded in the seventies. The buildings consist of wood, brick, and iron, and contain thirty stalls and seven loose boxes. There is standing room under cover for thirty or forty vehicles.
the Proprietor, third son of the late Mr. Peter Donald, of Christchurch, was born in Nelson in 1872, educated at Nelson College and Christ's College, Christchurch, and subsequently served nine years as salesman and clerk with the Farmers' Co-operative Association in Christchurch. In June, 1901, he bought the business of the Railway and Rink Livery Stables, from Mr. J. G. Macdonald, and leased the premises, and has since then successfully conducted the establishment. He is interested in racing, and is a member of the Brackenfield Hunt Club and of the North
Livery Stable and Boardinghouse Keeper, Victoria Street, Rangiora. Mr. Ranby was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England, in 1835. He is a blacksmith by trade, and came, in 1858, to Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia.” On settling at Woodend he began farming, and also had a store and a smithy, the later of which he used for his own requirements. Mr. Ranby resided at Woodend till 1899, when he removed to Rangiora, where he established a boardinghouse adjoining the saleyards. The premises consist of a two-storey nine-roomed wood and iron building, with extensive stabling accommodation behind. There is accommodation for four or five permanent boarders, and the large dining room, which is also used as a restaurant, will seat thirty persons. This establishment is very popular on sale days; sixty horses can be comfortably quartered in the stables, and there is plenty of room for traps. Mr. Ranby was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Hessy, of Worksop, and has six daughters and six sons surviving, with forty-seven grandchildren.
(Hugh Boyd and Thomas Keir), Timber Merchants and Saw-millers, Rangiora. This firm has erected a large number of private and public buildings in the district, probably more than any other north of the Waimakariri.
the Senior Partner, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1843. He was brought up as a carpenter and joiner, and worked at his trade until he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” in 1864. Having relatives in Rangiora he settled in that district, and in the following year commenced business as a contractor. Shortly afterwards he was joined by Mr Thomas Keir, with whom he has since been in partnership, under the style of Boyd and Keir. Mr. Boyd was a member of the first borough council of Rangiora at the institution of municipal government, and was mayor of the town for two years in succession. He was for a good many years chairman of the Rangiora school committee, on which he still holds a seat; he is also a member of the High School Board, and has for many years been prominently connected with the New Year's Day sports. Mr. Boyd was one of the founders of the local library and literary institute, and for a time performed the duties of honorary librarian. In political contests he takes a warm interest, and has frequently been chairman of election committees on the Liberal side. Mr. Boyd is still connected with bush sawmills, at Alford Forest and Kaikoura. He was married, in 1870, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Anderson, of County Carlow, Ireland, and has five sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Foston Farm, Rangiora. Mr. Bell was born at Foston, Lincolnshire, England, in 1843. He came to Lyttelton with his parents in the ship “Caroline Agnes” in 1855. The family was for two years settled on the Ferry Road, Christchurch, and removed to Rangiora in 1858. Mr. Bell has always been engaged in country pursuits, and for a number of years has farmed his property of 100 acres, just outside the boundary of the Rangiora borough. The adjoining railway station bears his name, and is known as Bells. Mr. Bell is an amateur engineer and photographer, and has fitted up a small workshop, with a forge, lathe, and other appliances. He has thus been able to do necessary work for the farm, besides frequently obliging his neighbours. Mr. Bell was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Deal, of Rangiora, one of the early settlers, and has six sons and five daughters, besides seven grandchildren.
Farmer, “Pine Hill,” Rangiora. Mr. Brown was born in 1845, in Cumberland, England, where he was brought up to farming. In 1867 he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Melita,” and settled in Rangiora. After seven years he bought Pine Hill farm, which has an area of fifty acres. He resides at “Pine Hill,” but farms altogether 215 acres of freehold, besides leasehold land. Mr. Brown is well known in the district as a breeder of Berkshire pigs, Leicester sheep, Shorthorn cattle, draught horses and Aylesbury ducks. He has been successful in winning a large number of prizes, during the
Farmer, Rangiora. Mr. Carew was born in 1833 in Cork, where he was educated. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1851, and began dairy farming near Akaroa. At that time whaling was carried on extensively, and numbers of ships used to winter at Akaroa, and Mr. Carew made some ventures in the great sea fishery. A few years after, Mr. Carew engaged in sheep-farming, occupying about 2000 acres of land; he also bestowed attention on breeding blood stock, and the well known cross-country horses “Mousetrap” and “Musician” were from his stud. After a prosperous career at Akaroa, Mr. Carew visited Victoria, New South Wales, and England, remaining in the latter country for two years. On his return to Akaroa he disposed of his run and resided near Christchurch, but preferring an active life, he spent some years in prospecting the back ranges until a severe accident compelled him to live in retirement again. He was married in 1875, and has two sons and four daughters.
J.P., Farmer, “Mowbray,” Rangiora. Mr. Graham was born near Ripon, Yorkshire, England, in 1838, and was taught the trade of a wheelwright, which he followed till he was twenty-two. After residing in Leeds for three years he decided to emigrate to New Zealand, and in September, 1864, he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “British Empire.” Settling at once in the Rangiora district, he bought land at South-brook, where he lived fifteen years, during which he took an active part in the erection of a Wesleyan church and a district school, and was the first chairman of the school committee. Mr. Graham then disposed of his small farm to the late Mr. Steggall, and bought a larger place at Horrellville, where he lived for five years. Having let the farm to his son, he subsequently leased “Betshanger,” Rangiora, the estate of the late Mr. Boys, and worked it for four years. In 1869 Mr. Graham erected a comfortable residence in King Street, Rangiora, where he resided till 1901; but having acquired a farm midway between Rangiora and Woodend, he sold his property at Rangiora and built another residence, with modern conveniences, on his new place. He is now (1902) retiring from business, with a view to reaping the reward of a life of industrious toil. Mr. Graham was for five years a member of the Rangiora Borough Council, and also a member of the borough school committee. In addition to farming he has dealt in stock, and has had a bacon-curing establishment. He was married in 1860, to a daughter of the late Mr. Hutchinson, of Ripon, Yorkshire; this lady died in 1888, leaving one son. At the end of 1889 Mr. Graham was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Thompson, schoolmaster, who lived until he reached the age of ninety-four years.
Farmer, Ashley Street, Rangiora. Mr. King was born in 1883, in Surrey, England, and came out to Melbourne in 1854. He was over eighteen months in Melbourne, and for a time acted as foreman of works on the Bendigo railway line. Mr. King was for some years on the Australian diggings, and visited Beechworth, Yacandanga, Snowy River, Crooked River, and Lambing Flat, and had many exciting and hazardous experiences in travelling unexplored territory, in search of gold. He was afterwards a storekeeper at Kiandra for four years. After thirteen years of this life, Mr. King visited the Old Country. In 1869 he settled in Canterbury, and was for some time in Christchurch He afterwards purchased fifty acres of land between Flaxton and Kaiapoi. After selling this property, Mr. King bought land at Rangiora, and has for twenty-five years been engaged in farming. He was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. Chatlen, of Norfolk, and has four daughters.
Farmer Woodend Road, Rangiora. Mr. Leech is a son of the late Mr. G. J. Leech, an old settler in the district. He was born in Rangiora in 1864, educated in the district, and
Farmer, Oxford Road, Rangiora. Mr. Lehmann was brought up to farming at his native village in Germany, where he was born in 1822, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Isabella Hercus” in 1856. He settled at Rangiora, where he bought land and has constantly resided in the district, except for two or three years, during which he was in Australia. He was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. Kessen, of Germany. Mrs. Lehmann died in 1893, leaving one daughter and two sons.
Sheep Farmer, “Coldstream,” Rangiora. Mr Macfarlane, who was for five years chairman of the Mandeville and Rangiora Road Board, on which he had previously served as a member, was born in Wellington, in 1849. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Macfarlane, of “Coldstream,” was educated at the old High School, Christchurch, and gained his experience of country life at “Coldstream,” where he resides and farms about 2200 acres. He raises cattle and sheep, and also engages in agricultural pursuits. In public life Mr. Macfarlane is a Governor of the Rangiora High School, and was for two years president of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, with which he is still identified. He was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Chisnall, Fendalton, and has four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Wai-kioru,” Rangiora. Mr. Mehrtens was born in Germany in 1846, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Eastern Empire” in 1865. He has been a settler in Rangiora since 1873. Mr. Mehrtene was married, in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. W. Wilke, of East Oxford, and has five sons and three daughters surviving.
Farmer, “Camside,” Rangiora. Mr. Mehrtens was born in Germany, in 1848, and was brought up to farming. In August, 1867, he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Blue Jacket.” He worked for about eighteen months for the late Mr. J. Dixon, at Ashley, and afterwards found employment at Rakaia. In March, 1873, Mr. Mehrtens settled in the Rangiora district, and engaged in mixed farming on his farm of eighty acres at “Camside,” and on sixty-six acres at Bells station. He has been a member of the committee of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association for some years. Mr. Mehrtens was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Oldman, woolclasser, of North Canterbury, and has six sons and two daughters.
Orchardist and Farmer, “Spring Orchard,” Rangiora. Mr. Miles was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1844, and was brought up to farming on the property of Squire Starkey, of Spy Park, where his father was gamekeeper for forty years. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1858, by the ship “Roehampton,” and settled in Rangiora, the whole district being then covered with bush or high flax. Mr. Miles found employment in splitting and sawing timber, and fencing. In 1860 he had a turn at gold-digging at Gabriel's Gully, Otago, and was afterwards at Wakamarino, On returning to Canterbury he engaged in farming at Fernside for seven years, and in 1877 acquired the thirty acres, now known as “Spring Orchard.” He carried on business as a coal merchant for three years, from 1878, and in 1882 he started a brewery, which he carried on for twelve years. Since then he has, with the exception of a short period in 1895, when he visited England, resided at “Spring Orchard,” which covers five acres, from which he gathers about a thousand cases of apples, free from moth, and two hundred cases of lovely peaches, besides other fruit, each season. Mr. Miles was married, in 1868, to Miss Collins, of Lancashire, and has had ten daughters and two sons, of whom one son and three daughters are dead.
Farmer, Rangiora. Mr. Rowe was born at Woodend in 1860. He is a wheelwright and carpenter by trade, and followed his occupation for a number of years in Rangiora and district. Of late years he has devoted his attention to farming, and has owned the farm on which he resides, since 1895. Mr. Rowe is a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral
Farmer, “Marchmont,” Rangiora. Mr. Werner was born at Martock, Somersetshire, England, in 1832, and was educated and brought up to farming in his native place, his father and grandfather having been farmers before him. In 1877 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Rangitikei.” Later on he settled in Ashburton, where he was for eighteen years in business. Having had the misfortune to be burned out in March, 1898, Mr. Worner decided not to rebuild, but settled at Rangiora, where he leases a farm. Mr Worner was married, in 1860, to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. J. Gale, of Martock, near Yeovil, Somersetshire, and has had five daughters and five sons, of the latter of whom one has died.
has been intimately connected with North Canterbury for many years. He is the second surviving son of the late Mr. Edward Reece, founder of the large hardware firm of E. Reece and Son, and was born in Christchurch in 1861. After being educated at the old High School and at Mr. Charles Cook's school, Christchurch, he learned sheepfarming on his father's station, “Mount Serrat,” where he resided altogether fifteen years. On his father's death he purchased the run, which has an area of 6000 acres. Mr. Reece made an extended tour through America and Europe, and on his return to New Zealand be was for two years a resident at Fendalton. At the general election of 1896 he unsuccessfully contested the Ashley seat in the House of Representatives, against Mr. Meredith, the sitting member. Shortly afterwards Mr. Reece went to England with his family, and was absent for three years. On his return in 1899 he settled at “Longhope,” Rangiora, a small farm of forty acres. During his residence at “Mount Serrat” Mr. Reece served as a member of the Waipara Road Board for several years. Mr. Reece stood for Hurunui at the general election of 1902, when he obtained 880 votes to Mr. A. W. Rutherford's 1577. He is a member of the committee of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
was born at Bath, England, in 1827. He was brought up as a surveyor, and also gained experience of farming. In May, 1852, he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Stag,” and was for some years settled on the Ferry Road, Christchurch, where he grew wheat, and other crops for the support of his household, and used a spade in preparing the ground. In 1867 Mr. Bartrum settled in the Rangiora district, and was for some time engaged in carting. Afterwards he commenced farming over the Ashley river, and at a later period removed to the neighbourhood of Woodend, where he was occupied in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. For some years he has resided in King Street, Rangiora. Mr. Bartrum was married, on the 29th of December, 1851, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Pursey, of Somersetshire, England, and has three sons and six daughters, with whom he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding in April, 1902.
was born in Durham, England, in 1820, and s the youngest son of the late Mr. Cuthbert Blackett, worsted and carpet manufacturer of that city. Mr. Blackett was educated chiefly at Durham Grammar School. His first experience in business was with Mr. Ferens, woollen-draper, of Durham, with whom he served five years, after which he spent one year in Leeds, and another year in Manchester in the woollen trade. He then went to London, and for four years was employed by Messrs. C. Meakin and Co., as traveller and buyer for one of their departments. Then he started as a general draper in business in his native city, where he remained eight years. In 1858 he left for New Zealand in search of health, and opened a general store in Rangiora. Mr. Blackett is one of the oldest residents in Rangiora, being among the first to settle in the district. He was on the road board for about fourteen years, and several times elected chairman. It was mainly through his efforts that a drainage board was established for the purpose of reclaiming the Rangiora swamp, and of this he was chairman for seven years, until the work was completed, when he resigned. He was also first chairman of the Rangiora School Committee. The borough of Rangiora was proclaimed in 1878, mainly through Mr. Blackett's efforts, and he had the honour of being elected the first mayor. He has been mayor five times, but has now retired from business and active life. For many years he was the chairman of the Domain Board, and member of the High School Board. He has been connected with nearly every public body in the district. Mr. Blackett was married in 1850 to a daughter of Mr. Andrew Benton, of Brinkburn, Northumberland, England, and has nine children.
was born in January, 1840, at Sellings, Kent, England, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Roman Emperor,” in January, 1860. He settled immediately at Rangiora, on the Woodend Road, where he has since had his home. In 1862 Mr. Buss founded the large auctioneering business which he successfully conducted for forty years, and from which he retired on the 18th of January, 1902. He claims to have held an auctioneer's license continuously for a longer period than any other auctioneer in Canterbury, and was the first resident auctioneer in the district. The position which Rangiora holds as a market town is largely due to the enterprise of Mr. Buss, who established the weekly Tuesday market day many years ago. As a farmer Mr. Buss has worked 1600 acres of agricultural land, and from 6000 to 7000 acres of pastoral land, for very many years. He took a great interest in the establishment of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Society, of which he was the first secretary and treasurer, and held those offices for fifteen years; subsequently he was president for three years.
was one of the very early settlers in North Canterbury. He was born in 1818, at likey, Yorkshire, England, and came out to the colonies in 1851. For some time Mr. Chapman was engaged in farming in Australia, and arrived in Lyttelton on the 15th of September, 1851. Mr. Chapman acquired large estates in the district, notably the Springback station of about 15,000 acres, which he farmed for about thirty-five years. He was a great sheepfarmer, and frequently took first-class prizes for his exhibitions of wool in England, and with sheep at colonial shows. Mr. Chapman was married, in 1851, to a Miss Brough, of Lancashire, England, and at his death, which occurred in Melbourne in 1882, he left six sons and two daughters. Two of the sons have since died.
was born in Aldham Suffolk, in 1842. He was educated in the parish school, and came out with his parents in the ship “Bangalore,” landing in Lyttelton in August, 1851. Mr. Cone was one of the oldest residents in Rangiora, and had been prominently associated with the place from the time it consisted of a single homestead. He was mayor of Rangiora in 1891–92, and as a councillor he had an unbroken record, having occupied a seat in the council since the formation of the borough. Upon retiring in 1897, Mr. Cone was presented with a requisition signed by the most influential residents of the town, requesting him to allow himself to be again nominated for a seat in the council. Mr. Cone took a great interest in agricultural matters, and was a prominent member of the local agricultural society. He was a member of the North Canterbury Racing Club, and president of the Athletic Society, of which he was the principal promoter. For many years he was sergeant in the northern contingent of volunteer cavalry. He was married in 1862 to a daughter of Mr. T. Burt, of Rangiora. Mr. Cone died on the 30th of June, 1898.
was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1851, and was brought up to mercantile life at Lurgan. After some years' experience in the United States of America he emigrated to Victoria in the sixties. In 1875 he settled in Canterbury, and started a grocery and drapery van on the road between Christchurch and Rangiora and the Cust districts. He afterwards commenced storekeeping, and founded the business of W. J. Crothers and Co., which he conducted till 1890, when he sold out to the North Canterbury Co-operative Association. Mr. Crothers was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Jassett, of Rangiora. His wife died in 1900, leaving three sons and four daughters.
formerly of “St. Kidda Farm,” Rangiora. was born in County Antrim, Ireland. He went to America at the age of eighteen, and followed the sea until 1857, when he came to Australia and worked at the diggings for some time. Coming across to Otago at the time of the Gabriel's Gully “rush,” he worked with varying success at different fields, and was the first to find good gold at Skippers', which was called after him, as he was known as “Skipper” Duncan. He put up a store at Miller's Flat and remained there for about a year, when he sold out and built another store at Nevis. From Nevis he went to the West Coast, where he married and started a stock-dealing business. He drove the first mob of cattle from Wairarapa to Wellington, shipped them to Lyttelton, and thence to the West Coast. Mr. Duncan continued dealing in stock for about six years, after which he settled in Canterbury, and purchased “St. Kidda Farm.” Mr. Duncan was a member of the road board for many years, and also of the river board, a trustee in several small estates, and a Justice of the Peace. He has a grown-up family of four daughters and three sons, one of the latter being an officer in the Union Company's service.
was born in the Rangiora district in 1858. He was educated and brought up to the hardware business, and occupies a responsible position under Mr. J. Johnston, hardware merchant. Mr. Foster has been for some years a director of the Rangiora Building Society, and holds office as a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. J. Johnston, of Rangiora, and has four sons and two daughters.
was born in Hampshire, England, in 1822. He landed at Lyttelton in 1858 by the ship “Roehampton,” and almost immediately settled in Rangiora, which was then in its natural state of tussock and bush. Being a baker by trade, he shortly afterwards commenced business on his own account, and carried it on for many years. Mr. Gulliver was married, in 1846, to Miss Cradwick, of Portsmouth, England, and has five sons.
was born in Norwich, England, in 1830, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Glentanner” in 1857. He settled
arrived with his wife from England in 1853 by the ship “Tasmania,” the last of the Canterbury Association's ships, and they were the first to settle on rural land at Rangiora. For fourteen years prior to sailing for New Zealand Mr. Leech was an officer of the Joint Stock Banking Company in Whitehaven, Cumberland, England. He commenced farming on the Woodend road, on the land now known as “Brooklands.” In 1870, with the late Mr. George Booth, he erected a flax mill, which has been run almost continuously since its establishment. He was also prominently associated with the Rangiora High School, and was for a number of years chairman of its governing body; indeed, his energy and ability had much to do in advancing the school to its present position. Mr. Leech was also a director of the Rangiora Building and Investment Society from its inception. He took an active interest in the establishment of the Anglican church at Rangiora, and for thirty-four years gave his services to the parish as a member of the vestry and a churchwarden. Mr. Leech was born at Maitindale, Westmorland, in 1821, and died on the 16th of January, 1902. He left five sons and two daughters; his wife having predeceased him by about seventeen years. Mr. and Mrs Leech will long be remembered for their genial kindness, hospitality, and for the financial assistance which they gave to many of the early settlers.
“Lillybrooke,” Rangiora, was born in Manchester, in 1829. His father was a butcher, and he, too, was brought up to that trade, at which he worked in Newark, and afterwards found employment with Messrs Lee and Sons, Leadenhall Market, London. Subsequently, he was for a short time in business on his own account, at Rochdale, Lancashire. Mr. Lilly came to Lyttelton in the ship “Roehampton” in 1858, and was employed for a short time at Rhodes' Bay. Soon afterwards he settled in Rangiora, and after working twelve months at his trade, he commenced business on his own account, and afterward became also a cattle dealer. Mr. Lilly was actively engaged in business for sixteen years, during which he did a large and lucrative trade. He retired about 1876. He has always taken a keen interest in racing, and was the first clerk of the course at the Rangiora races, which were held opposite the site of the Red Lion Hotel. Mr. Lilly served as a volunteer for six years in the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and at Timaru, many years ago, he took high honours at military drill, retiring with the rank of lieutenant. He was married, in 1857, to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. W. Butterworth, of Rochdale, Lancashire. This lady died in 1877, leaving three daughters, one of whom has since died. In 1882, Mr. Lilly married his deceased wife's youngest sister, and of one son and one daughter born of this union, the son has died.
one of the pioneers of settlement in New Zealand, was born in Perth, Scotland. He was brought up to sheepfarming by his father, who was a farmer and dealer. Mr. Macfarlane landed in Nelson, in 1842, and two years later removed to Wellington. About the end of 1850, three weeks prior to the arrival of the first four ships, he came to Canterbury, and took up the Loburn run—so named by him—which he worked till 1862, when, owing to the advent of free selectors, he sold out and purchased land about three miles from Rangiora, since known as “Coldstream.” Mr. Macfarlane resided on this property till his death in 1884, and took considerable interest in local affairs in Rangiora. He was married in Wellington, in 1848, to a daughter of the late Mr. Donald Cameron, who came to the colony in 1840. Mrs Macfarlane survives her husband, and is well known throughout the Rangiora district. She has six sons and three daughters and about forty grandchildren.
who was a successful Colonist and Farmer, was born at Midfrew, Perthshire,
who was well known in Canterbury in the early days, was born in 1832, at Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, England. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Minerva” in 1853, and became a clergyman of the Anglican Church in the colony in 1859, when he was ordained deacon by Bishop Harper. In 1862 he was ordained priest and was stationed at Okain's Bay for four years. Mr. Torlesse was Government chaplain for three years, and for two years afterwards vicar of Governor's Bay. Eighteen months before his death, in 1870, Mr. Torlesse became an invalid. He was married, in 1857, to Miss E. H. Revell, of Kaiapoi, and left five daughters and two sons.
was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1834, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Sir Edward Paget” in 1856. He settled in Kaiapoi, and two years later removed to Rangiora to open a branch store for his employer. It was the first store opened in Rangiora, and stood on a Bite near the present railway crossing in High Street. Mr. Wilson afterwards became the first resident postmaster in the district. About twelve months after settling in Rangiora Mr. Wilson bought his employer's interest in the local business, which he conducted till 1865. Since then he has been engaged in mercantile life in the district. He is a very old member of the Masonic Order. Mr. Wilson was married, in 1858. He was left a widower in 1896, with four sons and two daughters.
is about five miles from Kaiapoi, and nineteen miles from Christchurch, and little more than four miles from Rangiora. There are no hotels or stores in the settlement, and tradesmen from Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend supply the needs of the inhabitants. The local industries consist of wool-scouring works, a flax mill, and a rope and twine factory, which is one of the very best of its kind in New Zealand. There is a public school and also a post office. The population of the settlement at the census of 1901 was eighty-six. Waikuku is in the Mandeville riding of the Ashley county.
was established in 1872. The building consists of one class room with a large porch, and there are forty pupils on the roll, with an average attendance of thirty-three. The land on which the school and schoolhouse stand is about one acre and a half in extent. The local post office is conducted in the schoolhouse, and mails are received and despatched daily.
Headmaster of the Waikuku Public School and Postmaster at Waikuku, was born in the city of York, England, in 1852. He was educated at St. Peter's School, York, and was brought up to mercantile life. Mr. Tomlinson served for six years in a bank in England, and after arriving in the colony he was for three years in the Union Bank at Christchurch and Ashburton. In 1879 he left the bank's service to enter that of the Board of Education, served for two years and a half at Mount Somers, and subsequently, he was a student at the Normal School, Christchurch, for one year. He was first appointed to Waikuku in 1882, but at the end of 1884 he was transferred to Springburn, near Mount Somers, where he remained till 1889. In that year he was re-appointed to Waikuku, where he has since been in charge. Mr. Tomlinson was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Hick, an early Canterbury settler, and has four sons, two of whom have served in the South African war.
Waikuku, was erected in 1900. It is of wood and iron, has accommodation for eighty adults, and stands on a section of a quarter of an acre. For nearly thirty years Methodists in the district worshipped in the Government schoolhouse. The Rev. A. Peters, of Rangiora, is in charge.
Woolscourer and Farmer, Waikuku Woolworks, Waikuku. These works were established in 1869, by Mr. W. Bailey, the present proprietor having acquired them in 1872. Mr. McDonald was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1835, and arrived in Wellington with his parents in 1840, by the ship “Blenheim.” As soon as he was old enough he became a cadet on a station. Having qualified as a manager, Mr. McDonald was in charge of Horsley Downs estate for about eighteen years, and settled at Waikuku in 1872. He has for many years served on the Waikuku school committee, and for a long period held the position of chairman. Mr. McDonald is a member of the committee of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1864, to the widow of the late Mr. T. K. Adams, and has four sons and four daughters.
(James Stewart Manager of the Flax Dressing Department), Waikuku. Mr. Stewart was born in 1863, in Scotland, and came with his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “British Empire,” when he was two years old. The family settled in the Kaiapoi district, and Stewart's Gully derived its name from the father of the subject of this notice. Mr. Stewart was brought up to country life, and gained his experience in flax dressing at his father's mill on the banks of the Waimakariri river, just about the site of the present railway bridge. In 1890 he settled at Waikuku, and was employed at the Waikuku mills till 1897. In that year he went to his employer's flax mill at Waiau, where he became manager in 1898, and occupied that position till 1901, when he returned to take charge of the flax dressing department at the Waikuku mill.
Farmer, Waikuku, Mr. Cousins was born at Ambleside, Windermere, Westmorland, England, in 1831. He came to New Zealand in 1858, and first started business in Christchurch as a painter. Seven years later he moved to his present home at Waikuku. The land was then in a state of primeval roughness, but Mr. Cousins' industry and perseverance have brought the farm to a high state of cultivation.
Farmer, Waikuku. Mr. Griffiths was born in Staffordshire, England. In 1832, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Canterbury,” in 1864. After staying for a time in Christchurch, he went to Templeton and started the first chicory works in Canterbury for Mr. Trent. Subsequently, he took up his farm at Waikuku, Mr. Griffiths was one of the first elected members of the local school committee.
Farmer, Waikuku, Mr. Gill was born at Distington, near Whitehaven, Cumberland, England, in 1855, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Hawarden Castle,” in 1879. He settled with his uncle, Mr. Thomas Wilson, at Waikuku, and has continued to reside in the same district. Mr. Gill is married, and has five children.
Farmer, “Tullyhue,” Waikuku. Mr. Ligget was born in 1838, in County Armagh, Ireland, where he was educated, and spent his early years on his father's farm. He came out to the Colony in 1861 in the ship “Sebastopol,” and after gaining colonial experience for a few years with the Rev. John Raven, he purchased part of his present holding. The first portion of the property, which contains 340 acres in all, was purchased in 1863. A small herd of Shorthorn cattle was established over thirty years ago, and Mr. Ligget has annually carried off a fair share of honours at local shows. His light horses and sheep are no strangers to the showground, and are always a credit to their owner. The buildings on the property are of a most substantial kind, only the most durable timber having been used in their erection, and the stock-yards are laid down in concrete. At an early period Mr. Ligget did a good deal of tree-planting, and now reaps the benefit of his foresight, as his plantations supply fencing material and fuel, which is cut with a circular saw driven by his own portable engine. Mr. Ligget has always taken an active part in anything that tends to advance the district, as member of the road board and school committee for twenty years, and as life member and vice-president for two years of the Kaiapoi Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Ligget was married in 1861 to Miss Ross, and has one son and seven daughters.
Farmer, Waikuku. Mr. Morriss was born at Eaton, Leicestershire, England, on the 11th of February, 1832, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Joseph Fletcher,” on the 23rd of October, 1852. He found employment in connection with the laying out of the road from Lyttelton to Governor's and Charteris Bays, and was afterwards working on the road from Christchurch to Papanui. In 1858 Mr. Morriss settled in Waikuku, and was the first to erect a house on the Woodend side of the township. The original building still forms part of his residence. Mr. Morriss farms altogether about 140 acres. He has for many years taken an interest in school committees, and has served on the Woodend and Waikuku committees. In 1858 Mr. Morriss was married to Miss Elizabeth Stokes, who arrived in the colony by the ship “Randolph” in 1850. They have had four daughters and seven sons, of whom two daughters and two sons are dead.
Farmer, Waikuku. Mr. Orchard was born in Tamworth, Warwickshire, England, in 1839, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Randolph,” in 1850. In those rough times
Farmer, Waikuku. Mr. Skevington was born in Turvey, Bedfordshire, in the year 1828, and arrived in New Zealand in the ship “Zealandia.” He is one of the very earliest settlers. Soon after his arrival, be walked with his wife and two children from Lyttelton, and pitched his tent where his homestead now stands, the country at that time being in a very wild state, without roads. This old colonist has now a beautiful home with 450 acres of first-class land. Mr. Skevington has always taken a great interest in church and school matters for upwards of forty years.
Farmer, Waikuku. Mr. Skevington was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1859, and accompanied his parents to the colony, where he was brought up to country life. He engages in mixed farming, and is a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Skevington was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Whitaker, of London, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Waikuku. Mr. Wilson was born in Heighray, North Lancashire, England, in 1829, and arrived in Lyttelton on the 31st of July, 1852. After a few years of station and bush life, he and his brothers engaged in the timber trade. Mr. Wilson then took up his farm at Waikuku, and has now one of the best homesteads in the district. He has always been an energetic church and Sunday school worker, and also an advocate of the temperance cause.
sometime of Waikuku, was born in Dorsetshire, England, and arrived in New Zealand in 1880 by the ship “Langstone.” A few years afterwards he established the rope and twine factory at Waikuku, with the latest improvements in machinery. Mr. Andrews died in February, 1902.
is in the Mandeville riding of the county of Ashley, and had (with its neighbourhood) a population of 550 at the census of 1901. There is a flag railway station, which is twenty-four miles distant from Christchurch, and 140 feet above sea level, on the Rangiora-Oxford branch line. Fernside has a public school, and a post office is conducted at the local store. There are carriage-building works and a blacksmith's shop in the township. The district is devoted chiefly to sheep farming.
Fernside, is carried on at the store of Mr. Donald McIntyre, and mails are received and despatched daily.
Postmaster at Fernside, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1834. After arriving at Lyttelton in 1862, by the ship “Victoria,” he took up land in the Fernside district, and farmed it for about thirty years. Mr. McIntyre has served on local boards and committees, and has conducted the Fernside store since 1892. He has been twice married; firstly, in 1856, to Miss Robertson, of Perthshire, who died in 1873, leaving two sons and five daughters; and, secondly, in 1882, to the widow of the late Mr. Alfred Fennell, who founded the Fernside store.
This school was founded in the early sixties under the Provincial Government. The original cob building was replaced by more commodious premises in 1879, and these in turn gave way to the comfortable building and schoolhouse of 1902. The three class rooms have accommadation for 100 pupils, and there are sixty on the roll, with an average attendance of fifty-three. There is a school glebe of twenty acres. A fine concrete swimming bath, 75 feet by 30 feet, and increasing from 3 feet to 9 feet in depth, has lately been completed at a cost of over £90, which was subscribed almost wholly by the people of the district, as a result of the energy of the headmaster and the co-operation of the settlers of Fernside.
Headmaster of the Fernside School, was born at Carrickfergus, Antrim, Ireland. He was brought up as a teacher and trained at the Training College in Dublin, and served as such for twenty years in his native land. Mr. Ferguson arrived at Port Chalmers in January, 1880, with a guarantee of employment from Sir Julius Vogel, the colony's Agent-General in London, and was appointed to Blueskin. When, five years and a half later, he had to leave the district owing to Mrs Ferguson's ill-health, Mr. Ferguson was presented by the residents with a gold watch and chain, and an illuminated address. He removed to Canterbury, and after being two years at Ashley, he was transferred to Belfast, where he continued for ten years and a half. In 1898 Mr. Ferguson took up his duties at Fernside, and, on leaving Belfast, owing to ill-health, he and Mrs Ferguson were presented with oil paintings of themselves, a suite of dining room furniture, a set of carvers, and a handsome illuminated address, and other tokens of the friendship and goodwill of the settlers. Mr. Ferguson was married, in 1862, to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Arlow, merchant, of Belfast, and has five sons and one daughter surviving.
Coachbuilder, Shoeing and General Smith. Fernside. Mr. Cattermoor established his business in 1883. He makes and repairs agricultural implements, and undertakes general coachbuilding. The premises stand on a section of four acres of freehold land, and comprise a wheelwright's shop, a smithy, a paint shop and an ironmongery store. Mr. Cattermoor was born at St. Albans, Christchurch, in 1857, and never attended school. He learned his trade at the trolly-way works, Papanui Road, Christchurch. Mr. Cattermoor was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Watkins, of Rangoria, and has two daughters and one son.
Fernside. Mr. Parrott was born in England, and came to New Zealand in 1883 by the ship “British Queen.” He was educated at the old grammar school at Brandon, in Suffolk, and was apprenticed to the grocery trade. In 1887 he paid a visit to the Old Country, and returned to Christchurch in December of the same year. After being in the employment of Messrs Blackett and Son for a time, he purchased Mr. J. Smith's business in High Street, Rangiora, and erected premises which were amongst the finest in Canterbury. Mr. Parrott has since sold the business.
Sheep-farmer, “Lowland Leas,” Fernside. Mr. Chapman is the third son of the late Mr. Robert Chapman, well known throughout Canterbury in the early days. He was born at Springbank, his father's station, in 1857, educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and brought up to sheepfarming in the district. Since 1886 Mr. Chapman has farmed his estate, which is a portion of the old Springbank station, and consists of 3700 acres. He runs about 5000 sheep, and crops about 200 acres of turnips, besides 100 acres of rape, and 100 acres of cereals each year. Mr. Chapman's sheep are half-breds, and his special line is to raise for fattening purposes. He has been a successful prize-taker at many local shows. In public matters, he has served on the Eyreton Road Board for six years, on the Ashley-Waimakariri River Board for two years, and has been a member of the committees of the Canterbury and Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. His services as a judge of Merino sheep have been frequently in request at local shows. Mr. Chapman was married, in 1885, to a daughter of Mr. S. Johnston, sometime postmaster at Kaiapoi, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Merton's Road, Fernside. Mr. Dalziel was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1854, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Huntress” in 1863. His father settled in Southland, and Mr. Dalziel was educated at Morton Mains estate. He came to Canterbury in 1871, and settled in the Rangiora district. For some time he was in partnership with his brother, Mr. R. Dalziel, but has, on his own account, been farming over 250 acres of freehold, and 240 acres of leasehold land since 1896. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Gow, of Fernside, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Fernside. Mr. Dalziel was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1858, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Huntress,” when he was five years of age. The family settled in Southland, where Mr. Dalziel was educated. He has been a resident at Fernside since 1871, and he farms ninety-five acres in that district, and 510 acres in Swannanoa. Mr. Dalziel is also the proprietor of threshing and chaff-cutting machinery and a traction engine, which he has worked successfully for about twenty years. He was for three years and a half a member of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board.
Farmer, Fernside. Mr. Jackson was born in Sussex, England, in 1831, and has always been engaged in farming. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1855, by the ship “Cashmere,” and after being several years in Christchurch, he settled in Rangiora in 1862. Mr. Jackson has frequently served as a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1862, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Lovesay, of London, and has four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Fernside. Mr. Palmer was born in Worcester, England, in January, 1844. He came to Lytletton with his parents by the ship “Zealandia” in 1858. His father, Mr. T. Palmer, who is eighty-two years of age, still resides at New Brighton, where Mr. E. J. Palmer was brought up to farming; and he farmed 100 acres of land for about twenty years in Heathcote. In 1894 he settled at Fernside, where he has 200 acres of land. Mr. Palmer has taken great interest in local matters; he was formerly a member of the Heathcote Road Board, and has served on the Mandeville and Rangiora River Board since 1901. He has been for seven
was well known in Canterbury in the early days in connection with coaching. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1829, and arrived in Lyttelton about 1854. Mr. Bruce is said to have been the first to have established coaches between Lyttelton and Christchurch, in conjunction with Mr. Coe, and to have carried the mail over the hills before coaches were put on the road. For years subsequently Mr. Bruce ran coaches to the West Coast, via the Bealey. He afterwards owned a flour and biscuit mill in Colombo Street, which was conducted for some years under the style of Bruce and Coe. Mr. Bruce was married in Lyttelton in the early days, and at his death in 1885, he left four sons and one daughter.
sometime of “Hampton Farm,” Fernside, was born in Northamptonshire, England, and emigrated to Nelson in the ship “Amecohvila” in 1856. A year later he removed to Canterbury, and worked for four year with Mr. Robertson, afterwards taking up land at Fernside. He had several other properties in the district, amounting in all to nearly 300 acres. Two of his sons are farming in South Canterbury. Mr. Kelcher was one of the oldest members of the Rangiora Agricultural Society, and was also a member of the road board. He was married in 1867, and had four sons and one daughter. Mr. Kelcher died in 1898.
(Springbank-Moeraki) is a flag station on the Rangiora-Oxford line, twenty-eight miles from Christchurch, and 269 feet above the level of the sea. It takes its name from Stoke Grange station, which adjoins it, and is situated in the Cust riding of the county of Ashley. There is a public school of the same name on North Moeraki Downs, some two or three miles distant. The Moeraki flag station a mile beyond, and 317 feet above sea level, is the railway station for Springbank estate, the homestead of which is not far away. The local post-office at Stoke is conducted in a railway cottage. The population is small and scattered, and was not separately recorded in the census returns of 1901.
at Springbank is conducted at a railway cottage close to the Moeraki railway station. The office gets its name from the Springbank sheep station, which existed prior to the construction of the railway. Two mails are received and despatched daily. Mrs Julia Hubbard has been postmistress since 1900.
Stoke. This school stands on a fine site at North Moeraki Downs. The original building, which was erected in 1868, having been pulled down, was replaced by a new building of wood and iron. It takes its name from Stoke Grange, near Moeraki railway station. There is accommodation for thirty-six children; the number on the roll is eighteen, and the average attendance fifteen. There is a school residence of six rooms on the property, which consists of an acre, and is well planted with ornamental trees.
formerly Headmistress of Stoke School, was born at Coldstream, Rangiora. She was educated at Woodend school, where she served her pupil-teachership. After a year's training at the Normal school, Miss Lorimer was appointed to Stoke in September, 1895. In the middle of 1902 she went to take charge of the infant department of the school at Midhirst, Taranaki, in the North Island.
Farmer, North Mocraki Downs. Postal address, Springbank. Mr. Galletly was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1840, and was brought up to outdoor pursuits. In 1860 he landed in Lyttelton by the
Farmer, “Stoke Grange,” Moeraki. Mr. Ruddenklau was born in 1868 at Cust, and educated there. He has always followed a farming life, and in 1893 had the management of the late Mr. J. G. Ruddenklau's estate at Rangitata. After being on the estate for five years, Mr. Ruddenklau started his present farm of 980 acres freehold, where he carries on agriculture and sheep farming. Mr. Ruddenklau has been a member of the Cust Mounted Rifles since the formation of the corps. He was married, in 1893, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Wayland, of Cust, and has three sons and one daughter.
(Messrs T. Chapman and H. J. Beswick, as trustees in the estate of the late Mr. E. Chapman), Springbank, Moeraki. This estate, as at present constituted, comprises 3,500 acres of freehold. It was originally the homestead of the late Mr. Robert Chapman, and was taken up by that gentleman in conjunction with the late Mr. William Kaye, in 1851, and ultimately became the head centre of a property of 23,000 acres. On the death of Mr Chapman, in 1884, the property was cut up into blocks and divided among his four sons. Springbank estate is under the management of Mr. W. Webb.
Manager of “Springbank,” was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1862, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He joined the Bank of New Zealand, in which he passed four years, and then exchanged the desk for station life, which he followed at “Birch Hill” and at “Springbank,” and the latter property was managed by him for several years. He afterwards visited Australia, where he studied wool-classing and attended the technical college at Sydney. He and his brother, Mr. A. Webb, bought Ngakorua estate, at Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, in 1895, but after a time he again entered on the management of “Springbank.”
is on the northern railway line, between Rangiora and Oxford, and thirty-two miles from Christchurch. It has a fortnightly market, which is conducted by the North Canterbury Co-operative Association, and has yards with accommodation for all kinds of stock. The township has a railway station, which stands 419 feet above the level of the sea; also a post and telegraph office, a public library, a town hall, an Oddfellows' hall, Anglican and Presbyterian churches, two general stores, a hotel, and a public school, and there are schools also at Stoke and Summerhill. Amongst the local tradesmen there are two bakers, two blacksmiths, two carpenters and undertakers, a butcher, a clothier, and a saddler; and two flour mills do a good trade in gristing for the neighbourhood. The district originally belonged to the Fernside run, owned by Messrs Cunningham and Mannering, but the purely pastoral interests had in time to give way to closer settlement. Cust derives its name from one of the original promoters of the Canterbury Association, namely, Sir Edward Cust, of Leasowe Castle, England, who presented the local church with a bell, Mrs. R. Chapman giving the bell-tower. The land of the district is undulating, and the original settlers had much difficulty in getting their produce to market in the early days. To mend matters in that connection, the road boards applied themselves with great earnestness to form the roads and erect temporary bridges. Amongst the members who helped in this way were Messrs R. N. Higgins, J. Tipping, J. Collier, D. McVicar, W. Anderson, Thomas Conway, T. B. Howson, and J. B. Dickenson. Cust district now has a population of about 750 persons, and its valuation under the road board is close upon £150,000. Originally the district extended from the Ashley to the Waimakariri, but about the year 1870 it was reduced in size by the creation of what is now known as the West Eyreton district. Visitors to Cust are charmed with the scenery of the district; indeed, the low downs covered with well-kept farms and homesteads, with the beautiful background of Mount Thomas and the dense bush of Birch Hill, make up one of the finest landscapes in Canterbury.
lies between the Oxford, Rangiora, and Mandeville road district, and the West Eyreton and Ashley districts. It embraces about fifty square miles of agricultural and pastoral country. The capital ratable value of the district is £179,559, on which a rate of 3-8ths of a penny in the £ is levied, and the revenue for the year 1901–2 was £726 19s 7d. Mr. R. Kingsbury is chairman, and Mr. Thomas O'Farrell, clerk of the Board, which has an office in the township of Cust, where it holds monthly meetings.
at Cust was established in 1864. It is situated on the premises of Mr. Stephen Early, and is in a central position, in the main street. Daily mails are received and despatched at the office.
who has held the position of Postmaster at Cust since 1866, was born in 1840, at Ringwood, Hampshire, England, and educated and brought up as a builder by his father. He arrived in Lyttelton on St. Patrick's Day, 1860, by the ship “Clontarf,” and was for about three years in business with his father in Christchurch. On settling in Cust in 1864, he began business as a general storekeeper, and as a baker and undertaker. He carried on the store for about eighteen years, and has since confined his operations to the building and undertaking lines. Mr. Early's commodious premises include a fine workshop with the necessary plant. In the early days he served as a member of the Cust Road Board, and was a member of the first school committee, on which he served for a number of years, and was one of the founders of the local literary institute. He is still a member of the cemetery board. Mr. Early is a member at the Order of Oddfellows, in which he has passed all the chairs, and was one of the founders of the local lodge, and also of that at Oxford. He was married, in 1862, to a daughter of Mr. J. Wayland, of Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, England, and has four sons and five daughters.
is on the Rangiora-Oxford branch railway line. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains a public ticket lobby, ladies' waiting room, and stationmaster's office, and there is a large goods shed. Two passenger trains pass the station three days in the week, and four on the other three days.
Stationmaster, who also acts as Telegraphist, and Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, was appointed to his present position in 1896.
. This school dates from about 1872. It contains three class rooms and three large porches, and stands on part of a section of three acres of land. There is accommodation for 180 pupils; in 1902 the number on the roll was seventy-two, with an average attendance of sixty. There is a large playground surrounded with well-grown shelter trees; also a two-storey school residence, with five good rooms. The headmaster, Mr Henry Henderson, is helped by an assistant mistress.
Cust, is a wood and iron building, which has accommodation for 150 worshippers. It stands on a narrow strip of land between the railway line and the main road. A Sunday school connected with the church is conducted in a separate building, and is attended by forty children, who are in charge of five teachers. The vicarage is a comfortable six-roomed residence, situated not far from the church. Services are conducted twice every Sunday, and the vicar also holds services periodically at West Eyreton and Mount Thomas. The vicar, the Rev. A. S. Fox, has been in charge of the district since 1897.
was founded in 1873, and the hall which it occupies was built two years later. The hall has seating accommodation for 400 people, and the library, which contains 700 volumes, is kept in a separate room. There are about thirty subscribers. The affairs of the institution are managed by the president, Mr. E. W. Cooper, and a committee of eight, with Mr. A. D. Hassall, J.P., as secretary.
Secretary to the Cust Literary Institute, was born in Kaiapoi, in 1858, and established his present business in 1879. He was a member of the local licensing committees for several years, and was made a Justice of the Peace in 1898. Mr. Hassall was married, in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Willis, of Christchurch, and has three daughters.
(J. Brosnahan, Proprietor), This comfortable hotel was established in 1863, and became known as the half-way house between Rangiora and Oxford. It contains twenty-five rooms, of which twelve are well-furnished bedrooms and four sittingrooms. There is a billiard-room, also stabling
the Proprietor of the Cust Hotel, was born in Ireland in 1871, and received his education at Temuka. In his early years he followed farming. He has taken an active part in local athletic sports, and has been a prize-winner on several occasions. Mr. Brosnahan was married in 1895 to Miss Hoare, and has one daughter.
Butcher and Farmer, Cust. This business was established by Mr. T. B. Houston, conducted by Mr. McLaren for eighteen years, and acquired by the present proprietor in 1901. Mr. McCullough farms 120 acres of land in the district. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery” with his parents. For about twelve months he found employment in the North Island, and was in the Cust district at the time of the great flood in 1868. Mr. McCullough began farming on his own account in 1880. For six years he served as a director of the North Canterbury Co-operative Society. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr A. Ramsay, of Cust, and has two sons.
Storekeeper, Cust. This business was established in 1879 by the proprietor, in conjunction with Mr C. Thompson, of Carleton. The premises which are freehold, consist of a wood and iron building, of one storey, containing two shops and a residence behind. The departments include clothing, boots, and hardware. Mr. Cooper was born in South Australia in 1858, and came to New Zealand when six years of age. He was educated at the local school, under Mr. J. Dobson, and was brought up to mercantile life. Mr. Cooper has taken considerable interest in the welfare of the Cust district, and has been president of the local literary institute since 1891. He has been associated with the Cust Lodge of Oddfellows for many years, and has passed all the chairs. Two of Mr. Cooper's sons went to South Africa as members of New Zealand Contingents. Mr. Cooper was married, in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. D. Garrett, of Cust, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer and Threshing Machine Proprietor, Cust. Mr. Allison was born in Lancashire, England, in 1844, and was brought up to country life. Till 1866 he was a farm servant. In that year he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Blue Jacket,” and found employment at shearing and other farm work in the Cust district, for several years. About 1870 he commenced his experience in connection with threshing machines. Within a short time he had an interest in a machine, and soon afterwards became proprietor of a complete plant, which he has worked successfully for many years. Mr. Allison resides on a section of fifty acres of freehold land, which he farms. He was married, in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. J. Worgan, of Lyttelton, and has three daughters and two sons.
Farmer, Cust. This old settler was born at Dairy, Ayrshire, in 1843, and worked on his father's farm at Towuhead, Lanarkshire, till the age of twenty, when he resolved to try his fortune in New Zealand, and sailed in the ship “Sebastopol” for Canterbury. He landed at Lyttelton on the 24th of May, 1863, after a voyage of 126 days. He worked for the provincial government on road formation and repairing, then joined the late Mr. Seabright in a contract for delivering telegraph poles along the line from Riccarton to the Rangitata river. They encountered many hardships and dangers from storms and floods, having on one occasion to retreat from their camp, cross the river, and make for Riccarton, after losing a quantity of their stores and material. Mr. Anderson settled in the Cust district in 1864, where he gradually increased his lands to 1000 acres. He was for several years a member of the road board, and chairman for about three years. At one time he had a very severe illness, which
Farmer, Farleigh Estate, Cust. Mr. Atkinson was born in Essex, England, and was educated at Repton. He was intended for the Church, but came to the Colony in the s.s “Jonic” and settled on his uncle's stations “Brochenhurst” and “Eskhead” for a number of years. The Farleigh property comprises 600 acres and was purchased in 1800. It is devoted chiefly to the raising and fattening of sheep for which the land is admirably adapted, being noted for its crops of turnips and rape. The proprietor's favourite sheep are Shropshires, of which he has a stud flock of the celebrated Mac Lean strain. He obtains an average of ninety-eight per cent of lambs. The property carries about 1500 sheep, besides a small herd of Ayrshire cattle. Mr. Atkinson is a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and has been class-steward for a number of years; as a volunteer officer he is referred to in the Military Section of this volume. Mr. Atkinson owns a trotting stock, which he has run with success. He was married, in 1891, to Miss Cowe, of Edinburgh, and has one daughter.
Farmer, “Pleasant View,” Summerhill, Cust. Mr. Fairweather was born in Kaiapoi in 1869, and educated there and at Eyreton. He was brought up to agricultural and pastoral life, and worked in connection with his father's estates till he was twenty-four years of age. In 1893 he took over on his own account the estate which he now owns. “Pleasant View” consists of 630 acres of rich, rolling downs, beautifully situated, and well watered with never failing springs. It was, when in its native state, covered with heavy flax, manuka scrub, cabbage trees, and tussocks. The land grows heavy crops of oats, grass seed, turnips, and rape, and the estate carries, besides horses and cattle, 1100 sheep, principally breeding ewes, whose lambs, except the half-bred ewe lambs, are all sold fat. The percentage of lambs for the past ten years has averaged 100 per cent., and has been up to 115 per cent. Mr. Fairweather's sheep are half-and, three-quarter bred Romneys, with sufficient Merino ewes to keep up the half-bred flock. A small stud flock of Romney Marsh is kept. The Romney cross is most suitable on account of the heavy nature of the soil, as sheep of that strain are almost immune from foot rot, and grow a good fleece of clean bright wool. Mr. Fairweather is a member and class steward of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association; a member of the Summerhill school committee, treasurer of the local branch of the Farmers' Union, and a trooper in the Cust Mounted Rifles; and for the past four years he has been a manager, of the Cust Presbyterian church. He was married, in 1895, to Miss Gardner, second daughter of the late Mr. G. G. Gardner, of Cleveland, Cust, and has one daughter and two sons.
Farmer, Willow Farm, Cust. Mr. Hunter was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1840, and is the son of a farmer. His education was finished at Ayr Academy. He had seven years' experience in mercantile life, before coming to Port Chalmers in the ship “Christian McCausland” in 1871. For the first seven years of his residence in New Zealand he was engaged in dairyfarming on Banks' Peninsula, and was afterwards at Springston for three years. Subsequently he was for a time in the North Island. In 1882 he acquired the first portion of his estate in the West Eyreton and Cust districts, and now farms 265 acres of freehold land. Before leaving Scotland Mr. Hunter served for six years in the Ayr Yeomanry Cavalry. He has been a member of the West Eyreton Road Board since 1888, and is now chairman, and has served as a member and as chairman of the Cust Licensing Committee. Since 1893 he has been chairman of the Cust and West Eyreton Cemetery Board. Mr. Hunter was married, in 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr. D. Caldwell, of Blackbyers Farm, Ayr, Scotland, and has four daughters surviving.
Farmer, “The Wattles,” Terrace Road, Cust Valley, Cust. Mr. Jones
This property, consisting of 620 acres, was originally obtained from the Crown in 1864 by the late Mr. Thomas Conway, when the land was in its native state covered with flax and scrub. It is now in thorough cultivation and subdivided into suitable paddocks. In the early days, farming was started under great difficulties; Mr. Conway paid £50 for his first yoke of working bullocks, and £20 for his first cow.
son of the late Mr. Thomas Conway, and present owner of Maitland Vale, was born in 1852 in London, where he was educated. He came to Dunedin in 1862 in the ship “Scoresby,” and lived for twelve months in Christchurch before settling at Maitland Vale. He carries on a system of mixed farming, but gives most of his attention to breeding and fattening sheep for the export trade. He grows fine crops of turnips and rape for feed. His favourite breed of sheep is the English Leicester and their crosses. Mr. Conway has been a member of the Cust Road Board and school committee. He was married in 1883 to Miss Childs, and has four sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Wattle Grove,” Cust Valley, Cust. Mr. Pawsey was born at Haughley, Suffolk, England, in 1846, and was brought up to out-door pursuits. He landed in Lyttelton in 1859 by the ship “Clontarf,” and after three years in Christchurch removed to Balcairn, where he found employment until 1870 on the farm of his father, Mr. J. R. Pawsey. Since that year Mr. Pawsey has farmed on his own account in the Cust Valley, and has brought his fine property of 250 acres of freehold land from its natural condition to its present high state of cultivation. He was married, in 1869, to a daughtter of Mr. R. Evans, of Rangiora, and has two sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Evenley Farm, Cust. Mr. Roberts was born in 1866, in the Cust district, where he was educated and brought up to country life. Since 1898 he has been farming on his own account. His property consists of 228 acres, of which forty-one are leasehold. Since 1901 Mr. Roberts has served as a member of the Cust Road Board. As a volunteer he is connected with the Cust Mounted Rifles, which he joined in 1900. Mr. Roberts was married, in 1900, to a daughter of the late Mr. Dohrmann, of Bennetts, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Totara Farm, Cust. Mr. Smith was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1841, and followed farming. In 1863 he left for Port Chalmers in the ship “City of Dunedin.” He engaged in farm work for some time, and joined the “rush” to the West Coast goldfields. He then went to the Otago diggings, where he remained for six years. On coming to Canterbury, Mr. Smith went to Rangiora, where he followed farm work for some time, and finally settled in the Cust district in 1872. His farm consists of 180 acres of freehold and 320 acres of leasehold land. He has been a member of the West Eyreton Road Board since 1882. His youngest son was killed in South Africa whilst fighting with the Seventh New Zealand Contingent. Mr Smith was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Stark, of Flaxton. Mrs. Smith died in 1896, leaving four sons and four daughters. Mr. Smith was married, in 1897, to the widow of the late Mr. A. McCracken, of Rangiora.
Farmer, Cust Valley, Cust. Mr. Smith is the son of Mr. William Smith, farmer, of West Eyroton, and was born at West Eyreton in 1870. He was brought up to country life, and worked on his father's
Farmer, “Mountain View,” North Moeraki Downs, Cust. Mr. Webster was born in Forfarshire, Scotland in 1834. He has always been engaged in outdoor pursuits, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Cameo” in 1859. For some time he was employed in gardening, and became forester on the Riccarton estate, where he remained for sixteen years. Having acquired land, soon after landing, at North Moeraki Downs, he settled on his property in 1876. Mr. Webster owns sixty-seven acres where he lesides, and has another property of ninety-three years at Summerhill. For several years he acted as commissioner for the Stoke school. He was married, in 1858, before leaving Scotland, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Ramsay, of Tayport, Fifeshire, Scotland, and has four sons and three daughters surviving; there are also twelve grandchildren.
sometime of Cust, was born at Deal, Kent, England, in 1845. As a lad he went to sea, and rose to the position of third mate. In this capacity he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Sebastopol” in 1863. On leaving his vessel Mr. Gardner took a position in the Customhouse at Lyttelton, where he remained for three years. He was married in March, 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. James McKinley, of Hamilton, Scotland. Having acquired land at Cust, Mr. and Mrs Gardner encountered the great flood of 1868. and the timber for their house, then in transit, was washed out to sea from Kaiapoi. Besides farming between two and three hundred acres, which he reclaimed from the wilderness, Mr. Gardner built a flour mill in 1882. The farm (since increased to over 400 acres) and the mill are still worked by Mr. Gardner's sons. Mr. Gardner also took great interest in public affairs, and served on the Cust Road Board and other local bodies. He died on the 5th of February, 1885, leaving six sons and four daughters.
sometime of “Bankhead,” Cust, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1829. He was brought up to a country life, and landed at Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery,” in March, 1859. Having leased Mr. T. S. Duncan's farm and stock at Decanter Bay, Banks' Peninsula, he spent his first four years in New Zealand at that place, and made cheese. On removing to Heathcote, Mr. Garland bought a property, and also commenced carting, but continued that business only one year. In 1864 he settled on land which he had previously bought at Cust, where his property, which he called “Bank-head,” consisted of 275 acres of fertile land. Mr. Garland took great interest in the advancement of his district, served on the local school committee, and was prominent in connection with the erection of the Presbyterian church. His services as a judge were frequently in demand in connection with local shows. Shortly before leaving the Old Land, Mr. Garland was married to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Blackwood, farmer, of Barn Hill, Perthshire. On his death, in 1881, he left four sons and six daughters. Mrs. Garland still survives her husband.
sometime of Cust Valley, Cust, was the son of the late Mr. Peter Peebles, of North Moeraki Downs. He was born in 1841, in Scotland, and came out to Lyttelton in 1862 by the ship “Queen of the Mersey.” Two years later he bought the first fifty acres of his property, which he owned up to the time of his death in 1898, when he had 255 acres. During his lifetime he saw his land brought into a high state of cultivation. Mr. Peebles was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was prominent as an office-bearer. He was married, in 1866, to a daughter of Mr. D. Robertson, of Arbroath, Scotland, and left one daughter. Mrs. Peebles came to the colony by the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1866.
sometime of Cust, was born in Germany in 1834. After leaving school he went to London, and was in commercial occupations for over three years. He came to the Colony in 1856 in the ship “Joseph Fletcher” and took up his first section of fifty acres of land at Rangiora in 1858. Afterwards he purchased 200 acres of unimproved Crown lands in 1863, at the Cust, where he settled in the following year, and soon brought the land under cultivation, growing good grain crops. Mr. Ruddenklau threshed as much as sixty bushels of rye-grass to the acre, and sold it at six and seven shillings per bushel. He prospered well, and increased his possessions to 2170 acres. Mr. Ruddenklau took an active share in local affairs and was a member of the road board for some time, and also interested himself in school and church matters. He was married in 1859 to Miss Watt, and had four sons and two daughters. The sons are all followers of their late father's occupation.
takes its name from the railway station known as Bennett's Junction, which is the point where the branch lines from Oxford and Kaiapoi meet. The railway station is thirty-five miles from Christchurch, and stands at an altitude of 555 feet above the level of the sea. Close to the railway station there is a local store, at which the business of the post office is conducted, and there is also a blacksmith's shop. The district is devoted to agriculture, to sheep, and to dairy farming. Bennett's is close to that celebrated trout stream, the Cust, and within five miles of the river Ashley, the fish of which are noted for their delicate flavour. At the census of 1901 the village had a population of seventy-seven.
which was established about 1874, has long been conducted by Mrs. Ann Farr, at her store, close to Bennett's Junction Railway Station. Mails are received and despatched daily.
and Telegraph Office was established in July, 1877. The station is at the junction of the Rangiora-Oxford line with the Kaiapoi-Bennett's branch, which was opened in 1880. Daily trains pass through each way, and extra trains run on three days in the week. The station building is of wood and iron, and contains a public office, ticket lobby, and a suitable waiting room. There is a good asphalt platform for passengers. There are also engine and goods sheds, and five railway cottages for the employees. The local stationmaster, and a driver and guard, reside at Bennett's Junction.
Wheelwright and General Blacksmith, Bennett's Junction. This business was established in the early seventies, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1901. The premises consist of a smithy and wheelwright's and painter's shops, and a residence. Mr. Lyons was born in August, 1867, at Hull, Yorkshire, England. He learned his trade in the Valley of the Wear, County Durham, and came in 1888 to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Aorangi.” For some years he worked for others at his trade, and commenced business on his own account, in October, 1898, at Lower High Street, Christchurch. Eighteen months later he removed to Kaiapoi, where he continued till taking over his present business. Mr. Lyons has been a member of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance. He was for some time a member of the Motett Society in Christchurch, and was at one time a member of the Choral Society of Auckland. Mr. Lyons was married, in 1894, to the daughter of Mr. John Tellum, of Cornwall, and has three sons.
Farmer, “The Pines,” Bennett's. Mr. Atkinson was born in County Down, Ireland, on the 25th of June, 1858, and was brought up to country life on his father's farm. In 1874 he arrived in Lyftelton with his father, mother and family, by the ship “Eastern Monarch.” Mr. Atkinson settled at the Cust, where he worked for wages for ten years. He carefully saved his earnings, and began farming with a cousin between Glentui and Birch Hill. Later on he leased a farm on North Moeraki Downs, but sold out to go to the North Island. He did not care for the North Island, however, and returned to Canterbury, and purchased The Pines farm, which consisted of 227 acres of freehold land. Since that time he has bought an additional 168 acres in the neighbourhood. Mr. Atkinson served for one year as a member of the Cust Road Board, and was at one time a member of the Summerhill school committee. He was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. James Moore, of Spreydon, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Home Dale,” Bennett's. Mr. Bennett is a son of Mr. Alexander Bennett, of Richmond, Christchurch, and was born in Glasgow, in 1858. He accompanied his parents to Lyttelton ton by the ship “Motoaka,” when he was two years of age. After nine years in Christchurch, the family removed to the district, which was named after his father. Mr. Bennett was brought up to country life in the district, and has farmed on his own account since 1901. His property consists of 200 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Bennett has been a member of the local domain board since its inception, and has served for some years on the local school committee. He was married, in 1894, to the daughter of Mr. W. Elliott, of Bennett's, and has one daughter and three sons.
Farmer, Bennett's Junotion. Mr. Cowan was born in Northumberland, England, in 1840, and was brought up to farming. In 1868 he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Mermaid,” and engaged in farm work, until starting for himself at Bennett's on 100 acres of leasehold land. He has since acquired 700 acres of freehold, including 450 acres in the Cust, and 250 acres in the Oxford district. At each of these places Mr. Cowan carries on agriculture and sheep farming. For several years Mr. Cowan has been a member of the Cust Road Board. He was one of the first promoters of the Carleton school in the old Provincial Council days, and was the first chairman of the school committee, of which he was a member for many years. Some time ago Mr. Cowan paid a six months' visit to England, where he visited the scenes of his youth, and the friends of his earlier years. Mr. Cowan was married in 1871, to a daughter of the late Mr. McVeety, of Ireland, and has two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Leeside Farm,” Bennett's. Mr. Cross was born in London in 1856 and came to the Colony with his parents in 1858, in the ship “Zealandia.” The family settled at Ferry Road, Christchurch, for two years, and then removed to Rangiora, where the subject of this sketch was educated. Mr. Cross settled at Oxford in 1874, and is now farming over 350 acres, of which 220 are freehold. The land was taken up in its native state but is now highly improved, there being two good dwelling-houses with gardens, orchards, and out-buildings. Mixed farming is carried on, and the sheep kept are Border-Leicesters. Mr. Cross has always taken an active part in local matters; he is a member of the Oxford Road Board, Carleton School Committee,
Farmer, Bennett's. Mr. Elliott owns 200 acres of land, which includes twenty acres of leasehold. He was born at Dorking, Surrey, England, in 1838, and became gardener for Sir Benjamin Brodie. In 1863 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Lancashire Witch.” For a year he was gardener to the Hon. Leslie Lee, at Rangiora, and afterwards followed his occupation independently as a gardener for a number of years. About 1872 Mr. Elliott took up the first part of his property in the Bennett's district, and has since increased his holding. He served for two terms as a member of the Carleton school committee. Mr. Elliott was married on the 10th of March, 1863, to the daughter of the late Mr. John Lewis, of Flowton, Suffolk, England, and has six daughters.
Farmer, Bennett's Junction. Mr. Englebrecht was born at his father's farm in the district in 1874. He farmed for several years with his brother at Waimate; and in 1900 commenced sheep-farming for himself on 400 acres of land. He was married, in 1901, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Clarke, of West Oxford.
Farmer, Pine Tree Farm, Bennett's Junction. Mr. Englebrecht was born in Germany in 1840, and came to Lyttelton in 1857 in the ship “Bosworth.” He was farming at Kaiapoi Island until the time of the flood in the north branch of the Waimakariri, in 1866. Later on he bought 115 acres of his present property, to which he added from time to time; and now he has 1030 acres of freehold and seventy acres of leasehold, on which he keeps sheep and carries on general farming. He has a fine two-storey residence, surrounded with well grown shelter trees; in the vicinity there are commodious outbuildings, a sheep dip, and well arranged pens for drafting sheep. Mr. Englebrecht was a member of the Oxford Road Board for four years, and was for five years on the Carleton school committee. He was married, in 1861, to a daughter of Mr. Lancelot Giles, of Kaiapoi Island, and has four sons and five daughters. One daughter died in 1899.
Farmer, Bennett's. Mr. Finlay was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1849, and was brought up as a shepherd. He followed his calling till 1875, when he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Soukar.” Mr. Finlay found employment as a shepherd at Woodstock station, and was for some time employed in that capacity at that station or at Fernside, which was the property of the same owners. In 1880 he took up a piece of freehold land at Bennett's where he has since conducted a dairy and mixed farm. Since 1899 Mr. Finlay has been a member of the Carleton school committee. He was married, in January, 1874, to the daughter of Mr. John Wallace, of Lanarkshire, and has five sons and four daughters.
Bennett's, the property of the Assets Realisation Board, consists of 7,050 acres of freehold and about 30,000 acres of leasehold, and carries 32,000 Merino and crossbred sheep.
J.P., Manager of the Glentui Station, was born at Clare, Ireland, in 1840. Soon afterwards his parents removed to Shantalla, Galway, where he lived till he came to New Zealand in the ship “Chrysolite,” in 1862. He entered the employment of the late Mr. A. H. Cunningham, of Fernside, and accompanied that gentleman and his son, Charles, to the West Coast, through Browning's Pass, with the first mob of sheep from Canterbury, for the goldfields. The sheep were most acceptable to the miners who were living in camp between the Dividing Range and Hokitika. Mr. O'Halloran has a lively recollection of his experiences in the snowy ranges on that occasion. In 1865 he was placed in charge of the Okuku run of 23,000 acres. He purchased freehold land at Loburn in 1873, and took up a run of 3000 acres, which he sold in 1877, becoming manager for the new proprietor, the Hon. E. Richardson, who had 20,000 sheep and 500 head of cattle grazing on a number of merged runs. On the late Mr. John Inglis closing the Canterbury business of Matheson's Agency, Mr. O'Halloran bought land on the late Mr. T.
(William, David, and Alexander Moderate), Farmers, Bennett's. These well-known settlers hold 474 acres of land, all freehold except twenty-four acres, and carry on mixed farming. They were all born near Belfast, Ireland, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Chrysoiite” in 1862, and settled at Kaiapoi. Subsequently they removed to Fernside, and took up their residence in the Bennett's district in 1870. The property now owned by them was then in its natural state, and has since been brought into thorough cultivation. Mr. Alexander Moderate has served as a member of the West Eyreton and Cust Road Boards. He was also a member of the Carleton school committee. Ncne of the brothers are married.
Farm Manager, Traction Engine and Chaffcutting Machine Proprietor, Bennett's Junction. Mr. Reid was born in 1877 at his father's farm in the district. He received his education at Carleton school, and has always followed farm work. Mr. Reid has been manager of his father's farm since the death of the latter in 1901. He is also proprietor of a traction engine of six horse power; and of an Andrews and Beaven chaffcutting machine. This engine and machine are capable of cutting and bagging from two to three tons of chaff an hour, and Mr. Reid makes very short work of many huge stacks in the Oxford, Cust, and West Eyreton districts.
Farmer, “Endersleigh,” Bennett's Junction. Mr. Storer was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1846, and came to Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Randolph,” in 1850. The family remained for a year at the Port, and for a similar period at Woolston. For some eighteen months afterwards they lived on the Sand Hills, Cashel Street, Christchurch. They then removed to Kaiapoi Island, where they remained for over fifteen years. At the end of that time, Mr. Storer removed to the plains in the Oxford district, and settled at Bennett's in 1874. His property embraces fifty
Farmer, “Marshdale,” Bennett's; Postal address, Cust Mr. Thompson was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1859. He was brought by his father, Mr. R. Thompson, of Cust, to Lyttelton, by the ship “Gannonoque,” in May, 1860, and was brought up to country life. Mr. Thompson was employed by his father until he started on his own account in 1882, when he bought 150 acres of land, which he has since increased to 475 acres, all freehold. He devotes himself chiefly to sheep-farming. Mr. Thompson has been a member of the Summerhill school committee since 1902. He was married, in August, 1894, to the daughter of the late Mr. W. Bennett, of West Eyreton, and has two sons and one daughter.
sometime of Bennett's Junction, was born in Lanarkshire. Scotland, in 1851, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Chrysolite,” in 1862. He was employed in general farm work until 1880, when he leased 300 acres at Bennett's Junction, and carried on sheep-farming and agriculture until his death in 1897. For many years Mr. King was a champion plougher, and was also noted as an athlete, especially in connection with tossing the caber. Mr. King was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. Richard Mason, of Fernside. Mrs King died in 1888, leaving two sons and one daughter. Mr. King was married again in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. George Hamilton, of Ashburton, and two sons and one daughter were born of this union.
sometime of One Willow Farm, Bennett's Junction, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1849, and followed farming until he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Agamemnon,” in 1862. He went to Kaiapoi Island, where he engaged in general farm work for some years, and finally moved to One Willow Farm at Bennett's. From time to time he added to his area, until he had 370 acres of freehold, on which he conducted mixed farming. In 1896 he bought a traction engine and chaff-cutting machine, with which he used to cut chaff for a large number of farmers throughout the district. Mr. Reid was a member of the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand, and also of the Rangiora and Oxford Orange Lodges. He was married, in 1870, to a daughter of the late Mr. Lancelot Giles, of Kaiapoi Island. Mr. Reid died in 1901, leaving seven sons and six daughters.
is an agricultural and pastoral district, about four miles from Oxford. Its flag railway station is thirty-seven miles from Christchurch, and stands at an altitude of 623 feet above the level of the sea, on the Oxford-Bennett's line. A public school, not far from the railway station, serves the district, and also Bennett's. Carleton is situated in the Oxford riding of the county of Ashley, and at the census of 1901 had a population of fifty-four souls.
The Public School at Carleton contains two class rooms and two porches. There is accommodation for ninety children; there are forty-seven on the roll, and the average attendance is forty-one. A plantamon of well grown pines surrounds the school and the teacher's residence. Miss Janet Dick is at present (1902) the mistress in charge.
Farmer, “Broadfield,” Carleton. Mr. Jeffs was born at Hillsden, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1828. When nineteen years of age he entered the British Navy, and served on the frigate “Camberine” on the East Indian and Chinese stations for four years. Afterwards he was employed in the merchant service on vessels trading between England and Australia, via India, China, and Callao. Mr. Jeffs was altogether some nineteen years at sea, and occupied the position of mate for about three years. In 1858 he landed from his vessel at New Plymouth, whence he carried his blankets and travelled on foot to Wanganui and Wellington. Thence, without loss of time, he came on to Canterbury, and joined his brother, the late Mr. Charles Jeffs, who came out in the ship “Charlotte Jane,” in 1850, and died in 1902. Mr. E. Jeffs was for some time settled in Opawa, where the present railway bridge now stands. He then removed to Kaiapoi Island, where he worked a farm for about four years, but left the district on account of floods. In 1864 Mr. Jeffs settled at Flaxton, where he was for about nine years. He removed, in 1873, to Carleton, and had a farm for about seven years near Bennett's Junction. Having sold this property, he bought “Broadfield,” an estate of 774 acres of freehold land, and has resided there since 1888. During his experience Mr. Jeffs has started five farms, and erected five homesteads. He was married, in 1860, to a daughter of the late Mr. Isaac King, of Stoke, Suffolk. Mrs Jeffs came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Roman Emperor.”
Farmer, “Beck Bank,” Carleton. Mr. Skurr was born in Cumberland, England, in 1836, and there gained some experience in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. He came to Lyttelton in 1866 by the ship “Victory.” After farming for seven years in the Cust district he purchased the first portion of his estate known as “Beck Bank,” which he has since increased to 700 acres of freehold. Mr. Skurr has served on the local school committee, and was for some time a member of the Oxford Road Board. He joined the Order of Oddfellows in England, and has been connected with the Nil Desperandum Lodge, East Oxford, and he is also a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Society. In 1865 Mr. Skurr married a daughter of the late Mr. J. Watson, of Cumberland, and has three sons and two daughters surviving.
Sheep-farmer, Carleton. Mr. Thompson was born in London in 1847, came out to Adelaide in 1860, arrived at Wanganui five years later, and settled in Canterbury in 1866. After three years as a storekeeper at Saltwater Creek, Mr. Thompson removed to Oxford, and established a store, which he conducted for twenty years. Since 1889 he has been engaged in sheep-farming at Carleton, where he has about 1600 acres of land. Mr. Thompson was married, in 1868, to Miss Lough, of London, and has six sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Carleton. Mr. Thompson farms 373 actes, of which sixty acres are freehold. He was born at Saltwater Creek, in 1869, and went with his father to the Oxford district when he was two years of age, and was brought up to business in his father's store. However, on attaining the age of sixteen he turned his attention to farming, which he began on his own account in 1893. He has been a member of the Oxford Road Board since 1900. He is attached to the Nil Desperandum Lodge of Oddfellows at East Oxford, and has passed the Vice-Grand's chair. Mr. Thompson was married, in October, 1893. to a daughter of Mr. T. Hunter, storekeeper, of Oxford, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Carleton. Mr. Cross was born at Lambeth, Surrey, England, in 1846, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” in 1859. Mr. Cross was settled on the Ferry Road, Christchurch, for three years, and was afterwards for a number of years in the Rangiora district. He has recently settled on his farm, known as “Leaside,' at Carleton. Mr. Cross was married, in 1870, to the daughter of Mr. T. Pring, and has five daughters and five sons.
sometime of Oak Lea Farm, Carleton, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1830. Before leaving his native country, Mr. Dohrmann farmed for a time, on his own account, and was also the driver of a mail coach. He came to Lyttelton, in 1859, by the ship “Regina,” and resided for about five years at Colombo Road, Sydenham, near the Port Hills. In 1864 Mr. Dohrmann removed to the Oxford district, and engaged in carting and carrying, and was farming for about thirteen years. In April. 1875, he acquired Oak Lea Farm, which is 315 acres in extent, and on which he resided up to the time of his death. For some time Mr. Dohrmann was a member of the Carleton school committee, and was a churchwarden of St. Andrew's Church, Oxford, for many years. He was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. Johann Kriete, Hanover, and left eight daughters and two sons. Mrs Dohrmann survives her husband, and there are thirteen grandchildren. Mr. Dohrmann's death was due to injuries he sustained through the breaking of the back chain of a dray. It occurred in March, 1901.
in the county of Ashley, is divided into two parts, known respectively as East and West Oxford; of the two, the former is the more populous division. At the census of April, 1901, 311 persons were returned as residing in East Oxford, and the population in its immediate neighbourhood numbered 602; at the same time the population of West Oxford was set down as 176. Each district has a railway station and post office. East Oxford is forty miles, and West Oxford forty-two miles, from Christchurch; the first is 748 feet, and the second 788 feet, above the level of the sea. A creamery adjoins the East Oxford station. The district is well supplied with stores and business premises, and there are numerous churches. There are capital public schools at both places, and there is a first-rate library, which is centrally situated, not far from the sale-yards. Fortnightly sales are held, and are well attended by settlers, who come from many miles around. A public cemetery, which is well planted with trees and shrubs and well kept, has frontages to the main road and to High Street. The first settlers came to the district towards the end of the fifties, when the whole country was covered with a dense bush, popularly named black birch, but, correctly, beech. The bush has been cleared out back into the mountain ranges, where, however, several mills are still working. The chief industry is connected with timber, but there is a considerable trade also in green flax. There is a park of 216 acres, thirty acres of which have been laid out as a racecourse. The reserve as a whole is managed by a domain board. Oxford has a salubrious climate, and is a popular resort in the summer time with excursionists, and persons in search of health. The head offices of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board and of the Oxford Road Board, are situated in the township. There are three hotels, and two public halls and a police station in the district, and a resident magistrate holds sessions at fixed dates.
was established in the sixties. Roughly, it is bounded by the Waimakariri river on the south and on part of the west; by the Pukateraki range on the north-west; the Ashley river on the north and part of the east; and on part of the east by the Cust and West Eyreton road districts. The district is about twenty miles across. The total ratable value is over £380,000. There are 840 ratable properties and 550 dwellings, owned by 473 ratepayers. A rate of three farthings in the £ is usually levied, and produces a revenue of £1,087. The revenue from other sources is £863. The Board has control over a good many important bridges, such as the Eyre and Ashley Gorge bridges, besides many smaller ones. The heavy floods of 1902 partially or wholly destroyed a good many of the bridges in the district. There are no loans. The townships of East Oxford and West Oxford are both under the control of the Board. The board rooms are situated in High Street, East Oxford, where the Board has eighteen acres of land. The building was erected in the early seventies. The members of the Board for 1902 were Messrs A. Wright (chairman), A. Stubbs, D. Thompson, P. H. Thompson, and John Cross; and Mr. R. H. Gainsford is clerk, surveyor, and treasurer.
Clerk, Surveyor, and Treasurer to the Oxford Road Board, was born at Ealing, Middlesex, England, in 1850, and was educated at Church House Academy, Ealing, and Dane Hill School, Margate, Kent. He learned the business of an auctioneer and surveyor in the Old Country, and came out to New Zealand in 1882. For some time he was engaged in dairy farming at New Brighton, and afterwards at the Styx, and was appointed to his present position in May, 1901. Mr. Gainsford was married, in 1873, to a daughter of Mr. H. Hewett, of “The Peaks,” Canterbury, and has seven sons and three daughters.
was constituted by a special Act of Parliament in 1894. The object of the corporation is to supply water by means of races to the various properties lying between the Waimakariri and Ashley rivers About 500 miles of races have been constructed at a cost of £25,000. Loans have been procured to the amount of £22,200. and a rate of 17–24ths of a penny on the capital value is levied to provide interest and sinking fund; and a maintenance rate on a sliding scale is levied in addition. The works so far have proved a great boon to the settlers. The offices of the Board are situated in Main Street, Oxford. The members of the Board for 1902 were Messrs F. C. Horrell (chairman), M. J. Dixon, T. H. Lance, W. McDowall, and J. Candy; Mr. G. P. Williams, engineer and secretary, and Mr J. McCormack, treasurer and collector.
C.E., Engineer and Secretary to the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board, came to New Zealand in 1869. He was born in London, where he studied for his profession, and was employed by the Metropolitan Board of Works. Since settling in the colony Mr. Williams has designed and carried out a good many public works in Canterbury.
Treasurer and Collector to the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board, joined the service of the Board in 1895 as draughtsman, and worked on the original plans, which have since been carried out. A year later he was appointed collector, and on the 9th of December, 1897, he became also treasurer to the Board. He has also held office as returning-officer of the Waimakariri-Ashley water supply district since the same date.
and Post Office dates from about 1880 as a railway station, but until 1893 the post office was a separate department. The building is of wood and iron, and consists of a public office for the railway and a public lobby for the post office, together with a ladies' waiting room and station-master's office. There is a goods shed, and two trains, in and out, pass daily, with the exception of Wednesday and Friday, when there is only one each way.
Station-master and Postmaster at East Oxford, was born at Belfast, Ireland, in 1860. He came to Wellington, in 1874, by the ship “Wennington.” Ten years later he entered the railway department at Christchurch, and in 1886, was appointed stationmaster at East Oxford.
. This station is on the branch line from Rangiora to Sheffield, and dates from the seventies. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains the usual ticket lobby, public office, and ladies' waiting room, besides accommodation for the Oxford post and telegraph office. There is a long asphalt platform, and commodious goods and engine sheds. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays there are two trains to and from Rangiora; on Monday the trains run to and from Christchurch, via Eyreton, while on Wednesdays and Fridays communication is maintained each way between Christchurch and West Oxford, via Sheffield. The combined staff of the station and post office comprises the stationmaster and postmaster, clerk, messenger, two guards, and three engine men.
the Stationmaster, Postmaster, Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Government Insurance Agent, has been in the public service since 1884, and was appointed to his present position on the 6th of August, 1902.
stands on part of a section of four acres of land fronting High Street. The school, which has been in existence since about 1872, is constructed of wood and iron, and contains four class rooms and two porches. It has accommodation for between 250 and 300 children. There are 180 names on the roll, and the average attendance is 160. The headmaster is supported by two assistants and two pupilteachers. There is a good playground, and a school residence of five rooms.
Headmaster of the East Oxford public school, was born in New Zealand, and was educated at Havelock, Hawke's Bay, where he served his pupil teachership. After two years at the Christchurch Normal Training College and Canterbury College, he was appointed to Charteris Bay, and was afterwards three years in charge at Kaikoura Town school. He has held his present position in East Oxford since 1888. Mr. Ryder is married, and has two sons and one daughter.
was established about 1872. There is a glebe of one acre and a half, and the school building, which is of wood and iron, contains one large and one small class room and three porches. It has accommodation for 180 children; there are 101 names on the roll, and the average attendance is eighty-seven. A good play-ground surrounds the school; there is a school residence of two stories and six rooms, and the out-buildings include a buggy house. The headmaster is assisted by a mistress.
Headmaster of the West Oxford Public School, was born in 1857, in Birmingham, England, and educated at St. Paul's school, of which he was afterwards a teacher and assistant master. Mr. Harbidge gained a scholarship, under which he studied at St. Mark's College, Chelsea, and on the completion of his term, he received a first-class certificate in the second division. For two years subsequently, Mr. Harbidge served at St. John's school, Ladywood, Birmingham. In 1882 he came to New Zealand, via Melbourne, and was engaged by the North Canterbury Board of Education. After acting as relieving teacher at Spreydon, he was appointed to the charge of the West Oxford school. Mr. Harbidge was married, in 1883, to the daughter of the late Mr. J. Cope, of Birmingham. Mrs Harbridge was assistant mistress at the board school in Birmingham, and after coming to the colony, was for nine years mistress at West Oxford. Their family consists of five sons and two daughters.
is situated in the West Oxford district, and was established in 1892. It is built of wood and iron, and has a porch and one class room, with seating accommodation for thirty children The number on the roll is thirty-one, and the average attendance twenty-four. The playgrounds are well sheltered by a plantation of trees.
Teacher in charge of the Kiri Kiri Public School, was born in Lincoln, Canterbury. She was a pupil teacher at Ladbrook school for some time, took charge or the North Loburn school in 1896, and was appointed to her present position in 1900.
East Oxford, dates from about 1872. The existing building was erected in 1879, when the old church was taken down on account of damage from severe gales. The land on which the church and vicarage stand is about eight acres in extent. The church has accommodation for 150 persons, and there is a small Sunday school with twenty-five scholars and two teachers. The vicar, who resides at East Oxford, is in charge of the Oxford parochial district, which includes East Oxford and West Oxford, Carleton, Woodside, View Hill, Woodstock and Glentui. The parish covers an area of about 120 square miles, and is one of the choicest country districts in the diocese.
Vicar of the Oxford parochial district, is the third son of the late Venerable James Garbett, Archdeacon of Chichester, and was born at Clayton, Sussex, England, in 1848. He was educated at Brighton College, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Blue Jacket,” in 1865. In 1881 he was ordained deacon, and priest in 1883. He was stationed at Governor's Bay and Little River, and at Longbeach and Mount Somers respectively, till 1891, when he became vicar of Oxford. Mr. Garbett was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. H. Potts, of Governor's Bay.
West Oxford, is situated on the Terrace. The building is completely hidden by magnificent shelter trees, which afford complete protection from the local gales. The church, which is built of wood and iron, has seat accommodation for eighty worshippers, and was erected about 1872.
Oxford, is erected on a section of one acre and a half of land. It is of wood and iron, and was built in 1879 at a cost of £700. There is sitting accommodation for 250 persons, and the spiritual wants of the people are attended to from Rangiora.
at Oxford is situated in the main street of the township. Methodist services have been conducted in the district since 1872, when they were begun by the Free Methodists. Shortly after the consummation of Methodist Union, in 1896, the church in West Oxford was sold, and that at the east end was removed to a central position, and has since been enlarged and well buttressed. The land is about half an acre in extent, and services are held each Sunday morning and evening. The Sunday school is held in the church, and is attended by about thirty scholars, in charge of a superintendent and four teachers. There is a parsonage of seven rooms, and a glebe of an acre of land. Oxford has been head of a circuit since 1872.
Minister in charge of the Oxford circuit, was born in 1863, at Raglan, Auckland, and was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School. For some years he was on the staff of the New Zealand Accident Company in Auckland. Subsequently he studied for the ministry, at Three Kings College, and was accepted as a candidate by the Auckland Conference of 1883. He was stationed successively at Ashburton, one year, in the Western Invercargill district two years, and at Wellington one year, and was ordained by the Dunedin Conference of 1889. In 1890 Mr. Wallis was sent to Fiji, as a missionary, and filled several stations, till compelled to return to the colony on sick leave in 1900. After a year's rest, and a year of deputation work, Mr. Wallis was appointed to Oxford in April, 1902. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. J. Ferguson, chief clerk in the Post Office, Dunedin, and has one daughter and two sons.
stands in Church Street. The congregation was established in the sixties, and the building erected about 1872. It has since been enlarged, and has accommodation for 100 adults. A Sunday school, in charge of seven teachers, is attended by seventy scholars.
Minister in charge of the Baptist Church, East Oxford, since 1889, was born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England, in 1823. He became a missionary in the Home Mission work in London and other large towns, and arrived in Canterbury in July, 1885. Prior to his transfer to Oxford, he held an appointment at Lincoln. Mr. Wagstaff was married, in 1851, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Balmer, of South Shields, and has two daughters and three sons, and about twenty grandchildren.
Teacher of Music, Main Street, East Oxford. Mr. Fleming was born, in 1863, at Portsmouth, England. He comes of a musical family, and his father, the late Mr. T. Fleming, was well known as the founder of Fleming's String Band. Mr. C. L. Fleming commenced his musical education under Mr. J. D. D. Pillow, organist of All Saints' church, Portsmouth, and was afterwards instructed by Mr. Story, then organist of St. Paul's. He came to New Zealand in 1882, and settled in Christchurch, where he at once commenced his career as a teacher, and for about ten years was engaged in his profession, or in playing for operatic and dramatic companies, with whom he generally travelled throughout New Zealand.
M.R.C.S.E., L.R.C.P. (London), and L.M. (London), Physician and Surgeon, East Oxford. Dr Volckmann was born in 1861, in London, and educated at Dulwich College. He studied at the London Hospital, Whitechapel, took his diplomas in 1885 and 1886, arrived in Australia in 1889, and commenced to practise at Oxford in 1890.
was originally established in the seventies. The present courthouse is erected on the main road, near the station, and cousists of a large room, used for the purposes of the court, at which Mr Bishop, Stipendiary Magistrate, attends monthly. The local constable, Mr. Leahy, acts as bailiff of the court.
includes the whole of the Oxford road district and part of the West Eyreton, Cust and Ashley districts. It has been a separate police district since about 1872.
Constable in charge of the Oxford district, was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1860. He came to New Zealand in 1879, and joined the police force at Wellington. Mr. Leahy, who was appointed to Oxford in 1895, was married in 1888, to the daughter of Mr. M. Lynskey, of Kaiapoi, and has two sons and two daughters.
(Thomas Hunter), Oxford. Mr. Hunter has been connected with mercantile life in Canterbury for a great many years. He was born in 1846, in Fifeshire, Scotland, and arrived at Lyttelton, in 1864, by the ship “British Empire.” After working three years at his trade as a carpenter, he started a grocery business in Victoria Street, Christchurch, and carried it on for twenty years, when he disposed of it, and was for some time farming in Southland. He then settled at East Oxford, where he entered into business with his son under the style of Hunter and Son. This business he still carries on. Mr. Hunter was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Berry, of England, and has five sons and three daughters.
(Leonard Otto Ingram and Thomas James Hunter), Auctioneers and Estate Agents, Main Street, Oxford. This well-known firm succeeded, at the beginning in 1902, to the large business establishment of Mr. John Ingram, father of the senior partner.
one of the Partners in the firm of Ingram and Co., auctioneers, is the only son of Mr. J. Ingram, of Oxford, where he was born in December, 1878. Mr. Ingram was educated at his native place and at Lincoln Agricultural College, and became connected with his father's business in 1896. Two years later Mr. Ingram took out a license as an auctioneer, and on the 1st of January, 1902, the firm of Ingram and Co. was constituted by himself and Mr. T. J. Hunter. Mr. Ingram has been a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry since 1899, and of the Oxford Domain Board since 1902.
Junior Partner in the firm of Ingram and Co., was born in 1873 at Christchurch. He was educated at the Normal School, and was afterwards associated for some time with his father in business under the style of Hunter and Son, storekeepers, East Oxford. In 1893 Mr. Hunter went to Christchurch, and gained experience in connection with auctioneering with the firm of Wilson and Son, by whom he was employed for about five years, and attended regularly at the Addington sales. On returning to Oxford, under an engagement with Mr. J. Ingram, he served for four years before taking over the business in conjunction with Mr. L. O. Ingram. Mr. Hunter was one of the promoters of the Cust Mounted Rifles, and joined the corps as sergeant. Twelve months later he was promoted to the rank of sergeant-major. In May, 1899, Mr. Hunter married a daughter of the late Mr. W. Parkes, of Christchurch, and has one son.
Baker and General Storekeeper, High Street, East Oxford. Mr. Waterman was born at Nutley, in Sussex, England, in 1849, and had to earn his own livelihood very early in life. At the age of nine years he was engaged at a gentleman's residence, and after a short pericd he went to the bakery trade for six years. He worked in fourteen different bakehouses in England, and came to Lyttelton, in 1875, by the ship “Merope.” Mr. Waterman landed in Lyttelton with £1 11s in his possession, and in twelve months had freehold property to the value of £85. Late in 1876 he started in East Oxford a bakery business, to which he added general storekeeping; and since 1886 he has been agent for the South British Insurance Company. To cope with his increased business his shop has been enlarged, and now has a frontage of ninety feet, and two entrances. Mr. Waterman was married, in 1882, to the second daughter of the late Mr. James Allen, of Oxford, and has four sons and four daughters.
(Central Dairy Company, Limited, proprietors), near the railway station, East Oxford. This creamery began operations in June, 1893. The building is of wood and iron, and occupies part of a section of two acres. There is a six-horse power boiler, and a steam engine of similar capacity, which turns two Alpha Delaval separators, each capable of separating 400 gallons of milk per hour. There are ninety-five suppliers on the books, and from 1100 to 1200 gallons of milk are separated daily. During the winter months the
Painter, Main Street, Oxford. Mr. Cederman was born in the province of Skane in the south of Sweden on the 15th of June, 1846. He was for a time apprenticed as a tailor with his father, but afterwards became a painter by trade. In 1874 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Guttenberg,” and settled in the Oxford district. At first he found employment in road work and draining, but afterwards obtained work at Rangiora at his own trade. As settlement grew in the Oxford district, he was able to find employment at his trade there, and still follows the occupation. Mr. Cederman has served on the East Oxford school committee. He was married, in 1872, to a daughter of Mr. N. S. Neilson, of the province of Skane, Sweden, and has two sons and four daughters.
Painter and Paperhanger, Victoria Street, East Oxford. Mr. Woodward was born in 1853 at Ramsgate, Kent, England. When fifteen years of age he went to work as a porter on the Midland Railway, England, and after going through the workshops, became carriage and waggon inspector. Mr. Woodward came to Lyttelton, in 1877, in the ship “Opawa,” and was engaged in Christchurch as the first ticket collector on the Port line. After a year he was promoted to the position of guard, and transferred to Kaiapoi for eighteen months. From Kaiapoi he went to Oxford for eight years, and for five years out of the eight he conducted the trains between Oxford and Kaiapoi without being relieved for one trip. He was then transferred to Timaru, where his health gave way under the pressure of excessive work. He then returned to Oxford in quest of a quieter life, and began his present business, as well as a small dairy farm of fourteen acres. Mr. Woodward was married, on the 14th of July, 1877, at Ramsgate, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Smith, file-cutter, of Sheffield, and has four sons and one daughter.
(John James Branley Hiffernan, proprietor), Main Street, West Oxford. This well known hotel was established in 1878, and the present proprietor entered into possession on the 3rd of June, 1902. The building, which is constructed of wood and iron, is two stories in height, and contains sixteen bedrooms, four sitting rooms, a billiard and bagatelle room, and a dining room, the latter being capable of seating forty guests. The stable behind the hotel has four loose boxes, and there is a coach shed. An excellent paddock and kitchen garden are attached to the hotel, which is one of the most commodious in the Oxford district. A large hall, suitable for public meetings, and fitted up so as to give ample convenience for theatrical and other amusements, adjoins the hotel.
the Proprietor, was born in Bendigo, Victoria, in 1876, and was brought up to the grocery trade. He arrived in Canterbury in 1900, and for some time owned the Avonside and Dallington drags, and kept the Foresters' Hotel livery and bait stables in Armagh Street. After a few months he sold out his interests, and removed to Oxford. Mr. Hiffernan was married, in 1901, to a daughter of Mr. M. Vale, of Linwood, Christchurch.
(Thomas Driscoll, proprietor), Main Road, West Oxford. This hotel is built of brick; it is two stories in height, and contains about thirty rooms. There are ten bedrooms and four sitting-rooms, besides a commodious dining-room, and a large billiard-room.
the Proprietor, was born in Timaru, in 1872, and was brought up to country life. In 1897 he became a hotel proprietor, but two years later he sold out his interests and commenced farming at Orari. He, however, sold his farm, and settled in Oxford as proprietor of the Terminus Hotel, in 1901. Mr. Driscoll was married, in 1897, to the daughter of the late Mr. M. Barrett, of Temuka, hotelkeeper, and has one daughter.
General Storekeeper and Draper, Main Street, Oxford. This business was established in 1875 by Mr. A. P. Pritchard, brother of the present proprietor, and was conducted by him till 1892, when it changed hands. The present owner was born in Monmouth, England, in 1836, and arrived in Australia in 1852. Ten years later Mr. Pritchard came to New Zealand, and was on the goldfields of Otago and the West Coast. After settling in Canterbury he became the first manager of the North Canterbury Co-operative Association. While he was on the West Coast Mr. Pritchard took part in the administration of local affairs, and was for some time a member of the Hokitika Borough Council. He was married, in 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. Simon Fraser, of Cork, Ireland, and has five sons and two daughters. Mr. Fraser arrived in Melbourne in 1853.
Draper and Importer, East Oxford. Mr. Parish was born in Exeter, Devon, England, and came to New Zealand in 1866 per ship “Bombay.” He was for three or four years in Christchurch, and then commenced business in 1870 in Oxford, where he has successfully carried on to the present time, and also conducts a general printing and jobbing office. Mr. Parish is chairman of the Cemetery Board and Town Hall Company, and for ten years was a member of the North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1895.
Bushman, West Oxford. Mr. Knowles was born in the Oxford district in 1866, and was brought up to country life. Subsequently he obtained a position as a telegraph messenger in the railway department, and held it for five years. Since leaving the department he has engaged in bush work, and has a team of horses, with which he finds constant employment. Since 1894 Mr. Knowles has been a member of the Loyal West Oxford Lodge of Oddfellows. In 1897 he married the daughter of the late Mr. J. Parlecheque, of Oxford. Mrs Knowles died on the 11th of November, 1900, leaving three daughters.
Butcher, West Oxford. Mr. Knowles was brought by his father, the late Mr. William Knowles, to Lyttelton, in 1860. The family settled at Papanui for a few years, and have been associated with the Oxford district since 1867. Mr. Knowles was brought up to country life, and has been in business as a butcher for a number of years in West Oxford. He was married, in 1883, to the daughter of Mr. S. Chapman, of Rangiora, and has four daughters and two sons.
(J. Rossiter, proprietor), West Oxford. This mill was started in 1892, and is working 400 acres of birch (beech) and pine bush. It is a wood and iron building containing a portable Hornsby engine of ten horse power, which drives two circular saws and a twin circular breakingdown saw. Three miles of tramline are laid, and eight men are employed in connection with the mill.
Proprietor of Mount Oxford Sawmill, was born at Ferry Road, Christchurch, on the 27th of April, 1855, and is a brother to the first European boy born in Canterbury. In 1861 he was taken to Oxford, where he attended school, and at twelve years of age he was employed at bushwork. When twenty-four years old Mr. Rossiter started carting with a team of twelve bullocks. In 1886 he leased the Terrace Sawmill, and had several other mills before taking over his present mill in 1898. He has also 800 acres of freehold property at Carleton, which he acquired in 1894, and on which he has yearly fattened from 800 to 1000 sheep. Mr. Rossiter has served on the West Oxford and View Hill school committees, and has been a member of the Loyal Oxford Lodge of Oddfellows. He was married, on the 4th of May, 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Bowman, of Riccarton, and has six sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Ayre Farm, West Oxford. Mr. Ancall was born on the 30th of August 1846, in Hereford, England, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Lady Nugent,” in 1851. Owing to his father dying within a few months after the family's arrival in New Zealand, he has had to work since he was nine years of age. He was one of the early settlers in the Oxford district, as he went there in 1858, when the country was a wilderness, with heavy bush extending from the hills almost to the present site of the Bank of New Zealand in Oxford. Mr. Ancall worked in the bush, and afterwards found employment in carting and at mill work. He afterwards leased a sawmill, and successfully worked it for a number of years. Since 1897 he has resided on Ayre Farm, which consists of 133 acres of freehold and 117 of leasehold land. Mr. Ancall was a member of the West Oxford school committee for about fifteen years, and he served two years in the Oxford Rifles. On Christmas day, 1876, he married a daughter of the late Mr. I. Marsh, of Oxford, an old settler, who also came to the colony in the ship “Lady Nugent,” and died in 1895 at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Mr. Ancall's family consists of four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Mountain Farm, East Oxford. Mr. Baxter was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1844, and has always been engaged in country pursuits. About the end of 1863 he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “David G. Fleming.” For the first ten years of his colonial life he was employed in connection with sawmills and bush work on the Peninsula. In 1873 he settled at Oxford, where he was for some time in the bush, and then worked a sawmill in conjunction with his brother. He also had a threshing machine plant, which he and his brother worked from 1877 to 1894. Mr. Baxter's property consists of 200 acres of freehold, and 120 acres of land leased from the Maoris. He served for about three years on the East Oxford school committee. Mr. Baxter was married, in November, 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Brown, of Lesmahagow, Scotland, and has six sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “The Camp,” East Oxford. Mr Beere engages chiefly in sheepfarming. His homestead is erected on part of 109 acres of leasehold land, and he also holds 700 acres of leasehold at Coalgate. Mr. Beere keeps, on an average, 1200 sheep. He was born at Cust, in 1872, brought up to country life, and has farmed on his own account since 1899. He was married, in January, 1901, to a daughter of Mr. A. Wotherspoon, of Oxford, and has one daughter.
Farmer, “Terrace Farm,” West Oxford. Mr. Booth was born in Sunderland, Durham, England, in 1840, brought up to the trade of a blacksmith, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Regina,” in 1859, with his father, Mr. Thomas Booth, and settled in Woodend. About three years later Mr Booth removed to the Oxford district, and shortly afterwards went to the West Coast diggings for twelve months. On returning to Canterbury he established a sawmill, and was actively engaged in working a fine bush until the disastrous fire of January, 1889, when he lost fences, sawmill, bush, house, furniture and stock to the value of £2000. The machinery remains as a memento of the sawmill. Since that time Mr. Booth has followed farming, and has 500 acres of leasehold. He served for a year as a member of the Oxford Road Board, and was for a time a member of the West Oxford school committee. In
Farmer and Chaff-Cutting Machine Proprietor, West Oxford. Mr. Carson was born at Kaiapoi in 1866. He was engaged principally in general farmwork about Oxford until the year 1896, when he bought his present property of 100 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. In 1902 he bought an Andrews and Beaven chaff-cutting machine and a union oil and gas engine of six horse power. These portable machines are capable of cutting and bagging ten tons daily, and Mr. Carson works with them for many farmers in the district. Mr. Carson is a member of the Kiri Kiri school committee, and has been a member of the Nil Desperandum Lodge of Oddfellows at Oxford since 1898. He was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. H. Hollis, of Taranaki, and has five daughters.
Farmer, Melrose Farm, West Oxford. Mr. Clarke was born at Kaiapoi, in 1865, and brought up to farming by his father at New Brighton, where he worked until 1883. He was then engaged in contracting at Shirley for three years. Later on he was farming with his father in the Styx district. In 1892 he began farming on his own account on his present farm of sixty acres of freehold. Mr. Clarke acquired an additional area of ninety-six acres at East Oxford in 1900, and carries on mixed farming. He was married in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Inglefield, of Styx, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, “Highview,” Ashley Gorge, East Oxford. Mr. Crowe was born in Essex, England, in 1858, and was brought to New Zealand in the following year by his parents. The family settled in the Oxford district, where Mr. Crowe was brought up to country life. He was a farm manager in the district for a number of years, and commenced on his own account in 1894. “Highview” consists of 316 acres of freehold, and is used chiefly as a sheep farm. As an Oddfellow Mr. Crowe is a member of the Loyal West Oxford Lodge, and has been through the chairs. He has been a member of the Cust Mounted Rifles since the formation of the corps, and takes an interest in sporting matters as a member of the Brackenfield Hunt Club and of the Oxford Jockey Club.
Farmer, West Oxford. Mr. Davis was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1863, and was brought up to a country life. In 1883 he arrived in New South Wales, where for a good many years he found employment as a shearer, and travelled as such through that colony and Queensland. Mr. Davis settled in the Oxford district, Canterbury, in November, 1894, and purchased his holding of thirty-five acres, then only partially improved. He has brought his land into a good state of cultivation, and milks on an average thirteen cows, the milk of which he supplies to the Cooper's Creek creamery. Mr. Davis was married, in 1893, to the relict of Mr. Frederick Brown, of Christchurch, and daughter of Mr. William Owen Jones, of Oxford. Mrs. Davis has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, “Carrickblacker,” German Road, Ashley Gorge, East Oxford. Mr. England was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1845. He was brought up on a small farm, and had about twenty years' experience as a farmer on his own account, on a portion of the Carrickblacker estate. On the 14th of January, 1884, he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Waitangi,” and was employed on Mrs Torlesse's property, near Rangiora, for over thirteen years. In 1898 he removed to Oxford, and took up forty acres of leasehold land on German Road. Mr. England was a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars for about eight years in the Old Country, and for about four years in New Zealand. He was married, in December, 1873, to a daughter of Mr. Jonathan Whaley, of Carrickblacker, and has four daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren.
Farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Fenwick was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1839, and followed farming until he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” in 1875. On his arrival in Canterbury
Farmer, “Last Chance,” German Road, Ashley Gorge, East Oxford. Mr Forster was born at sea in 1862 on the ship “Canterbury,” bound for Lyttelton. He was brought up to country life in the Ellesmere district, where he worked till 1896. In that year he took up eighty acres of land under lease in perpetuity, on German Road. Mr. Forster works his land as a dairy farm, and milks fifteen cows, on an average, delivering the milk at the East Oxford creamery. He was attached to the Ellesmere Lodge of Druids. Mr. Forster was married, in 1884, to a daughter of Mr. J. Campbell, of Inverness, Scotland, and has had five daughters, of whom only two survive.
Farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Gardiner was born in Stroud, Gloucestershire. England, in 1826, and for twenty-one years did carrying work for the firm of W. Holmes and Co., of the same town. He came to Lyttelton in 1874 by the ship “Stone House,” and was for some time platelaying while the Rangiora-Oxford railway was under construction. In 1875 Mr. Gardiner bought thirty acres of land at Oxford, and after working it for some time he leased an additional forty-eight acres, and a little later twenty acres more. He carried on mixed farming, and had a carrying business as well, and ended by buying his leasehold. In 1900 he sold thirty acres to his son, Samuel Gardiner, and settled in a five-roomed house on part of seven acres of well cultivated land, which he had bought near the centre of East Oxford. Mr. Gardiner was married, in 1856, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Cole, of Rodborough, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, and sister to the late Mr. Enoch Cole, of Woodlands, East Oxford; and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Oakley Farm, West Oxford. Mr. Gilchrist was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1854. He was apprenticed on the ship “Wild Deer,” but ran away on her arrival at Port Chalmers. For some time he found employment as a gardener and groom for Dr. Fleming, then of Oamaru. He afterwards went harvesting in the Timaru district, and was subsequently storekeeping for twelve months. In 1875 he went to Rangiora, and for four years he drove a van, engaged in delivering goods and picking up produce. He subsequently worked on his father's farm at Woodstock, and in 1884 took up his present property of 336 acres, which he works as a sheep and agricultural farm. Since 1882 Mr. Gilchrist has been a member of the East Oxford Lodge of Oddfellows. He is also a member of the Kiri Kiri school committee and of the Canterbury Farmers' Union. Mr. Gilchrist was married, in 1888, to a daughter of Mr. A. Wotherspoon, of Oxford. His wife died in 1889, leaving one son. In 1892 Mr. Gilchrist contracted a second marriage with a daughter of the late Mr. William Knowles, and four sons and two daughters have been born of this union.
Farmer, German Road, Ashley, East Oxford. Mr. Gillespie was born at Saltwater Creek in 1865. He has been employed on the land since his early years, and settled in the Oxford district at the age of twenty. For about seven years he worked at Glentui, and took up forty acres of leasehold land on German Road in 1896. Mr. Gillespie milks about twelve cows, and delivers milk at the East Oxford creamery. He served for one year in the Cust Mounted Rifles. He is attached to the Loyal Cust Lodge of Oddfellows, having been a member since 1893, and has passed the chairs. Mr. Gillespie married in April, 1892, a daughter of Mr. W. Higginson, of Ashley, and has four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, German Road, Ashley, East Oxford. Mr. Gundry's farm consists of sixty acres, held on lease in perpetuity. He works his land as a dairy farm, and milks, on an average, about ten cows. Mr. Gundry was born at Oxford in 1866, and has always been engaged in farming, which he began about 1889. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. W. Foster, of Taranaki, and has two daughters and one son.
Farmer, South Eyre Road, West Oxford. Mr. Hawke was born in 1858 in Cornwall, England, where he followed farming with his father, Mr. Josiah Hawke. In 1878 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Waitangi.” He found employment in Christchurch for some time, and went to Oxford in March, 1879. Since settling at Oxford Mr. Hawke has spent two years at road contracting, two years at general farmwork, and two years and a half with a Government land surveyor. In 1886 he took up 200 acres of land on the deferred payment system, and has built a nine-roomed dwellinghouse, around which he has planted a border of trees that now afford first-rate shelter. Mr. Hawke has since acquired 212 acres, and now holds 312 acres of freehold and 100 acres of leasehold, and generally runs 300 ewes and lambs, and 350 sheep for fattening. He has taken a very active part in the work of the Wesleyan church, with which he has been connected since 1879, and has filled all the principal offices. Mr. Hawke has been a member of the Kiri Kiri school committee since its commencement, and a member of the Loyal Nil Desperandum Lodge of Oddfellows since 1879. He was married, in 1888, to the eldest daughter of Mr. John Carson, of Woodend, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “The Grange,” East Oxford. “The Grange” consists of about 800 acres of leasehold land, on which about 1000 sheep are depastured. In conjunction with his brother. Mr. R. F. Henderson, Mr. Henderson is also interested in 600 acres of bush land in the district. Mr. Henderson was born in Caithness, Scotland, in 1866, and came to Lyttelton, by the ship “Tiptree,” in 1868, with his father, the late Mr William Henderson, of Spreydon. The family settled at Sydenham, Christchurch, and Mr. A. Henderson was brought up to country life. He continued with his father till his appointment as manager of the Ashley Gorge station, in 1882, and he held that position for fourteen years. In December, 1892, Mr. Henderson leased “The Grange,” and has since farmed it. He has been continuously a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry since 1888, and he is also a member of the Oxford Jockey Club, and of the Brackenfield Hunt Club. Mr. Henderson married the daughter of Mr. H. Blackett, of Rangiora, in 1893, and has two sons and one daughter.
farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Henderson was born in Christchurch in 1872. He received his education in his native city, and was brought up to country life by his father, the late Mr W. Henderson, of Spreydon. About 1898 he commenced farming on his own account. His property consists of 200 acres at West Oxford, and he has also an interest with his brother, Mr. A. Henderson, in 600 acres of bush at East Oxford. Mr. Henderson is fond of sport, and is a member of the Oxford Jockey Club and of the Brackenfield Hant Club.
(Herbert Francis Luers and James Brown), Farmers, West Oxford. Messrs Lucrs and Brown work 4000 acres of leasehold land in the Oxford district, on which they run about 3000 sheep and 150 head of cattle. The partnership has subsisted since 1893.
of the firm of Luers and Brown, was born in 1870, at East Oxford, where he was educated and brought up to country life. At the age of sixteen he commenced farming on his own account, and joined his present partner in 1893. Mr. Luers resides at the Terrace, West Oxford, where he rents a homestead of fifty acres of land from his mother. He was married, in April, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. P. Wright, of Oxford.
Partner in the firm of Luers and Brown, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1863. He was brought up to the trade of a bootmaker, and worked as such till 1885, when he came out to Melbourne. Three months later Mr. Brown removed to Canterbury, and settled in the Oxford district, where he commenced business at once as a bootmaker. He conducted this trade for about eight years, during which he began to take an interest in land and stock, and acquired forty acres of freehold at West Oxford, where he has a commodious residence, which he has named “Craigielea.” In 1893 he joined Mr. Luers in partnership. Mr. Brown was married, in 1890, to the daughter of the late Mr. Frederick Luers, of Oxford, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmers, “Mealough,” West Oxford. The senior partner in this firm was born at Mealough, County Down. Ireland, on the 15th of August, 1831, and was brought up to country life in his native place. The junior partner was born in the same place on the 8th of November. 1840. Both brothers came to New Zealand by the ship “Canterbury,” which arrived in Lyttelton on the 9th of January, 1864. In March of the following year they settled at West Oxford, and purchased fifty acres of open land, where they resided for eleven years. In 1878 they built a comfortable homestead, at which they have since resided, and where they have twenty-one acres of land. A niece of the members of the firm, Miss Agnes Rainey, came out with her uncles, and has kept house for them ever since.
Farmer. “Cloncaird.” West Oxford. Mr. John McGillivray was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. He arrived in New Zealand by the barque “Lady Nugent,” in 1851, Captain Parsons, commander. Mr. McGillivray took up his residence at Riccarton for a number of years. He afterwards settled in West Oxford, and was one of the first settlers in that district. Mr. McGillivray still resides there on his farm with his family.
Farmer, West Oxford. Mr. McKee was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1861. He was brought up to farming, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Waikato.” in 1878. In the same year he went to Oxford, where he engaged in farm work for some time, and he acted as a surveyor's assistant for five years. In 1886 Mr. McKee bought 230 acres of land, and after farming for himself for some time he went to the North Island, whence he returned three years later. He carries on mixed farming, and usually has 250 ewes and 250 sheep for fattening. Mr. McKee was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. A. Bunn, of Oxford, and has one son and two daughters.
Farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Mehrtens was born in East London in 1854, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in 1858. He received his schooling at Oxford, and was engaged in general farmwork until he started for himself in 1898, when he leased, with a purchasing clause, 119 acres in East Oxford, where he carries on mixed farming. As an Oddfellow Mr. Mehrtens has been a member of the Loyal Nil Desperandum Lodge, of East Oxford, since 1875, and is a Past Grand Master. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. L. Hahn, of East Oxford, and has four sons and three daughters.
Settler, East Oxford. Mr. Morris was born in Warrington, England, in 1848, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “British Crown” in 1863. After a short period in Christchurch he went to Oxford, where he has since been engaged in bushwork. He was for sixteen years a member of the Loyal Oxford Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Morris was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. Richard Johnston, of West Oxford.
Farmer, Powell's Road, East Oxford. Mr. Papps was born in 1856, in Gloucestershire, England. He is a millwright by trade, and came out to Port Chalmers by the “Jessie Readman,” in 1874. Removing almost immediately to Canterbury, he settled with an uncle in the Oxford district. Subsequently he began farming on his own account in Powell's Road, East Oxford, and, later, purchased a larger area on German Road, Ashley. Mr. Papps confines himself chiefly to sheepfarming. As an Oddfellow he is attached to the Nil Desparandum Lodge, East Oxford, and has passed the chairs. He was married, in June, 1890, to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Horne, of East Oxford, and has one son and two daughters.
West Oxford. This property, which contains 1000 acres, was originally part of View Hill run, and was purchased in 1875 in its unimproved state. Substantial buildings have been erected—namely, a large dwellinghouse, overlooking the town and bush, with the snowy ranges in the distance; and also convenient stables and wool-shed. The farm, which is divided into sixteen paddocks, has a branch of the county water-race running through each paddock. It was first stocked with Merino sheep crossed with Border Leicester rams. Mr. Wotherspoon, the pro prietor, has since established a small stud flock of English Leicesters of a superior strain, which he keeps in addition to his usual Border-Leicester flock.
Proprietor of Rutherford Estate, West Oxford, was born in 1835 in Lanarkshire, Scotland. He entered into commercial life in Glasgow, but after two years his health gave way, and he leased “Spotsmains Farm,” in Roxburghshire, for nineteen years, and was a breeder of Border-Leicester sheep. On the expiration of his lease in 1875, he came out to the Colony in the ship “Merope.” Mr. Wotherspoon has served on the Oxford Road Board and the Cust and Summerhill School Committees, and is also a member of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, to which he was elected in 1858. He was married in 1856 to a daughter of Mr. Adam Thomson, of Rutherford, Roxburghshire, cousin of the late Mr. Thomson, sometime surveyor-general of the Colony, and has six sons and four daughters.
Farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Sharman was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1858, and followed farming until he left for Lyttelton, in the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” in 1874. He settled at Oxford, where he was road contracting until he started farming. Mr. Sharman was married, in 1885, to a daughter of Mr. J. Powell, an old resident of East Oxford, and has three daughters.
Farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Stubbs was born in Cheshire, England, in August, 1850, and arrived with his parents at Lyttelton in December of the same year by the ship “Sir George Seymour.” After boyhood he followed farming work in the Riccarton district for three years, and then went to Oxford, where he worked on his father's farm of 475 acres. In 1873 Mr. Stubbs had 200 acres of freehold hind. He, however, sold that, and bought his present property of 300 acres, on which he conducted mixed farming. Since his father's death, in 1883, Mr. Stabbs has been working the farm left by his father, as well as his own, and his stock consists of 800 sheep, seventy head of cattle and thirty horses. Mr. Stubbs has been a member of the Oxford Road Board since 1896, and a member of the East Oxford school committee since 1893. He was married, in 1871, to a daughter of Mr. C Mehrtens, of Oxford, and has five sons and four daughters.
Farmer, East Oxford. Mr. Summerfield was born in Maulten, Bedfordshire, England, in 1842. For some years he worked as a gardener, and came to Lyttelton in 1874 by the ship “Crusader.” He went to Oxford, where he found employment in various ways, and was road contracting for two years. In 1880 he leased 230 acres, and has ever since carried on mixed farming. Mr. Summerfield was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. S. Richardson, of Maulden. Mrs Summerfield died, leaving eight sons and three daughters. Mr. Summerfield afterwards contracted a second marriage.
Farmer, Ashley Gorge, East Oxford. Mr. Thompson farms 1325 acres of leasehold land, on which he depastures about 1000 sheep. He was born at Fernside, in 1869, has always been engaged in country pursuits, and began farming on his own account, when he was only seventeen years of age. In 1891 he took up land at Cheviot, and was one of the earliest settlers in that district. Two years later he removed to the Oxford district, and settled at Ashley Gorge. Mr. Thomson has been attached to the Cust Mounted Rifles, and is a member of the Nil Desperandum Lodge of Oddfellows at Cust. He is also a member of the Oxford Road Board, to which he was elected in May, 1901, and of the Ashley Gorge school committee, which was constituted to run a conveyance to take the children to and from the East Oxford school. Mr. Thompson was married, in June, 1896, to a daughter of Mr. G. Searles, of Cust, and has two daughters and one son.
Farmer, Midlands Farm, East Oxford. Mr. Thompson was born in 1872 in East Oxford, where he received his schooling, and was for two years in his father's general store Later on he followed farming for two years, and in 1890 be started in the drapery business at Cust, where he carried it on for three years and a half. He went farming for three years, and was afterwards for four years and a half in the drapery business. Mr. Thompson then turned his attention to sheepfarming on his freehold property of 416 acres. He was married, in 1898, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Garland, of Cust, and has one son.
Farmer, Ashley Gorge Homestead, East Oxford. Mr. Vincent was born at Bendigo, Victoria, in 1857, and accompanied his parents to Canterbury in 1863. After two years in Kaiapoi the family removed to the Oxford district, where Mr. Vincent was brought up to country life. He has seen the district developed from its original state, when it was without roads or bridges, and covered extensively with bush, flax and scrub. At fifteen years of age he commenced to work on his own account with a bullock team, and ten years later turned his attention to saw-milling, which he followed till his health failed. Mr. Vincent has been farming since 1893. Ashley Gorge homestead consists of 270 acres of land held on the perpetual lease system, and the property is worked as a dairy and general farm. Mr. Vincent is a member of the Order of Oddfellows, and is attached to the Nil Desperandum Lodge, East Oxford, in which he has passed the chairs. He was married in January, 1879, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Johnson, of Oxford, and has had
Farmer, “Meadow Bank,” West Oxford. This settler was born in 1844 in Nelson, and was brought up to country life in that district, and in Marlborough and Canterbury. When he was five years old the family removed to the Marlborough district near Top House, and eighteen months later settled on a property between Renwick and Blenheim, where they resided for three years, and then removed to Blenheim. In 1864 Mr. Wratt came to Canterbury, and short'y afterwards visited the West Coast, at the time of the Greenstone rush. He settled in the Oxford district in 1865, and was employed for about seven and a half years on the Ashley Gorge station. In 1873 he purchased “Meadow Bank,” which consists of sixty-nine and a half acres.
Farmer, West Oxford. Mr. Wright was born in Essex, England, in 1861, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Crusader,” in 1875. He went to Oxford in the same year, and engaged in general farm work until he began on his own account in 1885 to farm 263 acres of leasehold. Mr. Wright was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Grant, of Kaiapoi, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Riverdale Farm,” East Oxford. Mr. Wright was born in Nottingham, England, in 1849, and accompanied his parents to the Colony in 1859 in the ship “Zealandia.” He first purchased fifty acres of land in 1873 and has extended its area at various times till his farm now comprises 600 acres in a high state of cultivation, with a good two-storey dwellinghouse. Mr. Wright is a member of the Oxford Road Board and school committee, and was one of the first to advocate the utilisation of waste water from the first race constructed by the Government in 1883; a course which was subsequently found most beneficial to the district. Mr. Wright has been a breeder of hunting stock, which have often found a place on the local race-course. He was married, in 1872, to Miss Henry, and has two sons and eight daughters.
East Oxford, is the property of the heirs of the late Mr. G. W. H. Lee and contains about 5000 acres freehold and 900 acres of leasehold land. Mr. Lee imported a number of horses and cattle from Australia and pure shorthorn bulls from England. He was a genuine sportsman and among other importations of his were the entire horses “Peter Flat” and “Chatterbox,” and he bred a number of good horses, his colours being frequently carried first past the winning post.
Manager of the Warren Estate, is a native of Essex, England. He came to New Zealand in 1860 in the ship “Ambrosyne” and in 1875 was appointed manager of the Warren and Wharfdale stations—another property of Mr. Lee's, “Wharfdale” was sold in 1877, when Mr. Crowe took up his abode at the “Warren” and gave his attention to the improvement of the property and stock. At the South Sea Exhibition of 1890 he won first honours for a bale of greasy and a bale of scoured Merino wool, and at the Paris Exposition, 1889, he gained third prize for Merino fleeces. The “Warren” sheep have always been successful on the show ground, and have been awarded several champion medals and many other prizes.
Farmer, “The Terrace,” West Oxford. Mr. Youngman was born in Camberwell, England, in 1847, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” in 1858. He has resided in the Oxford district since 1865, and has gained his experience of agricultural and pastoral work in the neighbourhood. In 1884 Mr. Youngman commenced farming on his own account; some years later he sold his first farm and purchased another, which is being brought into working order. He has been a sufferer from some of the severe fires which have occurred in the Oxford district Mr. Youngman served for about three years in the Oxford volunteer corps. As an Oddfellow he has been connected with the Loyal Oxford Lodge since 1870. He has passed through
Traction Engine, Threshing and Chaff-Cutting-Machine Proprietor, West Oxford. Mr. Whyte was born at Stoke, near Cust, in 1867, was brought up to outdoor life, and started work in the Oxford district. He was afterwards for about six years at Waipawa, Hawke's Bay, and was also for a time at Palmerston North. In November, 1897, he removed to Cheviot, where he had a chaff-cutting plant, with which he worked until March, 1901. Then he removed to Oxford, and has since added a threshing plant, with which he works throughout the district. Mr. Whyte was a member of the Nil Desperandum Lodge of Oddfellows for seven years. He was married, in December, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. T. Wakelin, of Duvau-chelle's Bay, and has one daughter.
has been a settler in the Oxford district for many years. He was born in Essex, England, in 1821; came to Lyttelton by the ship “Ambrosyne,” and commenced dairy farming at Oxford, where he followed that occupation until reaching the age of eighty years, when he sustained an accident, and has since been confined to his bed. Mr. Crowe was married, in 1845, to a daughter of the late Mr. S. Turnbridge, of Essex, and has five sons and five daughters, forty-five grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren.
sometime of Ashley Gorge Station, near Oxford, was the son of Dr T. Ellis, of Birmingham, England, and was born in that city. He married Miss Cumming, of Tipperary, Ireland, and arrived in Christchurch shortly after the first four ships. Mr. Ellis was the first proprietor of the Golden Fleece Hotel, Christchurch, and in those early days hotelkeeping was very different from what it has become in later years. Mr. Ellis was successful in his business, and then entered into pastoral pursuits. In this connection he settled down as lessee of the Ashley Gerge station, near Oxford. The land on the run was then in a very rough state, but by hard work and good management Mr. Ellis made the station a valuable property, and he secured the freehold of the best of the land around the homestead. After working the property and residing on it for about fourteen years, Mr. Ellis returned to England for the purpose of educating his family, and he resided there till the time of his death, which occurred about the year 1890. His English home was near his native city, Birmingham, and there, while he lived, he always gave a cordial and hospitable welcome to visitors from Canterbury. Mrs Ellis died about two years after her husband, leaving two sons and two daughters. The sons visited New Zealand in the latter part of the year 1900.
arrived by the ship “Sir George Pollock,” in Lyttelton, in 1831, and has been well known in Canterbury. He has been engaged in farming for a number of years, and has held office as inspector of farms for the Church Property Trustees since 1896. Mr. Ffitch served on the Oxford Road Board for four years, and was for about five years chairman of the Kiri Kiri school committee He was married, in 1885, to the daughter of Mr. G. Dunnage, of Papanui, Christchurch, and has two sons and one daughter.
arrived in Lyttelton in 1858 by the ship “Strathallan.” He was born in Middleten, Lancashire, England, in 1847, and was brought up to country life in the Oxford district. For eight years and a half Mr. Fisher was proprietor of the Terminus Hotel, Oxford, and for a number of years afterwards worked a threshing plant. Since November, 1901, he has been engaged in dairy-farming at East Oxford, where he owns 100 acres of land. Mr. Fisher was married, in 1872, to a daughter of Mr. W. Crump, of Dannevirke, and has ten sons and five daughters living. One son and one daughter are dead.
left Scotland in 1868 for South Africa. After a residence there of nine months he went to Australia, whence he came to Canterbury at the close of 1869, and has resided in the Oxford district since 1870. He was for about four years engaged as clerk and surveyor to the Cust Road Board, and then started in business at Oxford as estate agent in 1873 and as auctioneer in 1882. He was chairman of the Oxford Road Board and member for the Oxford riding in the Ashley County Council in 1883. In 1884 he was placed on the commission of the peace, and was for some years chairman of the East Oxford School Committee. Mr. Ingram has been generally Identified with most public matters since his residence in Oxford.
was born at Dedesdorf on the Rhine in 1837. He left his native land at the age of ten or eleven, and went to London. When eighteen Mr. Luers came out to Lyttelton, and was for a short time at Papanui. Afterwards he spent a few years in the Rangiora district, and finally settled at Oxford in 1862. Scon afterwards he commenced farming, and also owned teams engaged in carrying on the road for a short time. About 1864 Mr. Luers acquired the hotel known as “The Harewood Arms,” at East Oxford, and conducted it for twelve years. In the meantime he had become interested in the sawmilling business, and was actively engaged in connection therewith till his retirement in 1882. Mr. Luers was an active member of the Oxford Road Board, and also served on the school committee for a number of years. In 1862 he married a daughter of the late Mr. W. Knowles, of Oxford, formerly of Papanui, and at his death, in 1896, left three sons and two daughters.
arrived in Australia in 1854. In 1866 he came to Hokitika, and after a few months, walked overland to Canterbury, where he has since been a settler in the northern districts. He has been closely identified with Oxford since 1868. After working in the bush for some years, he was incapacitated by an accident, and has since found occupation in clerical work, and the compilation of statistics and census work for the Government. He was married, in 1867, to the widow of the late Mr. George Gibbs, of Woodend, and has six daughters and one son. At the time of his marriage, Mrs Gibbs had two sons and two daughters.
Widow of the late Mr. W. T. Newnham, and daughter of the late Mr. T. Coster, of Harewood Road, Papanui, was born in Gloucestershire, England, and came to Lyttelton in 1851, with her parents, seven sisters and one brother. Her husband was born at Cardiff, Wales, in 1839, and educated at the Bluecoat School, London. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Sir Edward Paget,” in 1857. For six years Mr Newnham was clerk for Messrs Peacock and Co., in Christchurch, and afterwards entered into business as a general storekeeper with Mr. Buddle at Beehive Store, Kaiapoi. At a later date Mr. Newnham had another store in Kaiapoi, and carried it on until his death, in 1870. A son of Mrs Newnham is storekeeper and postmaster at Ohoka.
was born in Bexley, Kent, England, in 1832, and was brought up to country life. He landed at Lyttlton in 1854, and was settled at Akaroa for nineteen years. In 1874 he settled at West Oxford, and has been engaged in dairy farming. He was married, in 1855, to a daughter of Mr. J. Pawson, of Akaroa, an old Port Nicholson settler, and has five sons and three daughters.
came to Lyttelton in 1855 as second mate of the ship “Oriental.” He was born in Montrose, Scotland, in 1832, and was apprenticed to the sea. He resided for a short time at Kaiapoi, and for four years at Waimate, before settling in the Oxford district in 1869. Mr. Smith was married, in 1857, to the daughter of the late Mr. L. Giles, of Kaiapoi, and has seven daughters and three sons.
sometime of West Oxford, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1841, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Blue Jacket,” in 1864. Mr. Whyte was engaged in country life as a contractor for ploughing, or as manager of stations for a considerable number of years, and settled at Oxford. He was married, in 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Edwards, of Dublin, and left four sons and five daughters, when he died in 1889. One daughter has since died.
(Woodside) is situated on the side of the hills, about three miles from West Oxford. The residents, who numbered 168 at the census of 1901, are principally employed in the timber industry, but a good deal of dairy farming is also carried on in the district. There is a creamery, and the post office is at the local store. The public school is called Woodside public school, but the post office is designated Cooper's Creek post office. The district is situated in the Oxford riding of the county of Ashley.
dates from January, 1902. The business is conducted at the homestead of Mr. J. Vallance, and three mails are received and dispatched weekly. The office is subsidiary to the West Oxford post office.
Postmaster at Cooper's Creek, and farmer, was born in Melbourne in 1853, and was brought by his parents to Canterbury in the following year. The family settled at Sefton, where the subject of this notice was brought up to a country life. In 1879 Mr. Vallance commenced farming on his own account at Flaxton, and seven years later, removed to Cooper's Creek, where, in conjunction with his brother-in-law, Mr. R. Taylor, he farms 169 acres of freehold land as a dairy and sheep farm. Mr. Vallance also has teams, and a good part of his time is employed in carting. He has served for a number of years as a member of the local school committee. Mr. Vallance was married, in 1879, to a daughter of Mr. W. Taylor, of County Armagh, brother of Mr. R. Taylor, and has three sons and three daughters.
at Woodside (Cooper's Creek) was established in 1882. It stands on a section of three acres, partly planted with fine shelter trees. The building is of wood and iron, consists of one class room and a porch, and has accommodation for eighty children. There are fifty-three names on the roll, and the average attendance is forty-two. There is a school house of six rooms on the property. The staff consists of a master and assistant mistress.
Headmaster of the Woodside Public School, was born at Fernside in 1876. He served his pupil-teacher-ship at Waikari, and was for a year at the Normal Training College, Christchurch. Mr. Arnott was for one year and a half at the Summerhill school, near Cust, and has been stationed at Cooper's Creek since June, 1899. As a volunteer he has been a sergeant of the Cust Mounted Rifles since 1900, and was a member of the Federal Contingent which went to Sydney in January, 1901.
Cooper's Creek. This creamery is the property of the Central Dairy Company, Limited, and was opened on the 28th of November, 1901. The building is of brick, wood and iron, and contains a four-horse power steam engine with a boiler, and an Alpha Delaval separator, which runs 5,600 revolutions per minute, and is capable of treating 400 gallons of milk per day. There were about thirty-five suppliers during the first season, and an average of 350 gallons was put through daily. During the winter months the creamery is worked only half time. The cream is sent from West Oxford station to the factory at Addington.
Carter, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Milne was born in Oamaru in 1869, and was brought up to farming by his father. In 1882 he engaged in bushwork at Oxford, and in 1899 started carting with a dray and team of three horses. Mr Milne has a comfortable home on part of a three-acre section, which has a well grown hedge at the front and side and a clump of pretty natural bush at the back. He has been a member of the Loyal Oxford Lodge of Oddfellows since 1887, was a member of the Woodside school committee for three years, and is a member of the Cust Mounted Rifles. Mr. Milne was married, in December, 1889, to a daughter of
(Manager, John William Rossiter), Cooper's Creek. Mr. Rossiter was born in Oxford, and since leaving school he has worked in connection with his father's sawmill, of which he was appointed manager in 1899. Mr. Rossiter was a member of the Loyal Nil Desperandum Lodge of Odd-fellows at East Oxford for three years. He was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. Joseph Page, of Lyttelton—an early settler—and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer and Threshing-Machine Proprietor, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Bowman was born on the 18th of May, 1846, at Bridlington, Yorkshire, England. He commenced his career as an engineer, and served as such for two years and a half in Yorkshire. Mr. Bowman arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” on the 15th of February, 1864. He was farming for three years at New Brighton, and removed to Malvern, where he was similarly engaged for eight years. Mr. Bowman was afterwards, for a time, at Riccarton, where he continued his experience in the working of portable engines and threshing-machines. In 1872 he removed to West Oxford, to drive an engine at the sawmill owned by Mr. D. Sladden, and he continued in that employment for ten years. Ultimately he settled on land, and went in for modern machinery, a full plant of which he has since owned and worked for many years. Mr. Bowman farms 310 acres of freehold land in the Oxford district. He served for a time as a member of the Cooper's Creek school committee, and has been connected with the Loyal Oxford Lodge of Oddfellows since 1874. Mr. Bowman was married, in 1874, to a daughter of Mr. A. Smith, of Oxford, and has had five sons and six daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are dead.
Farmer, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Harle was born in the parish of St. John Lee, near Hexham, Northumberland, England, in 1836. He was brought up to country life, and was farming for some time before he left England for Lyttelton by the ship “Matoaka,” in 1861. Mr. Harle was employed for nearly twenty years on the Mount Pleasant station on the Port Hills. Lyttelton. In 1882 he settled at Cooper's Creek, where he bought a property of 313 acres; twenty-five acres open, grassed, native bush; one hundred acres drained swamp, and the balance mixed grazing land. Mr. Harle has been a member of the Oxford Road Board for several years, part of the time as chrirman, and was also for many years a member of the View Hill school committee and of the View Hill library committee. In 1865 Mr. Harle was married at St. Michael's church, Christchurch, to Jane, second daughter of Mr. William Fenwick, of Kirkharle, Northumberland. Four sons and four daughters have been born of the union.
Farmer, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Jensen was born in Denmark, in 1853, and brought up to a country life. He farmed for a time on his own account before coming to Wellington by the ship “Halcione.” in 1873. After four years' experience of a digger's life on the West Coast, Mr. Jensen settled in West Oxford, where he went heartily into pioneer work as a sawmiller, and also in cattle dealing, bullock driving and sheep-farming. He has been successful in most of his undertakings, and owns a fine farm of 603 acres of freehold, in three different blocks. Mr. Jensen has served on the local school committee. He is a director of the Central Dairy Company, Limited, and expects to milk forty cows in the season of 1903. Mr. Jensen was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. F. Rossiter, of Dannevirke, and has two sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Lilly was born in Suffolk, England, in 1839, and followed farming until he left for Lyttelton in 1865 by the ship “Glenmark.” He found employment at bushwork and road contracting, and was one of the first to settle at Woodside. Mr. Lilly at first leased his land in 1868, but has since bought it. He has twenty-five acres which he uses as a dairy farm. Mr. Lilly was for five years a member of the Woodside school committee. He was married, in 1859, to a daughter of the late
Farmer, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Marsh was born in Nottingham, England, in 1840, and went with his parents to France, where he stayed for six years. He then returned to Derbyshire for three years, and came to Lyttelton in 1851. After being for some time in the Lincoln district he was for six years on the station of Mr. Higgins, at West Eyreton. In 1857 he went to Oxford, and became a pioneer settler at Woodside. He started farming in 1860 on twenty-five acres of bush land, which he has cleared and cultivated. A well grown border of trees, planted by himself, surrounds his pleasantly situated residence. Mr. Marsh drove the first bullock dray over Porter's Pass to Craigieburn, in 1859, and was driving on the road for three years, during which he had many difficulties to contend with, having in several places to put his load all on one side to keep the dray from tipping over. Mr. Marsh was a member of the Woodside school committee for fifteen years. He was married, in 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. Abraham Jones, of Rangiora, and has had six sons and six daughters. One son and one daughter are dead.
Farmer, Cooper's Creek. Mr. Taylor was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1853. He was brought up to a country life, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Cicero,” in 1877. For a time he resided at Papanui and was afterwards at Templeton. In 1886 he removed to Cooper's Creek, with which he has since been prominently connected. With his brother-in-law, Mr. J. Vallance, he farms 169 acres of freehold and 150 acres of leasehold bush land. The farm has been greatly improved, and a considerable portion of it has been stumped. Mr. Taylor served for a number of years on the local school committee. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of Mr. J. Vallance, of Sefton, and has had three sons and five daughters; two of the daughters have died.
is a sheep farming district, about five miles from West Oxford. The flag railway station of the name on the Springfield-West Oxford line is forty-six miles from Christchurch, and stands at an altitude of 948 feet above the sea. Like the rest of the Oxford district, View Hill was originally covered with bush, which has been mostly cleared, except away back on the mountain ranges. It is a school district, and has a very good library. The post office is conducted at the local store, and there is a blacksmith's shop in the township. View Hill, which is in the Oxford riding of the Ashley county, had a population of eighty-three at the census of 1901.
was established about 1880, and has been conducted since 1889 at the store of Mr. J. P. Pole. Three marls are received and despatched weekly.
Postmaster at View Hill, has been a Canterbury settler since arriving at Lyttelton by the ship “Pekin,” in 1863. He was for ten years in the Malvern district, and removed to View Hill in 1878. Mr. Pole has been engaged in the timber trade for a number of years, and since 1889 has conducted the local store and post office.
was established about 1875. It has a long narrow glebe of about five acres in extent. The building is of wood and iron, and contains two large class rooms and two porches. There are twenty-six names on the roll, and the average attendance in the first quarter of 1902 was twenty-two. There is a teacher's residence of six rooms on the property.
Teacher of the View Hill School, was born in London, and came to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Aorangi,” in 1884. After serving a pupil-teachership at Woolston, and having a year's training at the Normal College, Christchurch, Miss Harvey was appointed to Wakanui side school, where she was in charge for four years before her appointment to the View Hill school in March, 1902.
Farmer, Grange Farm, View Hill. Mr. Ashworth was born in Lancashire, England, in 1837, and was brought up to farming by his father, though he was engaged as engine driver at the print and dye works in his native place for four years. Mr. Ashworth arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery,” in 1862. He found employment as a farm labourer for two years, and worked for a similar period on his brother's farm at Flaxton. Mr. Ashworth was also engaged at farm work at Ohoka for seven and a half years, and began to farm on his own account in 1872. He has 126 acres of freehold, with 150 sheep, five horses, and five head of cattle. Mr. Ashworth was married, in 1864, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Power, of Waterford, Ireland.
Point Farm, View Hill. Mr. Baxter was born in Kirkmuirhill, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1837. His father was a timber merchant, and Mr. Baxter gained some experience in that line in his early days, and has been largely interested in the business for the greater portion of his life. He came out to Lyttelton by the “David G. Fleming,” in 1863. For ten years he was engaged in saw-milling on Banks' Peninsula, and settled at View Hill in 1873. Mr. Baxter worked the Point sawmill for some ten years, and since the greater portion of the bush has been cut out, has engaged in farming. He served for a term on the licensing bench, and was for many years member of the View Hill school committee, of which he was chairman for about eight years. Mr. Baxter was married, in 1867, to a daughter of Mr. Daniel Young, sometime of Lanarkshire, and has one son and one daughter surviving.
Farmer and Sawmiller, Nook Farm, View Hill. Mr. Bunn was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1852, and was brought up as an iron worker. He came to
Farmer, Forest Farm, View Hill. Mr. Mounsey was born in 1864 at Rangiora, and went to school in that town and at Woodend. He was brought up to country life, and began farming on his own account in 1886. Forest Farm is 100 acres in extent, and Mr. Mounsey is also part owner of another property of 550 acres at Burnt Hill. For one year he served as a member of the Oxford Road Board, and has been a member of the View Hill school committee. Since the formation of the Cust Mounted Rifles he has been a member of the corps. Mr. Mounsey was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Brown, of Oxford, and has two sons and three daughters.
Blacksmith and Farmer, View Hill. Mr. Smith was born at Churchill, Oxford, England, in 1859. He was apprenticed as a blacksmith, and worked at his trade till he came to New Zealand in the s.s. “Rimutaka,” in 1885. In 1886 he settled at View Hill, and established himself in business as a blacksmith. Mr. Smith leases 367 acres of land, on part of which his smithy and residence are situated, and he is also part owner of 558 acres of freehold at Burnt Hill. He is an old English Oddfellow. Since residing at View Hill he has taken an active interest in local affairs. He is a member of the View Hill school committee, of which he was for some time chairman, and has successfully assisted the local library, which is kept at the schoolhouse, and is one of the best libraries in the country districts. Mr. Smith was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. Stephen Mounsey, of View Hill, and has three sons and two daughters.
Oxford, contains an area of 4280 acres of freehold and carries 5700 sheep. The homestead is pleasantly situated on the banks of the River Eyre, and is surrounded by a well-grown plantation of shelter trees, with an artificial lake in front. It originally formed part of the View Hill run, of 19,000 acres, the lease of which terminated some years ago.
J. P., sometime proprietor of View Hill Estate, was a native of Suffolk, where he was born in 1832, and was educated at Marlborough College. He came to the Colonies in the barque “Persia,” and landed in Port Phillip on the 28th of May, 1851. Subsequently, he was appointed overseer on a sheep station, which position he held till 1855, when he purchased his first station and was for sixteen years a squatter in Victoria and New South Wales. Disposing of his interest in his runs he visited England in 1871, and came to New Zealand in November, 1872. Early in the following year Mr. Gorton acquired “View Hill,” but after the lease fell in he was quite satisfied with the freehold portion of the estate. He was appointed to the commission of the peace in 1876, and had been twice chairman of the Oxford Road Board. He was a member of the Oxford Domain Board, was president of the library committee for two years, chairman of the school committee for several years, and was captain of the Rustic Cricket Club. Mr. Gorton was first married in 1869, to Miss Burt, who died in 1888, and secondly in 1891 to the eldest daughter of Dr. Weld, by whom he had two sons and one daughter. He died in December, 1900.
Farmer, Point Farm, View Hill. Mr. Wright was born at Nottingham, England, in 1852, and arrived at Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Zealadia” in 1858. In 1875 he settled at Oxford, and two years later bought land in the Manawatu district, in the North Island. After being there about six years he returned to Canterbury, and settled at View Hill. Mr. Wright married a daughter of the late Mr. J. Short, of Wellington, and has three daughters and one son.
Farmer, Eyre Bank Farm, View Hill. Mr. Wright was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1842, and served five years at the brickmaking trade, after which he followed farming with his father. Mr. Wright came to Lyttelton in 1858 with his parents, by the ship “Zealandia,” and found employment as a brickmaker until 1869, when he started in the business for himself
at Oxford, where he sold out in 1880. During the twenty years of his connection with brickmaking Mr Wright was also a contractor and poundkeeper. He secured his present farm of 107 acres freehold and forty-four acres leasehold in 1875, when the land was covered with bush. In the odd months when brickmaking was dull, Mr. Wright cleared
is situated on the north side of the upper reaches of the Waimakariri river, near View Hill. It comprises 9,000 acres of leasehold and 853 acres of freehold, about 700 acres of which have been ploughed for grass. A very comfortable six-roomed dwellinghouse, several large outbuildings, and stockyards are built on a wellplanted spot on the river bank. The station, now owned by Mr. R. O. Dixon, was previously the property of Mr. R. McKay, and of the late Mr. W. McKay, who died on the 17th of October, 1901.
son of the late Mr. W. McKay, and Manager of the Woodstock station, was born at Brookdale, Malvern, in 1883. He was educated at Springfield, Porter's Pass, and Mount Grey Downs schools. Mr. McKay was brought up to farming by his father, and took charge of Woodstock station in 1901.
is the name of a flag station on the Eyreton-Bennett's branch railway line. It is thirty-two miles from Christchurch, and 479 feet above the level of the sea. The district is devoted to sheep farming, and is named after the late Mr. John Horrell, who was a prominent early settler.
at Horrellville stands on an acre of ground, presented by the late Mr. John Horrell. The building was erected in 1880, and has accommodation for sixty persons. There is a Sunday school with thirty children, under the charge of three teachers.
Farmer, Horrellville. Mr. Conway was born in London, in 1850, and accompanied his father to Port Chalmers in the ship “Scoresby” in 1862. Three months later the family removed to Canterbury. Mr. Conway, senior, left England with the express intention of taking up land in New Zealand, but having brought out with him the balance of his London stock, he opened a shop in Christchurch to dispose of it. Two years later he bought about 1000 acres at Moeraki Downs, as the Cust district was then styled. Mr. T. Conway gained his experience as a farmer on his father's farm, and afterwards conducted a sawmill, both at Oxford and Alford Forest, as manager for Mr. D. Sladden. On the bush becoming worked out, he farmed in the South Rakaia district for six years, afterwards taking up part of his father's property in the Cust district. In 1891, he bought a farm at Horrellville, where he still resides. For about eight years he was a member of the West Eyreton Road Board and school committee. Mr. Conway was married, in 1883, to the eldest daughter of Mr. J. Childs, of Christchurch, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Studley,” Horrellville. Mr. Graham was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1863, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in 1865. He was brought up to country life by his father, and has farmed on his own account since 1886, when he was married to a daughter of Mr. J. Hidgon, of Te Aroha, and has six sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Horrellville. Mr. Horrell, who is a son of the late Mr. John Horrell, after whom the district is named, was born in 1866 in the district in which he resides. He was also educated and brought up to a country life there, and gained further experience at Morrinsville, Auckland, to which his father afterwards removed. Since his return to Canterbury,
was born in Devonshire in 1850, and was brought by his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Charlotte Jane,” when he was only three months old. After residing for thirteen years at Papanui and Woodend (where he was chiefly educated), the family moved to the Eyreton Plains, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Horrell is a member of the Waimakariri Harbour Board and School Committee. He was married in 1885 to Miss Alexander.
Farmer, Horrellville. Mr. King was born in the parish of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1855, and gained his first experience of agricultural life in his native land. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Chrysolite,” on the 24th of December, 1862. The family settled on Kaiapoi Island, where Mr. King worked for a couple of years. Afterwards he found employment at shearing, harvest work, carpentering, blacksmithing, and butchering, and gained a general insight into such work, becoming, also, a first class ploughman. In the years 1881 and 1883, he was successful at local ploughing matches. Mr. King removed to the plains in the Oxford district, in 1879, and was farming there for about nine years, and also for a similar period in the Culverden district. In 1893 he removed to Horrellville, and, at his father's death, bought out the interests of all parties in his farm of 110 acres, on which he has since resided. Mr. King married a daughter of Mr. Alexander Garland, of Cust, in April, 1893, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Somerset Farm, Horrellville. Mr. Sheat was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1836, and came out in the ship “Maori” to Nelson in 1853. In 1895 he travelled overland to Canterbury, and settled on his present property at Horrellville, where he has 299 acres of freehold, in addition to 333 acres on the same tenure at Waikari. Mr. Sheat served a good many years on the West Eyreton Road Board and on the local school committee. He has been a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, and assisted largely in the erection of the church in his district. Mr. Sheat wasmarried, in 1864, to a daughter of Mr. J. Spittals, one of the early Nelson settlers, and has seven sons and four daughters.
Harewood Farm, Horrellville. Mr Waiting was born in Cumberland, England, in 1845, and came to Lyttelton in 1866 in the ship “Blue Jacket.” For about five years he was settled in the Cust district, but in 1871 he removed to Carleton. Two years later he took the Ashley Hotel, which he conducted for fifteen months. For about five years subsequently he was farming at Ohoka. In 1880 Mr. Waiting bought Harewood farm, of 220 acres, at Horrellville, where he has since carried on mixed farming Since about 1882 Mr. Waiting has been a member of the Eyreton Road Board, and has often served as a member of the Carleton school committee. He has been one of the trustees of the West Eyreton and Cust Cemetery Board since 1882. Mr. Waiting was married, in 1872, to a daughter of Mr. T. Pring, of Rangiora, and has three daughters and one son.
Farmer, Horrolville. Mr. Woodfield was born in Northamptonshire, in 1845, and served an appreticeship as a general mechanic. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Victory,” in 1859, and almost immediately settled in the Oxford district. For eighteen years he was a storekeeper at East Oxford, but bought Springwell Farm at Horrellville in 1880, and since then has resided on that property. For some years he was a member of the Oxford Road Board. Mr. Woodfield was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Hon. J. Iliffe, of Leicestershire. This lady died in 1872, leaving one son and six daughters. In 1873 Mr. Woodfield married a daughter of the late Mr. J. Weeber, of Oxford, and has six sons and four daughters by this union.
district is devoted almost entirely to sheep farming. It is served by a flag station on the Eyreton-Bennett's branch line, twenty-four miles from Christchurch, and standing 195 feet above sea level. The public school of the district goes by the name of Mandeville Plains school. Swannanoa is in the Eyreton riding of the Ashley county, and at the census of 1901 it had a population of 100 souls.
at Mandeville Plains is situated on the Tramway Road, Swannanoa. The first school was built about 1870, when a considerable portion of the coat was subscribed by the local settlers. This old building still remains, and is used as a shelter shed. The new building, which contains one class room and a porch, has accommodation for sixty children. There are twenty on the roll, and the average attendance is fourteen. A school residence of six rooms is erected on the section, which is ten acres in extent.
Mistress in charge of Mandeville Plains Public School, was born in Invercargill, and served her pupil-teachership in Marlborough. She became a teacher in 1898, and was appointed to her present position in March, 1902.
at Swannanoa is built of wood and iron, and has sects for 100 worshippers. It was erected at a cost of £250. There is a small Sunday school, with ten children and one teacher, and one acre of land surrounds the church, and is used as a cemetery.
Farmer, Crosby Farm, Swannanoa. Mr. Burgin was born in 1857 in Lincolnshire, England, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Cameo,” in 1860. He is the son of the late Mr. C. F. Burgin, and was educated at the late Mr. Merton's school in Rangiora. Since his father's death, in 1878, he has been engaged in farming on his own account, and owns 500 acres where he resides, and 600 acres, known as Collier's farm, at Ohoka Road, West Eyreton. Mr. Burgin has served as a member of the Mandeville Plains school committee. He has been prominent in connection with temperance matters, and is a member of the executive of the Prohibition League. Mr. Burgin is also a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married, in 1885, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Dalley, of Swannanoa, and has one son and one daughter.
Sheep Farmer, “Northwood,” Swannanoa. The Northwood estate consists of 3,500 acres of land, which carries easily 5,000 crossbred sheep. Portions of the property are leased for farming purposes. The proprietor was born at Springbank, in 1861, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He afterwards entered the offices of Messrs Miles and Co., with whom he remained five years. Since March, 1885, he has been engaged in sheep farming at “Northwood.” Mr. Chapman served ten years in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He is a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is also a member of the local Jockey Club. Mr. Chapman was married, in 1885, to a daughter of Mr T. I. Joynt, solicitor, Christchurch.
Farmer, Swannanoa Farm, Swannanoa. Mr. Kelly was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in July, 1834, and was brought up to a country life. In 1865 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Tudor,” and settled in Addington, where he found employment for a few years. Subsequently Mr. Kelly engaged in farming at St. Albans, and settled on his property at Swannanoa in 1881. Mr. Kelly farms 778 acres of leasehold land. He has been a member of the Eyreton Road Board since 1896. In 1857 he married a daughter of Mr. R. Kelly, of County Cavar and has four daughters and one son surviving.
(Alfred Daniel Loe, manager), Swannanoa. This property, which
Manager of Wai-iti Station, was born in Hampshire, England, in 1853. He was educated in his native place, and brought up to country life. Mr. Loe came to New Zealand in 1873, and settled in Canterbury. He was manager at Kolmar station, the property of Mr. Friedlander, for nearly seven years, and took over the management of “Wai-iti” in March, 1900. Mr. Loe was married, in 1877, to a daughter of Mr. C. Bourn, a pioneer Canterbury settler, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Milton Grange,” Swannanoa. Mr. Winter was born in Salthy, Leicestershire, England, in 1836, and was a farm servant for thirteen years, before coming to Lyttelton, by the ship “Lancashire Witch” in 1863. After being employed for two years near Styx, Mr. Winter settled at Swannanoa, in 1865, when he bought seventy acres of land, which he has since increased to 700 acres. Mr. Winter was for ten years chairman of the Mandeville Plains school committee. He was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Stokes, of Styx, one of the passengers by the ship “Randolph,” and has four sons and three daughters surviving.
is a settlement on the Kaiapoi-Bennett's branch line of railway. It is a flag railway station nineteen miles distant from Christchurch, and stands at an elevation of seventy feet above the level of the sea. The village has a hotel, store, bakery, and smithy, and the local post-office is conducted at the baker's shop. There are several churches, and the educational wants of the district are provided for by the Flaxton main school, which adjoins the Wetheral railway station, a mile nearer to Kaiapoi. The district is devoted to agriculture, and sheep and dairy farming. Ohoka is the head-quarters of the Mandeville and Rangiora River Board, and of the Eyreton and West Eyreton Road Boards. The district lies in the Eyreton riding of the county of Ashley, and has a population of 426.
Ohoka, is conducted on Mr. Thomas Newnham's premises, which are situated centrally in the township. There has been a post office in the district since about 1880, and daily mails are received and despatched. The office also does a money order and savings bank business.
Postmaster of Ohoka, was born in Kaiapoi in 1865. He was educated in his native place, and at Christchurch, and was brought up to business as a baker. Mr. Newnham began business on his own account in Ohoka in 1898. There is a fine baker's oven on the premises, and bread is delivered by cart over a wide area. Mr. Newnham is a member of the local school committee. He was married, at Christchurch, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Fogarty, and has four sons and four daughters.
Ohoka, was consecrated on the 31st of May, 1882. It stands on a section of half an acre in extent, and the adjoining vicarage has a glebe of two acres and a half. The church is of wood, and shingled; the vicarage, of wood, with an iron roof. The church has accommodation for 130 worshippers, and there is service every Sunday. There is also a small Sunday school.
M.A., Assistant Curate of Rangiora, resides at the Ohoka vicarage. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on the 6th of December, 1832; educated at All Saints' and St. Marylebone Grammar School in connection with King's College, London, England; graduated B.A. at Trinity College, Toronto, in 1855, and M.A. in 1887; was ordained deacon in 1857, and priest in 1858, by the Bishop of Fredericton. Mr. Cruden was appointed missionary of Nelson and Blackville in the diocese of Fredericton, from 1857 to 1861; rector of Derby. Nelson, Blackville, in the same diocese, from 1861 to 1877; rector of Picton, in Nova Scotia, from 1877 to 1878; and incumbent of St. Paul's, Lanark, Ontario, from 1878 to 1881. He came to New Zealand in 1881, and became Assistant Curate for Banks' Peninsula, from 1881 to 1882, curate of the Peninsula near Dunedin, from 1882 to 1883, curate at Hampden, North Otago, from 1883 to 1890; vicar at Flaxton, Ohoka, with Eyreton, 1890 to 1901; and assistant curate at Rangiora, 1901. Mr. Cruden was married, in 1872, to the eldest daughter of Mr. D. McBeath, of Black River, New Brunswick, and has four daughters and one son surviving.
at Ohoka is situated in the main street. It has accommodation for 120 worshippers, and is erected on a section of half an acre of land. There is a Sunday school, with thiry-two scholars, and three teachers.
Wetheral Station, Ohoka This mill was established in 1890, by Mr. P. C. Threlkeld. It is an iron building, of four stories, the motive power being a seventeen horse-power water wheel, driven by the Ohoka stream, and a twelve horse-power stationary engine. The roller-milling plant produces two sacks and a half per hour. Mr. W. H. Martyn is the owner of the mill, which is leased to Mr. Richard Evans, of Kaiapoi.
General Storekeeper, Ohoka Store, Ohoka. This business, which was established many years ago, was conducted by Mr. G. Grant for about seven years prior to 1902, when it was acquired by the present proprietor. The premises consist of a store and dwelling, with stabling and sheds, and business is done over a wide area. Mr. Moss acts as agent for the United Insurance Company. He was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, where he was educated, and brought up to mercantile life, and came to the colony by the s.s. “Kaikoura.” He is an experienced wool-classer, and was for several years engaged as such in New Zealand and Australia. Mr. Moss was married, on the 22nd of February, 1902, to a daughter of Mr. S. Wright, of Richmond.
Farmer, Ohoka. Mr. Lord was born at Halkett, near Kirwee, Canterbury,
Farmer, Ohoka. This well known settler was born in 1842, in the province of Hanover, Germany, and was engaged in country pursuits till coming to the colony by the ship “Lancashire Witch” in 1863. He followed various occupations in Ohoka till 1868, when the country was all covered with flax, raupo, and scrub, and there were no roads when he first settled in the district. Mr. Mehrtens' farm consists of 142 acres, which he has brought into a state of excellent cultivation. He was married, in 1867, to a daughter of Mr H. Deetjen, of Hanover, and has one son and four daughters.
Farmer, Bradling's Road, Ohoka. Mr. Skevington was born in Waikuku in 1866, brought up to country life, and began farming on his own account at Ohoka in 1890. His farm consists of 100 acres of freehold, and thirty-one acres of leasehold land. He also has 639 acres at East Eyreton, where he engages in sheepfarming. Mr. Skevington has been a member of the Eyreton Road Board since 1900, and is also a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and of the Order of Oddfellows. He was married, on the 22nd of October, 1890, to a daughter of Mr. W. Moore, of St. Albans, and has one daughter and three sons.
was an old settler in North Canterbury. He was born in 1836 at Heighray, North Lancashire, England, and arrived in Lyttelton in 1852. Shortly after his arrival, he settled in St. Albans, but soon removed to Church Bush, Camside, near Rangiora, where he was actively engaged in farming for thirty-five years. Having sold his farm in 1892, Mr. Wilson purchased ninety-six acres of land at Ohoka, where he settled. For some time he served as a member of the local school committee. Mr Wilson was married, in 1883, to the widow of the late Mr. S. Read, builder, of Christchurch. He died in 1897.
has a flag railway station on the northern line of railway, and is twenty-two miles distant from Christchurch. The station is 120 feet above the sea level. There is a hotel, post office, store, and blacksmith's shop in the settlement, which had a population of 202 at the census of 1901. Ashley is only two miles from Rangiora, and is in the Kowai riding of the Ashley county. The district is devoted to agriculture, and to sheep breeding and dairy farming.
whe represented Ashley in the House of Representatives, was born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1843. He was educated at the Tullow public school, and was a schoolmaster for a few years before he came to the Colony in 1863 in the ship “Accrington,” and followed the same profession after his arrival, teaching in several schools in Canterbury until he retired in 1889 to his farm on the Moeraki Downs. In 1890, in response to a numerously-signed requisition, he contested the Ashley seat against the late Mr. J. D. Lance and Mr. J. Knight, and was returned with a majority of thirty-two votes. He again contested the seat in 1893, defeating his opponents, Mr. D. McFarlane and Mr. David Dick, by 500 votes. In 1896 he congested the seat, for the third time, against Mr. Reece and Mr. G. Renner, and was successful over the former by 370 votes. At the election of 1899 he polled 1943 votes to the opposing candidate's 1192. He stood fo the new electorate of Hurunui at the general election of November, 1902, and was third at the poll with 835 votes, the successful candidate, Mr. A. W. Rutherford, obtaining 1577 votes. Mr. Meredith is a total abstainer, and lends his influence to the temperance cause. He was sessionally elected chairman of the M to Z Public Petitions Committee of the House for many years. In 1889 he was elected a member of the North Canterbury Board of Education, and was chairman of that body in 1892, and was appointed a member of the Canterbury Land Board in 1891. He was married in 1867 to Miss Louisa Willis,
at Ashley, was built in 1875. It is of wood and shingles, and has accommodation for 120 worshippers. Two services are held every Sunday. The Sunday school is attended by thirty scholars under three teachers, and a branch Sunday school is held at Sea View, the residence of Mr. George Bowron, a lay reader.
Ashley, was built in 1884 by the United Methodist Free Church. It is situated on a section of half an acre. The building is of wood, and has seating accommodation for eighty adults. Services are conducted by the ministers of the Rangiora circuit.
Senior, Farmer, Middleham Hill Farm, Ashley. Mr Croft was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1837, and brought up to farming. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1865, by the ship “Glenmark.” Upon his arrival in New Zealand he engaged in farm work and contracting, and owned and managed a threshing plant. One of Mr Croft's contracts in 1884 was the cutting of the Kuku Pass—a work which he successfully carried out in three years. His present property consists of 100 acres, which he works as a sheep and agricultural farm. Mr. Croft was for four years in the North York Volunteers, and has served twelve years on the Ashley school committee. He was married, in 1864, to a daughter of the late Mr George Furby, of Yorkshire, and has six sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Ashley. Mr. Croft was born in 1871 at Ashley, where he was educated and brought up to farming. He was employed as a shepherd for six years on White Rock station. On returning to Ashley, in 1899, he leased 180 acres, upon which he keeps sheep and grows crops. He is a member of the Rangiora Lodge of Oddfellows, which he joined in 1896. Mr. Croft was married, in 1899, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Yates, of North Loburn, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Ashley. Mr. Dick was born in 1847, at the farm of Polcairdoch, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland, and was educated successively at the schools of Kirkoswald and Auchinflower, and under Mr. Temple, of Ballantrae. He was apprenticed at the establishment of a wholesale merchant in Ayr, but at the request of his uncle, Mr. Douglas Graham, of Riccarton, he emigrated to New Zealand by the ship “Glenmark,” on her first voyage, and landed at Lyttelton on the 20th of January, 1865. After remaining at Riccarton for a short time, he went to live with his uncle, the late Mr. William Graham, of Drumrcolin, Southbridge, where he resided over six years. At that time there were only a few houses in the district, and there was then no township of Southbridge. Mr. Dick afterwards joined his cousin, Mr William McMillan, and went into farming on an extensive scale. They held land under lease from Mr. Samuel Bealey, at Rhuddlan, Leeston, also part of Mr. Bealey's Styx property, Papanui, and the George Hill block, Sheffield, belonging to Mr. John Deans of Riccarton. Mr. Dick and Mr. McMillan claim to be the first that put the plough on that portion of the Home Bush estate. They were the first that grew wheat successfully on an extensive scale in the Malvern district; but they were quickly followed by others. Some time afterwards Mr. McMillan became manager for Mr. Wason, at Corwar, Rakaia, and Mr. Dick purchased 455 acres in the Loburn district, from Mr. Charles Delamain. He worked the land he had at Styx in conjunction with his Loburn property, and was a very large grower of potatoes, to the cultivation of which he gave special attention. On his farm at Ashley, where he now resides, he keeps a large herd of dairy cows. As a breeder of Clydesdale horses, Mr. Dick has taken over twenty champion prizes, besides second and third awards too numerous to mention. He bred “Lord Ashley,” the champion horse at the Melbourne show of 1897, and afterwards sold in Melbourne for 800 guineas. In 1896, “St. Lawrence,” a full brother of “Lord Ashley's,” and also bred by Mr. Dick, and purchased from him by Mr. John Dollar, carried off first honours at the Sydney show, where he took a prize as the best horse on the ground, and for the best colonial bred horse, and the first in his class. Mr. Dick bred both the dam and the sire of “Lord Ashley” and “St. Lawrence.” While he was in the Malvern district Mr. Dick was a member of the East Malvern Road Board, and was for many years chairman of the Ashley Road Board, and a member of the Ashley County Council. He was also a member of the Kowai Road Board, Ashley Licensing Committee, and Ashley school committee; a director of the Rangiora Bacon Factory, one of the provisional directors of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Company; chairman of the Sefton Dairy Company for six years, and still a director; a member of the Loburn school committee and library, and of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Dick unsuccessfully contested the Ashley seat at the general election of 1893. He has been Land Valuer under the Property and Land Tax Act for nineteen years, and is now District Valuer for North Canterbury, from the Waimakariri to the Clarence, under the Land Valuation Department. Mr. Dick is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Dick, of Kirkeswold, Ayrshire, Scotland. His mother, Elizabeth Graham, was a daughter of the late Mr. David Graham, farmer, Polcairdoch, son of Mr. Douglas Graham, farmer, of Shanter and Jameston, known as Tam o' Shanter. Mr. Dick's greatgrandfather was, therefore, the original of the hero in Burns's famous poem, He has in his possession several relics which belonged to his great-grandfather, such as his silver snuff box or “sneeshin mill,” his pipe, beautifully carved out of horn, his eight-day clock, and family Bible; which are, of course, all very much treasured by Mr Dick. Mr. Dick was married, in 1886, to Miss Robertson, eldest daughter of Mr. John Robertson, farmer. Willowbrook, Ashley, and has six daughters.
“The Poplars,” West Eyreton. Mr. Horrell is a son of the late Mr. John Horrell, after whom Horrellville is named. He was born at Papanui in 1857, and was educated at Woodend and West Eyreton, and was trained to farming by his father. His property consists of 200 acres, which is a portion of the original estate. He cultivates the land chiefly for breeding and fattening sheep and lambs for the export trade, using the Shropshire strain with crossbred ewes. Mr. Horrell was placed on the commission of the peace in 1886. In conjunction with the late Mr. W. F. Pearson, M.H.R., and Mr. John
Farmer, Ashley Bank. Mr. Kingsbury was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1853. In 1863 his parents came to Lyttelton in the ship “Captain Cook,” and settled at Saltwater Creek. Mr. Kingsbury was brought up to country life, and began farming on his own account by leasing land at Chertsey. Subsequently he had a farm at Rakaia. Since 1881 he has been farming at Ashley Bank. Mr. Kingsbury was married, in 1879, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Dixon, of Ashley.
Farmer, Hill Farm, Ashley. Mr. Lock was born in 1834 in the Isle of Wight. At the age of fourteen years he went to sea as naval cadet in a man-of-war, and served three years. He was afterwards for two years in the service of Green and Wigram, trading to India and Australia, but left it at Melbourne during the excitement of the early Victorian goldfields, and had experiences on Bendigo and the Ovens. Having returned to the Old Country, he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Clontari” in 1859, and after two or three years settled in North Canterbury. Mr. Lock was married, in 1866, to daughter of the late Mr. H. Stark, of Christchurch, and has two sons and one daughter surviving.
Farmer, Ashley. Mr. Robertson has been a farmer in the Ashley district since 1866. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1838, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” in 1864. Mr. Robertson served for a number of years on the local school committee. He was married, in 1861, to a daughter of Mr. Robertson, of Perthshire, Scotland, and has seven sons and three daughters.
was born in 1840, in Calcutta, India, where his father and mother died. He was brought up by an uncle and aunt (brother and sister) in Scotland, and came to Wellington by the barque “Clara” in 1851. Mr. Anderson has always been engaged in country pursuits, and had a dairy farm at Ferry Road, Christchurch, for twenty-three years, for ten or fifteen of which he was a member of the Woolston Borough Council and school committee. He retired in 1899, and has since resided on his property of twenty acres at Ashley. Mr. Anderson was married, in 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Dixon, of Ashley, and has four daughters and two sons.
arrived at Lyttelton with his parents in the ship “Bangalore” in 1851. He was brought up to country pursuits, in which he was engaged until compelled by declining health to retire from active life. Mr. Cone served as a member of the Ashley Road Board for about three years. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. Walton, of Bristol, England.
is on the north side of the river Ashley, about four miles from Rangiora, and the same distance from Ashley. The office of the Ashley Road Board is located in the district. There are two schools, one at North Loburn and one at South Loburn, and there is a post office at each school. The district, which is devoted to farming, is in the Mount Thomas riding of the Ashley county, and has several small rivers which are crossed by means of fords. At the census of 1901 the district had a population of 537 souls.
was constituted in 1870. The boundaries of the district are from the Ashley railway bridge to the top of Mount Grey by an irregular line, thence to the top of Mount Karetu, and from that point northwards to the Waipara river. For ten or twelve miles from this point the boundary follows a road, and then branches off at the back of Lees valley, to the Ashley river, and on to the point of commencement. The area of the district is about 250,000 acres, and the valuation is £324,000. The usual rate is a 1/2d. in the £, but for the year 1902 it was 3/4d. in the £. There are 620 dwellings in the district, and about 300 ratable properties, owned by 185 ratepayers. The district has 155 miles of formed roads, and there are twelve principal fords over the rivers Ashley, Makerikeri, Okuku, Garry, Karetu, and Grey. The district includes the settlements of North and South Loburn, Okuku, and Birch Hill, all of which are school districts, and about half the Ashley school district. There are no loans. Members of the board: Messrs W. A. Banks (chairman), H. S. Carmichael, D. Carr, J. Dobson, M. Kennedy. Mr. John William Joynt is clerk and surveyor.
Clerk and Surveyor to the Ashley Road Board, is a son of Mr. T. I. Joynt, the well-known solicitor, of Christchurch. He was born in Christchurch in 1864, and educated at Cook's School, Christ's College, and at the Lincoln College. Mr Joynt was dairy farming near Stratford, Taranaki, for two years, and for a like period was manager of the Maranui station, on behalf of the Union Bank. On settling in Loburn, in 1896, Mr. Joynt took up his present position. He was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. A. H. Shury, of Ashburton, sometime manager of the Union Bank there, and has one daughter and one son.
North Loburn, is conducted at the residence of the local schoolmaster. Mails are received and despatched on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The post office was established in the district in 1882. Mr. John Sayle Dalby is postmaster.
North Loburn, is built of wood and iron, and was erected about 1882. It has accommodation for sixty pupils, and in the first quarter of 1902 there were forty names on the roll, with an average attendance of thirty-three. The teacher's residence adjoins the school, and the grounds consist of four acres, including the garden and playground.
Headmaster of North Loburn School, was born in Norfolk, England, in 1858. He was educated as a student of medicine at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, and landed at the Bluff, from Melbourne, in 1879. He served under the Otago Board of Education at Kurow and Glenkennick, and under the North Canterbury Board of Education at Mandeville Plains, before being appointed to North Loburn in 1888. Mr. Dalby was married, in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. W. Gardiner, of Annadown, Galway, Ireland.
at South Loburn, is small wood and iron building, which was erected in 1890. Monthly services are held, and there is accommodation for forty adults.
Loburn, dates from 1890. It originally belonged to the Sefton charge, and was transferred to the care of the minister at Rangiora in 1895. The church is of wood and iron, with a schoolroom attached, and has seating accommodation for seventy adults; the Sunday school is attended by forty children, in charge of four teachers. The building is erected on a section of three-quarters of an acre of land, presented by the Carmichael family.
at Loburn was built in 1874 on an acre of land. It is centrally situated in the southern part of the settlement, and has accommodation for 120 persons. The cost of the property was £350. Loburn is a portion of the Rangiora. parish.
Raith by (Loburn), was founded in the fifties by Mr. David Patrick. The building is of wood and iron, and there is a good piece of land, including the cemetery, of over an acre in extent. The minister at Rangiora is in charge of the district.
Farmer, “Longhope,” Loburn. Mr .Banks was born in Christchurch in 1860, of Scottish parentage. He was educated at Loburn school, and served a pupil-teachership at Rangiora. After two years at the Normal School he was appointed teacher at Aylesbury, and six months later was transferred to Carleton, where he continued two years. For fifteen years and a half he was in charge at Lincoln, where he was presented with an illuminated address. After two years at Belfast, Mr. Banks settled in Loburn, in 1900. His farm consists of 400 acres of leasehold land. He was elected chairman of the Ashley Road Board in 1901, and still holds the position. As a volunteer Mr. Banks is a corporal of the Honorary Reserve Corps, which he joined in 1890. He went Home in the year of the late Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, as a member of the Bisley Rifle Team, in which he was one of the best scorers. He has won hundreds of prizes with his poultry, and is vice-president of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Banks was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr. D. McIntyre, of Fernside, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Richmond Hill,” Loburn. Mr. Barker was born in Cumberland, England, in 1829, and was educated at a private school. His early years were passed on his father's farm, and subsequently he learned the building trade. Coming to the Colony in 1851, Mr. Barker worked at his trade for a few years, and after visiting the goldfields of Australia, where he had fair success, he returned to New Zealand. He purchased several sections of land in and around Christchurch, which he subsequently sold to advantage. Mr. Barker's property comprises 1450 acres of freehold (including the Hillside Estate, which he has recently purchased), the first portion of which was acquired in 1866 in its natural state. It is now surrounded by well-metalled roads, and is highly improved and devoted to mixed farming. Mr. Barker since settling at Loburn, has taken an active part in furthering the advancement of the district. He made a gift to the Board of Education of two acres of land on which the Loburn school is erected, and was member of the school committee for over twenty years, being chairman for part of that time. He was also a member of the Ashley Road Board for several years, having been returned at the first election for that district; and has been connected with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the local library. Mr. Barker was married in 1862 to Miss Dixon, and has four sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Loburn. The subject of this notice was born in London, where he was educated, and after gaining experience in commercial life, came to the Colony in 1859 in the ship “Zealandia.” Not finding employment at his trade, he engaged in station life for a number of years. In 1866 he took up his first section of thirty acres where his homestead now stands, and has gradually increased his holding to over 1000 acres of freehold and leasehold lands, on which he carries on mixed farming, his stock being composed of Merinoes and Border-Leicester crosses. Mr. Barwell gave proof of his abilities as a public man at a very early age, when he was elected a member of the first London Trades Council, a position he resigned when leaving for the colony. He was one of the early settlers who built the first school at Loburn at their own expense, and he took an active part in getting the bridge constructed over the Ashley river. He has served as a member of the Ashley Road Board, and also on the school and library committees. Mr. Barwell was married, in 1858, to Miss Moore, and has four sons and three daughters.
Loburn. The estate was originally part of a run of 22,000 acres taken up by Mr. C. O. Torlesse, from whom it was bought in 1851 by the late Mr J. T. Brown. At first it was used chiefly as a cattle run, but was subsequently stocked with Merino sheep. In 1890 the lease of the Crown land on the property expired, but the trustees were contented with the freehold, which amounted to about 6000 acres, and carried a good flock of pure Leicester and crossbred sheep, bred from a stud of English Leicesters established in 1883. The residence at “Mount Thomas” is pleasantly situated on a knoll surrounded on three sides by a clear running stream, and sheltered from the prevailing winds by forty acres of plantation, stocked with well-selected trees, including oaks, birches, elms, ash and fourteen different varieties of pines; and there is a lake in front, with white swans upon it.
was a keen sportsman, and, in conjunction with Mr. Hill, he im ported the trotting horse “Prickwillow. He also liberated the first trout in the Okuku in November, 1875, and a few years later he took charge of and liberated the Prairie hens imported from America. Mr. Brown was appointed to the Commission of the Peace early in the fifties, and took an active part in public affairs.
younger son of Mr. J. T. Brown, was born at “Mount Thomas” in 1860, and educated at Christ's College. He was afterwards engaged in commercial pursuits, and was appointed manager of the estate in 1886. Mr. Brown was married in 1891.
Farmer, Loburn. Mr. Carr was born, in 1868, in Perthshire, Scotland, and was brought up to farming. After managing his father's farm for five years he spent a short time in Australia, and came to Lyttelton in 1890. He went to the North Island and worked for six years on Mr. G. P. Donnelly's sheep station in Hawke's Bay. On returning to Canterbury he acquired a sheep and agricultural farm of 150 acres freehold and forty acres leasehold. Mr. Carr was for five years a member of the Loburn school committee, and is also a member of the Domain Board. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert Millar, farmer, “Flowerdale,” Perthshire, Scotland, and has four daughters and one son.
Farmer, “Arthurstone,” Loburn. Mr. Carmichael was born in 1860 in Dundee, Scotland, where he was educated and commenced to serve his time as an architect. In 1880 he came to New Zealand, via Sydney, and completed his qualifications as an architect in Dunedin. He afterwards settled in Rangiora, where he practised his profession for three years, and then went to reside at Loburn in 1888. Subsequently, for three years, he was farming in the North Island, and then returned to Loburn. Mr. Carmichael's property consists
Farmer, “Home Creek,” Loburn. Mr Carmichael was born at Dundee, Scotland, in 1859, and was brought up to a country life. For seventeen months before landing in New Zealand in 1881, he was in Queensland. Mr. Carmichael settled in the Cust district, and has for many years been engaged in farming in several localities, including Loburn. Since 1900 he has been a member of the Ashley Road Board, and was a member of the Domain Board, and of the local school committee. He holds a seat on the local library committee. Mr. Carmichael is a member of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. J. McHargh, of Woolston, and has two daughters.
Farmer, “Shanter Grove,” Loburn. Mr. Dobson was born in Lancashire, England, in 1839, and was employed in connection with railway construction till leaving England in 1865, when he came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Mermaid.” Soon after his arrival he became a teacher, and was placed in charge at the Cust, where he continued for eleven years. He afterwards acted for a similar period as clerk and surveyor to the Oxford Road Board. Mr. Dobson then settled in Rangiora, where he was in business on his own account as an auctioneer for another period of eleven years. He has latterly farmed his property, which is 500 acres in extent, at Loburn. As a public man Mr. Dobson has been chairman and member of the Oxford Road Board, chairman of the Ashley Road Board, and member and chairman of the Christchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He was credited with being first to advocate the Waimakariri-Ashley water supply scheme, and was for some years chairman of the river board. Mr. Dobson has been thrice married; firstly, to the daughter of the late Captain Pringle, of Southport, who died in 1867, leaving two daughters, one of whom has since died; secondly, in 1870, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. H. Faber, of Stockton-on-Tees, who died in 1885, leaving three sons; and, thirdly, in May, 1898, to a daughter of the late? Mr. P. Walsh, of Loburn. Of this union one daughter has been born.
Farmer, North Loburn. This settler was born at Borton, Warwickshire, in 1841. Mr. White is largely self-educated, having attended an evening school for only a short time. Coming out to the Colony in 1874 in the ship “Crusader,” he settled at Rangiora, and after three years removed to the district where he now resides. His first land purchase was fifty acres, which has been increased to 150 acres, on which he raises grain and green crops, and fattens stock. Mr. White has identified himself with the advance of the district. He made his first appearance in public during his stay at Rangiora, when his eloquence so moved the audience that he was carried shoulder high at the conclusion of the meeting. Mr. White has served on the school committee for many years, during several of which he has been chairman, and has always taken great interest in the public library. He has acted as chairman at almost every public and political meeting held at North Loburn for the past twenty-five years. Mr. White was married, in 1866, to Miss Reynolds, and has five sons and one daughter, who is married.
sometime of “Castle Hill,” North Loburn, was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, and was educated at Polmaly school. For a time he was engaged in a railway workshop and afterwards on a farm He left the Old Country in 1863, in the ship “Brother's Pride,” and reached Lyttelton after a voyage of 140 days. The passengers then had to endure a month in quarantine. After he came to Christchurch, Mr. More worked for Mr. Kruse, at Papanui, for seven years, and for Mr. Robert Duncan, Island Hill, Loburn, for three years. He was the first man engaged
the headquarters of the Sefton Dairy Factory Company, Limited, and the centre of a flourishing settlement, is twenty-six miles from Christchurch on the northern railway. The station stands only twenty-one feet above the level of the sea. There are churches, a school, a library, a hotel, a town hall, and several stores and blacksmiths' shops in the township. The district is noted for dairy farming. Postal and telegraphic business is conducted at the railway station. Sefton is in the Kowai riding of the county of Ashley. At the census of 1901 the town and district had a population of 620 persons
was established in 1884. The building is of wood, contains two class rooms and two porches, and has accommodation for 100 scholars. In the first quarter of 1902 there were ninety-four on the roll, with an average attendance of eighty. The headmaster is assisted by a mistress. The schoolhouse adjoins the building, and the premises stand upon two acres of land. Close to the school there is the recreation reserve, of some fifteen acres in extent, which is very useful as a playground.
Headmaster of Sefton Public School, was born at Greta, Victoria, in 1869, and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1877. He was educated at East Christchurch School, where he also served his pupil-teachership. After a year at the Normal Training College, Mr. Thomson was appointed to Mount Grey Downs, where he remained for six years. For six months subsequently, he was in charge at Mandeville Plains, and was transferred to Sefton at the end of 1895. Mr. Thomson was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. G. W. Pickering.
Sefton, was built about the year 1880. It stands on part of a quarter-acre section, and has seating accommodation for 100 persons. A Sunday school is held in the church.
Sefton, dates from about 1887. It is a small building of wood and iron, and has seating accommodation for eighty worshippers. The building was previously erected in Leithfield, from which it was removed in 1887. The minister at Rangiora is in charge.
This factory was established in 1888, and comprises a boiler-house, separator, churning, butter, and refrigerating rooms. It has a Scott Bros.' boiler, two De Laval separators, a Tangye engine, and at the busiest time four men are employed. The output of the factory in 1900 was 126,000 pounds of butter. Since 1901 a creamery has been established at Woodend, and one at Leithfield, and about 100 suppliers send milk daily.
Manager of the Sefton Dairy Factory, was born at Long Bush, Southland, in 1870. He attended school at Mataura, and has followed a country life. In 1895 he started as a factory hand, and soon after was appointed manager, succeeding his brother, who is now Government Dairy Expert for New Zealand. Mr. McGowan has been a member of the Sefton Morris-Tube Club since 1898, and sub-captain since 1900, and was for two years a member of the Sefton school committee.
Farmer, Gleniti Farm, Sefton. Mr. Boyce was born in 1861 at Sefton, and brought up to farming by his father. He leases 346 acres, and works the property as a sheep and agricultural farm. Since 1896 he has been chairman of the Mount Grey Downs school committee. Mr. Boyce was a member of the Kowai Rifle Club for three years, and has been secretary of the Sefton Orange Lodge since 1885. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr Thomas Prosser, of Sefton, and has five sons. Mrs Boyce was born and educated in Christchurch. She had charge of the school at Balcairn from 1883 to 1893, and was held in great esteem there. Mrs Boyce has since been for four years sewing mistress at Mount Grey Downs school.
Farmer, Gadesbunden Farm, Sefton. Mr. D'Auvergne was born at Rangiora, in 1860, and was brought up on his father's farm, which he afterwards managed. In 1894 he began farming on his own account on 200 acres of leasehold land at Sefton. Mr. D'Auvergne has been very prominent as a volunteer and in football circles, and was sergeant of the Rangiora Rifles. He holds a number of prizes for good shooting, and was several times picked in the “first twenty” of the New Zealand Rifle Association. Mr. D'Auvergne has been a member of the Sefton Morris-Tube Club since 1896, and has been captain since 1899. He holds Messrs Brown and Co.'s Challenge Cup for 1901, and lead for the Cup in 1902. As a footballer, Mr. D'Auvergne represented Canterbury province for a number of years, and was picked as a representative of New Zealand in the first team to Australia. He has been chairman of the Sefton district school committee since 1900, and a director of the Sefton Dairy Factory since 1895. Mr. D'Auvergne was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. T. Mollet, of Christchurch, and has one son and four daughters.
Farmer, Bengal Hill Farm, Sefton. Mr. Gorrie was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1837, and brought up on his father' sfarm, which he afterwards managed, as well as a farm of his own of 150 acres. He arrived at Lyttelton, in 1866, in the ship “Mermaid,” and was shepherding for two years at “Coldstream,” and also for two years at Cheviot. In 1870 Mr. Gorrie commenced farming on 100 acres, and has since increased his property to 450 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. A portion of his land in Sefton township is well planted, and nicely laid out, and his residence is situated among the trees, and beyond a garden of flowers and shrubs. Mr. Gorrie has served about ten years on the Kowai Road Board, and is a director of the Sefton Dairy Factory, of which he was the first promoter. He was married, in 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Hunter, of Ayrshire, Scotland. Mrs Gorrie died in 1902, leaving three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Sefton. Mr. Hanna was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1842, and was brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Chariot of Fame,” in 1863, and was engaged in bush work at Kaiapoi for two years. In 1865 he bought thirty acres of land, and has since acquired 130 acres of freehold, and 140 acres of leasehold, on which he conducts mixed farming. He has bred horses of all descriptions, among them many prize-winners and fast trotters Mr. Hanna has served three years on the local school committee, and is a member of the Sefton Presbyterian Church committee. He was married, in 1862, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Croskery, of County Down, Ireland, and has five sons and three daughters, and fourteen grandchildren.
Farmer, Roseville Farm, Sefton. Mr. Hanna was born in 1871 at Sefton. After leaving school he followed farming, and in 1892 went to Stratford, Taranaki, and started a dairy farm on eighty-eight acres of freehold land. He sold his farm in 1899, and returned to Sefton, where he leases 230 acres, and carries on mixed farming. While in Stratford Mr. Hanna took an active part in the dairy factory and the co-operative store, and was a director of both. Since 1899 he has been a director of the Sefton Dairy Factory, a member of the Sefton Morris-Tube Club, and since 1902 a member of the Amberley Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Hanna was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. W. Thompson, of Saltwater Creek, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Sefton. Mr. Lilly was born in Suffolk, England, in 1854, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Clontarf,” in 1859. He was brought up to farming, and started for himself in 1895 on fifty acres of freehold. He leases another forty acres, and carries on sheep and agricultural farming. For nine years Mr. Lilly was a member of the Mount Grey Downs school committee, and has been a member of the Rangiora Lodge of Oddfellows since 1875. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of Mr. John Vallance, of Mount Grey Downs, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Sefton. Mr. Robertson was born at Mount Grey Downs in 1870, and attended school at Ashley. He has always been engaged in general farm work throughout the district, and spent five years on a sheep farm in North Loburn. In 1902 Mr. Robertson leased eighty-two acres at Sefton, where he carries on dairy farming. Since 1890 he has been a member of the Ashley Good Templar Lodge. He was married, in 1899, to
Farmer, Sefton. Mr. Topp was born in 1862 at Woodend, where he was educated. He has always followed a country life, and was for six years working in Kaikoura. In 1892 he went to the North Island, but returned after three years to Sefton, and managed his mother's farm of ninety acres freehold. Since 1901 Mr. Topp has taken over his mother's property, and carries on mixed farming.
Farmer, Sefton. Mr. Vallance was born in Sefton in 1871, and attended the Sefton and Mount Grey Downs schools. He has always worked on his father's farm, and in 1887 took over the management of the property, on which he keeps sheep and grows crops.
Farmer, Sefton. Mr. Wilson was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1864, and brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton in 1873 in the ship “Rakaia.” For about twelve years he was engaged in general farm work at Belfast, and in 1894 started his present farm of seventy-seven acres of freehold land. Mr. Wilson has been a member of the Sefton Morris-Tube Club since 1899. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Hanna, of Sefton, and has three sons and two daughters.
(John Wyllie and James Wyllie), Farmers, Newfields Farm, Sefton.
the Senior Partner, was born at Camside in 1867, and brought up to farming. He has always worked on his father's farm, and when his father died, in 1895, he and his brother became joint owners of the property. He is a member of the committee of the Northern Agricultural and Pastorsi Association, and was for some years a member of the Sefton Presbyterian Church committee.
was born at Saltwater Creek, in 1870, and attended school at Waikuku and Rangiora. He was brought up on his father's farm. Mr. Wyllie has been a member of Saltwater Creek school committee since 1880, and a member of the Presbyterian Church committee since 1898.
C.E., youngest and only surviving son of the late Robert Pemberton, F.R.S.L., of Chelsea, England, is a very old Canterbury settler. He was born at Chelsea, London, and was educated as a civil engineer. In 1857 Mr. Pemberton landed in Wellington from the ship “Gleaner.” He joined the Government service, and was appointed assistant-surveyor, and subsequently district surveyor for the Ashley district, Canterbury. After ten years' service he entered into private practice as a surveyor. Mr. Pemberton surveyed the borough of Rangiora, and prepared a scheme of drainage for the borough council, and also the townships of Oxford, Leithfield, Amberley, Aylesbury, and Sefton besides many other places. He retired from active work in 1896. Mr. Pemberton settled at Sefton in 1864. For nine years he served as a member of the Kowai Road Board, and occupied the chair for five years of that period. He also served for a number of years as lieutenant and captain of No. 3 and 4 Companies of the Canterbury Rifle Volunteers. Mr. Pemberton was married, in 1856, to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. J. Buss, of Harrindge Court, Scllendge, Kent, sister of Mr. W. Buss, of Rangiora, and has had seven sons and six daughters.
was born in 1815, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was brought up to an outdoor life. In 1867 ne came to Lyttelton in the ship “Caroline,” and settled at Mount Grey Downs, in the Sefton district. He was married, in 1851, to a daughter of the late Mr Robet, of Scotland. Mrs Vallance died in 1854, leaving one son and two daughters. In 1856 Mr. Vallance was married to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Kirk, of Scotland, and when he died, in 1902, left six sons and three daughters, besides numerous grandchildren.
was born in Perfhshire, Scotland, in 1819, and was brought up to farming. After being five years in Australia, where he took part in the rush to the Bendigo goldfields, he came to Lyttelton
sometime of “Newfields,” Sefton, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1828, and came out to the Colony in 1863 in the ship “Captain Cook,” under engagement to Mr. Dunlop, with whom he remained for a number of years. His first farm, near Saltwater Creek, is now occupied by his eldest son. Mr. Thomas Wyllie. In 1878 he purchased the first portion of “Newfields,” and subsequently increased his area to 400 acres. This property is one of the best farms in the district. Mr. Wyllie was a successful breeder of Clydesdale horses, with which first prizes have been regularly taken since 1878, and high prices have been refused for more than one well-known mare. He was a staunch adherent of the Presbyterian Church and held office as an elder for many years. Mr. Wyllie was married in 1865 to Miss Bryden, who survives him with three sons and a daughter.
is situated about eight miles from Kaiapoi, on the North Road, and twenty-two miles from Christchurch. The settlement was a busy place in the early days, when all the traffic was conducted by coaches and waggons. However, the opening of the railway to Sefton, some three miles distant, caused the business people to transfer their shops to that place. Saltwater Creek was also a port, at which, formerly, small vessels loaded and discharged cargo. There is a public school at the settlement, the postal business of which is transacted by the schoolmaster. Saltwater Creek is in the Kowai riding of the county of Ashley, and it has a population of about ninety.
Saltwater Creek, has been established for many years. It is said that the first mails were carried on bullock-drays from Kaiapoi. Mails are now received and despatched daily. Mrs Dickie is postmistress.
at Saltwater Creek was established about 1866. It is built of wood and iron, and contains a class room and a large porch. The school ground is about an acre in extent, and a teacher's residence, of about five rooms, adjoins the school, which has accommodation for ninety pupils. There are twenty-nine names on the roll, and the average attendance, in the first quarter of 1902, was twenty-four.
Farmer, “Harlston,” Saltwater Creek; postal address, Sefton. Mr. Ashworth was born in Lancashire, England, in 1845, and accompanied his father (after whom he was named) to the colony in 1853. He worked on the first section of the Sumner Road, from Lyttelton to Christchurch, and assisted in the fencing of the first little paddock that was made at Sumner. Subsequently, father and son worked in the Bays for several years. As long ago as 1854 Mr. Ashworth and other men went overland to Timaru to bring sheep to Rhodes' Bay. The family settled at Saltwater Creek, in October, 1859, and father and son became the pioneers of the carrying trade for North Canterbury, then roadless, bridgeless, and covered with
Farmer, Saltwater Creek. Mr. Hopkins was born on the 8th of March, 1835, in Gloucestershire, England, where his father was a farmer. He was brought up as a coal and iron miner, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Matoaka” in 1860. After being three months in the country he commenced farming at Saltwater Creek, where he purchased twenty acres of land, which he afterwards increased to 200 acres. He has served for a number of years on the local school committee. Mr. Hopkins was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Joseph, of Gloucestershire. This lady died in 1886, leaving five sons and two daughters. In 1890, Mr. Hopkins contracted a second marriage with a daughter of the late Mr. W. Hunter, who was for many years landsteward for the Marquis of Waterford, in Ireland.
was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1819, and came to Nelson in the ship “Mariner” in 1850. After seven years' experience as a shepherd he settled at Saltwater Creek. For a number of years he was interested in small coasting vessels, which ran to the Creek. Subsequently he became a storekeeper, and also acted as postmaster for twenty-seven years. Mr. Cameron had a store at Amberley for some time. He was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Crampton, of County Wicklow. Ireland.
which is in the Kowai riding of the county of Ashley, is a sheep district, thirty miles from Christchurch, and four miles from Amberley. The flag station stands 123 feet above sea level. There is a post office, which receives a daily mail. The Kowai cemetery is situated on the Leithfield Road, about a mile out of the settlement. Balcairn is the headquarters of the Kowai Road Board, which has jurisdiction throughout the district. The population at the census of 1901 was 218.
is a portion of the county of Ashley, and was constituted in 1864. It extends from the Waipara river on the north, to the river Ashley on the south, and from a line taken from the trig pole on Mount Grey to the Ashley township on the west, to the sea coast on the east. The total area is about 140 square miles, and there are 753 ratable properties owned by 659 ratepayers. The capital value of the district in 1901 was £523,279, and included 540 dwellings. The rate levied is 5-8ths of a penny in the £. It produces £1326, to which has to be added £314 Government subsidy, and £216 from other scources, making, in all, a total revenue for 1901 of £1856. For the same period the expenditure on public works was £1755, and £238 was paid over on contributions for hospital and charitable aid. At the close of the year the balance sheet showed cash assets of £802, and liabilities amounting to £376. The members of the Board for 1902 were: Messrs G. A. Wornall (chairman), J. Mathers. G. A. McLean, D. Gorrie, J. Vallance; with Mr. G. S. Hickman as sole officer of the Board. The Board's offices are at Balcairn, near the railway station, and consist of a meeting room and office, with a substantial residence and outbuildings, erceted on a Government reserve of twenty acres.
Clerk, Treasurer and Surveyor to the Kowai Road Board, was born in Herefordshire, England, in 1858, and educated in his native place. In 1878 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Rangitikei.” He settled for a time in Christchurch, but afterwards became clerk of works in connection with the Malvern Water Race. Two years later he returned to Christchurch, and became connected with the Drainage Board, and subsequently with the Selwyn County Council. He was clerk to the Avon Road Board, and, later, to the Ashley Road Board for some time before being appointed, in 1896, to his present position. Mr. Hickman takes great interest in poultry farming, and his son Cyril has charge of 800 birds, comprising Houdans, white and brown Leghorns, gold and silver Wyandotts, Indian game, Orpingtons, Langshans, bronze Turkeys, Aylesbury and Pekin ducks. He has a 240-egg incubator, and has been very sucessful as a prize-winner at shows. Mr. Hiekman was married, in 1885, to a daughter of the late Mr. B. Monk, of Kaiapoi, and has two daughters and three sons.
The Kowai Pass School, in the county of Selwyn, has an average attendance of about seventy pupils. Mr. J. E. Glanville, the headmaster, is assisted by Miss Julia O'Shaughnessey.
Balcairn, was built in 1900. It is of wood and shingles, has acommodation for sixty-five adults, and services are held fortnightly, the vicar of Leithfield being in charge.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Balacairn. Mr. Jackson was born at Papanui in 1873. He was also educated there, and learned his trade at Sheffield. For a few years he was employed on Mr. McLean's estate at Waikakahi. During the South African war he enlisted in the Third New Zealand Contingent, served for fifteen months, and returned to the colony in June, 1901. He then settled at Balcairn, and acquired his present business, which was established about the year 1880 by Mr. W. B. Reid. The shop stands on the front of a quarter-acre freehold section.
Farmer, “Stanwell,” Balcairn. Mr. Bruere was born at Sefton in March, 1876, and educated at Mount Grey Downs school. He was brought up to country life by his father, the late Mr. Graham Bruere, and has managed his father's estate since February, 1902. As an Oddfellow he is attached to the Loyal Leithfield Lodge. He also holds a seat on the Balacairn school committee. Mr. Bruce was married, on the 5th of September, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. Ashby, of Blacairn.
Farmer, Racecourse Farm, Blacairn. Mr. Dennis was born in Colchester, Essex, England, in 1844, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Light Brigade” in 1868, and was farming in the Malvern district for seven years. In 1875 he bought 316 acres at Balcairn, and has transformed the land from its natural condition to a high state of cultivation. It takes its name as Racecurse
Farmer, Balcairn, near Amberley. Mr. Evans is a native of Westbury, Shropshire, where he was born in 1838, was educated there, and spent his early years on his father's farm. He came out to Australia in 1864, and after a short stay in Melbourne and Sydney, crossed over to the West Coast of the Middle Island, where he spent two years as a storckeeper and gold-miner. Mr. Evans and his party spent much time in prospecting the Grey river and its tributaries, where they discovered valuable coal, and where rich gold has since been found. Crossing the ranges to Christchurch in 1867, Mr. Evans managed a station for one year. He afterwards purchased the livery stables of Mr. E. G. Wright, and the City Hotel at Leithfield. Selling out at Leithfield, he visited the Auckland golfields, and in 1872 went via Honolulu to San Francisco, through America to England and Ireland, returning to the Colony in 1874 Mr. Evans purchased at Balcairn, the farm which is now known as the “model farm,” which in 1878–9 gained the first prize as the best kept farm in the district. Having disposed of his property in 1883, he purchased “Numburnholme,” another farm in the same neighbourhood, which gained the second prize in a similar competition. Mr. Evans has been a member of the Kowal Road Board and Domain Board for many years; he is a member of the cemetery board and school committee, and is a vestryman of many years' standing. He was married in 1886 to Mrs Gilchrist.
Farmer, “Summerlea,” Balcairn. Mr. Fleming was born in Cumberland, England, in 1865, and being the son of a farmer was brought up to outdoor life. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1885 by the s.s. “Doric,” and settled at Brookside, where he found employment in farm work for five years. After removing to Balcairn Mr. Fleming bought forty-two acres, on which he settled, and has since increased his property to 142 acres. His homestead was burnt down in March, 1902, and a new building has been erected on the section of the property nearest to the Kowai river. Mr. Fleming has about 150 sheep, and milks nearly twenty cows, and, having his own separator, produces a good deal of butter, which is sent to market every week. He was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. R. Moor, of Brookside, and has five sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Littleover,” Balcairn. Mr. Hanna was born in 1870, in Sefton, where he was educated, and brought up to country life. He has farmed on his own account since 1896; his present property consists of 200 acres of freehold and 140 acres of leasehold land. Mr Hanna is a member of the Balcairn school committee, and holds office as Junior Deacon of the Amberley Masonic Lodge, No. 2007, English Constitution. As an Oddfellow he is connected with the Loyal Leithfield Lodge; and he is a steward of the Rangiora Racing Club, and a member of the Amberley Steeplechase Club. He was married, in June, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. H. Fuller, of Balcairn, and has two daughters.
Balcairn. This property was owned by the late Mr. Charles Ensor, who bought it in 1873, when it was chiefly all leasehold, but the freehold now comprises 12,000 acres.
Shepherd at Mount Grey, first entered on his duties at the station on the 14th of August, 1863. There were then no roads in that part of the country, but only tracks, along which the haulage was all done by bullocks. The sheep were all Merinos, and the first Romneys were brought to the district in 1865 by Mr. (afterwards Sir Frederick) Weld. Leicesters were introduced in 1870, and were very popular for a time, but the Shropshires are now rapidly supplanting them. Turnips were first raised at “Mount Grey” in 1870, and £3 an acre was offered for the crop. Mr. Hutcheson was
Farmer, “Willow Bank,” Balcairn. Mr. Moore was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1839, and was employed on his father's property prior to coming to New Zealand in 1860, by the ship “Roman Emperor.” Mr. Moore settled in the Balcairn district in 1861, and seven years later acquired “Willow Bank,” then in its natural condition. He has served as a member of the Balcairn school committee. Mr. Moore was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. O'Donnell, of County Fermanagh, Ireland, and has two sons and one daughter.
Settler, “Oak Farm,” Balcairn. Mr. Pawsey, who is one of the earliest settlers in the district, was born in 1826 in Haughley, Suffolk, where he was educated and brought up to an agricultural life. He came to the Colony in 1859 in the ship “Clontarf” and entered the service of Mr. W. D. Wood, of Christchurch, with whom he stayed for four years. Subsequently he was in partnership for three months with Mr. Leith, after whom Leith-field is named. Mr. Pawsey bought “Oak Farm” in 1863 and has resided there ever since, having considerably added to his first purchase. “Oak Farm” contains about 700 acres; grain and root crops are raised and a fine flock of Cotswold sheep is kept. Mr. Pawsey has recently purchased another property in the Upper Waipara district containing 8200 acres, which is stocked with Merino sheep. The out-buildings on “Oak Farm” are of concrete and iron, and the plant includes one of Fowler's portable engines, together with the latest machinery for sowing and harvesting. In the early days, Mr. Pawsey served as a member of the road board, but having had the misfortune to lose one of his legs, he can only get about with difficulty. He was married in 1864 to Miss Simpson, and has five sons.
Farmer, Fox's Farm, Balcairn. Mr. Sutherland was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1834. He was brought up to farming, and came to Lyttelton in 1862 in the ship “Mersey” For a year he was engaged in general farm work at Horseshoe Lake, near Christchurch, and was afterwards at many other places in the district, including “Coldstream,” Rangiora, where he remained five years. After being at Sefton for one year, he finally started for himself on seventy-five acres of freehold at Balcairn, where he carries on dairy farming. Mr. Sutherland served fourteen years on the Balcairn school committee, and was for four years a director of the Sefton Dairy Factory. He was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. Roderick Jack, of Morayshire. Scotland, and has two sons and five daughters.
Farmer, “The Pines.” Balcairn. Mr. Wagner was born in Invercargill in 1870, and educated at the Boys' High School. Christchurch, where he was successful in winning the Challenge Cup for the largest number of points at the sports in 1882. He served as a volunteer in the Hokitika cadets. His present property was formerly known as the “Model Farm,” and consists of 100 acres of freehold. In addition to this he works 1100 acres at Weka Pass, on which he has 1000 sheep. Mr. Wagner was brought up to country life in the Lincoln and Hororata districts, and has farmed on his own account since 1893. Before that date he was for several years in Australia. At the Melbourne Exhibition of 1898 he was in charge of the Wolesley Sheep Shearing Company's exhibits. He had four years' experience on sheep stations in New South Wales and Queensland, and after returning to New Zealand was in charge of the shearing operations at Balmoral station for two seasons. As a Freemason Mr. Wagner is attached to the Amberley Lodge, 2007, English Constitution. He is also a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
sometime of Balcairn, was born in Bombay, India, and was the eldest son of Judge Bruere. He was taken to England when three years old and educated at Westminster. On leaving college, he studied law, but the confinement was unfavourable to his health, and he joined the army, in which he served for one year in Ireland. Finally he made a choice of New Zealand, and came out to Auckland in the ship “Blue Jacket. He purchased a large run, which he disposed of in 1859, when he came to Canterbury and settled near Sefton, where he took up land in its native state. The land is still in possession of the family. When it was first settled roads were few and far between, and bridges were almost unknown. Mr. Bruere removed to Balcairn in 1892, and increased his area to about 1600 acres. He was for many years chairman of the road board and a member of the school committee. Mr. Bruere was married, in 1874, to Miss Goss, and died at Balcairn on the 28th of April, 1896. He left six sons and five daughters.
sometime of Balcairn, was born in 1833 at Worksop, Nottinghamshire, where he was educated. He came out to the Colony in the ship “Clontarf” in 1862, and settled at Balcairn
was born in Bristol, England, in 1830. As a youth he served in the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean, during Garibaldi's war, and afterwards joined a Chilian man-of-war, and was present at some engagements between the Chilian and Peruvian troops. After residing about six years in the United States of America, Mr. May came to Lyttelton by the ship “Sebastopol,” in 1861, and settled in the Balcairn district, where he has since had his home. His employments have been varied, for he has worked as a painter, sailmaker, sawyer, bridge builder and farmer. Though about seventy-three years of ago, Mr. May is strong and hearty, and still able to carry a full bag of wheat. He owns a number of properties in the Balcairn district.
is twenty-six miles from Christchurch on the North Road. In the old coaching days it had a bank and separate post office, saleyards, stores and hotels. The settlers began to make their homes in the district in the fifties. Owing to the opening of the railway line the traffic was diverted from Leithfield, and the principal business places were removed to Amberley. The old post office building, which was used in the early days, was also taken to Amberley, and now does duty there as a Magistrate's Court. Leithfield has an old Anglican church, which appears to have suffered from earthquakes. It has a school, a blacksmith's shop, a bakery, the shops of several builders, and a store, at which there is a post office. In 1902 the Kowai Road Board built a bridge over the river Kowai at Leithfield, for use in connection with stock and light traffic in time of flood. Leithfield is in the Kowai riding of the Ashley county, and at the census of 1901 it had 298 inhabitants.
was originally established in the early coaching days. For a number of years it was a separate post and telegraph office, but about the year 1882 was closed, and the postal business was conducted in a cottage for about eleven years. Since 1898 the business has been carried on at the local store. The office is connected with Amberley by telephone and mails are received and despatched daily.
Postmaster and Telephonist at Leithfield, was born in London in 1861. He came to New Zealand with his father, the late Mr. W. W. White, by the ship “Indian Empire,” in 1864. The family settled in Christchurch, where Mr. White, senior, died in the following year. Mr. C. S. White was brought up to mercantile life in Canterbury, and was for eight years in the employment of the Union Shipping Company, in Christchurch. He retired from the service in 1885. Mr. White was farming for six years in the North Island, but returned to Canterbury in 1891. He was then engaged in mercantile life in Christchurch until he took over the Leithfield store, which he has since conducted, in addition to performing the duties of postmaster. Mr. White has also served as a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1884, to a daughter of Mr. J. Fuller, nurseryman, of Christchurch, and has one son.
was established in the early seventies. It stands on a three-acre section on The Terrace, and has two class-rooms and two porches, with accommodation for over 100 children. In the middle quarter of 1902 the roll contained fifty-four names, and the average attendance was forty-two. A schoolhouse of nine rooms stands on the property.
Headmaster of Leithfield Public School, was born in 1868, at Temuka. He served as a pupil teacher at Waitui, and was stationed at Rangitata, and afterwards at Loburn, before being appointed to Leithfield, in 1895. Mr. Anderson was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. T. Thornley, of Waitui, and has five sons.
Leithfield, was built about the year 1857. It is a composite building of sun-dried bricks and wood, with an iron roof, and has seating accommodation for eighty worshippers. A Sunday school, with thirty-five scholars and three teachers, is held in the church. The vicarage is situated on the Balcairn road, and is a handsome building, surrounded by ornamental grounds and green fields. The vicar, assisted by lay readers, holds services also at Sefton, Balcairn, Ashley, and Loburn.
Vicar of Leithfield, was born at Oxford, England. He was educated at the Old Boys' High School and Christ's College, Christchurch; was ordained deacon in 1872, and priest in 1875. For three years prior to the latter date he was stationed at Governor's Bay, and from that year to 1891 at Addington, and was appointed vicar of Leithfield in 1891.
Baker, Leithfield. Mr. Franks has conducted this business since 1889. The bakery of brick, and house and stable of wood, are erected on part of a three-acre section. From this centre a large business is done with the surrounding districts. Mr. Franks was born in London, in 1844. He learned his business with his father, and came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” in 1858. For six years he was employed in Christchurch, and had two years' experience on the Thames goldfields. Mr. Franks then returned to Christchurch, where he was in business for two years before settling at Leithfield. He has been on the Leithfield school committee for twenty-four years, and has occupied the chair since 1900. Mr. Franks served in several volunteer companies in the early days. He was in the Drum and Fife Band, and was at one time bugler of No. 6 Company. He was married, in 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. Winskill, of Amberley, and has had ten daughters and four sons. One son and two daughters have died.
Builder. Leithfield. Mr. Parker was born at Woolwich, in 1862, and at the age of two years accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Captain Cook.” The family settled in 1872 at Leithfield, where Mr. Parker was apprenticed to Mr. D. Shaw, builder, and has carried on business on his own account since 1886. He has been connected with the Loyal Leithfield Lodge of Oddfellows since 1887, and has been twice through the chairs.
Builder and Contractor, Leithfield. Mr. Shaw was born in 1839 at Bentley, Warwickshire, England, where he was apprenticed as a wheelwright and coachbuilder, and found employment till 1859, when he came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery.” For some time after his arrival in New Zealand Mr. Shaw worked at his trade in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Mount Grey, Leithfield, and Birch Hill. He has been a settler in Leithfield since 1862, when he began business on the site on which he has since resided and had his workshop. Mr. Shaw's property consists of fourteen acres of freehold, which is in a capital state of cultivation. During his residence in the district he has erected a considerable number of public and private buildings. In the early days Mr. Shaw served for three years as a volunteer, and has been a member of the local school committee. As an Oddfellow he was one of the original members of the Loyal Leithfield Lodge. He was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. Patterson, of Leithfield, and has six sons and three daughters.
(Joseph Thornton, proprietor), Leithfield. This hotel is situated on the Main North Road, close to the Kowai river, and is one mile from the beach. The house contains fourteen bedrooms, two sitting-rooms, a dining-room, and a billiard-room with table; the hotel has also stabling and sheep paddocks connected with it.
the Proprietor, was born in the town of Leicester, Leicestershire, England, in 1865. His parents kept the Loughborough Hotel, Churchgate, and he was early trained to the business. For some time he served in the hunting stables of Miss Paget, and in 1889 went as coachman with Governor O'Brien to Newfoundland, where he remained for three years. After a trip back to the Old Country, he came out in the “Oroya,” to Melbourne, and arrived in New Zealand in 1892. He was engaged as coachman with Mr. George Rhodes, of Meadowbank, and remained in that capacity for three years. In 1895 Mr. Thornton took over the Royal Hotel, Leithfield, where his cordiality has won him the esteem of the community and of the travelling public.
(Sefton Dairy Company, proprietors), Leithfield. This creamery was established on the 19th of September, 1901. The building is of wood and iron, with a concrete floor, and contains an engine and stationary boiler of four-horse power, with an Alpha-de-Laval separator capable of treating 400 gallons of milk per hour. For the first season there were twenty-one suppliers. The cream is sent daily to the dairy factory at Sefton.
Managor of the Leithfield Creamery, was born in Christchurch in 1879. He commenced his experience at the Sefton Factory, in 1897, and has been in charge at Leithfield since the opening of the creamery.
Coach Proprietor and Settler, Leithfield. Mr. Boyce was born in
Farmer, “Rosebery,” Leitbfield. Mr. Brydon was born in Midlothian, Scotland, in 1832, and arrived in Australia in 1854. He had a great many exciting experiences in the early days of the goldfields in Victoria and New South Wales, was at the Ballarat riots, and also had encounters with bushrangers. About the year 1858 Mr. Brydon came to Canterbury, and was for a time at the West Coast diggings. In 1861 he settled in Leithfield, where he bought his farm of seventy-three acres. He has reclaimed this property from its natural condition, and worked it for a number of years as a dairy farm; milking twenty cows, and sending the milk to the local creamery. Mr. Brydon was married, in 1864, to Miss Lindsay, of Forfarshire, Scotland, and has seven sons and seven daughters.
Farmer, Leithfield, Mr. Graham was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1847, was brought up to country life, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Roman Em peror” in 1862. He gained his early experience of farming at Mount Grey Downs with his father, the late Mr. W. Graham, and in 1873 began on his own account as a farmer and contractor at Mount Grey Downs, where he resided for ten years. Mr. Graham was afterwards at Waipara for nine years, and finally settled at Leithfield in 1892. He resides on a property of fifteen acres, and since 1895 has done a good deal of droving. Mr. Graham was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Dalziell, of Leithfield, and has seven sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Willowbend Farm, Leithfield. This property consists of eighty acres of freehold land, and the proprietor also works a run of 4000 acres at Mount Grey, on which he keeps about 1300 sheep. Mr. McLean was born at Horsley Down, North Canterbury, in 1861, and was brought up to country life in the Leithfield district, where he has farmed on his own account since 1885. He has held the position of Permanent Secretary of the Loyal Leithfield Lodge of Oddfellows since 1880, and the district offices in connection with the Order, acting also as secretary of the Loyal Huia Lodge of Past Grand Masters. For several years he has served as a member of the local school committee, of which he was at one time chairman; and he is also a member of the Kowai Road Board, and chairman of the Leithfield Domain Board, and has taken an active interest in local games as secretary of the local sports committee. Mr. McLean has also been secretary of the Amberley branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was prominent in advocating the construction of the foot-and-stock bridge over the Kowai, at Leithfield, which was opened in 1902, and generally has for many years taken a leading part in most movements for the development of the district. In his early days Mr. McLean won many prizes for athletics, among others at Lancaster Park for the 120 yards hurdles. which he accomplished in seventeen seconds. He was married, in 1885, to a daughter of the late Inspector J. Johnston, of the Irish Constabulary, and has one son and six daughters.
Farmer, “Craigielea,” Leithfield. Mr. Trail was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1831, and has always been engaged in country pursuits. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Mermaid” (Captain Rose), in 1864, and settled at Kaiapoi Island, where he was farming for several years. In 1871 he removed to Leithfield, where he purchased his property of 270 acres, which is situated between the two branches of the Kowai river. The land was then in its natural state, covered with flax, and a considerable portion of it was boggy. The property has since been completely fenced, drained and cultivated and is utilised chiefly as a sheep farm. Mr. Trail was married, in 1852, to a daughter of Mr. W. Davidson, of the parish of Newmacher, Scotland, and has five sons and six daughters, besides thirty grandchildren.
came to Lyttelton in 1864 by the ship “Captain Cook.” He was born at Greenwich, England, in 1832, and was brought up as an engineer. For some time after arriving in New Zealand Mr. Parker was employed on coastal vessels, trading between Lyttelton and Westland, and was at one time wrecked at Hokitika. In 1872 he settled in the Leithfield district, where he found employment as an engineer up to the time of his death. He was drowned in the Kowai river in 1880. Mr. Parker was married, in 1861, to a daughter of Mr. J. Pepperill, carrier, of Christchurch, and had eight sons and seven daughters. One son and one daughter are dead.
was born in Stepney, London, in 1818, and was brought up to the sea. He first saw New Zealand in 1845, as a sailor on the ship “Ralph Burnell,” which during that year called at Wellington and at Nelson. Not long afterwards he sailed to Lyttelton with a small schooner, which brought Messrs Greenwood Brothers to Purau and Motunau, and also Messrs Prebble Brothers, who gave their name to Prebbleton. He also conveyed stores from Wellington in the “Sarah Jane,” a vessel owned by Mr. Fitzherbert, for the first surveyors in Otago; and his was the first boat that entered the Molyneux river. Some time afterwards Mr. Rhodes settled at Lyttelton, whence by direction of Captain Thomas, he was sent with a large sealing boat to the Waimakariri, the future site of Kaiapoi, with stores for the Canterbury Association's surveyors, of whom Mr. J. C. Boys was the chief, and Mr. Alfred Weston and the late Mr. Charles Denby were
who was connected with the district of Leithfield for over forty years, was born in Peebleshire, Scotland, on the 13th of April, 1832. He was brought up as a stonemason, and came to New Zealand in 1858 by the ship “Indiana,” which landed at Lyttelton. Soon afterwards he took up land at Leithfield, but also worked for some time at his trade in Christchurch. In 1866 he settled permanently at Leithfield, where he farmed successfully until April, 1902, when he retired in favour of his son. Mr. Smellie was a member of the Leithfield school committee for twenty years, and three times chairman, and for several years he was treasurer of the Kowai Rifle Club. He was identified with every movement and organisation beneficial to the district, especially the founding of the district library, public school, and Presbyterian Church, and endeared himself to the people of the Leithfield distriot by his warm, generous, and cheerful disposition. Mr. Smellie was married in New Zealand in 1865, and has a family of one son and three daughters. He now (1903) lives in retirement at 46 Armagh Street, Christchurch.
was one of the band of settlers who landed in Lyttelton from the ship “Sir George Seymour” on the 16th of December, 1850, and was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1810. He settled at Leithfield, in 1859, and is said to have been the first settler who made his home on the north side of Saltwater Creek. Mr. Wornall imported one of the first thrashing machines used in the district. He was married, in 1843, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Jackson, of County Wicklow. Mrs Wornall, who was born in 1820, survives her husband, who died in March, 1892. The family consists of seven sons and two daughters, and there are thirty-eight grandchildren, and sixty-eight greatgrandchildren.
is a pleasant town district in the county of Ashley, within a mile or two of the sea. It is about fifteen miles north from Rangiora, and thirty-four miles from Christchurch. The situation of the town is exceptionally salubrious, and the surroundings have much scenic charm. Agriculture and sheep farming are carried on prosperously in the district, and Weka Pass, Mount Grey, and other neighbouring localities are noted for their scenery. Fine views of the sea are obtainable from most parts of the town. The railway station is 135 feet above the level of the sea. One mile nearer Christchurch there is a flag station known as Grey's Road, and three miles northwards there is another named Greeney's Road, so that the district is well off for railway stations. There are two hotels in the township, and several stores, besides blacksmiths' and engineers' shops, and other business premises. Amberley has a branch of the Bank of New South Wales, the most northern bank in Canterbury. The railway and postal departments are combined at the railway station. Fortnightly sales of stock are held in the township, which is under the control of a town board. At the census of April, 1901, the town district had a population of 417, and 219 persons were returned as residing in the neighbourhood, outside the boundaries of the town district.
was constituted on the 12th of May, 1885. The area of the town is 540 acres, apart from roads. The main north road runs through the district, and the boundaries extend about half a mile on the west, and half a mile on the east side of that thoroughfare. There are ninetv-six dwellings in the township owned by eighty-nine ratepayers, and the total number of properties is 130. The capital value of the district in 1902 was £28,018, on which a rate of and in the £ was levied. The revenue of the Board includes rates and license fees, and with a subsidy is about £200 per annum. There are no loans, and the finances of the Board generally show a credit balance. Members for 1902: Messrs J. M. Brodie (chairman), T. McNaught, J. E. Chamberlain, R. S. Turner, J. G. Harris, and J. McLean, junior. Mr. A. Greig, who acts as clerk to the Board, is an old settler in Canterbury.
who has been chairman of the Amberley Town Board since 1897, was born in Perth, Tasmania, in 1837. At the age of one he accompanied his father to Melbourne, but was sent when eleven to Scotland to be educated. On returning to Australia, in 1862, he had two years' experience on a run in the Riverina district, and came to New Zealand in April, 1869. He settled in the Ellesmere district, where he farmed for about three years in partnership with Mr. John Hurst. In 1876 Mr. Brodie took a trip to London, and on his return in the following year settled in the Amberley district. He took up Berriedale Farm, near Mount Grey, which he worked till 1894. Since then he has resided in Amberley. Mr. Brodie was a member of the Kowai Road Board, and for a time chairman, and has been for some time chairman of the Amberley Library Committee. He married a daughter of Mr. C. A. Badham, late of the Irrigation Works. India, and has two sons and three daughters.
Amberley. The railway station was opened at Amberley about 1875. A post and telegraph office is attached, and the private box lobby contains thirty boxes. The post office at Broomfield is under the control of the Amberley postmaster. Four passengers and goods trains pass daily through the station. The stationmaster is assisted by a telegraph linesman, cadet, and porter; and mails are received and despatched daily.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at Amberley, was born in 1868, at Falmouth, England, and arrived at Wellington with his parents by the ship “Euterpe.” The family settled in Palmerston North, where Mr. Daniel entered the public service in 1892. He was afterwards stationed at Wanganui, Stratford, Halcombe, Woodlands, and Kingston, and has been in charge at Amberley since 1900. Mr. Daniel was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr Aliss, of Rewa, Hunterville, and has two sons and two daughters.
was established in the year 1872. It stands on a portion of a section of three acres, adjoining the Anglican church property, is of wood, and has three class-rooms, two porches, and a connecting lobby. There is accommodation for 180 pupils. In the middle quarter of 1902 the roll number was 122, and the average attendance 103. A convenient playground surrounds the school, and there is a twostoried, eight-roomed residence. The headmaster is assisted by an infant mistress and a pupil-teacher.
Headmaster of the Amberley Public School, was born in 1866, at Papanui. After serving his pupil teacher-ship he had a year's training at the Normal College, and was subsequently in charge at Charteris Bay, Irwell, and Springfield, before being appointed to his present position in February, 1898. Mr. Alley was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. Buckingham, of Norwich, and has three sons and one daughter.
dates from 1892. Prior to that time it was a part of the Leith-fleld parish. The district, as first constituted, included Waikari, which was separated from it in 1900. Amberley parish and district have an area of about 500 square miles, and services are held periodically at Tipapa, twentytwo miles distant; Mont Serrat, nineteen miles away; and at Waipara, Broomfield, and Esk Valley. The parish church at Amberley was originally erected in 1877, but the building, with the exception of the tower, was destroyed by a hurricane in 1889. The church was reconstructed, almost entirely on the original lines, at a cost of about £700, and has room for 140 worshippers. A school-room, which occupies a portion of the church property,
Vicar of Amberley, was born in Exmouth, Devcnshire, England, in 1856, and arrived at Lyttelton by the s.s. “Norfolk.” Having studied at St. John's College, Auckland, and at the New Zealand University, he was ordained deacon and priest in 1889. After being five years at Paparoa Mr. Tobin was appointed to the church at Amberley in 1892. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. J. K. Brown, Limerick, Ireland, and has two sons and two daughters.
at Amberley stands at the corner of Douglas and Church Streets. It was built in 1882, is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for 120 persons. A Sunday school, with four teachers and forty scholars, meets in the church. The district, of which Amberley is the centre, was started as a Home Mission station in 1880. For several years, however, it was connected with the Kaiapoi circuit, and a minister resided at Amberley. This, however, has since been changed, and Amberley is now worked as a Home Mission station. Services are held in the church every Sunday morning and evenmg, and the Home Missionary in charge officiates periodically at Broomfield, Omihi, Greta Valley, and Waipara.
Home Missionary in charge of the Amberley district, was born in Tasmania in 1876. He commenced preaching in 1899, became a Home Missionary at Jeparit, Victoria, in 1901, and was transferred to his position at Amberely in 1902.
Amberley, stands in Douglas Road. It was originally the post office building at Leithfield, but has been used as a courthouse since about 1870. There are monthly sittings in civil jurisdiction, and the local constable, Mr. M. Roach, acts as clerk of the court.
includes the settlements of Amberley, Sefton, Balcairn, Leithfield, Waipara, Tipapa, Scargill, Waikari, and Omihi. The station is in Markham Street, Amberely.
Constable in charge of the Amberley Police District, was born in 1842, in Limerick, Ireland. He served in the Limerick Mounted Rifles, and afterwards went to America, where he served in the cavalry, in the Federal Army, and fought to the end of the civil war. He was afterwards in the United States infantry; and for seven years subsequently was a member of the New Orleans metropolitan police. Mr. Roach arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Countess of Kintore,” and joined the Armed Constabulary at the time of the Parihaka disturbance. He was afterwards transferred to the police force, and has been in charge at Amberley since 1893. Mr. Roach was married, in 1880, to Miss O'Brien, of Limerick, and has seven daughters and three sons.
M.B.; Ch. B., Physician and Surgeon, Amberley. Dr Cook was born in Wellington in 1867. He studied at the Otago University, where he graduated in 1889. After practising four years at Roxburgh, Otago, he removed to Rangiora, and, three years later, to Amberley. Dr Cook was married, in 1900, to a daughter of Mr. J. C. Wilkin, of Christchurch, and has one son.
M.R.C.S. (England), General Practitioner, Main Road, Amberley. Mr. Morris was born in Sussex, England, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Rose of Sharon” in 1857. In 1862 he settled at Leithfield, and, when the railway was opened, removed to Amberley. He has been in practice for about forty years.
Amberley, was established there in 1890. The building, which is of two stories, and constructed of wood and iron, stands in a central position in Markham Street. It includes the banking chamber, and manager's room and residence. The land attached to the banking premises is two aores in extent. This is the most northerly bank in Canterbury.
Manager of the Bank of New South Wales, Amberley, was born in Auckland in 1845, and was educated at the Parnell Grammar School. He entered the service of the bank in 1869, at the Thames, where he remained for eight years. Mr. Kempthorne was afterwards stationed in Auckland and at Patea; he was manager at Ashburton for five years and a half, and was transferred to Amberley in 1896. He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr P. Cald-well, of Queensland, and has two sons and one daughter.
(William Stuart Mitchell, proprietor), corner of North Road and Main Street, Amberley. This hotel was established in 1876. The building, which is of wood and iron, and two stories in height, contains twenty-five rooms available for the public. There are twenty bedrcoms, and four sitting rooms, a billiard room with an Alcock table, and there is a large dining room, capable of seating eighty guests. A capital stable containing sixteen stalls and six loose boxes, a large buggy-shed, and a paddock of six acres are attached to the hotel.
Proprietor of the Crown Hotel, was born in Geraldine, in 1869. He was brought up to the drapery trade in his father's firm, Messrs Mitchell and Turner, of Ashburton, but subsequently took the Southbridge Hotel, which he conducted for four years. Having sold his interest at Southbridge, he purchased the Crown Hotel, Amberley, of which he took possession on the 20th of March, 1962. As a volunteer Mr. Mitchell served for four years in the old Scottish Rifles in Christchurch, and he was captain of the Ashburton Cycling and Atbletic Club for about four years, and one of the founders of the swimming club in that town. He takes a keen interest in cricket and football, and during his stay in Southbridge was one of the promoters of the local bowling club. Special attention is given to the accommodation of cyclists at the Crown Hotel, where bot and cold baths are always at their service. Mr. Mitchell was married, in 1896, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Henry, of the Commercial Hotel, Ashburton.
(George Garrett Fitzgerald, proprietor), near the railway station, Amberley. The Railway Hotel is a twostorey wood and iron building, which affords good accommodation to the public. There are twelve bedrooms and three sitting rooms, and a commodious dining room, with accommodation for fifty guests. There is a stable with eight stalls, and two lcose boxes; and a conventient padbock adjoins the hotel.
(William Midgley). General Storekeeper, Markham Street. Amberley. This business was established about 1880, and was conducted by Mr. F. A. Cook, of Christchurch, for about four years prior to the 20th of April, 1901, when Mr. Midgley entered into possession. The premises comprise a double-fronted shop and store behind, with departments for grocery, ironmongery, glassware, boots and shoes. Goods are delivered to customers within a radius of fifteen miles.
was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, in 1862, and when four years of age he arrived with his parents at Lyttelton by the ship “Eastern Empire.” He was brought up to the drapery trade in Christchurch with the firm of Messrs Ballantyne and Co., to whom he was apprenticed for five years. Removing to Ashburton he was employed by Messrs Friedlander Bros, for eighteen months, and subsequently entered the employment of Messrs C. Hardy and Co., Rakaia, with whom he continued for seventeen years, and had the practical management of the business for a portion of that time. During his residence in Rakaia, Mr. Midgley was for some time a member of the local school committee.
General Storekeeper and Grain Merchant, Markham Street, Amberley. Mr. Rhodes established his business in 1896, and conducts extensive operations in general farm produce. He was born in 1854, at Lyttelton, and accompanied his father, the late Mr. Alfred Rhodes, in 1867 to Leithfield, where he was brought up to country life. In 1886 he joined Messrs Benn and Co., in Amberley, and when the firm relinquished business in 1890 Mr. Rhodes took over the produce branch, which he has since conducted. Mr. Rhodes takes a general interest in matters affecting the welfare of his district, and is a member of the Amberley Steeplechase Club, and of the North Canterhury Caledonian Society.
General Storekeeper, Hairdresser, and Tobacconist, Markham Stroet, Amberley. Mr. Smith established his business in 1897, and has a convenient shop, with a hairdressing saloon behind. He was born in Amberley on the 19th of August, 1870, and learned his trade in Greymouth, where he practised it for some yeas. On returning to Amberley he began business on his own account; and subsequently added the business of general storekeeper. Mr. Smith is agent at Amberley for the “Lyttelton Times,” and for the Alliance Insurance Company. As a Druid he is attached to Hope of Amberley Lodge, No. 8, and he is also a member of the bicycle, cricket, and steeplechase clubs. Mr. Smith was married on the 20th of April, 1896, to a daughter of Mr. J. W. Moore, of Amberley, and has one daughter.
Coal and Timber Merchant, Amberley. Mr. Mason established his business in 1879, and does an extensive trade throughout the district. He was born in 1853 in Lyttelton, where he received his education, and removed with his parents to Leithfield in 1868, soon afterwards joining the firm of Messrs. Benn and Co., at Amberley. In 1879 he purchased his present business, which he has greatly increased. Mr. Mason is the local agent for the south British Insurance Company, and for the Christchurch “Press” Company. He always takes an active part in anything tending to advance the town or district, is a member of the licensing bench, and for eight years was a member of the town board. Mr. Mason has been captain of the local cricket club for many years, is vice-president and treasurer of the Caledonian Society, vice-president and treasurer of the football club, and vice-president of the bicycle club. He is a past-master of the Masonic fraternity, and a past-noble grand of the Oddfellows' order, and is also a vestryman of the Anglican church. Mr. Mason was married in 1879 to Miss Barcley, of Sefton, and has three sons and one daughter.
(Hugh Henry McLean, proprietor), Amberley. This property, which is 400 acres in extent, was originally owned by Mr. Hugh McLean, father of the present proprietor. The estate carries about 1000 sheep.
Proprietor of “Ardross,” was born in Christchurch in May, 1880. He was educated at Amberley and at Warwick House (Mr. Cook's school), in Christchurch. Mr. McLean gained his experience of agricultural and pastoral pursuits in the Amberley district. As a Freemason he is attached to Lodge Amberley, No. 2007, English Constitution.
Farmer, North Kowai, Amberley. Mr. Bristow was born, in 1838, in Lincolnshire, England, where he was brought up to country life by his father, who was a farmer and butcher. In 1861 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Cashmere,” and for about eighteen months settled in the neighbourhood of Kaiapoi. For two years subsequently Mr. Bristow was working in Maori Bush, and was afterwards for a time engaged in contract fencing at Gebbie's Valley. He finally settled in the Amberley district, in 1867, and purchased sixty acres of land, part of the farm of 160 acres, which he has since worked. Mr. Bristow served for seventeen years as a member of the Kowai Road Board, and was its chairman for about eighteen months. He has also served as a member of the Broomfield school committee. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Amberley, No. 2007, English Constitution. Mr. Bristow was married, in 1875, to a daughter of Mr. J. Stanton, of Amberley, and has had five daughters and four sons Two sons have died.
(G. B. Starky, proprietor), Amberley. This property consists of 1400 acres of freehold, and is used as a mixed farm.
Proprietor of Brackenfield Farm, was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1858. He was educated at Marlborough, and came out to Lyttelton in 1881, when he settled at “Brackenfield.” Mr. Starky has served as a member of the Kowai Road Board. He founded the Brackenfield Hunt Club in 1883. The hounds are kept on the estate, and meet twice a week in the winter. Mr. Starky was married, in
Sheepfarmer, Springfield Estate, Amberley. This wellknown settler was born in Kent in 1859, was educated at Tunbridge Grammar School and at the Blue Coat Boys' School, and put to commercial life in London. Coming out to the Colony in 1877 in the ship “Hurunui,” Captain Barclay, he entered on station life, and subsequently tried his luck on the gold fields of the West Coast, with fair success. He then engaged in the cattle trade by land and sea, in which he was also successful. Mr. Baker's property consists of 1500 acres, and was purchased in 1894. A large amount of money has been judiciously spent in building, planting, fencing, and ploughing; grain and root crops are raised and a large number of sheep and lambs annually fattened. The proprietor makes a specialty of raising fat lambs for the London market, and for this purpose uses Shropshire rams and half-bred ewes, which he finds give the best results. He is also a breeder of cob horses. Mr. Baker ranges himself on the Liberal side, and takes a general interest in local politics, being a member of the school committee, of which he was chairman for a term. He is a steward of the Jockey Club, a director of the Caledonian Society, and a Freemason. In 1889 he married Miss Mungum, and has two sons and one daughter.
Amberley. This property, which contains 4000 acres of freehold land, is held by the executors of the late Mr. George Douglass. Excellent crops of grain and roots are raised, and a robust flock of crossbred sheep is kept.
Manager of the Broomfield Estate, was born at High Bridge, Inverness-shire, Scotland, in 1850, and was educated at Bunroy national school. He followed pastoral pursuits from his early years, and at the age of sixteen was a shepherd on the Brae Rannoch estate, and afterwards game-keeper and deer-stalker to Sir Arthur Chichester, at Black Mount. When Sir Arthur's lease expired, Mr. Kennedy entered the service of Colonel Hill in a similar capacity, under Mr. William Morgan, one of the best shots of his time. Mr. Kennedy came to the Colony in 1877 in the ship “Waitangi,” under engagement to Dr. Fisher, of Grampian Hills, in the Mackenzie country. Subsequently, he was appointed head shepherd at White Rock, where he remained for several years, afterwards purchasing land and farming on his own account for a number of years. He was married in 1888 to Miss Campbell, who died in 1892; he has since married Mrs. McDonald.
Farmer and Contractor. “Poplar Lodge,” Amberley. Mr. Brown was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1842, and brought up to country life. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Chrysolite” in 1861. After a short experience on the Otago diggings he settled in Leithfield, where he took Seaview Farm, and subsquently conducted an accommodation house and butchery for a number of years. He began business as a contractor and general dealer in 1875. Afterwards he had a fiax mill, and a thrashing machine. During his residence in the district he has done a great deal of work as a road contractor. He made the Balmoral water race, and part of the Waiau water race, and worked for a time on the construction of the Weka Pass railway. He has fifty acres of freehold, and also works 151 acres of freehold, and forty acres of leasehold at Waipara. Mr. Brown is a member of the Amberley Domain Board, and has been connected with the local school committee. He is also associated with the Oddfollows and the Order of Druids in Amberley. Mr. Brown was married, in 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. S. Wornall, of The Terrace, Leithfield, and has had ten daughters and four sons. One son and one daughter are dead.
Farmer, Amberley. Mr. Coleman was born on the 4th of June, 1825. He came to Melbourne in 1856, at the time of the Bendigo “rush.” After waiting a month for a vessel for New Zealand, he crossed the Tasman Sea in the schooner
Farmer, Eastington Farm, Amberley. This property consists of 700 acres of freehold land. Mr. Davis, the proprietor, was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1847. He arrived at Lyttelton in the ship “Mermaid” in 1862, and farmed in the Hororata district for about twenty years. He purchased the first portion of his property at Amberley in 1876, and has increased it from 230 acres to its present area. Mr. Davis also leases 400 acres, and runs 1000 sheep on his estate. He served for some time as a member of the Balcairn school committee, and has lately been chairman of the Eskvale committee, having been prominent in advocating the establishment of that school. Mr. Davis was married, in 1876, to a daughter of Mr. T. Ward, of Hororata, and has three sons and seven daughters.
Junior, Farmer, Amberley. Mr. Dalziel was born at Cheviot Hills Station in 1857, and worked for a good many years at “Bramdean.” In 1885 he began on his own account, and now farms 325 acres. Mr. Dalziel has served on the Amberley school committee for a number of years and has been its chairman for seven years. He has held a seat on the North Canterbury Education Board since 1898. having been reelected in 1901. Mr. Dalziel is connected with the Amberley Lodge of Druids, and is a Past Arch. He was married, in 1879, to the eldest daughter of Mr. C. H. Hadler, of Amberley, and has two sons and six daughters.
“Glasnevin” (George Norman McLean proprietor), Amberley. “Glasnevin” consists of 1235 acres of freehold land; and about 2000 sheep are depastured on the property, which is under the management of Mr. James McMrran.
Proprietor of “Glasnevin,” was born at the Crown Hotel, Amberley, in 1882. He was educated at Mr. Charles Cook's school, Christchurch, and was brought up to country life in the Amberley district. Mr. McLean has been a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers since 1899. He is interested in hunting, and is a member of the Brackenfield Hunt Club, and also of the Amberley Steeplechase Club. Mr. McLean inherited his fine property from his father, the late Mr. Hugh McLean.
Farmer, “Rhinefield,” Amberley. Mr. Hadler was born in the parish of Rodan, Germany, on the 27th of May, 1880, and brought up to country life. He came to Lyttelton in 1856 by the ship “Egmont,” on which the late Bishop Harper was also a passenger. For two years Mr. Hadler found employment at the Styx, and was afterwards engaged at Maori Bush. He soon acquired a team of bullocks, with which he carted timber from the bush for a number of years. Mr Hadler saved money, and settled in the Amberley distriot, where he purchased his farm in 1866. His property, which consists of 168 acres of freehold, has been reclaimed from its wild state, and developed into a fine farm. Mr. Hadler served for about nineteen years on the Amberley school committee, and has been a churchwarden of the local Anglican church since 1882. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Grace Ewings, of Papanui, who died the following year, leaving one daughter. In 1805 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Hugh Munro, of Sutherlandshire, Scotland. Mrs Hadler died in 1882, leaving nine sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Rcsedale,” Amberley. Mr. Hadler was born at Amberley, in 1873, and brought up to country life by his father, Mr. C. H. Hadler. He has farmed on his own account since 1897, and his property consists of sixty acres of fine land. Mr. Hadler is a member of the Hope of Amberley Lodge of Druids, and takes an active interest in the local Caledonian sports. He was married, on the 4th of November, 1896, to a daughter of Mr. D. Brown, of Amberley. Mrs Hadler died in 1899, leaving one daughter.
Farmer. “Redhill,” Amberley. Mr. Kennedy was born in the romantic valley of Glencoe, Scotland, in 1849. He accompanied his parents to the Colony in 1858 in the ship “Indiana,” his father being under engagement to the late Mr. Hugh Buchanan, of Kinloch, Little River. Having gained valuable experience
Farmer, Amberley. Mr. Lewton is a native of Gloucestershire, where he was born in 1833, and educated in South Wales, and came to Melbourne in 1854 in the ship “Nabob.” Like many other pioneers, he tried the Victorian goldfields, and crossed over to New Zealand in 1861, landing in Dunedin. Mr. Lewton built a cutter at the Taieri, and sailed her on the Wailiola lake, selling her afterwards in Dunedin. He then removed to Canterbury and commenced a boot and shoe business, in which he succeeded very well. After disposing of this he entered into hotel-keeping at Ohoka and Rangiora, and ultimately settled down as a farmer at Amberley in 1865. Mr. Lewton has served on the Amberley Town Board and School Committee, has acted as steward of the North Canterbury steeplechase meetings, clerk of scales of the Amberley Racing Club, and director of the Caledonian Society. He was married in 1866 to Miss Harrison, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Newton Head,” Amberley. This property, which was originally owned by the late Mr. John Lawcock, who died in 1892, consists of 102 acres of freehold and 140 acres of leasehold land. It is now owned by Mr. J. Lawcock, who was born in Amberley in 1865, and brought up to country life by his father. He became manager of the property when his father died, and entered into full possession as owner at the death of his mother in 1900.
Amberley.
Shepherd of the Mount Brown estate, was born, in 1842, in Perthshire, Scotland, where he gained his earlier experience of country life. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Gannonoque,” in May, 1860. After a year at Maori Bush Mr. Kidd removed to the Amberley district, and has occupied the position of shepherd of Mount Brown estate for forty years. Mr. Kidd was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Johnston, of Christchurch, and has six sons and three daughters. Mrs. Kidd, who has resided in New Zealand since January, 1850, was born at Hobart, Tasmania, in the last month of 1849, and was brought to Wellington while an infant.
Farmer, “Brackenbridge,” Amberley. Mr. Mockett was born, in 1855, in Kent, England, and brought up as a farmer. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Stadt Haarlem,” in 1879, and settled in the Amberley district, where he has been engaged principally in dairy farming. Mr. Mockett's property consists of thirty acres at “Brackenbridge,” and forty acres at Gray's Road. He was married, in 1877, to Miss Hunt, of Suffolk, England. This lady died in 1882, leaving two sons and two daughters. In 1886 Mr. Mockett married Miss Bell, of Leithfield, and has two sons and two daughters by this union.
Farmer, “Hurstlea,” Amberley. Mr. Shaw was born at Timaru, in 1864, educated at Geraldine and Winchester and was brought up to country life by his father, Mr. David Shaw, of Geraldine. He commenced farming in the Geraldine district in 1888, and settled at “Hurstlea,” near Amberley, in November, 1900. His property is 543 acres in extent, and carries 1500 sheep. The residence is a commodious brick building, surrounded by ornamental grounds, and commands a magnificent view of land and sea. Mr. Shaw served as a volunteer for five years in the Geraldine Rifles. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Campbell, of Woodbury. Mrs Shaw died in 1896, leaving one son and three daughters. In
Farmer, Amberley. Mr. Stanton was born on Summerfield farm, Amberley, in 1873. He gained his experience under his father, and has managed the property since 1864. As a Freemason, Mr. Stanton is attached to Lodge Amberley, No. 2007, English Constitution, and was appointed its secretary in 1902. He was married, in 1902, to a daughter of Mr. R. Sloper. of Amberley.
“Stockgrove” (George Dean Greenwood, proprietor), Amberley. This estate consists of 1000 acres of freehold land, which carries from 1400 to 1500 head of sheep.
Shepherd-incharge of “Stockgrove,” was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in June, 1852. He accompanied his father, the late Mr. W. Hunter, to Port Chalmers by the ship “Resolute” in 1864, and the family settled in the Selwyn district. In 1884 Mr. Hunter entered the service of Mr. Greenwood as fencer, and has remained in that gentleman's employment until the present time. He became a shepherd in 1890, and three years later, was placed in charge of “Stockgrove” Mr. Hunter is an old Oddfellow. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Hunter, of Clackmannanshire, Scotland, who came out to the colony, in 1873, by the ship “Cardigan Castle,” and has had three sons and three daughters. One son has died.
(A. McAdam manager), Amberley. This is the property of Sir George Clifford, and was originally taken up by Sir Charles Clifford and Sir Frederick Weld. The run then included Greta Peaks, 25,000 acres, and a large portion of Happy Valley. “Stonyhurst” now consists of 23,000 acres of freehold land, and carries a sheep to the acre. The improvements include a mansion house, built of stone and iron, and there are large and well-grown plantations, with English oaks, Australian hard woods, and pines from all parts of the world. Ploughing is carried on in all parts of the estate, and the land thus broken up and cropped is laid down in artificial grass. The rabbit-proof fences, too, have been extended, and erected round the greater part of the estate.
the Manager, was born in 1863 at Glenturret, Roy Bridge, Invernesshire, Scotland, and was brought up to pastoral life. In 1891 he came to New Zealand in the s.s. “Rimutaka,” and landed at Wellington on the 10th of August. He transhipped by the first boat to Lyttelton, and went soon afterwards to “Stonyhurst,” where he was appointed to his present position in 1896.
Sheep Farmer and Meat Exporter, “Bramdean,” Amberley. Mr. Tutton was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1856, and was brought up to country life on his father's farm. In 1876 he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Border Chief.” He began business as a butcher in Papanui, and shortly afterwards extended his
Farmer, Gray's Road, Amberley. Mr. Watson was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1840. He spent the first years of his life on his father's farm, and came to Nelson in 1863, by the ship “Annie Dymes.” After a few months in the Nelson district, Mr. Watson removed to Balcairn to join his brother, Mr. John Watson. About the year 1864 he purchased his first 100 acres, on Gray's Road, on which his homestead still stands. He has increased his property since that time to 720 acres. In the early days Mr. Watson served as a volunteer; as a member of the Order of Druids, he is attached to the Amberley Lodge. He was married to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Smalley, of “Brackenbridge,” Amberley, and has seven sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Broomfield,” Amberley. Mr. Wornall was born in County Wicklow, Ireland. He accompanied his parents to the Colony in the ship “Sir George Seymour” in 1851, and was educated at Papanui. In 1867 Mr. Wornall removed with his parents to the Terrace, near Leithfield. The north road was formed at that time as far as Saltwater Creek, but beyond there was only a track. Wheat at the period sold at ten shillings per bushel, and for a number of years the price was from six shillings to seven shillings per bushel, grain being carted to Kaiapoi, where it was shipped. The settlers were few and far between, there being only three houses where now stands the township of Amberley. Mr. Wornall is a prominent Oddfellow, having passed through all the district chairs; he is also secretary to the North Canterbury Caledonian Society, a member of the Amberley school committee, chairman of the Broomfield school committee and chairman of the Kowai Road Board. He has always taken an active part in athletic sports, having won the quarter-mile hurdle race for three years in succession at Latimer Square, besides holding the New Zealand record for standing high jumping, and winning a number of prizes at sports in different parts of the province. Mr. Wornall's well-cultivated farm is situated on the banks of the Kowai river. He was married in 1873 to Miss Lennox, and has two sons.
Old Colonist, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1831. He learned the trade of a stonemason, and came out to Adelaide in 1852. In Australia he was employed in building for the Hon. W. Robinson, with whom he came to New Zealand, in 1856, and settled at “Cheviot Hills.” Four years later, Mr. Dalziel removed to Fernside, where he farmed for nine years. In 1869 he settled at “Bramdean,” on which he worked till 1886. Mr. Dalziel was married, in 1852, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Boyd of Fenwick, Ayrshire. Mrs Dalziel died on the 7th of February, 1897, leaving six sons, six daughters, and thirty-eight grandchildren.
sometime of Ardross, Amberley, was born at Alness, in Ross-shire, Scotland, on the 23rd of June, 1838. In his early years he was coachman to Mr. Fraser, of Novar Mains, and was subsequently with Mr. McKenzie, factor, Ardross, in the same capacity. He came out to New Zealand in 1862, in the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” and entered the service of Messrs Cameron, with whom he stayed over thirteen years. Mr. McLean built the Crown Hotel, Amberley, in 1876, and subsequently purchased the properties now known as “Ardross” and “Glasnevin.” He served on the town board and school committee, took a keen interest in all kinds of sport; was vice-president of the Amberley Racing Club and the Caledonian Society, and was always ready to advance the interest of the district. Mr. McLean was married, in 1876, to Miss Tankard, and had two sons. He died in March, 1892.
was one of the passengers by the ship “Glentanner,” which arrived at Lyttelton, on the 3rd of October, 1857. He is the son of a schoolmaster educated at St. Bees College, and was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1836. After arriving in Canterbury he settled at Woodend, where he began farming in 1858. In 1862 he removed to the Amberley district, and engaged in farming there for many years. In the early days he took a great interest in ploughing matches, and has been a great advocate for systematic practical farming, on the English system. Mr. Milner has studied natural history from his youth, and is a recognised authority on English birds. He was
was born at Smethwick, Birmingham, England, in 1828, and was brought up as an iron-moulder. In 1858 he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Roehampton,” and after a year at Mount Grey Downs station found employment at Maori Bosh. Ho settled in the Amberley district, in 1865, and acquired 185 acres of freehold, which has been brought from its native condition into a state of advanced cultivation. Mr. Stanton was married, in 1850, to a daughter of Mr. J. Nichols, of Smethwick, Birmingham, and has had six daughters and two sons. One son and one daughter have died.
was weil known in the Amberley district as a bridge contractor. He was born in 1845, at Broadoak, in the Forest of Dean, England, and was a shipwright by trade. In 1874 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Stonehouse,” and settled in the Amberley district, where he found employment in connection with the building of bridges and other large works. Mr. Thomas constructed the railway bridge between Rangiora and Waipara, under the late Mr. E. G. Wright, and also several bridges on the Waipara-Cheviot Road. For some time Mr. Thomas resided on the Liethfield Road, but he subsequently bought fifteen acres on the North Road, and erected a comfortable homestead. He was a Freemason and a member of the Order of Oddfellows. Mr. Thomas was married, in 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Gardener, of Gloucestershire, and at his death, on the 26th of December, 1901, was survived by his wife, five daughters and three son.
was established in 1896. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a class-room and a porch. It has accommodation for twenty pupils; there are eleven names on the roll, and the average attendance is eleven. The building stands on a portion of a section of an acre of land.
Mistress of the Eskvale Public School, was born in British Guiana, South America. She was educated in England and at Sydney, and arrived in Canterbury, in 1899. Miss Hoggins had two years' experience as a private teacher in Australia, and was appointed mistress of Eskvale school, in May, 1902.
Brackenfield, near Amberley, was erected in the early sixties, and stands on part of a section of twenty-seven acres. The building is of wood and shingles, and has accommodation for 150 persons. Weekly services are held by the priest in charge at Hawarden.
is in the Waipara road district and in the Kowai riding of the Ashley county. The township is on the banks of the Waipara river, close to the railway traffic bridge. There is a post office at the flag railway station, mails are received and despatched daily, and there is telephonic connection with Amberley. The railway station is forty-one miles from Christchurch, and stands 231 feet above the level of the sea. Glenmark homesteud is not far away from the settlement. There is a hotel at Waipara, and coaches ply daily between the township and Cheviot. At the census of 1901 the population of the township was eighteen, at Upper Waipara twenty-five, at Waipara Downs also twenty-five, and the railway co-operative workmen numbered 163. These men were, at the date of the census, engaged on the construction of the Waipara-Cheviot branch railway, and were, in the majority of cases, living in tents.
is conducted at the railway station. It is a building of the usual type, and is used as a residence for the postmistress, as well as for the purposes of the department. The postmistress is also in charge of the goods shed Waipara is connected by telephone with Amberley, and mails are received and despatched daily. Mrs Georgina May, postmistress at Waipara, has been in charge since 1895.
This line was begun in 1900, and has been pushed ahead by a large party of co-operative workmen. In July, 1902, about twelve miles of the formation and rails had been laid down, ballasting having been completed for ten miles; and the line was opened for traffic as far as Scargill—about fifteen miles—on the 16th of December, 1902.
Resident Engineer, under the Public Works Department, at Waipara, took charge of the work in 1902. He is referred to at page 150 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia. Since the publication of that volume Mr. Wilson has been for three years on the Midland railway, and was for fourteen months on the North Island trunk line, before being transferred to Waipara.
(William James Alpe, proprietor). This hotel, which was established in 1883, stands at the junction of the north and Cheviot roads, and clone to the railway station. A coach leaves the hotel every day for Cheviot, and one also arrives daily from the same place. The house contains eighteen rooms, including ten bedrooms, a comfortable dining room, and suitable sitting rooms, etc. The stables and paddocks attached to the hotel are very convenient to travellers and drivers of stock.
the Proprietor, was born in Auckland, in 1864. When he was ten years of age he removed with his people to Christchurch, where, after leaving school, he learned the business of a hairdresser, tobacconist, and fishing-tackle dealer. For three years and a half he had a business in High Street, and afterwards in Colombo Street North, for five years, and then for six years next the Empire Hotel, in High Street. Christchurch. In 1900, Mr. Alpe purchased the Waipara Hotel from his predecessor, Mr. A Francis. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Waipara river, and is forty-one miles distant from Christchurch by rail, and thirty-seven miles by road.
Coach Proprietor and Farmer, Waipara. Mr. Francis was born in Cornwall, England, in 1856, educated at the local school, and brought up on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in 1877, in the ship “Northern Monarch,” and after farming in the Timaru district for three years, entered the service of the Hon. E. Grey, and subsequently that of Mr. Moore, of “Glenmark,” with whom he remained for seven years. In 1892 he purchased the Waipara Hotel, but sold it in 1900 to the present proprietor, Mr. W. J. Alpe. Mr. Francis's coach runs regularly between Waipara and Cheviot, leaving Waipara on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Cheviot on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Mr. Francis was married, in 1885, to Miss Barrow, and has two sons and three daughters.
This property, which is leased by Mr. R. F. Croft, a well-known settler, comprises 2763 acres, and originally formed part of the Teviotdale run. It was taken up by the present proprietor in its unimproved state, since which it has been surface-sown in grass and partly brought under cultivation. A substantial house, wool-shed, and out-buildings, with garden, orchard, shelter plantations, and all necessary boundary and sub-division fences, have been erected. There are also ample sheep-yards and a good concrete dip. Mr. Croft first stocked his land with Merino ewes, which he crossed with English Leicester
proprietor of Hamilton Estate, was born in 1839 in the North Riding of Yorkshire, where he was educated, and trained on his father's farm and sheep-walk. He came to the Colony in the ship “African” in 1862, landing at Auckland. After a stay of six months in the northern city, he removed to Hawke's Bay, where he was shepherd on sheep stations for some time. His next move was to the Otago goldfields for eighteen months. He finally came to Canterbury, and settled at Ashley, where he entered into the butchering business and took a farm for breeding and fattening his own sheep. Mr. Croft built the first concretedip in the Colony, in 1870. He was a member of the Ashley Road Board for two terms and of the Kowai Road Board for one term, and was member and chairman of the Ashley School Committee. Mr. Croft was primarily instrumental in planting willows on the north bank of the Ashley river for protective purposes, and was very active in collecting money to defray the cost of the work. He takes a warm interest in church affairs, and was a vestry-man and church-warden for many years. Mr. Croft was married in 1865 to Miss Graham, and has two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Montserrat,” near Waipara. Mr. Little was born in 1838 in the parish of Temple, Midlothian, Scotland; he was educated at Peebles, and brought up to farming. Emigrating to Otago in 1858 in the ship “Strathfeldsey,” he entered the employment of the Hon. M. Holmes, who gave him the charge of one of his stations, and with whom he remained for thirty years. He came to “Montserrat” in 1890. This property contains 6000 acres on which he has made extensive and substantial improvements in tree-planting, fencing, cropping, and permanent pastures. Kentucky blue grass has been largely sown where the land is poor and not fit for cropping. The great feature of “Montserrat” is the Border-Leicester stud flock, which was established in 1890 with twenty pure-bred ewes and one ram presented by the Hon. M. Holmes; these were supplemented by selections from the best colonial and English breeders, including Lord Polwarth, from whom three ewes and one ram were imported in 1893. The flock has made its mark as prize winners of late years, carrying off twelve champions, thirty-eight first, twenty-eight second, and nine third prizes. Mr. Little was married in 1867 to Miss Campbell, and has eleven sons and two daughters.
is an agricultural settlement, which dates from the beginning of 1899. The land was a portion of the well-known Glenmark estate, until a number of well-to-do settlers removed from other parts of Canterbury to make their homes in the district. There is a post office with daily mail communication, a convenient accommodation house, and also a public school. Omihi is about eight miles from Waipara, and is in the county of Ashley.
is located at the public school, Omihi. Mails are received and despatched daily by Miss B. Luscombe, who acts as postmistress.
was opened in September, 1900. Mr. G. H. Moore, of “Glenmark,” gave the site, which is two acres in extent. The building is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for twenty-four pupils. There are twenty-five names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty. Miss Frame, teacher in charge, is a daughter of Mr. James Frame, stationmaster at Addington.
Omihi. This properly consists of 2400 acres of freehold, and carries about 2500 sheep. It was formerly owned by Mr. Newton, but was bought in 1901 by Mr. R. Allan, senior.
Junior, Manager, of Cattle Peaks Station, was born at Woolston, in 1881. He received his education at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and was brought up to farming at Little River, on his father's farm of 1300 acres. For some time Mr. Allan managed the Little River property, before taking over the management of Cattle Peaks station in 1901.
Farmer, Rosedale Farm, Omihi. Mr. Cole was born in Bedfordshire, England, and educated at Hirst's school in Sussex. He followed farming in the Old Country, and spent a considerable time in South Africa, India, and Mauritius. After returning to England he went again to Africa, but in the course of six months decided to try his fortune in New Zealand, where he arrived in 1864, by the ship “Trader.” Mr. Cole landed at Port Chalmers, and went immediately to the Dunstan goldfields at the time of the “rush.” He was driving on the roads for about two years, and then went to the diggings on the West Coast, where he was fairly successful. After three years at the West Coast, Mr. Cole came to Canterbury, and was employed in farm work. In
Farmer, Omihi. Mr. Clephane was born in 1863, in Christchurch, and educated there. In 1875 he went with his parents to the Wakanui district, Ashburton, and was there brought up to farming by his father. In 1891 he took over his father's farm of 200 acres of freehold, and when his father died in 1898, he sold out and bought his present property of 520 acres, on which he keeps sheep and grows crops. For several years Mr. Clephane was a member of the Wakanui River Board, and was also a member of the local school committee for seven years. He is now a member of the Omihi school committee, and also of the Canterbury Farmers' Union. Mr. Clephane was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr. J. Love, of Gapes' Valley, Geraldine, and has one son and two daughters.
(G. H. Moore, proprietor), Omihi. “Glenmark” is one of the finest estates in Canterbury. It is situated about forty-one miles from Christchurch, on the northern railway line, which runs through the western portion of the property, while the Waipara-Cheviot line passes through on the other side. The estate originally comprised 81,000 acres of freehold land, but it is now (1902) being sold in small areas, and about 27,000 acres remain to be disposed of. Almost since the foundation of Canterbury “Glenmark” has been celebrated as excellent sheep country. The land is, on the whole, well watered, and experience has shown that it can produce splendid grain crops. Some of the land is of limestone formation, and a great deal of it is fit for the plough. With two railways and several roads, the property has ample means of communication. It has the Waipara, Waikari and Hawarden railway stations on the northern line, Omihi and Scargill on the Waipara-Cheviot line; and a large number of progressive farmers have already settled on the land. The saleable portion has been divided into township quarter acres, and suburban allotments of from five to ten acres, and into farms varying in size from fifty acres to 1000 acres. The climate of the country round “Glenmark” is extremely bracing and healthy. It should be mentioned that the Glenmark estate is closely connected with the rise of the Canterbury Museum. In 1866 moa bones in large numbers were discovered on the estate. When Sir Julius von Haast, who was then curator, heard of this, he immediately communicated with Mr. Moore, who not only at once gave the Museum the collections already made, but placed workmen at the disposal of the curator, who was thus enabled to carry on extensive excavations in a large swamp, from which Sir Julius obtained sufficient bones to load a large American four-horse waggon. This incident brought in a new era, so far as the Museum was concerned. Up till that time it had been the practice to send all moa bones from the colony to English museums; but Sir Julius von Haast built skeletons, more or less complete, and sent them to America, Australia, and the Continent of Europe. In all those places they were received by scientists with great pleasure, and the curator obtained in exchange large numbers of stuffed memmals. birds, reptiles, skins, fossils, and many other articles. With these was founded the Canterbury Museum's present collection, which in quality and classification is unsurpassed in the Southern Hemisphere. Besides, most of the complete moa skeletons now standing in the Museum have been built up from the Glenmark bones.
Farmer, Omihi. Mr. Jones is the third son of Mr. Edward Jones, one of the early settlers of Canterbury, who came to the Colony in 1864. He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1862. He rented the Rusdale farm, Rangitata, from his mother in 1882, and ten years later purchased the freehold of the property, 203 acres in extent. Mr. Jones is now farming at Omihi.
Farmer, Omihi. Mr. Luscombe was born in 1853, in Devonshire, England, where he was educated and brought up on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Isle of the South” in 1874 and engaged in shearing, general farm work, and contracting for about ten years in the Ashburton district. Mr. Luscombe at first bought five acres, and, later on, acquired sixty-two acres and 228 acres of leasehold, and worked the whole as a mixed farm. He sold out in 1898, and came to his present farm of 450 acres, which he works as a sheep and agricultural farm and runs a large number of pigs. Mr Luscombe has a stud flock of thirty-two English Leicester ewes, bought from Mr. F. Wright and the late Mr. J. M. Furze, and has rams of the same breed from Lincoln College. As chairman of the Eiffelton school committee Mr. Luscombe served about six years, and was the principal promotor of that body. He also promoted the establishment of the Omihi school committee, of which he has been chairman since its inauguration. He is also a member of the Canterbury Farmers' Union. Mr. Luscombe was married in Devonshire, in 1873, and has five sons and five daughters.
is sixteen miles from Waipara, and twenty-one from Cheviot, and is a baiting-place for the coaches from these places. It is named after the sheep station near the local accommodation house, and has a post office and a public school. At the census of 1901, Tipapa had a population of eighteen.
Farmer, “Liddlebank,” Tipapa, near Cheviot. Mr. Elliot was born in 1856 in Roxburghshire, Scotland, and was educated at the national school. He was brought up as a pastoralist, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Waiuru” in 1882, under engagement to Mr. Lowe, of St. Helen's, where he was employed for two years. Entering the service of the late Hon. W. Robinson, at Cheviot, he remained with him until the estate was sold to the Government, when he and three of his fellow-employees leased 13,000 acres for twelve months. Mr. Elliot, subsequently, bought Mr. Scott's interests in “Liddlebank,” 1937 acres in extent. This property was formerly part of the Greta Peaks run. It has been improved considerably, and a good dwelling-house, wool-shed, and other outbuildings have been made, together with garden, orchard, plantation, and five miles of fencing. Mr. Elliot was married in 1895 to Miss Prichard, and has two daughters.
which was formed in 1887 by eighteen settlers taking up 900 acres of land on the perpetual lease system, is situated on a part of the Horsley Down run. There has been no forfeiture in the settlement, and all the original settlers are still there, with the exception of those who have sold out their interests. Many settlers have extended their holdings, and the aggregate area of the settlement is about 8000 acres. The cottages have a neat and comfortable appearance, and are surrounded by plantations of shelter trees, originally the gift of the late Mr. J. D. Lance.
Farmer, “The Peaks.” Mr. White, one of the pioneers at the Peaks settlement, was born in London, and was educated there and at Sedgely Park, Staffordshire. After some commercial experience he came out to the Colony in the s.s. “Aorangi” in 1884. He now holds 150 acres of freehold and 3847 acres of leasehold land, which he partly crops with good results, and grazes a large nock of half-bred English Leicester-Merino sheep. Mr. White's homestead is situated on the banks of the Hurunui river and is shelered from the prevailing winds by a natural terrace and a plantation of pinus insignis. He has been a member of the Waiotahi School Committee from its inception and is now chairman; he is also a member of the Hurunui Domain Board. Mr. White was married in 1878 to Miss Mumby, of Lingfield, Surrey, and has a family of six sons and three daughters.
is the name of a sheep-farming district lying towards the sea coast, to the eastward of the Waipara-Cheviot road and railway route. It extends several miles in a southerly direction from the banks of the Motunau river. The district is in the Waipara riding of the Ashley county, and has a scattered population, which, at the census of 1901, numbered 165. The nearest post and telegraph office, and public school are at Tipapa, the mid-day stopping place for the Cheviot-Waipara coaches.
Farmer, “Glenmore,” Motunau. Mr. Cameron was born in 1841 at Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire, Scotland, where he was educated and brought up to pastoral pursuits. For some time he was in the service of the Earl of Stamford as game-keeper and deer-stalker in Glenmore fores. He came to the Colony in the ship “Chrysolite” in 1861, and after being two years employed in station life, went to the West Coast diggings with two mates, and they were the first to find payable gold in Kanieri Creek, where they worked with good luck for two years. Mr. Cameron returned to Canterbury and took up a farm on Mount Grey Downs, where he spent twenty-five years. He sold out in 1892 and acquired his property at Glenmore, in conjunction with his eldest son. The area of the farm is 3500 acres devoted to raising cross-bred sheep. Mr. Cameron has always taken an active part in public affairs; he has been a member of the road board for many years, has acted on the cemetery and domain boards, is a vice-president and one of the founders of the North Canterbury Caledonian Society, and has been an active promoter of the Leithfield sports from the date of their establishment. Mr. Cameron served in the Kowai Volunteers and Rifle Club, and with Messrs Hunter and de Morg organised one of the first corps in the Southern Hemisphere in 1870. He was second captain of the Rifle Club and afterwards its vice president; he has gained twenty cups, besides six gold and silver medals at various shooting contests. Mr. Cameron was married in 1873 to Miss Frame, and has four sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Motunau. Mrs Gibb is the widow of Mr. S. Gibb. She has a farm of sixty acres of freehold land, and also keeps an accommodation house for the convenience of travellers and drovers. Her paddocks accommodate flocks of sheep passing between Cheviot and Waipara. Mrs Gibb was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1839, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Accrington” in 1863. Her husband, Mr. S. Gibb, met his death by drowning in 1867.
Farmer, Heathfield Farm, Motunau. Mr. Gibb was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1858, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Accrington,” in 1863. He was brought up to farm work at Motunau, and engaged in shearing for eleven seasons about the district, and was for three seasons similarly employed in Australia. While in Australia Mr. Gibb travelled 700 miles inland, and saw carcases of cattle and sheep lying in every direction—the result of the drought of 1885. On returning to New Zealand he engaged in farm work and contracting, and began on his own account in 1891 at Motunau, where he has a freehold property of 300 acres, on which he keeps sheep. Since 1897 Mr. Gibb has been a shareholder of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. He was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr. R. M. Roberts, of Waikari Valley, and has one son and three daughters.
Motunau. This is a small grazing run of 2,000 acres of Crown land, which is owned and worked in partnership by two brothers. Mr. Stewart B. Gibb and Mr. George Gibb.
the Senior Partner of this firm, was bern at Brown's Bridge, Amberley, in 1864, and received his education principally at Wainate. He was engaged in shepherding about Motunau district for eleven years, and subsequently took up 2,000 acres of Crown land in partnership with his brother. Mr. Gibb was a member of the Waipara Road Board for three years. He has
was born at Teviotdale, and educated at Waimate. He was brought up on his mother's farm, and joined his brother in taking up “Glen Clova.” In 1900 he visited England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Paris Exhibition, America, and the Niagara Falls, and returned home by way of Vancouver and Brisbane.
now comprises 4000 acres, and is used for pastoral purposes. It carries about 3400 half-bred sheep, and 200 acres are cultivated for stock feed. The residence of eight rooms is situated in a plantation of trees, and is occupied by the manager. “Greta Vale” is the property of Mr. T. S. Mannering, and since 1900 has been leased by Mr C. E. Calcutt, of Christchurch.
Manager of Greta Vale station, was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1857. He came with his parents to Lyttelton in 1861 in the ship “Motoaka,” and settled at Flaxton, where He was brought up to sheep farming. Mr. Smith has long been engaged in shepherding throughout Canterbury, and in 1890 became a shepherd on Greta Vale station. He was appointed manager of the station in 1900. Mr. Smith was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. Cross, of Norfolk England.
is a portion of the settlement of Cheviot, and is situated on the main road, about four miles from McKenzie. It is in the Hurunui riding of the Cheviot county, and the entire population of the riding is forty-five. Sheep farming is the principal industry. Domett, as a settlement, dates from 1893. It is six miles from Port Robinson, at which the produce of the settlers is shipped for Lyttelton and Wellington. There is a post office at Domett, which has telephonic communication with McKenzie. The place is named after Alfred Domett, who played a leading part in New Zealand politics in the early days of colonisation, and was afterwards more widely known as the author of “Ranolf and Amohia.”
at which a mail is daily received and despatched, was originally established in 1896, and is now conducted at the homestead of Mr. T. L. Osborne.
Postmaster at Domett, was born in Kent, England, in 1858. He was brought by his parents to Lyttelton in 1859 by the ship “Amberzine.” Mr. Osborne is a carpenter by trade, and carried on business on his own account in Amberley and Culverden respectively till the opening of the Cheviot settlement. He was a successful selector, and acquired 250 acres under a lease in perpetuity, at Domett. His property was in its natural condition when he took it over, but 100 acres have already been cultivated. Mr. Osborne was a member of the Loyal Amberley Lodge of Oddfellows, and is now connected with the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Anderson, of Christchurch, blacksmith, and has five sons and one daughter.
at Domett was established in 1895. It has accommodation for fifty children; the number on the roll is thirty, and the average attendance twenty-three. Of ten acres of land attached to the school premises, about two acres are kept for school purposes, and the rest is leased to a tenant. A five-roomed residence adjoins the school.
Headmaster in charge of Domett school, was born in Christchurch, in 1877, and educated at St. Albans Main School. After a year at the Normal Training College, Mr Pike was appointed to the Clarence Bridge school, and to Domett in 1898.
Farmer, Domett. Mr. Dillon was born in County Clare, Ireland, educated at public schools, and brought up to agricultural pursuits. He came out to the Colony in the ship “Wiltshire.” Mr. Dillon's farm is 456 acres in extent, and was purchased in 1894. The property has been sub-divided into seven paddocks, and a good house, wool-shed, and other outbuildings
Farmer, “Milburn,” Hurunui Flat, Domett. Mr. Denton, who was born at East Eyreton in 1869, has always followed outdoor pursuits. He settled at Cheviot in 1895, and there acquired 657 acres under a lease in perpetuity. His property has a carrying capacity of 1000 sheep. Mr. Denton has been chairman of the Domett school committee since 1901; he is a member of the Cheviot Settlers' Association, and of the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married on the 26th of November, 1896, to a daughter of Mr. Lot Giles, of Eyreton, and has two sons
Farmer, “The Willows,” Domett. Mr. Gell was born in 1860 in the Isle of Man, where he was educated, and followed farming pursuits in his early years. He came to the Colony in 1881. Mr. Gell's property, 360 acres in extent, originally formed part of the Cheviot estate, and was purchased by him in 1894. The land is all under cultivation. Mr. Gell grows excellent crops of grain, turnips, and rape, and grazes a good flock of Lincoln-Leicester sheep, and raises fat lambs for the export trade. He was a member of the Cheviot County Council, but resigned on paying a visit to the Old Country in 1899.
Farmer, “Llandevery,” Hurunui Flat, Domett. Mr. Geeson was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1839. Before coming to the colony he worked a grazing farm. He arrived in Auckland in 1863, by the ship “Owen Glendower,” and was afterwards for some time at Hogburn on the Otago goldfields. In 1864 he settled in Canterbury, and worked as a blacksmith in Christchurch till 1871. For three years subsequently he was employed in mining at the Thames. On returning to Canterbury he resumed his former work at Christchurch, and afterwards at Hurunui, Waiau, and Culverden. He disposed of his business to become a settler in the Cheviot district, and claims to be the first settler to have put up a cottage on the block. Mr Geeson holds 292 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and also leases a reserve of thirteen acres. He has served as a member of the Hurunui school committee and also of the Domett school committee. Mr. Geeson was married, in 1880, to a daughter of Mr David Davies, of Llandevery, Carmarthenshire, Wales, and has one son and one daughter surviving.
Farmer, “Teeneeninglee,” Domett. Mr. Gun was born near Adelaide, South Australia, in 1873, and educated there. He studied law at the Adelaide University, but owing to a breakdown in his health, he was obliged to abandon his profession, and came to New Zealand in 1897. Mr. Gurr studied at Lincoln Agricultural College, where he took his diploma in agriculture. He then decided to settle in the Cheviot district, and purchased the goodwill of 450 acres under a lease in perpetuity. His land already carries about 750 sheep, and he expects soon to increase the number to 1000. Mr. Gurr has served as a member of the Domett school committee.
Farmer, Thistle Bank Farm, Domett. Mr. Hannah was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1854. He was brought up as a coalminer, and began to work as a trapper in the pit when he was only ten years of age. At the end of 1875, he left for New Zealand by the ship “Jessie Osborne.” After being a short time in Ashburton, he went to Sheffield in the Malvern district, and worked for a short time in Mr. Gibson's coalmine till 1882. In 1882 he went to the Woodstock “rush” on the West Coast, and in 1886 removed to Denniston, where he was again employed as a coalminer. On the opening of the Cheviot settlement he acquired 120 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and he has already got seventy acres into a state of cultivation. Mr. Hannah is a member of the Domett school committee. He was married, in 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. E. Foster, of Hamilton, Scotland, and has six sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Hurunui Flat, Domett. Mr. Hole was born in Christchurch in 1864, and educated at
Farmer, “Tuni,” Domett. Mr. Martin was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1861. He came to Lyttelton at the age of seventeen by the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” and was for some years in the Waipara and Waikari districts. In 1894 be settled in Cheviot, having acquired 310 acres there under a leasehold in perpetuity, which he has reclaimed from the tussocks. Mr. Martin served in the Cheviot Mounted Rifles, and is now a member of the Amuri Mounted Rifles. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Burne, of Medbury, and has three daughters.
Farmer, “Waipuna,” Domett. Mr. Parkinson was born at “Kailuna,” Banks' Peninsula, on the 7th of September, 1869, and was brought up to country life. He commenced farming on his own account in 1881. After a short time he returned to Kaituna station, where he remained for three years. He then went to the North Island, and found employment on a station in the Wairarapa district for a few months, and was also engaged in butchering. Mr. Parkinson was a stockman at Hokitika for three years, and afterwards worked a gracing lease for ten years at Gebbie's Valley. In 1901 Mr. Parkinson bought the good-will of “Waipuna,” which consists of 420 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and on this estate he runs about 900 sheep. He was at one time chairman of the Big Bay school committee. Mr. Parkinson was married, in March, 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. S. Manson, of Teddington, and has five sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Twist Fort Farm,” Domett. Mr. Puschel was born in 1853 in Denmark, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand in the ship “J. P. Bouverie” in 1864, and entered into partnership with Mr. Neilson in wool-scouring and tanning at Fernside and Avonside. Mr. Puschel's farm contains 324 acres and was acquired in 1894, he being the first to settle on the Hurunui Flat. He has made substantial improvements, the whole property being under cultivation except forty acres of surface-sown pasture. The farm carries 400 sheep besides cattle and horses, and one-third of the kind is in crop. Mr. Puschel was married in 1887 to Miss Cliff, who died leaving one son and one daughter. In 1896 he married his deceased wife's sister, and by this union has one son.
Farmer, Domett. Mr. Puschel is a native of Silesia, Germany, and was taken when an infant by his parents to Denmark, where he was educated. After spending his early years in working for his father, he emigrated to New Zealand, arriving in the ship “J.P. Bouverie” in 1864. He entered into business in Christchurch as a tanner and wool-scourer in conjunction with his brother and Mr. Neilson. In 1894, he purchased 485 acres on the Cheviot estate upon which he has effected substantial improvements, including a good house and out-building, orchard, garden, plantation, and seven miles of fencing. Mr. Puschel has raised very good crops, having threshed 100 bushels of oats and fifty bushels of wheat to the acre. The greater part of the farm has been brought into cultivation, or laid down in permanent grasses; the hills, surface-sown, carry a large flock of crossbred sheep. Mr. Puschel is well known in musical circles as a popular tenor soloist.
Farmer, “Eltham,' Domett. Mr. Zuppicich was born in 1866 at Woodend, where he was educated and brought up to farming. In 1890 he removed to the North Island, and was there engaged in farming for three years. His present farm, which was originally part of the Cheviot estate, contains 490 acres and was purchased in 1894. It has a good dwelling house and substantial out-buildings, with garden, orchard and plantations, and four miles of fencing. Among other improvements, over 250 acres have been ploughed and cropped with good results. The sheep are half-bred Leicesters crossed with Shropshire rams. Mr. Zuppicich was married in 1890 to Miss Doyle, and has one son and one daughter.
is, by sea, sixty-five miles north of Christchurch; by rail and road, seventy-five miles. It is bounded on the north by the river Waiau, on the east by the sea, on the south by the Hurunui river, and on the west by the Lowry Peaks. It was first selected for purposes of pastoral settlement in 1848 by the late Mr. John Scott Caverhill. After choosing a site for the homestead, Mr. Caverhill erected the first necessary buildings there early in 1849. Four years later, in 1853, Mr. William Robinson purchased the freehold of a portion of the run from the Provincial Government of Nelson, and succeeded in gradually buying the whole block of 84,756 acres. On acquiring the freehold, Mr. Robinson at once began to erect buildings and fences, and to make other substantial improvements, including gardens, orchards and plantations, and few properties in New Zealand were so highly improved as Cheviot. It had about 200 miles of subdivision fences. In 1892 the Property Tax Department assessed the estate to be worth £250,526, with £54,300 for improvements, or a total of £304,826. The trustees of the property protested against this assessment, and gave as their own valuation, £200,070 for the land, and £60,150 for the improvements, or a total of £260,220. The Commissioner of Taxes disallowed the objection of the trustees, and referred the subject to the Board of Revisers,
McKenzie is the chief town in the county of Cheviot. The streets are named after leading politicians, and considering that the settlement began as recently as the end of 1893, it has made remarkable progress. Opposite the post office a handsome monument has been erected by the settlers to the late Sir John McKenzie, who, as Minister of Lands, took a leading part in founding the settlement. McKenzie has a town hall, which contains a good library, and a convenient reading room, and portions of the building are let for business purposes. The township has a good public school, four churches, and stores, bakeries, engineers' shops, etc. McKenzie is connected by a daily coach service with Waipara on the northern railway line. At the census of 1901 the township had a population of 113 in McKenzie, and the adjoining settlement of Home View, 103. The township lies partly in the Lowry, and partly in the Seaward ridings, of the county of Cheviot.
was constituted in May, 1895. The district is bounded on the north by the river Conway, on the south by the Hurunui river, on the east by the sea, and on the west by the centre of the Lowry Peak Hills. It measures, roughly, twenty-two by fourteen miles. The ratable value of the county is £572,606, and the unimproved value, £484,156, and the rate levied is from 1/2d to 1d in the pound. There are 502 ratable properties in the district, and the revenue is £2,526, made up as follows: Rates, £1,411; subsidy, £314; other sources, £801. The county has some important bridges, notably the Hurunui bridge, ten per cent, of the cost of maintaining which is contributed by the Waipara Road Board. The county contributes ten per cent, towards the cost of maintaining the lower Waiau bridge, and six per cent, towards the Ashley bridge. A loan for expenditure in the Hawkeswood riding has been raised under the Loans to Local Bodies Act. The county is divided into six ridings—namely, Hawkeswood, Waiau, Lowry, Hurunui, Seaward, and Kaiwarra; and one member is returned for each riding. The members for the year 1902 were: Messrs A. W. Rutherford (chairman), S. Haughey, W. McFarlane, T. Stevenson, E. Jackman, and D. McLaren. Port Robinson is under the control of the county council, which works the landing service by means of surf boats, which are hauled on to the slip by a steam engine. The revenue at the port for the year, 1901, was £932, and the expenditure, £999. Mr F. Archer is County Clerk and Treasurer, and Mr. J. Sinclair is Harbourmaster at Port Robinson.
Chairman of the Cheviot County Council, was born in 1842, in New South Wales. He was educated in Adelaide, and came to Lyttelton in 1860, with his parents, who bought the Leslie Hills estate. Mr. Rutherford was for some time managing “Leslie Hills,” until he became proprietor of “Mendip Hills” in 1861. He has always taken a very keen interest in Merino breeding, and is a very successful prize-taker, and but for the drawback of getting sheep to the show, Mr. Rutherford would be a more frequent exhibitor. He is a breeder of the best Merinos, and in 1901 purchased “Fame,” a stud Merino ram, from Mr. Alex. Murray, of Mount Crawford, South Australia, at a cost of 500 guineas. Mr. Rutherford was a member of the Nelson Provincial Council for two years, and has always taken an active part in local politics. In 1864 he became a member of the Amuri Road Board and was chairman of that body for a number of years before it was merged into the Amuri County Council. He has been a member of the Cheviot County Council since its inception. For some time he was a member of the North Canterbury Charitable Aid and Hospital Board. At the general elections, in November, 1902, he stood against four other candidates for the representation of Hurunui in Parliament, and headed the poll with 1577 votes, the candidate next in order having 880 votes. Mr. Rutherford was married, in 1873, to a daughter of Mr. R. Monk, of Conway village, Cheviot, and has five sons and four daughters.
represents Lowry riding in the Cheviot County Council. In 1893 he settled at Cheviot, where he was one of the earliest settlers.
has been a member of the Cheviot County
represents Seaward riding in the Cheviot County Council.
who represents the Waiau riding in the Cheviot County Council, was born at Flaxton, in 1868, and brought up to country life on his father's farm. He became one of the early settlers in the Cheviot district, in 1893. In conjunction with his brother, Mr. James Stevenson, he works 1,045 acres, of which 594 acres are freehold. On this land from 2000 to 3000 sheep are depastured. Mr Stevenson is a member of the Cheviot Settlers' Association, and also of the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union.
County Clerk and Treasurer of the Cheviot County Council, was born in Surrey, England, in 1853. He came out to Nelson, in 1870, by the ship “Dona Anita,” and was for some years a settler at Wairau. For fourteen years afterwards Mr. Archer was secretary of the Temuka Road Board, and removed to Cheviot in October, 1897, to take up the duties of his present office. He was married, in 1878, to Miss Horgan, of Temuka. Mrs Archer died in 1901, leaving five sons and four daughters.
was first established about the year 1868, under a guarantee from the late Hon. W. Robinson. For some time the post office work was carried on in a cob whare on the Waipara road. The present commodious building dates from 1895. It is situated at the corner of Seddon and Hall Streets, McKenzie, and is of wood and iron, with a clock over the entrance doorway. There are forty-eight private boxes, together with a public office, mail and telegraph room, and private offices. The building is connected by telephone with Port Robinson, Parnassus Station, Brookdale, Hawkeswood, Mendip Hills and Motunau. Daily mails are received and despatched; and the officer in charge is assisted by a clerk and a messenger.
formerly Postmaster and Telegraphist, and Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at Cheviot, was born in Dunedin, in 1863. He was educated there at the Middle District school and entered the Dunedin Post Office in July, 1875. After two years' experience, Mr. Young was placed in charge at Kingston, and was subsequently stationed successively at Dunedin, Invercargill, and Christchurch. He was then sent to open the post office at Methven; and was afterwards for three years at Blenheim. After a few months in Christchurch he was appointed to the charge of the Cheviot office, in 1888. While at McKenzie Mr. Young was a member of the Cheviot Lodge of Freemasons, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution. He was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. J. Simson, of Blenheim, and has two sons and two daughters.
is co-extensive with the county of Cheviot, which extends from the Hurunui to the Conway rivers. There are no licensed houses in the district, and it is stated that in the course of four years only one person was arrested for drunkenness, and there is very little crime in the district. There is a monthly sitting of the Magistrate's Court, in the Town Hall.
who is in charge of the Cheviot police district, acts also as clerk of the Magistrate's Court. Mr. Whitty was born in 1858, in Victoria, brought to New Zealand in 1859, and joined the police force at the time of the Parihaka episode. He was stationed at Cheviot in 1898. Mr. Whitty was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. W. T. McAdam, of Christchurch, but his wife died in 1887, leaving two daughters. In 1891 Mr. Whitty married a daughter of Mr. Thomas Ferens, of North Otago, and has two sons by this union.
was first established about the middle of 1894 by the Rev. Mr. Drake, Wesleyan minister, and a few weeks afterwards he was requested to conduct it temporarily under the Board of Education; but in January, 1895, a regular teacher was appointed. The school was conducted in the little Methodist church till the middle of 1895, when the first portion of the present building was erected. It is built of wood and iron, and has a large class room and a porch, with accommodation for 140 pupils; there are 114 names on the roll, and the average attendance for the year 1901 was ninety-six. The headmaster is assisted by an infant mistress and a pupil-teacher. There are about four acres of land attached to the school premises, and there is a commodious six-roomed residence for the teacher.
Headmaster of McKenzie Public School, was born in 1871, at Kaiapoi, where he was educated and served a pupil-teachership of five years. After two years' training at the Normal School, Christchurch, he acted as relieving teacher for a few months, and was afterwards an assistant to Mr. Cook, at Warwick House, Christchurch. He was subsequently for eighteen months assistant master at Papanui, and received his present appointment in January, 1895. Mr. Balch has always been fond of outdoor gomes, and has been well known in athletic circles. He has been connected with the Canterbury College and the Kaiapoi Football Clubs, and has represented New Zealand as well as Canterbury on many occasions. He was married, in December, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. James Simson, of Blenheim.
includes the country lying between the Hurunui in the south, and the Conway in the north, the sea beach on the east, and the Dividing Range on the west, and is quite sixty miles across. It was constituted in 1896. Previous to that date occasional visits were made by the vicar of Kaikoura.
in McKenzie township, is a wooden building with a shingle roof and a bell tower. It has accommodation for 120 worshippers. There is a vicarage of six rooms, on part of the giebe, which is ten acres in extent. The buildings were erected in 1899, at a cost of £840. The vicar conducts services also at Hurunui, Hawarden, Waiau, Culverden, Rotherham, Spotswood, Domett, Port Robinson, and Hanmer Springs.
Vicar of Cheviot and Amuri, was born in Croydon, Surrey, England, in 1875. He arrived in Nelson in 1897, studied at Bishopdale College, and was ordained deacon in 1898, and priest in the following year. Up to die end of 1900 Mr. Snee was curate of All Saints, Nelson, and took up his duties at Cheviot in 1901.
was opened in June, 1898, and stands on a quarter-acre section of freehold land, which was presented by the Rev. W. Campbell. The building, which has a belfry, is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for 120 worshippers. A Sunday school is held in the church, and is attended by thirty-two scholars, in charge of two teachers. Services are held regularly every Sunday evening, and the minister in charge also visits Spotswood, Leamington, Domett, and Port Robinson. There is a glebe of nine acres of land, and the manse, which is a nine-roomed building, is beautifully situated on a site overlooking the township.
M.A., Minister in charge of the Cheviot district, was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1845. He studied at the Glasgow Training College, and at the Univesity, where he graduated in 1891. After a further course of study at Glasgow Divinity Hall, Mr. Johnston was licensed in 1886. He arrived in Wellington by the s.s. “Arawa,” in 1888, and was stationed in Hawke's Bay, until his appointment to Cheviot, in March, 1902. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1901, to a daughter of the late Mr. P. Ness, Surveyor-General, of Bermuda.
at McKenzie township, Cheviot, was opened for worship in 1902. It occupies an elevated site on part of a section of ten acres of land, and has accommodation for 250 persons. Monthly services are held by the Rev. Father Price, of Hawarden.
of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity. This Lodge was established at Christmas, 1894, and now (1902) has twenty-two members. Officers for 1902: E. J. S. Lochhead, N.G., D. McTaggart, V.G., and G. W. Crampton, Secretary. The fortnightly meetings of the Lodge are held in the Wesleyan church, and the accumulated funds amount to £110.
Secretary of the Loyal Cheviot Lodge of Oddfellows, was born in 1843, in County Wicklow, Ireland, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Gannonoque,” in 1860. He settled near Amberley, where he was employed as a shepherd for seven years, and was afterwards farming till 1898, when he became one of the original settlers at 'Cheviot. He holds 303 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and has named his farm “Green Ridge.” Mr. Crampton was married, in 1869, and has six sons and three daughters.
was established in 1896, with the object of expressing the feelings of the settlers on public questions, and taking action in respect to matters considered to have a bearing on their interests. Some time after its establishment, it was thought advisable to promote an agricultural and pastoral show. The attempt proved successful, and shows have since then been held annually, the last two in the month of March. Mr. J. Vaughan was president in 1902, and Mr. G. W. Forbes secretary, and there are vice-presidents, and a strong committee. The association has been very useful in furthering the interests of the district.
(Fred Wansbrough, proprietor), Buckley Street, McKenzie. The Cheviot News is published on Tuesdays and Fridays. It has four pages, and twenty-eight columns, seven of which usually contain reading matter. The “News” was founded on the 27th of September, 1898.
Proprietor of the “Cheviot News,” was born at Newport, England, in 1854. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Lady Egidia” in 1867, and was apprenticed as a printer at Oamaru. Having served successively on the “North Otago Times,” “Oamaru Mail,” and Christchurch “Press,” he settled at Cheviot, and founded the “Cheviot News.”
Bach. Med. and Mast. Surg., Univ. Edin., 1889, Physician and Surgeon, McKenzie. Dr. Inghs was born in Timaru, and before settling at McKenzie, in 1901, he had practised at Amberley, at Ross, on the West Coast, and at Darfield. Dr. Inglis was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1891.
Stock Auctioneers, and Produce Merchants, Cheviot Branch, Seddon Street, McKenzie. The Cheviot branch of this well-known company was
Manager and Auctioneer for Messrs Dalgety and Co., at Cheviot, was born in 1876, at Rangiora, and educated there. After leaving school Mr. Smith served for four years with Mr. A. P. Tutton, with whom he gained much experience in the produce business; and was afterwards for seven years with Mr. W. Buss, stock auctioneer. Mr. Smith was selected to start the Cheviot branch of the firm's business. As a volunteer he served eight years in the Rangiora Rifles, in which, latterly, he held the rank of lieutenant. As an Oddfellow he is attached to the Loyal Ashley Lodge, Rangiora, and as a Freemason, to Lodge Cheviot, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Smith was married, in 1960, to a daughter of Mr. J. McDowell, of Milford, Rangiora, and has one son.
General Merchant and Auctioneer, McKenzie, Cheviot. This business was established by Mr. Robinson in 1893. The offices are situated in the Town Hall building, Seddon Street, and the yards in Hall Street. Mr. Robinson holds monthly sales of stock and produce, and does a large business throughout the district as a general merchant. He is a nephew of the late Hon. W. Robinson, and was born in South Australia, in 1856. He was educated at St. Peter's College, Adelaide, and at Christ's College, Christchurch, and since leaving college has been engaged chiefly in country pursuits. For sixteen years prior to the sale of the Cheviot estate, Mr. Robinson held the position of manager of the property. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1890. Mr. Robinson has been prominent in connection with all public matters in the district. For some years he was vice-president of the Cheviot Settlers' Association, of which he is still a member. He is chairman of the local Domain Board, president of the Cheviot Racing Club, and of the local football, cricket, and tennis clubs, and also chairman of the Cheviot Dairy Factory. As a Freemason he held the chair as Worshipful Master in 1902. He was married, in 1896, to a daughter of Mr. John Gurr, of Adelaide, and has one daughter.
Baker and Pastrycook, Seddon Street, McKenzie. This business was established in 1897. The shop, refreshment room, dwelling and bakery are erected on a freehold section. Mr. Nicol was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1852, and learned his trade in his native county, where, before coming to New Zealand, he was in business on his own account, for about eighteen months. He arrived in Port Chalmers by the s.s. “Rimutaka,” in 1893, and settled for a few months at Wellington, whence he went direct to Port Robinson to be a Cheviot settler. For some time he baked under contract to Mr. W. T. Robinson, and ultimately
This establishment was opened in 1896, originally for a cheese factory, by the Cheviot settlers, but it was converted in the following year into a butter factory. It is fitted with an engine by Scott of two and a half horse-power, and a boiler of eight horse-power; there is a De Laval separator, capable of putting through about 1000 gallons of milk per day. There is a pasteurising plant, which, however, is not always in use.
Manager of the Cheviot Dairy Factory, was born in 1878, at Christchurch, and educated there. In 1897 he became connected with the Cheviot Dairy Factory, and gained his experience under the late manager, Mr. Champion, whom he succeeded in the management, in April, 1901. Mr. Keig is a member of the Loyal Cheviot Lodge of Oddfellows, and as a Freemason he is connected with Lodge Cheviot, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution.
formerly Manager of the Cheviot Dairy Factory, was born at Tai Tapu in 1873, where he was educated and served an apprenticeship of four years to the dairy business. He had a previous experience of three years in Taranaki and two years at Cheviot. Mr. Champion is now (July 1902) manager of the dairy factory at Waren, in Taranaki.
Tailor, Rolleston Street, McKenzie Mr. Howie was born at Pollockshaws, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in October, 1873. When a year old he was brought by his parents to Lyttelton, in the ship “Canterbury.” He learned his trade as a tailor in Rangiora, and afterwards gained experience
Draper, Clothier, and House Furnisher, Corner of Rolleston and Buckley Streets, McKenzie. This business was established in 1897 by Mr. Jenkins, and is conducted in a convenient wood and iron building, with double-fronted windows, and a large verandah. The residence adjoins the shop, and both stand on a quarter of an acre of freehold. Mr. Jenkins has departments for drapery, dressmaking, and boots and shoes. There is a convenient show-room, and a number of girls are employed in the dressmaking department. Mr. Jenkins is agent for the National Mutual Life, and for the Alliance Insurance Co. He was born in Christchurch in 1860, educated there, and served twenty-three years with W. Strange and Co. Owing to the state of his health Mr. Jenkins decided to take up his abode at McKenzie. Whilst he was in Christchurch he was connected with the High School Cadets, with the Canterbury Engineers, the Woolston Rifles, and the Christchurch Rifles, and since removing to Cheviot he has served in the Cheviot Mounted Rifles. As a Druid Mr. Jenkins was a member of the Pioneer Lodge No. 47, and as a Freemason he is connected with Lodge Cheviot, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Jenkins was married, in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. Bowmaker, of Woodend, and has three sons and one daughter.
(David Joseph Scott, proprietor), corner of Seddon and Hall Streets, McKenzie. This hotel is built of wood and iron; it is two stories in height and contains sixteen rooms, thirteen of which are bedrooms. There is a large dining room which seats forty visitors, and a commodious sitting room, besides a billiard room, with one of Alcock's tables. There is a stable with five stalls, and a loose box. This hotel was established in 1893, and was the first in the township.
Proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, was born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1850. He arrived in Dunedin in 1865, and had a few years' experience as a hotelkeeper before removing to Cheviot in 1893. For four years he served as a member of the South Dunedin volunteer fire brigade. Mr. Scott was married, in 1877, to a daughter of Mr. M. Fitzgerald, of County Kerry, Ireland, and has one son.
(Mrs Catherine Moffett, proprietress), Cheviot. This house is pleasantly situated in the centre of the pretty and fast-growing township of McKenzie, and contains nine bedrooms, two sitting-rooms, and a dining-room and bath-room. There are suitable outbuildings and stabling.
the Proprietress, came out with her parents from County Armagh, Ireland, when very young. The family settled in Otago, and there she was brought up. On the opening of Cheviot for close settlement, Mrs Moffett went thither and established the McKenzie House for the convenience of commercial travellers and visitors. Every home comfort is provided, and Mrs Moffett takes a pleasure in looking after the welfare of her guests.
(John James McCaskey, manager), Saddler and Harnesmaker, Rolleston Street, McKenzien. This business was established in 1897 by Mr. John Henry Beyce. Since his death in September, 1901, it has been conducted by a manager on Mrs Boyce's behalf.
Manager of Mrs Boyce's saddlery business, was born in 1879, at Southbridge, and was educated at Geraldine, where he served his appronticeship as a saddler and harnessmaker. Mr. McCaskey had some experience with Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co., in Christchurch, and removed to Cheviot to take the management of Mrs Boyce's business. As an exhibitor at the Canterbury Jubilee Industrial Exhibition in Christchurch. Mr. McCaskey secured a first-class certificate and medal, and also a special certificate and a gold medal, for work done and exhibited by him. He served for two years as a member of the Ceraldine Rifle Volunteers; and as an Oddfellow he is attached to the Loyal Cheviot Lodge.
Boot and Shoemaker, formerly of Rolleston Street, McKenzie. This business was established in 1901, and was conducted in a double-fronted shop, with workroom and residence behind. Mr. McDiarmid was born at Oamaru, in 1880, and learned his trade in his native place, where he found employment till removing to Cheviot. He served as a volunteer for eighteen months in the Oamaru Queen's Rifles. Mr. McDiarmid is a member of the Order of Druids, and was attached to the lodge at McKenzie.
Saddler and Harnessmaker, Rolleston Street, McKenzie. Mr. Spence, who had been previously settled at Springfield, left that place in 1899, and began
Butcher and Farmer, Seddon Street, McKenzie. Mr. Benn was born at Rangiora, in 1872, and learned his trade of butcher in Christchurch. He removed to the West Coast, and farmed with a partner for about two years. On returning to Canterbury he found employment as a shearer at Hurunui for a year, and was afterwards shepherd for eight years for Mr. G. W. McRae, of the “Glens of Tekoa.” Finally, he commenced business at Cheviot on the 3rd at Febuary, 1900. He farms thirty-three acres of land held under lease in perpetuity. As a Freemason, Mr. Benn is a member of Lodge Cheviot, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution. He takes an interest in out door sports, and is a member of the athletic and cycling clubs, clerk of the scales at the Cheviot racecourse, and is well known, under the name of “Boswell,” as a first-class pigeon shot.
General Storekeeper, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Seddon Street, McKenzie, Cheviot. This business, which was established in 1898 by Mr. Benn, is conducted in convenient premises in the Town Hall building. The saloon is at the back of the shop, in which Mr. Benn keeps a large stock of hardware, fancy goods, confectionery, and fruit. Mr. Benn was born in Rangiora on the 7th of March, 1874, and was brought up to country life. In February, 1882, he went to the West Coast, where he was farming for several years. On setting in the Cheviot district in 1891, he became caretaker for the Hurunui Rabbit Board. Three years later he again engaged in farming, which he followed until he established his present business. As a Freemason Mr. Benn is attached to Cheviot Lodge, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution. He was married, in 1900, to a daughter of Mr. A. Nicol, baker, McKenzie, and has one daughter.
(William Henry Moore, manager), Grocer and General Storekeeper, Cheviot Branch, Rolleston Street, McKenzie. The Cheviot branch of this firm was established in 1896, and is conducted in a large double-fronted shop built of wood and iron, with an office, a storeroom, and a large verandah. Mr. Cook does a considerable business throughout the district.
General Storekeeper, Baker and Farmer, Rolleston Street, McKenzie. Mr. Gibson was born in 1852 in Cumberland, England. In early life he went to Liverpool, where he was for three years and a half in the telegraph service, and for seven years in the city's timber trade. He was the only passenger on board the ship “Spirit of the Dawn,” which arrived at Port Chalmers in 1879. At first he settled at Christchurch, and was for twelve years and a half in the employment of Mr. R. W. England, timber merchant. For two years afterwards he was publisher of a Methodist newspaper. Mr. Gibson was one of the early selectors in Cheviot, and has always worked for the advancement of the district. He arrived at McKenzie township in January, 1894, and was the first chairman of the Cheviot County Council, and of the Cheviot Settlers' Association. Mr. Gibson took up 450 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and has fenced and cultivated his property and built a convenient homestead. For several years he was manager of Messrs Hubbard, Hall, and Co.'s branch business in McKenzie, but bought the interest of his principals in July, 1902. He erected a large and convenient bakehouse several years ago, and works it in conjunction with the store. Mr. Gibson was married,
General Carrier, McKenzie. Mr. Boyce was born in Leithfield on the 29th of September, 1869. He began to drive a four horse coach when he was only eleven years of age, and, after leaving school, continued as a driver for a number of years. In 1901 he commenced with a waggon and team between Waipara and Cheviot. Mr. Boyce has a section of five acres under a lease in perpetuity at McKenzie, and has built a comfortable house and good stable. He was married, in July, 1897, to a daugher of Mr Daniel Fraser, Railway Inspector, of Springfield, and has one son.
Farmer and Agricultural Machinery Proprietor, Cheviot. Mr. Barnes was born in Oxford, England, in 1860, and brought up to farming. He arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Waimate,” in 1872, and settled in the Kaiapoi district. For some years he was farming at Kaiapoi Island, and then, having sold his interest there, he secured a section of twenty acres under a leass in perpetuity, near McKenzie township. Mr. Barnes has a complete plant, consisting of a traction engine, and a threshing and chaff-cutting machine; and finds plenty of employment with this in the district. As an Oddfellow, he is attached to the Loyal Kaiapoi Lodge, in which he has been through the chairs. He has served on the McKenzie school committee, and is a member of the Cheviot Settlers' Association. Mr. Barnes was married, in 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Widdowson, of Kaiapoi, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Willow Bank,” Cheviot. Mr. Black was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1854, and brought up as a farmer. He came to Port Chalmers in 1879, and was for fourteen years head ploughman for Messrs J. and S. Wilson, at Papakaio, near Oamaru. Mr. Black was among the first of the settlers to arrive at McKenzie, and pitched his tent in December, 1893, on the site of his present farm of 433 acres, which is held under a lease in perpetuity. When Mr. Black went to Cheviot there were no roads, and the land was covered with tussock. Mr. Black's property has been well planted, fenced, and brought to a good state of cultivation, and carries from 800 to 1500 sheep. As a Freemason Mr. Black is a member of Lodge Cheviot, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution. He has been a member of the Spotswood school committee, since 1900. Mr. Black was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. W. Nesbitt, of County Cavan, Ireland, and has had four sons and three daughters. One son has died.
Farmer, “Ridgethorpe,” Cheviot. Mr. Bradley is the second son of the late Rev. R. R. Bradley, sometime of Charteris Bay, Banks' Peninsula. He was born in 1861 and was educated privacy, having been deaf and dumb from his birth. Mr. Bradley was brought up to outdoor pursuits, and, in spite of his infirmity, is able to attend to his business. He remained at the old homestead at Charteris Bay till 1900, when he acquired 235 acres under a lease in perpetuity, at Cheviot. Mr. Bradley was married, in 1900, to the only daughter of Mr. T. Shailer, of Christchurch. Mrs Bradley had thirteen years' experience as a teacher in Canterbury, part of the time at Fiemington, and latterly at the Charleris Bay school.
Farmer, Caverhill Village Settlement, Cheviot. Mr. Bowlker was born in 1874, at Hoylake, Cheshire, England, and, when five yeas of age, accompanied his parents to Auckland by the ship “Famenoth.” The family removed to Lyttelton, and Mr. Bowlker was brought up in Christchurch. He took up fifty acres at Cheviot under a lease in perpetuity, in 1895, when the greater part of the land was covered with tussocks and flax. It is now all completely fenced and cleared, and many other improvements have been effected. Mr. Bowlker has played in the Linwood and Cheviot football teams, and is still connected with the Cheviot club.
Farmer, Valley Farm, Cheviot. Mr. Butt was born in St.
Farmer, “Crystal Brook,” Cheviot. Mr. Bruce was born near John o' Groat's, Caithness, Scotland, in May, 1837, and brought up to outdoor work. At the age of twenty-three, he arrived in Port Chalmers, by the ship “Evening Star.” After two years of experience in Otago, he returned to Scotland, but shortly afterwards came out to Canterbury, and settled near Templeton, where he was farming and contracting for over twenty years. Mr. Bruce first went to the Cheviot district in 1869, and in that and in the two following years was engaged in contracting near the site of McKenzie town. He sold out his interest at Templeton, and went to Ashburton for two years, and afterwards, for a time, to Waddington. Mr. Bruce returned to Cheviot in 1893. before the opening of the settlement, and erected an accommodation house. He also added baking and butchering, and was for two years engaged in these pursuits. Mr. Bruce afterwards took up 100 acres of railway reserve, known as “Froghall,” which he farmed and resided upon for over three years. In 1902 he erected a convenient residence on a section of ninety acres held under a lease in perpetuity, and close to McKenzie. Mr. Bruce was married in August, 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Campbell, of Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, and has four sons and four daughters surviving.
is the property of Lady Charles Campbell, and comprises 5000 acres, including the beautiful homestead and plantation erected and laid out by the father of the proprietress, the late Hon. William Robinson, M.L.C. The property was sold to the Government in 1892 and re-purchased in 1894. Happy Valley Estate, which belongs to the same owner
Manager of the Cheviot Hills and Happy Valley Estates, is a native of Strathdearn, Inverness-shire, Scotland, where he was born in 1858. He was educated in his native land and passed his early years on his father's farm. Mr. McQueen came to the Colony in the ship “Rangitikel” in 1878 and after a short stay at St. Helen's, entered the service of the late Hon. W. Robinson, by whom he was made head shepherd in 1884. Cheviot at that time carried about 90,000 sheep. In 1893, Mr. McQueen was appointed manager of “Happy Valley,” and in the same year of “Cheviot Hills.” He was married in 1891 to Miss Charleton, and has one son.
Sheepfarmer, “St. Scobie,” Cheviot. Mr. Fleming was born in Lanarkshire in 1861, was educated at Airdrie, and on the to the Colony with his parents in 1875. His father came out in charge of horses, cattle, and sheep for Mr. William Boag, of Fendalton. Mr. Fleming acquired his property, which was part of the Cheviot Estate, in 1894; it contains 1483 acres on which seven miles of fencing have been erected, besides dwelling-house, sheep-yards and sheds. The flock consists of Merino crossbreds and English Leicester sheep. Mr. Fleming is a member of the school committee, and has always taken an active part in athletic sports and racing. He was married in 1888 to the only daughter of Mr. Michael Rowe, of Rangiora, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “The Gums,” Cheviot. Mr. Gardner was born in 1868 at the Cust, where he was educated. After working on his mother's farm, Mr. Gardner went to Australia in 1890, then to San Francisco. He travelled a great deal through America, and returned to the Colony in the s.s. “Alameda.” On a second visit to Australia, he spent three years in New South Wales and Queensland, and came back to New Zealand in 1894, taking up his present holding, which consists of 1729 acres, on which he has effected many improvements, including a neat residence, substantial sheep-yards, and some miles of fencing. He has put up a wool-shed, after the Queensland style, which he considers far superior to that generally adopted in New Zealand. His run is stocked with half breds of the Lincoln-Merino cross, and three-quarter-breds of the Leicester breed. Mr. Gardner was married in 1896 to Miss McLaren, and has one son.
Farmer, Cheviot. Mr. Hullen was born in 1841 in London, where he was educated. In his early years he went to sea and came to the Colony in the ship “Canterbury” in 1865. After a time on the West Coast diggings, Mr. Hullen settled in South Canterbury, where he was engaged in farming, contracting, and cropping. He purchased several farms, and subsequently sold them again at good prices. Mr. Hullen took up the first portion of his property at Cheviot in 1894, and has considerably increased its area, which now agregates 3000 acres. The property is fenced and sub-divided into ten paddocks. A fine flock of crossbred sheep is depastured on the run. The homestead is beautifully situated within view of McKenzie township and of the Lowry Peaks. Mr. Hullen is chairman of the McKenzie School Committee, and was one of the first promoters of the town-hall. He married in 1868, and has two sons and one daughter.
the property of Mr. John Donald Macfarlane, is situated in Cheviot county, and has a boundary of eight miles on the Conway river, and six miles on the sea coast. It comprises 20,800 acres freehold, and was taken up by the late Messrs Worsley Brothers, who disposed of it in 1854, to the late Mr J. S. Caverhill, from whom it was bought by the present proprietor in 1873. The homestead was elaborately planted with gums and wattles, and many varieties of trees, by the late Mr. Caverhill. There are about fifty acres of plantations, and the homestead now stands in a forest of well grown trees. There are stables, and
Manager of Hawkeswood Station, was born at Hawkeswood, in 1863, and received his education at Milford, Rangiora, and Christ's College, Christchurch. He went as a cadet on Cora Lynn Station, Canterbury, and was then overseer at “Grassmere,” for Mr. F. E. Dalgety, for seven years. Subsequently Mr. Caverhill went to the North Island, where he was on Mr. Riddiford's station at the Hutt, Wellington, for three years before going to Waikato, where he was for some time manager of the Pareroa station. Mr. Caverhill returned to Canterbury in 1895, and took up his present position. He was married, in 1901, to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert Fear, of Woodend.
Dairy Farmer, Homeview Settlement, Cheviot. Mr. Hedgeman was born in London, in 1837, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Lady Nugent,” in September, 1851. He settled at Lyttelton, where he had about seven years' experience as a carpenter. In 1895 he removed to Cheviot, and took up land which he has since worked as a dairy farm. Mr. Hedgeman is an old member of the Order of Oddfellows. He was married in November, 1875, to a daughter of Mr. Samuel Webb, of Lyttelton, and has had seven sons and six daughters. Three of the sons have died. Mrs Hedgeman died on the 1st of July, 1899.
Farmer, “Mina Downs,” Cheviot Mr. Hodgson was born in Christchurch, in 1858. He went to school at Springston, and gained experience of farming in Loburn. For six years afterwards he was farming in Southland. He then sold his interest, and became a shepherd for seven years. In 1894 he settled in Cheviot, where he was one of the first selectors. His original holding was 128 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and he now has 276 acres. Mr. Hodgson is a member of the Cheviot Settlers' Association, and of the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. Paul Hodgson, of Papanui.
Farmer, Jed Valley Road, Cheviot. Mr. Holton was born in Kent, England, in 1845. He was educated in London, and entered the public service, in the Royal Courts of Justice, where he was engaged for twenty years. On the 6th of November, 1893, he arrived in New Zealand, and five days later, was successful at the first ballot for land opened for settlement on the Cheviot estate. He drew a section of 326 acres, and immediately settled on it. Mr. Holton has considerably improved the property, which now carries 400 sheep. He was appointed clerk of the Cheviot County Council, on the formation of that body, and held the position for about four years, during which he made the first valuation of the county. Mr. Holton was married, in 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. Fawcett. Mrs Holton died in 1882, leaving two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Cheviot. Mr. Lewthwaite was born in Sunderland, Durham, England. His father was a carpenter, and from him he gained experience of that trade. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Tintern Abbey,” in 1875, and settled at Fendalton, near Christchurch. From 1878 to 1884 Mr. Lewthwaite resided in the Oxford district, and afterwards was farming and carpentering at Little River, till 1895, when he acquired his property in Cheviot, where he has 300 acres under a lease in prpetuity.
the property of Mr. A. W. Rutherford, is situated in the county of Cheviot, and bounds the Conway river. It comprises 35,000 acres of freehold, and was taken up in the early fifties by Messrs Hanmer and Woolcombe. It afterwards became the property of the late Hon. W. Robinson, by whom it was sold to the late Mr. J. S. Caverhill. The latter disposed of the estate to the late Messrs Rutherford and Domett; and in 1861 Mr. Rutherford presented his part of the property to his two sons, Andrew and William, who subsequently bought Mr. Domett's interest. Ten years later Mr. A. W. Rutherford acquired his brother's interest, and in 1891 bought that part of Hawkeswood estate known as “Brookdale,” which is a complete station, comprising 19,000 acres, adjoining “Mendip.” The two stations carry a flock of about 15,000 Merino, and 10,000 helfbred sheep, as well as 600 head of cattle. “Mendip” is well subdivided by about ninety miles of fencing, and there are about forty acres of plantations.
Proprietor of “Mendip Hills,” is referred to elsewhere in this volume, as chairman of Cheviot County Council, and as member for Hurunui in the House of Representatives.
Farmer, Caverhill Village Settlement, Cheviot. Mr. Miles was born in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, in 1851, and brought up to farming by his father. He landed in Lyttelton by the ship “Hereford,” and for seven years had a small farm near Longbeach, whence he removed to Tinwald, where he was farming for six years and a half. In 1894 he became a settler in the Cheviot district. Mr. Miles holds fifty acres of freehold, and 150 acres under lease in perpetuity. He was married, in January, 1873, to a daughter of
Farmer, “Mount Seddon,” Cheviot. Mr. McGilray was born in the Island of Mull, Argyleshire, in 1858, learned farming in his early years, and came to the Colony in 1874 in the ship “Canterbury.” He entered the service of Mr. John McArthur, of St. James station, and soon became head shepherd. After returning from a visit to the Kimberley goldfields, in West Australia, Mr. McGilray took delivery of 20,000 sheep at Cheviot to stock the Clarence runs, and was afterwards made manager of the St. James station. He purchased his present farm of 370 acres in 1894, and has carried out extensive improvements in the shape of fencing and permanent grasses. Mr. McGilray was married in 1889 to Miss Johnston, and has three daughters.
Farmer, “Glengower,” Cheviot Mr. Mowat was born in Caithness, Scotland, in 1856. He was brought up to outdoor pursuits, and came to Port Chalmers in 1875, by the ship “Wellington,” then making her first trip. For about six years he was working on stations in Otago, and was settled for twelve years at Kyeburn, where he had a freehold farm of 400 acres. Subsequently, he purchased 300 acres in Taranaki, where he farmed for three years. At the end at that period he sold his interest, and settled at “Glengower,” in June, 1893. Mr. Mowat has greatly improved the property, which is a grazing run of 1886 acres, and carries a sheep to the acre. Mr. Mowat is a member of the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He married a daughter of Mr. Creighton, farmer, of Kyeburn, and has seven sons and three daughters.
comprises 44,000 acres of freehold, and is situated in the Cheviot and Amuri counties, having the boundary of each running through its centre, and the Stanton river on its northern boundary. It was first taken up in 1850 by the late Messrs Jollie and Lee, and in 1860 was acquired by the late Mr. G. A. Anstey, who died in 1893, leaving the estate in trust for the family, Captain R. Yonge and Mr. H. Kippman, of England, being the trustees. The property is thoroughly subdivided with fences and has a rabbit proof fence partly surrounding it, as well as two dividing rabbit fences. The present fine homestead was built in 1902, and occupies a position on the rising ground, with a splendid view overlooking the site of the old homestead, which was shaken down by the earthquake of November, 1901. There are about twelve acres of tall shelter trees, and there is a large orchard and garden. At a convenient distance there are commodious stables and other outbuildings, also sheep pens, dip, and large woolshed, capable of holding 1800 sheep, and accommodating twelve machine shearers. About 1500 acres have been cultivated; and the property carries 300 head of cattle, and a flock of about 35,000 sheep, 17,000 of which are Merinos.
Manager of “Mount Parnassus,” and one of the proprietors of Mount Hilton station, near Mason's Flat, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1852. He received his education at the Brentwood Grammar School; and in 1868 came to Nelson in the ship “John Bunyan.” He worked in the Government survey department, in connection with which he went to the West Coast goldfields. Later Mr. Giles went to Queensland as cadet on the Carnarvon run at the head of the Warrego river. He gained experience on several large runs, and was manager of Portland Downs station before going to “Wellshot,” which comprised half a million acres of land. On leaving “Wellshot,” Mr. Giles went to the South Sea Islands, where he engaged in tropical planting for some time, and in 1879 came again to New Zealand. In 1881 he became manager of Horsley Down estate, and held the position for sixteen years, at the end of which he received his present appointment. Mr. Giles has always taken a keen interest in Merino breeding; and acts as judge of this class of sheep at the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association's shows, at which he has been a large exhibitor. He has been a member of the Association since 1886. For some time he was steward and clerk of the scales of the Amuri Turf Club, and a member of the Amuri Rabbit Board. Mr. Giles was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. Cyrus Davie, late chief surveyor of Canterbury, and has one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Cheviot. Mr. Owen was born in Liverpool, England, in 1864, and came to Lyttelton by the ship Waitera, in 1879. He found work on sheep stations in Canterbury for some time, and afterwards bad four years' experience on the Mahakipawa diggings. Mr. Owen became one of the early selectors at Cheviot, where he secured ten acres under a lease in perpetuity. He has since increased his area to forty acres, and works his property as a dairy farm. Mr. Owen was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. W. Vaile, of Oamaru, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Ben Lomond,” Cheviot. Mr. Patterson was born in 1850 at Heathpcol, Northumberland, England. When he was sixteen years of age, his father, who was a farmer, died, whereupon the management of the farm devolved on him, and he carried it on for eleven years. He arrived at Port Chalmers in January, 1879, by the ship “Taranaki,” on her maiden trip, and settled at Oamaru, where, after holding the position of storeman, he was in business as a coal and timber merchant for several years. He then sold his business, and became a settler at Cheviot in 1896. His property consists of fifty-three acres under a lease in perpetuity. Mr. Patterson served for several years in the No. 1 Oamaru Rifles, and was also connected for sixteen years with the Oamaru Lodge of Oddfellows, in which he passed all the chairs. He was married, at Peterhead, in 1878, to Miss Frances Begg, of Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Fern Hill,” Cheviot. Mr. Shaw was born on the 10th of May, 1870, at Sefton, where he followed farming till 1892, when he commenced contracting on his own account, in the district. Four years later he found employment as coach driver from Waipara to Cheviot, where he acquired a section of fifty-four acres under a lease in perpetuity, in 1900; about half of the land has been brought into cultivation, and he has erected a convenient homestead. Mr. Shaw was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. J. Berrow, of Newport, Salop, and has two daughters.
Farmer, Cheviot. Mr. Scarr was born at Thurtleby, Yorkshire, England, in 1857, and was trained as a farmer. He came out to New Zealand, via Melbourne, in 1882. For two years Mr. Scarr worked at Kaiapoi, and for two years subsequently at Methven. In 1894 he took up 106 acres of land under a lease in perpetuity, and has considerably improved his property. He also leases a reserve of ninety-four acres.
Farmer, “Pine View,” Cheviot. Mr. Vaughan was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1849, was educated at Portadown, and trained as a farmer. He came out to Victoria in the ship “Somersetshire” in 1869, and after four years crossed the Tasman Sea and joined his late brother, William, at Sefton; he subsequently managed his brother's business at Waikari for fourteen years. In 1893 Mr. Vaughan purchased “Pine View,” then
J.P., Farmer, Cheviot. Mr. Whatman was born at Benenden, Kent, England, in 1839, and educated at Tudor Hall Academy, Hawkhurst, Kent. He began life as a hop farmer. When he came to New Zealand in 1877, in the “Woosung,” he selected a farm on the Ashley Downs, under the Land Act then in force, to the ralue of his passage money, paid by him. In 1890 he leased the Ashley Downs estate, upwards of 300 acres, with other farms. The property was worked chiefly by his sons, while he himself acted in various capacities, in one of which he was for seventeen years clerk at the sales of Mr. William Buss, the wellknown auctioneer, of Rangiora. Mr. Whatman has acted in many capacities for the Government, especially as land valuator, and is the present Government Valuator for the county of Cheviot. He was for years Deputy-Returning Officer for the Ashley County Council, and was also a member of the Ashley Road Board, and worked hard for the present traffic bridge across the river Ashley. Mr. Whatman was one of the governors of the Rangiora High School, but resigned the office on his removal to Cheviot. He has been chief returning officer for the county of Ashley for many years, and conducts the general and licensing elections. In 1894, when Cheviot was opened up for settlement, Mr. Whatman secured a suburban section of twenty acres, upon which he built a neat residence overlooking McKenzie; his family at the same time and place took up amongst them about 1300 acres, upon which they have effected many improvements. In 1893 Mr. Whatman was appointed to the Commission of the Peace, and has been Acting Coroner for Cheviot since its opening. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Geer, of Cranbrook, Kent, and has four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Glenmuick Estate,” Cheviot. Mr. Westland was born in Central India in 1875, and was educated at Clifton College, England. He is the eldest son of Sir James Westland, for many years a member of the Council of the Governor-General of India. Mr. Westland came to the Colony via Melbourne in 1891, and served as a cadet on the Lake Coleridge and Tipapa stations. His property at Cheviot comprises 3500 acres, and was taken up in 1894, since which great improvements have been effected, a splendid residence with wool-shed, stables, and out-buildings having been erected. The stock consists of crossbred sheep in which English strains predominate. Mr. Westland was married in 1897 to Miss Fisher, daughter of the late Captain Fisher, of Christchurch.
Farmer, Gerrard and Waiau Roads. Cheviot. Mr. White was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 24th of November, 1842, and came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Grassmere” in 1862. He went direct to the Cheviot district, where he engaged in sheep-shearing and general work, and experienced the usual ups and down of colonial life. Finally, when the Cheviot settlement was opened up in 1894. Mr. White decided to settle there. He holds twelve and a half acres under a lease in perpetuity.
sometime of Cheviot, was born in 1850, in County Cork, Ireland, where he was brought up to farming. At one time he was in business as a storekeeper at Waikari and Hurunui, and afterwards at Culverden. On the 14th of September, 1893, Mr. Coakley settled at Cheviot, and took up a property of 1200 acres on the Leamington road. This property carries about 1400 sheep. During his residence in the Hurunui district Mr. Coakley was a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of M. P. Ponsonby, of Rangiora, and at his death, on the 3rd of October, 1898, he left four daughters and one son. Mr. Charles D. Edward is now managing Mr. Coakley's estate.
is one of the old settlers who arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Cresswell” on the 12th of September, 1851, and landed at Woolston. He was born in Alcester, Warwickshire, England, in 1826, and was brought up as a butcher. After settling in Christchurch Mr. Shailer entered business as a livery stable keeper, and followed that calling till 1863. For about thirteen years afterwards he was in business in Christchurch as a commission agent. In 1889 Mr. Shailer left Christchurch and resided for a number of years with his daughter—now Mrs Bradley, of “Ridgethorpe,” Cheviot—who was in charge of the Charteris Bay public school. In his early days Mr. Shailer was a member of the Worcester Queen's Own Yeomanry. He was married, in 1853, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Thompson, of Worcester. Mrs Shailer died in 1897, leaving two sons and one daughter.
is about five miles distant by road from McKenzie. The harbour office, where the business of the local post office is conducted, is connected with McKenzie by telephone. A capital shed for receiving and delivering cargo is in daily requisition, and the steamers that trade with the port are there two or three times a week. Surf boats act as lighters to the steamers, and are hauled up on to the slip by an engine. Port Robinson is in the Seaward riding of the county of Cheviot, and at the census of 1901 had a population of sixty-three. It has a public school, which stands on the bluff, over-looking the harbour.
Harbourmaster at Port Robinson, was born in Caithness-shire, Scotland, where he learned carpentry and the building trade with his father. He came to New Zealand in 1863 by the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and worked at his trade for two years in Christchurch. Mr. Sinclair entered the service of the late Hon. W. Robinson in 1863, when he went to Cheviot to erect some buildings, and to do some carpentry work, which he expected to finish in three months. However, he found that one building after another was required, and what was originally supposed to be a three months' job lasted twenty-eight years. As a matter of fact, all the buildings which stood on Cheviot when the Government bought the property had been erected,
Clerk at the Port Robinson Harbour Office, was born in South Australia in 1853, and brought up to country life. He found employment there till he came to Canterbury in 1879. For five or six years he was engaged in Government survey work, in the South Malvern district, and also on the West Coast. In 1893 he took up a section of twenty-two acres under a lease in perpetuity at Port Robinson, and has held the position of harbour clerk there to the Cheviot County Council, since the establishment of the county. Mr. Hughes takes an interest in local affairs, and is chairman of the Port Robinson school committee and Domain Board. He is a member of the Amuri Mounted Rifles, and was one of the founders of the Cheviot Mounted Rifles. Mr. Hughes was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Dr. Mustarde, of Millicent, South Australia, and has four daughters and two sons. One of his sons was a member of the Ninth New Zealand Contingent, sent for service in South Africa.
was established in 1896. The site, a very fine one, occupies an elevated position on the bluff overlooking the bay, and commands a magnificent view of the sea, with the Kaikouras in the distance. The building, which is of wood and iron, consists of a class room and a porch. There is accommodation for forty pupils; the number on the roll is twenty-six, and the average attendance is twenty-two. Adjoining the school there is a residence of five rooms, and about five acres of land are attached to the school premises.
who is in charge of the Port Robinson School, was born in Dunedin, in 1875. He was educated at the St. Albans Main School, where he served a pupil-teachership of four years. After a year at the Normal Training College, Mr Chapman was relieving teacher at St. Albans for a time, and took up his position at Port Robinson, on the 30th of September, 1898. He is a member of the Amuri Mounted Rifles, in which he has held the position of trumpet-major since 1901. When he resided in Christchurch he was bugler to the Canterbury Scottish Rifles.
Farmer, Manuka Bay Farm, Port Robinson, Mr. Smith was born at Auckland, in 1874, and educated there and at Wellington. He is a son of Mr. Percy Smith, formerly Surveyor-General of New Zealand, and was brought up to country life in Taranaki. Mr. Smith was one of the original Cheviot selectors, and has resided in the district since 1894. He holds 720 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and on this property is able to run about a sheep to the acre. Mr. Smith is a member of the Port Robinson school committee, of the Cheviot Settlers' Association, and also
Builder, Contractor, and Timber Merchant, Gore Bay, Port Robinson. Mr. Tweedie was born in Peebleshire, Scotland, in 1852. He was apprenticed as a carpenter in Edinburgh, and came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Jessie Osborne” in 1865. Mr. Tweedie found employment at his trade for about two years in Christchurch, and was afterwards in business as a builder and contractor for twenty years. He was at Cheviot at the commencement of the settlement in 1894, but did not settle permanently at Gore Bay until 1898. During his residence in Canterbury Mr. Tweedie has erected a large number of buildings for the Board of Education in various parts of the country. He built all the schools in the Cheviot district, and a large number of the houses, besides the Town Hall. In his early days, in Edinburgh, he served for a time as a volunteer. As a Freemason Mr. Tweedie is a member of Lodge Cheviot, No. 124, New Zealand Constitution, and was initiated into the order in Christchurch in 1891. He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. G. Ferguson, of Christchurch, and has seven sons and one daughter surviving.
in the Waiau riding of the county of Cheviot, is about eight miles from McKenzie, and is centrally situated in the district of East Waiau. There is a post office, which is conducted at one of the local homesteads, and a blacksmith's shop. The population of the Waiau riding was 200 at the census of 1901.
was established in 1896, and is conducted at the residence of Mr. John Gills, Parnassus Road. Two mails are received and despatched from the office weekly.
was opened in July, 1895, and contains a class room and porch. It has accommodation for forty-one pupils; there were fifty-three names on the roll in 1902, and the average attendance was forty-one. There are two acres of land attached to the school premises; and there is a residence of five rooms for the teacher.
Headmaster of Spotswood School, was born in Christchurch, in 1875. He served five years as a pupil-teacher at St. Albans Main School, studied for a year at the Normal College, Christchurch, and was appointed to his present position in 1898. He was married, in 1899, to a daughter of Mr. C. Pickering, of Palmerston North, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Gowerbrae,” Spotswood, Cheviot. Mr. Craighead's property consists of 248 acres, which he holds from the Crown under a lease in perpetuity. The land has been reclaimed from the tussocks, and brought into a good state of cultivation. Mr. Craighead was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in June, 1847, and came to Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Cashmere” in 1859. He went to service at Sumner, where he remained for seven months. Then he joined his parents, who were living near Christchurch, and went with them, in 1860, to Shands' Road, near Prebbleton, where he acquired practical experience in farming. In May, 1865, he went to Russell's Flat, and in 1868 he commenced farming on his own account. He removed to Home Bush in 1875. In 1877 he turned his attention to road work, and between that date and 1881 took a considerable number of contracts from the South Malvern Road Board. In May, 1881, Mr. Craighead paid a visit to Southland, with a view to settling there, but did not think the prospect good enough. Shortly afterwards he joined Mr. Colthart, Clerk of the Magistrate's Court at Sheffield, as bailiff, and also acted as collector of agricultural statistics, census sub-enumerator, deputy-returning officer, etc. In 1885 he was assessor for the Malvern districts for the property tax. In March, 1893, Mr. Craig head severed his connection with Mr. Colthart, and in November of the same year took up land at Cheviot. He sold his property at Home Bush in 1894, and removed his family to Cheviot in May of the same year. Mr. Craighead was for several years a member of the South Malvern Road Board, and has also been a member of various school committees.
Farmer, Spotswood. Mr. Hansen was born in Denmark, in 1850, and on leaving school went to sea for upwards of ten years. In 1874 he
Farmer, Spring Creek, East Waiau, Spotswood. Mr. Smith was born in Herefordshire, England, in 1867, and came to Lyttelton with his father, the late Mr. W. H. Smith, in October, 1880, by the ship “Crusader.” He was brought up to country life, and settled in the Cheviot district in February, 1894. His property consists of 100 acres held under a lease in perpetuity, and has been reclaimed from the tussocks, fenced, planted and cultivated.
Farmer, “Riversview,” East Waiau, Spotswood. Mr. Smith was born in Herefordshire, England, in June, 1868, and accompanied his father, Mr. W. H. Smith, to Lyttelton, in the ship “Crusader,” which arrived in October, 1880. Mr. Smith settled in the Cheviot district in February, 1894, when he acquired 157 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and has now built a homestead, and planted and fenced his holding. Mr. Smith was married in November, 1894, to a daughter of Mr. F. Stigley, of Aahburton, and has one son and two daughters.
Spotswood, Cheviot. Mr. Wilkinson was born in 1859, in Cumberland, England, where his father was a land agent. Before coming to Australia, in 1879, Mr. Wilkinson gained experience of farming at Cirencester Agricultural College. Shortly after arriving in Australia, he came to an uncle in Canterbury, but subsequently removed to Pukekohe, Auckland, where he was engaged in farming for a good many years. Finally he became a settler at Cheviot on the establishment of that settlement. His property consists of 330 acres of leasehold in perpetuity. Upon this he has built a fine homestead, and has greatly improved the land. Mr. Wilkinson is a member of the Settlers' Association, and of the local branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. H. Wright, of Pukekohe, and has four sons and five daughters.
is a small settlement about five miles from McKenzie. It is a lovely valley of rich land, and is devoted chiefly to sheep farming. There is a small public school, centrally situated, in the district.
contains a single class room and a porch, and has accommodation for seventeen childien, which is the exact number on the roll, and the average attendance is sixteen. The land attached is several acres in extent, but no schoolhouse has been erected.
Teacher-in-charge of the Leamington school, was born in Glasgow, and arrived at Lyttelton, with her parents, by the s.s. “Doric,” in 1886. Miss McPherson was educated at Kaapoi. She served her pupil-teachership at McKenzie town school, and received her present appointment in March, 1902.
Farmer, Leamington Road, Cheviot. Mr. Burnett was born in April, 1847, in Ross-shire, Scotland, and brought up on his father's farm. In 1867 he went to California, where he engaged in sheepfarming for about ten years. He then came to New Zealand and settled for a time in Southland, where for five years, he held a position as a shepherd under the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, and was also for five years with Mr. George Gray Russell, in Otago. Subsequently he engaged in dairy farming for six years in the Timaru district, and on selling out his interest there he became one of the early settlers at Cheviot, where he acquired a holding of 100 acres, which he has since increased to 450 acres. When in the Timaru district Mr. Burnett was a member of the Pareora school committee for about four years. He is now a member of the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. Mr. Burnett was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert Linton, of the south of Scotland. Mrs Burnett died on the 7th of April, 1898, leaving two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Leamington Downs Farm, Leamirgton. Mr Sloss was born in Ayrshire. Scotland, in 1845, and has always been engaged in farming. He come to Port Chalmers in 1871 by the ship “Wild Deer,” and carried his swag as far north as the Selwyn. In the Amuri district he found employment as a shepherd, and was afterwards for twenty years engaged in shepherding, cropping and contracting on the Montrose and Leslie Hills estates. When Cheviot was opened, Mr. Sloss became one of the first selectors, and is one of the few freeholders in the district. He holds 580 acres of freehold, and farms altogether 2100 acres of land. Mr. Sloss is chairman of the Leamington school committee, a member of the Cheviot Settlers' Association, and of the Cheviot branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married, in 1885, to a daughter of Mr. J. Upritchard, of Loburn, and has three sons and four daughters.
is a flourishing settlement close to the railway line. The station is forty-nine miles from Christchurch, and stands at an elevation of 773 feet above the level of the sea. The business of the postal department is conducted at the railway station. There are four churches, two hotels, and several stores in the township, in which the Waipara Road Board, which has jurisdiction over the roads of the settlement, has its office. Waikari is in the county of Ashley, and the population, at the census of 1901, was set down as 417; the Waikari Flat, close by, had a population of thirty-seven. As a pastoral district, Waikari has an enviable reputation. The wool of its halfbred flocks is unsurpassed in the colony; it is noted for its fineness of fibre, and invariably obtains the best prices in the local market. The celebrated Weka Pass is not far from Waikari. There are a few homesteads in its neighbourhood, and formerly it had a hotel. At the census of 1901, Weka Pass had a population of twenty-four.
is built of wood and iron, and contains a separate room for the postal work and the stationmaster's office. The railway station was opened at Waikari, in 1883, and the post and telegraph business was conducted at a local store for some years, but the two departments have been combined since about the year 1890. Six trains pass daily through Waikari station. Mails are received and despatched twice every day, and there is telephone connection with Hawarden.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at Waikari, was born in Auckland in 1870. He joined the railway service in 1884, and was appointed to his present position in 1901. Mr. Somerfield was married, in 1895, to a daughter of the late Mr. D. Lynch, and has two sons and one daughter.
Baker, Waikari. Mr. Wohnus began his business in 1879, and it has increased very largely with the growth of the district. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains a shop, a dwelling-house, and two storerooms. At the back are the stables and other buildings; and there is a large bakehouse, with two ovens, each capable of holding 140 large loaves. Three horses and two carts are kept in use, and bread is delivered for twenty miles around. Mr. Wohnus is the only baker in Waikari, and has gained a large market for his bread, orders being received from Amberley in the south, and as far north as Waiau. Three men are employed, and the average output is 14,000 loaves per week; orders for small goods are promptly attended to. Mr. Wohnus was born, in 1840, in Wertemburg, Germany, where he was educated. He served two years at his trade there, and then went to London, where he remained for fifteen years. After coming to New Zealand, in 1873, by the ship “Lyttelton,” Mr. Wohnus engaged in general country work about Gtago until he was employed in connection with the construotion of the Weka Pass railway, and after being about a year on that work he began his present business in Waikari.
(John P. Horner, proprietor), Waikari. This hotel is a wood and iron building, and was stablished in the sixties. It is situated on the Great North Road at the north end of Weka Pass, and was once the station for the coaches between Amberley and Culverden. It contains twenty-one rooms, including two dining, and three sitting rooms; a livery and bait stable is also kept by the proprietor.
Proprietor of the Star and Garter Hotel, was born in 1800, in
Saddler, Waikari. Mr. Ireland began business at Waikari in 1891. Harness, saddlery, horse covers, cow covers, and other articles in the trade are made on the premises, which consist of a shop and a workroom. A branch of the business has been established at Hawarden. Mr Ireland was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1853, and came in 1860 to Port Chalmers, with his parents, who settled in Dunedin. After three years he was taken to Riverton where he was educated, and served five years at his trade, which he then followed at Invercargill and various other places. In 1875 Mr. Ireland came to Canterbury, and found work in Christchurch, and for eighteen months at Amberley and Rangiora. He then returned to Riverton, where he carried on business for twelve years, and then went to Ashburton, where he established another business. In 1888 he went to the Melbourne Exhibition, and after a stay of sixteen months in Australia, returned under engagement as manager of Mr. McNaught's business in Waikari. He held that position for eighteen months, and established his present business in 1891. Mr. Ireland has an apiary of fifty hives; he has made a careful study of bees, and keeps in stock, for sale, all the latest appliances for bee-keeping. While in Riverton he was a borough councillor and a member of the local school committee. He was also a member of the Southland Philosophical Association, and gave several lectures before the members of that body. In 1890 Mr. Ireland promoted the Waikari Mutual Improvement Society, and has served six years on the Waikari school committee, of which he was for some time chairman. He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Lough, of Amberley, and has one son and six daughters.
General Storekeeper, Waikari. This business was established about 1877, by Messrs Vaughan and Cordnerl, and was taken over by the present proprietor in April, 1879. The premises consist of a large two storey iron building, and contain a double shop, three departments, dwelling house, and several storerooms. Mr. McDowell's is the popular store of the Waikari district. He stocks grocery, drapery, farcy goods, ironmongery, boots, coal and wood, timber, and all farmers' requisites. He is agert for the Christchurch daily papers, the Alliance Insurance, and broker for the Australian Mutual Provident Life Insurance. Mr McDowell was born in 1852 in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where he received his education and served five years at the bakery business. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Pleiades,” in 1874, and took work as a platelayer on the Christchurch section of railway. He was a storekeeper at Chertsey for five years, and in 1893 had a bakery in Waimate, which he left to take over his present business in 1897. Mr. McDowell was for a number of years a member of the Chertsey and Rakaia school committees, and is an honorary member of the Loyal Waikari Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity. As an elder and local preacher, Mr. McDowell has acted for the Presbyterian church in nearly all the places at which he has lived. He was married, in 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. McAllister, of Langloan, Scotland, and has two sons and two daughters.
Carrier, Waikari. This business was established by the father of the present proprietor, who took it over in 1890. The plant consists of three waggons, two spring drays, one tip-cart, and a gig, six draughts, and a number of other horses. There is a coal and wood depot in connection with the business. Mr. Honeybone was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1866, and came to Lyttelton in 1874, with his parents who lived some time at Leeston, and Balcairn, and finally settled at Waikari. He worked with his father until taking over the business himself. Mr. Honeybone has taken an active part in racing, and is the owner of the trotting stallion “Baltimore” and the mare “Ipswich.” He has owned many other valuable racehorses, and has won some large prizes. Mr. Honeybone acts as handicapper for the Amuri and Hurunui racing clubs. He has been a member of the Amuri Mounted Rifles since their enrolment. As an Oddfellow he was for six years a member of the Loyal Waikari Lodge, Manchester Unity. Mr. Honeybone was married, in 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Smith, of Balcairn and has one son.
Farmer, Rochvale Farm, Waikari. Mr. Allan was born in 1846 In Dumbartonshire, Scotland, and received his education in the parish of Cumbernauld. He was brought up on his father's farm, and in 1874 came to Lyttelton in the ship “Ciusader.” Mr. Allan was manager of the farming department at Horsley Down, for three years, and also was for three years manager of the same department on the Albury estate. For a short time Mr. Allan had a leashold agricultural farm of 640 acres at Geraldine, and in 1882 he bought 181 acres on the Glenmark estate. He has since increased his holding by 1350 acres, the greater part of which is devoted to agricultural purposes. Mr. Allan was married, in 1885, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Macdonald, of Woodlands, Geraldine, and has three sons and two daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Park View Farm, Waikari. Mr. Allan was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, in 1846, and received his education at Cumbernauld. He was brought up on his father's farm, and managed it for five years before coming to Lyttelton in the ship “Opawa” in 1878. For two years Mr. Allan was engaged as farm manager for Mr. Davis at Waterton, and started for himself at Geraldine, on 640 acres of leasehold land, and seventy-two acres of freehold. He worked this property as a grazing and agricultural farm, until he sold it in 1897, and bought his present sheep farm of 1000 acrss freehold. Mr. Allan has greatly improved his property by building a residence and large outbuildings, and erecting twelve miles of fencing. A large portion of the land has been converted from tussock into grain and turnip fields, and carries a flock of 900 breeding ewes and 400 store sheep. It usually fattens from 1700 to 2000 sheep yearly, and part of it is capable of fattening ten sheep to the acre. Mr. Allan was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1897; he was for three years a member of the Geraldine school committee, and for some time a member of the Waipara Road Board. He was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Forrester, of Hall Farm, Cumbernauld, and has six sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Nutgrove Farm,” Waikari. This old settler was born in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, in 1832, was educated at the public school, and brought up to agricultural and pastoral pursuits. He entered the service of Mr. John Kennedy, of Kirkland, who owned 60,000 sheep, and was with that gentleman for five years before coming out to Australia in the ship “Marco Polo” in 1857. Mr. Armstrong worked at farming for a few years and then went to the goldfields. In 1862, he arrived in Otago and worked for three years at Gabriel's Gully, and subsequently at Wakamarina and other Nelson diggings. Later on, he was employed by the late Mr. J. S. Caverhill, at Motunau, where his early pastoral experience was very useful to him, and he was soon made manager of “Hawkeswood,” and afterwards of “Highfield,” which carried 42,000 sheep. Mr. Caverhill having disposed of his runs in 1876, Mr. Armstrong began farming on his own account, having purchased 643 acres of agricultural land. He runs Merino and long-wool sheep, and has frequently topped the market at the wool sales. The increase of lambs in his flocks in the season of 1897–8 was as much as 128 per cent. Mr. Armstrong has always taken an active part in educational matters and has been a member of the school committee for eighteen years. He was one of the promoters in the building of the Presbyterian church and manse, and has acted as church treasurer for many years. Mr. Armstrong was married in 1871 to Miss Staveley, and has four daughters.
(George A. Bailie and Robert Bailie), Farmers, Crosshill and Riverdale Farms, Waikari Valley.
are sons of the late Mr. Robert Bailie, who came to Lyttelton in the ship “Chrysolite” in 1861, and farmed in various parts of Canterbury, until he settled in Waikari Valley, where he died in 1900. The late Mr. Bailie was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. George Souter,
Sheepfarmer, “Green Hill,” Waikari. Mr. Crowley was born in Middlesex, England, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand by the s.s. “Florida” in 1884, and joined his uncle at Gisborne, where he gained useful colonial experience. Subsequently, he served as a cadet with Mr. T. Chapman, “Mount Palm,” Amuri. In 1894, he took up the lease of the “Green Hill” property, which contains 1450 acres, and has a carrying capacity of two sheep to the acre. Mr. Crowley grows grain, turnips, and rape as feed for fattening his lambs, bred from Shropshire Down rams and Leicester and Merino half-bred ewes. He has won a name for his wool, for which he has obtained the highest price. In 1895 he was married to Miss Walton, and has one son.
Farmer, Waikari. Mr. Darrock was bron in 1845 in Argyleshire. Scotland, and brought up to farming. He arrived at Port Chalmers in the ship “City of Dunedin,” in 1867, and engaged in farm work throughout Otago until 1877. He then leased land for cropping purposes, and in 1880 bought 250 acres at All Day Bay, where for some years he managed the shipping by means of surf boats. On moving to Canterbury, Mr. Darrock bought 3000 acres at Rakaia, and carried on mixed farming for three years, when he sold out and removed to Waikari. Mr. Darrock still carries on cropping in the Waikari and Culverden districts, where he yearly crops from 300 acres to 2500 acres. He has been a member of the Waikari school committee since 1882, and was for three years its charman. Mr. Darrock was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Fraser, of Dunedin, and has three sons and two daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Timperdean,” Waikari. Mr. Douglas was born in Leicestershire, England, in 1856, of Scottish parents, and was educated at Wimbledon. He came to Melbourne in 1876 in the ship “Northumberland,” and three years later arrived in New Zealand. He bought the first pertion of his property in 1879. The estate consists of 2400 acres of freehold and leasehold land, which is entinely devoted to the rearing and fattening of sheep and lambs for the London market. Mr. Douglas was a member of the Waipara Road Board for twelve years. He is a Justice of the Peace, and
Farmer, Waikari. Mrs Dodd is the widow of the late Mr. Thomas Dodd, and daughter of the late Mrs Arderson, who died in 1902, at Waikari, in her ninety-second year. Mrs Dodd was born in Aberdeershire, Scotland, and arrived with her parents at Lyttelton in the ship “Fatima,” on the 28th of December, 1851, after a passage of thirteen weeks and three days.
was born in Surrey, England, in 1829, and came to Port Chalmers in 1848, in the ship “Ajax.” In 1851 he went to Mount Grey Downs station of 5000 acres which he managed for fourteen years. Subsequently Mr. Dodd began to farm at Saltwater Creek, and in 1861 took a pleasure trip of six months to England in the ship “Chrysolite,” by which he returned to New Zealand. He worked his farm until it was ruined by the flood of 1868, when he took up a farm of 200 acres of freehold at Waikari. Mr. Dodd was a member of the Kowai Road Board and of the Saltwater Creek school committee. He was married, in 1854, and died on the 5th of October, 1871, leaving three daughters.
comprises 30,000 acres of leasehold, and is situated on the south branch of the Hurunui, near Lake Sumner. It was first leased from the Government in 1858, by Mr. C. E. Dampier.
J.P., Proprietor of Esk Head Station, was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1839. He was educated at Sedburgh, and brought up to farming by his uncle, Mr John Crossley, of Scait-cliffe, Lancashire, who left his estates to him, on condition that in addition to his own name, he took the name of Crossley, and coat of arms. Mr. Christopher Edward Dampier, his father, emigrated to New Zealand, where he arrived on the 8th of November, 1850, in the “Phœbe Dunbar,” and, as solicitor to the Canterbury Association, he brought the documents of the Association with him. Mr Dampier-Crossley came to Lyttelton in 1858 in the ship “Roehampton” and went to the Hurunui, where he afterwards became manager of his father's sheep run, Esk Head. In 1870 he took over the property. He has a shearing ground and shed at Stoneyroyd, Waitohi Gorge. His residence is at Waituna, Waikari. Mr. Dampier-Crossley was the first to take sheep to Hokitika in 1868. He was at one time a member of the Rangiora and Mandeville Road Board, and is a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Christchurch. He was also a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and resigned the lieutenancy after serving about nine years.
(George Rutherford, owner), Waikari Valley. This farm comprises 2700 acres of freehold land, and was formerly owned by Mr L. H. Lane.
the Owner, was born in the Amuri district in 1877, and educated at Christchurch. He was brought up by his father on Montrose station, Culverden, where he gained much experience. In 1901 he bought “Eastcott,” which he works as a sheep farm.
Farmers, “Clifton” (Owen T. Evans, manager), Waikari. Mr. Evans was born in 1878 at Kaiapoi. After leaving school he was for four years employed in butter-making at the Central Dairy Factory, Addington. He also worked at his father's flourmill and farm at Kaiapoi. For a number of years he was managing a threshing plant about the district. Messrs Evans and Sons acquired “Clifton,” a farm of 2500 acres of freehold, in 1902. Mr. Evans, as manager, crops about 500 acres yearly, and the remainder carries sheep, for which it is well adapted. Mr. Evans has been a member of the Kaiapoi Sons of Temperance Lodge since he was fourteen yeas of age.
Waikari. This estate, the property of Mr. C. D. Fox, lies in the limestone country, in the Waikari Valley. It consists of about 4000 acres of freehold and leasehold land, of exceptional grazing quality. “Foxdown” is stocked solely with sheep, chiefly half-bred ewes, and Mr Fox breeds extensively for the fat lamb trade.
the Proprietor of Foxdown Estate, was born in Wellington, Somerset, England, in 1852. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Norma,” in 1871, and spent seven years as a cadet on sheep runs in the Mackenzie Country. “Foxdown” was bought by him in 1878. Mr. Fox is a devoted Freemason, and no one has done more than he to promote the interests of the fraternity in Canterbury. Just before leaving South Canterbury he was initiated as the first candidate of Lodge Winchester, No. 1737 E.C. He was one of the promoters, and assisted in the foundation of Lodge Ashley, No. 1877 E.C. (now No. 28 N.Z.C.); Lodge Amberley, No. 2007 E.C.; Lodge St. Alban's, No. 2597 E.C.; Lodge Hiram, No. 272 E.C., Mark Degree, of which he was installed as the first W.M.M.; Lodge South Canterbury, No. 300 E.C., Mark Degree, where he was installed as the first W.M.M., after the resuscitation of the Prince of Wales Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1716, E.C., of which he is a Past Z., and the Beckett Chapter Rose Croix, 18, N. 135, E.C., of which he is a Past M.W.S. Mr Fox is a Past Senior Grand Warden of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, E.C., and has conducted the Board of Installed Masters at the installations for several years. He was for a long time Permanent Preceptor in the Lodge of Instruction at Waikari, and was five times elected W.M. of Lodge Amberley. At the present time Mr. Fox is the Deputy District Grand Master of the New Zealand South Mark Master Masons, and is also a member of Lodge Fidelity and Sincerity, No. 1977, Somerset, England. In his younger days Mr. Fox was an ardent footballer. For seven years he played for Temuka and South Canterbury, and afterwards for his county, while on a trip to England in 1879. Mr. Fox has been twice married, and has one son by his first marriage. His second wife is a daughter of the late Colonel Lean, and there is a family of one son and one daughter by this union. The eldest son has followed in his father's footsteps in his love of athletics. He has played for the Christchurch Football Club; and, rowing with Mr. Frank Hobbs, he won the Maiden and Junior Pairs at the Picton regatta, in 1901. As a volunteer he was captain of the College Cadets, was afterwards a private in the College Rifles, and is now a trooper in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He also served as a member of the Eighth Contingent in the war in South Africa.
the property of Mrs Studholme, Motunau, Waikari, originally formed part of the Stoneyhurst run. This station contains about 30,000 acres and was purchased by Messrs. Sanderson and Studholme in 1864. At the expiration of the Crown lease and the dissolution of partnership in 1891, the greater portion of it was sold and let in small holdings for settlement, the proprietors only retaining the homestead block of 5000 acres. The run carries a healthy flock of half and three-quarter bred English Leicester and Shropshire sheep.
Manager of the Greta Peaks Station, is the son of one of North Canterbury's earliest settlers. He was born at Wharfdale in 1865, was educated at Amberley, and passed his early years on his father's farm, “Riverside.” Subsequently, he gained valuable experience with his uncle on the Clarence run, which at that time carried 50,000 sheep. He was appointed to his present position in 1891. Mr. Coleman is fond of sports, loves a good horse, and on several occasions has carried his colours to the winning post, twice carrying off the Ladies' Bracelet at Christchurch. He is also well known at the North Canterbury steeple-chase meetings. Mr. Coleman was married in 1897 to Miss Foster, eldest daughter of Mr. Reginald Foster, of Christchurch.
Farmer, Waikari. Mr. Holland was born at Halkett, Canterbury, in 1873. He received his education at Brookside, where he was brought up to farming by his father. In 1898 Mr. Holland entered on his present farm of 220 acres of freehold, on which he keeps sheep and grows crops. He was married, on the 24th of May, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. H. Hight, of Brookside, and has one daughter.
Waikari (Mr. F. Lance, proprietor). This fine property is 2000 acres in extent, and was purchased in 1896 by the present owner, who has since made extensive improvements. A house of thirteen rooms, for which Mr. Lance was his own
Proprietor of the Huihui Estate, Waikari, was born in 1864, and educated in Jersey. He is the son of a prominent Canterbury settler, the late Captain J. D. Lance, who is referred to elsewhere as sometime a member of Parliament. Mr. F. Lance was married in 1888 to the second daughter of Captain Temple, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Glenallen,” Waikari. Mr. Lister was born in 1862, at Balcairn, and received all the education he got at Leithfield. He was brought up on his father's farm, which he afterwards worked for ten years. In 1888 he started for himself, at Springston, on 110 acres of leasehold land, which he worked for some time. Mr Lister acquired his present farm of 2450 acres of freehold, in 1897, and breeds half-breds by Lincoln rams from a flock of Merino ewes. Great improvements have been made by the proprietor, who has erected a substantial residence and the usual outbuildings, which will soon be sheltered by plantations of pines. Mr. Lister was a member of the Kowai Rifle Club, for eight years, and also of the Amuri Mounted Rifles, and won many prizes and trophies for shooting in both clubs. He also has been well known as an athlete in various parts of North Canterbury, and has been a member of the Loyal Leithfield Lodge of Oddfellows since 1877. Mr. Lister was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Miller, of “Harpsdale,” Shag Valley, Palmerston South, and has two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Pleasant View Farm, Waikari. Mr. Love was born in Christchurch, in 1869, and educated at Timaru and Gapes' Valley. He engaged in farm work and shearing throughout Canterbury for a number of seasons, and in 1891 went to Queensland. On returning to Canterbury he followed his previous occupation until he wont to Mr. Speedy's station in Hawke's Bay in 1895. In two years he came back to Canterbury, but revisited the North Island before settling on his present freehold farm of 162 acres, on which he keeps sheep and grows crops. Mr. Love is a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and of the Waikari Mutual Improvement Society, and was for some time a member of the Amuri Mounted Rifles. He was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. H. Tomlinson, of Hawarden, and has one son and two daughters.
(Messrs Giles and Davie, proprietors), Waikari. This property comprises 4,700 acres, and was originally part of the Horsley Down estate. It carries over a sheep to the acre, and was purchased by the present proprietors in 1896. They have effected extensive and substantial improvements, and have erected twenty miles of wire fencing, besides building a house, a wool-shed, and other outbuildings.
is referred to in another article as manager of Mount Parnassus station.
one of the proprietors of Mount Hilton estate, was born in Christchurch in 1874, and educated at Christ's College. He served for two years in the Union Bank, and was afterwards at the Agricultural College, Lincoln, for two years, during which he gained every certificate that it was possible for him to take in connection with his course of study. In 1896 he became a partner in the firm of Giles and Davie at “Mount Hilton.” Mr. Davie took a trip to England, in 1897, and since his return has resided on the estate. While studying at Christ's College he played in the football teams, in both the fifteen and the eleven. He was married, in 1896, to the widow of the late Mr. G. Pearson, of Manchester.
one of the Owners of Mount Hilton Estate, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1843. He was educated at the public school, learned farming, and came out to the Colony in 1872 in the ship “Aldergrove.” After a year in Otago, he entered
This fine property, of which Mr. T. York is the owner, is situated twelve miles from Waikari. It originally formed a portion of Horsley Down, and comprises 18,000 acres freehold of fine grazing country, suitable for half-bred sheep, of which there is a flock of 10,000. A considerable area of the land is ploughable, and is being annually laid down in grass. The property has a warm northern aspect and is well watered. There is a good, prettily-situated homestead, together with a splendid wool-shed and out-buildings, and a number of thriving plantations. The station is one of the most complete in Canterbury.
Proprietor of the McDonald Downs Station and also of the Woolston Steam Wool Works, landed in Otago in 1861 with the first “rush” to the diggings, which he followed for about three years. He was at Gabriel's, the Arrow, and Queenstown, when everything and everybody was housed under canvas. Mr. York has resided in Canterbury for thirty three years, and has been active in local politics as a member of the Selwyn County Council, Borough Council, Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and school committees. He is also a Justice of the Peace. Besides his wool business, Mr. York devotes much attention to pomology, and is an extensive fruit-grower.
Manager of McDonald Downs Station, Waikari, was born in Nairnshire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1885, in the ship “Doric.” He immediately entered the service of his brother, who was at that time manager of the Lakes station. After that he had experience as a shepherd on some of the largest runs in North Canterbury and Nelson, and was appointed to his present position in 1896. Mr. Cameron was married, in 1893, to Miss Mc-Farlane.
Farmer, Waikari. Mr. Olson was born in 1831, in Caithness-shire, Scotland, where he was educated, and after a few years on his father's farm, was apprenticed to the milling trade, which he followed for fourteen years. In 1863 he came to New Zealand. He engaged in farming for eight years, and was appointed working overseer for the Waipara Road Board in 1871. Mr. Olson bought two town sections, and one of the houses he built was subsequently used as the first post and telegraph office in Waikari. He purchased land in 1864 at Westerfield, and, subsequently, at the Cust. Both of these properties he disposed of to advantage, and afterwards acquired land at Amberley and Waikari. Mr. Olson has always taken an active interest in church and school matters.
Farmer, Plasisa Farm, Waikari Valley. Mr. Roberts was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1843, and was apprenticed as a sailor. He shipped in London on the schooner “Brisk,” and after six months in Australia, came in the same vessel to Lyttelton in 1862. Soon after landing he joined in the “rush” to the Otago goldfields, on which he remained for three years, and then went to the West Coast diggings. There he opened a store in 1865, and carried it on for about ten yeas. He then returned to Canterbury and engaged in farm work. In 1890 he bought the freehold of his present property of 300 acres, on which he carries on sheepfarming. Mr. Roberts was married, in 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Baxter, of Ireland, and has seven sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Lilburn Farm, Waikari Valley. Mr. Stewart was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1861. After leaving school he engaged in shepherding, and in 1882 came out in the ship “Wairoa” under engagement to Mr W. A. Low, at St. Helen's station, where he stayed for two years, and then went as head shepherd to Parnassus station, where he remained for four years. He was for a similar period at “Leslie Hills.” In 1891 Mr. Stewart leased 1958 acres, which he works as a sheep farm. He was one of the first in the district to
Sheepfarmer, “Limehurst,” Waikari. Mr. Turner was born in the United States in 1853, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1863. After a short stay, the family visited Sydney on the way to California, where they settled for eighteen months, but returned to New Zealand about 1873. After being for a time at Auckland, Napier, and Wellington, Mr. Turner removed to the Waikari Valley, where he first took up land in 1877. His property is situated four miles from Waikari, and contains 5000 acres, the first portion of which was taken up in 1882. Substantial improvements have been effected, 2200 acres having been laid down in permanent grasses, and 1100 acres surface sown. A large flock of sheep is depastured on the estate. Mr. Turrer was married in 1882 to Miss Lewis, and has one son and one daughter.
This station is the property of Mr. Michael J. Burke, and originally formed part of Horsley Down. It comprises 17,000 acres, and is situated between the upper reaches of the Hurunui and Waitohi rivers. In 1893 the proprietor bought 13,000 acres, and in order to possess a complete block, has since acquired an additional area of 4000 acres, which was almost surrounded by his former
Proprietor of “Waitohi Peaks,” was born at Halswell, Canterbury, in 1862. He received his education at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at the Agricultural College, Lincoln. After travelling in various parts of the world, Mr. Burke returned to Canterbury and started farming in 1886 at “Knocklynn,” near Tai Tapu. He worked this farm for seven years, when he sold out and bought his present property in its unimproved state. Mr. Burke has served since 1895 as a member of the Waipara Road Board. He is also a member of the Hurunui Rabbit Board, and was for five years a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. Mr. Burke was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. Ridley, of Gloucester, England, and has one son and two daughters.
is a small village on the main north coach road, nine miles from Waikari, and sixty-two from Christchurch. The district, which is in the Waipara riding of the county of Ashley, is devoted chiefly to sheep farming. Mails are received and despatched thrice a week, and there is a public school at the village, which at the census of 1901 had a population of fifty-eight.
(Anglican) was opened at Hurunui, in October, 1901. It is of wood and iron, stands on part of a section of one acre and a quarter, and has seats for about 100 adults. Services are held periodically by the vicar of Cheviot and Amuri.
Farmer, Hurunui. Mr. Forrester was born at Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1841, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Chrysolite,” in 1862. He engaged in shepherding for two years at Tekoa, and for fourteen years was head shepherd at Montrose station, Culverden. In 1873 he started for himself at Amuri on 800 acres of freehold, and in 1883 acquired 1300 acres at Black Hill. Mr. Forrester has since bought 1690 acres, and works the whole as a sheep farm. Since 1882, he has been breeding Corriedale sheep with much success. Mr Forrester is a member of the Waipara Road Board, and has been a member of the Amuri County Council since 1899. He has served also on the Hurunui school committee since 1890. In 1896 he took a six months pleasure trip to England and Scotland, and Ireland, where he visited members of his family. Mr. Forrester was married, in 1876.
(Mr. A. Earshman, proprietor), Hurunui. The freehold portion of this property, comprising 2465 acres, was acquired by the present proprietor in 1884; in addition, there are 3337 acres of leasehold land, all situated on the south bank of the Hurunui river. The property has considerable carrying capacity, and the flocks are principally Merino and Border-Leicester crossbreds.
Proprietor of Hitchen Hill Estate, was born, in 1841, in Dumfries-shire, Scotland, where he was educated and brought up to shepherding. He came to Lyttelton, in 1863, in the ship “Epsom Downs,” and was engaged as head shepherd for thirteen years at St. Leonard's station, Culverden. In 1877 he leased the Educational Reserve of 4000 acres at Hurunui, and worked it as a sheep farm for fourteen years. He subsequently took up 3300 acres on deferred payments, and then bought 2400 acres. All his property is situated on the south side of the Hurunui river, and is used for pastoral purposes. Mr. Earshman was for three years a member of the Waipara Road Board, and has been chairman of the Hurunui school committee since 1895. In 1900 he took a pleasure trip, extending over nine months, to England. Mr. Earshman was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Waller, of Ireland, and has one son and four daughters.
Farmer, “Daviston,” Hurunui. Mr. McKay was born in Black Isle, near Inverness, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1868. For nine years he was shepherd on St. Leonards station and afterwards, in 1876, leased the Pauhau Reserve of 4000 acres in conjunction with Messrs. Earshman and McRae, and, subsequently, the Pauhau Pastures of 6000 acres. In 1884 Mr. McKay purchased the first part of his property, which now consists of 5389 acres and carries 4500 sheep, and on which he has effected extensive and substantial improvements in the shape of a good dwelling-house, together with woolshed and outbuildings. He has served on the school committee, and has a large interest in the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association and in the Culverden Saleyards Company. Mr. McKay was married, in 1883, to Miss Waller, and has three sons and one daughter.
is a district which originally formed part of the Glenmark estate, and was surveyed into a township of from five to ten acre sections. It has a flag railway station on the northern line, fifty-three miles from Christchurch, and stands 873 feet above the level of the sea. There are three stores, two blacksmiths' shops, and a boardinghouse in the village. There is also a public hall, and the Roman Catholic church and presbytery are new and prominent buildings in the settlement. Sheep farming is the occupation of the settlers in the vicinity. The settlement is in the Waipara riding of the Ashley county, and at the census of 1901 had a population of sixty-six, inhabitants.
was established in 1886. Mails are received and despatched every day, and the office is connected by telephone with Waikari. The business of the department is conducted at the store of Mr. John O'Carroll.
Postmaster at Hawarden, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1853. He arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Hereford,” in 1876, and settled in the Hawarden district in 1880. In that year he established the store, which he has since conducted. Mr. O'Carroll was married, in 1883, to a daughter of Mr. T. Dowd, of County Kerry, and has seven sons and two daughters.
of the Roman Catholic Church extends from the Ashley to the Conway rivers, and is about 100 miles across. It was formerly included in the Rangiora parish. Besides the Hawarden church, there are churches at Waiau, Brackenfield, and Cheviot; and services are held periodically at Stonyhurst and Hanmer. A site has been selected at Hanmer Springs, where it is intended to build another church. The presbytery, which was built in 1900, is a handsome residence of nine rooms, and stands in ornamental grounds on part of a section of ten acres. St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church, Hawarden, was originally erected in 1886, and was enlarged in 1900. It is built of wood and shingles, and, including the gallery, has accommodation for 200 persons.
Priest in Charge of the Hawarden Parish, was born in 1873, in Warwickshire, England, He was educated at Erdington and Cotton Hall, in Staffordshire, and at Brussels, in Belgium. Father Price was ordained at Clifton in 1896, and officiated for a short time in London and Leeds. In February, 1899, he landed at Lyttelton, in the s.s.
Manager of the Roman Catholic Presbytery at Hawarden, was born in 1862, in Somersetshire, England, where he received his education He was brought up on his fathers farm, and in 1884 went to London where he was employed in a variety of ways. In 1900 he arrived in New Zealand, and settled at Hawarden, where he has been prominent in musical circles. He has charge of the presbytery of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic church, for which he acts as choirmaster, and very often as organist. Mr. Dodderidge was married, in April, 1902, to a daughter of Mr. James Durham, of Newport, Monmouthshire, England.
Butcher and Farmer. Hawarden. Mr. Cox was born at St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1838. He was brought up to mercantile life in Scotland, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Regina” in 1859. He was employed for three years by Mr. J. S. Caverhill, at Hawkeswood station, and for three years afterwards was a shepherd at Brcomfield. Subsequently he was manager of Waipapa station for a year; and afterwards of “Teviotdale,” till that estate was sold to Mr. G. D. Greenwood. Mr Cox was for five years proprietor of the hotel at Weka Pass, and during the same time he held the position of Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. He then commenced butchering at Weka Pass, and supplied the men engaged in the construction of the railway. In 1883 he removed to Hawarden, where he has since conducted his present business, of which for ten years he had a branch at Rotherham. Mr. Cox owns twenty acres at Hawarden, and 240 acres at Weka Pass. He has served on the Mason's Flat and Rotherham school committees, and took a very active part in the establishment of the Hawarden Saleyards Company, of which he has been secretary since 1899. Mr. Cox takes a keen interest in politics, and at every election he actively and warmly supports the Liberal candidates. He was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. Fitzpatrick, and has three sons and three daughters. Mr. Fitzpatrick was a farmer in the Balcairn district of Canterbury, from 1861 to the time of his death, and came from County Tyrone, Ireland.
(Hawarden Brarch), Hawarden This branch was established in February 1902, and its buildings, with a zesidence for the manager, have been erected on a corner section of half an acre, in the centre of the township. A large stock of groceries and farmers' requisites is maintained at the establishment, and the business is steadily advancing.
Manager, was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1864. He was educated at the Collegiate school, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, and waa brought up to mercantile life in Cardiff, where he worked for four years. For five years afterwards he resided at Newbury, and came out to New Zealand, via Australia, in 1889. For the first two years Mr. Beaven farmed near Amberley, after which he joined the firm of Vaughan and Co. at Waikari, and finally became manager of the business. Mr. Beaven was engaged at Sefton with Messrs J. Brown and Co. for four years and a half, and left that firm to open the Hawarden branch of tlfe North Canterbury Co-operative Stores. Limited. For five years before coming to New Zealand he served in the First Berkshire Volunteers.
Farmer, “Hopetoun,” Hawarden. Mr. Macfarlane was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1851, and was brought up as a shepherd. He was employed for five years by the late Mr. J. McGregor, of Glengyle, Perthshire, and of the Queen's Hotel, Glasgow, and was afterwards for five years shepherd to the late Sir Archibald Orr Ewing, of Ballikinran, Stirlingshire. Mr. Macfarlane came to Port Chalmers by the
Farmer, “Loch Sloy,” Hawarden. Mr. McFarlane was born in the west of Stirlingshire, where he was brought up to pastoral pursuits. He subsequently entered into business in Glasgow, but later on went to sea as steward on board one of the Swift line, visiting many parts of the world. Mr. McFarlane is descended from the oldest branch of his clan, and traces back his lineage to the house of Lennox. He came to the Colony in the ship “Canterbury” in 1874 and became head shepherd at White Rock, which at that time comprised 47,000 acres. Subsequently, he acted in the same capacity at Horsley Down, a property of over 100,000 acres. He afterwards succeeded to the management of Hawkswood, 42,000 acres in extent, where he remained for twelve years. After a tour through the Colony, Mr. McFarlane took to the hotel business and became proprietor of the Culverden Hotel, on relinquishing which he took up his present farm. Mr. McFarlane was one of the chief promoters of the Hawarden Saleyards Company, of which he is a director; he is also a director of the North Canterbury Caledonian Society, a member of the Waikari Collie Dog Club, North Canterbury Steeplechase Club, and Amuri Turf Club. He was married in 1885 to Miss Deem, and has one son.
is the property of Messrs J. O. Sanderson and Co. It was bought in 1896, comprises 4098 acres, and was originally part of the Horsley Down run. The present owners have made many improvements, including a cottage surrounded by a promising plantation of useful and ornamental trees, an orchard, a garden, and sheep yards, and nineteen miles of substantial wire fencing. The estate carries 3300 half-bred sheep, and a large number of fat lambs are annually available for the export trade.
was born in 1871, at Greta Peaks run, Motunau, Canterbury, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He served in the office of Messrs Miles and Co. for over two years. Mr. Sanderson is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Sanderson, who, in conjunction with Mr. Studholme, purchased the Greta Peaks run of 25,000 acres from Messrs Clifford and Weld in 1865.
Farmer and Accommodation House Proprietor, Gladstone House, Hawarden. Mr. Tomlinson was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1844, and worked on his father's farm, until he emigrated to New Zealand in 1874, by the ship “Geraldine Paget.” He was manager for Mr. P. C. Threlkeld at West Eyreton for sixteen years. For a short time he was farming on his own account at Papanui, and subsequently was manager of Mr. Nalder's property, at Woodside, for three years. Mr. Tomlinson then removed to Winchester, and was unsettled for some months, until December, 1897, when he acquired a property of 251 acres at Hawarden. Gladstone House is a commodious residence, and is very convenient in every respect for visitors. Mr. Tomlinson served as a member of the Gapes' Valley school committee, and is now a director of the Hawarden Saleyards Co. He was married, in 1870, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Kendle, of Irby, Lincolnshire, England, and has three daughters and two sons.
some time of Silverstream Farm, Hawarden, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1848, but was educated in Scotland, to which he had gone with his parents. While on his way to New Zealand in the ship “Victoria Tower,” the vessel was wrecked at Cape Otway. After a short stay in Victoria, he came to Lyttelton, in 1869, and engaged in shepherding for four years in various parts of the Oxford district. Later, he bought ninety-four acres, on part of which his family's residence stands, and in 1885, purchased 396 acres of freehold on the Horsley Down estate. In 1886 he bought a further area of 458 acres on Horsley Down, but sold it in 1897 to Mr. M. J. Burke, of Waitohi Peaks. He afterwards bought 404 acres close to his residence, and also 143 acres in Waikari township. Mr. Hoban was married, in 1877, to a daughter of Mr. George E. Mason, of Mason's Flat, and had four sons and five daughters. He died on the 5th of January, 1903.
sometime of “Dur ham Downs,” Hawarden, was born Broomfield, near Taunton, Somersetshire. England, in 1842, and when young had experience in the management of horses. He was for some time residing in London, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1862, by the ship “Egmont.” After a short time in Christchurch, Mr. Lee became part proprietor of a line of coaches, running between Christchurch and the Hurunui and Waiau rivers. He sold out his interest in 1870, but ran coaches on the West Coast road, and on the Akaroa road till 1895. He then removed to Waikari, and took up land on the Horsley Down estate. In 1901, he acquired the property known as “Durham Downs,” and made it his home. For some time during his
formerly of the “Allandale Estate,” Hawarden, was born in Midlothian, Scotland, was educated in Peebles-shire, and was brought up to a pastoral life. He came to the Colony in the ship “Canterbury” under engagement to the late Dr. Webster, of Corriedale, Otago, for whom he brought out a number of Romney Marsh sheep. Mr. Little is the originator of the Corriedale breed, having begun experimenting in that direction when manager of the Corriedale estate. After taking possession of “Allandale” in 1879, Mr. Little continued his experiments, and became most successful. The Corriedale sheep are found to be stronger in constitution than, and withstand the winter equally as well as, the Merino, while possessing more flesh in proportion to fat than the long-wools. Mr. Little established an English Leicester stud flock in 1892 and afterwards added some of the best stock procurable. As an exhibitor, he gained a very creditable collection of prizes, having won, prior to 1898, five champions, seventeen first, twenty-two second, and fourteen third prizes. In 1899 the proprietors of Gibb's Dipping Fluid presented a thirty guinea cup to be given to the largest prizetaker for English Leicesters exhibited at the Canterbury Metropolitan Show. The cup had to be won two years in succession, and Mr. Little's sheep, besides taking three champion gold medals, won the cup straight out the first two years he was out for competition. The Ayrshire herd at “Allandale” was too well known at the Canterbury and northern shows to need any comment in this article. In public affairs, Mr. Little was a member of the Hurunui Rabbit Board for two terms, chairman of the School Committee and a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married in 1864 to Miss Telford, and has one son and five daughters. Mr. Little sold all his stock in February, 1903, at the expiration of his lease of “Allandale.”
is a rich farming district, three miles distant by road from Hawarden, its postal town. Settlers have resided in the district since the fifties. Mount Mason, a lofty hill, is seen from the Flat, which is in the Waipara riding of the county of Cheviot. At the census of 1901 Mason's Flat had thirty-three inhabitants.
was established in April, 1881. The land attached to the school premises is five acres in extent, and is well planted with ornamental and shelter trees. The school building is of wood and iron, and contains a class room and a porch, and has accommodation for fifty pupils. There are forty-one names on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty-six. For a number of years this school has supplied the requirements of Hawarden, Horsley Down, and Mason's Flat districts. A good playground surrounds the school, and there is a convenient five-roomed residence with garden.
Head Mistress in charge of Mason's Flat School, was born in Christchurch. She was educated at Sydenham, and at the Girls High School, Christchurch. After serving four years as a pupil-teacher at Sydenham, and undergoing a year's training at the Normal School, Miss Picken was at the Rolleston school, and was afterwards relieving teacher at Hornby, before being appointed to Mason's Flat, in June, 1901.
Farmer, “Valley Field,” Mason's Flat, Hawarden. Mr. Cowie was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1833. He came to Lyttelton in 1860 by the ship “William Miles,” and was employed at Glenmark estate, for about five years. In 1865 Mr. Cowie acquired Valley Field property, which is 456 acres in extent. The land has been brought from a rough and swampy condition into a high state of cultivation. Mr Cowie served for fourteen years as a member of the Waipara Road Board, and is chairman of the local school committee, of which he has been a member for about twenty years.
was one of the Canterbury settlers who arrived in Lyttelton in 1851, by the ship “Castle Eden.” He came out with the intention of settling in Otago, and brought with him twelve rams and four ewes. As the captain was unable to proceed to Port Chalmers, Mr. Mason was compensated, and was received, as a Canterbury settler, on the same terms as the original pilgrims. Mr. Mason was born at Painswick, Gloucestershire, England, in 1810. He was brought up as a farmer, and worked a property for seven years before coming to the colony. He claims to be the first white man to pass north of the Waipara Flat. Mr. Mason first leased the Horsley Down run, 34,000 acres in extent, and afterwards a run of 30,000 acres, known as Black Hill. He fixed his first homestead at Horsley Down, the flat country of which became known as Mason's Flat. Subsequently Mr. Mason leased a large run, of 30,000 acres, on part of which Mount Mason, named after him, is situated; and at a later date, 10,000 acres, known as Virginia run. Mr. Mason held some of these runs for at least ten years. He did a great deal of exploring in the early days, and discovered five lakes the principal of which is Lake Sumner, and he did much to promote the opening up of the country. Mr. Mason was married, in 1846, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. Thorn, of Bristol. Mrs. Mason, who for three years was the only white woman in the Waipara district, died in 1895, leaving five daughters and four sons.
is the name of the large pastoral property which was worked for many years by the late Mr. J. D. Lance. The Government bought about 4000 acres of the estate for closer settlement. This land has been subdivided, and is now held under leases in perpetuity. It is being rapidly cultivated, and pretty homesteads are springing up in all directions. A public school has recently been built at the settlement, which is three miles from Hawarden, a postal village. Sheep farming is the principal industry at Horsley Down, which is in the Waipara riding of the county of Ashley. At the census of 1901 there was a population of sixty-six.
was opened on the 1st of July, 1902. It stands on a section of three-quarters of an acre, is built of wood and iron, and consists of a porch, and a class room, with accommodation for thirty scholars. There are eighteen names on the roll, and the average attendance is fifteen.
formerly known as Messrs Mallock and Lance's property, comprises 120,000 acres, and is situated between Waikari and the Hurunui river. The whole property has been much improved by treeplanting, and the erection of about 300 miles of fencing. In 1896 and 1897 the greater part of the estate was sold in small blocks; and the homestead block, comprising about 4000 acres was—with the exception of the house and station buildings and 100 acres of land, which were retained by Mrs Lance—bought by the Government, and cut up into small farms and let by ballot on the lease in perpetuity system.
sometime Proprietor of Horsley Down, was born at Boulogne, in the south of France, in 1828. When very young he was taken to Somersetshire, England, where his father, the Rev. John Edwin Lance, had the living of Buckland, St. Mary. Mr. Lane was educated at the Addiscombe Military College. In 1825 he went to India as ensign in the service of the Honourable East India Company, and was afterwards appointed a lieutenant in the 8th Native Infantry. Mr. Lance was sent to New Zealand on sick leave in 1856. He, however, returned to India at the time of the Mutiny, and acted as Native Interpreter to the 42nd Highlanders. After the Mutiny Mr. Lance retired from the Army, and returned to New Zealand, where, in partnership with Mr. John W. Mallock, he took up the land since known as Horsley Down and “Heathstock,” comprising 100,000 acres of leasehold land and 20,000 acres of freehold. Mr. Lance was at one time a member of the Provincial Council of Canterbury, and was a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand from 1865 till 1868, when his seat became vacant through his absence in England. He resided for eleven years at Dinan in France, and returned to New Zealand in 1879. In 1884 he entered the House of Representatives as member for Cheviot, for which he sat till 1890, when changes were made in the electoral boundaries. Mr. Lance lived at “Heathstock,” until the house was burned down in 1889. He subsequently lived at Horsley Down, the homestead of which occupies an elevated and beautiful position amidst a small forest of shelter and ornamental trees. Mr. Lance was married, in 1862, at Torquay, in Devonsihre, England, to a daughter of the late Captain Thomas Mallock, R.N. He died on the 28th of March, 1897, leaving two sons and one daughter. Mr. Lance is further referred to at page 87 of this volume as having been a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand.
Widow of the late Mr. J. D. Lance, and daughter of the late Captain T. Mallock, R.N., was born in Devonshire, England, where she was brought up. She was married to Mr. Lance, at Torquay, in 1862, and came to New Zealand with her husband in the same year. Mrs Lance resides at the Horsley Down homestead.
is the name of a village settlement which adjoins the northern line of railway. The flag railway station is fifty-seven miles from Christchurch, and twelve from the terminus at Culverden. It is 776 feet above the level of the sea. At the census of 1901 the population of the settlement was 130. The district is in the Waipara riding of the county of Ashley. Medbury has a public school, and a daily postal service.
Sheepfarmer, Riverslea Estate, Medbury. Mr. Macdonald was born on the banks of the Hinds River in 1864, was educated at the Timaru High School, and resided at Geraldine until he ased “Riverslea” in 1896. It was orlginally part of the famous Horsley Down Estate and comprises about 1,100 acres of rich agricultural and pastoral land, nearly all drained and in grass. The improvements include ten miles of netting and wire-fencing, seventeen watered paddocks, a ten-roomed house, a stable, woolshed, men's huts, etc. The running stock consists of 3000 sheep and seventy head of cattle. Mr. Macdonald has served on the school and church committees
the centre of a wealthy sheepfarming country, is in the Pahau riding of the county of Amuri, and its railway station is the present (1903) northern terminus of the Hurunui-Bluff section of the New Zealand railways. The township is sixty-nine miles north of Christchurch, and the railway station stands 567 feet above the level of the sea. It contains a general store, a bakery, a saddler's shop, wheelwright's shop, and a blacksmith's shop, a hotel, and a police station. Culverden has a resident medical man, a public school, and a Presbyterian church. It is the starting place for coaches for Hanmer Hot Springs, and for Waiau and Kaikoura. Twenty-five acres of land in the township are devoted to the Amuri saleyards, where many large sales are held, as many as 126,000 sheep having been yarded for one day's sale. Sheep are brought from Springfield in the south, and from as far north as Nelson and Blenheim. The population of the settlement at the census of 1901 was eighty-seven, and twenty-five persons were returned as residing at Culverden sheep station, which adjoins the settlement. The township has a post, telegraph and money order office, a town hall, courthouse, and a drill hall for the Amuri Mounted Rifles. Culverden is the headquarters of the Amuri County Council, and of the Hurunui Rabbit Board.
Mr. D. Rutherford (chairman) and Mr. Caleb Smith (clerk and treasurer). The area of the county is 2362 square miles and the population about 1200. The total capital value of ratable property is about £648,000 on which there is a general rate of 1/2d in the £; and special rates of 3/4d, seven-sixteenths of a penny, and five-sixteenths of a penny in the £ have been levied for interest on loans. The total revenue amounts to about £2800. The county is divided into four ridings, Pahau, Waiau, Hanmer, and Rotherham.
Member of the Amuri County Council, was born in Somerset, England in 1856. He was educated for the Army but came to New Zealand in 1878. He landed at Lyttelton, and went to North Otago as manager for Mr. W. H. Teschemaker, on Kauroo Hill station, which he managed until 1897, when he took charge of Highfield station in the Amuri district. Mr. Chaffey has always taken a prominent part in volunteering, and in 1885 raised the North Otago Hussars, of which he was captain until 1897, when he was transferred to Canterbury, where he initiated the Amuri Mounted Rifles. He was csptain of that corps, and in 1901, was made major of the 2nd Battalion of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Since 1899 Major Chaffey has served as a member of the Amuri County Council, and while in Otago he was for seventeen years a member of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president for two years. He has always taken a great interest in football, cricket and boxing. Major Chaffey was married, in 1889, to a daughter of the late Mr. Frederick Le Cren, of Timaru. This lady died in 1890. In 1897 he was married to a daughter of Dr. Webster, of Balruddery, near Oamaru, and has one son and one daughter by this union.
has been a member of the Amuri County Council since 1893. He was born in Rangiora, in 1863, and educated at Lincoln Agricultural College. Mr. Macfarlane was on Lyndon station for seven years, and then took over his present property. He was married, in 1897, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. W. McRae, of the Glens of Tekoa.
of the Amuri County Council, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland. When quite a boy he went to Australia and engaged in pastoral pursuits for fourteen years. In 1869 Mr McArthur came to Wellington, visited Auckland, and finally settled in Amuri, where he acquired his present station. He took over the management of “St. Helen's” in 1895, and is working it in conjunction with “St. James's.” Mr. McArthur was for twelve years a member of the Amuri Road Board, and has been a member of the Amuri County Council since 1899, and chairman of the Hanmer school committee since 1896. Since settling in Amuri, he has taken several trips to Australia. He was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. McArthur, of South Melbourne, and has one son.
for fifteen years Clerk of the Kaikoura County Council, was appointed Clerk of the Amuri County Council, at the end of 1902, to succeed Mr. A. J. O'Malley, resigned.
formerly Clerk, Inspector of Works, Treasurer, Returning Officer, and Dog Registrar to the Amuri County Council, was born in Christchurch in 1870, and was educated at the High School there. He joined the Government Survey department under Mr. F. S. Smith, in 1886, and subsequently served under Mr. D. I. Barron, and whilst in the service Mr. O'Malley acquired valuable knowledge of surveying and engineering, which afterwards became of great assistance to him. In 1890, he entered the service of the Amuri County Council as assistant clerk under his father, and on the retirement of the latter in 1894, was promoted to his various appointments. Mr. O'Malley has always taken an active part in local athletic sports, and on several occasions has acted as handicapper, secretary, and treasurer. He was secretary of the Amuri Cricket Club, a member of the Amuri Turf Club, and also a sergeant in the Amuri Mounted Rifles. Mr. O'Malley resigned his offices under the Amuri County Council in the latter part of 1902.
is at present the northern terminus of the Hurunui-Bluff section of New Zealand railways. The building is of wood and iron, and contains the stationmaster's office, and two waiting-rooms, besides the postal and telegraph
Stationmaster at Culverden, was born at Lyttelton in 1867. He joined the railway service in Christchurch, and was in charge of Rangitata for ten years prior to 1902, when he was transferred to Culverden. Mr. Connell was married, in 1892, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Guy, of Temuka, and has two sens.
Culverden, is centrally situated in the township, and was erected in 1891. For some years previously services were held in the district. The church is still (1902) under the charge of the Rev. W. R. Campbell, B.A., new of Hanmer, but the intention is to have a resident minister for the Waiau and Culverden district.
(Bach. Med. and Bach. Surg. Univ. N.Z., 1893), Physician and Surgeon, Culverden.
Merchant, Culverden. Mr. Shipton was born in Liverpool, England, and was brought up in his native city in a corn merchant's office, in which he served for five years as an apprentice, and for two years as clerk. In 1878 he started a grocery and provision business in Warrington, but after carrying it on for five years, returned to his former office. He subsequently set out for New Zealand, and on arriving in Canterbury found employment at the Lincoln flourmills; but soon after went back to England, where, however, he stayed only a short time. After returning to New Zealand, he worked a flourmill on his own account at Culverden for five years. In 1891 he took over his present business of coal, timber, and produce merchant. Mr. Shipton was married, in 1898, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Simpson, of Scotland, and Hewitt's Road, Merivale, Christchurch, and has one son.
General Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Culverden. Mr. Hare was born in 1860 in Lyttelton, where he was educated. He established his present business in 1887, soon after the railway was opened, and was among the first to settle on Culverden Flat. In 1874 he went to the Hurunui, where he learned his trade, and remained for thirteen years. Mr. Hare was married in 1886 to the fourth daughter of Mr. Isaac
(W. Macfarlane, proprietor), Culverden. This property comprises 26,000 acres of freehold, and is situated in the Amuri district, bounded by “St. Leonard's” and Cheviot, with the Hurunui river on its southern boundary. It formerly formed part of “St. Leonard's,” and was bought by the late Mr. John Macfarlane in 1877. The present proprietor was appointed manager in the same year, and under his supervision great improvements have been made. The whole property is subdivided into numerous blocks, by about seventy miles of fencing, including a substantial rabbit-proof boundary fence, as well as several interior subdivision rabbit fences. About 2500 acres are sown in English grass. For the purpose of ornamentation, shelter, and firewood, Mr. Macfarlane grew fifty acres of plantation, and his homestead now abounds with well grown trees. The station lies in two counties, and the boundary of Cheviot and Amuri runs through its centre. The whole station is worked from two homesteads—that on the Cheviot side being a working homestead; at the Amuri homestead there is a substantial and elaborate building well situated, in ornamental plantations, with the necessary working buildings close by. There are about 18,000 Merino and half-bred sheep on the station, and Mr. Macfarlane keeps a Merino stud flock, which is well known throughout the colony.
Proprietor of “Kawarra,” is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Cheviot County Council.
Culverden. When Mr. J. H. Davison first settled on St. Leonard's in 1868, he found that there was little natural timber and determined to supply this want; therefore with great care and judgment he selected plants of the hard woods of Europe and America, as well as fourteen different varieties of pines. His plantations cover 200 acres and possess a present and future value which it would be hard to over-estimate. In 1877, Messrs. Rhodes and Wilkin, the owners of “St. Leonard's,” dissolved partnership and 96,000 acres were sold; Mr. Davison and the late Mr. R. Wilkin, becoming joint proprietors of the homestead and 28,000 acres of land. Ten years later Mr. Davison acquired Mr. Wilkin'e interest. The “St. Leonard's” estate comprises 28,000 acres of freehold land and carries nearly one sheep to the acre, besides a small herd of cattle. The flock consists of Merinos and Border-Leicester crosses, the proprietor having been one of the first to breed this variety; and as long ago as 1869 he commenced to boil down his surplus stock.
J.P., Proprietor of St. Leonard's Station, Culverden, was born in South Australia in 1841 and was educated at St. Peter's College, Adelaide, where he gained a scholarship. He was brought up on cattle and sheep stations in South Australia, and crossed over to New Zealand in 1863 to manage the Levels station for Mr. Rhodes, retaining that position till the station was sold to the New Zealand Land Company. Subsequently, he managed “Race Course Hill” till it changed hands. Mr. Davison took an active part as member and chairman of the Amuri Road Board before it was merged into the County Council, and has been a member of the County Council for fully twenty years. He was married in 1881 to Miss Oliver, of Hawke's Bay, and has four daughters and four sons.
was born in 1838, in County Clare, Ireland, and came out to Nelson in 1849 with his parents. After leaving school he went to live on his father's station, which consisted of about 50,000 acres, and was situated on the north bank of the Hurunui river. The property has long been known by the picturesque name of the “Glens of Tekoa,” and for the high-class character of the improvements which have been made from the outset. The mansion house, which was erected in 1865, is of brick with a slated roof, and the grounds, tastefully laid out, are planted with trees and shrubs from every clime and country. Of the original leasehold, 22,530 acres of the best of the land have been converted into freehold, and surfacesown with carefully selected grasses, which give the best results. The station was first stocked with Merino sheep, and many years ago Mr. McRae established a small stud flock, with which he won many honours at the metropolitan and the northern shows. He also bred horses, which not only won honours in the show ring, but carried his colours frequently to the front on the racecourse. Greyhounds bred by him won three cups, and a large number of minor prizes. Mr. McRae who was a Justice of the Peace, was chairman of the Amuri County Council and Road Board, of the Hurunui Rabbit Board, of the Council of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Hurunui and Culverden Racing Clubs, and the Canterbury and Northern Coursing Clubs. He died on the 13th of September, 1897, and is buried at Waiau. Mr. McRae was married, in 1868, to Miss Moore and left two sons and five daughters
was born in Galway, West of Ireland, and came to Lyttelton in May, 1861, by the ship “Rhea Sylvia.” He joined the Papal army in 1860, and fought at the siege of Spolato in September of that year. After a forty-eight hours' engagement the fort capitulated, and Mr. O'Malley, with the Papal troops, was confined in Genoa for six weeks. He received and now holds a medal from the Roman Government for bravery in action. After working for Sir Cracroft Wilson for a year, he entered the Armed Constabulary in Canterbury, and served under Mr. W. J. W. Hamilton for two years, when he joined the Dunedin force in 1863, under Commissioner St. John Branigan. Mr. O'Malley left the service in 1868 and went into the building trade in Christchurch, and was afterwards foreman of works for the city council for four years. He was overseer for the Amuri Road Board for fifteen months, and subsequently held a similar position under the Spreydon Road Board, of which he also became clerk. On his resignation. Mr. O'Malley was re-appointed to his old position on the Amuri Road Board, and on that body being merged in the Amuri County Council, he was appointed clerk and overseer to the council, from which he retired after eleven years' service, in favour of his son, when he applied for and was appointed to the position of clerk, overseer, and rate collector to the Geraldine Road Board. Whilst he was at Geraldine Mr. O'Malley was a member of the Geraldine Town Board. He now resides at Waiau, and is a trustee for the Waiau cemetery, and chairman of the Waiau Domain Board. He is a member of the Order of Foresters. Mr. O'Malley was married in Dunedin in 1865, and has three sons and two daughters.
The township of Rotherham is situated seven miles from Culverden on the main coach road to Waiau and Kaikoura. The settlement possesses a hotel, a store with a post and telegraph office, and a public school. Most of the population find employment in country work, and some have small farms in the vicinity of the township. There are two large stations within a short distance of the settlement, namely, “Achray” and “Mount Palm.” The township is in the Rotherham riding of the Amuri county, and has a population of 146. A mail coach arrives and departs daily.
Rotherham, was established about the year 1881, on part of a section of one acre, upon which there are some well grown ornamental trees. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a class room and a porch. It has accommodation for fifty children, of whom there are twenty-six on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-four. A public library is cernected with the school, which is used on Sunday for church services in connection with the Anglican and Presbyterian bodies.
Headmaster of the Rotherham school, was born at Blackwall, London, in 1858. He was trained as a teacher in England, and served for four years under the London School Board. After arriving in Port Chalmers by the ship “Marlborough” in 1884, he was stationed in various parts of the colony, as a teacher, till he received his present appointment in 1902. Mr. Dickie was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. Bohli, of Blackwall. This lady died in 1891, leaving two sons and one daughter. In 1893 Mr. Dickie was married to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Smith, of Christchurch, and has two sons by this union.
(Albert Waters and Hugh McKay, proprietors), Rotherham. This business was established by Mr. W. Farrley and then bought by Mr. R. McBride, who carried it on until 1886, when it was taken over by Mr. Fraser, and in 1901 it was bought by the present proprietors. The shop was rebuilt in 1889, with a neat dwelling on an adjoining section. The stock consists of groceries, drapery, fancy goods, boots, ironmongery, and saddlery. There is a post and telegraph office at the store, and mails are received and despatched daily.
was born in Kent, England, in 1873, and came to Lyttelton in 1879. He was educated at Ashley school, and went in 1887 to Rotherham, where he engaged in the storekeeping business with Mr. Fraser, with whom he remained until 1901, when he and Mr. McKay bought the business.
was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1865, and was brought up to farming. In 1884 he arrived in Lyttelton, and engaged in shepherding on various stations throughout Canterbury, including “Achray,” where he was head shepherd for seven years. In 1901 he bought his present business, with Mr. Waters.
(A. Macfarlane, proprietor), Rotherham. This station, which was formerly part of the St. Leonard's estate, comprises 18,000 acres, and was bought by the late Mr. John Macfarlane in 1877. The property, which was originally tussock land, has been greatly improved by the erection of a fine homestead, now almost hidden by the tall trees that have been planted around it. A large shearing shed and other convenient outbuildings have been erected, and the whole property is well equipped as a sheep run. There is a flock of 14,000 half-bred sheep.
Owner of “Achray,” is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Amuri County Council.
Farmer, Rotherham. Mr. Castles was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1843. He was brought up on his father's farm, which he managed for some years, and became proprietor in 1863. Twelve years later he sold his interest, and came to New Zealand. After his arrival he engaged as boundary shepherd at St. Leonard's station for two years. Mr. Castles then took up his present farm of thirty-five acres freehold and fifty acres leasehold. He was married, in 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Mayers, of Lorigan, Ireland. Mrs. Castles died in 1897, leaving four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Willow Burn Farm, Rotherham. Mr. Crampton was born in Amberley, in 1877, and received his education at Southbrook. He was brought up to farming, on his father's property at Amberley, and worked for some time on various stations about Canterbury. He was then contracting about the district, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Amberley, until he started for himself in 1902 on his present farm of 458 acres of freehold land. Mr. Crampton runs a flock of about 500 crossbred sheep, and has greatly improved his property by the erection of a neat cottage, and necessary fencing, as well as by ploughing 200 acres for cropping. He has also planted an orchard and shelter trees. Mr.
Farmer, Greenbank Farm, Rotherham. Mr. Devine was born in 1853 in County Donegal, Ireland, where he was educated and brought up on his father's farm. He came to Lyttelton in 1870, in the ship “Mary Shepherd,” and engaged in farm work and shepherding throughout Canterbury. He was head shepherd for six years at Parnassus station, eight years at “Balmoral,” and four years at “Leslie Hills.” In 1896 he began farming for himself on thirty acres of freehold, and he has seventy acres of leasehold; since then he has added 100 acres of freehold to his areas, and he carries on mixed farming. Mr. Devine was for some time a member of the Rotherham school committee. He was married, in 1877, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Bryant, of Lyttelton, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Rotherham. Mr. Harland was born at Whitby, Yorkshire, England, and brought up on his father's farm. In 1878 he came to New Zealand, and was ploughman on St. Leonard's station at Culverden for two years. He was afterwards contract ploughing, cropping, and shearing about the district, until he settled on his present farm of 120 acres.
(T. Chapman, proprietor), Rotherham. This station is situated in the Amuri district, on the south side of the Waiau river, with Cheviot adjoining its eastern boundary. It comprises 13,000 acres of freehold, and originally formed part of St. Leonard's estate, which comprised 96,000 acres, and was cut up in 1877. The station has been greatly improved by the proprietor, who has erected a nine-room residence on well laid out grounds, with large and convenient outbuildings, surrounded by a plantation of shelter and ornamental trees. About 1500 acres have been sown in English grass, and there are flourishing plantations, which cover fifty acres. The whole property is surrounded by a substantial rabbit-proof fence, and carries about 12,000 Merino and half-bred sheep and 200 head of cattle.
Proprietor of “Mount Palm,” was born in Christchurch, in 1852, and educated at Christ's College. After leaving college he was engaged in the office of Messrs Miles and Co., merchants, until 1877, when “Mount Palm” was purchased by his father, the late Mr. Robert Chapman, of Springbank. Mr. Chapman managed the station, and at his father's death, in 1884, became part owner with his brother, the late Mr. E. Chapman. In 1886 he took an eight months' pleasure trip to England, Scotland, and Ireland, the United States, and Canada, and returned by way of Suez and Australia.
Farmer, Meadow Bank Farm, Rotherham. Mr. Oliver was born in 1876, at Puketapu, Hawke's Bay, where he received his education. After leaving school he came to Canterbury, to learn sheepfarming under Mr. Davison, at St. Leonard's, where he stayed for twelve years, during part of which he was overseer. In 1902 Mr. Oliver took over his present farm of 756 acres leasehold, with a flock of halfbred breeding ewes. He is a member of the Amuri Mounted Rifles, and has been a member of the Brackenfield Hunt Club since 1895.
is a picturesque little township in the Waiau riding of the Ashley county, eighty-four miles from Christchurch, and fifteen miles from Culverden. It hes on the north side of the river Waiau, to the eastward of Mason river. The settlement has a hotel, post, telegraph, and money order office, two stores, two churches, public school, library and reading-room. There are also two coach stations and a saddler's and a blacksmith's shop. Sheepfarming and flax-milling are the most prominent industries of the district, which has daily coach communication with Culverden, and thrice a week with Kaikoura. Waiau has 153 inhabitants.
was originally established in Waiau before the completion of the railway line to Culverden, and was conducted in a portion of the residence of the postmaster. When the railway was completed in 1886, the buildings previously used as a police station and courthouse were removed to the present site. The building is of wood and iron, and contains the postmaster's office, public office, and battery and telegraph room, as well as three rooms at the back. It is one of the main testing stations in the circuit between Christchurch and Wellington, and has five wires running through it. Mails are received and despatched daily.
Postmaster at Waiau, was born at Kaiwarra, Wellington, in 1865. He was educated at Akaroa, entered the telegraph service in 1880, and held appointments at various places, before entering on his present position at Waiau. He was married in 1894, in a daughter of the late Mr A. Normanby, of Blenheim, and has one son and two daughters.
Waiau, was established in the seventies, and until 1883 was conducted in a wood and iron building which is now used as a library. The school contains one class room and a porch, and has accommodation for seventy-two children. There are fifty-three names on the roll, and the average attendance is forty-six. Two acres and a half of land, bordered with shelter trees, are attached to the school.
Teacher in charge of Waiau school, was born in Melbourne, in 1863. He was educated and served his pupil teachership at Hokitika. From 1878 to 1884 be taught in the East Christchurch school. In 1884 he received his present appointment as teacher at Waiau, but eight years later removed to Balcairn, whence he returned to Waiau after five years. Mr. Marr was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Richards, of New Brighton, and has two daughters.
Waiau, was erected in 1888, and has seating accommodation for 120 adults. Occasional services were first held in the district in the local courthouse in 1864. About the year 1874 the services became more regular, and soon afterwards a small church, with an acre of ground, was presented by the late Mr. G. Rutherford, of “Leslie Hills,” and a manse was built on five acres of land given by the late Mr. Caverhill, of “Highfield.” Since the erection of the present building the old church has been used as a Sunday school. Pending the appointment of a resident minister, the church is under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Campbell, who resides at Hanmer.
was erected at Waiau in the year 1900, and stands on part of a section of a quarter of an acre in extent. It is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for 120 worshippers. Monthly services are conducted by the Rev. Father Price, of Hawarden.
(T. Holmes, proprietor), Upper Waiau Ferry. This hotel was established in 1872, and was conducted by Mr. A. Munson until 1885, when it passed into the hands of the present proprietor. It contains sixteen rooms, two sitting-rooms, and post and telegraph office. There are good stables, and paddocks for horses and travelling stock. In former years there was a ferry over the Waiau river there on the road connecting Canterbury with Nelson, and the West Coast; but since 1887, there has been a fine bridge across the gorge, with a span of 300 feet, and at a height of 118 feet above the river.
Proprietor of the Junction Hotel, was born in England, in 1828, and brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1856, in the ship “Cres-well” (Capt. Russell), and engaged in farm work in the Nelson district. He also went to the Collingwood diggings, where he was fairly successful, but returned to farm work. In 1860 he came with a flock of sheep from Blenheim to Hanmer Plains, and was one of the, first to drive sheep through Jollie's Pass. Mr. Holmes began sheepfarming on the Boyle run of 10,000 acres leasehold, and carried it on until he had to kill 5000 of his flock on account of scab. He then bought cattle; but sold out some time afterwards, and for seven years was dealing in fat stock on the West Coast. On returning to Amuri, he engaged in road work, and was first overseer for the Amuri Road Board. He was also ferry-keeper, and in 1885 bought his present business. Mr. Holmes was for some time a member of the Amuri Road Board. He was married, in 1886, to the widow of the late Mr. John Pugh, and has one son.
Storekeeper, Waiau. This business was established in 1873, by Mr. Dennis Coakley, and was taken over in 1883 by the present proprietor, and his brother Cornelius, who has since died. The shop has a double front with a storeroom upstairs, as well as a detached storeroom, and Mr. Coakley's residence adjoins it. There is a large stock of general merchandise, including drapery, jewellery, saddlery, ironmongery, etc. Mr. Coakley holds agencies for the Alliance and National Mutual Insurance Companies, and for the daily and weekly Christchurch papers. When first taken up, this business was small, but has been very largely increased by the present proprietor, who delivers goods with a trap, within a radius of twenty miles, and with a pack horse, to places nearly 100 miles
which is situated in the Amuri county, adjoins “Highfield,” and bounds the Clarance and Conway rivers. It is Crown land, and comprises 23,400 acres. “Cloudy Range” was formerly a part of “Higfield,” which was taken up in the fifties by the late Mr. L. Lee, and afterwards became the property of Mr. H. Wharton, who from 1884 worked “Cloudy Range” as a separate station, until the lease expired in 1897. In the same year it was balloted for, and fell to the lot of Mr. A. W. Lyford. It is all pastoral land, about 400 acres being ploughable, and has the usual station buildings with sheep yards and dip, and a woolshed for twelve shearers. The present proprietor runs a flock of about 7000 three-quarter and half-bred sheep.
Proprietor of Cloudy Range Station, was born in Nelson in 1857. He received his education at Kekerangu, where he remained until eighteen years of age, when he went as a shepherd to “Highfield.” For many years Mr. Lyford was head shepherd on that station, and in 1897 took over his present property. He has been a member of the Waiau school committee, and for two years was secretary of the Amuri Presbyterian Church committee, of which he is still a member. Mr. Lyford was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. H. Sharpe, of Northcote Road, Papanui, and has one son and one daughter.
which comprises 57,000 acres of freehold, and 2700 acres of leasehold land, is situated in Amuri county. It adjoins Waiau township, and has the Mason river as its western boundary. It was first taken up in the fifties by the late Mr. L. Lee; and some time afterwards became the property of Messrs Dry, Meredith, and Tabart, by whom it was in turn, sold out to the late Mr. J. S. Caverhill. In 1876 “Highfield” became the property of Mr. Henry Wharton, who, in 1884, formed a company by taking Messrs Frank and James Northcote into partnership. The whole property has been much improved, and is thoroughly subdivided by fences, and also has a rabbit-proof boundary fence. The hemestead, which is within two miles of Waiau township, is well planted, and has large and convenient stables and outbuildings, as well as one of the largest woolsheds in Canterbury, with Burgon machines for twenty-four shearers. About 5000 acres have been cultivated, and sown in English grass, and there are sixty acres of plantations. The stock comprises 40,000 Merino and half-bred sheep, 500 head of cattle, and 100 horses. [After the foregoing article was linotyped, “Highfield” was, in a manner, broken up. The Government bought 32,700 acres for closer settlement; Messrs F. and J. Northcote bought 16,000 acres; and 9,000 acres were retained by Mr. Henry Wharton. The stock of the estate, as originally constituted, was sold at the end of March, 1903.]
Manager of “Highfield,” is referred to in the Military Section of this volume as Major Chaffey, in command of the 2nd Battalion of North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and is also referred to as a member of the Amuri County Council.
(W. O. Rutherford, proprietor), Waiau. This station is situated on the south bank of the river Waiau, and adjoins the Balmoral and Culverden stations. It comprises nearly 42,000 acres of freehold, and 3800 acres of leasehold, and was acquired by Mr. Rutherford in 1876. Originally it was owned by the late Sir David Munro, for some time Speaker of the House of Representatives. The homestead, which is erected on well planted and laid out grounds, was built by the present proprietor, who has also erected about forty miles of fencing, and grown about twenty acres of plantations. The station carries about 20,000 Merino and half-bred sheep.
Proprietor of “Montrose,” was born in New South Wales, and educated at Adelaide. When fifteen years of age he came to Canterbury with his parents, who settled in 1860 at Leslie Hills station, which was his father's property. Mr. Rutherford managed “Leslie Hills” until he took over “Montrose” in 1876. He was a member of the Amuri Read Board before the Amuri County Council was constituted, and has been a member of the Hurunui Rabbit Board since 1890, and it chairman since 1896. Mr. Rutherford was married, in 1876, to Miss Godfrey, daughter of the late Mr. Godfrey, of Nelson, and has five sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Sherwood,” Amuri. Mr. Rotherford was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1833. He arrived in Australia in 1852, and had experience on the goldfields there. Subsequently he drove sheep for the Adelaide market, and came to New Zealand in 1859 with a shipment of 500 Merinos, 200 of which were driven by him to Leslie Hills station, and formed the first portion of its celebrated flock. Mr. Rutherford found employment at Leslie Hills until settling at “Sherwood.” He was for some years a member of the Amuri County Council. In 1869 he married a daughter of the late Mr. Low, of Warwickshire, England, and has two sons and three daughters.
(R. L. Acton-Adams, proprietor), Waiau. These stations are situated north of the Waiau river, having the river as a boundary for about twenty-six miles, and they take in the western half of Hanmer Plains. “Woodbank” comprises 9000 acres of freehold and was acquired from the late Mr. Robinson in 1858, by the late Mr. Atkinson, who left it to his son Mr. William Atkinson, who sold his interest in 1887 to Mr. William Acton-Adams. It has been improved by a homestead, fencing, and about fifteen miles of drains. “Hopefield” is all pastoral land, and comprises 40,000 acres of leasehold, having many high peaks including Mira Mira, and Mount Captain, 6660feet in height. The run was taken up about the year 1860 by Messrs Fowler and Young, and has since passed into the hands of the present proprietor. Both stations are worked together, and the stock consists of 12,000 half-bred sheep, 100 head of cattle, and fifty horses.
Proprietor of Woodbank and Hopefield Stations, was born at Nelson, in 1872. He went to England, where he attended school, and after returning to New Zealand studied at Nelson College, Christ's College, and Lincoln Agricultural College, and obtained the highest certificate at the last institution. Mr. Adams has always engaged in pastoral pursuits, and was for some time managing Salop Downs, near Christchurch. Subsequently he managed Molesworth and Tarndale stations, until taking over his present property. He was a member of the Christchurch Hunt Club for some time, and has been a member of the Brackenfield Hunt Club since 1896. Mr. Acton-Adams was married in January, 1903, to the third daughter of Mr James Dilworth, of Puni, Pukekohe, Auckland.
are pleasantly situated on the Hanmer Plains, in the Hanmer riding of the Amuri county. The plains are hemmed in by a range of mountains, the only outlet from which is the course of the Waiau river, which runs in an easterly direction through the Waiau Gorge. At Hanmer the Government has a reserve, which is about four miles long by a mile wide, and there the celebrated springs were opened in 1883. Since that date, many improvements have been made, and Hanmer has already become a favourite pleasure and health resort. As the place stands at an elevation of 1250 feet above sea level, the air is bracing and health giving. The plains are reached after an enjoyable coach journey of twenty-four miles from Culverden railway station, through the celebrated Waiau Gorge, and over a bridge which stands 118 feet above the river. The hot
Hanmer. The postal department of this office was established in 1889, at the residence of Mr. Rogers, caretaker of the Springs, and four years later telegraph communication was established between the Springs and Christchurch. In 1901 the present neat and compact building was erected. It is centrally situated, and built on part of an acre section with a well grown plantation surrounding it. The building contains a public office, an office for the postmistress, and a telephone bureau, as well as three comfortable rooms for the use of the resident postmistress. From the 1st of October to the 30th of April, which is a busy season, mails arrive and depart daily, and in the winter months there is a tri-weekly service.
Postmistress in charge of Hanmer Springs Post Office, was born at Turakina, Rangitikei, and is a daughter of Mr. John Brown, postmaster at Paeroa. She was educated principally at Paeroa, where she entered the postal service in 1896, and was a cadet under her father until she was appointed to her present position in 1901. Miss Brown has sole charge of the Hanmer Springs post office, and carries out her duties most efficiently.
Hanmer Springs, was built in 1892, and rebuilt in the following year in consequence of being overthrown by a hurricane. From 1874 onward, monthly services were held in the settlement by the minister stationed at Waiau, but in 1899, during the tourist season, more frequent services were provided, and now regular services are conducted by a resident minister; and a Sunday school is held in the church. The manse at Hanmer was completed in January 1902, and stands on a portion of the section of three acres of land, not very far from the church.
B.A., Presbyterian Minister in charge of Hanmer and Waiau, was born in India, in 1840, and was educated at Edinburgh, where he graduated at the University. After serving in the Free Church of Scotland, and the Presbyterian Church of England, he came out to New Zealand in 1873, and took charge of the Presbyterian Church at Timaru. In 1874 he resigned that charge, and was appointed to Amuri and Cheviot. Since that time Mr. Campbell has resided within the district, most of the time at Waiau, and removed to Hanmer in March, 1902.
at Hanmer Springs was first established in 1896. The building, which is of wood and iron, was ereoted in 1901, and contains accommodation for thirty. There are twenty-eight names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-two.
Teacher in charge of Hanmer school, was born in Invercargill. She was educated at the Christchurch Girls' High School, and served her pupil-teachership at the East Christchurch School. After being three years in charge of the Hurunui school, she was appointed to her present position in June, 1902.
(Mrs E. Lahmert, proprietress), Hanmer. This accommodation house was first established by Mrs Lahmert with her late husband, in Jack's Pass, in 1885, and carried on for the convenience of travellers and drovers between Christchurch, Blenheim, and Nelson. It was taken down in 1899, and rebuilt on a site close to the Hot Springs. Many improvements and additions have been made, and it now contains twenty-eight bedrooms, a smoke room, two dining rooms, and two sitting rooms. The house, which is well conducted by the proprietress, has every convenience and comfort for visitors.
Proprietress of Amuri Grange, is the widow of the late Mr. Augustus Lahmert. She was born in 1850, in the parish of St. Veep, Cornwall, England, where she received her education, and engaged in nursing. Mrs Lahmert came to Lyttelton with her brother in 1876, by the ship “Edwin Fox.” She engaged in nursing in Christchurch until her marriage in 1884. In 1885 she went with her late husband to Jack's Pass. Mrs Lahmert was for fourteen years at the Pass, before removing to her present abode. She is much respected, and is the oldest lady settler on Hanmer Plains. Mr. Lahmert died in November, 1895, leaving one son and one daughter.
(R. W. Hood, proprietor), Hanmer. This hotel is situated in Jollie's Pass, about two miles from Hanmer Springs, and was established about the year 1862, by the old Provincial Council, for the benefit of travellers between Christchurch and Nelson. For the first few years it was carried on by the Government, and was afterwards leased successively by Count Delapasture, Mr. G. T. Russell and Mr. G. Fry. In 1882 it was taken over by Mr. Idle, who carried it on until 1895, when the present proprietor entered into possession. The building has fifty-five rooms, including a billiard room, sitting room, etc., and has a cosy appearance, being situated among trees at the foot of the pass and mountains. It is much patronised during the season by visitors to the Hot Springs. The hotel is the station for the Culverden-Hanmer coaches, and ample stabling is provided.
(R. W. Hood, proprietor), Hanmer. This Lodge is situated close to the Hot Springs, and is well furnished, and fitted up with every convenience and comfort for visitors. It was built by the present proprietor in 1895, and contains sixty rooms, including four sitting rooms, a
Proprietor of Jollie's Pass Hotel, and Hanmer Lodge, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1853. At the age of three years he was brought to New Zealand by his parents, who settled in Auckland, until going to Adelaide in 1859. After four years in Australia they removed to Tasmania, where Mr. Hood received his education, and engaged in gold digging and farmwork. Mr. Hood was for four years at Ballarat, where he was very successful. In 1875 he came to Dunedin, and worked as a carrier between that city and Queens-town for two years, and subsequently started hotelkeeping at Pigroot. He has since had hotels at Timaru and Gerardine. In 1895 Mr. Hood took over Jollie's Past Hotel, and three years later bad the Hanmer Lodge built. He also has a farm of 1000 acres, which carries a flock of crossbreds. Mr. Hood has been prominent in racing circles, particularly in trotting races at Timaru and Geraldine, where he owned a number of valuable horses. At Geraldine he had charge of the construction of the cycling track, which was yerv successfully finished under has supervision. Mr. Hood was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. George Currie, of Naseby, Otago, and has two sons and four daughters.
Hanmer. This is the property of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company. It comprises about 18,000 acres of freehold and about 200,000 acres of leasehold, and is situated in the Amuri district, bounding the Hanmer river, with Leslie Hills on its southern boundary. The station was formerly the property of Mr. W. A. Low, and was taken over by the Loan and Mercantile Company in 1897. Mr. Low worked the property for twenty years, and had acquired the back part from the late Mr. Thomas Carter, of Marlborough, and the front portion from Count Delapasture. The homestead is on the Hanmer Plains about one mile from the Hanmer Springs; it is surrounded with a plantation of trees, while substantial and commodious outbuildings and stockyards are at a convenient distance. About 120 miles of fencing have been erected, and 1200 acres have been cultivated and sown in English grass. The stock consists of 42,000 Merino and 2500 half-bred sheep, about 150 head of cattle, and seventy horses.
(J. McArthur, proprietor), Hanmer. This station, which comprises 199,000 acres of leasehold and about 4000 acres of freehold, adjoins St. Helen's. It was previously owned by Messrs Jones and Pavitt, and was taken over by Mr McArthur in 1873. It is nearly all pastoral, with only about 2000 acres of good agricultural hand, of which 600 acres have been sown in grass. The property has been well improved by the erection of two homesteads, about sixty miles of fencing, bridges, sheep-yards, and dip, and a woolshed, capable of accommodating sixteen shearers. The station is worked in conjunction with St. Helen's, and runs a flock of 26,000 Merino, and 2000 half-bred sheep, as well as 600 head of cattle, and about 160 horses.
Proprietor of St. James's, and Manager of St. Helen's station, is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Amuri County Council.
Farmer, “Renton,” No. 3 Drain Road, Rangiora. Mr. Coates was born in December, 1856, at Durham, England, where he was brought up as a coalminer. He followed this occupation till 1877, when he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Waitangi.” For the first six years of his colonial life he was employed in the Amberley and Cust districts, and bought his farm, now 276 acres in extent, in 1883. As a volunteer, Mr. Coates served two years in the Rangiora Rifles, and is at present (1903) an honorary member of the band of that corps, in which he has served altogether fourteen years. He was married, in 1887, to a daughter of Mr. W. Keele, of Rangiora, and has four daughters and two sons.
Photographs for the following blocks came to hand too late to be worked into their positions with the articles to which they belong; but the connection is, in each case, established by means of the names of the persons concerned, and the pages on which their articles appear.
is celebrated for its scenery, its salubrity, and its historic associations. The harbour is one of the finest in New Zealand, and abounds in fish; the town, with its population of 600 persons, has an arcadian character which is almost peculiarly its own in New Zealand; and the district, with its beautiful bays, its picturesque hills, its pastoral industries, idyllic valleys and pieces of bush, is dotted with well managed farms and pleasant homesteads. It has long been a favourite holiday haunt, not only with New Zealanders, but with visitors from Australia and the Old World, and will probably continue to be so for unnumbered generations. It was in the Akaroa district, in 1831, that the northern chief Te Rauparaha completed his conquest of the Middle Island Maoris; there, that one of the earliest whaling stations in the Middle Island was established by white men; and it was there, too, that, on the 11th of August, 1840, Captain Stanley, R.N., of Her Majesty's ship “Britomart,” hoisted the British flag and took possession of the Middle Island in the name of the Queen of England. A few days afterwards a small body of French colonists in the “Comte de Paris,” commanded by Captain L'Anglois, arrived in the harbour and settled in the district, and had not Captain Stanley been on the spot at the time he was, Akaroa would have become the site of a colony of France. Dairying, sheepfarming, cheese making, and the cultivation of grass seed are the staple industries of the district. The town has three churches—Church of England, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic. It has a public library, also a branch of the Bank of New Zealand, and of the Public Trust Office, a post, telegraph and money order office, and a telephone bureau. A high school has lately been established in conjunction with the local public school. A mail coach plies between Akaroa and Little River thrice weekly, and runs between Akaroa and Pigeon Bay on the remaining three days. Akaroa and the smaller bays within the harbour are connected by means of a small steamer owned by one of the residents. There are three hotels and three large temperance boarding houses in the town. The wharfage accommodation is at the southern end of the town, and consists of a large and well constructed wharf which runs out into deep water, and a smaller one for vessels of lesser tonnage. A little further to the south, on the same side of the harbour, there are swimming sheds and boat club rooms. Akaroa is in constant communication with Lyttelton by steamer, and is fifty-four miles from Christchurch, and eighteen from Little River.
sometime Member for Akaroa in the House of Representatives, was born at Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, Scotland, on the 9th of May, 1838. He was educated at the local grammar school, and subsequently at King's College, Aberdeen. In 1870 he emigrated to New Zealand, having been engaged as manager of the distillery at Dunedin. On the abolition of the distillery by Act of Parliament in 1871, he settled in Akaroa, where he at once entered into the public life of the community. When Akaroa became a borough he was elected a councillor, and was for many years mayor of the town; indeed he held that position at the time of his death in 1901. Mr. McGregor took a leading part in the agitation for the extension of the railway towards Akaroa, and was a member of the Lake Ellesmere Reserve Trust. In 1886, on the retirement of the Hon. W. Montgomery as member for Akaroa in Parliament, Mr. McGregor was elected to succeed him, and became Senior Whip for the Atkinson Government. He subsequently unsuccessfully contested the seat, when Lyttelton was merged into the electorate. Mr. McGregor took a keen interest in horticultural and educational matters. He was for several years chairman of the Akaroa High School Board and of the Akaroa Domain
was proclaimed a borough in July, 1876, and the Akaroa Borough Council held its first meeting on the 13th of September in the same year. Mr. George Scarbrough was the first mayor, and Mr. G. H. Watkins his successor. The present municipal building was erected about five years ago; it is of wood, in one storey, and stands in Blagueri Street. It contains the council chambers, the Mayor's room, and the Town Clerk's office. The Council consists of nine members and the Mayor. Business meetings are held fortnightly; councillors are elected every two years, and the Mayor is elected year by year. The present Mayor is Mr. H. C. Orbell, and the Councillors are Messrs T. E. Taylor, J. R. Newton, George Armstrong, junior, Charles W. Leete, George Checkley, E. F. Lelievre, A. R. Munro, W. B. Ingram, and H. Mottram. The Town Clerk, Mr. William Sims, was appointed in 1880. There are 190 ratable properties within the borough, and the Council levies a general rate of fifteen-sixteenths of a penny in the £, and a special rate of seven-eighths of a penny in the £ on the capital value. Water is supplied to the town by high pressure from an open reservoir, and a network of underground pipes connects every house. There is also an efficient fire brigade, superintended by Mr. W. B. Ingram, one of the town councillors. A complete drainage system is now (February, 1903) under consideration, and will probably be adopted before the end of the year.
was elected in January, 1901, to continue the term commenced by the late Mr. A. I. McGregor, and he has been twice re-elected. His connection with the Borough Council of Akaroa dates back to 1897, when he was elected one of its members. Mr. Orbell is a churchwarden of St. Peter's Church of England, and also a Freemason, and was for some time chairman of the Akaroa borough school committee. He was born at Waikuaiti, Otago, in 1865, and is a son of Mr. M. C. Orbell, farmer, now of Geraldine. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and, in 1883, was articled to Mr. B. C. Haggitt, Crown Prosecutor, Dunedin; five years later he was called to the bar. Mr. Orbell subsequently practised for a short time at Waimate and Ashburton, respectively; and in 1895 went to Akaroa where he now continues his profession as a partner in the firm of Messrs Beswick, Harris and Orbell. Mr. Orbell was married, in 1895, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Pilbrow, of Ashburton, and has two children.
J.P., is the oldest member of the Akaroa Borough Council. He was first elected to that body about eighteen years ago, and has been twice mayor. Mr. Armstrong takes an active interest in all matters concerning the welfare of the borough. He is a member of the local licensing committee, chairman of the Akaroa borough school committee; also a director of the German Bay Co-operative Dairy Factory Company Limited, and a share-holder in the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association. In the absence of Mr. Bishop, S.M., Mr. Armstrong acts as coroner for the district of Akaroa. He is a member of St. Peter's church, takes a considerable interest in religious work, and is an ardent prohibitionist. Mr. Armstrong was born in Akaroa, in 1853, and is the eldest son of Mr. George Armstrong, of Mount Vernon estate. He was educated at a private school, and afterwards at the local public school, and at an early age turned his attention to farming. Mr. Armstrong is now the proprietor of a valuable estate of about 300 acres. He was married, in 1879, to Miss Mary Gray, daughter of Captain Robert Gray, one of Nelson's earliest colonists, and has six sons and three daughters.
has been a member of the Akaroa Borough Council since November, 1898. He was born at Akaroa in 1865, and is a son of the late Mr. George Checkley, noticed in another article as one of the early settlers. After leaving school Mr Checkley worked for seven years as a grocer in High Street, Christchurch, but when twenty-one years of age he returned to Akaroa to assist his father, at whose death, in 1897, he succeeded to Mount Pleasant estate. Mr. Checkley has been a member of the Akaroa and Wainui Road Board for eight years. He is a vestryman of St. Peter's English church, Akaroa. In June, 1888, Mr. Checkley married Miss Mary Pauline Dallas, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters.
was elected a member of the Akaroa Borough Council in September, 1897, and was re-elected in September, 1900, and again in March, 1901. Mr. Leete was born in 1859, at Finedon, Northamptonshire, England, and is a son of Mr. W. S. Leete, a farmer. He was educated at the Bedford County School, and trained as a clerk in a large tea ware-house in London. In 1885 he sailed for New Zealand. For the first five years after his arrival, he was engaged at various occupations, and, in 1890, he commenced business in Akaroa as an accountant, with agencies for several insurance companies. He is also the Akaroa agent for the well known Christchurch legal firm of Messrs Meares and Williams. Mr. Leete was one of the founders of the Akaroa Boating Club, of which he is secretary, and has been a member of various other local bodies. He is a churchwarden at the local Church of England. Mr. Leete was married, in 1899, to Miss E. Bruce, of Akaroa, and has one son.
was elected a member of the Akaroa Borough Council at a by-election, in the early part of 1901.
was first formed in 1876, with jurisdiction over the whole of Banks' Peninsula. Recently, however, a movement was set on foot for the division of the county and the constitution of a second council, and in the early part of 1903, this second council, under the name of the Mount Herbert County Council, assumed control over Port Levy, and the district lying to its westward. The Akaroa County is divided into ridings, and the council consists of nine members. The council's offices consist of four apartments, in a two-storied building, near the post office in Duvauchelle's Bay. This building, together with the section on which it stands, is the property of the Council. The Council meets for ordinary business purposes on the last Saturday of each month, except November, when the annual statutory meeting takes place. The election of members takes place triennially, in the month of November. Those elected in November, 1902, were: Messrs John Pettigrew, S. B. Harris, John Montgomery, E. E. Lelievre, J. D. Bruce, James Reid, C. Fredericson, W. N. J. Thacker, and E. Scott. Mr. W. D. Wilkins has held the position of clerk and engineer for the Council since 1886.
Acting Chairman of the Akaroa County Council, was
was elected to represent Little River on the Akaroa County Council in November, 1899. Mr. Harris was born, in 1851, at Chepston, Monmouthshire, England, and educated at a private school. He sailed for New Zealand in 1874, landed in Lyttelton, and immediately proceeded to Little River, where he still resides.
was elected to represent Little River on the Akaroa County Council, in November, 1899. He is the second son of the Hon. William Montgomery, M.L.C., and was born in Christchurch in 1874. After attending school, at Aldenham, England, he returned to Christchurch in 1890 and completed his education at Canterbury College, where he graduated B.A. in 1894. He then turned his attention to farming, and has since been engaged, in conjunction with his brother, in the management of his father's estate at Little River. Mr. Montgomery has devoted considerable time to the study of engineering, and has put the knowledge thus acquired to practical utility in the construction of apparatus and machinery, and the lighting of the family residence with electric power.
J.P., is one of the members for the Port Levy riding of the Akaroa County Council. He has been connected with the council since 1896, and has twice been elected chairman. Mr. Pettigrew has taken an interest in public affairs for upwards of fifteen years, and holds office in many local bodies. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. James Pettigrew, and was born near Glasgow, in 1853. When ten years of age he came to Lyttelton with his parents, in the ship “Chariot of Fame.” He was educated at Mr. Fitzgerald's school in Pigeon Bay, and was afterwards in partnership with his father at the sawmill they had erected on the Pigeon Bay flat. Later on he was farming at Holmes's Bay, in partnership with a local resident. In 1882, he bought his present farm in Pigeon Bay. In the early part of 1902, Mr. Pettigrew commenced a voyage round the world; he visited some of the chief centres in America, England, and the Continent of Europe, and returned to New Zealand in October. Mr. Pettigrew was married, in 1877, to Miss Mary Lyall, and has five sons and one daughter.
J.P., was elected to represent Wainui riding on the Akaroa County Council, in November, 1899 He was born in Scotland, in 1860, and is a son of the late Mr. James Reid. When ten years of age Mr. Reid came to New Zealand with his father. After attending various public schools on the Peninsula, he assisted his father on the farm at Wainui, and at the latter's death in 1899, he succeeded to the ownership of the estate, which is named “Torcross.” Mr. Reid is chairman of the Wainui school committee, of the Public Cemetery Trustees, the wharf committee, and of the directors of the Wainui Dairy Factory; also a member of the Ellesmere Licensing Committee, of the committee of the Akaroa county horse show, one of the managers of the local church, and a trustee of the Wainui Public Domain. He was married, in 1891, to Miss Elizabeth West, daughter of the late Rev. William West, of Southbridge, Canterbury, and has one son and three daughters.
This school was established as a public one about 1860, prior to which the education of the children was carried on in private schools. The rolls have been preserved since July, 1860, and there were then thirty-eight on the roll, apparently the first. The attendance was then very irregular, and some-times ranged from two to twenty-eight; the receipts from school fees ranging from one shilling to thirteen shillings per week When the public school was opened there were thirty-eight children on the roll, with an average attendance of about fifteen; but now there are 133 on the roll, with an average attendance of 110. A few years ago the roll rose to 180, and the average attendance to about 160. The school contains three rooms. It has been a District High School since July, 1901, when Mr. Alexander Gray, M.A., was engaged to teach secondary subjects, which are taught free to all who have passed the Sixth Standard.
the Headmaster, has been in charge of the school for twenty-five years. He is assisted in the primary branches by Miss M. A. Cradock and one pupil-teacher.
Balgueri Street, Akaroa. The Church of England mission was commenced at Akaroa in 1852, and the first building set apart for worship was a small wooden place, capable of seating only fifty people. The Rev. W. Aylmer was the first incumbent of the parish. The church in Balgueri Street was erected in 1863, and the dedication service held in June of that year. It is a pretty wooden building capable of accommodating 250 worshippers. The Rev. Thomas Jasper Smyth, M.A., was vicar from 1892 till the end of 1902, when he was called to St. Stephen's, Lincoln. Since November, 1902, the Rev. Walmsley Sedgewick has been incumbent of St. Peter's, Akaroa.
Lavaud Street, Akaroa. Services were first held in Akaroa by the Presbyterian body in 1857, when they were conducted by the the Rev. C Fraser in the house of Mrs E. Brown. Shortly afterwards a church was built, mainly through the efforts of Mr. E. Hay, of “Annandale,” Pigeon Bay, and later on the present church was built in Lavaud Street. It is of wood, and has seating accommodation for 200 worshippers. Service is held on Sundays at the usual hours, and there is also a mid-week service. The manse is situated in Balgueri Street, about half a mile from the church. It is a wooden building of two stories, and stands on a glebe of five acres.
the present minister of the Presbyterian church, at Akaroa, was called to the charge about the middle of 1902, and inducted early in 1903.
Lavaud Street, Akaroa, is the centre of the united Catholic parishes of Akaroa and Little River. It stands, together with the presbytery, upon an extensive and prettily planted section, with native bush on its upper portion. The building is cruciform, is built of wood, and contains one large room and two sacristies. The presbytery is a large two-storied building, a few yards from the church. There is a day school which is under the charge of four Sisters, and is conducted in a large building presented to the parish by Mr. I. Narbey, senior. For many years the spiritual needs of the Catholic people upon Banks' Peninsula were supplied from Leeston and Lyttelton, but, about 1886, Akaroa and Little River were constituted a separate parish, and since then it has without interruption had a resident priest. Father O'Connor (dead), Father Purton, of Auckland, and Dean Bowers, of Geraldine, have occupied the position.
D.D., who was appointed resident priest at Akaroa in August, 1902, succeeded the Rev. S. Dunham, who was Rector of the Mission for nearly ten years.
This factory was established in 1895 by Messrs Irvine and Stevenson, of Dunedin, but has since been closed down.
Junior, who was Manager of the factory, and son of the senior partner, gained his experience in the firm's employment in Dunedin, and at Hokitika and Westport. He was appointed to his position
(Charles William Burland, proprietor), Beach Road, Akaroa. This hotel was originally built in 1841, by Captain Bruce, a master mariner, from whom it takes its name. It is at the terminus of the journey by coach from Little River, and close to the Akaroa harbour, with the main wharf within a few yards, and is popular with travellers and tourists. The main building is of wood, two stories high, and has a varandah facing Beach road. It contains eighteen rooms, including a well-kept diningroom, a neatly arranged parlour, and a spacious commercial room on the ground floor, and the bedrooms are upstairs. The “Bruce” has a first-rate reputation for the quality of its accommodation, and for the attention invariably shown to guests.
proprietor of the Bruce Hotel, was born in London, in 1860, and is a son of Mr. William Burland, a tradesman of that city. He was educated in the City of London Corporation School, and subsequently trained to commercial life. On landing at Lyttelton in 1893 he commenced farming, which he followed for about five years, but in 1898 he entered into partnership with his brother and took over the Bruce Hotel. The partnership existed until September, 1900, and since then the hotel has been conducted by Mr. Charles William Burland, who is ably assisted by his wife. He was married, in 1900, to Miss Read, daughter of an Ashburton farmer, and has one son.
(A. Rodrigues, proprietor), Lavaud Street, Akaroa. This is a two-storey wooden building, and occupies a pleasant site on freehold land not far from the waters of the bay, and yet in the main street of the borough. The house has excellent accommodation, and is much frequented by visitors to Akaroa.
Proprietor of the Maderia Hotel, was born in the Madeira Islands in 1831. He went to England in 1857, and arrived at Lyttelton during the following year. Mr. Rodrigues took charge of the Commercial Hotel, Akaroa, for nine months, and then established a bakery and butchery. Afterwards he returned to his original occupation, as proprietor of the Criterion Hotel, which he kept for three years, when he removed to the Madeira Hotel. Mr. Rodrigues is a member of the Catholic Church, and was for some years a member of the district school committee. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Adelaide Rodrigues, of Madeira, and has two sons and six daughters.
Storekeeper, Akaroa. Mr. Vangioni was born in 1857, in Calomini, Central Italy, where his father was a merchant. He was educated at private schools, and afterwards trained under his father. At the age of twenty he sailed for America, where he remained three years and a half. In 1861 he landed in Victoria, Australia, and in the following year arrived at Port Chalmers. He was engaged for about three years on the goldfields in various parts of the colony, and, in 1864, commenced contracting at Akaroa. Thirteen years later he established a general store, which he still conducts. Mr. Vangioni was married at Akaroa, in 1870, to Miss Julia Brockelbank, of London, and has two sons and seven daughters.
“The Glen,” Akaroa. Mr. Buckland is a son of Mr. W. T. Buckland, and was born in Auckland in 1844. He was educated at Dr. Kinder's Grammar School, and St. John's College, where he gained a scholarship which he held for four years. Mr. Buckland took an active part in the war in the Waikato, serving with Colonel Nixon's force of mounted volunteers. At the close of the war he went to England, and, on his return in 1867, settled at Otahuhu near Auckland. After a few years he moved to Otago, living first at Tumai near Waikouaiti, and afterwards at Taieri Lake station. Mr. Buckland remained there till 1899, when he sold out; and in 1902 he removed to “The Glen,” Akaroa. He has since bought the Mount Bossu estate on Akaroa harbour. Mr. Buckland was elected member of Parliament for Waikouaiti in 1884, and represented the district for four sessions. He was also a member of the Waikouaiti County Council and of the local road board. Mr. Buckland was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the Rev. William Fairburn, of Auckland.
near Akaroa. This is the property of Mr. Jules Lelievre, who took it up from the Crown in 1865. It was then all in its native state, covered with dense bush and scrub, and stocked with wild cattle and pigs. There were no roads and only a rough bridle track to Akaroa, so all the stores had to be carried by men for a number of years. When a small portion of the land was cleared a few cow were purchased and cheese was made, but in consequence of there being no roads Mr. Lelievre and his men had to carry the cheese to Akaroa on their backs. Castle Station is beautifully situated on a piece of tableland well up in the valley, where a portion of native bush, reserved with great taste, surrounds the homestead and shelters the orchard. Cocksfoot, beef, wool, and mutton are the chief products of Castle Station, and large numbers of fat sheep are annually available for
was born on the station in 1873, and educated at Akaroa. He visited Australia in 1893, and passed four months in the continental colonies After his return to New Zealand he travelled a great deal in the North Island, and visited Auckland twice. Mr. Lelievre was married, in 1898, to Miss Sunckell, and has one son.
Grehan Valley, Akaroa. This estate dates from 1873. In that year its present proprietor, Mr. David Curry, bought one hundred acres of rough bush land in its native state. Subsequent purchases have increased the property to 400 acres. Glenwood Farm is now well fenced and subdivided and laid down in good grasses. Cheese making and cattle rearing and grass-seed growing are carried on, and upwards of ten tons of cheese were produced in 1901.
the present proprietor of Glenwood Farm, is a son of Mr Henry Curry, of County Armagh, Ireland. He was born in 1837, educated at the Armagh public schools, and brought up to farming. In 1864 Mr. Curry came to Lyttelton in the ship “Glenmark.” He worked at the Akaroa sawmills for a short time, and then began farming on his present property. Mr. Curry was married, in 1873, and has one son.
Farmer, Akaroa. Mr. Health was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1845, and was educated at a private school. In 1874 he left England in the ship “Merope,” for New Zealand. Shortly after landing at Lyttelton, he took up land at Akaroa. Mr. Health was at one time a member of the Akaroa Borough Council, and has also held a seat on the German Bay school committee. He is well known as a member of the Church of England, and is a vestryman of St. Peter's. Mr. Health was married, in 1892, to the widow of the late Mr. John Sunckell.
was born in Lancashire, England, and brought up in Westmorland. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. John Wilson. In 1849 she was married to Mr. John Sunckell, and two years later left England, in company with her husband, for New Zealand. They landed at Lyttelton, and, in 1851, purchased about 120 acres of land in German Bay. In 1876, Mr. and Mrs Sunckell opened a boardinghouse in Lavaud Street, Akaroa. Mr. Sunckell died, in 1890, leaving a large family, and in 1892, Mrs Sunckell married Mr. John Health.
Lincoln Farm, Akaroa.—Mr. Newton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1857, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Roman Empire.” The family went directly from the ship to Akaroa, where Mr. Newton's father took up land in 1860, and called his place “Lincoln.” At first the land was covered with dense bush, but it was cleared, fenced, and stocked with cattle, and dairying was carried on for many years. In 1875, the first grass seed was saved, and as this was found remunerative the dairy herd was reduced, and now grass seed, wool, and mutton form the staple products of Lincoln farm, which comprises
is a native of the North of Ireland, and arrived with his parents in Queensland in 1863. In 1865 the family came to Christchurch and opened a drapery business. Mr. G. J. Black began storekeeping at Akaroa in 1871, and carried on the business successfully for fifteen years, during which he opened up an export trade in cocksfoot grass-seed and cheese. Mr. Black then started farming by purchasing a block of Government land of 1000 acres at Damon's Bay. The land was then in its native state of tussock and fern, but was soon improved by ploughing and sowing. He next purchased 800 acres of bush land in partnership with Mr. W. Wood in the Okute Valley, Little River. This was gradually cleared and sown in cocksfoot grass Mr. Black bought Mr. Wood's interest and other sections adjoining, and the land now contains 1200 acres and carries 2500 sheep. The Kawhere property of 560 acres near the Maori Kaike, was purchased from Mr. H. Aylmer, and farmed by Mr. Black for some years. In 1894 Mr. Black sold the Damon's Bay property to Messrs Rhodes Bros, of Flea Bay, and the Kawhere block to Mr. W. Glynon; and purchased from Mr. A. C. Knight the Lands End and Island Bay block of 4000 acres. This property, which has been much improved, is now managed by his two eldest sons. Over 2000 acres of it have been ploughed and laid down in English grass, and from 200 to 300 acres are broken up annually, and a crop of rape taken off. In the second year it is sown down with turnips and grass, and in this way large numbers of lambs are fattened yearly. The land is divided into thirty-five paddocks, and carries 5000 breeding ewes, and also a pure bred flock of 3000 Shropshire Downs; besides horses and cattle. Mr. Black owns a property of 1500 acres at Takapau, Hawke's Bay, which carries 2500 sheep, and is managed by his brother-in-law, Mr. D. McKay. During his younger days Mr. Black owned and sailed the well-known clippers “Venture,” “Chance,” “Whisper,” and “Mahanga,” and has steered them to victory in many a well fought race. But he has now given up yacht racing. At present he owns a handsome little oil launch, the “Sprite,” which he uses for going to and from the farm at Island Bay, and for fishing cruises; Mr. Black's private residence, “Glencarrig,” formerly belonged to the Rev. W. Aylmer, and stands on a beautiful site overlooking Akaroa harbour.
and his wife left Glasgow in October, 1839, in the “Bengal Merchant,” the first emigrant ship that sailed from Scotland for New Zealand under the New Zealand Association. Port Nicholson was reached in February, 1840, and the newcomers landed at the Petone beach, where another lot of immigrants had arrived a fortnight before. There they had to camp for some time, living in tants or small whares, as such a thing as a house was then unknown in the settlement. Mr. and Mrs Brown, and most of those who came by the “Bengal Merchant,” went to the Hutt Valley and took possession of some land near the river. The women of the party used to wash their clothes there; and, while thus occupied, Mrs Brown once met with an adventure. One day the rope attached to the bucket with which she was drawing water, slipped, and the bucket sank to the bottom of the river. Seeing a native paddling his canoe Mrs Brown made signs to him to hook the bucket up with his paddle. He threw off his mat, and recovered the bucket, but refused to give it up without “utu”—compensation. Mrs Brown, not understanding what he meant, seized the bucket, and ran off with it, but turning round saw the Maori following her with his tomahawk raised. She thereupon threw the bucket from her, calling to him that she would tell “Wideawake,” the Maori name for Colonel Wakefield. At last they came to terms for a flannel shirt. Being rather alarmed at this episode, the Browns left the place and went to live at Petone, where a few months afterwards the Maori made his appearance, and, laughing at the story, told Mrs Brown's husband how he had frightened her. Mr Brown, with many others, soon found his mistake in going to live so near the Hutt river, which frequently overflowed its banks, and in June, 1840, a flood destroyed many goods and utterly disheartened the colonists. Added to this, the only food was the Association's rations, eked out with an occasional piece of wild pork obtained from the Maoris; and there were practically no vegetables worth the name. Mr. Brown was a baker, and he was baking for some time for Mr. Duncan, a fellow passenger. Three years later he moved to Akaroa to take charge of a bakery there. On board the vessel in which he and his wife left Wellington, was Mrs Knight, mother of Mr. Knight, now of Laverick's Bay. Akaroa was at that time in all its primeval loveliness, and the dense bush of pines and totaras, which grew right down to the water's edge, was broken up by only a few clearings. In spite of this, the settlement had three hotels, and quite a number of residents, the majority of whom were French and German. After some years Mr. Brown's employer removed to Nelson, and he himself went for three months as cook and baker to Oauhau, where he and his wife endured great privations. There was no firewood, and the food has to be cooked with whales' blubber. Mr. and Mrs Brown returned to Akaroa, and finally settled there. They witnessed and assisted to promote the development of the district; and the first Presbyterian service in the settlement was held in their house.
was born near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England, in 1829. He worked for many years at the Grimsby docks, and was foreman of works at the construction of the Grimsby tower. Later on he was employed on the extension of railway lines in France and Holland. In 1858 he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Indiana,” and at once found work with Mr. S. C. Farr, at Akaroa where he was afterwards associated with the Rev. Mr. Aylmer in dairy farming. He was one of the progressive pioneers who took the first steps to open up a regular trade in cheese with England. Mr. Checkley had the practical talent which is so useful to the early colonist, and he invented a grass-seed cleaning machine, besides devising other appliances which proved handy in connection with farm work. He was for some time a member of the Akaroa Borough Council. Mr. Checkley's
was born in France on the 10th of January, 1810, and first visited Akaroa in May, 1837, in the whaler “Nile,” commanded by Captain Smith. At that time Captain L'Anglois, a French mariner who has been whaling in New Zealand waters off and on since 1835, was at Akaroa, where he had hopes of founding a French colony. With that end in view he bought form the Maoris all the land from Piraki to Akaroa Heads, and Mr. Lelievre was present at the ratification of the bargain. It appears that Mr. Lelievre then made up his mind to become a settler in the projected colony. He returned to France, in 1838, in the “Cachalot,” but came back to New Zealand in 1840 as one of the emigrants on board the “Comte de Paris,” Captain L'Anglois. The “Comte de Paris” was an old warship, which had been given by the French Government to Captain L'Anglois to take emigrants to his colony, or, rather, the colony which he hoped to be able to establish on the land which he had bought from the Maoris. Captain L'Anglois was not acting alone in his enterprise, for when he returned to France in 1838 the accounts he gave of Akaroa to his countrymen resulted in the formation of the Nanto-Bordelaise Company to acquire interests in his estate and enable him to carry out his scheme of colonisation. The importance thus given to the enterprise no doubt led to the Government's gift of the “Comte de Paris,” and to the despatch of the frigate “L'Aube,” under Commodore Lavaud, to protect the infant colony. It is fairly well known how the enterprise failed through Commondore Lavaud letting out the object of his expedition while calling in at the Bay of Islands where Governor Habson was then laying the official foundation of New Zealand as a British colony, and through the success with which Captain Stanley, in the frigate “Britomart,” carried out Governor Hobson's instructions to proceed at once to Akaroa and there hoist the British flag before the arrival of the French. However, Mr. Lelievre and his compatriots became excellent British colonists, and succeeded in imparting beneficial and distinctive characteristics to the social life of Akaroa. In the early days of the settlement Mr. Lelievre carried on business as a blacksmith, but afterwards bought extensive areas of land and followed sheepfarming. He was a successful colonist, and, personally, a man of bright intelligence and genial disposition. Though a close observer of current events, he took no active part in the administration of public affairs. He married a daughter of Mr. de Malmanche, an early French settler, and had four sons and three daughters. Mr. Lelievre died on the 12th of July, 1902, aged ninety-two years and six months. He was survived by his widow, sons and daughters, and left 105 descendants, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
is a son of the late Mr. William Mullen, and was born in Country Armagh, Ireland, in 1820. He was educated at a church school. At an early age, he entered the linen trade, and also gained some experience in farming. In 1870 Mr. Mullen came to Lyttelton in the ship “Merope.” He was employed for some years at sawmilling and contracting, but finally purchased the property upon which he now resides in Balguery road, Akaroa. He is a member of the Akaroa Presbyterian church. Mr. Mullen was married, in 1840, to Miss Marry Benson, of Armagh, and has had a family of twelve children, only seven of whom are now living.
was the son of a London warehouseman, and was born in Berkshire, England, in 1832. He was educated privately, and afterwards trained as a builder. However, he left his trade at the age of eighteen, sailed for New Zealand, and landed at Lyttelton in 1850. He travelled through Canterbury and Otago, but settled at Akaroa in 1852, and was engaged in building and sawmilling up to the time of his death in 1899. He was for many years chairman of the Akaroa school committee and the Hospital Board, and was a prominent member of the English church. Mr Penlington was married, in 1858, to Miss Maria Felgate, who arrived in Wellington by the ship “London,” in 1842, and who survives him. He left also five sons and four daughters.
is a son of Mr. Philip Porter, who for some time was a lieutenant in the 72nd Highlanders. Mr. Porter was born in King's County, Ireland, in March, 1825 and educated privately. He arrived at Lyttelton in October, 1868, by the ship “Hydaspes,” and, after spending some weeks on the Plains, settled at Akaroa. On his brother's death, in 1867, he came into possession of a well improved estate of 200 acres, in Aylmer's Valley, near Akaroa. Mr. Porter was married, in 1874, to Miss Fanny Britton, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters.
or Onuku, as it is sometimes and perhaps more correctly called, is situated on the Akaroa harbour, between the entrance and the town of Akaroa, which is about three miles distant. It is an old Maori settlement with traces of Maori habitation still remaining; indeed, there are a few natives still residing in the district, and a reserve of 400 acres has been set apart for their use. The scenery in and around The Kaike is similar to that in other parts of the Peninsula, only perhaps even more romantic; the hills in places reaching down almost to the water's edge, and leaving room for little level country. It is a farming district, contains about half a dozen homesteads, and is devoted to dairyfarming, grass seed growing and sheep grazing. The Kaike has a public school, but the attendance is small, and there is no post office in the district.
Farmer, The Kaike, Akaroa. Mr. Wilkin was born in Norway, in 1832, and is a son of Mr. Joseph Wilkin, an engineer of Bergen. He was educated at a private school, and at an early age joined a whaling expedition to the Arotic Ocean. Mr. Wilkin remained on the Northern Seas until 1856, when he sailed in the ship “Westminster” for Lyttolton. In 1858, he made a voyage to the Baltic, and for eighteen months following his return to New Zealand he was engaged in trading along the coast of the colony. Mr. Wilkin first acquired property at The Kaike, in 1860, but subsequently disposed of it, and bought his present farm of sixty acres, which overlooks the entrance to the Akaroa harbour. He carries on dairying on a large scale, and, in spite of his age, he is a most enthusiastic farmer. In earlier years he took considerable interest in educational matters, and was, for some time, a member of the local school committee. Mr. Wilkin was married to Miss Elizabeth Campbell, of Akaroa, and has eleven sons and three daughters.
Akaroa. This estate is the property of Mr. F. Narby, and contains 4000 acres. The first section was purchased in 1854 from the New Zealand Association, and the balance at different times from the Government. When bought, much of the land was covered with very heavy bush, but it is now all cleared, well fenced and subdivided. Mr. Narby first began with cattle, and carried on dairying, breeding and fattening for over thirty years. Now the estate is devoted to sheep, and large numbers of fat lambs are annually available for the export trade.
was born in 1829 at Rouen, the ancient capital of Normandy, in France. He took to a seafaring life, and came to New Zealand in 1849, in the ship “Angelina.” After staying at Akaroa for five years he visited the goldfields of Australia and Tasmania, where he remained fourteen months, but then returned to New Zealand and purchased the first part of Long Bay estate. He had many difficulties to contend with, but he overcame them all. Mr. Narby was married, in 1857, to Miss McGee, and has eight sons and six daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Paua Bay, near Akaroa.—Mr. Lelievre, who is a son of the late Mr. Francois Lelievre, was born at Akaroa in 1854, and has always followed farming. His private residence is at Akaroa, and his estate, which comprises 2500 acres, is situated at Paua Bay. He devotes his land to the cultivation of grass seed and the production of wool and mutton, and a large number of lambs are annually raised for the export trade. A small stud flock of Lincoln sheep, kept on the property, was established in 1883, with ewes from the flock of Mr. H. Overton, and rams bred by Mr. H. Holmes and Mr. Withell. The members of this flock are noted for their heavy fleeces. Mr. Lelievre has been chairman of the Akaroa County Council. He has for many years been a member of the Racing Club, and he is president of the football and cricket clubs. Mr. Lelievre was married, in 1882, to Miss Rodrigues, who bore him two sons and four daughters. After his first wife's death he married Miss Vangioni, and one daughter has been born of his marriage with this lady.
near Akaroa. This estate is the property of Mr. V. V. Masefield, and contains 1000 acres. The land was taken up from the Crown in 1865, when it was all in its native state. Mr. Masefield paid as much as £3 10s per acre for felling the bush, and for his first grass seed he had to pay as high as one shilling and twopence per pound. For his first two cows he paid £20 each, and as high as £1 10s for a 100lb. bag of flour, which he had some difficulty in getting to Gough's Bay. Now Mr. Masefield has good roads on and to his property, and all the land is clear except patches of bush left to temper summer's heat and winter's cold. The other improvements on Gough's Bay estate consist of a good dwellinghouse and the required outbuildings, with an excellent garden and orchard. The house is beautifully situated, and overlooks one of the prettiest bays in the peninsula—a bay whose neighbourhood at one time supported a large number of Maoris.
was born in Shropshire, in 1840, and was educated, first at the local grammar school, and afterwards at Birkenhead College. After leaving college he learned farming and land valuing under the agents of the Duke of Cleveland and Lord Forester. He came to New Zealand in 1862 in the barque “Kinnaird.” Soon afterwards he took a trip to the South Sea Islands, and subsequently settled on the Canterbury Plains for a short time. During a visit which he paid to the Peninsula he was much taken with the beauty of the place, and with the charm which the numerous birds gave to the scenery, and no doubt these things had not a little to do with his leaving the Plains for Gough's Bay. Mr. Masefield visited England in 1882, via Australia, whence he sailed by one of the Orient liners. After a stay of two months in England, he returned by the ship “Northumberland.” Mr. Masefield was married, in 1867, to Miss McKay, of Pigeon Bay, and has a family of three sons and four daughters. The eldest son joined the Army in 1892, and has since then been stationed chiefly in India. He is captain in the Shropshire Regiment.
—This is the property of Mr. Alexander F. Roberts, son of Mr. James Roberts, C.E., who came out to the Colony in 1855, to join his cousin, Mr. John Watson, and followed his profession. He died in 1881, leaving one son and four married daughters—Mrs Anson, Mrs Snow, Mrs Buchanan, and Mrs Buckley. Mr. Roberts was born at Akaroa, and educated at Malvern College, England, On returning to the Colony he farmed for a few years with his cousin, Mr Arthur Lyon, of German Bay. He purchased “Waikerikikeri” in 1886, when only about 400 acres of the total area of 3000 acres had been cleared; but he at once went on with the felling of the balance, and at one time had as many as fifty men employed in felling, sawmilling, fencing, etc. Twenty miles of fencing were erected in a few years, though the estate is bounded by the sea on one side. The sheep kept by Mr. Roberts are of the Lincoln-Leicester breed, and a large number of fat lambs are annually available for the export trade. Shorthorn cattle are first favourites on the estate, and Mr. Roberts has owned and bred a number of good horses, including “Merry Bachelor” and “Renfrew Jock.” He has been a successful exhibitor of horses during recent years. At the Peninsula Show he won the first prizes for horses up to fourteen stone and eighteen stone, the only prize for a hillside team, and first for a lady's hack; and at the Christchurch Metropolitan Show he won two first prizes. The chief products of the estate are wool, beef, mutton and grass-seed. Mr. Roberts has been a member of the County Council, of the Canterbury and Peninsula Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, president of the Le Bon's Football Club, and vice-president of the Le Bon's Swimming Club. In 1879 he was married to Miss Moorhouse.
was settled much later than most of the other bays of the Peninsula. It was about 1857 that the first settler—Mr. Cuff—arrived in the bay. The place was then covered with dense bush and heavy timber. Mr. Cuff established a sawmill—which afterwards fell into other hands—and the bush covered areas were gradually transformed into grass paddocks. Many of the people who worked in the mill are still living in or about the bay. About 1864 the Okain's, Little Akaloa and Le Bon's Road Board came into existence, and Mr. Henry Barnett was the first representative for Le Bon's Bay. When the bush was exhausted, and the mill stopped, farming was resorted to. The settlers keep sheep and cattle, cultivate grass seed, carry on dairyfarming, and maintain a butter factory. Le Bon's has a church and a public school, a tri-weekly mail service with Christchurch, sixty miles distant, and there is a public telephone at the local post office. A steamer plies, by way of Pigeon Bay, between Lyttelton and the district.
J.P., formerly of Le Bon's Bay, was born in Monmouth, Wales, in 1845, and was educated for the church under the Rev. William Campbell, M.A. He began to preach at the age of seventeen years, but owing to failing health he was recommended to emigrate to New Zealand. It had been his intention to offer his services to the London Missionary Society, but he came to New Zealand with his parents in 1863 in the ship “Captain Cook.” In the following year he removed with his family to Le Bon's Bay, when he was appointed to the charge at Le Bon's, and subsequently to the Congregational Church at Akaroa. It was in 1869 that he was appointed to the charge of this wide district, and he laboured in it till 1880. During his pastorate he built the church at Le Bon's, and handed it over in trust to the Congregationalists. In 1886 he returned to occupy his old church, where he laboured till 1891, when he resigned and accepted the charge of the Baptist Church at Sydenham, where he remained about three years, during which his mind underwent a change, which induced him to join the Baptist Church, and he was afterwards engaged in preaching and conducting mission services in connection with the Canterbury Baptist Association. At one time Mr. Barnett owned the local store and the Le Bon's Dairy
Farmer, Le Bon's Bay.—Mr. Bailey is the son of Mr. Henry Bailey, who arrived in New Zealand in October, 1860. He himself was born at Le Bon's Bay, on the 24th of January, 1864, and was the first white child born in the place. Mr. Bailey has a freehold of 100 acres; he also leases the old homestead, and grazes about 1400 sheep and cattle. He has for many years been chairman of the Le Bon's Bay school committee, and clerk of the local road board. Mr. Bailey was married, on the 7th of September, 1883, to Miss Caroline Amelia Johnson.
Farmer, Le Bon's Bay. Mr. Crotty is the youngest son of the late Mr. George Stephenson Crotty, of Le Bon's Bay, where he was born in 1879, and educated at the local public school. he commenced farming at an early age, and, at his father's death, he took over the management of the family property. Mr. Crotty is a member of the local Rifle Club, and, also, of other sporting bodies. He was married, in 1903, to Miss Oldridge, of Le Bon's Bay.
Farmer, Seaview Farm, Le Bon's Bay.—Mr. Knight was born in Wellington, in 1843, and when thirteen months old he accompanied his parents to Akaroa, where his father died, when Mr. Knight was three years of age. His mother married again, and he went to Okain's Bay, and then to Laverick's, where he was brought up to bush and station work. He began to utilise the bush first by hand-saw, but he afterwards became partner in a sawmill, which he and his partner worked till the timber was exhausted, and the firm of Webb and Knight and Sons dissolved partnership. Mr. Knight then entered into the dairy industry at Akaroa, and continued in it for six years, when he turned his attention to commercial life. At the end of four years he had to dispose of his business owing to illness, and after travelling about for some time, chiefly in the North Island, he returned to Laverick's, where he stayed for a few years. Subsequently he settled at “Sea-view,” where he built a new house. Mr. Knight has acted as local postmaster, and been agent for the Charitable Aid Board. He was married, in 1898, to Miss Newbery.
Le Bon's Bay. This property belongs to Mr. J. T. Knight, but was originally taken up by Mr. William Webb, in 1858. Mr. Knight, Mr. Webb's stepson, carried out many of the improvements begun by his stepfather. The bush has been cleared, and the run covered with a good thick sward of grass, from which a large quantity of seed is annually saved. The property now comprises 2100 acres; it is divided into eighteen paddocks, and carries a large herd of Shorthorn cattle and a flock of English Leicester sheep, and Mr. Knight has lately been experimenting with sheep of the Wensleydale breed. The homestead is beautifully situated near the beach, and is surrounded by the largest elder trees in New Zealand.
was born at Akaroa in 1849, and was educated at Okain's Bay. At the age of twelve years he began to deal in live stock, and by the time he was twenty he dealt in all kinds of animals, and is still dealing. He visited Westland in 1864, when there were no houses in that part of the Colony, and he obtained a fair share of gold at Hokitika and the Grey.
Farmer, Le Bon's Bay. Mr Leonardo was born in Portugal, and took to a seafaring life. In 1862 he came to New Zealand in the American whaler “Olive Crocker,” Captain Cochrane, and made his way to Akaroa, where he did bush work. He, however, returned to the sea and sailed the coasts of New Zealand for several years, but finally settled in Le Bon's Bay, where he took up his first section of forty acres, and where he now has a freehold of 372 acres. At first Mr. Leonardo stocked his land with cattle, and milked as many as sixty-five cows; but he now devotes a great deal of his land to the cultivation of cocksfoot. Mr. Leonardo has served on the road board, school committee, and has acted as postmaster for the district. He married Miss Barnett, who made the first cheese in Le Bon's Bay, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Le Bon's Bay. Mr. McCullough is the third son of the late Mr. William McCullough. He was born in Le Bon's Bay, in 1880, and educated at the local public school. Afterwards he assisted his father on the farm, a portion of which he now cultivates on his own account. Mr. McCullough has been a member of the local football and cricket clubs for three or four years. He was a member of the Sixth New Zealand Contingent, saw active service in the South African war, and returned to New Zealand in May, 1902.
Old Colonist, was born in 1823, in Nottingham, England, and was apprenticed to a trade in Sheffield. This he followed till he came out to New Zealand in 1860, in the ship “Roman Empire.” He landed at Lyttelton, but went shortly afterwards in a whaleboat to Le Bon's Bay, where he found work. His chief object, however, was the purchase of a small section of land to build a home upon, but the land was so locked up that not less than twenty acres could be bought from the Crown. This was found to be a great injustice to persons with limited capital. Mr. Bailey's present house stands on the site of his first selection, which was originally covered with dense bush. Mr Bailey has served on the road board; he is chairman of the school committee, and one of the trustees for the recreation ground. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Cornwall, and has four sons and two daughters.
sometime of Le Bon's Bay, was born, in 1841, in London. He arrived at Lyttelton at the age of sixteen, and spent some years in the saw-milling industry. Subsequently he took up land in Le Bon's Bay, and farmed there till his death in 1900. Mr. Crotty was married, and had a family of nine children.
sometime of Le Bon's Bay, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1846. He landed in Port Chalmers, Otago, in 1862, but shortly afterwards removed to the Ellesmere district, Canterbury. For some years he was employed by the late Mr. White, then engaged in the timber industry on the shores of Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth. In 1875 Mr. McCullough removed to Le Bon's Bay, where he worked for about nine years at the local sawmill. He then took up land in the upper part of the bay, and commenced farming; his first section was a small one, but he gradually acquired more property in other pants of the bay, and at his death, in July, 1902, he was the owner of 350 acres. Mr. McCullough was married, in 1875, to Miss Robinson, of Christchurch, and was survived by his wife and five sons.
was named by a Captain Hamilton, who, while passing in his vessel, happened to be reading a book written by Okain (O'Kane), an Irish naturalist. Messrs Fleuty, Harley, Mason, and Webb were the first who settled in the bay. They were there before 1853, and were soon followed by Mr. Thomas Ware. As in the other bays, bushfelling was the chief industry in the early days, and it was followed later on by farming. Okain's Bay is perhaps the largest of the bays on the north side of the Peninsula. It is much wider than the others, and the district contains a larger area of flat ground. The river which flows down the valley is navigable for fair-sized cutters. Okain's Bay is a prosperous farming district, and has a church, a public school, a public library, an accommodation house, and two stores, and possesses some interesting Maori relies. It is connected with Lyttelton by a steamer, which plies by way of Little Akaloa. Cocksfoot and ryegrass seed are produced, dairyfarming also is carried on, and there is a co-operative cheese factory. There are pheasants and hares in the district, which is connected by a daily mail service with Christchurch, fifty-six miles distant. The local post office has a telephone bureau.
was built about the year 1875. It is situated on an acre of land by the main road. There are about sixty-two names on the roll, and the average attendance is fifty. The headmaster has an assistant.
Headmaster of Okain's Bay public school, was born in 1875, in Sydenham, Christchurch, and educated at the Opawa public school. Having passed the entrance examination, he commenced teaching, served the usual pupil-teacher's course at the Opawa school, and was afterwards trained at the Normal School, Christchurch. He was subsequently master, successively at Porter's Pass and Russell's Flat public schools, and in May, 1900, was appointed to his present position.
Okain's Bay. This factory was established in 1894, for the manufacture of cheese. It is situated on the main road, and is a well constructed wooden building, with an engine room, a making room, and curing room, and is fitted with the latest appliances for the manufacture of cheese. The factory's boiler is filled by natural pressure, with water from a spring in the neighbouring hills. In 1901, a complete buttermaking plant was introduced into the factory. The total output for the year ending about June, 1902, consisted of sixty-one tons of cheese, and four tons of butter.
was appointed manager of the Okain's Bay Dairy Factory in 1899. He was born in Scotland in 1879, and is the third son of Mr. Peter Cunningham, a farmer, of Wigtonshire. When he was about eight years of age, his parents removed to Warwick, England, and there he was sent to the public schools, and afterwards trained to farming. In 1897, he left England for New Zealand, and shortly after landing was appointed assistant-manager of the Wyndham Dairy Factory, on the boundary of Southland and Otago. He subsequently held a similar position in the Stirling Dairy Factory, near Balclutha, Otago, until his appointment to his present post, in 1899. Mr. Cunningham was married, in 1902, to Miss Mason, of Okain's Bay.
(Thacker Bros., proprietors), Okain's Bay. The history of this property dates back as far as 1855. In that year the late Mr. John Edward Thacker bought a section in the bay. From time to time he added to his property, and at his death, the estate consisted of 4500 acres. Subsequent purchases have increased the property to 7500 acres. The whole area consists of first-class pastoral country; in fact “The Highlands” is considered one of the most valuable estates on the Peninsula. It has effective boundary and subdivision fences, and is laid down in good grasses. The cultivation of cocksfoot for grass seed, and the grazing of cattle and sheep are the chief industries carried on upon “The Highlands.” Stock produced on the estate has invariably been noticed for its quality, when exhibited at agricultural shows throughout the Middle Island of New Zealand.
of the firm of Messrs Thacker Brothers, Okam's Bay, is the second surviving son of the late Mr John Edward Thacker, founder of The Highlands estate. He was born in October, 1867, in Okain's Bay, and educated primarily at the local public school, afterwards at Mr. Charles Cook's private school, Christchurch, and finally, he spent four years at the Christchurch Boys' High School. He then returned
Farmer, “Manuka Grove,” Okain's Bay. Mr. Mason was born at Okain's Bay, where he was educated and brought up to farming. His father was one of of the earliest settlers of New Zealand, and had his Christmas dinner on Kapiti Island, in 1837. He had come out to Hobart in the ship “Vansittart,” which traded between Sydney and Melbourne. Subsequently he went whaling at Foul Bay, and was at one time taken and kept as a prisoner by the Maoris. After many adventures he settled, first, at Pigeon Bay, and then at Okain's, where he was one of the earliest settlers. Mr. G. Mason farms about 700 acres, partly freehold and partly leasehold. He is one of the largest sheep and cattle dealers in his part of the Colony, and buys and sells stock in all parts of the country from Culverden to Dunedin. Mr. Mason was elected a member of the road board, when he was only twenty-one years of age; he was chairman for fourteen years, and served till quite recently. He was a member and chairman of the school committee for a number of years, and of the Akaroa County Council, and the Peninsula and Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. He takes an active part in racing, cricket, football, etc. Mr. Mason was married, in 1879, to Miss Harris, and has six sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Okain's Bay. Mr. Moore was born in Okain's Bay. in 1856, and is the youngest son of the late Mr. William Moore, who arrived in New Zealand by the “Sir George Pollock” in 1851. He was educated at the local public school, and afterwards trained to farming on his father's property. At the age of twenty-five he bought property in Okain's Bay, on his own account. Subsequently he acquired a larger holding of 350 acres in a neighbouring bay, and his since been engaged in farming. Mr. Moore carries on dairying, grass-seed growing, and sheep-farming. He was one of the chief promoters of the Okain's Bay Dairy Factory in 1894, and is at present (1903) chairman of its directors. For over twenty years he has acted as clerk to the Okain's Bay Road Board; since 1876 he has been secretary of the Oddfellows' Lodge, and is secretary of the local school committee. Mr. Moore was married, in 1881, to Miss M. A. Mason, daughter of an early settler in Okain's Bay, and has five sons and two daughters. He is a Justice of the Peace.
Farmer, Okain's Bay. Mr. Moore was born in Guernsey, Channel Islands, in 1846, and is a son of the late Mr. William Moore, formerly of St. Peter's Port, Guernsey, but latterly of Okain's Bay, Banks' Peninsula. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Sir George Pollock,” and went with them to Okain's Bay in 1851. After being educated at the local public school, he was engaged in pit-sawing, but afterwards found employment on his father's farm. In 1876 he bought property on his own account, and commenced farming. His farm, now known as “Lyndhurst,” comprises 254 acres, and is situated in the upper part of Okain's Bay. Mr. Moore is the largest supplier of milk to the local factory, and he also carries on some grass-seed growing and stock grazing. He is churchwarden of the English church in Okain's Bay, and has, at different periods, been a member of various local bodies. Mr. Moore was married, in 1876, to Miss E. A. Ware, daughter of one of the oldest settlers in the district, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Okain's Bay. Mr. Pidgeon was born in Long Bay in 1857, and is a son of the late Mr. P. Pidgeon, farmer, sometime of Akaroa. He was educated at Akaroa at private and public schools. When about seventeen years of age, he sailed for Australia, where he remained till 1879, when he returned to Banks' Peninsula and leased land on the shores of the Akaroa harbour. He farmed for a number of years in German Bay and Robinson's Bay, and in 1899, leased property in Okain's Bay, where he commenced farming. His leasehold consists of 135 acres. Dairying, cattle grazing, and the cultivation of cocksfoot grass-seed are the chief industries of the farm. Mr. Pidgeon is a member of the Okain's Bay public school and public library committees. He is married, and has six sons and seven daughters.
Cattle Farmer, “Essydale,” Okain's Bay.—Mr. Thacker was born in Christchurch in 1856, and is a son of the late Mr. J. E. Thacker, who came to New Zealand in 1850, in the ship “Sir George Seymour.” When he was only nine months old he was taken to Okain's by his parents, and he passed his youth on his father's Highlands estate, which he subsequently managed for many years. He afterwards bought a property of 173 acres near the head of the valley, and named it “Essydale.” In 1889 he purchased another property of 400 acres, and his land is devoted chiefly to growing cocksfoot and fattening cattle. Mr. Thacker is also one of the firm of Thacker Brothers who own the Highlands estate, which is so well known as a producer of grass seed, wool, mutton, and
of Okain's Bay, was born near London, in 1838. He spent some years at the plastering trade, and, in 1851, sailed in the ship “Steadfast” for Lyttelton. In 1854 he made his way to Okain's Bay, where he still resides. He is married, and has a grown-up family of three sons and five daughters.
sometime of Okain's Bay, was born in London in 1810. His boyhood was spent at sea, and, while a young man, he made his way to Australia. Shortly afterwards he arrived in New Zealand, where he was engaged for a little while in the whaling industry. About 1852, he settled in Okain's Bay, and commenced work as a sawyer. Mr. Mason took up a section of land in the early fifties; in fact, he was one of the first to buy land at Okain's; and when the bush was exhausted and the timber industry had died away, he turned his attention to farming. He subsequently bought other sections, and continued in business as a dairy farmer until his death in the year 1889. Mr. Mason was married, in 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Rix, daughter of an early colonist who landed in Wellington in the forties, and died about 1887, in Little Akaloa, where he had been the first settler. Mr. and Mrs Mason had twelve children, of whom four sons and six daughters are alive; and most of them are married, and settled at Okain's. Mrs Mason, who still resides at the old homestead, is one of the earliest settlers now living in the district.
was born in Devonshire, England, in 1848. He arrived at Okain's Bay in 1851, was educated at a private school, and afterwards worked as a sawyer. Subsequently he turned his attention to farming, and later on he bought a vessel and commenced to trade between Lyttelton and the Bays. He still carries on this trade, and also keeps a general store in Okain's Bay, whilst his sons look after the farm. Mr. Ware was married, in 1870, to Miss McConnell, of Okain's Bay, and has two sons and four daughters living.
is a small bay situated three miles west of Okain's Bay. Its earliest settler—Mr James Boleyn—arrived in 1856, and the greater part of the district is in his hands; indeed, Mr. Boleyn, with his family and the workers on the farm, are the only residents in the bay. It is about midway between Okain's Bay and Chorlton. A great deal of native bush is still standing in the district.
Farmer, Stony Bay West. Mr. Boleyn arrived in Lyttelton with his parents in 1851, and shortly afterwards went to Little Akaloa. There he farmed till about 1856, when he bought his present property of about 700 acres. Mr. Boleyn was for many years a member of the Akaroa County Council, and also of the Okain's Bay Road Board. He is a son of Mr. George Boleyn, and was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1830, and educated at Logiealmond, near Perth. After completing his education he was engaged in forestry until he sailed for New Zealand in January, 1851. Mr. Boleyn has been twice married, and has a family of six His first marriage took place in 1862, and his second in 1890, when he married Miss Charlotte Burness, formerly of London, but latterly of a neighbouring bay.
Farmer, Chorlton, near Little Akaloa.—Mr. Craw was born at Inglewood, Victoria, and when a child accompanied his parents to New Zealand. The family settled at Papanui, where Mr. Craw was educated. In 1876, he removed to his father's estate at Chorlton, most of which was at that time covered with dense bush, which had soon to give way to the woodman's axe. The land was put down in the best grasses, and was at first chiefly devoted to fattening cattle and breeding horses. Mr. Craw visited the gold fields of South Australia, in 1887, and worked for two years at Tetulpa and Meangarry reefs. He then returned to New Zealand to resume farming. The farm consists of 200 acres, and is chiefly devoted to the raising of cocksfoot seed and the breeding of trotting horses, upon which Mr. Craw embarked in 1894, with a judicious selection of well bred and fast trotting mares, which he mates with the best of sires, such as “Victor,” “Ha Ha,” “Sacramento,” etc. The stables and loose boxes are built on the most approved plans, and a training ring, formed on the American principle and surrounded by a high boarded fence, is attached to the stables. Mr. Craw lately completed the building of a fine house, with every modern convenience, and beautifully situated about two miles from Rapu Bay. It commands a grand view of the coast line as far north as Cape Campbell. The grounds are tastefully laid out and planted with ornamental trees, and similar taste and skill are exhibited in connection with the flower garden and orchard. Mr. Craw was married, in 1897, to Miss Preston.
in the county of Akaroa, is a dairyfarming district on Banks' Peninsula. It has a population of about 300 persons, a cheese factory, and numerous private dairies. There is communication with Lyttelton by steamer, and there is a daily mail service with Christchurch, which is sixty-three miles distant. The local post office has a telephone service and a money order and savings bank branch, and there is a church, a public school, an accommodation house, and a general store in the district, the staple industries of which are dairying, sheepfarming, and the cultivation of grass seed. The mails between Little Akaloa and Little River are conveyed on horseback.
Postmaster, Telephonist, Mail Contractor, and General Storekeeper, Little Akaloa.—Mr. Wilson was born in Tasmania, in 1872. In early years he followed agricultural and pastoral pursuits, but he became a mail contractor in 1893, and entered into storekeeping in 1897. As a storekeeper he does business for six miles around, with settlers, bushmen, fencers, contractors, and grass seeders. Mr. Wilson always takes an active interest in anything that tends to promote the welfare of his district.
(Charles P. Kay, owner), Little Akaloa. “Brockworth” is an old estate with an interesting history. The oldest portion of it—that lying immediately round Decanter Bay—was originally bought from the Government in the early days by Mr. Duncan, who afterwards became Crown Prosecutor for Christchurch. Mr. Garland then leased that part of the estate, and carried on dairy farming until he was bought out by Mr. Kirk. The section was next purchased by Mr. Cook, who at that time was proprietor of an extensive area of neighbouring country. Mr. Ashton, who became the proprietor of the part now known as “Brockworth,” afterwards bought several other sections, and thereby extended the estate to its present area. The property was bought by Mr. C. P. Kay in 1891. It is 650 acres in extent, is bounded on the north and also partly towards the east by the sea, has a boundary fence towards the south and west; and is subdivided into nine paddocks. The whole area consists of first class pastoral country, and is stocked chiefly with sheep. Decanter Bay, about the centre of the coast line of “Brockworth.” is named after a rock at its entrance, said to be the shape of a decanter. The bay is navigable for coastal vessels, and the local trading steamers call in when requested to do so by Mr. Kay. Within a few yards of the beach, in Decanter Bay, there still stands the residence of Mr. Duncan, the original proprietor of the estate. This house was, for some years, occupied by Mr. Kay, but is now tenanted by one of the farm workers. The residence of the present proprietor is a well constructed and commodious dwelling of a modern type. It stands high up on the hill above Decanter Bay, where it commands a wide view of the surrounding country and the open ocean.
Proprietor of “Brockworth,” is the eldest son of the late Mr. Thomas Kay, of Pigeon Bay. He was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1852, and landed at Lybtelton, in company with his parents, in 1859 After being educated at the Pigeon Bay public school, he turned his attention to farming. In 1878, when his father died, he and his brother, Mr. George Kay, continued to farm the property in Pigeon Bay; but in 1890 they sold out, and one year later, Mr. C. P. Kay bought “Brockworth” from Mr. Walter M. Ashton. He was at one time a member of the Pigeon Bay Road Board, and has also been a member of the Little Akaloa school committee. Mr. Kay married Miss Catherine Washbourn, of Riccarton, daughter of the late Mr. Washbourn, who arrived in Lyttelton by one of the first four ships. He has one son and one daughter.
(W. Craw, proprietor), Little Akaloa. This property was taken up from the Crown by the late Mr. George Craw, father of the present proprietor, in 1876. It was then densely covered with bush, but now it is all cleared, fenced and subdivided and stocked with crossbred sheep and Shorthorn cattle. The house is beautifully situated on the top of a hill overlooking Akaloa Harbour, and commanding a fine view of the Kaikoura ranges and the coastline. Mr. Craw has served on the road board; he takes a great interest in all local affairs, and is a vestryman. He was married, in 1883, to Miss Waghorn, and has one son and two daughters.
J.P., Little Akaloa.—Mr. Waghorn was born in 1852 on the
Senior, Old Colonist, was born at Dartford, Kent, England, sixteen miles from London Bridge, in 1814. For many years he sailed on the Thames in Mr. Fleming's barge. In 1850 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Randolph” with Mr. Fleming, with whom he stayed one year at Port Levy. He then joined his two brothers in the purchase of two acres of land at Little Akaloa, to which they soon added fifty more. Mr. Waghorn then took to boating timber from the bays to Lyttelton. He purchased a sunken boat, which he raised, and brought to Pigeon Bay for repairs; it turned out to be one of the fastest boats on the coast. Later on, Mr. Waghorn remained ashore bushfelling and growing wheat, which he ground with a small steel stone, the wind supplying the motive power. That was about 1852, and Mr. Waghorn claims to have erected the first windmill in Canterbury. He also brought the first cow to Little Akaloa. Mr. Waghorn gradually increased his area to 1000 acres. The land is now occupied by his three sons, and he himself takes matters easily in the evening of his days. Mr. Waghorn has served on the road board and the school committee. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Dale, of Dartford, but in 1896, he was left a widower, with three sons and three daughters.
lies to the south of Lyttelton Heads, and is in the county of Akaroa. It has a post, telegraph and money order office, and a population of about 360 persons. The district is devoted to dairy farming, and the production of cheese, and is connected thrice a week by steamer with Lyttelton; distance, twenty-one miles. A coach from Akaroa meets the steamer, and travellers to and from Lyttelton find this the quickest and pleasantest route. Pigeon Bay is one of the historic pioneer settlements of New Zealand, and was first settled in 1843 by Messrs Hay and Sinclair; Mr. Hay taking the head of the bay or Pigeon Bay proper, and Mr. Sinclair what is now called Holmes' Bay, a bay and valley on the west side, about five miles inland from Pigeon Bay heads. Mr. Sinclair sold out to the late Mr. George Holmes, the maker of the Lyttelton-Christchurch tunnel. The estate, about 5000 acres in extent, is now (1903) owned by Mr. G. G. Holmes, a nephew of the first proprietor. Mr. T. O. Hay, second son of the late Mr. E. Hay, is now owner of the Pigeon Bay estate. Mr. E. Hay and his family stuck to their holding, in the face of many difficulties, and kept adding to it for many years, and now, the estate, named “Annandale,” comprises about 8000 acres. The Pigeon Bay road district contains about 21,000 acres, which includes McIntosh and Decanter Bays, both of which were early settlements. All the different parts of the present Pigeon Bay
Farmer, Pigeon Bay. Mr. Hay has been engaged in farming on Banks' Peninsula for upwards of thirty years, broken by an interval of five years, passed in the North Island. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1853, and is a son of Mr. Robert Hay, of Kilmarnock. Mr. Hay was educated at private schools, and was trained as a farmer. He arrived at Lyttelton towards the close of 1871, and shortly afterwards went to Pigeon Bay, where he lived for a few years at “Annandale,” the well known estate of his uncle, Mr. Ebenzer Hay. Subsequently he went to the North Island, where he remained five years. In 1880 he returned to Pigeon Bay, where he became manager of a large station, the property of the late Mr. Thomas MacIntosh. Two years later Mr. Hay visited Scotland, where he spent twelve months. On his return he leased a run at the Akaroa Heads, and carried it on till 1895, when he leased his present property in Pigeon Bay. Mr. Hay has been a member of the local read board for five years, and is a prominent office-bearer in the Pigeon Bay Presbyterian church. He was married, in 1895, to Miss E. Simpson, of Dunedin.
Farmer, Melness Farm, Pigeon Bay.—Mr. McKay was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1844. When two years of age he accompanied his parents to Sutherlandshire, and came out to New Zealand in 1859, by the ship “Cresswell.” His father bought the first part of “Melness” from the Crown in 1860, but it was subsequently added to by other purchases, and the property now consists of 321 acres. At the outset the selection, like most of the land on the Peninsula, was covered with heavy timber, which provided the material for buildings and fences. Mr. McKay grows grass seed, makes cheese, and fattens sheep and cattle for the market. Of cattle, he prefers Shorthorns and the Holstein-Frisian breed, and he finds three-quarter bred sheep the most profitable. He has formed a small flock of pure bred Leicesters by the purchase of a number of ewes, bred by Mr. Threlkeld, and he has also a flock of pure bred Lincolns. Mr. McKay's homestead overlooks Pigeon Bay, and is sheltered on the south-west by well grown trees. There is a small lake on the estate, and trout have been liberated in it. Mr. McKay has served as a member of the road board, school committee, and Farmers' Association. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Brodie, a native of the Orkneys, and has four sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Viewfield,” Pigeon Bay. Mr. Paton came to New Zealand with his parents in 1865, in the ship “Eastern Empire. He was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, and was at Kaituna during the earlier years of his residence in the Colony. Later on he followed bush work, and was a partner in the firm of Pettigrew and Co., sawmillers, at Pigeon Bay. His farm of “Viewfield” at Pigeon Bay comprises 1023 acres, and is chiefly devoted to grazing and grass
J.P., Farmer, “Rockbound Villa,” Pigeon Bay.—Mr. Pitcaithly is a son of the late Mr. James Pitcaithly, and was born in Glasgow, in 1853. He accompanied his parents to the Colony in 1860 in the ship “William Miles.” The family settled at Okain's Bay for three years, and then removed to Pigeon Bay, where Mr. Pitcaithly has ever since followed pastoral pursuits. He is a member of the school committee, and secretary and treasurer of the Presbyterian Church. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1897.
Farmer, Pigeon Bay.—Mr. Scott was born in Yorkshire, in 1839, and during his early years he worked with his father in the manufacture of cloth. Before he left Home he learnt the brick and tile trade. In 1859, he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Zealandia,” on that vessel's second voyage. For the first two years he settled at Christchurch. He bought his firs' piece of land at the Malvern Hills, but sold it, and then bought the farm he now lives on. Since then, he has increased his area of freehold to 357 acres. Mr. Scott did not escape the gold fever of the early days, and in 1861 he tried his luck at the Dunstan, and in 1865 on the West Coast. Though his farm necessarily requires a great deal of attention, Mr. Scott finds time for public affairs. He is a member of the Akaroa County Council, chairman of the Pigeon Bay Road Board, and of the Pigeon Bay main and side schools, chairman of the Wainui Dairy Factory, a director of the German Bay Dairy Factory, and an active member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the Farmers' Association. Mr. Scott was married, in 1857, to Miss Ellis, and has eight sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Seaview,” Pigeon Bay.—Mr. White was born in 1835 in the North of Ireland. He left home in November, 1862, in the ship “Chariot of Fame,” and landed early in 1863. Some years after he bought his present farm of 115 acres, and settled on it in 1871. It was then all covered with dense bush, but it is now all cleared and highly improved, with a good dwelling-house, garden and orchard, outbuildings, and fences, in first-rate order. Mr. White devotes his farm to the production of grass seed and cheese. He has been a member of the road board. Mr. White was married, in 1862, to Miss Kerr, and has four sons and six daughters.
sometime of Pigeon Bay, was a native of England. For many years he was engaged as a clerk in the Privy Council office, and was afterwards coach driving in North Wales. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1859, and shortly afterwards settled at Pigeon Bay. There he entered into partnership with Mr. Alexander Montgomery, and conducted a farm and a general store. Mr. Montgomery subsequently got into difficulties, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Kay continued as a farmer until his death in 1878.
Old Colonist, of Pigeon Bay, was born in North Leith, Scotland, in 1821, and was apprenticed to the shipbuilding trade. He subsequently entered the East India Company's service, in which he remained six years. On the 3rd of March, 1852, he landed at Lyttelton in the ship “Samarang.” Soon after his arrival he purchased a small vessel named the “Caledonia,” with which he traded round the coast of New Zealand. In 1854, he settled at Pigeon Bay, where he commenced shipbuilding, and built the vessels “Canterbury” and “Midlothian.” He started the first sawmill in 1857, and in 1861 he went to Otago, and sailed a vessel up the Waihola Lake for the purpose of carrying stores towards the diggings. Subsequently he entered into a contract with the Otago Provincial Government to remove snags from the Clutha and other rivers, to facilitate their navigation. In 1864, he returned to Pigeon Bay and began dairying, to which he added the business of a wood merchant. He afterwards visited Scotland, and went Home in the ship “Glenmark.” Two years were spent in the Old Country, and Mr. Marshall then returned to New Zealand by the ship “E. P. Bouverie.” During his residence at Pigeon Bay, Mr. Marshall served on the road board fourteen years, and also acted as the board's surveyor and clerk. He died in 1873, much lamented as a most honourable man of business, a man of sterling integrity, and a true friend.
sometime of “Seafield,” Pigeon Bay, was a sister of Mr. G. W. Marshall, and, accompanied by her sister, came to the Colony in 1855, by the ship “Grassmere.” Miss Marshall settled with her brother at Pigeon Bay. “Seafield” estate consisted of 800 acres, and was partly devoted to grass seed growing, for which it was admirably adapted; and there was a good flock of long-woolled sheep. Miss Marshall was descended, on her mother's side, from Wylie of Kincardine-on-Forth, and her father was a man of means and of Norman descent. She died about two years ago.
Old Colonist, arrived at Lyttelton in 1860, and settled at Pigeon Bay about three years afterwards. He was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1824, and in his early years he served in the Railway
came to the Colony in 1846. He was a carpenter by trade, and settled first at Akaroa, where he built a house for Mr. Rhodes; he also built the homestead at Flea Bay, and then removed to Pigeon Bay. He took up the first land at Okain's in 1851, and purchased cattle imported from Tasmania in 1852, but could not get them to Okain's till the track was cut in 1854; and they were running in Island Bay for two years. From these cattle descended many of the herds of the bays. Mr. Webb was too busy to take much part in public affairs, but he served on the road board. He died in 1879, and Mrs Webb also died during the same year.
is in the county of Akaroa, and near the Lyttelton Heads. The district, which is within ten miles of Pigeon Bay, is devoted to the pasturage of sheep and cattle, and to the cultivation of cocksfoot for grass seed. There are from 15,000 to 20,000 sheep in the district, and all the shearing is done by machinery. A steam launch plies between Lyttelton and Port Levy four times a week. Port Levy has a telephone bureau, which connects the residents with subscribers on the Christchurch exchange. A good road connects the district with Little River, about nine miles away. The population is small, and the public buildings consist of a church, a school, a library, a post office and store, a road board office and a blacksmith's shop. Many persons visit Port Levy for the sake of its scenery, which is exceptionally fine.
Farmer, “Glenalbert,” Port Levy. Mr. Field was born at Port Levy in 1863. He entered the Railway Department at Lyttelton in 1878, and continued in the service for eleven years. In 1889, he began to deal in coal, but disposed of his business in 1894, and went to Port Levy, where he established a general store, and did a successful trade with the settlers, contractors, etc. Mr. Field is postmaster for the district. He has identified himself with educational affairs for a number of years, and is chairman of the school committee and clerk of the road board. Mr. Field served for thirteen years in the Lyttelton Naval Artillery, and as a marksman he gained many honours; for instance, the Jubilee medal, given by the Mayor, and competed for on the 24th of May, 1890, and the Governor's and the district medals in 1891. Mr. Field has a farm of seventy acres, chiefly devoted to dairying. In 1885 he was married to Miss Porteous, and has two sons. At the end of February, 1903, Mr. Field was appointed clerk to the newly-created Mount Herbert County Council.
Farmer, “Chelston, “Port Levy Mr. Hall was born in 1865, in Devonshire, England, and was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar school. He came to New Zealand in 1881 in the ship “Waimate,” and was settled at Opawa for three years. In 1889 he
Farmer, “Wild Cattle Hill,” Port Levy.—Mr. Teed was born at Wisbech, Cambridge, England, in 1832, and emigrated to Australia in 1847, in the ship “Duddroke.” In 1868 he came to New Zealand and entered the service of Mr George Holmes, of Holmes Bay, as shepherd. He took up the first portion of his present property in 1876, settled on it in the following year, and he now has 140 acres of freehold. At first he stocked his farm with dairy cattle, and sledged the produce to Holmes Bay, where it was shipped for the larger markets. Mr. Teed has now disposed of most of his herd, and grows grass seed. His first dwellinghouse was put up with hand-sawn timber. The homestead commands a good view of Port Levy, of the Canterbury Plains as far north as the Double Corner, and of the Southern Alps. Mr. Teed has served on the Port Levy Road Board. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Fitzgerald, and has one son and two daughters.
Rhodes Bay, Lyttelton, the property of Mr. H. D. Gardiner, of Richmond, consists of 6600 acres. It was originally taken up by the Messrs Greenwood, who sold their interest to the late Mr. Rhodes, in 1847. Mr. Rhodes began immediately to improve the property by building a substantial stone house, roofed with slates. This residence, which is most picturesque, is surrounded by plantations of large trees, comprising various species of the gum and wattle, which afford much shelter to the homestead. The grounds are tastefully laid out and planted
was born at Kaiapoi in 1867, and was educated at Brookside, and afterwards at a private school. Mr. Gardiner recently established a small stud flock of English Leicesters, by the purchase of a number of ewes from Mr. W. B. Andrews, of Greenpark, and rams from the well-known flock of Mr. Donald Grant. He also purchased some of the renowned Starborough Merino sheep, intending to breed up a halfbred flock. He is a member of the local road board, and, with others, energetically petitioned for a telephone round the Bays. In 1895, Mr. Gardiner was married to Miss Dean, and has one son and one daughter.
is a farming and fruit-growing district on Banks' Peninsula, in the county of Akaroa. It is within three miles of Governor's Bay, and thirteen of Lyttelton, with which it is connected by a coach service. There is daily postal communication with Christchurch, eighteen miles distant, and the local post office has a telephone bureau. Teddington has a public school, a hotel and a blacksmith's shop. Many travellers pass through the district, which is a favourite holiday haunt with cyclists from Christchurch.
(Silas Knight, proprietor), Teddington. This hotel is situated at the junction of the main roads from Lyttelton, Tai Tapu, and Charteris Bay, and is the terminus of the mail coach journey from Lyttelton. It is a two-storied wooden building, was erected many years ago, and contains twelve rooms. Besides bedrooms, dining-room, kitchen, and other necessary apartments, it possesses a smoking and card room, and a private sitting-room, and many are the good words spoken by travellers and visitors concerning kindness and care received at the hands of Mr. and Mrs Knight A large stable close by affords accommodation for horses, and the paddocks attached to the hotel supply excellent grazing. The situation of the hotel, together with the reputation its present management has won it, is making the “Wheatsheaf” a favourite resting place for travellers, and a resort for picnic parties and other holiday-makers.
became proprietor of the Wheatsheaf Hotel in August, 1902. He is the son of a farmer, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1859, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in 1863. His father having bought property at Rolleston, he was taken thither, and, after receiving a public school education at Weedons, near Rolleston, he was trained to farming. In 1891 his father died, and shortly afterwards Mr. Knight disposed of the farm and bought property at Riccarton. This he sold in 1902, and removed into the Wheatsheaf Hotel, at Teddington, in August of the same year. Mr. Knight has been twice married; firstly, to a widow, Mrs Hughes, and secondly, in February, 1902, to Miss Dickson, daughter of the late Mr. Mark Dickson, of Westport.
(T. S. Manson, manager), Teddington. This property comprises 1850 acres of freehold land, which is devoted to the rearing and fattening of crossbred sheep for the export trade.
the Manager, was born on the estate in 1857, educated at Teddington, and brought up to farming by his father, the late Mr. S. Manson. He is a member of the road board, chairman of the school committee, and a vestryman in the church.
sometime of Burnt Hollow Estate, Teddington, was a son of the late Mr. John Gebbie, the pioneer settler of Teddington. He was born in Teddington, in 1849, and educated partly at the local public school, and partly in Christchurch. After returning to the estate, he applied himself so assiduously to farm work and to local affairs that, during his long residence at Teddington, he never once absented himself from home for more than a week at a time, and rarely for even so brief a period. He occupied a
sometime of Teddington, was one of Canterbury's earliest settlers. He was born at Caperton, Ayrshire, Scotland, and was a carpenter by trade. Mr. Manson came to the Colony in the ship “Thomas Harrison,” in 1842, with Mr. John Deans, and in 1843 he helped to build the first house on the Canterbury Plains. The house was built without nails, as these had been left in Wellington by mistake. Mr. Manson remained for two years at Riccarton, and then leased from the Maoris a piece of country which extended from Lyttelton harbour to the place now known as Teddington. He named his run “Kainshill,” and stocked it with dairy cows. Butter and cheese were made in large quantities, and sold in Wellington for transhipment to Australia. In 1850, Mr. Manson sold his dairy produce to Mr. Peacock, who kept a store in Port Cooper, now known as Lyttelton. Mr. Manson was married, in 1839, to Miss Smith, and died in 1890, leaving a family of sixteen.
is a fine sheep-farming district on the Peninsula, twenty-three miles by rail from Christchurch, on the Christchurch-Little River railway line. A fine road for coaches and bicycles runs through the valley to Governor's Bay. The valley is named after the late Mr. Gebbie, one of the pioneer settlers, and the country is devoted to sheepfarming. On the flats large crops of wheat and other grain are grown, as the land is very fertile. The district is a prosperous one, and the lands are still held by the original owners or their descendants. Fine views of Lake Ellesmere and the neighbouring country are obtainable from the hills, whence the gazer also sees the Pacific Ocean to the east and south, and, away northwards and westwards, the Canterbury Plains stretching to the edge of the Southern Alps. The local post office receives and despatches a mail four times a week, and it has also a telephone service.
Sheepfarmer, Gebbie's Valley.—Mr. J. C. Gebbie is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Gebbie, and was born in 1866. He was educated at Gebbie's Valley school, and passed his early years in helping his father to manage the property, to the full management of which he succeeded at his father's death. Mr. Gebbie takes an active part in local affairs. He was married, in 1894, to Miss Wethey, and has one son and one daughter, who make the fourth generation of the name in the valley.
Sheepfarmer, Gebbie's Valley. Mr. Nutt is the fourth son of Mr. Samuel Nutt, an early settler of Tai Tapu and Little River. He was born at Tai Tapu, where he was educated and brought up to farming. About 1891 he started farming on his present property, which consists of about 1,200 acres, a large portion of which is rich swamp land. The farm carries about 1,200 sheep and 200 head of cattle. Mr. Nutt is well known as a breeder of draught and light horses. He married Miss Bayley, daughter of Mr. Robert Bayley, one of the pioneer settlers of Akaroa, and owner of the Waeckerle Hotel.
Farmer, Gebbie's Valley. Mr. Streeter was born in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1849, and until his departure for New Zealand, was educated by a private tutor. He arrived at Lyttelton with his father, Mr. James Streeter, in 1859, and was engaged in farming successively at Tai Tapu, Greenpark, Gebbie's Valley, and Rangiora, until he finally settled at Gebbie's Valley in 1893. His property consists of 107 acres of freehold, and 180 acres of Government leasehold land, all of which is fenced and in thorough working order. Sheep grazing, grass seed growing, and cropping are carried on; and milk is supplied to the local creamery. Mr. Streeter was married, in 1876, to Miss Eliza Wallace, of Tai Tapu, and has three sons and one daughter.
of Gebbie's Valley, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1822, and came out to the Colony under the New Zealand Association in 1840, in the ship “Aurora.” After passing three years in Wellington he came to Riccarton in 1843. He settled at the head of Port Cooper, (now Lyttelton), in 1845, and leased land from the natives, as he could not get possession of, or a transfer for the land, which he had bought in London. He subsequently took up the valley, which came to be known by his name, and stocked the land with dairy cattle, the produce of which was sold chiefly in Wellington. Mr. Gebbie died in 1850, and the valley became the property of his second son, Mr. John Gebbie, who was born at Petone, Wellington, in 1840. He greatly improved the valley as a property. While doing this he also took an active part in public affairs, and was a member of the Akaroa County Council, and the road board, a director of the Saleyards Company, and chairman of the local school committee. In 1865 he married Miss Cryer, and when he died in 1888 he left a family of four sons and five daughters.
is renowned as one of the most popular holiday resorts in the neighbourhood of Christchurch. It is situated on the Lyttelton harbour, on the same side as Lyttelton, but about ten miles further up. The district itself is hilly, and commands an unbroken view of the Lyttelton Heads, with the open ocean beyond. A mixture of native and imported trees along the seashore gives it an inland rural aspect, and is the delight of towns-people. Good fishing and bathing are always obtainable. The district is devoted to fruit growing and sheep grazing. It is in direct daily communication with Lyttelton by coach, and steamers ply frequently between the two places on Sundays and public holidays. A road leads over the hill, through Dyer's Pass to Christchurch, nine miles distant. Governor's
(Charles Tapley, proprietor), Governor's Bay This house was built about twenty-five years ago, as a private residence for a Christchurch hotelkeeper. In 1885 it was bought by Mr. Tapley, who was then carrying on a butchery business in Lyttelton. It was occupied by him as a private residence until 1890, when, after it had been considerably altered, it was converted into a boarding house. “Ellerslie” is situated on a square block of land, of about ten acres in area, extending from the main road to the water's edge, and is within a few chains of the Governor's Bay wharf. It is a large and handsome building of two stories, with a varandah and balcony overlooking the water. There are about twenty rooms, including bathroom, private sitting rooms, and other apartments for the convenience of visitors. The house is richly furnished throughout, well kept, and personally superintended by Mrs Tapley, who pays special attention to the dining room appointments and to the cookery. The grounds around the house are well planted, and are laid out with good taste. A wide and well shelled drive through an avenue of native and imported trees leads from the main road to the front door; whilst immediately before the house, and between it and the precipitous descent to the water's edge, there is a spacious lawn, designed to attract the votaries of tennis and croquet. The remainder of the enclosure is occupied, partly by pleasant picnic grounds, and partly by grass paddocks and stabling accommodation. Within but a few miles of Lyttelton with which it is in regular communication by coach and steamer, “Ellerslie” is an ideal spot for tourists, and for city residents desiring a quiet rest in the bracing atmosphere of the sea coast.
Proprietor of “Ellerslie” Boarding House, was born in Cheshire, England, in 1847, educated in his native place, and afterwards trained as a butcher and cattle dealer. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1880, and spent the two succeeding years at the butchering trade at Akaroa. After that he tried farming, but remained on the land only a few months. In 1883 he commenced business as a butcher in Lyttelton, and continued to trade there until 1890, when he took possession of “Ellerslie.” Mr. Tapley was married in 1885 to Miss Bowley, of Teddington, and has one son and one daughter.
(Edward John Brownie, proprietor), Governor's Bay. In respect to age, this hotel consists of two distinct parts, one a low-roofed wooden structure
the Proprietor of the Ocean View Hotel, was born in Sussex, England, in 1862. He was educated at Shoreham College, Sussex. As a lad he took to the sea, and spent three years on board the ship “Halcione,” trading between London, Calcutta and New Zealand. In 1878, when the “Halcione” was lying in Lyttelton, he left his ship and obtained employment at bush work in Port Levy. He remained there only a few months, and was afterwards engaged for about six years in the whaling and sealing industry in the South Pacific. In 1885, Mr. Brownie entered the Government service in the Prisons Department. From 1896 to 1902, he was a warder in the Lyttelton Gaol, but resigned in February of the latter year. In April of the same year he became proprietor of the Ocean View Hotel. Mr. Brownie was married to Miss Bonnar, of Port Chalmers, and has five sons and one daughter.
is in the county of Akaroa, and is about seventeen miles from Little River, with which, as with Pigeon Bay, it is connected by a coach service. Akaroa is only a mile or two distant. There are about 220 inhabitasts at German Bay, which has a public school, a dairy factory, a local post office, and a telephone service. Cheesemaking is carried on as an industry, and the district generally is devoted to dairying and the cultivation of grass seed. The country around is hilly, and through there a few large farms, most of the holdings are of medium size. The Germans, about six in number, who came out with the French settlers, formed a settlement in what is now known as German Bay, and thus the place received its name. German Bay is fifty-two miles from Christchurch, with which it has daily mail communication.
This school is built on a section of two acres of land, and was opened in 1878. It consists of one room, with accommodation for fifty-two children. The number on the roll is about forty, and the average attendance twenty-six. All the standards are taught in the school, which is under the charge of Miss C. V. Anderson.
was established in 1893, and has steadily prospered since its inauguration. There are at present fifteen suppliers, and the number is gradually increasing. Cheese is the only article manufactured as yet, but butter will soon be produced. Upwards of eighty tons of cheese are produced annually, and at the Dunedin Agricultural Show of 1901, the factory's cheese gained first prize. The factory building, which is of wood, with an iron roof, stands upon three-quarters of an acre of land. A piggery, connected with the factory, occupies four acres, and produces about 300 pigs annually.
Manager of the German Bay Dairy Factory, was born in Invercargill, in 1873, and educated at the Bluff public school. He left school at an early age, and was immediately appointed assistant manager of the Inchclutha Dairy Factory. On the resigntion of the manager, he succeeded him and had charge of the factory for twelve months. he was afterwards appointed manager of the Kaihiku Factory in the Clutha district, where he remained till he received his present appointment in August, 1901. Mr. Rae was married, in 1899, to Miss
Farmer, German Bay Mr. Brown was born at Akaroa in 1854. He was apprenticed to a trade which was not congenial to his taste, and after serving about half his time he left and followed farming. He purchased his farm of 105 acres in 1876, when the land was almost all in its native state. The farm, however, is now highly improved, with good buildings and conveniently-sized, well-fenced paddocks, devoted to dairying and grass seed growing. Mr. Brown has served on the road board and school committee, and he took an active part in organising the dairy factory. He was married, in 1878, to Miss Sunckell, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, German Bay. Mr. Curry was born in 1848, in County Armagh, Ireland, where he was educated and worked on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in 1869, by the ship “Siberia,” and went direct to the Peninsula, where he has been settled ever since. Mr. Curry has a farm of 150 acres, which is devoted to dairying and raising grass seed. he keeps Shorthorn cattle and crossbred sheep. The improvements on Mr. Curry's farm include a comfortable dwellinghouse, with a garden and orchard, and good outbuildings and fences. Mr. Curry has served on the school Committee for twenty years. He married Miss Mullins and has five sons and five daughters.
Farmer, German Bay. Mr. Harrington was born in Essex, England, in 1836, and was educated at Debdon public school. At fourteen years of age, he left the port of London for New Zealand, in the barque “Monarch,” which arrived at Akaroa in 1850. For about twenty-five years Mr. Harrington was engaged in various pursuits on the Peninsula, and in 1875 acquired his present holding of about 141 acres, in German Bay. He was married, in 1863, to Miss A. Breitmeyer, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, German Bay. Mr. Odell was born at Odell, in Bedfordshire, England, in 1841, and followed farming during his early years. He came to New Zealand in 1863, in the ship “Metropolis,” and went straight to the Peninsula, where he bought his first section of thirty acres in 1864. He now has 250 acres, all reclaimed from the wilderness. At first he kept dairy cattle, out now his land is stocked with sheep, and the most profitable cross for fat lambs for the export trade is, he finds, one between the English Leicester ewe and the Shropshire ram. Mr. Odell has served on the road board and school committee, and is a vestryman in the church. He was married, in 1863, to Miss Child, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, German Bay. Mr. Sunckell is the third son of the late Mr. John Sunckell, and was born in Akaroa, in 1867, and educated at the local public school. He left school at the age of twelve, and for some years found
was born in Bordeaux, France, where he was educated and brought up to farming. In 1859, at the age of sixteen, he arrived at Akaroa. At first he bought fifty acres of land in German Bay, but afterwards had a total area of 1000 acres. The property was one of the finest estates in the neighbourhood, and is now carried on by Mr. Mora's widow and family. Mr. Mora was one of the earliest members of the German Bay Co-operative Dairy Factory Company, Limited, and was a prominent supporter of the factory. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Mary Flynn, formerly of Galway, Ireland, and at his death, in 1888, was survived by his wife, five sons and four daughters.
is situated on the Akaroa harbour, in the country of Akaroa, between Akaroa and Duvauchelle's. It is connected with Little River, about fourteen miles distant, and also with Pigeon Bay, by means of a tri-weekly coach. The district is hilly, with beautiful scenery, and is devoted to dairy farming. It has a local post office and telephone service, and there is a telegraph office at Duvauchelle's, about two miles distant. Robinson's Bay has daily mail communication with Christchurch, and the distance between it and the capital is about fifty miles.
Robinson's Bay. Mr. Duxbury was born in 1841 at Langcliffe, Yorkshire, England, and passed his younger days in Lancashire. He arrived in Otago in November, 1862, by the ship “Chili,” and was one of forty-two men who were engaged in Dunedin by Mr. Hughes for road work on Banks Peninsula. The party were conveyed to Akaroa in the schooner “Isabella Jackson,” and they were ever afterwards known as the “Barracouta gang.” When gold was discovered on the West Coast, Mr. Duxbury went overland by the old Hurunui track and the Teremakau Saddle. He, however, made only a brief stay on the Coast, and returned by the schooner “Dancing Wave,” to Lyttelton, whence he made his way back to Akaroa, and commenced road contracting. In conjunction with Mr. Vangioni he made the first road to Pigeon Bay, and took payment in land, which he subsequently disposed of. Mr. Duxbury purchased the first portion of his present farm in 1870, since which it has been added to from time to time, and now comprises 120 acres. The land, once covered with bush, has been cleared, and is well grassed, and subdivided into paddocks. Mr. Duxbury carries on dairying and milks as many as thirty cows. He has served on the road board and school committee, and is postmaster at Robinson's Bay. In 1873 he was married to Miss Morgan, and has five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Round Hill,” Robinson's Bay. Mr. Kingston was born in 1838, in Somersetshire, near Bristol,
Farmer, Robinson's Bay. Mr. Whitfield was born in 1835 in Bristol, where he was educated and apprenticed to the shipwright trade. After serving three years with Mr. William Paterson, he went to sea and joined the navy in 1855. His ship was ordered to Sebastopol during the Crimean war, but when peace was proclaimed the squadron returned home, and he was discharged. After a brief holiday he joined another man-of-war, which proceeded to South Africa, and while at the Cape was ordered to Bombay during the Mutiny. Subsequently he obtained his discharge and joined a merchant ship, but he left the sea at Sydney in 1859, and worked on a station. On the discovery of gold in Otago, Mr. Whitfield crossed the Tasman Sea in 1861, and visited the Waipori and Dunstan diggings. In 1862, he shipped in the “Isabella Jackson,” for Akaroa, and helped to make the road from German Bay, and also to form the streets of Akaroa. He worked in sawmills for a time, and purchased the first part of his present farm in 1866, when he stocked it with seven heifers. Mr. Whitfield now has 200 acres, on which he cultivates grass seed and carries on dairying. He has been a member of the road board for many years, and was for seven years its chairman. He was also chairman of the school committee, and was chief organiser of the Farmers' Association, of which he is now treasurer. Mr. Whitfield has been an Oddfellow for over thirty years, has gone through all the chairs, and served as Grand Master of the Lyttelton district. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Morgan, who came out with her parents in the ship “Lady Nugent.”
is one of the most beautiful and interesting district. The township has a population of about one hundred persons, and possesses a church and a public school, a good hotel, and a post office, with a money order and savings bank branch, and a public telephone. It is built on a lovely bay at the end of Akaroa harbour. The bay is finely sheltered, and the neighbouring scenery is characterised by romantic beauty. Dairying and sheepfarming are carried on in the district, and fishing in the bay, and cocksfoot seed is cultivated on the slopes and hill sides. The district has one historic spot of exceptional interest; namely, Onawe, the site of the fortified pa, the capture of which, in the year 1831, gave the finishing touch to Te Rauparaha's conquest of the South Island Maoris. Duvauchelle's
Coach Proprietor, Duvauchelle's Bay. Mr. Beilby Barker was born at Decanter Bay in 1859, and educated at Little Akaloa. In 1874, he entered the service of Mr. S. Lee, coach proprietor, Christchurch and Akaroa. In the same year, Mr Barker's father purchased Mr. Lee's line of coaches, so that young Barker was brought up with the business. The road was opened from Christchurch to Akaroa in 1872, and the first coach was run through by Messrs Mitchell and Burton. In 1881 the railway was opened to Birdling's Flat, and the coach ceased to run to Christchurch; in 1883, the railway was extended to Little River, which has since then been the terminus. Mr. B. Barker afterwards purchased the two lines of coaches from Akaroa to Little River and Pigeon Bay, and runs both lines regularly as advertised. As might be expected from Mr. Barker's early training, he is quite at home on the box seat, and he is the only man that has driven four-in-hand to Okain's Bay and Little Akaloa. Mr. Barker is always ready to help any cause that tends to advance the district, and his fellow colonists. He is chairman of the school committee, is a churchwarden, an active member of the sports committee, and of the Jockey and Trotting Clubs. He was married, in 1891, to Miss Noonan, and has one son and two daughters.
Farmer, Hillside Farm, Duvauchelle's Bay. Mr. Boothroyd was born in 1828, at Doncaster, Yorkshire, where he was educated and where his ancestors had farmed for ages. He came out to Melbourne in 1853, with the intention of making a home for himself, but finding the land locked up he crossed to New Zealand in 1858. At first he worked at “Stonyhurst,” and subsequently in the Oxford bush. He visited California, in 1866, and worked for two years there on a sheep station, but his health gave way and he returned to New Zealand in 1868. In 1870 he purchased his present farm of forty acres. It overlooks Barry's Bay and Akaroa Harbour. The chief products of Hillside farm are grass-seed and cheese, and Mr Boothroyd keeps a useful herd of Shorthorn cattle. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Bullock, daughter of Mr. James Bullock, of Trewillo farm, near Truro, Cornwall, England, and has one daughter, two sons, and eight grandchildren.
Farmer, Duvauchelle's Bay. Mr. Piper is the second son of Mr. Henry Piper, and was born in Duvauchelle's Bay on the 5th of May, 1865, and educated at the Duvauchelle's Bay and Christchurch public schools. After completing his education, he was engaged in farm work with his father until 1888, when, in conjunction with his brother, he leased his father's property, of which, when his brother died in 1893, he assumed entire control. During recent years Mr. Piper has introduced a considerable amount of labour-saving machinery, and, in July, 1901; his private dwelling-house was lighted throughout with electricity. Mr. Piper was a member of the Akaroa County Council for some years, and also of the Duvauchelle's Bay school committee. He was one of the organisers of the Peninsula Horse Show, initiated about six years ago, and is now (1902) president of the show committee. He has been a member of the local rifle club for many years, and is now its captain. Mr. Piper was married in 1891, to Miss N. M. Lord, of Christchurch, and has two children.
Farmer, “See All,” Duvauchelle's Bay.—Mr. Vogan was born in 1839, in County Cavan, Ireland, where he followed farming during his earlier years. He came to New Zealand in 1862, in the ship “Mermaid,”
was born in Cheshire, England, in 1838, educated at private schools, and apprenticed to the drapery trade. His health, however, failed, and he was advised to follow a sea-faring life. He obtained the position of steward on one of the Cunard Company's large steamers, trading between Liverpool, New York, and the West Indies, and held it until he resigned to sail for New Zealand. In 1865 he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Matoaka,' and almost immediately afterwards went to Banks' Peninsula, where he spent the rest of his life in farming. For five years after his arrival in New Zealand, he was engaged by Mr. Cholmondeley, farmer, of Port Levy, and in 1870 he purchased 100 acres of heavy bush land at Duvauchelle's Bay. By hard and incessant labour this rough land was transformed into a valuable and productive farm. At his death, in 1894, Mr. Mould left this property to his wife and family. He took a great interest in religious work, and was for many years warden of the English church at Duvauchelle's Bay. Mr. Mould was married, in 1875, to Miss Eleanor Macartney, and had five children. Of these, three sons and one daughter are still living.
sometime of Duvauchelle's Bay, was the son of Mr. John Pettigrew, a weaver of Airdie, near Glasgow, Scotland, and was born in 1830. He landed in Lyttelton, in 1863, and shortly afterwards settled at Pigeon Bay, where for many years, he was prominently associated with the sawmilling industry. Subsequently he took up property in Duvauchelle's Bay, and turned his attention to farming. Mr. Pettigrew took an active interest in all matters affecting his district, and was a member of many local bodies. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Jane Martin, daughter of a cotton spinner, of Glasgow, and at his death, in 1893, he left five sons and four daughters.
Old Colonist, Duvauchelle's Bay, was born in 1833, in Surrey, England, and was educated at a private school in Old Kent Road. He came to New Zealand in 1852, in the “Samarang,” the last of the Canterbury Association's ships, and went to the Peninsula in November of that year to Mr. T. S. Duncan, afterwards Crown Solicitor, who was then “cockatooing” in Decanter Bay. In May, 1853, he went to Mr. John Hay, Pigeon Bay, and stayed there until Mr Hay went to England at the end of the year Mr. Piper was afterwards pit-sawing for a while, and he then worked a whaleboat for passengers between Pigeon Bay and Lyttelton. The trip was the same as that afterwards made by the steamer “Jane Douglas,” except that the whaleboat started from Pigeon Bay. After a time he returned to the pit-saw, and worked at Little Akaloa, and in three different
valleys in Akaroa. Mr. Piper was then employed at Henderson's, at the Commercial Hotel, Akaroa, where an extensive business was done in connection with a general store that supplied nearly all the stations and small settlers, and took produce or stock in exchange. Thence he removed to Le Bon's Bay, where he had a third share of a small sawmill, the first that was erected there. Mr. Piper afterwards returned to Akaroa, and went
is in the harbour of Akaroa, and is connected by coach with Little River, and by a steam launch with Akaroa. The district is devoted to dairyfarming, cheesemaking, and the cultivation of cocksfoot for grass seed. It has a public school and a blacksmith's shop. Barry's Bay is forty-eight miles from Christchurch, with which it is connected by a daily mail service. There is a local telephone.
Auctioneer, Stock and Station Agent, Barry's Bay. Mr. Latter was born in Christchurch, in May, 1857, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. Robert Circuit Latter, who arrived in New Zealand in 1851, by the ship “Travancore.” He was educated at the Rev. Mr. Ferguson's school, and afterwards went to Akaroa. In the early days his father established a sawmill in Barry's Bay, and about the same time purchased 2000 acres of land in the district. Mr. Latter, senior, was afterwards appointed Official Assignee in Bankruptcy for the provincial district of Canterbury, and his eldest son succeeded to the proprietorship of the mill and the estate. The mill ceased to work when the neighbouring bushes were exhausted, and the estate has now only half of its original area. It is devoted partly to the cultivation of grass seed, and partly to the grazing of sheep. Mr. Latter is an active member of numerous public bodies on Banks' Peninsula. He was married, in 1881, to Miss M. Le Clere, of Barry's Bay, and has a family of three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Romsley Hill,” French Farm, Barry's Bay. Mr. Hunt was born in 1832, at Romsley Hill, Worcestershire, England. In his early years he followed pit-sawing, at which he worked in Lord Clive's park. Just prior to the Crimean war he joined the militia, and belonged to the first Staffordshire Regiment, of which Lord Alfred Paget was colonel. He served for two years till peace was proclaimed, and the regiment was disbanded. In 1858, he came to New Zealand by the ship “Mystery,” on her first voyage, and entered the service of Mr. Hay, of Pigeon Bay, with whom he remained one year. He then leased French Farm from Miss Dickens for five years. When he purchased the first portion of his present property from the Crown, the land was covered with bush, flax, tutu, and fern. “Romsley Hill” now comprises 420 acres, devoted to dairying and the cultivation of cocksfoot. In the early years of the settlement, Mr. Hunt sold one ton of cheese to Captain Boyd for £100; a transaction to be held in remembrance as illustrative of the “good old days.” Mr. Hunt first stocked his farm with Shorthorn cattle purchased from Mr. Deans. He served on the school committee for many years. Mr. Hunt has been twice married; first to Miss H. Martin, at Norton Common, Staffordshire, in 1857; and secondly, to Miss V. Libeau, of Akaroa, in 1876; and he has nineteen sons and eight daughters, and thirty-nine grand-children. All his children were born in New Zealand, and his first family was distinguished by triplets, girls, who are all living.
Farmer, Ellerslie Farm, Barry's Bay. Mr. Stewart was born at Athol, Perthshire, Scotland, and emigrated by the ship “Melbourne,” to Sydney, in 1854, whence he proceeded to Melbourne in the paddle steamer “Governor General.” In Victoria, he followed the gold diggings for many years, and was at Castlemaine, Alma Adelaide, Avoca, Ararat, Fiery Creek, Dunolly, Kilgour, and Bendigo. In New South Wales he worked at Lambing Flat and the Lachlan. He crossed to New Zealand in 1861, to try his luck at the Dunstan, Thomson's Gully, Arrowtown, Shotover, etc. He, however, returned to Dunedin, whence he went in 1862 to Akaroa, in the schooner “Isabella Jackson,” Captain Swanson. Money and food were scarce at Akaroa at that time, but fruit was plentiful, and when he called at the hotel for dinner all he could get was a
Farmer, “Bluegum Cottage,” French Farm, Barry's Bay. Mr. Wright's property consists of 320 acres and was bought from the Crown in 1875, when it was all covered with dense bush. Half of the land is now devoted to cocksfoot growing, and the other half to a Shorthorn dairy herd. Steers reared from the herd bring the highest price for beef, and when the cows are no longer required for the pail, they become fit for the purposes of the butcher; an advantage which the Shorthorn has over the Channel Island and other small breeds. The milk from Mr. Wright's herd is made into cheese at the homestead, and fetches a price second only to that obtained by the factory article. The dairy, cowhouse, and stockyard are models of cleanliness. Mr. Wright was born in the “Red House,” Akaroa, in 1841, and has always been connected with farming. He is a member of the road board, school committee, Farmers' Association, and also of the Masonic brotherhood. Mr. Wright was married, in 1865, to Miss Bates, by whom he had a family of eleven children, and, secondly, to Miss Harris, by whom he has had six children.
is on the sea coast within four miles of Akaroa, with which it has communication twice a week, and also with Lyttelton once a week by means of a small steamer. The district has a cheese factory, and grows grass seed extensively, and sheepfarming is also carried on by the settlers. Red clay abounds in the neighbourhood, hares are plentiful, and there is good seafishing. Mails are received and despatched twice a week, and the local post office has a postal note branch and a telephone service. There is also a public school with an average attendance of twenty-eight. Church services are held in the schoolroom on three Sundays in the month, by the Presbyterian and Church of England ministers at Akaroa. Wainui is sixty miles from Christchurch.
was established by the local settlers in 1894. Up to that time the cheese, for which Wainui is noted, had been manufactured
who was appointed manager of the Wainui Co-operative Dairy Factory in September, 1902, is a son of Mr. Harry Haylock, farmer, of the Kaike. Mr. Haylock was born in 1873, and educated at the Onuku public school, in the lower Kaike valley. He worked for a number of years at the watchmaking trade in Lyttelton, but left that business at the age of twenty-one, and commenced farming with his father. Mr. Haylock was for some years a member of the local school committee, and at the present time (1903) is a member of various social clubs.
Wainui. This estate is beautifully situated, and overlooks the entrance to the Akaroa harbour. It comprises 125 acres of fertile land, which is well fenced, subdivided, and sown in cocksfoot and other good grasses. The property is worked as a dairy farm. “Bay View” was one of the first places in the district to possess cow bails with concrete foundations, which have proved of much advantage for sanitary purposes.
Proprietor of Bay View estate, was born in Akaroa, in 1866, and educated at the Wainui public school. On leaving school he helped his father on the farm until the latter's death in 1877, when, being the only son, he became sole owner of the property. Mr. Warner is a director of the Wainui Co-operative Dairy Factory Company, Limited, and a regular supplier to the factory. He takes an interest in sporting matters, and is a member of the Akaroa Coursing Club. In 1889 Mr. Warner was married to Miss Wright, daughter of Mr. W. Wright, proprietor of daughter of Mr. W. Wright, proprietor of “French Farm.” He has a family of one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Wainui. Mr. Kennedy was born in Lochaber, Inverness-shire, Scotland, in 1818, and is a descendant of the Kennedys of Leannachan, whose property was forfeited owing to their attachment to the cause of the Stuarts. In early years he followed pastoral pursuits in the district of Loch. Treig, and in 1843 he entered the service of the late Mr. H. Duncan Buchanan, on the shores of Loch Leven, and three years later he became head shepherd for the late Mr. Robert McIntyre, for whom he subsequently managed all the pastoral country on the north banks of the river Coe, from its source to the sea. In 1858, Mr. Kennedy came out to New Zealand in the ship “Indiana,” under engagement with the late Mr H. Buchanan, of Kinloch, Little River, and was for three years at Piraki and Long Bay. He purchased his first section of land from the Crown in 1861, and subsequently made other additions to his farm, which now comprises 815 acres. Cheese, beef and grass-seed were the chief products of the farm for many years, but Mr. Kennedy now keeps sheep, and has a fine flock of English Leicesters grazing in his well-grassed, well-fenced paddocks. The best rams from the most noted flocks in the Colony are used for stud purposes. While he kept cattle Mr. Kennedy was very successful with his Shorthorns at the local show. Mr. Kennedy has served on the school committee, cemetery board and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He is married, and has four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Wainui. Mr. Scott is a son of Mr. Eli Scott, and was born at Pigeon Bay in 1865. After leaving school he helped on his father's farm for a short time, and when he was fifteen he went to the North Island. He farmed in Taranaki for some years, and returned to the south in 1895, when he purchased his present property of 145 acres at Wainui, where he grows grass-seed and carries on dairy farming. Mr. Scott is a director of the Wainui Co-operative Dairy Factory Company, Limited, and is one of the factory's chief suppliers. He is a member of the local school committee, and of the Akaroa Boating Club; is interested in various sports and pastimes, and joined the order of Oddfellows many years ago. Mr. Scott was married, in 1890, to Miss C. Reynish, of Pigeon Bay, and has one daughter and two sons.
(James Reid, proprietor), Wainui. This estate was founded by the late Mr. James Reid, who, in the early seventies, bought its first section consisting of about 100 acres. It is situated well up the valley in Wainui, and embraces a considerable area of hilly country. “Torcross” is 734 acres in extent, and is well fenced and subdivided, and in a high state of improvement. Sheepfarming is the chief industry on the property.
Founder of Torcross Estate, Wainui, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1815. He was trained as a farmer, and devoted himself to that calling. Mr. Reid left Scotland in 1869, arrived in Dunedin in the beginning of the following year, and shortly afterwards removed to Banks' Peninsula. He soon laid the foundation of Torcross estate, and devoted the remainder of his life to its expansion and improvement. Mr. Reid was a farmer of a progressive type; whilst in Scotland he held the position of judge at various agricultural shows, and was also a member of several public bodies. The same enterprise characterised his efforts at Wainui, and was an element in his success.
Farmer, Wainui. Mr. Turner was born in Akaroa in 1864, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. Thomas Turner. He received some education at the German Bay and Wainui public schools, but at an early age turned his attention to farming. At his father's death in 1875, the farm was divided among the three sons; one of these was subsequently bought out, and this left the property evenly divided between the remaining two. Mr. Joseph Turner devotes his attention chiefly to sheep grazing, and grass-seed growing. He has been a member of the local school committee for upwards of sixteen years, and has three times been its chairman. He was also at one time a director of the local diary factory. Mr. Turner was married, in 1886, to Miss Elizabeth Hammond, of German Bay, and has one son and four daughters.
of Wainui, landed at Timaru in 1858, having sailed as ship's carpenter on board the “Strasdad.” Shortly after his arrival he settled at Island Bay, where he worked two years for Mr. MacKinnon. He was afterwards engaged for some time at Akaroa, but in 1867 he returned to Island Bay and bought a farm of 250 acres. This he conducted till 1901, when he retired to live at Wainui, where his residence is known as “Oban Cottage.” Mr. McPhail was married, in 1860, to Miss Grace
father of Mrs Archibald MacPhail, died in 1860 at an old age. He landed in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1838, and two years afterwards arrived in Christchurch. In 1841, he made his way to Akaroa, where he remained till 1842. He afterwards took up the Island Bay estate, which he farmed till his death. Mr MacKinnon's wife arrived in Christchurch with her husband in 1840.
sometime of Wainui, was born and educated in Cumberland, England. He was trained as a cooper and spent some years at his trade. In 1860 he left England for New Zealand, and shortly after his arrival went to Akaroa, near which he rented property, and farmed there for about four years. In 1867 he bought about 190 acres in Wainui, where he carried on farming till his death in 1875. Mr. Turner married Miss Pascoe, of Cornwall, England, and had five sons and one daughter.
was born at Oxford, England. He arrived at Lyttelton in the early sixties, and shortly afterwards began to work for Mr. William Wright on the Peninsula. After a few years Mr. Warner purchased the estate at Wainui since known as “Bay View,” where he farmed till his death in 1877.
Old Colonist, sometime of Wainui, was born in 1816, at Cranbrook, Kent, England, where, after leaving school, he followed farming. He subsequently joined the Life Guards, but, becoming lame, he obtained his discharge, and came out, in 1840, to New Zealand, in the ship “Martha Ridgway.” After his arrival he engaged for some time in whaling, and eventually settled at Piraki, where he had a share in the station, and followed whaling for many years. Mr. Wright's first purchase of land covered only fifty acres, which he bought from the New Zealand Company, but a few years later, in conjunction with Mr. Lucas, he leased 5000 acres from the New Zealand Government. He bought the freehold of 1600 acres, now in possession of his family, and devoted to dairying, rearing and fattening sheep, and growing wool and cocksfoot grass seed. Mr. Wright bought his first cows from Mr. Deans, and while carrying on dairying he sold cheese at one shilling per pound, and butter at as much as two shillings and sixpence per pound. In 1837 Mr. Wright married Miss Horston, of Cranbrook, Kent, and when he died, on the 25th of June 1894, he left nine sons and three daughters living, and two sons and one daughter had predeceased him.
is the son of Mr. James Wright, and was born in 1844, at Akaroa, where he was apprenticed to the carpentering trade, which he followed for years in various parts of the Colony. He is now retired, and lives on the family property at Wainui. Mr. Wright is a Freemason, and has passed through the various chairs.
has the double interest of being the site of the first settlement made by white men in Canterbury, and the last haunt on the Peninsula of much that was distinctive of nature there before Englishmen settled in New Zealand. The founder of the settlement, George Hempleman, was born at Altona, in Schleswig-Holstein, in 1799, and died, in the act of eating a peach, on the 13th of February, 1880, at Akaroa. Nearly the whole of his life in New Zealand was passed at Piraki, where there are still thousands of whalebones to testify to the success of his whaling station; though, as stated by the author of “Tales of Banks Peninsula,” the sand has drifted in patches over what seems to have been the principal part of the settlement, which was not far above high water mark. The same interesting writer observes that the upper portion of Piraki valley is more beautiful than any other part of the Peninsula, because it is still in a state of nature—one great mass of varied foliage, musical with birds; a place of hill and crag, creek and woodland where the native pigeons still abound, and the moko mokos, tuis and other birds swarm in thousands. A wise and humane people should contrive to conserve all this life and loveliness, not only at Piraki, but elsewhere throughout the country, without prejudice to the progress of practical settlement. Man does not live by bread alone, and the unimpaired beauty of nature stands in the front rank of a country's assets.
(Frederick-Arthur Anson, Proprietor), Piraki. This estate, which is the property of Mr. Frederick Arthur Anson, and comprises some 4000 acres of excellent grazing country, is also one of the most historically interesting places in the South Island. It was at Piraki Cove that, in 1835. Captain Hempleman, of the brig “Bee,” from Sydney, started the first shore whaling station, and for several years he carried on a thriving business, though in constant danger from the sanguinary conflict which was then raging along the coast between the Kapiti followers of Rauparaha from the North and the Southern Otago Natives under Tuhawaiki, or “Bloody Jack,” as he was called by the white pioneers. It was to this little settlement, too, that a man-of-war's boat was sent from H.M.S. “Britomart,” on the 14th of August, 1840, to formally proclaim the annexation of the island to the British Crown. On the same sheltered and shelving sands Bishop Selwyn landed in January, 1844, from his mission yacht, to preach the gospel to the Maoris of the Ngaitahu tribe. These events and many others, including the original purchase of Piraki Valley from the Native chief by Captain Hempleman, are recorded in that pioneer's “log”—an early manuscript which is an interesting appendage to this estate. Upon the foundation of the Canterbury settlement in 1850 (the claims of all original purchasers having been set aside) fifty acres, R.S. 253, which covered the site of the still existing whaling station, were purchased from the Association by Mr. John Watson, Resident Magistrate at Akaoa, and member of a well known Irish County Carlow family. On this land his cousin, a Mr. Carew, built a house, in which he and his grown-up family might live. He grazed cattle on the adjoining hills which he rented from the Government, and laid the foundation of a garden and orchard, which have earned for him the grateful thanks of his successors. In time Merino sheep took the place of cattle, but the property remained unimproved, and the rough hillside, with it rocky summits, afforded the only access to the homestead, which was then also the training stables of “Mousetrap” and “Creepmouse,” horses well known to the racing calendar of their time. In the latter sixties the Carew family moved to Christchurch, and “Piraki” became the property of Captain Hawtrey, R.N., who already owned the French Farm on the Wainui shore of Akaroa harbour, and was a son the well-known Master of Eton. Only a few years had clapsed, however, before his yacht, on which he invariably made the journey to and from “Piraki,' was lost with himself and all hands on board, when going round to Akaroa on a squally night. In 1875, the property was purchased by Messrs Snow and Anson, who had crossed the Tasman Sea in the “Omeo,” early in the same year, from Melbourne, where they had arrived in 1874, having sailed from England in the “Malabar,” one of Green's old Indian troopships. In a very few years, more than 1000 acres of bush had been cleared, 2000 acres of tussock land laid down in English grasses, miles of fencing erected, the buildings extended, bride tracks made, and everything done that could add to the productiveness of the increased freehold area or improve the surroundings of the home. In 1882, Merinos, for which the artificial grasses were found to be too rich, began to give place to Leicesters and Lincolns, and since 1890, when Mr. Snow retired from the partnership, the flock has consisted entirely of coarse-woolled, but profitable sheep, because good producers of mutton for the frozen meat trade.
who is the son of the late Sir John, and heir presumptive to his brother, Sir William Reynell Anson, D.C.L., M.P. for the University, and Warden of All Souls' College, Oxford, was born on the 6th of November, 1850. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Oxford (B.A., 1872), and married, in 1878, Agnes, daughter of the late Mr. James Fraser Roberts, C.E., of Akaroa. He has always taken a lively and generous part in all matters of public interest, and has on more than one occasion unsuccessfully, though not ingloriously, contested the Akaroa or Ellesmere seat. He has discharged the duties of lay reader, and been chairman of the school committee. Mr. Anson was president of the Peninsula Farmers' Association for two successive years, and was the promoter and the only chairman of directors of the Akaroa Steam Launch Company, under whose auspices the launch “Piraki” was so successfully floated on the harbour. In 1887, Mr. Anson opened up and formed, for the benefit of the road board and the ratepayers, a bridle track which, though recently widened, still retains its name of the Jubilee Road; and he took a prominent part ten years afterwards in moving for the erection of the memorial on Flag Point, as well as in the ceremonies that attended its unveiling. Mr. Anson was first elected to the Akaroa County Council in 1884, and acted as its chairman from 1893 to 1899, when, family affairs requiring his presence in England, he resigned the position. “Piraki” is now connected by telephone with Little River, and although it is a private wire, it is at the free service of the public whenever it may be required.
is a farming settlement within one mile of Gebbie's Valley, ten miles of Little River, and twenty-six miles of Christchurch. It has a local post office, and telephone service.
(Joseph Hodgson Parkinson, proprietor), Big Bay, Kaituna, Little River. This estate comprises about 1644 acres of first class agricultural and pastoral country, and is part of the original Kaituna station. In the earliest days of Canterbury settlement, Mr Thomas Hudson Parkinson, father of the present proprietor of “Bloemfontein,” was employed by Mr Robert Rhodes to manage his Kaituna station of 25,000 acres. Mr Parkinson afterwards bought 12,000 acres of this property, and at his death, about 1883, the estate was divided amongst his sons. The particular portion under notice was originally alloted to a son who afterwards enlisted for service in the South African war, and met his death in a conflict with the Boers. The property was not long afterwards bought by Mr J. M. Parkinson, who immediately styled it “Bloemfontein,” in memory of his brother. The estate is devoted chiefly to the rearing of sheep.
proprietor of “Bloemfontein,” has for many years been intimately associated with active life on Banks' Peninsula, as a member of the Akaroa County Council and of the Little River Road Board. Mr Parkinson is an enthusiastic sportsman, and has for fourteen years been a prominent member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, especially at the shooting tests, where he has made good scores. He was born at “Kaituna,” in 1860, and is the second son of the late Mr Thomas Hodson Parkinson. After attending Daleroy House School, Dampier Bay, Lyttelton, he left, in 1873, for England, where he spent two years at Lancaster Grammar School, and resised during that period with his uncle, Mr. John Parkinson, of Templand Bank, Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire. He returned, in 1876, and at his father's death a few years later, he became manager of the estate until its final division in 1900. Mr Parkinson's private residence is situated on a valuable section of twelve acres at Halswell. It is known as “Te Rainga,” and is a model home in appearance and for comfort. In 1886, Mr Parkinson was married to Miss Lydia Blatchford, daughter of one of the earliest colonists, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Kaituna. Mr. Coop was born, in 1866, in Christchurch, and is a son of the late Mr. William Coop. He was educated at Little River, and brought up to sawmilling. At the age of twenty-six he took up his residence at Gebbie's Valley, where he carried on farming on the property of Messrs Coop Brothers. Later on the brothers purchased a block of 1,960 acres at Kaituna, where Mr. John Coop soon after took up his residence. Cropping and dairying are the two industries conducted on the estate. Mr. Coop was one of the first in the neighbourhood to start hillside ploughing. He was married, in 1895, to Miss Margaret Little, daughter of a farmer, now in the North Island, and has one son.
Sheepfarmer Kaituna. Mr Parkinson was born at Kaituna in 1871. He was educated at Christchurch, and after leaving school he went as a cadet to Burnt Hill, East Oxford, and subsequently to his father's station of Kaituna, where he passed his early years. He has held successively, on his own account, “Aorangi” at Lake Ellesmere and “Highfield” at Kirwee, but sold both properties. Mr Parkinson is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and an active member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, which he joined in 1890, and is referred to in the military section of this volume. He was married, in 1893, to Miss A. Parish, and has one son and one daughter.
Ataahua. This is the property of Mr. William Birdling, and consists of 3360 acres, purchased in 1886, when a large portion of the land was in its native state. The homestead is beautifully situated on the banks of the creek, and well sheltered from the prevailing winds by the hills, and a patch of native bush and imported trees and shrubs, which thrive well in company with their native comrades. A large number of sheep and cattle are annually fattened in the well grassed, well fenced paddocks of Willsden estate.
the Proprietor, was born at Lakeview station, in 1852, and was educated at Governor's Bay and Lyttelton. He was a member of the County Council for six years, of the road board for ten years, and the domain board for five years; and he is also a member of the County Racing Club, regatta committee, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Templeton Road Board. Mr. Birdling resides at Vale Royal, Port Levy. He was married, in 1884, to Miss Lough, of Amberley, and has one son and one daughter.
sometime of Kaituna Valley and Park Hill, was born in Lancashire, England, and came to New Zealand by the “Gil Blas,” landing at Lyttelton. For many years he acted as overseer to the late Mr R. Heaton Rhodes, on the Kaituna station. He afterwards carried on a butchering business in Lyttelton for a few years with the greatest success. Having purchased the well-known Kaituna estate, he built the beautiful residence of Park Hill, where he lived for two years previous to his death, which occurred through an accident at Dampier Bay, Lyttelton, in 1883. Mr Parkinson left a widow and a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom are now living—nine sons and three daughters. Eight sons are married, and in prominent positions.
is in the county of Akaroa and near Lake Forsyth. There is a considerable area of level country in the valley, through which a small river, overhung with foliage, slowly meanders to the lake. The township is the centre of a large sheepfarming, cattle raising and dairying district, with some large estates. There is a butter factory in the neighbourhood, and dairying is carried on privately at some of the homesteads. Little River has a sawmill and seedcleaning establishment, and cocksfoot grass is grown extensively for the purpose of seed production. The district is connected with Christchurch, thirty-six miles distant, by rail, and with Akaroa, eighteen miles off, by coach. The railway station and post office are combined, and have telegraph and money order departments, and other branches of the public service. There are two public schools in the district, and several places of worship, including a Maori church, as there are still a number of Maoris in the neighbourhood. The township has a hotel, an accommodation house, and several stores.
, is a wooden building, with two roomy apartments. It is surrounded by an extensive playground, and is situated some distance up the valley, on the main road to Akaroa. The average attendance is about seventy-six. There are two teachers, the headmaster, and an assistant mistress. During the past twelve years the number on the roll has fallen from about 150 to less than 100.
Headmaster of the Little River Main School, was born in Nottinghamshire, England, and arrived at Lyttelton when he was a child. He was educated in Christchurch, where he served an apprenticeship as a pupil-teacher, became an assistant master in the East Christchurch public school, and, in 1885, was appointed to his present position.
Kaituna, Little River. This estate consists of 1600 acres of first-class agricultural and pastoral land. It is fenced, subdivided, and in a high state of improvement. Sheepfarming and dairying are the chief industries carried on upon “Aoranga.”
Owner of the Aoranga estate, was born in Port Levy, in 1845, and is a son of the late Mr. Thomas White, who arrived in New Zealand in 1838, and afterwards settled in Pigeon Bay. He was educated at a private school in Pigeon Bay, and brought up to farming, which he followed at Pigeon Bay, until 1901, when he sold out and bought “Aoranga.” Whilst in Pigeon Bay Mr. White was a member of the Cddfellows' Lodge, and, also, of the local road board. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Mary Urquhart, of Pigeon Bay, and has two sons and three daughters.
little River. This estate is the property of Mr. Henry White. It comprises about 2000 acres, and was purchased by Mr. White about 1885. At that time much of the land was in its rough, primitive state, but it has long since been turned into well-grassed and well-fenced paddocks. The estate is devoted chiefly to raising cocksfoot seed, and to fattening stock for the frozen meat trade. Mr. White's homestead is one of the prettiest on the route between Christchurch and Little River, and the grounds are laid out with great taste.
was born at Kaiapoi, in 1859, and educated at Christchurch, and was in business for some years. He has been a member of the Akaroa County Council, and of the Little River Road, Domain, and Recreation Boards, and vice-president of the cricket and football clubs. Mr. White was married, in 1885, to Miss Lockhead, of Leeston, and has two sons and one daughter.
(Morrison Barclay, owner), Okuti Valley, Little River. This property was bought about seven years ago from the Hon. W. Montgomery. It is 210 acres in extent, is fenced and subdivided into seven paddocks, and well improved. About six tons of cheese are manufactured yearly; cocksfoot grass-seed growing is also an important industry on “Hawk Hill,” whilst sheep grazing and cattle rearing are carried on in a minor degree.
Proprietor of Hawk Hill Estate, was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1851, and is a son of Mr. John Barclay, of Dundee. He was educated at private schools, and brought up as a tenter in the linen mills. Mr. Barclay arrived in Canterbury in 1874, and took up leasehold property in Pigeon Bay, where he farmed for about twenty years. In 1895 he removed to Hawk Hill Estate, Little River. Mr. Barclay was for years a member of the Pigeon Bay school Committee, and, after settling at Little River, he was, until 1901, chairman of
(H. D. Buchanan, and J. F. Buchanan, proprietors), Little River. “Kinloch” was originally taken up by Mr. Smith, who had bought only a few cattle and horses when he sold it to the father of the present owners early in the fifties. Mr. Buchanan, senior, stocked the run with Merino sheep, in 1851. There was then very little freehold in the district, but during his lifetime, Mr. Buchanan bought 13,000 acres of the best of the run, surface-sowed the whole with grass-seed, and erected sixty-four miles of inside and division fences, the estate being bounded outwardly by river, lake and sea. By means of these valuable improvements and the judicious management of the present owners, the wool clip of “Kinloch” has increased 500 per cent. The estate now contains 15,000 acres, and is stocked with about 18,000 sheep and 500 cattle. It supports two dairies, and gives permanent employment to upwards of twenty persons.
the Founder of Kinloch Estate, was born in 1812, at Kinloch Mhor, in Argyleshire, Scotland. His father leased extensive pastoral farms from the Earls of Breadalbane, and the Stewarts of Appin. After being privately educated he was trained to farming. He leased the Argyleshire property called Blarcreen, and farmed there till 1848. In that year he sailed for Melbourne, but finding the heat of the Australian climate too intense, he, shortly after made his way to New Zealand. He was settled at Motunau until he obtained possession of “Kinloch,” at the head of Lake Forsyth. Mr. Buchanan was member for Wainui in the Canterbury Provincial Council, in which he sat until the abolition of the provincial system of government. He was also chairman of the Little River Road Board, and as such, and as a member of the Council, he was devoted to his duties, and was rarely, if ever, absent from his post. As presidents of the Banks' Peninsula Agricultural and Pastoral Association, he did much to promote dairying, and the farming interests generally. At the time of his death it was said of him that his hospitality was unbounded; the best that his house contained was placed before his guests, who always received a hearty Highland welcome, which was extended alike to rich and poor, for no wayfarer, be he ever so humble, ever left the door of Hugh Buchanan untended, or uncared for. No case of distress was ever brought under his notice but his heart and hand were at once open. Many a man who was truggling bravely to fight the battle of life, but who was almost brought to despair by the difficulties he encountered, has had his heart cheered and been encouraged to persevere by the kind words and still kinder aid given by Hugh Buchanan.' Mr. Buchanan was twice married, and was survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters, when he died on the 23rd of September, 1877; aged sixty-two years.
J.P., one of the present owners of “Kinloch,” was born on the estate in 1864. He was educated in Christchurch at Mr. Cook's private school, and finished with a private tutor. In 1887, when he was only twenty-three years of age, he was appointed to the Commission of the Peace. He was a member of the road board for a number of years, chairman of the County Council for four years, and an active member of the council of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association for three years. Mr. Buchanan was married, in 1889, to Miss Roberts, and has two sons.
another of the present proprietors of “Kinloch,” is a son of the late Mr. Hugh Buchanan. He was born in Christchurch, in 1872, educated at Christ's College, and trained to country life at “Kinloch.” At his father's death he succeeded, in conjunction with his half-brother, Mr. H. D. Buchanan, to the proprietorship of the estate. Mr. Buchanan has twice visited the Old World. During his last trip, which took place in 1900, he travelled through England, Scotland, and the Continent. He was a member of the Akaroa County Council for two years, and is now (1903) a member of the Little River Domain Board.
Farmer, Little River. Mr. Montgomery was born at Opawa, Christchurch, in 1866, and is the eldest son of the Hon. William Montgomery, M.L.C. He received his primary education at Mr. Baker's school, French Farm, and was afterwards at Christ's College, and the Boys' High School, Christchurch. In 1885 he entered Balliol College, Oxford, where, in 1887, he graduated B.A. with first class honours in Jurisprudence. He was called to the bar in London, in 1888, and returned to Christchurch in 1890. He entered the legal firm of Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher, of Christchurch, soon after his return, and, in 1891, was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Shortly afterwards he retired from professional life, and took up the management of his father's estate at Little River. In 1893, when the other candidate was the late Hon. W. Rolleston, Mr. Montgomery was elected to the House of Representative for Ellesmere, and was again elected to represent the same constituency in 1896, when his opponent was Mr. Frederick Anson. At the election of 1899 he was defeated by Mr. R. H. Rhodes, who
Farmer, Little River. Mr. Paton was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1856, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand, in which he landed on the 5th of January, 1865. In his early years he followed farming. He purchased the Hill-top Hotel in 1894, but has since then returned to farming. As a marksman Mr. Paton has won more than his share of the trophies. In 1891 he won the champion prize offered by the Reserve Corps at Christchurch, Little River and Duvauchelle's Bay, and also the medal of the Kowai Rifle Club's meeting; and the president's prize at the Duvauchelle's Bay Rifle Club's competition. He owned the horse “Marlborough,” which won many races, and he has been a member of the Pigeon Bay Road Board and school committee.
Road Surveyor and Farmer, Kaitura, Little River. Mr. Quealy was born in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1855. He was educated at a grammar school in Dungarvan, and subsequently in the Catholic University. In 1879 he sailed for New Zealand, and almost immediately on landing was employed to carry out the construction of the railway line from Lincoln to Birdling's Flat. This completed, he took up the position of clerk and surveyor to the Little River and Tai Tapu Road Boards. Later on the acquired land in the Little River district, and is the owner of a large dairy farm. Mr. Quealy, apart from his other duties, has always taken great interest in the progress of the district of his adoption, being actively connected with any forward movement likely to advance its interests.
Farmer, “Oweka,” Little River. Mr. Reed was born in 1874, and is the only son of Mr. John Reed, blacksmith, of Durham, England. He landed at Lyttelton in 1853, with his father, who spent the two following years at shipbuilding. In 1860 he accompanied his father to Duvauchelle's Bay, and with him engaged in blacksmithing. At the age of seventeen he captained a ferry boat playing between Akaroa and Duvauchelle's Bay, and four years later took charge of a sawmill in that district. Mr. Reed farmed for eleven years at Duvauchelle's Bay before acquiring this present property, “Oweka,” at Little River. “Oweka,” which is one of the most attractive freehold farms in the district, comprises 324 acres of rich pasture land, overlooking Lake Forsyth. The property originally belonged to the late Mr. A. D. M. Allen, in whose hands it remained until bought by the present owner, in 1891. Dairy farming, sheepfarming, and grass seed growing are carried on on the estate, which is well fenced, and sown in good grasses. Mr. Reed was married, in 1873, to Miss Amelia Pawson, daughter of a North Island farmer, formerly of Duvauchelle's Bay, and has six sons and five daughters.
(Mrs William Coop, proprietress), Little River. This property is situated in the valley of Little River about a mile above the township. The history of the estate dates back as far as the sixties, when a section was bought by the late Mr. William Coop. It now comprises an area of 2000 acres, all well fenced and stocked with sheep and cattle. The cultivation of cocksfoot seed is also carried on to a considerable extent on “Springvale.” In 1873, the late Mr. Coop established a sawmill, which is still conducted by Mr. James O. Coop. Upwards of ten men are permanently employed at the mill, and totara is the chief timber saw. The bush in the neighbourhood of Little River is, however, nearly exhausted, so that the mill may soon be removed.
J.P., is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Coop. He was born in Charistchurch, and, at an early age, removed to Little River, where he was educated at private and public schools. He was afterwards trained, under his father, to farming and sawmilling. Mr. Coop, in partnership with his brother, Mr. John Coop, is the proprietor of about 1600 acres at Waihora, Gebbie's Valley, and of 2000 acres at Kaituna. Mr. James Coop—following in his father's footsteps—takes an active interest in public affairs; and is a member of the Little River Road Board, Domain Board and other public bodies. Mr. Coop is also Bishop's warden at St. Andrew's English Church.
(George Standbury, proprietor), Little River. This estate comprises 487 acres, and is divided into two separate holdings; one, of 200 acres, situated in the village of Little River, and the other, of 287 acres, lying in the Western Valley. A small portion of the first area was originally in the hands of Mr. S. Bealey, sometime Superintendent of Canterbury. It was afterwards, in 1870, bought by the father of its present owner, who gradually added to it until it reached its present area. The Western Valley portion of the estate is a recent purchase. Stockley Farm is devoted chiefly to dairying, and sheep and cattle grazing.
Proprietor of Stockley Farm, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1850, and is a son of the late Mr.
(Messrs Birdling Bros., proprietors), Birdling's Flat, Little River. This property, which is amongst the best known of the older Canterbury estates, comprises an area of 5220 acres of good fertile land. It contains a considerable area of level land on the shores of Lake Ellesmere, and hilly country to the rear. They history of “Waikoko” dates back to the early forties, when a small area, where the old homestead now stands, was bought by the late Mr. William Birdling. Subsequent purchases increased the extent of the property, and now (1903) it is one of the largest estates in the district. Grass-seed growing, sheep rearing, and cattle grazing are the chief industries carried on at “Waikoko.”
who is the sixth son of the late Mr. William Birdling, occupies the original homestead on Waikoko station. He was born in the month of June, 1865, and educated at the Rev. Mr. Ferguson's grammar school. Leaving school at the age of seventeen, he spent the eight succeeding years in farming on “Waikoko,” and afterwards travelled through the North Island. He returned, in 1892, and has since been associated with his brother in the management of “Waikoko.” Mr. Birdling was married to Miss Charlotte Elizabeth Douglas, daughter of Mr Thomas Douglas, of Amberley, in 1890, and has two sons and one daughter.
is the youngest son of the late Mr. William Birdling. He was born in 1868, and educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and the Akaroa High School, and also received some tuition at Mr. Ferguson's boarding school. When seventeen years of age he began life as a farmer, and has since been engaged, in conjuction with his brother, in the management of the family's original estate of “Waikoko.” From boyhood Mr. Birdling has taken a considerable interest in athletics. He has been a successful competitor at various sports, and, in 1884, he won a silver medal at the Akaroa athletic sports, against all comers. He is also an excellent shot, and has secured some unusually good bags amongst duck and quail
sometime of Little River, was a son of the late Mr. William Birdling, latterly of “Lansdown,” Halswell. He was born, in 1861, at Little River, and educated at Mr. Ferguson's boarding school, Lyttelton, and at the public school and high school at Akaroa. On completing his education he returned home, and assisted his brothers in the management of the estate until his death in 1902. Mr. Birdling was married, in 1890, to Miss Vogan, daughter of Mr. George Vogan, of Duvauchelle's Bay. His wife and three children, who survived him, still reside in Caton's Bay, Little River, where the property occupies a delightful spot overlooking Lake Forsyth.
J.P., sometime of Little River, was born in Bury, Lancashire, England, in 1831. He was educated at Radcliffe private school, and also gained some tuition at a night school conducted by Mr. John Just, headmaster of Bury Grammar School. After spending some years at sawmilling work in England, Mr. Coop sailed in 1854 for Australia. He worked for seven years in Victoria, first upon the goldfields, and, later on, he started, with his father, lead pipe and corrugated iron works in Melbourne. In 1863 he landed at Lyttelton, and almost immediately went to Little River, where, in partnership with the late Mr. William White, he started the Forsyth sawmills. He bought a section of land higher up the valley, and in 1873 he bought a larger area and established the Springvale sawmill, which is now conducted by his eldest son. The machinery for the Forsyth sawmill was imported from Ballarat and Melbourne. The boiler and engine were landed at Lyttelton, and thence removed to Sumner, whence they were drawn by bullocks, via Christchurch, to Little River. Mr. Coop took considerable interest in local matters, and had at various times been a member of many local bodies. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary Jane Holt, of Bury, and had a family of eight sons and four daughters. Mr. Coop died at Little River in 1897.
sometime of “Kelvin Grove,” Price's Valley, Little River, was born in 1810 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. When thirteen years of age he went to sea in a trading vessel, plying between England and France; and, six years later, sailed for the colonies. For some years he was engaged in trading along the coast of New South Wales, but afterwards entered the New Zealand waters, where, until 1852, he was employed almost continuously in the whaling trade. In the latter part of 1852, he commenced farming in Price's Valley, Little River, where he secured a run of about 2550 acres, afterwards known as “Kelvin Grove,” which he continued to work until his death in June, 1901. Mr. Price was for a considerable time a member of the Little River Road Board. He was married in 1848, to Miss Jane Scott, of Sydney, and left a family of six sons and five daughters. His widow, who is one of the oldest residents in the neighbourhood, still occupies the homestead; but the estate is let to Mr. W. Birdling.
A veritable romance of colonisation gathers round the name of Riccarton, primarily, that of a private property, secondarily, that of a district, near Christchurch.
In the year 1840, William Deans, of Kirkstyle, Riccarton, Ayrshire, Scotland, arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, by the ship “Aurora,” one of the first four ships which landed there under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, from which, before leaving London, Mr Deans had bought orders entitling him to certain areas of land in the colony. Owing to the uncertain temper of the natives in the North Island, the conflicting claims of various tribes, and the heavily timbered state of the country, Mr Deans, like many other early colonists, could not get the land he had bargained for in the Wellington district. With a view, therefore, to better fortune in the southern parts of the colony, he and others sailed with Captain Daniells along the east coast of the Middle Island as far as the Bluff. From what he was and heard during that trip, Mr Deans decided to make his home on what were then known as the Port Cooper Plains, provided his brother John, then on his way from Scotland to New Zealand, joined him in the venture. That was between 1840 and 1842. On the 25th of October, 1842, Mr John Deans arrived at Nelson by the ship “Thomas Harrison.” He, too, had bought a land order in London, and was disappointed with the section awaiting him at Nelson. Accordingly he resolved to join his brother, in the hope that both would be able later on to apply their orders to land which suited them. It was under these circumstances that the brothers decided to form a settlement on the plains of Canterbury, which has been twice seen by Mr William Deans. On the 11th of February, 1843, the schooner “Richmond,” owned by Messrs Sinclair and Hay, left Wellington with William Deans and his party, live stock, and provisions on board. The party included John Gebbie, with his wife and three children, and Samuel Manson, his wife and three children; the stock was poultry, and the provisions included timber to erect a house. Port Levy was reached in about ten days, and there the women and children, with John Gebbie as their protector, were left for a few weeks near a settlement formed by whalers and Maoris. Mr Robinson, the Magistrate at Akaroa, had been instructed by the Government at Wellington to give that assistance he could to Mr Deans, whose plans were known to and officially promoted by that officer. Mr Deans, with Manson and a few other persons, then sailed up the river Avon in a whaleboat as far as a point which they named The Bricks, because they there landed some bricks intended for chimney-building; thence in a canoe to the pool at the bend where Woods's mill was afterwards built; and from that point they travelled through tall fern along the banks of the river to Potoringamotu (the place of an echo), or Putaringamotu (the severed ear), afterwards named Riccarton, in memory of Mr. Deans' native parish in Ayrshire, Scotland. There the party pitched their tents, and began to build the first house ever erected on the Canterbury Plains. The house was built of wood, and put together with wooden pegs instead of nails, which had been accidentally left behind at Wellington. It had three apartments—one for the Gebbie family, one for the Mansons, and a sitting-room, which served also as a sleeping-room for the Messrs Deans. When it was finished, in the month of May, Manson went to Port Levy for John Gebbie and the women and children, who were brought by the route followed in the first instance.
Shortly after William Deans left Wellington with his party in the “Richmond,” John Deans sailed for New South Wales by the first opportunity, to buy sheep, horses, and cattle, seed wheat, seed oats, barley, lucerne seed, and potatoes. On the 17th of June he arrived from Sydney at Port Cooper by the “Princess Royal,” after a passage of twenty-one days, and brought with him—besides the seeds enumerated—sixty-one head of cattle, three mares, and forty-three sheep. After much trouble all these valuable animals and the goods were landed at Riccarton, where they were used with rare intelligence in the work of forming and building up one of the most noteworthy settlements in the annals of colonisation.
It should be mentioned that in the autumn of 1842 the Canterbury Plains had been, for the second time abandoned by Sydney firms or their agents as a place unfit for colonisation. One of these firms was that of Messrs Cooper and Levy—after whom, respectively, Port Cooper and Port Levy were named—and the other that of Abererombie and Co. In 1840 or 1841 Mr James Heriot, the agent of the last-named firm, with two teams of bullocks, two men servants and the wife of one of these camped at Potoringamotu, and ploughed and cropped about thirty acres of land; but for various reasons more or less incidental to a new settlement, the party remained there only about eight months, and left nothing but a stack of straw and the ploughed land to commemorate their residence. When, however, the Messers Deans settled on the same site in 1843 they remained there, with results known to history and memorable in the romance of colonisation. The name which they gave to their property was afterwards extended to the district, which now (1903) has a population of 6000 persons, 1000 dwellinghouses, 1100 ratepayers, and 1300 ratable properties, with a capital value of £847,784, valued for rating purposes at £825,510.
of Riccarton, Canterbury, were the sons of Mr. John Deans, of Kirkstyle, Riccarton, Ayrshire, Scotland, and were born at Kirkstyle; John on the 4th of May, 1820, and William
was the son of Mr. John Deans, the founder of Riccarton, and was born at Riccarton, Canterbury, New Zealand, on the 6th of August, 1853. He was educated at the old High School, on Lincoln Road, now the West Christchurch School, and was afterwards articled to the late Messrs Duncan and Jameson, solicitors, Christchurch. In 1874 he became a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was elected president two years in succession, 1887–1889, when the new ground in Lincoln Road was opened and first occupied by the Association. Mr. Deans was chairman
of the Canterbury Forzen Meat and Dairy Produce Company, and a director of the Addington Saleyards Company. He took a prominent part in starting the Canterbury
Member of the House of Representatives for Riccanton, was elected on the 25th of November, 1902, when he defeated his opponent, Mr. G. W. Russell, the previous member, by about 300 votes. Mr. Witty is chairman of the Templeton Road Board and since 1899 has been a member of the Selwyn County Council. He has also served on the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board, the Riccarton Licensing Committee, the Templeton school committee, and the Templeton Domain Board. Mr. Witty has never taken the initiative in standing for these bodies, but has always been requested to do so, and he has never lost an election. Mr. Witty was born in 1856, at North Ferriby, Yorkshire, England. He preferred work to school life, and at eight years of age he went to scare birds on a farm at two shillings a week. At twelve of age he entered on regular service, receiving £2 10s 6d for the first year. Possessing confidence in himself, and having faith in the resources of New Zealand, he arrived in this colony in 1875, with only two shillings in his pocket. He worked on farms at Riccarton and Papanui, and also in South Canterbury, and in 1879 revisited England. Shortly afterwards he returned to New Zealand, and was shearing for several years. Eventually he took up a farm at Tempeleton, where industry and perseverance have enabled him to add considerably to his property. In working for an employer, or on public bodies, Mr. Witty has always maintained an earnest and straightforward character. In politics, before he entered the arena himself, he was a staunch supporter of Mr. Alfred Saunders and the late Hon. William Rolleston. As a Freemason, Mr. Witty is attached to Lodge Conyers, No. 1916, E.C. He married Miss Drayton, and has a family of five sons and four daughters.
Upper Riccarton. The Riccarton school, which may claim to be one of the oldest in Canterbury, was opened in the early days of settlement, in connection with the Anglican Church. Mr. Wilson, the first master, conducted the school for many years. The present building was erected in 1873, under the auspices of the English Church, and, apart from the cross on the bell tower and the Scriptural texts on the inside of the walls, it presents an ecclesiastical appearance. Since the school has been under the control of the North Canterbury Board of Education, additions have been made to the building, which now comprises three large, lofty, and well lighted rooms. Mr. Wilson has been succeeded in the headmastership successively by Mr. Williamson, Mr. William Ward, and the present master. The staff of the school now consists of Mr Henry English, headmaster; Mrs. Wilkinson, infant mistress; Miss Sheared, assistant mistress, and two pupil-teachers. The number of scholars on the roll is about 200, with an average attendance of 170. The school grounds comprise nearly four acres. This area includes the gardens and residence of the headmaster; the balance is laid down in grass, and is used as a large playground. In 1898 the school bath was constructed at a cost of over £150, and is now entirely free from debt. It is concreted throughout, provided with dressing room, and measures 25 yards by 25 feet, with a depth ranging from 2 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches. During certain hours it is open to the public at a nominal charge.
Headmaster of the Riccarton school, was born in Essex, England, in 1860. He was educated at the Tillingham village school, where he served as a pupil teacher, and was afterwards an assistant master for over five years at the Kirkdale school, under the London School Board. Mr. English arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Westland,” in 1886, came on the Canterbury, and was appointed master of the Pendarves school, near Ashburton, where he remained for two years and a half. He then joined the staff of the Normal School, in Christchurch, and was for two years master of the practising department of the Model School. Mr. English, who holds an E1 certificate was appointed to his present position in 1890. He was married in the Old Country, at Bradwell-on-Sea, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Parker, and has a family of two sons and three daughters.
which is situated near the junction of Harewood and Boundary Roads, is a substantial wooden building, lofty, and well ventilated, and surrounded by a large playground. There are 140 names on the roll, and the average attendance is 120. The staff consists of the headmaser and two assistant teachers.
Headmaster of the Harwood Road school, is a
(Murray Hobbs, proprietor), Upper Riccarton. This hotel, which faces the Riccarton racecourse, is a handsome two-storied brick building, faced entirely over with cement. It contains twenty rooms, exclusive of those used by the family, and is elaborately furnsihed throughout. The main hall entrance leads to the dining room, sitting rooms, private bar, and billiard room, where a full-size exhibition billiard table is fitted up. There is a separate front entrance to the public bar. A view of the racecourse is obtainable from the upstairs balcony. The hotel is connected by telephone with Christchurch, and is fitted up with every modern convenience. Its ornamental gardens, with tennis and croquet lawns, are adorned with flowers, shrubs, and playing fountains. The land comprises ten acres, part of which is divided into paddocks for the use of the dairy cows of the establishment. Away to the rear of the buildings, there are large double-walled brick stables, which are scrupulously clean throughout, and heavily floored with concrete. The hotel was built, and the grounds laid out, in 1883, by the late Mr. William Seabright, at a cost of £11,000. It was taken over by the present proprietor in 1896.
Proprietor of the Racecourse Hotel, is a well-known sportsman and horse owner. He was born at Bristol, England, in 1862, and came out with his parents in the ship “Ivanhoe.” His father died on the voyage out, and the family settled in Christchurch, where, after receiving his education, Mr. Hobbs studied as an architect and surveyor. His fondness for horses developed at an early age, and during the past twenty years he has owned a large number of racing thoroughbreds, such as “Nilo,” “Swindler,” “Jack,” “Moody,” and others, but, above all, “Prime Warden,” and “Lady Zetland.” Both the latter won the Canterbury Cup and Autumn Handicap, and “Lady Zetland” also won the New Zealand Cup and Easter Handicap. At the present time Mr. Hobbs's best horse is “Dundas”’ who won the Dunedin Cup and Midsummer Handicap in 1902. “Cerisian Blue” is the only horse Mr. Hobbs has bred. Of late years he has taken less interest in horse racing, and has devoted more time to the business of the hotel. Mr. Hobbs is a director of the Midland Saleyards Company, and also of the Victoria Brewery Company. He is married to a daughter of the late Mr. Matthew Singleton, of Christchurch.
Farmer Riccarton. Mr. Sleeman's farm is in the northern part of Riccarton, near Belfast. It fronts Tisch's Road, extends back towards Styx, and is fifty acres in extent. The whole area has been cropped, and has returned an average yield of forty bushels of wheat, and from fifty to seventy bushels of oats. For grazing purposes, Mr. Sleeman leases an additional twenty-two acres of adjoining river reserve, on the banks of the Waimakariri. Mr. Sleeman, who is a son of Mr. John Sleeman, an old colonist of Darfield, was born in Christchurch, in 1875, and brought up to farming on his father's farm at Darfield. He subsequently gained additional experience in other places, and took up his present property in 1902.
J.P., is well known throughout New Zealand as one of the largest and most successful stockdealers in the colony. He was born in the town of Masham, Yorkshire, England, in 1853, and came to New Zealand in 1869, in the ship. “Hydaspes.” Having settled in Christchurch, he started dealing in 1875, and his operations have increased so extensively that he now passes over half a million of sheep a year through his hands, and 317,000 of his sheep were killed in one year at the Islington Freezing Works. As instance of the scope of his transactions, it may be mentioned that he once bought a line of 22,000 sheep in one deal, from Mr. Moore, of “Glenmark,” and that, in 1895, he had a mob of 4000 wethers, also from “Glenmark,” killed at Belfast of an average weight of 68 1/2 lbs, exclusive of 10 1/2 lbs of fat; one of the best lines of fat sheep ever produced in the colony. Although the bulk of Mr. Clarkson's business is done in Canterbury, he buys sheep in all parts of New Zealand. In the early days of the frozen meat trade the sheep were killed at Islington, and then sent to Lyttelton, where they were frozen on a hulk. Since the formation of the Christchurch Meat Company Mr. Clarkson has been under a contract with it for the supply of sheep for the freezing industry. In 1882 an article appeared in the “Yorkshire Post,” estimating the food supply of England for the next ten years. On seeing this article Mr. Clarkson noticed that the writer had omitted the supply from New Zealand in his calculations. Accordingly, he at once wrote to the paper stating that within the next ten years this colony would send at least a million sheep a year to London. Although this statement was serevely criticised at the time, Mr Clarkson's estimate was under the mark, for, in one year within the ten years mentioned, as many as 1,900,000 carcases were exported, and the trade has since grown to such an extent that in the year 1900, 1,844,831 hundredweights of frozen meat were exported from New Zealand, the value being £2,123,831. A few years ago Mr. Clarkson was appointed a Justice of the Peace, but although several times requested to take an active part in public affairs, he has not yet been able to find time. While on a trip to England recently Mr. Clarkson purchased a number of valuable oil paintings, one of which, the work of the late Sidney Cooper, R.A., depicts a mob of sheep on a hillside. These works of ant now adorn his beautiful residence, “Swinnybeck,” at Lower Riccarton. Mr. Clarkson married in Chrischurch a daughter of the late Mr. J. Caygill, and he has a family of three sons and one daughter. The sons are associated with their father in his business.
has been settled in the Riccarton district since 1865. He was born at Leeds, Yorkshire. England, in 1840, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Brother's Pride,” which arrived at Lyttelton in December, 1863. On the voyage Mr. Hanson had been employed as a butcher, and soon after his arrival he leased ten acres of land at Riccarton from Mr. C. C. Bowen, and started a store and butchery, the foundation of his present business. Success attended his efforts, the premises were afterwards enlarged, a bakery was added, and Mr. Hanson developed a large was added, and Mr. Hanson developed a large export business in shipping bacon to Sydney. He also owned
was born in Cheshire, England, in 1834. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Bangalore,” in 1851, and soon afterwards took up his present property, Four Ash Farm, Harewood Road, Riccarton. Later on he went to Wellington, and, on returning from that town, he left for the Collingwood goldfields, where he spent seven months. He had not long returned to Canterbury, when he heard that goldfields had started at Buller, and he, with twenty others, chartered a boat to take them to that place, with six months' provision. While there they met Mr. James Mackay, Government surveyor, who was buying land from the Maoris for the Nelson Government, and as the party had no luck at the digginges, Mr. Mackay advised them to return with him, as he said, that, after their provisions were finished, they would not be able to obtain more. The party, therefore, returned with Mr. Mackay, but five of the number took the sea coast, with their swags and provisions. It took the others fifteen days to reach Collingwood, while the five who went by the coast were twenty-five days on the road, and were almost exhausted when the search party, who had been sent to look for them, discovered them. Mr. Jackson also went to the Otago goldfields, but returned to Canterbury. In 1866 he opened the Seven Oaks butchery, at Papanui, which he carried on most profitably until 1895, when he retired to his farm. Mr. Jackson has been a member of both the Avon and Riccarton Road Boards, and he served twelve years on the Riccarton Licensing Committee. He was married in New Zealand, and has a surviving family of five sons and four daughters, and a great number of grandchildren.
Harewood Road, Riccarton, was for thirty-two years a member of the Riccarton Road Board, and for twenty-six of these he never missed a meeting. He also served on the Riccarton Licensing Committee for ten years, and was a member of the Harewood Road school committee for eighteen years. Mr. Nunweek, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1830, arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Joseph Fletcher, in 1856. He worked at road-making for the Government, and, in 1861, went to the Otago goldfields, where he and his party took up a claim, which, for the first day's work, yielded the five partners about £40 per man. The leader, an old Australian digger, attempted to frighten Mr. Nunweek and his mate away, so that the rich claim might be shared by the others. Thereupon Mr. Nunweek offered to settle the matter by physical force, and then the others wisely decided to let “Ginger” alone, lest he should “hammer the lot of them.” Thereafter the claim was amicably worked until it “petered out.” On returning to Canterbury Mr. Nunweek invested his capital in his present fruit farm, twenty acres of which he bought from the Government; afterwards he increased the area to 105 acres. This farm has prospered wonderfully. With the assistance of his three sons and a number of labourers, Mr. Nunweek harvests some large crops, for which he finds a ready market, although there was a time when he had to wheel his peaches by the ton to the pig-troughs, because there was no demand for them. In 1902 Mr. Nunweek visited the Old Country; and, while there, he journeyed into Kent to see what improvements on the colony's fruit-growing methods were there in vogue. After much consideration he came to the conclusion that the New Zealander has not much to learn from the English fruit-grower, and he states that he can grow more fruit on one acre of his land, than they were growing on three acres in Kent. Mr. Nunweek was married at Macclesfield, Cheshrie, before leaving England the first time, and has a family of three sons and two daughters.
was born in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, in 1827, and arrived in New Zealand in 1850, by the ship “Radolph.” For five years he obtained employment in Lyttelton, and then took up a small holding on the Harewood Road, where he established himself in a cob-whare, and carried on dairy farming and nursery gardening. He soon laid the foundation of a fine orchard of about thirty-three acres, and Mr. Stanley did much for the establishment of a church at Harewood Road, as a branch of the Papanui church, and he was connected with the management throughout. He also interested himself in the building of the Harewood Road public school, which was erected on his property, and he served on the committee. As long as his health permitted he was a member of the Riccarton Road Board. Mr. Stanley died in June, 1891, leaving a widow, and a family of five sons and five daughters. Mrs Stanley died in December, 1901.
lies midway between Upper Riccarton and Hornby, and is five miles south-west from Christchurch, on the main south line. There is a small flag station, at which trains, other than the express, stop if necessary. Sockburn is a farming suburb but is rapidly becoming, also, a residential one. The Midland Saleyards Co-operative Company has large saleyards there, and has built suitable pens, and erected offices, etc. Abattoirs, constructed in terms of the Public Health Act, and belonging to the City Council of Christchurch, have lately been built at Sockburn. The Plumpton Park racecourse is also close by, and there are several well-known training stables in the immediate neighbourhood.
Stock Dealer, Sockburn. Mr. Barr was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1858. Two years later he was brought out to Lyttelton by his father, the late Mr. Porteus Barr, in the ship “William Miles.” Soon after their arrival the family settled at Courtenay, where Mr. Barr, senior, took up land, and remained there for ten years. Mr. Barr farmed in the Annat district for about twenty years, after which he went to Gisborne, where he resided up to the time of his death. He was chairman and member of the Sheffield Road Board for several years, and he also served on the local school committee. Mr. John Barr was brought up on the farms at Courtenay and Sheffield, and afterwards went to Ashburton, where he was for four years farming on his own account. On returning to Sheffield he farmed there for three years, but was compelled to leave on account of ill-health. He then removed to Sockburn, where he took up twenty acres for grazing purposes, and has since been successfully engaged in stock dealing. Mr. Barr has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows, and passed through the chairs of the Malvern Lodge. He married a daughter of Mr. Andrew Dawson, an old resident of Waterton, and has a family of six sons and three daughters. The eldest son is engaged with his father in his business.
of “Barnwell,” Sockburn, was born in Northamptonshire, England. He arrived in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1852, but left for New Zealand at the end of the following year. In the beginning of 1854 he settled in Canterbury and took up a section of thirty acres at Riccarton, where he farmed his land and also worked throughout the district. On the discovery of gold in Otago Mr. Maddison sold his farm and hastened to the goldfields. After a short time spent without successful results on the fields, he returned to Canterbury and resumed farming. He was one of the first to begin farming at Templeton, where he bought land, which he cultivated successfully for years. He then leased his Templeton property, and bought at Southbrook 160 acres of swamp land, which is now managed by his son. Having sold his Templeton property, Mr. Maddison bought Strange's run on the banks of the river Selwyn. This estate contains 2714 acres, and is now under the management of his son. About 1898 Mr. Maddison retired from the active management of his properties, and leads a life of ease at his villa in Sockburn. Mr. Maddison was one of the first members of the Templeton Road Board, and is a member of the school committee, and a vestryman. He has been twice married, and has a family of nine now alive; nine children were born by his first, and three by his second wife.
is a rising township, situated six miles south-west from Christchurch, on the main south line. The railway station, which has a post and telegraph office, is the junction of the Little River and Southbridge lines, and is consequently a busy one. Immediately opposite are the large freezing works of Messrs Nelson Bros. The rapid growth of Hornby during recent years is chiefly due to the development and extension of the frozen meat industry, and the extra demand for labour at the Islington freezing works, situated about a mile distant. Two places of worship have already been erected, one by the Roman Catholics, and the other by the Baptists. Services of the Church of England are held in the Druids' Hall, while the Presbyterians worship at the public school. Hornby has a well appointed store, a blacksmith's shop, and other places of business, and there are several handsome private residences in the neighbourhood.
is a substantial wooden building, divided into two large and lofty rooms. It stands on a globe of three acres, on which there is situated the schoolmaster's residence, and also a large swimming bath. This is fed by a water race, and the bath is therefore considerably warmer than artesian water. During certain hours the bath is open to the public at a nominal charge. The school was opened in March, 1895, with fifty-three scholars, and at the present time (1903) there are 145 on the roll. An infant mistress and a pupil-teacher assist the headmaster.
Headmaster of the Hornby school, was born at Halkirk, Caithness, Scotland, in 1845. He served as a pupil-teacher at Walten, Caithness, and afterwards taught for two years at Mr. Grosvenor's grammar school, St. John's Wood,
General Storekeeper and Coal and Timber Merchant, Hornby. Mr. Manhire was born at Redruth, Cornwall, England, in 1859, and began to work in the South Carnbred mine at the age of eleven. In 1876 he arrived in Wellington. by the ship “Northampton,” and came to Christchurch, where he accepted a position with the firm of Messrs Montgomery and Co. (row Williams, Stephens and Co.), with whom he remaiend for twenty-two years. Mr. Manhire purchased his present large business at Hornby in 1898. He acts as agent for the Liverpool, London, and Globe Insurance Company, besides having other agencies. Mr. Manhire has twice passed through the chairs of the Sydenham Druids' Lodge, and once through the Lodge at Hornby, and he has been Past District Grand President of the Order. He is a member of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance, at Addington, and is also one of the trustees of the Addington Wesleyan church. Mr. Manhire has been vice-president of the Progressive Liberal Association, and was nominated for the presidency. with Mr. H. G. Ell, M.H.R., who defeated him by three votes. He was elected a member of the Templeton Road Board in 1900, and before that time he was a member of the Spreydon Road Board for five years, during part of which he was chairman. Mr. Manhire married a daughter of Mr. Joseph Gray, an old resident of Addington, and has a family of three sons and five daughters.
(Mr. James Nairn, engineer-in-charge) Hornby. These works were built in 1896 and opened in 1897. They can put through 2000 sheep per day under Linde's cold air process. The dry air machines formerly in use have been adjusted by Messrs Niven and Co., Napier, to this process, which consists in the circulation of air from a cooler above, and in the application of a shower of brine There are three freezing rooms, each of which has hanging space for 2000 carcases. This admits of each room being emptied every third day, and the meat being passed below into the storeroom, which will hold 60,000 sheep or 80,000 lambs. The works are fitted up with every modern appliance. There are three water-tube boilers by Babcock and Willcox, each of 134 horse-power. Yet the establishment consumes only three tons of coal per day to do all the freezing and pumping, and generate the electric light used on the premises.
Farmer. Hornby. Mr. Jackson's farm is a part of the Broomfield estate, which was originally taken up by the late Archedeacon Wilson. It comprises 240 acres, and has all been cropped, giving an average return of thirty bushels of wheat, forty of barley, and fifty of cats. Mr. Jackson's best yield has been forty bushels of wheat and sixty of oats. The land runs two sheep to the acre, and is stocked chiefly with half-bred ewes. Mr. Jackson was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1852. He was brought up to farming, and came to Australia in 1878, in the ship “John Elder.” Three months later he arrived at Lyttelton, and for a year or so was engaged at Springston, steam-ploughing for Mr. William Miles He then took up a milk run at New Brighton, and carried it on for three years, after which he entered on his present property. Mr. Jackson was married in New Zealand to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Champness. Mrs. Jackson died, leaving a family of three daughters.
“Oakley Farm,” Hornby. Mr. Shirley took over this property in 1900. It comprises seventy-five acres of land of good quality; it has all been under
is the centre of one of the richest agricultural districts in the county of Selwyn. It is nine miles from Christchurch on the Christchurch-Southbridge railway, and has a post and telegraph office, three churches—Anglican, Presbyterian, and Wesleyan; a public school, a library, a large Oddfellows Hall, which is used for public entertainments and other social functions; four large general stores, each doing a successful business, and one hotel. Many handsome homesteads throughout the district testify to the success of the settlers. Prebbleton dates back to 1855, when the brothers Prebble settled in the district, which was then in a wild and uninviting condition. Mr. Edward Prebble, who is still (1903) a hale and hearty man, bought fifty acres, which he divided into small sections, and then started the township by erecting a store. Prebbeteon grew with he growth of settlement in the district, and in time it became an important country town. The completion of the railway, with Christchurch so near, gave a check to the commercial progress of the place as a business centre, but it is still a pretty country town, and prosperous enough in proportion to its population.
has its headquarters at Prebbleton. The road district has two subdivisions; one with an area of 10,024 acres, the other, 5,846 acres; valuation of the first, £136,511, of the second, £211,635. In the first subdivision there is a rate of 1/2d in the £; in the second, also 1/2d for ordinary purposes, and one-fifth of a penny for drainage. The Board also derives a revenue of £150 a year from other sources. Members for 1903: Mr. J. W. Overton (chairman), and Messrs Henry Edward Peryman, Patrick Henley, Henry Paterson, and Thomas Leatham.
Clerk of the Lincoln Road Board, and Registrar of Electors, was born at Oxford, England, in 1814, and, with his mother and brothers, arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Glentanner” in 1857. Some years after his arrival he took part in the Gabriel's Gully “rush,” and after about twelve months spent in the unsuccessful pursuit of gold in that district, he went to the Greymouth goldfields, with equally unsatisfactory results. On returning to Canterbury he started a threshing machine plant, and now owns a fine traction engine, which, though not possessing the allurements of gold digging, gives more satisfactory results. In 1882 Mr. East was appointed clerk to the Lincoln Road Board, and in 1902, Registrar of Electors, for the district of Courtenay. He has always taken a great interest in Freemasonry, and is a Past Master, and member of the Lincoln Lodge. Mr. East is an enthusiastic cultivator of hyacinths and narcissii, and has one of the finest collections of these beautiful flowers in the district. Mr. East married Miss Monk, niece of Mr. Andrew Dawson, of Longbeach, and there is a family of one son and two daughters.
at Prebbleton is a handsome wooden building with the only peal of bells possessed by a country church in Canterbury, and bought with subscriptions raised amongst the parishioners. The grounds, which are well laid out, are planted with ornamental trees, originally the gift of Mr. Tosswill, one of the early settlers at Prebbleton, who also gave a handsome font. The church has some beautiful stained glass windows, one of which was given by the Prebble family, the first settlers in the district. There is seating accommodation for about 178 persons, and the church possesses a fine American organ. The original church, which has been replaced by the present building, was removed to Longbeach, where services are still held in it. The parochial district comprises Prebbleton and Templeton, each possessing a fine church; and the adjoining townships of Hornby and Islington, although not formally included within the district, have of late years been attached to the cure.
Vicar of Prebbleton and Templeton, is a son of the late Rev. Samuel Blackburne, formerly Principal of St. John's College, Auckland, and was born in England. He was educated at St. John's, Auckland, studied theology at Bishopdale, Nelson, and was ordained by the Bishop of Wellington in 1881. His first appointment was to the parish of the Upper Hutt, and four years later he was appointed Vicar of Bulls. From 1889 till 1894 he was vicar at Hokitika, and was vicar at Longbeach from 1894 till 1898, when he received his present appointment at Prebbleton.
General Storekeeper, Prebbleton. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This store is one of the oldest in the district, and was purchased by the present proprietor in 1883. The building has been considerably enlarged since then, and the business has greatly increased. Mr. Hastie carries on a bakery in connection with the store; in that respect he commenced with one cart to serve his customers, and now he requires three, and does business within a radius of twelve miles. Mr. Hastie was born in Linlithgowshire, Scotland, in 1830, and was apprenticed to the baking trade in Edinburgh, where he passed four years. He emigrated to Australia in the ship “Eldorado,” and landed in Melbourne in 1852. Mr. Hastie worked on the Victorian goldfields with success, and on the discovery of gold in New Zealand, he came to this Colony, and was mining at Gabriel's Gully, on the Dunstan, and other fields for twenty years. He then worked at his trade in Dunedin for a short period, and subsequently settled at Prebbleton. Mr. Hastie has always taken an active interest in educational affairs, and has served for eighteen years in various parts of the Colony as chairman of school committees. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Young, and has two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Woodlaw,” Prebbleton. Mr. Anderson was born in Stirling, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1859. On his arrival he invested his capital and looked around for a suitable farm on which to make a start. He bought 155 acres of unimproved land at Yaldhurst, and afterwards increased the area to 222 acres, which, after improving and transforming it into a splendid farm, he worked till 1890, when he retired in favour of his sons. Mr. Anderson bought a handsome residence at Fendalton, where he resided for four years, but he found the life unsuited to his active disposition, and bought 400 acres at Prebbleton, known as the Woodlaw Estate, one of the finest properties in the district, and formerly owned by Mr. J. W. Tosswill. Mr. Anderson has also bought 104 acres of land at Tai Tapu, which is worked by his son. Notwithstanding the fact that farming takes up much time, Mr. Anderson still devotes considerable attention to local affairs, and was for many years a member of the Yaldhurst Road Board and school committee, and he is at present one of the committee of the Lincoln Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of the Farmers' Union. Mr. Anderson is a Master Mason, and a member of Lodge Robert Burns. He revisited the Old Country, in 1870, and again in 1880. Mr. Anderson was married, before coming to New Zealand, to Miss Anne Duncanson, of Perthshire, and of a family of fourteen children, three daughters and two sons are married.
Farmer, Prebbleton. Mr. McCarthy was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1832, and, accompanied by Mrs McCarthy, came to New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Accrington.” He was first engaged by Messrs Dobson and Crawford, a firm of well known engineers, and was employed by those gentlemen for over ten years in surveying in various parts of Canterbury and on the railway from Christchurch to Rangiora and Oxford. Some time after his arrival, Mr. McCarthy bought about twenty acres of land at Fendalton, where he erected a fine house. He afterwards disposed of his Fendalton property, however, and purchased a place at Ladbrooks, where he resided for twelve years, but which is now occupied by his son, Mr. Jeremiah McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy bought from Mr. Prebble the property on which he now resides; it consists of 354 acres of some of the finest land in a favoured district. Mr. McCarthy is a member of the Farmers' Co-operative Association, and of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He has a family of three sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Mr. Jeremiah McCarthy, is a leading farmer in Ladbrooks; his second son, Mr. Eugene McCarthy, superintends the Prebbleton farm; and his youngest son, Mr. John McCarthy, is a very extensive dealer in sheep.
“Merlewood,” Prebbleton. Mr. Overton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1844, and accompanied his parents to Adelaide, where they remained some time before removing to New Zealand. The family settled at Otahuhu, near Auckland, but four years afterwards the Maori troubles began, and they returned to Australia for about nine months, when they decided to make Canterbury their future home. The late Mr. Thomas Overton accordingly took up the now well known Meadowbank estate in the Irwell district, where he farmed most successfully until his death, when the estate was realist by the executors. In 1867 Mr. John W. Overton took up his present estate of about 500 acres. It was then almost all covered with tussock, but is now thoroughly under cultivation, and produces splendid grain crops, besides carrying large numbers of sheep of the best quality. “Merlewood” is well known for its breed of horses, many of which have been successfully exhibited in the show ring. Mr. Overton has always taken a prominent part in the general affairs of the district. He has been a member of the Lincoln Road Board for twenty-eight years, and chairman for several years. He has also been a member of the Prebbleton school committee, churchwarden for eighteen years of the Prebbleton church, and is at
Farmer, Prebbleton. Mr. Patterson is the youngest and only surviving son of the late Mr. William Paterson, and was born in 1868. He was brought up to farming, and, on the death of his eldest brother in 1888, he succeeded to the estate. He has always taken an active part in the affairs of his district, and was a member of the Lincoln Road Board for over six years. Mr. Paterson is a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and secretary for the Prebbleton branch, and one of the shareholders of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association. He has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows for over sixteen years, and has gone through the chairs. Mr. Paterson married a daughter of Mr. Henry Anderson, of Prebbleton, one of Canterbury's early and successful settlers.
Farmer, Prebbleton. Mr. Prebble, second son of Mr. William Prebble, and grandson of the late Mr. James Prebble, was born at Prebbleton in 1857, and educated at Prebbleton and at the old Boys' High School, Lincoln Road. He learned farming under his father, and started on his own account in 1880, on about 150 acres of land, on which he still resides, and carries on general farming. Mr. Prebble has always taken a great interest in the local and general affairs of his district. He has been a member of the Lincoln Road Board for several years, and also chairman of that body. He is also chairman of the Prebbleton school committee, and was for some years chairman of the library committee, and has been treasurer and elder of the Presbyterian church for several years. He is a member of the Farmers' Union, and its local secretary. Mr. Prebble has been requisitioned on three occasions to stand for Parliament. He has been a strong advocate of temperance for twenty years. Mr. Prebble married Miss Whyte, eldest daughter of Mr. David Whyte, of Taranaki, who arrived in Canterbury in 1864, and has a family of one son and four daughters. Mrs Prebble was engaged in teaching for three years at the West Christchurch school, three years at the Normal School, nine years at Prebbleton, and three years at Ladbrooks.
Farmer, Prebbleton. Mr. Thompson was born in 1839, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Duke of Portlaand” in 1851. His father, the late Mr. Thomas Thompson, was employed in gardening by the late Mr. William Wilson, and settled at Prebbleton in 1861, when his only neighbours were the Messrs Prebble brothers, the pioneers of the district. About 1880 he retired from farming, and died in 1901, leaving a family of two sons and two daughters, of whom one is married to Mr. Edward Prebble, and the other to Mr. Adams, of Addington. Mr. George Thompson, who is the eldest son, started farming at Prebbleton, with his father on the farm on which he now resides, and helped to convert it from its native condition to its present highly cultivated state. Mr. Thompson owns a fine traction engine and threshing plant, which has proved a great convenience to the surrounding farmers. He has for a number of years been a member of the Prebbleton school committee, which is the only body in which he takes any part. Mr. Thompson married Miss Streeter, daughter of the late Mr. James Streeter, of Tai Tapu. She died in 1900, leaving four sons and six daughters.
Farmer. Prebbleton. Mr. Winter is the only son of the late Mr. James Winter. He was born in Christchurch, educated at Prebbleton, and learned practical farming with his father, at whose death he succeeded to the farm. Mr. Winter has been a member of the Loyal Jubilee Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, for over fifteen years. He is a Past
sometime of Prebbleton, was born in Edinburgh, in 1828, and came to New Zealand in 1860 by the ship “Royal George.” For some years after his arrival he was employed by the late Mr. Milne, of Lincoln. In 1870 he removed to Prebbleton and purchased a fine property of about 300 acres, which was then only partially improved, but is now in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Paterson died in 1879, leaving a widow and family of four sons and two daughters; but Mr Henry Paterson, the youngest son, is the only surviving member of the family.
one of the Prebble brothers, after whom the township of Prebbleton is named, was born in Kent, England, in 1829, and, with his parents, arrived at Wellington in 1840 by the ship “Aurora.” The family first settled in the district now known as Karori, but in 1845 Mr. Prebble, senior, removed with his sons to Canterbury, where they were employed by the late Mr. Greenwood to build a house at the Motunau station. Some time afterwards Mr. Edward Prebble entered the employment of the late Mr. George Rhodes, with whom he remained six years. He then started on his own account, and for two years carried on a farm at Gebbie's Valley. In 1854 he bought fifty acres from the Canterbury Association, where Prebbleton now stands, and out it up and sold it in small sections. he himself began the township by building a store, which he afterwards enlarged, and which has since been carried on as a hotel. Owing to business relations with the tenant of the hotel, Mr. Prebble took possession of the business, which he carried on successfully in conjunction with his farm for over twenty years, when he disposed of his interest in the hotel, and spent some years in retirement at New Brighton. He, however, returned to Prebbleton, where he now lives in retirement. Mr. Prebble has always taken an active part in the progress of his district, and was for over twenty years a member of the Lincoln Road Board and Prebbleton school committee, and for a similar period a churchwarden in All Saints church, Prebbleton. He retired from his public duties in 1895. Mr. Prebble married Miss Thompson, who came out to New Zealand with her parents in 1851, by the ship “Duke of Porland,” and there is a family of six sons and two daughters.
sometime of Prebbleton, was born at Milburne Port, Somersetshire, England, in 1823, and came to Lyttleton by the ship “William Hyde,” in 1852. He as in the employment of the late Mr. Guise Brittan for about ten years, and in 1863 settled at Prebbleton, where he has bought a farm. the land was then in its natural state, covered with tussocks, flax, rushes, raupo, and swordgrass, and a large portion of it was very swampy. Mr. Winter was a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Christchurch, he having joined that Order in November, 1855, and was a member up till the time of his death in September, 1901. He left a widow and one son. Mrs Winter arrived in New Zealand in 1852 by the “Duke of Portland,” and was married in 1856. She was a teacher in All Saints' Sunday school, Prebbleton, for over twenty years, and on severing her connection with it, was presented, by the members of the church and her old sholars, with a handsome silver tea and coffee service.
is in the county of Selwyn, and within three miles of Prebbleton. There is a school, a post office, a Wesleyan church, and a Roman Catholic church in the district, which is a fine farming area bounded by the Springston, Ladbrook and Prebbleton districts. Mixed farming is carried on; the land yields large crops of wheat, and numerous sheep are fattened for freezing purposes. The main Christchurch and Southbridge road intersects the district, and the local roads are good for cycling. A company has built large shearing sheds, at which the sheep of the farmers are shorn by machinery; and the venture so far has proved very profitable to the shareholders, and most convenient to the farmers.
Farmer, Broadfields. Mr. Armstrong was born at Newtonards, County Down, Ireland, in 1852, and arrived at Port Chalmers in 1869 in the ship “Robert Henderson.” He was engaged from the vessel, and for nine months was employed at Tokomairiro; for eighteen months afterwards he worked at the formation of the Caversham Tunnel, and in 1873 he went to the West Coast, and was engaged in roadmaking between Inangahua and the Lyell for about eighteen months, and for a similar period at the Picton-Blenheim railway. Mr. Armstrong was afterwards with Mr H. Redwood at Springereek, and on that gentleman leasing the Canterbury racecourse, he came to Canterbury, where he looked after the course and an adjoining farm. He was for sixteen years manager of Mr. G. G. Stead's farm at Curringa, Yaldhurst. In 1893 he bought his present farm of 151 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Armstrong is a well known breeder of draught horses and cross bred sheep. He has been a member of the Broadfields school committee for five years, and is now chairman. For over twenty years he has been connected with the Oddfellows, and he is a member of the Farmers' Union. Mr. Armstrong married Miss Burrows, and has had a family of thirteen, of whom six sons and five daughters are still alive
Farmer and Orchardist, Broadfields. Mr. Boyd was born at Portaferry, near Dundee, Scotland, in 1824, and came to New Zealand in 1859. He was brought up as a gardener, and for five years after coming to New Zealand was employed in that capacity by Mrs Deans, of Riccarton. In 1864 he bought his present property, of which two acres are devoted to the cultivation of fruit—principally apples, peaches, and plums. Mr. Boyd now leads a quiet retired life. He is married, and his only daughter, Mrs Bennie, resides at Rolleston.
Farmer, Broadfields. Mr. Ryan was born in the County of Tipperary, Ireland. He passed his early years on his father's farm, and arrived in New Zealand on the 13th of December, 1863. At the end of 1864 he took up the first part of his present property, which now comprises 1160 acres. The land was originally over-run with spear-grass, broom, and tussock, but it is now covered with well-cultivated fields, which carry a large number of sheep, all in the pink of condition. The majority of Mr. Ryan's sheep are the progeny of Down rams. He began with dairy cows, but when the price of dairy produce fell, he changed to sheep. Mr. Ryan has served on the Broadfields school committee. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Hagan, and has nine sons and five daughters.
is in the county of Selwyn, and is fourteen miles south by railway from Christchurch, on the Christchurch and Southbridge line. The township has three churches, a public school, a hotel, several stores, and a post and telegraph office. The Canterbury Agricultural College, surrounded by fine plantations, stands about half a mile from the township. The district comprises some of the richest land in the province, and it was one of the first places settled in Canterbury. Messrs Fitzgerald and Cox were its pioneer settlers, and owned the pastoral property long known as the Springs station. The estate was afterwards cut up, and sold to enterprising young colonists, who soon converted the rich swamps into some of the most productive land in the colony. Root crops give very large yields, and mangolds sometimes return as much as eighty tons to the acre. Dairying is extensively carried on in the Lincoln district, which has a number of creameries in convenient positions. The district is intersected by well kept roads, suitable for cycling. The population of Lincoln and its neighbourhood is about 500.
(W. Lowrie, M.A., B.Sc., Director), Lincoln. The first portion of the land used in connection with this college, was purchased in 1877, and the area has been gradually increased to 785 acres. Work was begun at the college as a teaching institution in the month of July, 1880. The college buildings are of brick, faced with Oamaru stone and roofed with slates. They are in the Elizabethan style of architecture, and can accommodate at least forty-five students each having a separate bedroom. They also include a lecture theatre, class-rooms, studies, chemical and biological laboratories, a veterinary hospital and laboratory, a library, dining hall, hospital room, and all necessary offices and quarters for the director and for the resident teaching staff. The farm buildings and stockyards have been planned to be as complete as possible, yet only with such accommodation as is ordinarily required in this country. All the most modern implements for the tillage of the soil, and the most modern machines for harvesting, securing, and marketing the crops are included in the farm plant. The land has been selected so as to comprise soils of various qualities, from rich swamp to comparatively light and thin soil overlying shingle. A systematic effort is made to conduct the farm on economic principles, and the work in the fields illustrates the teaching of the lecture room. Students are required to take part in the regular daily routine of the farm; indeed, the work of the farm is carried out entirely by students, under skilled supervision, in order that they may acquire a practical knowledge of every kind of farm work, of the use of implements and machinery, the management of stock, and the making of butter and cheese. This practice extends also to work in the garden and orchard, and students are trained in the culture of fruit and vegetables. Field experiments are carried out, especially in testing the different methods of cultivation and rotation; the effect of the different artificial manures on various crops; the suitability and comparative value of new varieties of cereals, fodder plants and roots; and in such other directions as may appear desirable and practicable. Chemistry, biology, land surveying, carpentry, and blacksmithing are also taught to the students. The college farm is noted for its flocks and herds. Its English and Border Leicesters, Lincolns, and Shropshire Downs and Southdowns are all pedigree sheep. There is a fine herd of purebred Shorthorn cattle of the milking strain. Ayrshires, Jerseys, Herefords and Aberdeen Angus are only kept as types for educational purposes. The college is situated near the township and railway station of Lincoln, in one of the most beautiful and healthy districts of the Canterbury Plains, and is about fourteen miles by rail from Christchurch. It is supported by endowments of land, the fees of the students and the profits of the farm, and its object is to afford to those who intend to look to farming for a livelihood an opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the science and practice of agriculture. The course of instruction extends over three years, and embraces agriculture and its allied sciences, and instruction imparted by lectures, and by demonstrations in the laboratories, on the farm, and in the garden and orchard. The year is divided into three sessions or terms. The first session begins on or about the 7th of January, and ends on or about the second Thursday in April; the second session begins on or about the last Wednesday in April, and ends on the last Thursday in July; the third session begins on the third Wednesday in August, and ends on or about the 20th of December. The fee for resident students of the first and second year is £13 6s. 8d. per term (£40 per annum), and for students of the third year £6 13s. 4d. per term (£20 per annum). The diploma of the College is awarded to such students as have been two years or longer in residence, and have satisfied such examiners as the Board of Governors may appoint to conduct the diploma examinations. The following is a list of the subjects
formerly Director of the Canterbury Agricultural College, was born in Braco, Perthshire, Scotland, and was educated at Stanley House School, Bridge of Allan, at Moray House Training College, Edinburgh, and at the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Before coming to New Zealand, Mr. Bayne occupied, from 1890 to 1894, the position of Professor of Agricultural Science in the Government Agricultural College near Cairo, Egypt. In addition to having learned agriculture practically, Mr. Bayne had a most distinguished University career. He is Master of Arts of Glasgow University, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture of Edinburgh University; for five times he occupied the place of medallist in agricultural science, and held that position twice in equality with another student at Edinburgh University. Mr. Bayne was also first prizeman of the Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland for two successive sessions at Edinburgh University; occupied first place in Agricultural Chemistry in the Heriot-Watt College, and in the School of Medicine, Minto House, Edinburgh; was medallist in Field Engineering; and stood next to the medallist in Agricultural Economics at Edinburgh University, besides gaining other prizes and places of distinction during this academic course. He was appointed Director of the Canterbury Agricultural College in March, 1894, but resigned the position in 1901. Mr. Bayne is now (1903) Instructor in Agriculture at Preston, Lancashire, England.
as Lincoln, is a handsome little wooden building with a belfry, and has seating accommodation for about 200 persons. Sunday services are held at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Services are also held on Sunday at St. Mary's Springston, and twice a month at All Saints, Burnham. The Riv. Jasper Smyth, formerly vicar of Akaroa, has charge of the parish.
at Lincoln is a handsome wooden building, with seating accommodation for 200 worshippers, and was erected about 1880, to replace the old church which is now used as a Sunday school. The land was the gift of Mr. Timothy Todd, whose name is connected with the early history of Canterbury. There is a fine American organ in the church. Services are conducted morning and evening every Sunday at Lincoln, and an afternoon service is held at Prebbleton, which forms part, and was originally the centre, of the charge.
Minister-in-Charge of Lincoln and Prebbleton, is a son of Mr. A. Thomson, of Wanganui, and was born in 1872. He received his primary education under his father, studied at Wellington College, and graduated B.A. at the Otago University in 1895, and M.A. in the following year. In 1895 he won a Senior University Scholarship. Mr. Thomson received a call to the Lincoln and Prebbleton charge in 1901.
at Shand's Track, Lincoln, was erected in 1887, to replace the old church built in 1870 and since converted into a school. The ground on which the presbytery stands was the gift of Mr. Patrick Henley, who has been a most generous friend to the church. The parish extends to Burnham, Ellesmere, West Melton, Tai Tapu, Lincoln, Prebbleton, Hornby and Templeton.
Priest-in-Charge, was born in South Africa, educated in Spain, and ordained by the Bishop of Havanna at Valladolid in 1893. He came to New Zealand in 1898, and in 1900 became priest of the church of the Blessed Sacrament.
Butcher and Farmer, Kelvin Grove, Lincoln. Mr. Millen is a son of the late Mr. John Millen, butcher, of Glasgow, and was born in 1855. He followed his father's calling, but, struck with the possibilities of expansion in the frozen meat industry, he was one of the first to start that business in his native town; and, at the age of twenty-three owned six of the largest shops devoted to the sale of frozen meat in Glasgow and other cities. About 1882 he arrived at Sydney, and started a butchering business, which he carried on in several large shops. Owing to an accident, by which his leg was broken, he was compelled to lead a less active life. He therefore disposed of his several butchering businesses, and bought a large hotel, in the management of which he could have more leisure. In 1889 Mr. Millen visited Glasgow, where he again carried on his early calling, for some time. He, however, returned to Sydney, where he conducted a hotel until 1894, when he came to New Zealand. He bought the business of Mr. Philips, of Weedons, and is now the leading butcher in the district. Mr. Millen also farms about seventy acres, on which he has his private residence. Mr. Millen possesses a tenor voice of noticeable power and quality. He was one of the leading tenors in Sydney, and sang in the principal centres in Australia. In connection
(David William Harry Bartram, and Arthur Charles Bartram), Coal, Grain and Produce Dealers, Ironmongres and Insurance Agents, Lincoln. This firm, which was founded in 1880, first as a coal and timber business, has since become, by the addition of several other branches, a large concern. The extensive premises, which adjoin the railway station, are well adapted for the various uses. The ironmongery branch, together with the agency of Messrs Walter Wood and Co., forms an important part of the firm's business.
Partner of the firm, is a son of the late Mr. D. W. Bartram, builder and contractor, Lincoln. In conjunction with his brother he founded the firm in 1880, and since then its history has been one of expansion and prosperity. Mr. Bartram has always identified himself with the local affairs of Lincoln. He has been a member of the Lincoln school committee, and its chairman for three years, and has also been a member of the licensing committee. He has always taken a great interest in Druidism, and has gone through the chair in the local lodge, and in the Grand Lodge; and, at the Jubilee of Canterbury in 1900, occupied the position of President of the Order. He is now trustee of the Druids' Lodge, Star of Arglesea. Mr. Bartram is captain of the Lincoln Defence Rifle Club, which was formed in 1901.
Partner in the firm, manages the various departments of the business, but takes no part in public affairs. He was secretary for ten years of the Star of Anglesea Lodge of Druids, and was also a member of the school committee for some time.
of New Headford Farm, Lincoln. Mr. Henlery was born on the 17th of March, 1827, on the estate of Ower, near Headford, in County Galway, Ireland. He emigrated to America, and landed in New York on the 4th of May, 1851. On the very day he landed, he received an offer of work at the rate of three dollars a day. Of course, he took it, and he remained at it for two years. Then he went to St. Louis, where he remained for four years, and was foreman to a French and German firm. Whilst at St. Louis he was married to Miss Nocalty, on the 18th of January, 1855. However, he had the misfortune to contract fever and ague whilst in the same city, and he tried many remedies, all without effect. He then left St. Louis and went to live at Quincy, in the State of Illinois, but still with no better results as regarded his illness. He next tried a town in Iowa, where he purchased a good block of land, built on it, and got comfortably settled down, but was unable to remain owing to ill-health. A doctor at St. Louis advised him to take a trip Home as the quickest way to get rid of his trouble; and he could, the doctor, said, return to America in the spring. Mr. Henley took his advice as regarded the trip Home, but he never went back to America—not that he did not like the country, but it had its drawbacks. When he returned to Ireland he took back his father's old farm and lived on it for twelve months, and was by that time quite restored to health. Then he had to decide which should become his home—his adopted country, America, or New Zealand. He knew America well, after a trial of eight years, and he knew if he remained in Ireland he would be one of the white slaves, doomed to work from daylight till dark for the landlords, who would leave nothing for him to live on. He made up his mind to go to New Zealand, and wrote to Mr. James Edward Fitzgerald, Charing Cross, London, to secure a passage for himself and his wife. Mr. Fitzgerald wrote back informing Mr. Henley that unless he could pay full passage money, £17 each, for himself and Mrs Henley, the passage could not be secured, but if an advance of £12 for each were sent, Mr. Fitzgerald would secure a berth. Mr. Henley complied with this condition, and he and his wife set out for Bristol on Monday, the 1st of May, 1860. They left there for New Zealand in the ship “William Miles,” on the 6th of the same month, and after a fine passage of 108 days, reached Lyttelton on the 22nd of August, 1860. Lyttelton at that time was a very small place. Mr. and Mrs Henley moved to Christchurch on the 29th, and resided in an old building, named a barrack, near Papanui bridge. Having paid his passage, he was accorded that temporary privilege, but,
of course, he had to provide for himself and secure a house. On the 2nd of September he obtained work from Mr. Wilson in his nursery garden at five shillings per day; but two weeks afterwards Mr. Wilson raised they pay to eight shillings per day, and at that rate Mr. Henley worked for eighteen months. Mr. Henley bought his first section of land from the Government on the 18th of September, 1860, but did not go to live on it till the 17th of March, 1862. It consisted of twenty-two acres, and he paid £2 an acre for it. Since then he has bought all his land at from £15 to £20 an acre, and he now has 1500 acres of freehold in the Lincoln district. Mr. Henley, while in America, travelled through thirty-two states, but although they were all progressive places, they did not move ahead as fast as Canterbury has done in the matter
“The Springs,” Lincoln. Mr. Lockhead is a son of Mr. John Lockhead, of Leeston, and was born at Lockhead Farm, Leeston. He was educated at Leeston, and acquired a practical knowledge of farming under his father and uncle. “The Springs,” which consists of 314 acres, was originally part of The Springs station, owned by Messrs Cox and Fitzgerald, who so named the place on account of the springs of water abounding on the property. The land has now been thoroughly reclaimed from its original swampy condition. The homestead passed through the hands of successive owners, until 1894, when it was bought by Mr. Lockhead, from Mr. J. P. Mosshead. Mr. O'Callaghan, one of the intermediate owners, replaced the old building by a handsome mansion. However, offices still in a good state of preservation, show the endurance of the early mud buildings used by the pioneer settlers. Mr. Lockhead is a member of the Farmers' Union, and also of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He married the eldest daughter of Mr. Forsyth, one of the early settlers of Paihama, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Walsingham Farm, Lincoln. Mr. Murray was born in Dublin, in 1843, and with his father, the late Mr. John Murray, of Lincoln Road, Christchurch, arrived at Lyttelton, in the ship “Labuan,” in 1851. He began to farm at Lincoln on his present estate, which now consists of 1200 acres of rich, fertile land, with a fine house and all the necessary buildings of a high class farm. Mr. Murray carries on a successful system of mixed farming, and is the owner of one of the finest stud flocks of Leicesters in Canterbury, descendants of the celebrated stud flock of Mr. Every MacLean, of Auckland. His herd of Shorthorn cattle claims an equally distinguished descent. He has always taken a prominent part in all local affairs connected with his district, and has been a member of the Springs Road Board for many years. Mr. Murray has been a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has been a most successful prize-taker with sheep and cattle at Christchurch and Timaru. He is also a member of the Farmers' Union, and one of the directors of the Addington Saleyards Company. Mr. Murray married Miss Roberts, and of a family of seven children, four sons and two daughters are alive.
Farmer, Lincoln Lodge, Lincoln.—Mr. Rainey was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1841. He passed his early years on his father's farm, and arrived at Lyttelton in the ship “Sebastopol,” on the 14th of December, 1861. At first he was farming
Farmer, “Newlands,” Lincoln. Mr. Sharp was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1839, and was brought up to a farming life. In 1863 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Evening Star,” and went to the West Coast goldfields in the following year. After a brief stay there he recrossed the ranges and took up 264 acres of heavy swamp land, covered with raupo and flax. He drained, cleared, and fenced his property, and carried on dairying while dairy produce brought profitable prices. Mr. Sharp gradually extended his area to 800 acres, and went extensively into cultivation and cropping. In good seasons, he obtained as much as seventy bushels of wheat, and over one hundred bushels of oats per acre. Root crops grew to perfection, and he sometimes had twenty tons of potatoes per acre, and mangolds and turnips in proportion. Mr. Sharp keeps English Leicesters, and has a large number of sheep and lambs annually available for the export trade. The improvements on “Newlands” comprise seven artesian wells, varying from 16 to 196 feet, a good two-storey dwellinghouse, outbuildings, a garden, an orchard, plantations, and well-cultivated and conveniently-divided fields. Mr. Sharp has served on the local road board, school committee, and Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Spence, and has two sons and eight daughters.
Broom Farm, Lincoln. Mr. Smith was born at Bridport, Dorsetshire, England, in 1839, and as a boy served as a naval apprentice. He saw service in the Crimea and Baltic, and on the declaration of peace, in 1855, was presented with the Baltic medal. Mr. Smith left the navy to join the merchant service, in which he remained for two years on the steamer “Berrit,” trading between England, Greece and Russia. He came to New Zealand in the fifties by the ship “Acasta,” landing at Wellington; and was employed for two years at Otaki by Archdeacon Hadfield, afterwards Primate of New Zealand. After his arrival in Canterbury he was employed at the Springs station, by Messrs Cox and Fitzgerald, and was, later on, at the Longbeach station, then owned by the same gentlemen. On the purchase of Longbeach station by the late Mr. John Grigg, Mr. Smith became stockman there for three years. He then returned to Lincoln, and took possession of a farm of about thirty-seven acres, which he had bought before, and increased his area to 300 acres, which joins the Lincoln Agricultural College; he also bought about 300 acres at Landbrooks, now occupied by his sons, 245 acres at Rolleston, 800 acres at Aylesbury, and 175 acres of Mr. William Pannett's farm. Mr. Smith owned the first reaping machine in the district. He has never taken much interest in local affairs, but has been a member of the Lincoln school committee, and has been associated with the welfare of the Lincoln Presbyterian church since its foundation. Mr. Smith is a member of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder of the Farmers' Co-operative Association.
Farmer, Lincoln. Mr. Stoddart was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1834, and was brought up to farming. He emigrated to America in 1852, and lived for number of years with a cousin in the west of Canada. In 1859 he returned to Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1860, in the ship “Commodore Perry.” Shortly after his arrival he began to deal in cattle, horses and sheep, and carried on the business for many years, with Christchurch as his place of residence. He also bought land in different parts of the district, and sold it again when he saw a suitable opportunity. One of his purchases was made at Tai Tapu, and consisted of a 640-acre farm, which he sold to advantage. Mr. Stoddart visited his native country in 1874, but soon returned to his farm of 130 acres near Lincoln, where he keeps a good herd of dairy cattle. Shortly after his return from England, he purchased 454 acres at Longbeach, where his sons have ever since resided. Some years ago he bred and exhibited some magnificent Clydesdale horses, which carried all before them. Mr. Stoddart has always taken a keen interest in church affairs. In 1853 he was married to Ann, second daughter of the late Mr. Robert Edgeworth, County Cavan, Ireland, who bore him five sons and two daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are still living. After his first wife's death he married, in 1868, Harriet, second daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Nelson, of Seaforde, County Down, Ireland, and one son has been born of this marriage.
sometime of Lincoln, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1838, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Cashmere” in 1859. He went to the Springs station, then owned by Messrs Cox and Fitzgerald, and, under Mr. Fitzgerald, helped to survey land around Christchurch. Later on he went with Mr. Cox to the Mount Somers station, which had been taken up by that gentleman. On the subdivision and sale of the Springs estate Mr. Pearson sold some land which he had bought at Rolleston, and purchased the property on which his family still reside. The land was then in its wild native state, partly covered by water, and overgrown with flax and other wild growths; now it is a fine productive farm. Mr. Pearson always took an interest in the affairs of the church, and was churchwarden for several years. After an illness of eleven months he died in 1886, leaving a widow, four sons, and one daughter. The eldest son, Mr. John Pearson, now fills a position in the Central Dairy Company, Mr. Robert W. Pearson is engaged in farming, and Messrs George and Herbert Pearson reside on the family estate. Mr. George Pearson posseses mechanical skill of a high order, and has patented a well-sinking apparatus, which gives promise of signal success. Mrs Pearson, who is a native of Tipperary, Ireland, came to New Zealand by the ship “Zealandia,” in 1862, when she was a fellow passenger with Mr. C. P. Cox, in whose family she remained until her marriage with Mr. Pearson in 1865.
is within three miles of the Prebbleton railway station on the Christchurch-Southbridge line. It is a fine farming and dairying district, and is especially noted for its large crops of first-rate potatoes. The township has a good store, a bacon factory, and a good hotel, which is much patronised by cyclists. There is also a public school, and a handsome English church. The district is traversed by well kept roads, particularly good for cycling. This applies especially to the road to Tai Tapu, past Lansdowne, between the Port Hills and the Halswell river.
The members of this Board are: Mr Charles Lewis (chairman), and Messrs R. H. Rhodes, C. P. Hugonin, F. W. Quaife, and W. Henderson, junior; with Mr. C. W. Comer, secretary and surveyor.
Secretary and Surveyor of the Halswell Road Board, was born in Devonshire, England, and came to New Zealand in 1861, landing at Auckland. He came to Canterbury in 1866, and started farming on the Lincoln Road. For several years he was engaged in large contracts around Christchurch, and received his present appointment in 1877. Mr. Comer carries on farming, in addition to his road board duty. He is a progressive colonist, and has always identified himself with the general welfare of his district. Since 1875 he has been a member of the Spreydon school committee, and is also a member of the Spreydon Road Board. He is a Freemason, unattached.
Halswell. St. Mary's is a wooden building, which was erected in 1863. It has accommodation for about one hundred worshippers, possesses a fine organ, and has a very good choir. The church stands in well-planted grounds, and is approached through a lych-gate, which was erected to the memory of the late Mr. Bedell. The plate used in the service of St. Mary's was presented by the old Canterbury Association. St. Paul's church, Tai Tapu, and St. Mark's church, Greenpark, both wooden buildings, belong to the parochial district of Halswell, and weekly services are held at both. There is a handsome new vicarage adjoining St. Mary's church, Halswell, and the whole property is all but clear of debt.
M.A., Vicar of Halswell, is the eldest son of the Rev. Henry Williams, Vicar of St. Albans,
(F. W. Quaife, proprietor), Halswell. This factory, of which Mr. F. W. Quaife is the proprietor, was established in 1883 with the most modern machinery obtainable. It has a yearly output of about 2000 grain fed pigs. and its cure has a reputation for its great excellence throughout Australasia, as well as New Zealand. At the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, held in 1889 and 1890, the Halswell hams and bacon won four gold medals against a large number of competitors. The factory's exhibits have also obtained numerous first prizes at various agricultural and pastoral shows.
Proprietor of the Halswell Bacon Factory, is descended from an old Buckinghamshire family. He was born in 1854 at Ballington, Essex, and educated at the High School, bedford. In 1870 he left home for Canada, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1874, when he returned to England after travelling all over the United States, and visiting the principal cities and towns. The same year he left home for Melbourne, where he engaged himself to Messrs Kitchen and Co., soap and candle manufactures, and under his supervision the firm soon began to turn out, in lieu of a few hundred, 4000 boxes of candles a week. On returning to England in 1877 Mr. Quaife became a partner in Messrs Edgar Mann and Co.'s candle and soap works at Sudbury, Suffolk, but in 1880, deciding to settle in New Zealand, he dissolved partnership, and, procuring a large quantity of the most modern machinery, established a soap and candle factory at the Rakaia, Canterbury. He relinquished this business in 1883, and opened his present curing factory at Halswell. Mr. Quaife has been chairman of the Halswell school committee for the last four years; he has also been chairman of the Road Board, and of the Halswell Domain Board on several occasions, and has been connected with these bodies for the past ten years. In 1874 he was married to Miss Billington Barcock, of Perry Hill Farm, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England, and has now a family of four sons and three daughters, the eldest son being manager of his father's farm of 400 acres at Ngapara, near Oamaru.
Sheepfarmer and Cattle-breeder, “Rawhiti,” Halswell. Mr. Barnett was born at Monmouth, England, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand, by the ship “Captain Cook.” After a short time
“Creekside,” Halswell. Mr. Henderson is fourth son of the late Mr. William Henderson, of Spreydon, and was born at Syydenham, Christchurch, in 1876. He was educated in the city, brought up to farming, and carries on dairy farming at “Creekside,” Halswell. Mr. Henderson has always shown a keen interest in the general affairs of his district, and was elected to the Halswell Road Board to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the late Mr. Garforth. He is also a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Henderson was married, in 1895, to Miss Boag, daughter of Mr. William Boag, of Fendalton, and has two children.
“Lansdowne,” Halswell. This property was bought by the late Mr. William Birdling, in 1896, and was managed for him by his son, Mr. Arthur Birdling.
fifth son of the late Mr. William Birdling, founder of Birdling's Flat estate, was born at Birdling's Flat in 1863. He was educated at Akaroa, afterwards spent three years at the Agricultural College at Lincoln, and helped to manage the estate on Birdling's Flat until he settled at “Lansdowne” in 1896. Like his late father, he is a well-known and successful breeder of stock. He married Miss E. Callaghan, of Akaroa, and two sons and one daughter have been born of the union.
Sheepfarmer and Dairyman, Halswell. Mr. Sparks is a son of Mr. William Sparks, of Petherton, Somersetsire, England. He was born in 1844, on an estate on which the family has been living for generations, and was brought up to farming. Mr. Sparks acquired a knowledge of cattle which has proved of importance to him in New Zealand, to which he came in 1879 by the ship “Crusader,” accompanied by his wife and a family of seven children. For a short time after his arrival he was employed at Port Levy by Mr. Fleming. In 1880 he obtained a portion of the Cashmere estate, on favourable terms, and began operations as a dairyfarmer. The land was rich fertile swamp, but undrained, and covered with rough native growths. Mr. Sparks, however, has developed it into one of the most prosperous dairy farms in the district, and milks about 130 cows. During his early struggles, Mrs Sparks milked cows and made butter, and he attributes his success largely to her untiring energy. Mr. Sparks now carries on a large business in sheep and cattle breeding, and, in addition to his splendid farm at Halswell, he has two fine farms on the rich alluvial flats about Lake Ellesmere, where he breeds and feeds numbers of fine sheep. He has been successful as a breeder of horses, and his draughts are well known in Canterbury. In the breeding of Shorthorn cattle he is equally successful, and at the agricultural and pastoral show of 1896 he obtained a first and special prize for his exhibit, and in the year following he was successful again. Mr. Sparks was a member of the Halswell school committee for some years, and has long been a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He has served the Christchurch Hospital with milk for over fourteen year, and also
Farmer, Halswell. Mr. Sheehan is a son of the late Mr. Martin Sheehan of Shand's Track, who died in 1899. He was born at Nenagh, Tipperary, Ireland, in 1850, accompanied his parents to Victoria in 1852 and returned with them to Ireland after a three years' stay in Australia. In 1860 he accompanied his parents to New Zealand, in the ship “Clontarf,” which landed at Lyttelton. After attending school in Christchurch, he started at an early age to make his own living. At first he drove a team of horses for the late Mr. Peter Clinton, and afterwards worked at a threshing machine for seven years. Mr. Sheehan then began farming on his own account, and for twenty-seven years carried on successfully at Tai Tapu. In 1899 he took his present farm, which consists of 160 acres of rich fertile land, on which he conducts a system of mixed farming and dairying. Mr. Sheehan is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is well known as a breeder and prize-taker at the shows in connection with carriage, blood and draught horses. He has been twice married; firstly, to Miss Doyle, by whom there was a family of five children, and, secondly, to Miss Flynn, who has borne him two sons and five daughters.
(T. H. Candy, proprietor), near Halswell. The history of this property dates back to the early days of settlement. It was originally taken up by the late William Sefton Moorhouse, second Superintendent of Canterbury, who resided on the estate for several years. Afterwards it was held by Mr. William Pine, and, later on, by Mr. Garforth, and was entered by Mr. Candy, as lessee, in the early part of 1902. “Spreydon Lodge” contains 230 acres of rich agricultural land, and is highly improved. Dairying is carried on extensively, and about eighty-five cows are milked constantly upon the property. A fine residence, the oldest part of which was built by Mr. Moorhouse, stands close to the main road, between Christchurch and Halswell, and the surrounding grounds are laid out in excellent taste.
Proprietor of “Spreydon Lodge,” is the fourth son of Mr. C. B. Candy. He was born in 1866, at Halswell, educated at the local public school, and afterwards trained to dairy farming under his father, with whom he continued to work till 1895. In that year he took over the property formerly held by his father, and continued cheese making until 1902, when he removed to “Spreydon Lodge.” Mr. Candy was married in 1895 to Miss E. C. Thomas, of Christchurch, and has three children.
Farmer, Halswell. Mr. Smith was born at Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Ireland, in 1837. He left home in 1863, and landed at Lyttelton in January, 1864, by the ship “Tiptree.” After harvesting for a short time at Rangiora, he was employed for one year with Mr. Armstrong, immigration agent, who then resided at Riccarton. For three years later he was employed by the late Mr. Michael John Burke, who then owned what was known as the Halswell station, which was afterwards leased to Mr. Bell, with whom Mr. Smith remained for six years. In 1875 Mr. Smith purchased about fifty acres of his present farm, which now consists of one hundred acres of some of the finest land in the district, and has a handsome villa residence, and a fine set of farm buildings. During his long residence in the district Mr. Smith has refrained from entering public life, but has devoted his energies to the improvement of his property. He was married previous to his departure from Ireland, but has no children.
sometime of “Lansdowne,” Halswell, was a very old and prominent colonist, who arrived in New Zealand by the ship “London” in 1842. He was born in Frome, Somersetshire, England, in 1822, and brought up to farming. At the age of twenty he left home to seek fortune in the distant and then little-known colony of New Zealand, and when he landed at Wellington in 1842, that town consisted of only a few huts. By that time, however, the brothers Rhodes had established themselves in the infant colony, and the young colonist engaged with the late Mr. Bernard Rhodes to look after the cattle and other interests of his property on the Akaora Peninsula. There he settled in 1842, when he and the late Mr. George Rhodes were, apart from whalers and Maoris, the only inhabitants in the whole district. Wages were not high in those days, and during the first two years Mr. Birdling was paid at the rate of only twenty pounds a year. He remained for ten years with Messrs Rhodes, in looking after their cattle on the Peninsula. In 1852, when, by great self-denial and hard work he had got together a considerable sum of money, Mr. Birdling purchased the first portion of the fine estate now so well known as Birdling's Flat, near Little River. At first he bought only a small area, but the estate now consists of about 5,000 acres of the choicest and richest land in the district. On this property, as it was increased from time to time, work that was never given up, but was extremely hard and almost herculean, had to be done and was done by Mr Birdling and his family, in order to convert the wilderness of tussock, flax and swamp, into its present state of high cultivation and settled workableness. Mr. Birdling's first house belonged to the order of
formerly of Halswell, has been well known in connection with the important industry of cheese making. For many years in succession he was the chief prizewinner for cheese at the Canterbury Metropolitan Show, at which, on some occasions, he gained all three prizes. In 1886 he won the first prize for cheese at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition held in London. Mr. Candy is the eldest son of the late Mr. Thomas Candy, farmer, of Somersetshire, England. He was born in 1825, educated at a well known college, in Bath, and afterwards trained to farm work under his father. In 1855 he took up land at Mumbles, near Swansea, in South Wales, and farmed there until 1860, when he sailed by the ship “John Lawson,” for New Zealand. On landing at Lyttelton he tramped his way over the Port Hills to Christchurch, and was engaged there for a few months at agricultural work near where Ward's Brewery now stands. Shortly afterwards he became manager of a large station in Central Otago, and held the position for four years and a half. At the end of that time he returned to Canterbury, where he had a farm near Lake Ellesmere, and carried on mixed farming for about four years. He then took up property at Halswell, and commenced dairy farming, which he carried on with great success until 1896. In that year he disposed of his property, and has since lived in retirement on the South Belt, Christchurch. Mr. Candy was married, in 1855, to Miss Saxby, of Exeter, and has six sons and one daughter.
J.P., Melrose, Halswell, was born at Liscansey, near Cookstown, in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, in 1830. He was brought up to farming, and had special experience with cattle. When about seventeen years of age he went to America where he remained five years, two years in New York, and three years in the state of Ohio, where he was engaged principally in carting produce to Dusky City at Lake Erie. Ill health compelled him to return home, where he settled down for five years. About 1858 his desire to travel again overcame him, and in that year he landed in Melbourne in Australia. On leaving town he shouldered his swag, walked to Bendigo, and tried his fortune at gold-seeking for twelve months, without success. He then for a time followed the less exciting pursuit of dairying at Castlemaine, but on the breaking-out of the Otago diggings, in 1861, he left Melbourne by the “Greyhound” for Dunedin. He tramped it to Queenstown, with an eighty-pound swag on his back, and for a short time did comparatively well at the Moa Creek diggings. At that time a reward was offered for the discovery of a practicable bridle track from the head of Lake Wanaka to the West Coast, and Mr. Ferguson determined to secure it. He and two companions set out with that end in view, but on reaching the top of the ranges at the head of Lake Wanaka a heavy fall of snow compelled them to return to the lower ground. Heavy storms continued, accompanied by high-flooded rivers, and for a long time the three adventurers were unable to quit their camp. Their provisions ran out, and for more than seven days they lived on woodhens caught by a faithful dog which accompanied them on their journey. After undegoing great privations the party returned to Queenstown, unsuccessful, though Mr. Ferguson had spent all his earnings from the Moa Creek diggings in providing for the journey. He again turned his attention to the gold diggings, and took up a piece of ground on the Shotover. There, however, ill fortune still pursued him, for during a disastrous flood, whereby many men lost their lives, Mr. Ferguson escaped with a blanket, having lost his clothes and all else possessed by him. After that, he started packing goods between Queenstown, Shotover, and Moa Creek, and carried on the business for eighteen months. He then left Queenstown with five pack horses, a considerable amount of money, and renewed confidence in his future, and travelled to Christchurch, where he sold four of his horses. From Christchurch he travelled to Greenstone by way of Taylor's Saddle and the Teremakau, and was soon engaged in packing between Greymouth and the Greenstone, via the Teremakau. On that journey he was accompanied by a former mate of his, Mr. W. C. Buchanan, who afterwards became a successful and influential man in the North Island, a member of Parliament and the owner of an extensive estate in the Wairarapa. When the possibilities of Hokitika as a remunerative goldfield began to be talked about, Messrs Fergrson and Buchanan and Captain Leech, so well known at Westport, and then captain of the old s.s. “Nelson,” walked from Greymouth to Hokitika, and at low water marked with poles the channel of the river. Captain Leech proceeded to Nelson where he filled his steamer with such articles as he considered necessary for the new diggings, and then returned and successfully navigated the river, his steamer being the first to enter the Hokitika. Messrs Ferguson and Buchanan determined to start storekeeping in the new field, and, obtaining the frame of a store from Nelson, they erected it on what is now known as Revell street, alongside the river. This business was most prosperous, and after two years, the friends dissolved partnership, Mr. Ferguson coming to Canterbury in 1866. He then started in the stock trade, buying cattle and forwarding them to the West Coast. Since his first connection with this business Mr. Ferguson has bought and sold hundreds of thousands of cattle. In 1878 he bought his beautiful property at Halswell. It was then a swamp in its native state, covered with flax, but is now known as one of the finest estates around Christchurch, and famed for the fertility of its soil. Mr. Ferguson afterwards transferred his stock business to his son, and now occupies his time in looking after his large flock of dairy cattle. He has been a most successful exhibitor of fat cattle at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's shows since 1870, and has won numerous gold medals and silver cups. He has been a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association since 1874, and was president during one of the years of Lord Onslow's governorship. Mr. Ferguson is member of the finance committee of St. Paul's Church, Christchurch; he was one of the founders of the Addington saleyards, and was member of the directorate until compelled to resign through ill health. He has been a member of the Halswell Road Board, and of the school committee for eighteen years, during twelve of which he was chairman. He was one of the first to advocate the establishment of the Central Dairy Factory, and was on the board of directors till compelled to retire through ill health. Mr. Ferguson
Somerset Cottage, Lincoln Road, Halswell, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1823, and followed the trade of a bricklayer in his earlier days. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Glentanner,” in 1857, and found employment for two years and a half with Messrs Washbourne Bros, for whom he erected their first wooden homestead. Mr. Day began farming on his own account at Ladbrooks, where he bought about ten acres of land, on the site now occupied by Ladbrook station. He improved his holding, and after adding twenty acres to it, and keeping it for seven years, he sold it at a very large profit. He then bought a farm of about 203 acres in the Springston district, where his only neighbour then was the late Mr. Thomas Shand. The land was totally unimproved, but its natural fertility soon repaid the toil and expense of improvement. About 1870 Mr. Day retired, and leased his farm, which is now occupied by his son-in-law, Mr. Henry Kimber. Since his retirement Mr. Day has lived in Lincoln Read, and, notwithstanding his age, he has until lately been in the habit of taking his exercise on a bicycle. Mr. Day married previous to his departure from England, and has had one son and one daughter.
in the county of Selwyn, has a population of about 300 persons. It is on the Halswell river, and at the foot of the Port Lyttelton Hills, and within about four miles of Lake Ellesmere. The land in the district is noted for its fertility, and grows fine crops of all kinds of farm produce. The swamp lands especially yield wonderful crops of potatoes. Well kept farms and handsome residences testify to the prosperity of the settlers. The roads are particularly good for cyclists, and a run from Halswell, past Lansdowne, to Little River, or to Governor's Bay, via Gebbie's Valley, proves a pleasant trip. A coach runs several times during the day, and connects with the Christchurch tram, a short distance from Halswell. The township of Tai Tapu was originally named Hepworth by Messrs R. H. Rhodes and W. B. Rhodes when first surveyed and laid out in building sites under their instructions, and sold by auction in Christchurch on the 4th of February, 1875. It now consists of two general stores with bakehouse; a post and telegraph office, with a telephone to Christchurch; two churches—Church of England and Wesleyan—the latter with the more numerous congregation; a public school, with an average attendance of seventy-eight scholars; a public library; a cooperative dairy factory with a creamery at Greenpark; a butcher's shambles; a forge or farrier's shop, where most of the horses for miles around are shod and treated; and, lastly, a hotel, with a fair business. As yet there is no town hall, which is much needed. Subscriptions were once canvassed for it, but for some reason the effort fell through, although Mr. Robert Heaton Rhodes, whose fine country seat stands at the foot of the Peninsula Hills a mile and a half from the township, offered £100 towards the building. The Halswell river takes its serpentine sluggish course through the district, and was named by the Maoris Tai Tapu, which means sacred or solemn water. Picnic parties from town frequently visit the neighbourhood, as the drive from Christchurch, twelve miles, is considered picturesque and pleasant. Rabbit Island, named Waihora Park, four miles south, near Lake Ellesmere, is a favourite resort for sports and picnics, and is reached by rail on the way to Little River. The dairy factory at Tai Tapu has 205 shareholders, and it is now (1903) in the fifteenth year of its existence.
Contractor, Tai Tapu. Mr. Forbes was born of Scottish parents at Birmingham, England, in 1842. He was educated at the public schools in his native land, and at the age of thirteen, on his father's death, accompanied his mother and sister to Victoria. In 1856 he removed to Tasmania, where he was apprenticed to the building trade, on the advice of his brother-in-law, the late Captain Reid, Staff-Officer of Imperial Pensioners. Mr. Forbes came to New Zealand in 1864, and at Intercargill
This factory was established in 1889. It is housed in a substantial building of brick and iron, and the motive power consists of a Tangye engine with a boiler by Scott Bros., of Christchurch. Four of Burmstey and Wyner's separators put 4500 gallons of milk through daily during the height of the season. The milk is supplied from within a radius of four miles, and the cows are grade Shorthorns. There is a cool chamber with a Hill's No. 5 freezer in the factory, which was built by the farmers on the co-operative system.
Manager, was born at Kirknewtown, within ten miles of Edinburgh, in 1838, and emigrated to Australia with his parents in 1845. His father was appointed in 1849 to come to Lyttelton with twenty carpenters, to erect the buildings needed for the accommodation of the Canterbury pilgrims, who arrived in due course. Young Johnston landed in Lyttelton on the 7th of January, 1850, and then accompanied his father to Christchurch when his father removed thither to build the old land office. The son took to farming and dairying, and subsequently removed to Otago, where he organised the Taieri and Peninsula factories, which he worked in succession for a few years. Mr. Johnston then settled in Tinwald, where he opened the local dairy factory, and worked it for two years, when he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1864, to Miss Blackie, daughter of Captain Blackie, and has two sons and three daughters.
(John McKenzie, preprietor), Tai Tapu. This hotel was established in 1858, and is situated twelve miles from Christchurch on the road to Little River. The house contains sixteen rooms, ten of which are well furnished bedrooms; there are also four comfortable sitting-rooms and a large, well-ventilated dining-room, capable of seating sixty persons. Country settlers, commercial travellers, tourists, and sportsmen who visit Lake Ellesmere, all patronise the hotel, and special provision is made for sportsmen. The eight-stall stables, four loose boxes, and the secure paddocks adjoining the hotel, are most convenient to travellers. A coach leaves the hotel daily for Christchurch, and returns the same evening.
Proprietor, was born in 1852, in the Orkney Islands, and came to New Zealand, in the ship “St. Lawrence,” in 1874. He took a lease of the hotel in 1883, and was married during the same year to Miss Beath. Mr. and Mrs McKenzie have two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Tai Tapu. Mr. Barrett was born at Haselbury, within two miles of Crewkerne and nine of Yeovil, in Somersetshire, England, in September, 1829, and was educated at Wimborne Minster, in Dorsetshire. Both his parents having died when he was only eight years old, he was, at the age of fifteen, sent out by his grandfather and uncles in the barque “Unicorn,” to Fremantle, Swan river, where he arrived in August, 1844, and went to join his elder brother, who held a small sheep run, thirty-six miles inland, northeast of Albany. At the end of seven years, the brothers removed to a 30,000-acre run, forty miles farther north-east, in Sandalwood Country, on the Salt river, where kangaroos and aboriginal natives were very numerous,
Farmer, “Invermay,” Tai Tapu. Mr. Cossar was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, at Greenknowe, which has been for the last 300 years in possession of the Cossars. He was educated at Dunbar, and brought up to commerce, in which he was engaged for four years in Scotland. Mr. Cossar emigrated to Queensland in 1862, in the ship “Flying Cloud,” and came to New Zealand in 1863. He worked for six years with the late Mr. G. Holmes, of Pigeon Bay, and then removed to Duvauchelle. Subsequently he bought land at Duvauchelle Bay, and gradually increased his area to 170 acres. At first the land was covered with bush, but it was gradually cleared and stocked, first with Shorthorn cattle of the milking strain, and he carried on dairying. In time he let the Duvauchelle property to his sons, and purchased “Invermay,” which comprises 264 acres with 100 acres on the lake flat. Mr. Cossar raises fat lambs extensively, as “Invermay” is well adapted for that purpose. In 1887, he went, by the s.s. “Doric,” on a visit to the Old Country, and after a two months' stay he returned by the “Arawa.” Mr. Cossar has been a member of the local school committee for over twenty years, and has been also on the cemetery board for many years. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Turkington, and they have seven sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Tai Tapu. Mr. Gilmour is a son of Mr. William Gilmour, an old colonist of Tai Tapu. He learned farming on his father's estate, but now farms a fine property of his own at Tai Tapu. Mr. Gilmour is elsewhere referred to as a lieutenant in the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.
Farmer, Tai Tapu. Mr. Heinzmann was born in Wuttenberg, Germany, in 1858. In the course of time he removed to London, where he entered into business, which he carried on for a few years. In 1876 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Waimate.” On arriving in the Colony he determined to follow farming, and took up fifty-four acres of land on the Hanover
Farmer, “Hill View,” Tai Tapu Mr. Herrick was born at Islington, London, in 1831, and came to New Zealand with his parents, in the ship “Fifeshire,” which landed at Nelson on the 1st of February, 1842. In 1852 Mr. Herrick visited the Australian gold diggings, but returned to Nelson during the following year. He then followed farming until 1863, during which he came to Canterbury, and purchased one hundred acres of land at Tai Tapu in its native state for £3 an acre, and named the place “Meadowbank. The land was all heavy swamp, which was covered with flax, raupo and “nigger-heads,” and to take off the water Mr. Herrick cut a main drain 15 feet by 7 feet to the Halswell. When thus drained the land was stocked with Shorthorn cattle, and when it became dry and firm, it was cropped with the best results. In 1875, Mr. Herrick bought 100 acres at £20 per acre, from the late Mr. R. H. Rhodes, and on this he erected a good dwellinghouse, with substantial outbuildings and a stockyard, second to none in the district, and he also made a garden, and orchard, and plantations. This property is “Hill View,” where he has his home. Mr. Herrick rented an additional 180 acres later on, and all his farms are devoted to grain growing, dairying and fattening sheep for the export trade Mr. Herrick was the first storekeeper at Tai Tapu, and he ran the first coach that carried the first mails to the place. He has been a member of the Springston Road Board for eighteen years, and has been chairman for several years. Mr. Herrick also served on the Lincoln school committee for fifteen years, and was chairman for five years; he held a seat on the Tai Tapu Road Board and school committee for many years, was a director of the dairy factory for eight years, and a director of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., over ten years. He always takes a deep interest in church matters. Mr. Herrick was married, in 1858, to Miss Hammond, of Nelson, who also landed in Nelson, in 1842, and has eight sons and five daughters, seven of whom are married.
Farmer and Butcher, “Westerleigh.” Tai Tapu. Mr. Limbrick is a son of Mr. Richard Limbrick, farmer, Gloucestershire, England, and was born in 1855. After arriving in New Zealand, he worked at the butchering business with Mr. Palmer, of Hororata, for a short time, and for eight months later was employed on the Waipara railway. He was then employed for twelve months by Mr. H. B. Lame, butcher, Cashel Street, Christchurch. Mr. Limbrick then removed to Tai Tapu, where he worked with Mr. Judge, who carried on a butcher's shop in connection with his hotel. After being two years in that position, he started an opposition business, but shortly afterwards purchased Mr. Judge's shop. Since then he has carried on a prosperous business, which extends from Tai Tapu to Gebbie's Valley. In addition to his butchery, Mr. Limbrick conducts a large dairying business on a fine farm of 126 acres of freehold land, which he owns in the neighbourhood, as well as a large tract of leasehold. He has for many years been a member of the Tai Tapu school committee. Mr. Limbrick married Miss Noye, and there is a family of two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Tai Tapu. Mr. Macartney has for several years taken a prominent part in the local affairs of his district. He is now and has been for three years chairman of the Tai Tapu school committee, and is an active member of various debating societies in the neighbourhood. Mr. Macartney was educated under Mr. Speight, a well-known and successful teacher, at Tai Tapu. He married a daughter of Mr. Greig, builder and contractor, Christchurch. Mr. Macartney is referred to elsewhere as captain of the B Company of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.
Farmer, Rose Villa, Tai Tapu. Mr. Macartney was born in County Antrim, near Belfast, Ireland, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1862, by the ship “Zealandia.” After working for about twelve months with Mr. Hudson, he took up a farm in its native state at Broadfields, and carried it on for about five years. He then disposed of his interest at Broadfields, and purchased his present fine estate at Tai Tapu, where he now has an area of 520 acres of rich, fertile land, on which he conducts a thorough system of mixed farming.
Mr. Macartney has always taken a prominent part in the affairs of his district, and has never grudged time or trouble devoted to the advancement of Tai Tapu.
Farmer, “Parkgwyn,” Tai Tapu. Mr. Morgan was born in Wales in 1835, and followed farming during his earlier
Tai Tapu. This is the property of Mr. R. H. Rhodes, M.H.R for Ellesmere. It comprises 5000 acres, was purchased in 1894, and is devoted chiefly to the rearing and fattening of sheep, of which large numbers are annually available for the export trade. The favourite breeds are English Leicesters and Shropshire Downs. A small herd of Jersey cattle is kept in the home paddocks, the originals of which were purchased from Mr. A. A. McMaster, of Oamaru, who imported them from Victoria. A still more distinguished herd consists in seven head of red Polled cattle recently imported by Mr. Rhodes. These aristocrats were bred by Lord Amherst and Mr. Coleman, the breeder of the famous red Polled steer of 1889. Lord Amherst and Mr. Coleman are amongst the largest prize-takers in England. The draught horses at “Otanuna” are a fine lot of animals, and were selected for their aptitude for hillside ploughing. The hunters on the estate included “Dragoon,” by “Chainshot,” and “Black Night,” by “Fusilier.” Mr. Rhodes has made many improvements on the property. The dwellinghouse is built on a knoll at the head of the valley, overlooking the Canterbury Plains, and commanding a fine view of the Southern Alps, and it will soon be well sheltered by a young, healthy and thriving plantation of well-selected trees. There are stables, a cowshed, and other outbuildings of the best kind at “Otahuna,” and these as well as the dwellinghouse are lighted with electric light. The garden, orchard, and all the plantations are young but healthy-looking, and in a few years the drive up the avenue and by an artificial lake will be most charming. The proprietor is reclaiming the swamp land on the property, and from what has been planted with potatoes he has obtained returns which have yielded £40 per acre.
Proprietor of the Otahuna Estate, is referred to elsewhere as the member for Ellesmere in the House of Representatives, and also as captain of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry.
Midway Farm. Tai Tapu. Mr. Osborne was born in 1829, at Road, Somersetshire, England, and since his youth, he has followed farming. Accompanied by his two brothers, Mr. Job Osborne, of Doyleston, and the late Mr. George Osborne of Timaru, he came to New Zealand by the
Farmer, Tai Tapu. Mr. Ridder was born in Hanover. Germany, in 1850, and came to New Zealand with his father by the ship “Blue Jacket.” For the first seven years after his arrival he was engaged in bush cutting on the Port Hills, and at other work. In 1877 Mr. Ridder started farming on about fifty-three acres of rich and fertile swamp land at Tai · Tapu, where he has successfully carried on general farming and dairying. He also works a leasehold farm of eighty acres. Mr. Ridder is a breeder of a superior class of draught and trotting horses, and owns a fine herd of dairy Shorthorns, crossed with the Jersey—a cross which he considers one of the best for quantity and quality of milk. He has been a member of the Tai Tapu school committee, and is a member of the Ellesmere and Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and of the Metropolitan Trotting Club. Mr. Ridder, who is at present lance-corporal in the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, has always taken a great interest in volunteering and shooting. He held the Challenge Belt for three successive years in the competitions of his corps, and won several first prizes in shooting competitions, held by the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and at Rangiora rifle matches. Mr. Ridder married a daughter of the late Mr. John Gherkin, and old settler in the district, and has a family of three daughters and one son
is a dairyfarming and sheep grazing settlement within two miles of Lake Ellesmere, and seventeen miles from Christchurch on the Christchurch-Little River railway. It is in the county of Selwyn, and has a population of about 350 souls. The district consists of rich reclaimed swamp land extending on one side, from Tai Tapu almost to the borders of Lake Ellesmere, and, on the other from the base of the Peninsula Hills to the fertile districts of Lincoln and Springston. Dairying is one of the principal industries of the district, which has several creameries, and is also within a short distance of the Tai Tapu dairy factory. The district has numerous well kept roads, and at Lake Ellesmere, two miles away, sportsmen find good trout fishing and duck shooting. Greenpark is a closely settled district, and on account of the high price of land, the holdings are comparatively small, though there are several large farms. The district has some very good sheep country, especially along the north shores of Lake Ellesmere, and the birthrate in lambs sometimes reaches 150 per cent., and the wool is of excellent quality. Even the lighter portions of the cultivated land grow splendid barley, but the heavy land has been known to yield over 100 bushels of that grain to the acre. The district grows an excellent sample of Tuscan wheat, and oat crops yield as much as eighty bushels per acre. The root crops are also good. Sometimes the grass gets scorched up on the light land, but on the swampy ground there is always plenty of green pasture. Near the Greenpark railway station there is a public school, a creamery, and a blacksmith's shop, but no hotel; and the nearest churches are at Tai Tapu or Lincoln, about three miles distant.
This creamery was established in November, 1893, in connection with the Tai Tapu Dairy Factory. The plant consists of a four-horse power engine and boiler by Scott Brothers, of Christchurch; and two De Laval separators. In the height of the season over 1400 gallons of milk per day are utilised, and the supply comes from grade cows within a radius of four miles.
Manager of the Greenpark Creamery, was born at Port Levy, Banks Peninsula, in 1866. During his earlier years he worked on his father's farm, but in October, 1892, he joined the staff at the Tai Tapu Dairy Factory as an assistant. Thirteen months later, when the Greenpark creamery was established, Mr. Mangles was appointed to his present position. Mr. Mangles has always taken an active interest in cricket. He was married, in 1897, to Miss McColl, of Greenpark.
Farmer, Greenpark. Mr. Barnett, who was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1845, is a son of late Mr. Jacob Barnett, and came to New Zealand, in 1851, by the ship “Bangalore,” with his father, who died at Tai Tapu in 1900. He started farming in 1888 on a farm previously purchased by his father, and
Farmer, Greenpark. Mr. Dulieu is the only son of the late Mr. Dulieu, and was born in 1849, in London. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand, and, on his marriage, in 1877, succeeded to a portion of the property. His father then removed to another farm, and ultimately the son succeeded to the whole property. He has been for a number of years a member of the Greenpark school committee, is a member of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder of the Tai Tapu Dairy Company. Mr. Dulieu is also one of the trustees of the Wesleyan church. He married Miss Wells, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Wells, one of the early settlers of Springston, and has four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “The Poplars,” Greenpark. Mr. Hubbard was born in Kent. England, in 1862, and in 1881 joined his parents, who had previously arrived in Canterbury. His first colonial experience was with Mr. Robert Rainey, of Tai Tapu, and afterwards he started a contracting business in conjunction with his brother, Mr. E. G. Hubbard, of Southbridge. This they carried on for a number of years, during which Mr. F. Hubbard farmed on a comparatively small scale on his own account, but he gradually increased his operations. In 1900 he took a lease of the fine estate, known as “The Poplars,” formerly the property of the late Mr. Goodwin, and now of Mrs Goodwin, of Auckland. This estate, which consists of 500 acres, has long been known as one of the finest in the prosperous district of Greenpark. Mr. Hubbard carries on general cropping, dairying and sheepfarming. He leases another property of 400 acres, on which he runs about 1000 sheep. Mr. Hubbard has been a member of the Greenpark school committee for years, and is on the executive of the local Wesleyan church. He is one of the directors of the Tai Tapu Dairy Company, district chairman of the Farmers' Union, and also a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he has been an exhibitor. Mr. Hubbard married Miss Lloyd, of Greenpark, and there is a family of five daughters and four sons.
Farmer, Grafton Farm, Greenpark. Mr. Kimber is the eldest
Farmer, “Belleville,” Greenpark. Mr. McDonald was born at Ruthven, Kingussie, Scotland, in 1836, and was educated at the public schools in the villages of Insh and Invernglas. He was brought up to farming, and was foreman on one of the best farms in the romantic district of Badenoch. In 1859 he emigrated to Australia in the ship “Broomielaw.” The discovery of gold in Otago attracted him to Gabriel's Gully in 1861. Four years later he went to the Westland goldfields, where he met with a fair share of success. In April, 1868, he took up the first portion of his land at Greenpark and commenced farming. The land was then covered with flax and raupo, and, in fact, Mr. McDonld found himself in the centre of a very inhospitable swamp. That, however, has all been changed, and Mr. McDonald now lives in a beautiful residence, with a garden, an orchard, plantations and paddocks around him. Mr. McDonald has served on the local road board and school committee. He is also society steward and trustee for the Wesleyan Church, and a local preacher. Mr. McDonald was married, in 1892, to Miss Magon, and has three daughters and one son.
Farmer, “Riverland,” Greenpark. Mr. Pannett is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Avis Pannett, who arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Lady Nugent” in 1851, and died at Springston in 1893. He was born in Sussex, England, in 1850, and came with his father to New Zealand in 1851. After leaving school he worked on his father's farm at Springston, until 1871, when he started farming on his own account at Dunsandel, where he remained for seven years. He then bought a farm of 1600 acres at Methven, then in its native state, but after four years he sold out and bought 600 acres of unimproved swamp land at Springston. Mr. Pannett set to work burning off the peat, and having extinguished the fire, to preserve the organic remains, he thoroughly drained the land and converted it into a fine fertile farm. However, he afterwards sold the property, and in 1900 bought 330 acres at Greenpark, formerly the homestead portion of Mr. I. G. Murray's estate. Besides carrying on general cropping, Mr. Pannett grows large quantities of garden peas for Messrs Carter and Co., the well-known seedsmen of London. Mr. Pannett owns another estate of 5200 acres at Pleasant Point, which is managed by his son, and on which he keeps between seven and eight thousand sheep. He has always taken a leading part in the local affairs of his district; he has for years been connected with road boards, and was chairman of the Springs Road Board for several terms. In educational matters he has always taken a prominent part, and at the age of twenty-one was appointed chairman of the South Selwyn school committee, and he was for some time chairman of the Springston South and two other school committees in the different districts in which he has lived. He is a member of the Canterbury and Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and was one of the first shareholders of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. He owns a fine stud of Southdown sheep, and in his early days was a successful prize-taker at various ploughing matches. Mr. Pannett is married, and has six sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Greenpark, Mr. Quayle was born in the Isle of Man in 1848. After leaving school he followed farming, and came to New Zealand in 1880, in the ship “Pleiades.” He landed at Lyttelton and settled, first, at Leeston, but subsequently entered the service of Mr. H. Overton, of Meadowbank, where he was appointed working manager. In 1885 he removed to Greenpark, and began farming on his own account. He was chief organiser of the Greenpark Dairy Factory, and is now chairman of directors. The factory began with one separator, but is now working six, including two at the Greenpark Creamery, and the plant and building have been correspondingly added to Mr. Quayle is a member of the road board and chairman of the school committee. He is a prominent member of the Wesleyan Church, and conducts service as a local preacher.
sometime of Greenpark, was born in London, and arrived in New Zealand with his family by the ship “Clontarf,” in 1859. He was employed for a time by Mr. Michael Burke, of Halswell, and was for seven years afterwards gardener to the late Mr. Guise Brittan. Mr. Dulieu began farming on a freehold block of fifty acres at
was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1812, and came to Canterbury by the ship “Castle Eden,” in 1851. At first he was engaged in making Ferry Road, and afterwards helped to form High Street in Christchurch. Later on Mr. Kimber took up a farm at Wilderness Road, but sold it in three years and settled at Greenpark, when the district was little known. He was one of the first settlers in the district. Not disheartened by the difficulties connected with the reclamation of a raupo-covered swamp, he set to work with a will, and had his efforts crowned with success, as the reclaimed land proved very fertile and yielded large crops. Greenpark is now recognised as having some of the richest land in Canterbury, and is occupied by a prosperous population. Mr. Kimber never took any part in the affairs of the district, but devoted all his time to the improvement of his farm. Owing to his increasing years he has for a considerable time lived a life of retirement. Mr. Kimber married twice, and by his first wife had a family of three sons and two daughters. His second wife was Miss Grey, of Dunedin.
sometime of “Glencoe,” Greenpark, was born at Appin, Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1835, and followed a farming life until he left Home by the ship “David G. Fleming,” for Lyttelton, in 1864. At first he was employed in carting at Christchurch, and afterwards worked for Mr. Milne, of Lincoln for five years. In 1870 he purchased a swamp-covered unimproved farm of fifty acres, at Greenpark, and afterwards in creased the area to seventy-five acres, now in a high state of cultivation. Latterly Mr. McColl leased a small section of fine pasture land for grazing. He carried on general farming and dairying. Mr. McColl had been for years a member of the Greenpark school committee and churchwarden of the Anglican church; he was also a member of the Farmers' Union and a Shareholder of the Tai Tapu Dairy Company. Before leaving Scotland Mr McColl married Miss Cameron, and had a family of three sons and four daughters. Three daughters are married. Mr. McColl died at Greenpark on the 21st of April, 1903.
is seventeen miles from Christchurch on the Christchurch-Southbirdge railway. It is situated midway between Ellesmere and Lincoln, and is bounded by the river Selwyn, and the districts of Burnham, Broadfields and Lincoln. The village, which is rather scattered, has an Anglican and a Wesleyan church, a library, public school, post, telegraph and money order office, a hotel, and a general store. Towards Lincoln the district is particularly rich and fertile, and produces very heavy crops, but towards Burnham on the west, the soil is of a lighter quality, but fattens large numbers of sheep. The district takes its name from the old Springs station, one of the estates taken up in the very early days of Canterbury by Messrs C. P. Cox and J. E. Fitzgerald. The old homestead, which has lately been replaced by a fine modern house, is within a short distance of Lincoln, and was named the “Springs” on account of the springs or water holes which abounded on a portion of the estate. In the early days large numbers of cattle were fattened on the station. On the subdivision and sale of the property in smaller holdings, the land was eagerly bought up, and the flax covered swamp has been converted into a cultivated country, dotted with beautiful clumps of trees, browsed by large herds of fine cattle, and rich in cereal and root crops. The river Selwyn, which forms the southern boundary of the district, is noted for trout, and at its entrance to Lake Ellesmere, fishermen sometimes catch fish weighing up to twenty pounds apiece. The district of Springston has a population of about 650 persons.
was first opened in June, in 1897, with an attendance of twenty-four children, and the present number on the roll is fifty-eight. Mr. Robert Malcolm has been headmaster since the school opened, and has for his assistant Miss Rose Anderson. Mr. Malcolm who is a native of Scotland, came to New Zealand twenty years ago, and received his education and training as a teacher in the North Canterbury district, where he has been employed for the greater part of the fifteen years covered by his experience.
which was built in 1892, is centrally situated at the junction of the main roads of the district, and within a short distance of the railway station. It forms one of the numerous feeders of the Central Dairying Company, and has two de Laval cream separators, and is driven by an eight-horse power steam engine.
Manager of the Springston Creamery, was born at Springston, and followed the occupation of a flour miller for seven years. the confinement of this occupation did not suit his health, and he began working at the Springston creamery in 1897. Shortly afterwards he was appointed manager of the Marshland branch, and in 1899 he returned to take the management of the Springston creamery, which is the third largest of those owned by the Central Dairying Company. He has been a member of the Order of Druids for over six years.
formerly Manager of the Springston Creamery, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1865, and came to New Zealand, with his parents, in 1866, in the ship “John Templer.” He was educated at Brookside and was brought up to dairying and farming. He served at the Doyleston and Ladbrook creameries, and was appointed manager at Springston in September, 1897. Mr. Withell was married, in 1898, to Miss
Farmer, Lonsdale Farm, Springston. Mr. Beaumont was born on the Lonsdale estates, Westmorland, England, in 1829, and passed his early years on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Roman Empire,” in 1858, and settled first on the Lincoln Road. A few years later he purchased land at Springston, and now has a farm of 210 acres, where he carries on mixed farming, and supplies milk daily to the local creamery. Mr. Beaumont has always taken a deep interest in church and educational affairs. He became responsible for the money that was raised to build the first church at Springston, and served as churchwarden for eight years; he also served for five years on the school committee and three on road board. Mr. Beaumont was one of the earliest settlers in the district, and had to put up with the hardships of the pioneer days. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Ray, and has one son and four daughters.
Farmer, Springston Mr Cook was born at Loughgall, County Armagh, Ireland, in 1835, and, with his wife, arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery.” Shortly after his arrival he was employed as shepherd on the Racecourse Hill station, and remained there five years. He was for some time afterwards employed by Messrs Hill and Brown, of Malvern Hills, and by Mr. Malet. In 1873 he started farming at Courtenay on 270 acres, which, seven years later, he gave up to his two sons. Mr. Cook removed in 1880 to Springston, where he had bought about thirty acres; this property has been increased by fifty-six acres, the property of his second wife. Mr. Cook's first wife bore him two sons, and one son has been born of his second marriage. His second marriage was contracted with the widow of Mr. Johnston, who died, leaving a family of eight; three sons are now (1903) in prosperous positions in South Africa, and three daughters are married. Mrs Cook was born in County Down, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand by the “Chariot of Fame” in 1862.
Farmer, Fairburn Farm, Springston. Mr. Crump was born in Gloucestershire, England in 1848, and landed at Lyttelton in 1862, by the ship “Mystery.” After a few years of experience he removed to Springston in 1866, and bought ninety-six acres of land, covered with flax, water and scrub. With years of hard work he got his farm fenced, drained, and cultivated, and has since then increased the area of his holding to 450 acres. The heavier soil is devoted to crops, and the lighter land grazes from 300 to 600 sheep. Mr. Crump is a member of the Springston Domain Board, and of the Farmers' Union, and has for years been a member of the Springston school committee. He is a sharebroker of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, and the Central Dairying Company. Mr. Crump took an active part in the building of the Springston Wesleyan church. He married Miss Leigh, and has had a family of thirteen children, of whom one has died.
Farmer, Terrington Farm, Springston South. Mr. Goodrick was born at Terrington near Castle Howard, Yorkshire, England, in 1831, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1855, by the ship “Caroline Agnes.” For two years after his arrival he was employed as ploughman to Mr. John Deans, of Riccarton, and for five years afterwards was manager of Mr. Thomas Rawley's estate in the same district. Having saved sufficient capital, he started farming on his own account at Prebbleton, on a farm of fifty acres, which he sold in 1867, and bought his property of 100 acres at Springston. The land was then in its native state as a swamp covered with raupo, and portions of it full of black pine and totara stumps. It is now all in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Goodrick has latterly given up the active management of his farm which is worked by his sons. He has never taken any part in local affairs. Mr. Goodrick has been married twice, and three sons and one daughter, born of the first marriage, are now alive.
Farmer “Sutton Royal,” Springston. Mr. Kimber is the third son of Mr. Stephen Kimber, one of the pioneer settlers. He was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1845, and accompanied his father to Lyttelton by the ship “Castle Eden,” in 1851. Mr. Kimber has attained his present prosperous position through energy and hard work. At first he drove a bullock team, and did other similar work, and worked with his father, from his arrival at Greenpark until 1870. Some years afterwards he settled on his present fine estate as Day's Road, Springston. In 1882 he purchased the “Grange.” Irewell, but after a year he disposed of his interest and returned to “Sutton Royal,” a highly cultivated farm of 300 acres, on which he conducts general farming and dairying. Mr. Kimber has always taken a keen interest in the advancement of the district, and has been for eight years a member of the Springston Road Board, and has been a member of the South
Farmer, Springston. Mr. McMeekan is the eldest son of the late Mr. Robert McMeekan, of Springston, who came to New Zealand in the fifties, and died at Springston in 1895. He was born in Springston, in 1865, and educated at the local school. In 1893 he started farming on land adjoining his present farm, but sold out in 1895, and bought his present property of 331 acres, formerly owned by Mr. Henry Trott, of Halswell. This is one of the finest farms in the district, and Mr McMeekan carries on a system of general farming. He is a well known exhibitor of fat lambs at the Leeston and Christchurch shows, and was successful in obtaining two first prizes in 1900 at Christchurch, and three first prizes at Leeston, and two seconds at Christchurch in 1901. He has been a member of the Springston school committee. Mr. McMeekan married Miss Taylor, of Springston, and has two sons and one daughter.
Sheepfarmer, Springston. Mr. Pannett was born in 1839, in Sussex, England, and came to New Zealand, in the ship “Lady Nugent,” in 1851. In 1852 he entered the service of the late Mr. R. Chapman, of Springbank, and remained with him for eight years. Mr. Pannett took up his first land in 1862, but sold it in 1877 to the Canterbury Agricultural College. In the following year he purchased his present property of 600 acres. Mr. Pannett established his herd of Shorthorn cattle in 1860, by the purchase of an imported heifer from Mr Chapman, and another heifer bred by Mr. Bluett. This second purchase was of the Jessamine tribe, by “Victor” out of “Jessamine 25th,” by “Royal Butterflag.” Mr. Pannett has never used any but sires of the highest breeding for stud purposes. His Southdown sheep are no less celebrated than his cattle. It was in 1876 that he founded his flock, by the purchase of twenty ewes and one ram from the late Mr. James Muskery, of Prebbleton. The sheep thus bought were descended from four ewes and one ram bred by the Duke of Richmond, and were the first selection from their progeny. A ram imported by Colonel Packe and bred by Lord Walsingham was added, and other rams were obtained from Messrs Shand, of Avon Lodge, Riccarton; from Mr. Strue (imported by him from the Sandringham flock); and from Messrs Deans and Garforth, and other colonial breeders of note. Naturally Mr. Pannett's sheep have held their own wherever they have appeared, and in whatever company. Mr. Pannett was married, in 1862, to Miss Durey, and has one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Ti Palm, Springston South. Mr. Pearson was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1839, and when sixteen years of age came to New Zealand by the ship “Himalaya.” He joined his brother the late Mr. William Pearson, who owned a large property at Springston. About the year 1871, Mr. Pearson began farming on his own account on about seventy acres of partially improved land, which is now in the highest state of cultivation, and on which he conducts general farming. He is a member of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder in the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Pearson married Miss Lucas, and there is a family of one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Springston Scuth. Mr. Pole is a son of the late Captain James Henderson Pole, who brought out a number of immigrants to Lyttelton, by the ship “Cameo,” in 1858. He was born at Leith, Scotland, in 1864, and in his youth followed a seafaring life under his father. In 1881 he came to New Zealand, and followed farming at Kaiapoi, Amberley, and Cheviot. He took up a block of land at Opunake in 1891, and farmed successfully for about ten years. After disposing of his interest
Farmer, Grove Farm, Bladville, near Springston. Mr. Powell was born in 1840, in Gloucestershire, England. In his early years he followed farming, and came to New Zealand in 1862, in the ship “Echunga.” In 1863 he went to work for Mr. Pannett at Springston, but soon took up land on his own account from the Crown. This he disposed of to take up a larger farm on the river Hawkins, but that, too, was sold in its turn. In 1866 Mr. Powell bought the first portion of his present holding, which now contains about 290 acres. Mr. Powell grows grain with good results, and raises and fattens sheep for the export trade. He has taken very little part in public affairs, though repeatedly asked to do so, but he has served on the school committee. Mr. Powell was married, in 1866, to Miss Crump, and has three sons and five daughters.
Tara Farm, Springston South. Mr. Ryan was born in 1886 at Broadfield, and is the eldest son of Mr. Michael Ryan, a prominent farmer of Broadfield, and one of the earliest settlers in that district. He was educated at Shand's Track school, and learned farming under his father's tuition. Mr. Ryan began farming on his own account at Weedons, but sold out in 1894, and entered into possession of his present property. His farm, which formed part of the original Hatton estate, consists of 300 acres of very rich land, which was bought by his father Mr. Michael Ryan, in 1884, and has been brought from its original native condition to a state of advanced cultivation. It is thoroughly fenced, and subdivided into convenient paddocks, and has a handsome residence surrounded by well laid out grounds. Mr. Ryan carries on general farming, and is a large grower of peas, beans, and potatoes for a well known Auckland firm of seedsmen. He is also a successful breeder of draught and light horses. Mr. Ryan is a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and was delegate for the Springston branch at the Conference in 1902. He is also a shareholder in the Farmers' Cooperative Association. Mr. Ryan married Miss O'Hara, daughter of Mr. O'Hara, of Sydenham, and niece of Inspector Pender, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Springston South. Mr. Roberts was born in 1826, at Harrowgate, Yorkshire, England, and came to Lyttelton in 1866, by the ship “Brothers' Pride.” After farming in various places, he bought his present farm, in 1868. It was then covered with the usual flax and raupo, but is now in a high state of cultivation, and devoted to dairying, and growing green crops. Mr. Roberts has never taken any part in local politics, but has devoted his time to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. Before leaving England he married Miss Brown, and of a family of nine children, three sons and three daughters are alive. One daughter is married.
Farmer, Day's Road, Springston South. Mr. Tyson was born in Cumberland, England, in 1841, and arrived at the Bluff, via Melbourne, in 1863. He was contracting at Invercargill in making drains, and forming streets. Owing to the stoppage of work there he came to Canterbury in 1864, and was employed at Upper Riccarton. He began farming at Springston on sixty acres of freehold, which he has since increased by about 110 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming and dairying. He is a member of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder in the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Tyson took a trip Home for a year in 1882. His wife died in 1897, leaving a family of three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Castle Farm, Springston. Mr Trott was born in Somersetshire, and came to New Zealand with his parents, in 1860, in the ship “William Miles.” After staying two years about Christchurch, his father purchased a farm near Lincoln, and there Mr. George Trott passed his early years. He began to acquire his present property in 1867, with the purchase of fifty acres, and the area has been gradually increased to 728 acres. The land grows grain, turnips, rape and other crops to perfection, and a large number of sheep and lambs are annually fattened on the property. For breeding lambs for the export trade, Mr. Trott uses Romney Marsh and Border Leicester rams. The improvements on Mr. Trott's property include a large dwellinghouse, garden, orchard, plantation, and good fences. Mr. Trott was married, in 1883, to Miss Ferrick, and has two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Woodfield,” Springston. Mr. Ward was born in Devonshire, England, in 1856, and lived with his parents in the Channel Islands till 1875, when he came to New Zealand, by the ship “Waitangi.” He was first employed by the late Mr. Twigger, of Lincoln, and for three years worked on the land now occupied by the Agricultural and Pastoral Association grounds. He was afterwards employed by Mr. Shand, of Riccarton, and during that time he successfully speculated in land. In 1890 he bought his present farm “Woodfield,” which contains about 170 acres, and adjoins the old Springs homestead. The land has long been known as particularly fertile, and produces enormous root crops. Mr. Ward has lately disposed of about 120 aces, and on
Farmer, Hatton Farm, Springston South. Mr. Watson is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Morgan Watson, of Upper Riccarton, and arrived with his parents by the ship “Cashmere” in 1855, when he was two years old. In youth he was employed on his father's farms at Upper Riccarton and West Melton. He began farming on his own account at Tai Tapu in 1885, and bought his present property in 1900. Hatton Farm consists of 254 acres of rich fertile land, on which Mr. Watson conducts general farming and dairying, keeps a fine herd of Shorthorns, and breeds and fattens lambs. He takes an interest in local matters and is a member of the South Springston school committee, and superintendent of the Anglican Sunday school at Springston. Mr. Watson married Miss Hodgkinson, daughter of one of the early Canterbury settlers, and has seven children living.
Farmer, Greenhill Farm, Springston. Mr. Watson was born at Leithfield, in 1876. After some years of experience in farming he took up land between Woodville and Pahiatua in the North Island, but at the expiration of two years, sold his interest and returned to Leithfield, where he farmed successfully for four years. He then opened a large general store at Leithfield, where he conducted a prosperous business until he took up his present farm of about 121 acres, formerly owned by the late Mr. R. Lumbard. It is one of the early picked farms, and contains some of the finest land in the district. Mr. Watson also owns about eighty acres of lighter land on the Plains, where he runs sheep. He keeps about twenty well bred dairy cows, and breeds some very good light draught horses. Mr. Watson married Miss Lumbard, only daughter of the late Mr. R. Lumbard, one of the pioneer settlers at Springston, and has a family of three children.
sometime of Springston, was one of the early pioneers of New Zealand, and in conjunction with the late Mr. Woon, he started the first newspaper in New Plymouth. Mr. Collins left Taranaki in the early sixties, and was for years manager of the mechanical department of the Christchurch “Press.” He afterwards retired to his farm at Springston, where he remained till his death in 1895, when he left a family of two sons and three daughters.
was born in 1831 in Bannffshire, Scotland, and was brought up to agriculture. When the Canterbury Association was formed in England he decided to throw in his lot with those bound for New Zealand under its auspices, and came out to Lyttelton by the “Cressy,” one of the first four ships. On landing he tried to find employment on a farm, but failing in that, he joined those who were at work on the formation of the Ferry Road. When the Fendadlton estate was cut up by its original owner, Mr. Fendal, Mr. Gammack bought two acres of the property—his first investment in New Zealand. In 1851 he went to Australia, attracted thither by the goldfields. About two years were passed on Bendigo and other fields, where Mr. Gammack was fairly successful in his search for gold. In 1854 he returned to Canterbury and took up land at Halswell, where he afterwards added to his property the land which, later on, became Mr. Charles Lewis's farm. Mr. Gammack farmed his property till 1863, when he sold it to Messrs Milne and Lewis, and bought the late Mr Guild's farm at Springston. He added to the area of his land from time to time until “Gowan Lea”—the name he gave his place—became one of the finest estates in the district. Mr. Gammack became a wealthy man, but he was never a selfish one, for his kind-heartedness endeared him to all his neighbours, and his benevolence went far beyond the limits of his own district. He took an active interest in local affairs and in all that appertained to the progress of Springston, and was for many years chairman of the road board and the school committee. Sir George Grey thought so highly of him as a man and a colonist that he asked him to stand for the representation of his district in Parliament, but neither then nor at any other time could he be induced to enter politics. He was a Justice of the Peace, and a director of several industrial institutions. Mr. Gammack, who was a self-taught man, kept a diary for forty-eigtht years, during many of which he worked hard all day and studied well on into the night. When he died on the 29th of May, 1896, his library contained over 2000 books and a large number of magazines. Amongst his books there were 170 volumes of history and biography, 140 of divinity, 130 of poetry, 120 of travels, 110 on economics and socialism, and 80 on agriculture. It was his custom to make written summaries of what he read, and the practice no doubt led to one of his salient characteristics—that of a genuinely well-informed man. Though Mr. Gammack did not call himself a Wesleyan, he was an active member and generous supporter of the Wesleyan church at Springston, and made the congregation a present of the three acres on which the church and parsonage stand. About five years before he died, Mr. Gammack married Annie Reid Aitken, the widow of the late Mr. Aitken, who survived him. He will long be remembered
of “Spring Bank,” Springston, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1833, and was in London for five years prior to coming to New Zealand in the year 1859, by the ship “Clontarf.” His first work was a contract to cut a drain from the river Avon through Mr Fuche's land, to the English cemetery in Christchurch. He afterwards helped to make the Bridle Path from the Ferry to the Ginger Beer Shop—a name well known in the early days. After that he helped to make the Avon cutting towards New Brighton. He also helped to form Kilmore Street, Windmil. Road, and Lincoln Road. Mr. Rowell then took up his first land on the Springs track in 1861, and settled on it during the following year; but he afterwards sold out, and bought his present well kept farm of ninety acres, on Day's Road, where he farmed for a number of years until he let it to his sons. Mr. Rowell afterwards bought the Springston Hotel and kept it for nine years. He then retired and went to live on the Riccarton Road, and he and Mrs Rowell and their daughter subsequently took a trip to England. Mr. Rowell owns property in the Riccarton, Templeton, and Springs districts. He married a daughter of Mr. Philip Martin, who kept the Black Horse Hotel on Lincoln Road for many years. Mrs Rowell was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1836. She came out in the same ship as Mr. Rowell, and they were married during the year of their arrival. Mr. and Mrs Rowell have four sons and seven daughters.
one of the best known farming districts in Canterbury, is twenty-one miles from Christchurch on the Christchurch-Southbridge railway. It is bounded by the Springston and Burnham districts, and the river Selwyn. The land towards the south-east is rich, heavy, reclaimed swamp land, but becomes lighter towards Burnham. On the deeper soils very large returns are obtained from wheat, oats, and root crops. The holdings are comparatively large, and the prosperity of the district is parent to the traveller or visitor. Ellesmere is much frequented by anglers and sportsmen. The settled population exceeds one hundred persons. There is a telegraph office in the district, which stands at a level of seventy feet above that of the sea.
was formed in 1864. It was first called the South Rakaia Board, but subsequently the name was changed to the one it now bears. The road district is bounded by the great South Road, the north and south banks respectively of the Rakaia and Selwyn rivers, and the Pacific Ocean. It has an area of about 170,000 acres, of which originally more than 10,000 acres were covered with water, and with the exception of a few tracks, the district was, when formed, absolutely roadless. In 1864 its capital value was £70,000, but in 1902, it was estimated at £1,323,910. Well kept farms with handsome villa residences, and about 320 miles of the finest roads in New Zealand have replaced the sod whares and the wild tractless swamp of the early days. The members of the first board were: Mr. Edward J. Lee, chairman; Mr R. J. S. Harman, treasurer; and Messrs Thomas Overton, C. F. Kynvett, and C. J. Bridge. The first meetings were held in Mr Kynvett's woolshed. Every road in the district is fit for wheeled traffic, and every creek has its permanent bridge or culvert. The present members of the Board are: Mr. William McMillan, J.P. (chairman), and Messrs Robert Lochhead, William Nixon, John Golbert, and James Storry; with Mr. W. G. Lunn as clerk and surveyor.
Clerk and Surveyor of the Ellesmere Road Board, was born in 1840, in England, and was educated at the Middlemore House Academy, Grantham, Lincolnshire. He came to New Zealand, in 1855, by the ship “New Era,” joined the survey staff of the New Zealand Government at Wellington, and remained in that department two years. Mr. Lunn came to Canterbury in 1864, and was appointed to his present position in 1868, under a public competition. He has laid out the roads, drains, and bridges of the district, and has been a moving spirit in all matters leading to its advancement. Mr. Lunn has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its foundation in 1871, and has held office as president. He was also first clerk
This corps was formed in 1897, with Mr. J. Boag as its first captain, and Mr R. P. Hill as lieutenant. It now has seventy members. Mr. J. Boag is captain, Mr. R. P. Hill 1st lieutenant, Mr. H. E. Fincham 2nd lieutenant, and Mr. H. H. Cock 3rd lieutenant. The corp's uniform is khaki, with green facings.
of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, is second son of Mr. John Boag, of Brookside. He was born in 1869, and was educated at Christchurch. On the formation of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles he joined the corps as its first captain. In his school days Mr. Boag was well known as a cricketer and athlete. Since 1895 he has been largely engaged in the grain and produce business, and in partnership with Mr. H. H. Cook. Mr. Boag is a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations; he is well known as an exhibitor, and as a prize-taker with horses. sheep and cattle. He is married, and has a family of three children. Mr. Boag is further referred to in the Military Section of this volume.
of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, is a son of Mr. William Anderson Cook, of Christchurch, and was born in 1875. Mr. Cook was one of the active originators of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, and was appointed the corp's first quarter-master sergeant; two years later he was promoted sergeant-major, and was appointed lieutenant in 1902. He is also a well known athlete and footballer, and won the 100 yards race at the Ellesmere sports in 1901 and 1902. Mr. Cook was a member of the old Irwell football team, which so long held a record in Canterbury. He is a member of the firm of Messrs Boag and Cook, grain and produce merchants and threshing machine owners, at Doyleston.
Farmer, “Broadland,” Ellesmere. Mr. Boyle was born at Newtownards, in County Down, Ireland, in 1839, and came to New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Chariot of Fame.” For about sixteen years after his arrival he worked for the Springs Road Board. He first started farming at Springston on about seventy-nine acres, which he worked with good results for several years. Later on the bought his present property of 500 acres of freehold on the banks of the Selwyn. He has also 140 acres at
Farmer, Had stock Estate, Ellesmere. Mr. Chamberlain was born in 1849 in Devonshire, England. He followed farming in his early years, and came to New Zealand, in the ship “Loch Fleet,” in 1877. Within a month of his arrival he purchased the first portion of his present estate, and gradually increased it to 700 acres. His property contains some of the best land in the Ellesmere district, and Mr Chamberlain has threshed as much as fifty-four bushels of wheat to the acre, even in the fifth crop in succession from reclaimed swamp land. The estate is devoted to crop raising and the fattening of stock for the export trade. As far back as 1883 Mr. Chamberlain shipped a line of sheep on his own account. They were two-year-olds, and yet the carcases averaged ninety-two pounds, and his returns on the shipment exceeded an average of 30s. per head. Mr. Chamberlain founded his Shorthorn herd in 1878, when he bought a cow bred by Mr. John Deans. She proved to be a prolific dam, and one of her daughters is still in the herd. The sires formerly used by Mr. Chamberlain included “Red John,” “Westburn,” “Lord Nelson,” and “Revensworth,” and for about five or six years he has employed “Ophir” and “Coolgardie, bred by himself, but both afterwards sold. Mr. Chamberlain does not approve of getting up stock for exhibition purposes, and he has only once exhibited at the Metropolitan show, namely, in 1895, when he won the second place with “Coolgardie.” He has been a regular importer of modern labour-saving machinery, and improved farm implements. In 1881 he was the first to drill and horsehoe turnips in the district, and on the 27th of October, 1884, the first public trial of the manure drill for mangolds, turnips and manure was herd on his farm. This drill was his own invention and has not yet been improved upon. He was also the first to use a cart mangold-cutter, and in 1883 he introduced the first traction engine used in the district. Mr Chamberlain has always taken an active interest in educational and volunteer matters. He helped to form the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, and granted the Education Board an acre and a half of land whereon to build the local school, of the committee of which he has from the first been chairman. He was the first to move in the adoption of the present system of protecting the land from the inroads of the river Selwyn. Mr. Chamberlain was married, in 1881, to Miss Withell, and has six sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Willowbank Estate, Ellesmere. Mr. Wright was born at Springston, in 1873. His father, Mr Frederick Wright, was a well known farmer at Dunsandel. He was educated at Dunsandel, and at the Boys' High School, Christehurch, and brought up to farming by his father. In conjunction with his eldest brother, he took up land at Annat and Springfield, but the partnership was dissolved after five years, when Mr. W. Wright began on his own account at Kimberley. In 1902 he succeeded his uncle, Mr. Walter Wright, in the ownership of his present estate. The farm consists of about 600 acres, on which he conducts general farming. Mr. Wright keeps a fine flock of English Leicesters for breeding purposes, and annually supplies about 600 fat lambs to the freezing works. He is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Wright was formerly well known as a runner and footballer, and was a member of the Malvern Mounted Rifles for three years. He married Miss Cogan, of Kimberley.
is one of the rich and prosperous districts around Lake Ellesmere. In its primitive state the land was swamp, covered with water, flax, and raupo, and was taken up as a cattle and sheep run in the early fifties by the late Mr. Washbourne. South Selwyn was the original name of the district. Pioneer farmers bought small freeholds and began to settle in the district about 1862. The names of Cunningham, Mawson, Boag, Withell and Brooks were amongst the earliest to be associated with the district in this way. The early settlers were hardy, practical farmers, endowed with courage and perseverance, and hence the success of the settlement, which, originally a wild inhospitable swamp, was gradually converted by the pioneers into one of the richest and most fertile spots in New Zealand, studded with handsome homesteads possessed of every desirable comfort and luxury. Mr. Brooks, one of the pioneer settlers, made a gift of land as a site for a school and a church, and, in recognition of his generosity, his fellow settlers had the name of the district changed to Brookside. The district lies to the south of the river Selwyn, and is within a short distance of the Doyleston and Irwell railway stations, and about two miles from the township of Leeston. Brookside village contains a good store and post office, three handsome churches, a school, a blacksmith's shop, and coachbuilding establishment, a roller flour mill, and a fine creamery; all within a short distance of the railway. The district is well roaded, and thus, with the quality of the land and the enterprise of the settlers, possesses the prime factors of prosperity.
This creamery was established in 1893 by the Canterbury Central Dairy Company, Ltd., Addington. The engine is a six-horse power by Anderson and Co., of Christchurch, and the cream separator is a De Laval Alpha Aii turbine. Cream is sent daily to Addington by rail. The cattle are principally the Shorthorn breed, and 1000 gallons are supplied daily in the flush of the season. For some time the supply has been increasing, and the increase is expected to continue for a number of years. The milk is paid for by the percentage of butter fat.
the Manager, was born at Brookside, and followed farming for a number of years. He thoroughly mastered all the details of dairy work before being appointed manager of the Brookside creamery. He takes an active part in athletic sports, and at the Dunsanael New Year sports of 1898 he won the Maiden Bicycle Race of one mile, and was first in the half-mile and third in the three-mile and five-mile races. In 1898, Mr. Stewart was placed in charge of the Little River branch of the Central Dairy Company.
(George Trapnell, proprietor); flour brand, “Rising Gem.” This fine up-to-date flour mill was originally built by the late Mr. John Cole, and purchased by the present owner in 1894. It is driven by a large water wheel of 16 feet diameter, with a face breadth of 8 feet. There is a good supply of water. Since it was bought by the present owner, the mill has been converted into a roller flour mill, supplied with all the latest and best machinery. It has an average output of twelve tons per week, but is capable of extending this if necessary, to twenty tons. The mill's well-known brand, “Rising Gem,” is in great demand all over New Zealand. The mill has proved a great boon to the district, as the owner buys his raw material from the various farmers within a radius of twelve miles. There is storage room for over 16,000 bushels of wheat. Three men are constantly employed at the mill, and a threeton lorry waggon is always on the road, supplying customers, and delivering at the Lake Road railway station, distant about three miles, for shipment to the various towns in New Zealand. The mill's flour and wheat meal and its semolina (a special product) are held in the highest esteem for purity and excellence. Twenty-five first prizes, and numerous special prizes, have been obtained by the mill's products at the various agricultural and pastoral shows.
is a native of Bridgewater. Somersetshire, England, and was apprenticed to the milling business in his native place with Messrs Spiller and Co., who employ over 900 persons, and are the largest flour millers and biscuit bakers in England. Shortly after the expiration of his apprenticeship he was sent by his employers (Spiller and Co.) to New Zealand to start the Belford flour mill at Timaru, the second mill in New Zealand to use the roller plant, which was a great success. He afterwards started a flour mill at Temuka for Mr. Hayhurst and managed it for some time. Then he received the appointment of manager-foreman at the Riccarton roller flour mills of Messrs Wood Bros., Limited. These mills were afterwards supplemented by more extensive premises at Addington; and Mr. Trapnell was employed about six years altogether at these two mills. In 1894 Mr. Trapnell settled at Brookside, where he had purchased the flour mill, and since then the business has experienced continued success and expansion. Mr. Trapnell is married, and has a family of two.
Farmer, “Crystal Springs,” Brookside. Mr. Belton was born in Wicklow, Ireland, in 1836, and arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1865. He was employed for a short time after his arrival by the late Mr. Tosswill, of Templeton, and for six years was engaged in farming leasehold land. In 1871 he bought his present farm at Brookside. It then contained about 100 acres of unimproved land, nearly all undrained swamp, which he drained and fenced, and otherwise improved by braiding a good homestead, surrounded by a fine plantation. Since then Mr. Belton was increased his estate to 200 acres of first-class land, on which he conducts a very prosperous system of farming. Mr. Belton has been for years a member of the Killinchy school committee. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he frequently takes prizes with his exhibits of cheese and other dairy produce.
Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Brooks, after whom Brookside is named. was born at Shipley, near Horsham, Sussex, England, in 1840, and arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Zealandia” in 1858. At first he was employed at road-making, and was so engaged for over five years on the North Road; for two years subsequently he was employed in carting wool from Rakaia. In 1865 he settled at Brookside, where he had purchased his present fine farm of about 278 acres. Like nearly all the early colonists, Mr. Brooks had to endure much hardship, and face frequent failure, but he stuck to his farm, and went on improving it to such good purpose that success and prosperity crowned his efforts. Mr. Brooks has always been a successful breeder of stock and possesses a herd of Shorthorns as pure as thirty years of careful breeding can make them. They are of the strain of Mr. Pannett's stock. Mr. Brooks also has a fine flock of purebred Southdown sheep; and is a prize-taker with his exhibits in both classes. He is a member both of the Ellesmere and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and a frequent exhibitor at both shows. Mr. Brooks has always been a member of the Brookside school committee. He is married and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Thongsleigh Farm, Brookside. Mr. Chamberlain was born in 1858, and is fifth son of the lat Peter Chamberlain, of Thongsleigh Farm, Tiverton, Devonshire, England. He was educated at the English Diocesan Church school, Sampford, Peverell. After the death of his father, he, with his mother, two sisters, and three brothers, came to Canterbury by the ship “Loch Fleet,” and landed at Lyttelton in 1877. Mr. Chamberlain first worked for his brother, the late Mr. Henry Chamberlain, one of the most successful settlers in the Ellesmere district. He afterwards successfully carried on business as a butcher in the North Island and at South Rakaia. At the last named place, he made his first land purchase, about thirty acres, which about three years later he sold to advantage. In 1886 he removed to Brookside, and leased the farm known as “Eastbourne,” which, about a year later, he gave up, and leased his present fine farm of 271 acres. He has since bought 330 acres at Ellesmere. Mr. Chamberlain is a noted breeder of pure-bred stock. He at present owns probably the best strain of milking Shorthorns in the colony of New Zealand. His Shorthorn bull, “Duke of Rothesay,” holds the record of having won four years in succession the Champion prizes at both the Ellesmere and the Christchurch shows, also the Championship at the Otgo show in 1901; and is admitted, by competent judges, to be one of the finest bulls of his breed in the Australian colonies. Mr. Chamberlain has also won, at the shows mentioned, for four years in succession, the Champion prize for the best cow or heifer on the ground, also the first prize for bull and progeny, cows and progeny, and numerous other prizes. He has a stud of pure-bred Shorpshire sheep, the pedigree of which appears in the New Zealand Flock Book, and with these sheep he has obtained several prizes at the local shows. He owns, also, some registered Clydesdales, and not long since a filly, not three years old, bred by him, was sold for 100 guineas. Mr. Chamberlain has taken an active part in the public affairs of his district, having been a member of the South Rakaia Licensing Committee, for six years a member of the Ellesmere Road Board, and two years its chairman. He is the present chairman of the Ellesmere Domain Board, and has been for many years a member of the Brookside school committee, and a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Chamberlain is a life member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and is at present (1902–3) vice-president of the Ellesmere Association. He married Miss Cunningham, the eldest daughter of Mr. John Cunningham, a successful pioneer farmer at Brookside, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Strathearn,” Brookside. Mr. Cunningham is the eldest son of Mr. John Cunningham, a prominent pioneer settler of Brookside, and was born at Brookside in 1868. He was educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and afterwards studied at Lincoln Agricultural College. After accompanying his father and
Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Cunningham is the second and youngest son of Mr John Cunningham, one of the prominent pioneers of Brookside, but now (1903) living in retirement in Park Road, Addington. He was born at Brookside, in 1874, was educated at his native place, and gained a practical knowledge of farming under his father. In 1891 he accompanied his father and brother to England, where they visited all the celebrated places, and returned to New Zealand, via the United States of America. When his father retired from active life, Mr. Cunningham succeeded him in the occupation of the homestead block, on which he conducts a successful method of farming. Like his father, he is a careful breeder of Shorthorn cattle. Since taking the herd in hand he has greatly added to the value of his stud by buying from the celebrated Mount Herbert herd in Hawke's Bay, the Shorthorn bull “Herbert Duke of Derrimet”; and at the sale of the late Mr. John Deans, he bought the pedigree stud cow “Queen.” Mr Cunningham also possesses a select flock of English Leicesters, No. 35, New Zealand Flock Book, founded by his father in 1893, by the purchase of twenty pure-bred ewes at the clearing sale of the Hon. Ernest Gray; eighteen additional ewes were bought at a sale from Mr. P. C. Threlkeld's No. 1, New Zealand Flock Book, and eighteen from Mr. H F. Gray, in 1900. The rams used for stud purposes have been selected from the flocks of Mr. James Little, of Mount Thomas, of the Hon. E. Gray, and Mr. P. C. Threlkeld; and the ewes have always bee well culled. The stud now (1903) numbers about seventy. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. He married Miss Suttie, daughter of a well known colonist, and there is a family of one daughter.
Farmer, “Walton,” Brookside. Mr. Frampton was born in Walton, Somersetshire, England, in 1842, and worked on his father's farm until he left for New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Captain Cook,” by which he came to Lyttelton. After living a short time at Spreydon he took up fifty acres of his present farm, which he increased by purchase to about 175 acres, part of which he has lately sold. When Mr. Frampton settled on his land it was in its wild native state and very swampy, but by degrees he drained it all and divided it into well fenced, well cultivated paddocks, which yield luxuriant crops. There is a handsome homestead surrounded by trees. Mr. Frampton has never taken any part in public affairs, but as a member of the Wesleyan church, has been circuit steward, and is a trustee of the parsonage at Leeston. He is also a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Frampton married a namesake. Miss Elizabeth Lister Frampton, and there is a family of two sons, who are both married, and are farming on their own account.
Farmer, “The Grove,” Brookside. Mr. Gardiner is the eldest son of Mr. H. D. Gardiner, of Purau, and was born at the Styx in 1858. He was educated at Rangiora and Christchurch, and received a thorough training in practical farming under his father's guidance. In 1881 Mr. Gardiner started on his own account on a property of 726 acres, where he carries on large and successful operations in general farming, and in breeding fat lambs, pigs, and sheep. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has been a prize-taker with seeds and root crops at various shows. He married Miss Orr, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Hartfield, Brookside. Mr. Graham is the only son of the late Mr. John Graham, and was born at Brookside in 1868. He was educated at the Brookside school, and by Mr. Charles Cook, in Christchurch, and also studied at Lincoln Agricultural College. On leaving college he entered on the active management of his property, which contains about 350 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Graham was for over six years captain of the Leeston Football team, and a winner of numerous victories. He captained the Ellesmere football team in 1897, when it met with great success; and he has captained the Leeston and Irwell cricket teams. He is a well known runner, and won the grand handicap at Southbridge in 1891. For years he has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and frequently takes prizes with his well known strain of Clydesdale horses, of which he is a successful breeder. He is secretary of the Brookside school committee. Mr. Graham is a keen sportsman, and one of the noted shots of the district. In 1895, he married Miss Spring, third daughter of Mr. Walter Spring, of Leeston, and has a family of three children.
Farmer, “Crystal Fountain,” Brookside.—Mr. Hight was born at Broughton, Northamptonshire, England, and passed his early years on his father's and uncle's farms, and subsequently at gardening He came to New Zealand in 1863, in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and was for the first few years of his residence in the Colony head gardener for Mr. Watts Russell, at Ilam, and for the late Mr. Henry Lance. Subsequently he commenced farming at Brookside, where he took up his present farm of 184 acres in 1874. The land was then all covered with heavy flax and raupo, and could not be reached with a horse on account of the prevalence of swamp and pine stumps Now, however, it is well drained and highly cultivated, with a good dwellinghouse, garden, orchard, and plantations. The outbuildings include sheds with stalls to house Mr. Hight's splendid herd of Shorthorn cattle. The herd was established in 1878, when Mr. Hight purchased from Mr. Dudley some cows descended from his champion bull “Conrad” (271 C.H.B.) None but pure bred bulls have been used in the herd, and Mr. Hight has had in turn the son of “Alfonso I.,” imported by Mr. John Grigg, and a son of “Alvie's Hero,” which was succeeded by “Jupiter,” bred by Mr. William Watson, and at present his stud sires are “Duke of Borehfelt” (by Khedive, by Oxford's Roan Duke), and Russell's “Bligh,” bred by Mr. John Deans (1469). Mr. Hight has also been very successful as a breeder of Shorthorns of the milking strain, and has, with a Shorthorn against all other breeds, taken first prize for a cow that gives the greatest weight of butter fat. He has taken over 200 prizes for his stock, at the Christchurch, Leeston, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin and other agricultural shows. Mr. Hight was married, in 1858, to Miss Mee, and has four sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Mawson is the second son of the late
Farmer, Brookside. Mr. McCleary was born near Lurgan, in County Down, Ireland, in 1838, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Canterbury,” in 1864. For some time after his arrival he was employed in farm work, and in 1865 he took up his present farm of about ninety acres at Brookside. The land was then in its natural state, but has since been converted into a fine productive farm, on which the owner conducts mixed farming, but chiefly dairying. Mr. McCleary has always taken a great interest in the Presbyterian church, of which he has been an older since its erection in the district, and for years he performed the duties of superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. McCleary has been twice married; on the second occasion to Miss Cochrane, a native of County Derry, Ireland.
(John Boag, proprietor), Brookside. This estate consists of 820 acres, and is the property of Mr. John Boag, who breeds a large number of fat lambs for the export trade. Mr. Boag has a fine stud flock of English Leicesters, which he founded in 1893 by the purchase of forty-nine pure-bred ewes, bred by the Hon. E. Gray, whose own flock had been established twenty years previously by a purchase from Mr. Every McLean, of Auckland. The ewes thus bought by Mr. Boag were mated with a ram bred by the Hon. E. Gray. Mr. Boag supplemented his flock in 1895, by the purchase of seventy-nine ewes from Mr. Threlkeld, and these he mated with rams bred by the Hon. E. Gray, Messrs Threlkeld and Donald Grant. Mr. Boag also had a stud flock of Border Leicesters, with which he was very successful in the show yards, but he is not now specially maintaining this flock. “Middlerigg” is especially noted for its stud of Clydesdale horses, in connection with which Mr. Boag's name has become a household word all over the Colony. It was in 1872 that Mr. Boag founded this stud by purchasing the two-year-old filly “Marchioness I.” for which he gave £100. This mare had a brilliant record, and gained sixteen first, seven second and eighteen special prizes. She was eleven times first as the best mare on the ground and seven times first as the best mare accompanied by two of her progeny. Her first colt, “Crown Prince,” was sold when nine years old for £290, after earning £1186 in fees. Her second foal was a mare, for which Mr. Boag refused £200. Mr. Boag has gained with horses bred by himself 148 first prizes, 71 second, 10 third, and 61 private special and champion prizes. When sent to the Australian colonies, Mr. Boag's horses have held their own in the continental show rings, and “Stanley,” bred by him, won the champion cup at Wagga Wagga. In the year 1900 his noted mare “Middlerigg Princess” was exhibited at four different shows, and gained eight first, two second, and two champion prizes. Mr. Boag made a valuable addition to his stud during the same year with a one-year-old filly, for which he paid £100. During the year 1901 he visited the Old Country, where he bought, at a high price, the best Clydesdale stallion he saw in all his travels. The “North British Agriculturist” referred to this purchase in these terms: “We learn that Mr. W. R. Trotter, South Acomb, has sold to Mr. John Boag, of Brookside, Canterbury, New Zealand, the Clydesdale stallion ‘Royal Fame,’ 10272. This horse was bred by Mr. Geo. Bean, West Ballochy, Montrose, and was got by ‘Mount Royal,’ 8065, out of the great prize mare ‘Sunflower,’ by ‘Prince of Wales,’ 673, whose dam was by ‘Glenlee,’ 303, and granddam by ‘Drumore Farmer,’ 284. ‘Royal Fame’ is thus nearly full brother in blood to ‘Royal Gartly.’ He is probably about the biggest Clydesdale stallion living, as he stands over 17.3 hands, and weighed, when shipped at the end of a heavy season, 19 1/2 cwt. While immensely massive in substance, he is handsome in appearance, proportionate in build, and symmetrical in conformation. He was passed absolutely sound, and was for his size a very active horse. He has ample bone, long flowing feather, and the best of feet. He won the £75 premium at the Isle of Man Spring Show in 1899, and again at the same show this year, and was the premium horse in East Northumberland last year. He has left splendid stock, some of his yearlings in the Isle of Man making high prices. Mr Boag inspected most of the best Clydesdale studs in the country before purchasing Royal Fame, and he is to be congratulated on having secured such a valuable horse.” Mr. Boag is well known also as a breeder of sheep. In 1899 he gained with his stud flock of English Leicesters, at the Ellesmere show, the first prize and championship in aged rams; the first and private prize for the best hoggett ram, and also second for hoggett ram; second prize for a pen of two hoggett rams; and second prize at the Christchurch show, for single hoggett ram, in an entry of thirty-two exhibits.
was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1841, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1857, in the ship “Glentanner,” and took up the first portion of “Middlerigg” from the Crown in 1865. In addition to “Middlerigg,” Mr. Boag has about 900 acres of freehold land on the Rakaia. At “Middlerigg” there is a commodious two-storey dwellinghouse, which is sheltered by a well-grown plantation, with the necessary outbuildings to work the estate The property is well divided by substantial fences, and the homestead has all the necessary outbuildings. Mr. Boag has served on the local road board and school committee, and he has been president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Stewart, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Rosedale,” Brookside. Mr. Moor was born at Muston, Yorkshire, England, in 1833. Accompanied by his wife and three children he came to New Zealand, by the ship “Queen of Mersey,” which arrived at Lyttelton, and he found employment in carting for Messrs Dodd and Brightmore, brickmakers, near Christchurch. When Mr. Moor purchased his present property of about sixty-eight acres it was totally unimproved swamp land, and while he was gradually bringing it into order he occasionally worked for wages on surrounding farms. His land is now well under cultivation, but its surface has sunk quite four feet owing to drainage. Mr. Moor experienced great difficulty in removing the burnt tree roots with which his whole property was choked, but he had some recompense in finding them suitable for firewood. Mr. Moor was a member of the Brookside school committee
Senior, Farmer, “Studdulk,” Brookside. Mr. Stephens was born near Milford Haven, Pembrokshire, Wales, in 1832, and came to Lyttelton, in 1863, by the ship “Chariot of Fame.” He was employed by the late Mr. Washbourne for about six months, and was afterwards engaged in forming the road between Lyttelton and Sumner. Later on he was employed in fencing, and with the Government gardener in making drains. In 1864 he settled at Brookside, where he purchased his present property of about 142 acres, and lived in a sod whare, which he has since replaced by a handsome modern residence. He experienced numerous discomforts at the outset, and in 1867 a flood in the Selwyn covered the surrounding country and washed him out of his bed. Mr. Stephens breeds Shorthorn cattle, of which he has owned a fine pedigree stock for over thirty years, and is also a successful breeder of draught horses. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has been a successful exhibitor, and a member of the committee for thirty years. Mr. Stephens has been for years a member of the Brookside school committee, and a vestryman of the church of England at Brookside. He has been twice married; first, in 1854, and secondly in 1866. His second wife, who died in 1894, was a sister of Mr. John Cunningham, a well known settler in the district. Mr. Stephens has two sons and five daughters.
Farmer, “Eastbourn,” Brookside, Mr. Suttie was born in Forfarsire, Scotland, in 1854, and accompanied by his wife, came to New Zealand in 1874. At first he was employed on the Dunsandel property of Mr. William Boag, of Fendalton, and remained there seven years. Mr. Suttie then started farming on his own account on a fine freehold farm at Doyleston, where he resided for nearly twenty years. In 1900 he leased his Doyleston property, and took up “Eastbourn,” which contains about 200 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. Suttie was for years a member of the Leeston school committee; he was also an active member of the Leeston Presbyterian church and one of its managers for years. At one time Mr. Suttie was known as the champion sheep shearer of the district, and has taken numerous prizes at shearing contests held at the Ellesmere and Christchurch agricultural and pastoral shows. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Fraser, of Perthshire, Scotland, and, of a surviving family of one son and seven daughters, two daughters are married—respectively, to Mr. William Boag Cunningham, of Brookside, and to Mr. McCausland.
Farmer, Brookside. Mr. Taylor was born in Nottingham, England, in 1846. He accompanied his parents, first, to Queensland, and, three years later, came with them to Canterbury. After living with his parents at their farm at Lower Lincoln Road, and, later on, at their farm at Springston, he went out to work on his own account at various places and employments. In 1869 he began to farm in the Brookside district, and, in 1872, took up his present farm which consists of about 238 acres, on which he prosperously conducts a system of general farming. Mr. Taylor has taken a leading part in the affairs of his district, and has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its start, and a frequent and successful exhibitor of grain and dairy produce. He has for some time been a member of the Brookside school committee, and is a choirmaster and a trustee of the Brookside Wesleyan church. He is also a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Taylor has been a staunch temperance man for many years. He married Miss Stewart, daughter of the late Mr. John Stewart, a prominent and successful early settler at Brookside; and has five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Brookside Mr. Watson is the eldest surviving son of the late Mr. William Watson, of Brookside, and was born at Lorton, Cumberland, England in 1853. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand, when he was six years of age, and worked at Brookside with his father until
Farmer and Seedgrower, “Whitehouse,” Brookside. Mr. Withell was born at Middleton, Yorkshire, England, in 1838. He came to New Zealand, in 1866, by the ship “John Temperley,” to Lyttelton, to join his brother, Mr. C. Withell, who had for five years previously been living at Riccarton. For three years he lived at Brookside as manager of an estate which his brother had previously purchased, and then he bought his present farm, which was partially improved. Soon afterwards he built a large concrete dwellinghouse, with suitable outbuildings, and fenced, drained and otherwise improved his property. Mr. Withell, who was an experienced fruit grower planted fourteen acres in apples and plums, with a view to an export trade; but owing to the low prices ruling and other drawbacks, including fruit pests, the venture was unsuccessful. He now devotes his attention chiefly to dairying, and owns a fine herd of Shorthorns, and he grows seeds on an extensive scale. In this connection he trades as Messrs Withell and Sons, and grows large quantities of mangolds and carrots for seed, for which there is a great demand all over New Zealand. Both his seeds and roots have taken innumerable prizes at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. Mr. Withell is, and has from the first been, a member of the Central Dairy Company and one of its directors, and has been, for years, a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was the first Wesleyan in the district, and for many years acted in all matters connected with the church in the absence of the minister, and has been through every office connected with the church. Mr Withell married Miss Railton previous to his arrival in New Zealand, and has a family of nine children. His eldest son, Mr. Charles W. Withell, is headmaster of the Darfield school.
Farmer, “Raywell,” Brookside. Mr. Withell was born in Yorkshire, between Scarborough and York, in 1837 In youth he followed farming, and came to New Zealand, in the ship “Allmore,” in 1857 Raywell estate, comprising 1280 acres, then extensively covered with flax, raupo, and tutu, was bought by him in 1870. The scene, how ever, soon changed under Mr. Withell's skill and enterprise. After breeding Merinos for several years, Mr. Withell established a stud Lincoln flock in 1876 by the purchase of forty three ewes and lambs from Mr. Walter Lawrie, of Springston, who had bought them at Mr George Gould's sale. These were soon supplemented by the purchase of twenty-four ewes descended from imported stock, and got by a Kirkham ram. Mr. Withell next bought from Mr. Brittan ten ewes, which were part of a shipment selected for the late Mr. John McFarlane by Mr. W. C. Buchanan from the flocks of Kirkham, etc. He also bought twenty-four ewes and their lambs from Mr. T. Pashby. None but purebred rams have been used in Mr. Withell's Lincoln flock; one was an imported sheep bred by Mr. Needham, and the others were secured from the most noted colonial breeders. It is not surprising, then, that the “Raywell” flock should be noted for its prize-winning animals; during recent years it has won no fewer than 248 prizes, seventeen of which have been champions and specials. In 1892, Mr. Withell established an English Leicester flock with sheep selected from the flocks of the best colonial breeders, and Raywell estate is devoted chiefly to these Lincolns and Leicesters. Mr. Withell has other properties comprising 3108 acres, and on these he keeps crossbred sheep to raise fat lambs for the export trade. Mr. Withell has served on the local school committee, and he is an active member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He has been twice married; first, in 1860, to Miss Bolton, who bore him eleven children, and, secondly, to Miss Curlett, by his marriage with whom he has had two children.
Farmer, “Raywell,” Brookside. Mr. Withell is the fourth son of
Farmer, Vallambrosa, Brookside. Mr. Withell is the second son of Mr. Charles Withell, one of the pioneers of the district, and was born at Riccarton, in 1865. He was educated at Christchurch, and Brookside, and received a practical education in farming from his father. In 1892 he began farming on his present property, which consists of 400 acres, which formed part of the original estate purchased by his father. He keeps sheep and carries on general farming, and started his flock with a small select lot of pure bred English Leicesters. Mr. Withell is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also of the Brookside school committee. In his younger days he was a well known athlete, and took a prominent part in football, cricket and tennis. He married Miss Campbell, of Dunedin, sister of Mrs J. Cunningham, of Brookside.
sometime of Brookside, was one of the pioneers of the district. He was born in the North of Ireland, came to New Zealand in the sixties, and died at Brookside in 1875, when he left a widow, one son, and one daughter.
sometime of Brookside, was one of the pioneers who arrived by the first four ships. At first he was farming near Cashmere, and was one of the first to discover the wonderful fertility of land in the Brookside district, where he settled when his nearest neighbour was Mr. Washbourne. The district was then little better than a swamp, but Mr. Mawson, as a practical farmer, foresaw what could be done by good drainage. He therefore set to work, and gradually got his 400 acre farm under cultivation. As his property became improved, he started breeding Shorthorns, and was a most successful exhibitor at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. Mr. Mawson died in 1883, leaving a family of five sons and six daughters.
sometime of “Coldwells,” Brookside, was born in File, Scotland, in December, 1837. He was brought up to farming, and arrived in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1859, but remained there only a short time, for in the same year he came to Canterbury, via Wellington. At first he worked at a threshing machine for Mr. Bridge, at Ferry Road, and was afterwards for two years at Lincoln Road with Mr. Harris Browne. He then entered the employment of the late Mr. James Gammack, who then resided at Lincoln Road, and was with him also after he removed to Springston. Mr. Scott then bought 100 acres of land at Brookside, and succeeded so well as a farmer that he became the owner of over 500 acres of fertile, well cultivated land, with a handsome villa residence, and large offices. Mr. Scott had been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its foundation, and was a breeder of good draught horses. He owned an excellent herd of pure bred Shorthorn cattle, and took some prizes at Leeston shows. Mr. Scott was chairman of the Brookside school committee for four years, and was a trustee of the Presbyterian church; and he took an active part in founding the Central Dairying Company. He married Miss Armit, and had a family of four sons and five daughters, of whom the eldest son and daughter are married. Mr. Scott died suddenly on the 2nd of December, 1902.
sometime of Brookside, was born in the parish of Hesketh, Cumberland, England, in 1821, and, accompanied by his wife, two sons, and one daughter, arrived in New Zealand in 1859, by the ship “Mystery.” He first went to work for Mr. J. T. Fisher, of Sydenham, but shortly afterwards he started farming on his own account on the land on which Waltham now stands. There he prospered for three years, and then removed to Brookside, where he had bought a farm of about sixty-five acres. As years went on, he increased his area by judicious purchases, until his estate was one of the most important in the district. Mr. Watson took very great interest in all matters affecting the progress of Brookside, and was a member of the Ellesmere Road Board for many years. He was a recognised judge of cattle, and acted as such at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. As a successful breeder of Shorthorns he was noted throughout New Zealand. Mr. Watson was for many years chairman of the Brookside school committee, and was a liberal supporter of the Methodist church. About the year 1898 Mr. Watson retired from the active management of his farm. He died in 1901 at the advanced age of eighty, and left a widow, six sons, and two daughters, and thirty-seven grandchildren.
is an agricultural district, twenty-four miles south of Christchurch by rail on the Christchurch-Southbridge railway line, and is bounded by Doyleston, Lake Ellesmere, and the river Selwyn. It has two railway stations—Irwell and Lake Road. Irwell is in the Ellesmere district, and the fertility of the land attracted settlers in the earliest days of Canterbury. The farms are in the highest state of cultivation, and everywhere the visitor sees handsome homesteads surrounded by well grown groups of shelter trees. Irwell, as a township, has a post office, a blacksmith's shop, and fine roller flour mill, a public school, churches and a creamery. The river Irwell, from which the district takes its name, has its banks thickly planted with willow trees. It empties into the lake, is celebrated for its trout, and is much frequented by anglers during the fishing season.
(Mr. William Lintott, manager), Irwell. This creamery was erected in 1900, in response to the wishes of the Irwell farmers, who had previously to deliver their milk at Doyleston. The creamery has one de Laval separator driven by a three-horse-power stream engine. Milk is supplied from the dairies within a radius of five miles.
Manager of Irwell Creamery, is a son of the late Mr. Lintott, of Springston, a very early resident in that district. He learned butter-making and general dairy management under his stepfather, Mr. Leggett, a large dairy farmer, at Springston, and was afterwards with Mr. John Boag, of “Middlerigg,” for over three years. Mr. Lintott received his first appointment with the Central Dairying Company at Selwyn, and was appointed to his present position in 1902. He married Miss Withell, daughter of Mr. Reuben Withell, a well known settler at Brookside.
Irwell. This is the property of the trustees of the late Mr. John Coe. It contains 1640 acres, on which the wheat crops average about forty bushels and barley fifty bushels to the acre, and turnips and rape grow to perfection. A large number of sheep are fattened for the export trade and sometimes over 1600 lambs are available in one season, exclusive of sheep. Shropshire rams and crossbred ewes are used for breeding purposes. Large quantities of cowgrass and white clover seed are annually saved on the property. The greater part of the land was bought from the Crown in 1866, when it was covered with rank vegetation peculiar to heavy, swampy soil. The first crops were raised in 1868, but they were unfortunately swept away by the ruinous floods of that year. A stud flock of Lincolns was early established at Bruscoe Lodge by the direct importation of sheep from the flocks of Vesey, Dudding, Kirkham and Lysart, but at the dissolution of the partnership between Messrs Bruce and Coe, this valuable flock was dispersed, though most of its members were purchased by Mr. H. Overton. Bruscoe Lodge is a two-storey building of wood and iron, and contains sixteen rooms. The other buildings are all of iron, and the homestead is sheltered from the prevailing winds by a well-grown plantation.
was born in Essex, England, in 1832, and came to New Zealand in the ship Caroline Agnes.” He settled in Lyttelton and carried out large contracts under the Provincial Government. It was he who drove the first coach from Christchurch to Lyttelton. Mr. Coe died in 1893.
Trustee and Manager, was born in 1858 at Lyttelton, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was brought up to farming. Mr Coe has been a member of the Irwell school committee, and has served on the managing committee of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. For many years he took an
Farmer, Threshing Machine, Traction Engine, and General Mill Driver, “Ridgway,” Irwell. Mr. Davies was born on the Caed-Crwn farm, in the parish of Blatherston, Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1838, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Amoor,” in 1864. He was employed for two years in gardening at Christchurch, and was farming for the same period at Harewood Road, and at Ellesmere. In 1870 he purchased his present farm of fifty acres, which, after years of work, has been converted into rich cropping land, on which he conducts general farming. He also has two threshing machines, two traction engines, a clover threshing machine and dresser, and a combined chaffcutter and circular saw—the latter for cutting firewood. Mr. Davies has been a member of the Irwell school committee for twenty-three years, and has been an active member of the Wesleyan church since his residence in the district. He has for two years running been a prize-taker for dogs at the Ellesmere show. Mrs Davies died in 1890, leaving a family of three sons and two daughters, all of whom are married.
Irwell.—This estate is the property of Mr. G. E. Rhodes, and consists of 1000 acres, purchased in 1890. The proprietor at once began to make extensive, substantial and permanent improvements, which include a large and commodious mansion of two stories, situated on rising ground commanding a noble view of the Southern Alps and the intervening plains. The house is connected with the telephone exchange in Christchurch. There is a neat cottage for the manager, and the men's quarters are second to none in New Zealand for comfort neatness and cleanliness. The stables, with the numerous loose boxes, and the cow-houses all have concrete or brick floors, and accommodate a number of well-bred, well-kept animals. “Meadowbank” is noted for its splendid herd of Berkshire pigs, with their neat stys, and the concrete walk in front equal to any city footpath. There are over twenty imported animals in the herd, and some of them have names which denote their breeders and birthplaces, such as “Frogmore.” In 1897 some of these Berkshires were exhibited, and won thirty first, twenty second, and three special prizes. The farm plant embraces all the most modern implements for the tillage of the soil, and the most modern machines for harvesting, securing and marketing crops. When not in use, all the machinery is carefully kept under cover, with a place for everything and everything in its place. “Meadowbank” is chiefly devoted to fattening stock, and for this purpose the estate is divided into twenty-three paddocks, which have plantations to protect the stock from cold and heat. The land is laid down in the most nutritious grasses, and “Meadowbank” is noted for the large number of fat lambs which it has annually available for the export trade. There are some excellent Shorthorn and Hereford cattle in the homestead paddocks.
the Proprietor, is a son of the late Mr. R. H. Rhodes, and was born in Christchurch in 1866. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Brasenose College, Oxford. Mr. Rhodes is a vice-president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a patron of the Ellesmere Association. He was married, in 1890, to Miss Perry, of Timaru.
Farmer, “Sudeley,” Irwell. Mr. McMillan was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand, in 1865, by the ship “Mermaid,” and landed at Lyttelton. When he arrived in Canterbury he had ample supplies of the best of all capital —namely, good health, vigorous strength and a manly determination to succeed. Thus equipped, he took whatever employment offered—ploughing, cropping or any other similar work. Later on he entered the service of Mr. J. C. Wason—who afterwards left New Zealand and became member for the Orkneys, in the House of Commons— and was manager on that gentleman's estate for years. In 1875 Mr. McMillan bought land in the Methven district, and worked his farm in conjunction with the management of Mr. Wason's estate. Enterprise and hard work brought success. In 1890 Mr McMillan leased his Methven property, and bought his Irwell estate of about 760 acres, on which he conducts a system of high class mixed farming. Mr. McMillan has always taken an active part in all matters connected with the progress of his district. He has been a member of the Ellesmere Road Board for nine years, for five of which he has been chairman. Previous to his arrival in the Ellesmere district he was a member of the Methven Road Board for twelve years, and chairman for several years, and of the Malvern Road Board for several years. Mr. McMillan was also a member of the Ashburton County Council for several years, and of the Barr Hill school committee. He has for some time been chairman of the Irwell school committee; is a prominent member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a member and large shareholder of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association. Mr. McMillan is an active member of the Brookside Presbyterian church and of its committee of management, and a member of the Farmers' Union, and chairman of its Ellesmere branch.
Farmer, Kenmuir Farm, Irwell. Mr. Mitchell is the third son of Mr. John Mitchell, one of the founders of the well known firm of Messrs Fergusson and Mitchell, stationers, Dunedin,
Farmer, Waipuna Estate, Irwell. Mr. Stephens is the eldest son of Mr. George Stephens, and was born at Brookside in 1867. He was educated there, and brought up to farming by his father. At an early age Mr. Stephens started farming on his own account in the Irwell district, and carried on a prosperous system of farming for seven years until the expiration of his lease. He then travelled through the North Island with the object of taking up a farm, but he saw nothing suitable and returned to Canterbury in 1901. Mr. Stephens then took the lease of Mr. R. Wright's well known Waipuna estate at Irwell. He is a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, takes a great interest in the welfare of the Anglican church, and has been for some years lay reader in the Leeston parochial district.
Irwell. This estate is the property of Mr. Richard Wright, who bought it in 1892. It contains 627 acres, all in a highly improved state. There is a good dwellinghouse at the homestead, which has a pleasant northern aspect, and commands a fine view of the Southern Alps. The house is surrounded by a plantation to shelter it from the prevailing winds, and there is a fine tennis court in front. There are large well-kept sheds for wool and grain. In order to secure a good supply of water Mr. Wright has driven a two-inch pipe to a depth of 402 feet, and has struck water which rises over five feet above the surface. “Waipuna,” like other properties in the district, is devoted to mixed farming, and a large number of sheep and lambs are annually available for the export trade. In 1896 Mr. Wright established a small stud flock by the purchase of forty English Leicester ewes from Mr. Threlkeld, and these he mated with a ram bred by Mr. John Little. This ram was a son of “Little Wonder,”’ who won first honours at the Metropolitan show.
was born at Nethercliff, Tiverton, Devonshire, and passed his early years on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in 1866, in the ship “Victory,” and followed farming. His father gave him his first start with 100 acres of land, and after adding to this he sold it and bought his present property. He was married, in 1883, to Miss Buxton, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Woodlands,” Irwell. Mr. Young was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1863, and is the second son of the late Mr. David Young, an extensive farmer at Waitohi Flat, near Temuka, who died in 1892. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand by the ship “British Empire,” in 1864, and obtained a thorough practical knowledge of farming under the supervision of his father. Later on he started farming on his own account at Waitohi, and for six years afterwards he farmed successfully at Wakanui, near Ashburton. The splendid quality of the land in the Ellesmere district attracted him to Irwell, where he purchased his present property from Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Young has built a handsome homestead, and carries on mixed farming with most successful results. He is a frequent exhibitor of grain and other produce. Mr. Young is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and of the Farmers' Union, and is a large shareholder in the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. He married Miss Wright, daughter of Mr J. T. Wright, of Dunsandel, and has one son.
is a small township twenty-six miles south-west from Christchurch, on the Christchurch-Southbridge railway, and about one mile from the town of Leeston. The land is, with a few exceptions, divided into comparatively small holdings. Doyleston is bounded by the shores of Lake Ellesmere, and the districts of Leeston, Brookside, and Irwell. Formerly cattle sales were held regularly at Doyleston, but Leeston is now the local centre for these and other industrial activities. Doyleston, however, still has a population of about 160 persons, and it has a public school, library, a general store, a town hall, a hotel, in addition to large engineering workshops, and there is also an excellent creamery in the neighbourhood. In 1867 Mr. Joseph Doyle bought some land in the district and afterwards sold it in town lots. Hence the name of the district and township.
(Adam Werner, proprietor), Doyleston. Mr. Werner was born in 1852, at Uichleritz, Saxony, and was educated at his native place. He served an apprenticeship in the well known engineering shop of Carl Bach, at Weissenfelds, and after passing examinations in the theory and practice of engineering, he received a certificate from the Board of Examiners. For about nine months he was employed at Messrs Hoffman's engineering works at Prenslaw, and was for a year at the locomotive repairing shops at Greilswald. Then he went to England where he was employed by various leading engineering firms, such as Messrs Hawthorne, marine engineers, and Messrs Fletcher, Jennings and Co., locomotive engineers, at Barton, near Whitehaven, where he helped to construct locomotives ordered for the Governments of New Zealand and Mauritius. In 1872 Mr. Werner returned to Germany, and was employed by Messrs Heiden and Hollman, engineers, Hamburg, and with Messrs Schweffel and Howald, leading marine engineers at Kiel. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Waitangi” in 1875, and followed various occupations in town and country for about twelve months. After that he was for eighteen months engine driving at Wallsend coal mine at Malvern, and then obtained employment with Mr. Dixon, of Ashley, for whom he drove a threshing machine. His skill in engineering was soon recognised, and for over nine years he was employed in repairing and following machines throughout Canterbury. Mr. Werner then determined to begin an engineering business at Doyleston. He began in a small way, but he has succeeded so well, that he now has extensive premises, with all the latest machinery, employs eight men, and has a connection which extends from Christchurch to Ashburton. He has been the patentee of numerous labour saving inventions, such as rod-lifters, bag-lifters, chaff-feeders, and clover-shellers, and was the first to combine the clover-sheller with the threshing machine. This contrivance is extensively employed in the Ellesmere district. Mr. Werner is a member of the Doyleston school committee, and was chairman for four years. He is also a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and takes prizes with machinery of his own manufacture. Mr. Werner founded the Druid Lodge in the Ellesmere district, and held the office of District President for two years. He has also been a member of the Christchurch Liberal Association for several years. Mr. Werner married Miss Emily Tucker, in 1883, and has three daughters.
(J. Boag and H. H. Cook), Grain and Produce Merchants and Threshing Machine Owners, Doyleston. This business was established a few years ago by Messrs Boag and Cook. Latterly the active management has been under the sole control of Mr. Cook, whose enterprise has done so much to extend the business. The firm was one of the first in New Zealand to prepare fodder for South Africa; they prepared 800 tons in 1900, and later on they prepared still larger quantities. The firm's operations in grain are very extensive, and its plant is one of the largest in Canterbury.
Farmer, Doyleston. Mr. Marshall is a son of the late Mr. David Marshall. He was born in Scotland, in 1845, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand. For many years he helped in the pioneer work on his father's farm at Lakeside. In 1882, he bought his present property, which consists of about 180 acres. He is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Marshall married Miss Jane Shaw, a daughter of Mr. William Shaw, a very well known colonist, and there is a family of two sons.
Farmer, Doyleston. As Mr. McLachlan represents Ashburton in the House of Representatives, the sketch of his life appears under the chief town of that electorate—namely, Ashburton itself.
Farmer, Winfield Farm, Doyleston.—Mr. Osborne was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1842. When fourteen years of age he removed to London, and in, 1859 he came to New Zealand, in the ship “Cresswell.” A few years later he visited the goldfields of Otago, where he passed a year with fair success. he then returned to Canterbury. Mr. Osborne first bought land at Prebbleton, and was for several years engaged in contracting for roads and railways A year or two later he sold out at Prebbleton, and moved to the Ellesmere district, where he bought the first portion of his present farm from the Crown in 1864. It was heavy swamp land covered with rank vegetation—toi-toi, flax and raupo. The area was at first gradually increased until it reached to 230 acres, but Mr. Osborne now owns 2130 acres. His land is devoted chiefly to the raising of white and green crops, and the fattening of sheep for the export trade. Mr Osborne was the first to introduce threshing machinery into the Doyleston district. He has, however, a colonial reputation as a sinker of artesian wells, for which he devised and patented a method of his own many years ago He first began to sink for the public in April, 1888, when he sank a 2-inch well for the Christchurch Drainage Board on the Windmill Road, now Willowbank. Before that time a 2-inch well sunk by hand to a depth of 200 feet cost £100. Now it is done by means of Mr. Osborne's machinery for about one-fourth of that sum. Mr. Osborne has seven deep-well machines at work, and each machine requires two men to work it. All deep-well sinkers in New Zealand now use the Osborne machine. In the Maniototo Plain, Central Otago, a depth of 654 feet has been reached with a two-and-a-half-inch pipe; at Wellington a depth of 815 feet has been reached; and at Cheviot a depth of 825 feet. At Wanganui water has been obtained with a 2-inch pipe from a depth of 675 feet, with a yield of 180 gallons per minute, and propulsive power rising to fifty and sixty feet. This is the record result for the North Island. In Gisborne, Mr. Osborne has sunk wells, which not only give a plentiful water supply, but gas as well. The gas is used for lighting cooking and other purposes. Wells have also been sunk successfully at Palmerston North, Longburn, Awahuri, Waitara, and Tura kina, and nearly in every district where the Osborne machine has been tried, it has led to success. This has been the case, not only in the North Island but at Christchurch, and throughout the Ellensmere district, and north of Christchurch as far as Rangiora. Probably this method of boring for water will yet be applied with success to the discovery of minerals; indeed it has been used in boring for coal at Poponga, Collingwood, Nelson, and for oil at Gibsborne. Mr. Osborne has served on the Ellesmere Road Board and on the River Board of Conservators. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Jamieson, and has one son and two daughters. Mr. Osborne has visited Australia twice since his first arrival in New Zealand. In 1884, his wife and daughter accompanied him to America, England, Scotland, Ireland and Paris. The party returned by way of Cape Colony. A year later Mrs. Osborne, with a nephew, visited England, and brought Mr. Osborne's mother out to New Zealand, she being at that time eighty-three years of age. After three years' resihere, she died at Tai Tapu, and was buried at Lincoln.
the principal town in the Ellesmere district, is twenty-seven miles by rail from Christchurch, on the Christchurch-Southbridge line. Mr. Smith, one of the pioneers of the district, named it, after the hamlet of Leeston at Weston-super-Mare, Somersetshire, England. It possesses four churches, and the Roman Catholic church especially is a fine structure of brick and stone. Fortnightly sales are held at the township, and large numbers of animals change hands. Leeston has one of the finest country hotels in New Zealand. It was erected in 1865 by the late Mr. J. J. Lee, who for a number of years carried on an extensive business in the township. Leeston has a courthouse, at which sessions are held once a month by the Stipendiary Magistrate. The Leeston cycle track is considered by experts to be the finest in the Australasian colonies. The Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association's shows are held at Leeston, and attract some of the best stock in New Zealand. The Bank of New Zealand has a branch and a resident manager in the township.
Member for Ellesmere in the House of Representatives, was first elected at the general election on the 6th of December, 1899, when he polled 1760 votes to Mr. W. G. Montgomery's 1656. At the general election, held on the 25th of November, 1902, Mr. Rhodes was again returned, by 1721 votes to the 1229 polled by his opponent, Mr. Thorton. A biographical sketch and portrait of Mr. Rhodes appear at page 135 in the Military Section of this volume, and he is also referred to under Tai Tapu, as owner of the Otahuna estate.
at Leeston is also a technical centre, for manual training in woodwork and ironwork. The number of pupils on the roll is 128, and the average attendance is 104. Mr. J. Anderson, the headmaster, is assisted by Miss A. J. Cook and one pupil-eatcher. The technical branch is a feature of this school, and was established in 1897 with the object of developing the motor centres of the brain by means of manual exercise. The pupils are instructed in practical joinery and ironwork, and the course in each occupies three years. Leeston is a recognised centre for woodwork and the Education Department subsidises the school with the object of furthering education in that respect.
Head Teacher, is a native of London, and came to New Zealand in 1876, when he entered the service of the Otago Education Board as a teacher in the Balclutha district. He was appointed headmaster at the Tai Tapu school in 1887, and took charge at Leeston in 1888.
was built in 1882, and has accommodation for 150 worshippers. Services are held thrice on Sunday, and there is an average attendance of eighty at the congregation. There is a good chair and an American organ.
Vicar of Leeston, is a son of Mr. M. Orbell, of Geraldine. He was educated at Christ's Cillege and Canterbury College and passed the Upper Department of Christ's College in 1894. Mr. Orbell was ordained deacon in 1894, and priest in 1897. His first appointment was the curacy of St. Mary's, Timaru, and he was locum tenens at Longbeach in 1899, in which year he was appointed vicar of Leeston.
Leeston, is a fine large wooden building with accommodation for 265 worshippers, and an average attendance of 220. The church has a fine American organ, and services are held each Sunday morning. St. James' Presbyterian church, Brookside, has accommodation for 120 persons, and an average attendance of 100. There is a fine new organ. Weekly services are held there on Sunday afternoon. Evening service is held fortnightly at Dunsandel, with an average attendance of 150, and at Killinchy, once a month, with an
Minister in charge of St. David's Presbyterian Church, Leeston, was born at Kirriemuir, Forfarshire, Scotland, and accompanied his parents to Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay, in 1870. He was educated in New Zealand, and completed his theological course at the New College, Edinburgh. His first charge was St. Andrew's Church, New Plymouth, where he remained three years. Mr. Grant accepted a call to Leeston in 1891.
Leeston. This church is the centre of a circuit which has churches at Brookside, Irwell, Southbridge, Taumutu, and Dunsandel, in connection with which the minister is assisted by lay readers. The Leeston church has accommodation for about 270 worshippers, and there is an average attendance of 120. There are 174 Wesleyan members in the district, thirty communicants, five Sunday schools, twenty-seven Sunday school teachers, and 139 Sunday school children. The ground on which the church and parsonage stand was presented by Mr. F. J. Smith, in 1874. The first church, which is now used as a schoolroom, cost £450, and was replaced by the new church at a cost of £870. The parsonage is a handsome commodious residence, and was built at a cost of £696.
was born at St. Leonards, Sussex, England, and was educated at the Hastings preparatory school. He accompanied his parents to Otago, and was called to the ministry in 1869; Mr. Beck's first charge was at Rangiora, and he has been stationed at Leeston since 1900.
Leeston. This association holds a show on its fine grounds near Leeston every year in the month of October. The grounds have an area of twenty acres, conveniently laid out, and close to the railway. Prizes to the value of about £500 are given, and about 528 head of stock. including horses, cattle and sheep, are annually exhibited. Prizes are given for various other exhibits, including woodwork from the technical school, dairy produce, needle work, etc. The first show was held at Southbridge in 1871, and that of the following year was held in the late Mr. Lee's paddock, at Leeston. In 1873 the Association received from the Provincial Government a grant of twenty acres at Leeston, and ever since then the shows have been held at that place. A horse parade is held yearly previous to the show, and some of the finest horses in Canterbury are exhibited in the parade. The Association is governed by a committee of twenty-four, of which Mr. James Henderson is president; Mr. A. Chamberlain, vice president; Mr. J. McVennie, treasurer; and Mr. T. W. Durant, secretary.
President of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, is the third son of the late Mr. William Henderson, of Spreydon, Canterbury. He was born in 1863 in Caithness, Scotland, and arrived in Canterbury with his parents in the following year. He was educated at Christchurch. In addition to gaining a knowledge of practical farming on his father's farm, he studied at Lincoln Agricultural College for two years. On leaving college, he gained further experience at Ashley Gorge station, then in the possession of his father. For two years afterwards Mr. Henderson was engaged in large sheep dealing transactions, and in 1894 took his present fine farm of “Broadleans” at Dunsandel. It consists of 730 acres. Mr. Henderson fattens sheep and lambs for freezing. In that connection he has a large area of land under green crops, and for several years he has been buying considerable numbers of fat sheep and lambs for freezing. He keeps a flock of Border Leicesters for stud purposes, is a successful breeder of draught horses, and owns a fine pedigree draught sire. Mr. Henderson, like his father, has always taken a great interest in matters connected with agricultural and pastoral associations, and has been a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association for over twenty years, and a member of the committee of that body for five years. He has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association for eight years, a member of the committee for five years, is now (1902–3) its president, and has frequently taken prizes at its shows with sheep. Mr. Henderson is a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and treasurer of its local branch. He married Miss Boag, daughter of Mr. William Boag, of Fendalton, and there is a family of six children.
M.R.C.S., Eng., 1875, M.A. and M.B., University of Cambridge, 1876; Justice of the Peace, Leeston. Dr. Gosset is a son of the late Rev. I. H. Gosset, vicar of Northam, North Devon, England, a gentleman who introduced the game of golf into Devonshire. He was born in Devonshire, and educated first at Bishop's Hull, Taunton, where he was a fellow pupil of the late Sir W. Penn Symons, the hero of Talana Hill in South Africa. He was at Eton for six years, and in 1866 went to Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1870, and in 1876 his M.A. and M.B. degrees. For about seven years he practised at Abingdon, Berks; in 1883 he settled at Leeston, and two years later was appointed a Justice of the Peace. Dr. Gosset is an enthusiastic golfer. He was an original member of the Royal North Devon Golf Club (1864); and of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club (1869), winning that club's gold medal at Hoylake in 1871; and a member of the London Scottish Golf Club from 1872 to 1876. Since his arrival in New Zealand he has kept up his interest in the healthy and fascinating game, and won the New Zealand golf championship in 1895. Dr Gosset has been twice married; firstly, to Miss Charlewood, daughter of Admiral Charlewood, and, secondly, to Miss Rennie, daughter of Mr. John Rennie, a prominent settler in the district of Leeston.
, faces the main street, and is a commodious wooden building with a convenient suite of offices. The manager's private residence forms part of the premises, and the extensive grounds contain a tennis lawn, a bowling green, and flower garden. There is an agency at Southbridge, which is regularly visited by the manager. The branch was originally established at Southbridge, with the agency at Leeston, which has become the headquarters on account of its greatly increased importance as a centre of business. The only branch between Christchurch and Ashburton is at Leeston.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Leeston and Southbridge, is the youngest son of the late Mr. William Loudon, of County Derry, Ireland. He came to New Zealand in 1864, joined the Bank of New Zealand at Blenheim, in 1873,
Draper and Clothier, Leeston. Mr. Hammond was born in Preston, Rutlandshire, England, in 1840. He was brought up to commercial life, and while a young man he went to America, where he remained six years. He then returned to England, where he remained a year, and then came to New Zealand, by the ship “Opawa,” in 1879. Shortly after landing at Lyttelton, Mr. Hammond took an engagement with the late Mr J. S. Woodhouse, of Amberley, with whom the remained a year. In 1880 he settled at Leeston, under an engagement to manage the Leeston branch of Messrs Walker, Smith and Co., who then carried on business in various parts of Canterbury. After about three years he took over the firm's Leeston business, and since then he has carried on a prosperous trade. Mr. Hammond has never taken part in public affairs, but has on several occasions been vestryman and churchwarden in the Anglican church. He is married, and has a family of two sons and two daughters.
Tailor, Clothier and Outfitter, Leeston. Mr. Johnston was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1843, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1863, when he landed at Lyttelton. After working at his trade with Mr. George Fletcher (now Fletcher and Son), Christchurch, for about twelve months, and for a similar period with Messrs Hobbs and Co., he went to Wellington, where he worked with Mr. Poulson, then a leading tailor of that city. He then entered business on his own account, and carried on successfully for several years. In 1880 he returned to Canterbury, and started his present prosperous business in Leeston. Mr. Johnston has for fifteen years been a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and was for many years a member of the Leeston school committee, but resigned in 1898. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Ionic, E.C. He has been an Oddfellow for many years, and has passed through all the chairs of his lodge. Mr. Johnston was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1898. He is a widower, with one unmarried daughter, and two of his sons occupy positions in the Government railway service.
Timber and Coal Merchants (John McVinnie, manager), Leeston. This firm's headquarters are in Christchurch, but it carries on a very extensive business throughout the Leeston district, where Mr. John McVinnie is its manager.
was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, in 1841, and his earlier days were spent in farming. He came to New Zealand in 1862, by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” and landed at Lyttelton. He found employment with the late Mr. Thomas Dunbar and was for four years afterwards with the late Dr Beck, sheriff of Christchurch. In 1867 he removed to Doyleston, where he did a successful business as a carpenter and builder until 1874. About that time he entered the employment of the late Mr. William White, who then carried on an extensive trade in sawn timber, and had large mills at Little River. The spread of settlement at Leeston and throughout the surrounding district created a great demand for timber for building purposes, and for nine years Mr. McVinnie resided at Lake Ellesmere, whence he superintended the distribution of all the material thus called into use. After the construction of the railway to Litte River, the sawn timber was sent to Leeston by train. Mr. McVinnie accordingly removed to Leeston, in 1882, to take charge of the firm's depot, which continues to be the centre of a large and important business in timber and coal. Ever since his settlement in the district Mr. McVinnie has been thoroughly identified with its progress and prosperity. He has always taken an active interest in the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is well known as a prize-taker at its shows with horses, cattle, and pigs. He was a member of the Lakeside school committee and its chairman for several years, and since his settlement at Leeston he has been a member of the Leeston school committee, and chairman of the Leeston Presbyterian church committee. Mr. McVinnie has belonged to the Order of Oddflelows' for over twenty-eight years, and is at present treasurer of the lodge at Leeston. He has always been an ardent supporter and encourager of athletic sports, and is known as the most enthusiastic sportsman in the Ellesmere district. Mr. McVinnie married Miss Doyle, sister of Mr. Joseph Doyle, the founder of Doyleston, and of a family of five, one son is alive. Mr. and Mrs McVinnie celebrated the fortieth anniversary of their marriage on the 30th of June, 1902.
Farmer, “Shanzie,” Leeston. Mr. Anderson was born in the parish of Kirriemuir, Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1837. He was brought up to farming and arrived at Lyttelton in 1863 by the ship “Lancashire Witch.” Shortly after his arrival he obtained employment at ballasting the
Farmer, “Rosendale,” Leeston. Mr. Ballagh was born at Grey Abbey, County Down, Ireland, in 1832. He arrived in Lyttelton, in 1862, by the ship “Mystery.” For the first ten years of his residence in the colony he was engaged in ploughing and other farmwork. In 1872 he purchased his present property of 370 acres, which he has converted from swamp land into a well fenced, and well drained estate, on which he carries on mixed farming. Mr. Ballagh was for many years well known as a breeder of draught horses and Shorthorn cattle, but has lately given less attention to breeding stock. He has never mixed in politics, but has devoted his time and energy to the improvement of his farm. Mr. Ballagh is married, and has a family of four daughters and three sons.
Farmer, Lake View Farm, Leeston. Mr. Hay is a grandson of Mr. Henry Phillips, a prominent pioneer settler of the district, and was born at Papanui in 1866. He accompanied his parents to England in 1875, and lived with them for seven years in the Isle of Wight, where he was educated. On returning to New Zealand in 1882, he learned farming on his grandfather's property at Leeston, and on the retirement of his grandfather, he entered into possession of the estate, on which he conducts an extensive system of cropping. The land is known in the district as being of exceptional quality, and has yielded 110 bushes of oats to the acre. Mr. Hay is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has taken numerous prizes for his draught horses. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows. Mr. Hay married Miss McConkey, daughter of Mr John McConkey, a well known settler in the district, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Beetham's Road, Leeston. Mr. Jamieson was born at Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1848. He was brought up in Lanarkshire on Mark Sprott's Gainkirk estate, and educated at Chryston village school. In 1860 he came to New Zealand with his mother and grandfather, the late Mr. John Lochhead, by the ship “Matoaka.” His grandfather was the breeder of the well known Clydesdale sire,
Loftus Farm, Leeston. Mr. Longstaff was born at Loftus, Yorkshire, England, in 1833, brought up as a blacksmith, and previous to his departure for New Zealand worked for eight years with Messrs Bill Brothers, iron masters, at Normanby, Cleveland, Yorkshire. He came to Lyttelton in 1860 by the ship “Robert Small” and worked for some months for the late Mr. Giles, blacksmith. Work at his own trade being then difficult to obtain, he followed other occupations for eighteen months, and after that was employed by the late Mr. John Anderson, at the Canterbury Foundry. In 1864 he settled at Leeston, and bought his present farm of 148 acres. On first settling at Leeston he carried on dairying, in which he was ably and constantly assisted by Mrs Longtstaff, who was well known as a maker of butter and cheese. As he improved his farm, which was in its natural state when he bought it, he went in for cropping and general farming. Mr. Longstaff has been a member of the Leeston school committee for many years, and was one of its original promoters. He married, in England, previous to his departure for New Zealand, and, of a family of nine children, four daughters and one son are alive.
Farmer, Leeston. Mr. Lochhead was born at Burnshouse, Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1834. He came to Auckland, in 1858, by the ship “Mary Anne,” and was employed by Mr. Robert Robertson, of Otahuhu, and afterwards by Mr. John Carruth, of Papatoitoi. On the breaking out of the Maori war he left Auckland for Canterbury with the late Mr. John Lochhead. After looking about for some time for land, he bought 150 acres of his present property, which now consists of 740 acres of the finest land in the Ellesmere district. Mr. Lochhead had to face his full share of the hardships which confronted the pioneer settlers. He has been a member of the Ellesmere Road Board since its formation, and has been several times its chairman. Mr. Lochhead is a member of the North Rakaia River Board and was its chairman for a number of years, and is now, and has been for many years, a member of the Ellesmer Agricultural and Pastoral Association, in which he has aways taken a great interest. He unsuccessfully contested the Ellesmere electorate against Mr. John (now Sir John) Hall, and was one of the first in Canterbury to agitate for land nationalasation. Mr. Lochhead has worked constantly and intelligently in many ways to promote the prosperity of the Ellesmere district. He is unmarried.
Farmer, “The Pines,” Lake Ellesmere, Leeston. Mr. McConkey was born at Clougher, County Down, Ireland, in 1840. He and his wife arrived in New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Zealandia.” For a considerable period he was engaged in driving, in Christchurch, for Mr. Connor, who had then an extensive carrying business and plant. Mr. McConkey and Mr. W. B. Campbell purchased the business from Mr. Connor, and for years the firm carried on a most successful trade. Mr. McConkey ultimately bought his partner's interest, but sold the business in 1878. Previous to that date he had bought his present property, which consists of 300 acres of the fertile land around Lake Ellesmere. He devotes his attention chiefly to dairying, and to the fattening of cattle. Mr. McConkey, who is an excellent judge of horses, breeds both draught and light horses, and was awarded a first place at the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association for a yearling trotter, out of “Rothschild.” His dairy herd is exceptionally fine, and consists of Shorthorns. Mr. McConkey was married, in 1861, to Miss Pedlaw of County Down, Ireland, and of a family of four, two daughters are alive, and married, respectively, to Mr. Hay and Mr. Quigley, farmers in the Ellesmere district.
Farmer, “Roseneath,” Leeston. Mr. O'Boyle was born in Glenariff, County Antrim, Ireland, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Huntress” in 1863. After a few days in Christchurch, he and his cousin, Mr. Francis O'Boyle, started up country. His first contract was for the erection of sheepyards for the late Mr. Marmaduke Dixon, the advocate of the Waimakariri water race scheme. Shortly afterwards he found his way to the Ellesmere district, where he carried out several contracts for the Ellesmere Road Board. Mr. O'Boyle bought
was born in 1827 in Herefordshire, England, and followed a farming life in his native place. He left England for Australia, and arrived in Melbourne when it was only a small place, and only a few of the streets formed; he himself helping afterwards to form some of the ret. The roads were then very bad. Liardet's coach, running between Melbourne and Sandridge, had to be drawn by six horses, which was before Cobb and Co.'s coaching days. Water was very scarce in Melbourne at that time, and, except what was saved from the roofs of houses, had to be carted at ten shillings a load from the rive Yarra, in a very dirty state. The bushrangers were numerous in those days, and were generally convicts from Tasmania and Botany Bay, whence they were attracted by the Victoria gold diggings. These men ventured sometimes into Melbourne and stuck people up in the streets. While Mr. Holley was working one day at the top of Londsdale street, a party of diggers, coming in with their gold, were met, stuck up and robbed by the bushrangers. Draught horses were then few in number, and most of the carting from Melbourne to the diggings had to be done by bullock teams. To Castlemaine, eighty miles, the cost of cartage was £80 per ton; to Bendigo, 100 miles, £100 per ton; to the Ovens, 200 miles, £200 per ton; and so on in proportion. For considerable time Mr. Holley unsuccessfully followed the pursuit of gold digging, and left a claim in Eaglehawk, Bendigo, where his successor took out a fortune while he went to try his luck at the McIvor diggings, about seventy miles north of Melbourne. He was there when the great escort robbery took place by the bushrangers, who got away with over eight hundred weight of gold, and none of them were ever captured. Mr. Holley afterwards went to the Ovens diggings, where he and his mate obtained a contract from the Government to build stables and other buildings; and having saved a few hundred pounds he bought two teams of horses and returned to Melbourne which had greatly grown in importance. He then conducted a carrying business for a time, and afterwards engaged in the export of horses from Melbourne and Tasmania to Dunedin and Inveroargill, where the “rush” to the gold diggings had just set in. On arriving at Invercargill with a large shipment of horses, he found that traffic to the Lake diggins had had its headquarters diverted to Dunedin, and that spoiled the Invarcargill market. He accordingly took the horses overland to Otago, sold some at Dunedin, some at Oamaru, and took the rest to Christchurch, where he arrived in 1863. It was then that Mr. Holley decided to make Canterbury his future home. For several years he carried on a large trade in cattle and horses at Christchurch and lived at Hagley Park, which he rented from the Provincial Government. About 1882 Mr. Holley settled at Leeston, where he carried on extensive farming operations until he retired some time ago in favour of his sons, who are enterprising farmers, flour millers and storekeepers. Mr. Holley was for many years a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a successful breeder and prize-taker in draught horses and other stock. He was a Justice of the Peace for some years, but owing to failing health, he resigned a few years ago. Mr. Holley was married, in 1854, and of a family of ten, five sons and two daughters are alive. Four of the sons trade as the firm of Holley Brothers, Leeston, and one is the Rev. Father Holley, of Wellington.
sometime of Longhend, Leeton, was born in Perth, Scotland, in 1823, and previous to his arrival in New Zealand, he managed several large estates in England, where he obtained a most intimate knowledge of farming. He landed in a Auckland about 1860 by the ship “Morning Star,” and arrived in Canterbury a year later. He was first employed as manager by the late Mr. John Milne, of Lincoln Road, with whom he remained two years. In 1865 he removed to Lakeside, when he purchased the farm on which he resided till his death. Mr Marshall, in addition to his farm, carried on an extensive business in cattle dealing and was well known as a judge of stock. He always took a leading part in the affairs of his district, and was a member of the Lakeside school committee for years, also an active member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Marshall died in 1884, after about one year's illness, leaving a widow and a family of eight daughters and one son. He married in 1862, Miss Elizabeth Tod, of Wellington.
sometime of Leeston, was born at Killinchy, County Down, Ireland, in 1811, and came to New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Mystery,” accompanined by his wife and two children. At first he was employed by the late Mr. Hill, of Avonhead, with whom he remained eighteen months. He settled at Leeston about 1864, having previously purchased the farm on which Mr. Barker now resides. Mr. McClure died in 1891, and left a family of four. His wife had died in 1881.
is within about four miles of Doyleston and three of Leeston. It is bounded by Brookside, Leeston, and Dunsandel. Originally the district consisted to some extent of swamp, which has been thoroughly drained, and now yields heavy crops, but the land towards the south, or Upper Killinchy, is of lighter quality. The district has a post office, an Anglican church, a public library and hall, and a public school. Many of the settlers came from County Down, Ireland, and the district is named after a town in the Old Land. Killinchy is a prosperous district, and the settlers cultivate those habits of thrift which generally assure permanency to material wellbeing.
Farmer, Killinchy. Mr. McClure was born at Killinchy, County Down, Ireland, in 1840, and came to New Zealand in 1860, by the ship “Matoaka.” He began his colonial experience with Mr. George Weston, of Kaiapoi, and eight months later was employed by Mr. Bealey, at the river Styx. When Mr. Bealey purchased an estate of 2000 acres near Leeston, Mr. McClure went there too, and remained with Mr. Bealey altogether about three years. Mr. McClure then started farming on his own account, and purchased his present fine property, then in its wild, native swampy state. He has always taken an interest in the public affairs of the district, and has from the first been a member of the Killinchy school committee. Mr. McClure is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a constant exhibitor and prize-taker at the local shows. He married Miss Hogg, a sister of the late Mr. Thomas Hogg, of Killinchy, and of a family of nine, one son and one daughter are married.
is a native settlement about seven miles south-east from Southbridge. It lies along the shores of Lake Ellesmere, and adjoins Sedgemere. The native village from which the district takes its name is close to the lake, near its outlet to the sea. It has a very picturesque Maori church. The annual overflow of the lake takes place near the village about the month of July, when the level of the lake is highest owing to the heavy rains and floods. The waters submerge a considerable area of fine land, and an artificial opening has to be made through the heavy shingle which separates the lake from the sea. Portions of the land consist of comparatively poor sandy soil, but there are several extensive and prosperous farms in the district.
” Taumutu—This property is now managed by Mr. H. E. Fincham the youngest son of the late Mr. Thomas Fincham. The land is chiefly reclaimed swamp
was born in 1876. He is an active member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has represented his district in competing football teams. In 1898 he had the honour to represent his province in two interprovincial matches—namely, against Otago and against Southland, and played three-quarter back on both occasions.
sometime of “Willow Glen,” Taumutu, was born in Essex, England, in 1836, and came to the Colony in the ship “Grassmere,” in 1854. At first he settled on the Ferry Road, Christchurch, and took up land in the Rangiora Bush, but subsequently disposed of it. He then bought land in the Ellesmere district, where he settled in 1864, and gradually increased his holding to 500 acres. Mr. Fincham was married, in 1858, to Miss Cooper, who came to the Colony with her parents in 1851, in the ship “Travencore.” He died in 1895, leaving a widow and four sons and one daughter. An elder daughter—wife of Mr. Daniel Cant, a prominent farmer at Lakeside—predeceased her father by fifteen months. The sons are Mr. George Fincham, farmer, Lakeside; Mr. John Fincham, farmer, Stony Gully, Southbridge; Mr. Robert Fincham, farmer, Springston; and Mr. Herbert Fincham, who manages the homestead at “Willow Glen.” The surviving daughter is the wife of Mr. Oscar Johnson, second master in the Central school, New Plymouth.
is one of the districts which adjoin Lake Ellesmere. It is about five miles from Leeston, with which it is connected by a coach service. The district was formerly swamp covered with flax and raupo; but it has now been converted into rich, fertile, well drained land, which yields very fine crops. In the winter season it is subject to an overflow from the waters of the lake, until it is relieved by an artificial outlet at Taumutu. There is a fine school, and also a valuable creamery at Lakeside. As in all the districts around Ellesmere, the farmers, as a whole, are prosperous men.
Leeston. This creamery was established in 1893, and is one of the branches of the Canterbury Dairy Union Company. It has a six-horse power Tangye engine and boiler and two De Laval separators, each with a capacity of 400 gallons. During the first year of the creamery the largest daily output did not exceed 400 gallons, but it is now sometimes 1600 gallons per day. The milk is all supplied from within a radius of six miles, and the cattle are Shorthorns and Jerseys.
Manager of the Creamery, was born in Sydenham. For a time he followed farming, but afterwards served an apprenticeship at the Addington Butter Factory. Mr. Thomas received his present appointment in 1893. He has generally taken a keen interest in cricket and football. Mr. Thomas was married, in 1894, to Miss Newton, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Ridgeland,” Lakeside, Leeston. Mr. Alexander was born at Saintfield, County Down, Ireland, in 1842, and came to Melbourne, in 1860. He remained only one year in Australia, and then removed to New Zealand, attracted by the reports from the Gabriel's Gully goldfield. Not being successful as a gold seeker, he came to Canterbury, where he worked at ploughing and contracting. After a very prosperous year he purchased his present property at Lakeside; it is not large in
Farmer, “Brookdale,” Lakeside. Mr. Cant is a nephew of the late Mr. Danzie Cant, so well known at Riccarton and throughout Canterbury, and was born in Essex, England, in 1846. He came to New Zealand in 1865 by the ship “Tudor,” and began carting wool from the Hinds to Rakaia. Later on he tried his hand at building and contracting in Christchurch, and carried on the business for five years. He then settled in the Ellesmere district, where he has been thoroughly successful as a farmer. Mr. Cant has long been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He is well known as a breeder of pure Berkshires, is recognised as a leading authority on pigs, and has acted as a judge at various shows throughout New Zealand. Mr. Cant has for many years been a member of the Lakeside school committee, of which he was chairman for seven years. He owns an unequalled herd of Jersey-Ayrshire cattle, descended from stock which he bought in 1878, and has taken many prizes with his Ayrshire bulls. Mr. Cant is also a successful breeder of light horses and hacks, with which he has taken numerous prizes. He is an Oddfellow of old standing. He married Miss Fincham, daughter of the late Mr. Fincham, of Taumutu. Mrs Cant died in 1894, leaving a family of three sons and two daughters.
Walsingham Farm, Lakeside. Mr. Overton is the son of a very prominent and early colonist of Canterbury. He was born in South Australia, in 1851, and at an early age accompanied his parents to Auckland where his father carried on large farming operations at Otahuhu. Owing to the breaking out of the Maori wars in Auckland, the family returned to Australia, but settled in 1862 in Canterbury, where Mr. Overton, senior, purchased a large property of 2000 acres, now known as the Meadowbank and Coe's estates. Mr. F. Overton was educated by a private tutor in Canterbury, and at the High School, Melbourne. On the sale of the Meadowbank estate, through the death of his father, Mr. Overton took up his present fine property, which comprises about 570 acres, where he carries on mixed farming. Mr. Overton has always taken a prominent part in the affairs of the district, and was for ten years member of the Ellesmere Road Board. He has for more than twelve years been a member of the Licensing Committee, of which he was chairman for three years. Mr. Overton has also been a member of the Lakeside school committee for over seventeen years, and chairman during the greater part of that time. He has always taken a great interest in the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president for one year. Mr. Overton was for six years a member of the old Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry previous to its disbandment, and refused both a lieutenancy and captaincy. He is one of the trustees of the Wesleyan Church at Leeston. Although respeatedly requested to contest the Ellesmere constituency for Parliament, he has always refused. Mr. Overton is well known as a runner and jumper in the district, and has won awards of the first order. His records are: 100 yards, 9 3/4 seconds; high jump, 5 feet 2 inches; pole jump, 9 feet 9 1/2 inches—all without training.
Farmer, Lakeside. Mr. Lambie is the third son of Mr. John Lambie, and was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1851. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand, and helped his father for some years, before taking up his present farm, which formed part of his father's estate. Mr. Lambie successfully carries on mixed farming. He has been a member of the Lakeside school committee for some years, and is also a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Lambie is married, and, of a family of eight children, three sons and four daughters are alive.
Senior, who is one of the early pioneer settlers in the Ellesmere district, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1811. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Peter Denny,” and came on to Canterbury to join his son, Mr. John Lambie, who was then living at Doyleston. Mr. Lambie began as a settler by buying 107 acres of land, but has since made large additions to his area. He had to contend with all the early privations of pioneering, but as a practical farmer, he foresaw the future capabilities of the land, which only needed draining and intelligent treatment to become profitable and productive. With this firmly fixed in his mind, Mr. Lambie and his perseverance won the usual reward. Mr. Lambie has never taken any part in public affairs, but has always been well known in the district as an ardent sportsman, even up to very recent years. He has, however, been totally blind since 1899, but notwithstanding this affliction he retains his genial good humour, and takes a cordial interest in both the past and the present. Mrs Lambie died in 1899, at the age of eighty-seven, leaving four sons, two of whom live in Canterbury, and two in Taranaki.
sometime of “Lochrin,” Lakeside, Canterbury, New Zealand, was born at Mount Stewart in the parish of Forgendenny, Perthshire, Scotland, in the year 1815. While being educated with a view to becoming a civil engineer, he had the misfortune,
in the county of Selwyn, is in the neighbourhood of the sea, Lake Ellesmere, and the Rakaia river. It is thirty-one miles from Christchurch, and is the terminus of the Christchurch-Southbridge branch railway. Wheat-growing, sheepfarming and pig-rearing are carried on extensively on the rich lands of the district, and the township is noted for its industrial enterprise. It has implement works, flour mills, a bank, stores, a post, telegraph, and money order office, a savings bank, other Government offices, a newspaper, a public library, two hotels and an excellent public school, a courthouse and police station; three churches—Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Wesleyan; and the public-spirited town board has erected a first-rate swimming bath. The nearness of Lake Ellesmere, swarming with ducks and fish, makes Southbridge a favourite resort with anglers and sportsmen. Southbridge is constituted as a town district for the purposes of local government, and has a population of about 500 persons.
in charge of the Southbridge district, Clerk to the Magistrate's Court, Bailiff, Inspector of Factories, and Labour Agent, joined the Otago police in 1875, during the last year of the Provincial Government. He served first under Inspector Weldon at Queenstown, and was successively at Cromwell, Clyde, Roxburgh, and Kaitangata, and for two years he served on the gold escort from Queenstown to Dunedin, via Naseby. He had experience with all sorts of crime during his time on the goldfields, and on one occasion he had three cases of murder on hand, and was the first policeman in the colony to have official communication with the notorious Donnelly, alias Butler, now serving a long term of imprisonment in Victoria. Mr. Pool was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1854, and came to New Zealand in 1874. He was married in Queenstown, in 1878, to Miss Smith, and has three sons and three daughters.
—The railway was opened to Southbridge on the 30th of July, 1875. The chief freights inwards consist of merchandise, coal, and timber; and outwards, of grain, wool, potatoes and live stock, chiefly sheep and pigs.
Stationmaster at Southbridge, joined the railway department at Christchurch in September, 1874. During the same year he was transferred to Addington, and was appointed stationmaster at Balcairn on the 3rd of November, 1875; Hornby Junction, on the 14th of March, 1879; Doyleston, on the 31st of January, 1883; Temuka, on the 10th of April, 1883; and at Southbridge, on the 8th of February, 1895. Mr. Alderton was born in Norfolk, England, in 1838, and educated at Middleton. He joined the army in 1855, and served in the 1st Royal Scots Regiment for ten years. In November, 1865, he entered the service of the North London Railway Company, with which he remained till 1874, when he came to New Zealand by the ship “Carisbrook Castle.” Mr. Alder ton married Miss Ingle, in 1871, and has one daughter.
Southbridge. This church has accommodation for 250 worshippers. It possesses a good pipe organ and a well trained choir, and the interior decorations are very beautiful. Adjoining the church there is a large parish room, which is used as a Sunday school room and social hall. The vicar holds weekly services at All Saints, Killinchy, St. Thomas', Dunsandel, and St. Mark's, Sedgemere.
B.A., Vicar of Southbridge, was born in 1846, in Yorkshire, England, and was primarily educated at a private school. He studied at
Southbridge, is a fine wooden building, plain outside, but rather handsome in its internal appearance. It has seating accommodation for about 200 worshippers. The manse, which is only a short distance from the church, is a commodious villa, and stands in large and well laid out grounds. There is a well attended Sunday school in connection with the church.
Minister in charge of St. John's Presbyterian Church, Southbridge was born at Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland. He was educated at the public school of his native town, and studied for the church at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities. His first call was to Bell's Hill, Lanarkshire, where he remained five years, and for fourteen years afterwards he ministered at Falkirk. Mr. Jackson was then commissioned by the Church of Scotland to come to New Zealand, and previous to his departure for the colony was presented with many valuable gifts by his friends and parishioners. After arriving in New Zealand, Mr. Jackson, with Mrs Jackson and their two children, travelled through the colony for about six months. He then received a call to enter on the charge at Whangarei, but also shortly afterwards received another from Southbridge, which he accepted in preference to the other.
M.D. and Master in Surgery, Queen's University, Ireland; Southbridge. Dr Withers was born in County Down, Ireland, and educated at the Royal Academical Institution, Belfast. He studied for his profession at the Queen's College, Belfast, the Royal College of Surgeons, and the Rotunda, Dublin, and obtained his degree in 1877. In 1880 he went to Belfast, where he practised for two years in the fever hospital for acute and infectious diseases, and he also practised for two years at Comber. Dr Withers came to New Zealand in 1885, when he began the practice of his profession at Southbridge. He has been a Justice of the Peace for some years, surgeon-captain in the Ellesmere Rifles, a member of the Southbridge school committee; and chairman of the Town Board. As a Freemason he is a Past Master of the Southbridge Lodge and Past Deacon of the New Zealand Grand Lodge. Dr Withers has been president of the Leeston Cyoling Club since its inception; and is sessions clerk of the Southbridge Presbyterian church.
General Blacksmith and Implement Maker, Southbridge.—Mr Webster was born at Montrose, Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1849, and educated at Arbroath. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Canterbury,” in 1864, and two years later he went to Southbridge, where he learned his trade. Subsequently he was, for five years, with Messrs P. and D. Duncan. In 1877 he purchased his present business, which was established in 1865. Mr. Webster has been a member of the Southbridge Town Board ever since it was constituted in 1885, and has been chairman for ten years. He has also been a member of the school committee for twenty years, and chairman for two years. He became a Freemason in 1874. Mr. Webster was married, in 1875, to Miss Kitchen, and has three sons and one daughter.
(R. Parker Hill, proprietor), Southbridge. This hotel was established in 1870. It contains thirty-six rooms, of which twenty-two are well furnished bedrooms. The large, well-ventilated dining-room, has chairs for forty persons; there are four sitting-rooms and two bar parlours, and one billiard-room fitted up with one of Thurston's tables; and there are hot and cold water baths The hotel has a good six-stalled stable, three loose-boxes, and a large trap shed, with three well-watered and secure paddocks, and a large garden and orchard. In addition to commercial travellers, tourists, and the numerous country settlers who come and go, the sports men who visit the Rakaia and the creeks running into Lake Ellesmere, all patronise the “Royal” at Southbridge.
the Proprietor, was born in 1846, at Lenton, near Nottingham, England, and came to New Zealand with his parents, in the ship “Roman Emperor,” in 1860. After obtaining some commercial experience he owned a business, which he afterwards disposed of in order to try his luck on the Auckland and Wakamarina goldfields. He worked in the Lucknow and Long-drive claim, and secured as much as seventeen ounces of gold for four hours' work; and he also did a good deal of prospecting at the head of the Rakaia river, under the late Mr. W. F. Warner, of Christchurch. Mr. Hill was the first to organise coursing in New Zealand, and he was very successful in that sport. Amongst dogs owned and bred by him were “Ridley,”
(William Scott), Grain Merchants, Southbridge. Mr. Scott is a son of Mr. Samuel Scott, who was living in Lyttelton previous to the arrival of the pioneer ships. He was born, at Little Rakaia, in 1869—one of a family of twenty-five, of whom fifteen are now living—was educated at his native place, and brought up to farming. In 1894 he acquired the business carried on by Mr. C. H. Willis, of Southbridge, and has ever since conducted it with marked success. Mr. Scott has not yet taken any part in the public affairs of Southbridge, as, so far, his time has been fully occupied in looking after his large and increasing business.
Farmer, “Drumroslin,” Southbridge. Mr. Andrew is the third son of Mr. W. B. Andrew, of Greenpark, and was brought up to farming under the experienced tutelage of his father. He was at first in partnership with his brother, Mr. P. J. Andrew, under the title of Andrew Bros., but in 1896 he purchased his present fine estate of 418 acres, formerly belonging to Mr. Graham, and known as some of the picked land of the district. Mr. Andrew is a well known breeder of pure bred Shropshire sheep, and also carries on mixed farming. He is a member of the Southbridge Town Board, and of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and was for some time a member of the Southbridge school committee. He married Miss Pannett, second daughter of Mr. H. Pannett, of Springston, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Moville Farm, Southbridge. Mr. Baxter was born at Moville, a fashionable watering place, on Lough Foyle, Ireland, in 1837. He was brought up to farming, went to America at the age of nineteen, and for five years he was engaged in farming in Wisconsin, on the Upper Mississippi. He then returned to his native land, whence, after a residence of a few months, he sailed for New Zealand by the ship “Shalamar,” and landed at Auckland in 1862. From Auckland he went to Dunedin, and from Dunedin he came to Canterbury, which seemed to him to offer better opportunities to a colonist. He followed various occupations, such as making roads, contracting, and clearing the Halswell river, and was very successful in his undertakings. Towards the end of 1863 he purchased 260 acres of his present fine farm. He has a handsome homestead in brick and stone, and has named his property after his birthplace. When he bought his land it was in its native state, and he was the third pioneer of the district, which was then known as Cabbage-tree Flat. At first he carried on large contracts in conjunction with his farming operations, but after a while he devoted his whole energy to the improvement of his farm. Mr. Baxter has added to his farm by judicious purchase, and the estate now consists of 2000 acres, which he uses chiefly in sheepfarming. Originally he grew wheat largely, and was one of the first exporters of wheat to the English market, to which he shipped through the Leeston Farmers' Club Mr. Baxter owns a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle, and is a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. He married Miss Watson, and of a family of eleven sons, eight are now alive.
Farmer, Little Rakaia. Mr. Gabbie is the eldest son
Farmer, Sedgemere, Southbridge. Mr. Howson, who is a son of the late Mr. John Howson, a prosperous farmer at Southwait, England, was born in the parish of Skelton, Cumberland, England, in March, 1839. At the age of twenty-one he arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Harwood,” in command of Captain Forsyth, and landed at Lyttelton, in December, 1860. Mr. Howson began his colonial life by working as a farm hand, and he afterwards worked as a bushman, at Kaiapoi. Having saved sufficient capital to begin farming on his own account, he bought 170 acres of land at Cust, and farmed it until 1882, when he sold his property. He then bought 550 acres of land at Sedgemere in the Ellesmere district, and subsequently added to it by buying 182 acres of the well known Inwood property, and leasing about 193 acres on the Taumutu lagoon. He has thus in all 930 acres, on which he conducts large operations in sheepfarming and general farming. Mr. Howson has had his share of the vicissitudes and hardships, which too often fall to the lot of the farmer, especially in pioneer days. He was nearly ruined on two occasions; first, when his entire crop was totally destroyed by a hail storm in 1879, after other severe adversities, and, again, in 1895, when 195 acres were totally destroyed by hail within a week of harvest. In spite of these disasters Mr. Howson determined to succeed, and his present prosperity is the result of his perseverance. He takes an intelligent interest in all affairs relating to his district, and to general politics. In 1867 he married a daughter of Mr. John Free, a pioneer colonist of Cust and Christchurch, who arrived in the colony by the ship “Randolph”; and there is a family of five sons and seven daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Oakleigh Estate, Southbridge. Mr. Hurst was born at Wakefield, Yorkshire, in 1828, and came out to Victoria in 1849, in the ship “Condor.” He engaged in station life for twelve months, having first visited South Australia. On the breaking out of the goldfields he tried his luck with fair success, but soon returned to the run on which he had formerly served, and subsequently became its manager. It was a property of 35,000 acres, and carried 42,000 sheep and 1600 head of cattle. The owner, Mr. J. G. Ware, became Mr. Hurst's brother-in-law, and Mr Hurst continued to manage the station until he left for New Zealand in 1857, in the schooner “Taranaki.” Shortly after his arrival here, Mr. Hurst bought Valetta run from Mr. Lockhart; it consisted of 14,000 acres and carried 9000 Merino sheep. In 1866 he bought “Oakleigh” from Mr. Fereday, and disposed of “Valetta” to Mr. W. C. Walker, now Minister of Education in the Colony, “Oakleigh” comprises 5200 acres of freehold land, of which 3300 acres are sown with artificial grasses. The improvements comprise 2700 chains of live fences, 1300 chains of substantial wire fencing, a good two-storey dwellinghouse, shrubbery, over sixty acres of plantations, a garden, an orchard, and all the necessary outbuildings. The flock at “Oakleigh” originally consisted of Merinos but in 1871 Mr. Hurst began to cross their with Mr. Every McLean's rams, and in 1872 he sold his first halfbreds at 18s. 6d. a head. Mr. Hurst was chairman of the first road board in the Upper Ashburton district. He has twice visited the Old Country, and travelled on the first occasion by the Panama route. Mr. Hurst has been twice married; firstly, in 1858, to Miss Ware, by whom he had one daughter, and secondly, in 1867, to Miss Brodie.
Farmer, Southbridge. Mr. Inwood was born in England, in 1833, and came to New Zealand with his parents, in 1850. For a time he acted as manager for his father, and on the sale of the City Mill, about the beginning of 1862, removed to Southbridge with his brother James to start farming, and improve the property his father had purchased. The land was then in its native state, covered with rough vegetation and water; a perfect wilderness, without roads or fences. All this was gradually changed, and after building a house, Mr. Inwood erected a flour mill, with which he carried on a prosperous business for a number of years. Owing, however, to a decreasing supply of water and other causes, Mr. Inwood has ceased to work his mill, and concentrates his attention on his large farming interests. Mr. Inwood always took a leading part in the affairs of his district, until his impaired hearing necessitated his retirement from public bodies.
Farmer, “Altonbrook,” Southbridge. Mr. Lochhead is a son of the late Mr. John Lochhead, of Leeston, long one of the leading agriculturists of the district, and was born at Leeston, in 1874. He was educated in his native place, and learned farming under the instructions of his father and uncle. Mr. Lochhead was living for four years at Piahama, in Taranaki, where his experiences were such as to induce him to return to Leeston. In 1899 he purchased a portion of the well known Lees estate, and afterwards bought the homestead block of Mr. A. R. Inwood, so that he now has about 439 acres of land of the finest quality, in the highest state of cultivation. Mr. Lochhead keeps fine strains of cattle, sheep and pigs,
Farmer “Beachcroft,” Southbridge. Mr. McMillan arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Rose of Sharon” in 1857, and devoted himself successfully to agricultural and pastoral pursuits. About 1874 he became a member of the local school committee and road board, and was for sometime chairman of these bodies. On the passing of the Counties Act in 1876, he was elected to a seat on the Selwyn County Council, and continued a member for twenty years, during eleven of which he was chairman. Mr McMillan was elected to the House of Representatives for Coleridge at the general elction in 1881, and sat for that constituency during two parliaments. He was appointed a member of the Canterbury Land Board in 1883, but resigned in 1900, on account of absence while visiting Scotland and other countries. Mr. McMillan is a member of the Canterbury Plantation Board, and was for some time a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1884. Mr. McMillan has been for many years a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was president for the year 1897. He is also a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president in 1894, and is on the Board of Governors of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, with which he was connected as a member of the Board of Advice when the College was under the control of the Canterbury College Board of Governors.
Sheepfarmer, “Fieldmont,” Southbridge. Mr. Ruddock was born in Armagh, Ireland, in 1839. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Sebastopol” in 1863. After some time spent in looking round Canterbury he received the appointment of manager of Beechcroft estate, Southbridge, for Mr. Jollie, then Provincial Secretary, with whom he remained until 1867. Mr. Ruddock then purchased his present property of 366 acres, then partly in tussock and in its wild natural state. By draining, fencing, and other improvements, Mr Ruddock soon altered the appearance of the place. Subsequently he leased two other areas of 477 and 391 acres respectively, and now carries on large operations in sheepfarming, as well as in mixed farming. He has given much attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle, and has obtained several first prizes at various shows. Mr. Ruddock was for some time a prominent and active member of the Ellesmere Road Board, but ill health has compelled him not to seek re-election. He has been a member of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a successful prize-taker in draught horses. Mr. Ruddock is a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, and a large shareholder in that institution. Mr. Ruddock was married in Ireland, and of a family of nine children, four sons and four daughters are alive.
Sheepfarmer, “Crofthead,” Southbridge. Mr. Storry is a native of Whitburn parish, Linlithgowshire, Scotland. He was born in 1821, and is the second son of Mr. James Storry, of “Northfield.” After farming for a number of years, he decided to try a colonial life, and sold his farm “East Longridge.” He came to New Zealand in 1864, in the ship “Aboukir,” and landed at Port Chalmers, but afterwards removed to Marlborough, where he passed twelve months. Mr. Storry took up the main portion of his present farm in 1865, part from the Crown and part secondhand, but all in its native state of tussock and cabbage trees. He has always carried on a mixed system of farming, growing grain and grazing a number of sheep and cattle. English Leicester rams and halfbred or crossbred ewes are in favour as the stock from which to raise fat lambs for the export trade. Mr. Storry has also a number of Polled Angus cattle, which he finds well adapted for his farm. In early days Mr. Storry took an active interest in getting a school established in the district, and the cemetery board organised, also the River Board of Conservators, and the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association; but of recent years he has not taken much part in district affairs. He has always taken an active interest in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Storry was married to Janet, third daughter of Mr. John Wilson, “Townhead,” Carluke, Lanarkshire, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer. Southbridge. Mr. Willis is the fifth son of the late Captain Willis, J. P., of “Willisden,” Southbridge, who came to New Zealand by the ship “Merope” in 1870, and died in 1897, leaving a widow, six sons and one daughter. Mr. C. H. Willis was born in the Isle of Man, and at the age of nine years accompanied his parents to New Zealand. On leaving school he entered the office of the late Mr. L. V. Desborough, a merchant engaged in very extensive operations at Southbridge, and there he remained five years. Mr. Willis then started business on his own account, and carried it on for thirteen years, when, owing to the death of his father, he had to superintend the management of the large family estate. Mr. Willis has always taken a prominent part in the public affairs of the district. He is a Justice of the Peace for New Zealand, and acting-coroner for Ellesmere. For years he has been a member of the Southbridge school committee, of which he was for five
sometime of Southbridge, was one of the pioneers of the district. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1834, and came to New Zealand in 1862. Mr. Cowan owned a coach service between Christchurch and Leeston. The business was subject to many risks, and even dangers, of which, unfortunately, Mr. Cowan had too much practical proof. On one occasion his coach was capsized in the Selwyn river, and he himself was saved only through the personal exertions of another man, named Smith, who risked his own life in the endeavour. Though thus saved from drowning, the wetting and exposure which Mr. Cowan then underwent led to an affection of the lungs, which ere long caused his death, which occurred in 1871. He was survived by Mrs Cowan, who died two years and a half later, and by three sons and two daughters. In 1891 the eldest daughter died, and in 1892 the youngest son also died, thus leaving two sons and one daughter, who became Mrs W. Lochhead.
sometime of “Mount Pleasant,” Little Rakaia, Southbridge, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1837. After his arrival in Canterbury he was for a short time engaged in farming at Kaiapoi, and later on settled at Little Rakaia, where he bought about 120 acres, to which he afterwards added, and had one of the finest farms in the district. During his lfietime Mr. Gabbie was a successful breeder of a splendid strain of pedigree Shorthorns, and also of blood, draught and hack horses, for which he obtained numerous silver cups and other prizes at the agricultural and pastoral shows. He was one of the original members of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was for years a member of the Little Rakaia school committee, of which he was chairman for several years. Mr. Gabbie was twice married and had, by his first wife, one son and three daughters, and three children were born of the second union He died in 1901, after a long illness.
sometime of “Waikewi,” Southbridge, was the son of Mr. D. Inwood, of Fendalton, and was born at Windlesham, Surrey. England, in 1840. In company with his father and brothers he came to New Zealand in 1850 by the ship “Sir George Seymour,” and was brought up to the business of flour milling. About 1864 he settled at Southbridge to assist in improving the large estate which his father had bought in that district. The property was then totally unimproved swamp, in tussock, without a house, without fences, and without roads. But with energy and perseverance, Mr. Inwood soon changed its appearance, and converted it into one of the finest blocks of land in the district. It became celebrated for its luxuriant crops, and for fattening sheep and cattle, and the land is now in the highest state of cultivation. Mr. Inwood took a keen interest in local affairs, and in the politics of the day. He was a churchwarden of the Southbridge Anglican church, with which he had been actively connected for many years. Mr. Inwood was a member of the Canterbury and Leeston Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and took numerous prizes for sheep at the various shows. He was also a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, and had in many ways helped on the prosperity of his district. Mr. Inwood was married, and had a family of three sons. He died at “Waikewi” on the 29th of January, 1903.
The township of Yaldhurst lies seven miles west of Christchurch, in the centre of an agricultural and pastoral district. Its nearest railway station is Hornby, three miles distant. The settlement was in its native state until 1860, when the late Archdeacon Wilson, having acquired the Broomfield estate, commenced to break it up. In the same year a number of settlers arrived, and the late Mr William Parish built the first house. The other settlers were Messrs Alexander Johnston, William Johnston, William Hibbert, G. F. Carpenter, John Thompson, H. F. Gray, James Sinclair, Thomas Parke, Henry Anderson, and George Hepworth. An accommodation house was started by Mr Buchanan in 1860, and some time later the first hotel was erected, and carried on by Mr John Taylor. The general average yield of wheat in the surrounding country is from twenty-five to thirty bushels, and of oats, from thirty-five to forty bushels. The township has an Anglican church, a public school, post office, and telephone bureau, a store, saddlery, blacksmith's shop, and hotel. Yaldhurst is the most central point of the Templeton road district, and is the Board's headquarters. Near Yaldhurst are the large training stables of Mr. G. G. Stead's stud farm, the birth-place and nursery of some of the best racing horses in New Zealand. Recreation grounds, comprising five acres, have recently been purchased, and the swimming baths, built by public subscription, are situated in the school grounds. Several championship matches
Road Surveyor, Yaldhurst, was born at Brigstock, Northamptonshire, England, in 1865. He was educated at his native place, and afterwards worked for a time as a blacksmith, under his uncle. In 1880 he left England in the ship “Wellington,” and arrived at Auckland on New Year's Day, 1881. A few weeks later he started with a Government survey party in the Waikato, and followed that calling through the northern districts of Auckland for a period of thirteen years. During that time he was chairman of the North Albertland Road Board, and carried on the duties of clerk gratuitously. He was also the first chairman of the Waikeke Road Board, for three years, and served on both the Tauhoa and North Albertland school committees. Owing to ill-health Mr. Clarke came to Christchurch in 1894, and followed various occupations until he became clerk of the Spreydon Road Board in 1897. Soon afterwards he accepted the position of clerk of the Templeton Road Board, and carried on the duties of both boards for nearly three years. As the work of the Templeton Board increased, it necessitated Mr. Clarke's sole attention, and he resigned the clerkship of the Spreydon Board, and has since carried on the work of the Templeton Road Board in a most efficient manner. Mr. Clarke is Secretary of the Templeton Domain Board, Secretary of the Yaldhurst Cemetery Board, and the Yaldhurst Swimming Club, and he has been a member and chairman of the Yaldhurst school committee. He is connected with the Olive Branch of Druids at Hornby. Mr. Clarke married a daughter of the late Mr. William Ward, of Auckland, who served in the Maori wars, and there is a family of two sons and four daughters.
The history of these stables dates back to the later sixties, when Mr. F. W. Delamain laid their foundation with a private stable and training track. Yaldhurst was the birthplace of “Templeton,” by “Traducer,” out of “Belle of the Isles,” bred in Canterbury, for which Mr. Delamain paid 500 guineas, which, in those days, was a big price to give for a mare. “Templeton” won the Canterbury Cup and many other important events, and he was undoubtedly one of the best horses of his day. He was afterwards sold for £650, but subsequently lost his life through injuries received from running into a cow, on the Yaldhurst track. The mare “Pungawerewere,” by “Antidote,” out of “Atlanta,” and “Miss Flat,” cut of “Mountain Nymph” (imported), were others of Mr. Delamain's best thoroughbreds, whose performances will be remembered by veteran sportsmen. In 1877 Mr. R. J. Mason, the present proprietor, commenced training for Mr. Delamain, and he continued in the same capacity for Mr. Gilligan, who purchased the property in the following year. Shortly afterwards Mr. Mason leased the stables, and in 1879 won the first Canterbury Jockey Club Welcome Stakes with “Hilarious.” He then, in partnership with the late Mr. R. H. Vallance, purchased the stables, and bred and trained such notable horses as “Pinfire,” “Lyra,” “Randwick,” “Bundoora,” “Bella,” “Turquoise,” “Salvage,” “Libeller,” “Vampire,” “Nonsense,” “Siesta,” “Billingsgate,” and many others. This successful partnership continued until it was dissolved in 1883, when Mr. Mason bought Mr. Vallance's interest. he next trained the horses owned by the late Hon. W. Robinson, one of the best of which was the New Zealand and the Dunedin Cup winner, “Vanguard,” the sire of the champion “Advance.” In 1885 Mr. Mason commenced training publicly, and also raced his own horses. One of the best of these was “Spade Guinea,” who won the New Zealand Cup, Dunedin Cup, Nelson Cup, and Auckland Easter and Autumn Handicaps, in the seasons of 1885–86–87. In the last-named year Mr. Mason sold his horses, and since that date he has trained entirely for Mr. G. G. Stead, one of the most prominent sportsmen in the Australasian colonies. Since they have been trained by Mr. Mason, Mr. Stead's horses have won £77,000. Starting with “Lochiel,” who won the New Zealand Cup, and “Maxim,” who secured the Canterbury Jockey Club Derby and the Canterbury Cup, a line of unbroken successes has been maintained by the horses trained by Mr. Mason. In 1887, over £8000 was won in stakes. Following “Maxim,” the other Canterbury Jockey Club Derby winners trained at Yaldhurst were: “Scots Grey” (1889), “Medallion” (1890), “Stepniak” (1892), “Multiform” (1897), “Altair” (1898), “Menschikoff” (1901), and “Orloff” (1902). Among some of Mr. Stead's other notable horses, trained by Mr. Mason within recent years, will be remembered: “Russley,” “Marion,” “Enid,” “Gipsy King,” “Sextant,” “Beresford,” “Mannlicher,” “Musketry,” “Mauser,” “Reynard,” “Bellicent,” “Lebel,” “Clanranald,” “Ich Dien,” “Rose Argent,” “Courtier,” “Strowan,” “Bloodshot,” “Gold Medallist,” “Motto,” “Cruciform,” “Conqueror,” “Tolstoi,” “Screw Gun,” “Ismene,” “Bombshell,” “Formosan,” “Royal Artillery,” “St. Michael,” “Siege Gun,” “King Log,” and “Machine Gun.” Visitors to Yaldhurst are impressed with the cleanliness and order that prevails, and with the manner in which the place is laid out. There are twenty-four loose boxes, floored with brick; the whole of the quadrangle is asphalted, and a large windmill supplies the water that is laid on everywhere. Adjoining the stables there are seven grazing paddocks, each with a double fence, and with rows of trees between each, and water-races flow through each paddock. Near at hand is Mr. Mason's residence, a two-storied house of fourteen rooms, surrounded by well-kept lawns and ornamental gardens. The walls of the large dining room are hung with oil paintings of horses, that have won laurels on the New Zealand turf. Yaldhurst consists of about forty acres, and is the freehold property of Mr. Mason. There is also a leasehold training ground, fitted up as a complete racecourse, with a small stand, starting machines and sheds. The circuit of the course is a mile and a furlong with grass and plough tracks, each furlong being legibly marked.
was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1853, and is a son of the late Mr. Sydney Mason, who arrived in that city in 1840. He inherited a strong love of horses, and as a youth gained some valuable experience under a veterinary surgeon. He commenced riding, when a lad, and won his first race at the Hutt, in 1866, wards he rode the horses of Mr. Hugh Stafford, of Nelson, for three years. In 1873 Mr. Mason rode “Papapa,” when he won the Canterbury Jockey Club Derby. He trained and rode “Lurline” in the first Dunedin Cup, and trained “Atlantic,” the winner of the first
Coldock Farm, Yaldhurst. Mr. Anderson is the second son of Mr. Henry Anderson, now of Prebbleton, who, in the eariy days of the settlement, purchased some Government land, and afterwards increased his holding to its present area, 222 acres. The homestead, surrounded by a well laid out garden and orchard, was made when there were few other buildings in the district. All the land, which is of first-class quality, has been brought under cultivation, and yields an average return of from forty to forty-five bushels of wheat, and up to seventy bushels of oats per acre. The farm has been worked on the most modern principles, to which the numerous substantial and well-equipped outbuildings bear ample testimony. Mr. John D. Anderson, who has farmed the property within recent years, was born at the homestead. He was educated in the Yaldhurst district, and afterwards trained to agriculture by his father. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Farmers' Union, and he has been for several years a member of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.
Farmer, Yaldhurst. Mr. Carpenter was born in Essex, England, in 1841. He arrived at Lyttelton in January, 1860, by the ship “Roman Emperor,” and, with his brother, cropped the land at Christchurch, now known as Lancaster Park. He was also engaged on contract work, and helped to form several of the streets in Christchurch. In 1860 Mr. Carpenter took up fifty acres at Yaldhurst, where he settled in 1863, and afterwards bought Mr. Joseph Rosewarne's property, and other holdings. Mr. Carpenter was a member of the Templeton Road Board for thirty years, and was for part of that time its chairman; he has been a member of the Domain Board since its inception, and is now (1903) chairman. He is also chairman of the Cemetery Board, member of the Waimakariri River Board, and for fifteen years he served on the local school committee. Mr. Carpenter has been twice married; first, to a sister of Mr. Stephen Chapman, of Willowby, and afterwards to a daughter of the late Mr. John Griffiths, who arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” in 1870. There is a family of two sons and five daughters by the second wife.
Farmer, Yaldhurst. Mr. Guy was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1857, and was brought by his parents to Lyttelton in 1862, in the ship “Queen of the Mersey.” After residing at St. Albans for three years, the father, the late Mr. Matthew Guy, took up land at Templetor., which he farmed up to the time of his death in 1886. Mr. W. J. Guy was trained on his father's farm, which he worked in conjunction with his brother Thomas for a number of years, and also engaged in contracting. About 1882 he took up his present property of 180 acres of good agricultural land, now worth £25 per acre. Since 1895 Mr. Guy has been a member of the Templeton Road Board, and for two years was chairman. He served for about eighteen years as member and chairman of the Yaldhurst school committee; he has been a member of the Templeton Domain Board for several years, and is also a member of the Riccarton Licensing Committee. Mr. Guy has been Secretary of the Templeton Foresters' Lodge, and is now a member of the Hornby Orange Lodge. He was married, in 1877, to Miss Alice Clark, and has a family of four sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Yaldhurst. Mr. Jackson was born near Hull, Yorkshire, England, in 1861. He was brought up as a farmer at Home, and in 1883 came out to New Zealand, via Australia, in the Orient liner “Liguria.” For about fifteen months he resided at New Brighton, where he was employed by his brother. He then removed to Yaldhurst, and took up his present farm, which comprises eighty-eight acres of freehold land, and twenty acres of leasehold. The whole area has been cultivated, and gives an average return of about thirty bushels of wheat, and from forty to fifty bushels of oats to the acre. Mr. Jackson married a daughter of Mr. Charles Gilberthorpe, an old colonist of Hornby, and has a family of two sons and two daughters.
Fernleigh Farm, Yaldhurst. Mr. Johnston is one of the early settlers of the district. He was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and studied farming in the Old Country. Mr. Johnston arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Mystery,” and landed at Lyttelton in 1859. A year later he went, with his father, to Yaldhurst, where they took up land. For about three years Mr. Johnston, senior, worked at Mr. John Anderson's
Farmer, Yaldhurst. Mr. Percy has a property of 106 acres of good agricultural land, which was formerly owned by Mr. E. Bowes. It has all been under crop, and produces good average yields. Mr. Percy, who carries on mixed farming, gained his experience on Sir John Hall's estate, at Hororata, where he remained up till 1900, when he went to Ashburton, and gained further experience. In August, 1902, he took over his present farm. Mr. Percy was born in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1866, and, at the age of ten years, arrived with his parents in New Zealand. He is married to a daughter of Mr. R. Roper, of Halkett.
of Yaldhurst, was born at Coventry, Warwickshire, England, in 1829. With his father, Mr. William Jabez Hall, he obtained, under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, a free passage in the ship “London,” and arrived in Wellington on the 1st of May, 1842. At that time no roads had been formed, the colonists were without agricultural implements, no employment was obtainable, and the nearest bank was the Bank of Australasia in Sydney. At first Mr. Hall's family went into the Company's crowded depot on Thorndon Flat, where they suffered many discomforts. On removing to Wadestown, they had to give six shillings a week for a house, the roof of which let in the sunshine and the rain. They started sawing in the bush, but finding this unprofitable, they leased a piece of land from Captain Daniels, at a peppercorn rent for fourteen years. When almost face to face with absolute starvation, they were helped by Colonel Wakefield and other kind friends. At the same time Mr. Hall, senior, became seriously ill, but was pulled through by Dr. Featherston. The boys cleared the bush, sowed wheat by hand, and also put in potatoes and turnips. While doing this they worked so late that they had to use firebrands to light them on their way home. A change for the better appeared when they were offered employment on a vessel in the stocks at Wellington; she was called the “Indemnity,” and was owned by Mr. Matheson. At this time a fire burned down the greater part of Wellington, and there was trouble with the Maoris. In this connection Mr. William Hall enlisted under Sir Charles Clifford, and, with six others, volunteered to go to Johnsonville. The volunteers were supplied with old muskets, and sixty rounds of ball cartridge. For three days and nights they were camped in a hut, awaiting the attack of the Maoris, and during that time they were entirely without provisions. Reinforcements arrived just in time to save them. After that the father and son worked in erecting a flour mill, for a joint wage of £2 a week; the legal tender was then known as “shin plasters,” and the Government's debentures of £1. The Halls also engaged in road making, but the New Zealand Company paid them for only half time. A severe earthquake having levelled every building in Wellington, the Hall family returned to the bush, and gathered in their first crop, which amounted in all to 100 bushels of wheat. This they had to carry on their backs to town. Mr. W. Hall then engaged in building a sawmill for Mr. Joseph Early, and was offered constant employment at from 2s 6d to 3s a day. On the strength of this engagement he got married. He afterwards removed to the Hutt, where he started a wheelwright's business, in conjunction with his brother Joseph, and also engaged in house building. This they carried on for over seven years, when the district experienced a flood, which resulted in the loss of several lives. Mr. Hall then removed to Canterbury, and was employed at Kaiapoi as a wheel-wright for seven years. In 1860 he settled at Yaldhurst, and with his brother-in-law, took up fifty acres of Government land, which he has since increased to 200 acres. He worked at his trade until the place was paid for and erected flax mills at Tai Tapu and Selwyn. Mr. Hall was a member of the first Yaldhurst school committee. He was brought up as a Wesleyan, but since the erection of the barracks in Christchurch, he has been a strong supporter of the Salvation Army. Mr. Hall married Miss Elizabeth Dodge, who arrived in Wellington in 1841, and there is a family of five sons and one daughter.
of Yaldhurst, is a native of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, where he was born in 1837, and where he was educated, and brought up to farming. In 1863 Mr. Franks came to New Zealand, by the ship “David G. Fleming,” and landed at Lyttelton. He followed farming near the Sunnyside Asylum, and also at Shand's Track for a short time, when he removed to West Melton, where he took up land, and carried on farming and contracting and also a large steam threshing plant for ten years. On returning to Christchurch, he resided there for three years. In 1878 Mr. Franks went to Yaldhurst, and took over the Talbot Hotel, which was established by Mr. John Taylor about 1866. He has ever since successfully carried on this business. Mr. Franks has served on the Templeton Road Board, and for several years on the local school committees at West Melton and Yaldhurst. At the former place he gave an acre of ground, on which the school was built. As a Freemason Mr Franks was initiated in Lodge Robert Burns, No. 604 S.C., of which he is still a member. Mr. Franks was married before leaving England, to Miss Mary E. Thurlow, of the East Riding, of Yorkshire, and they have a surviving family of five sons and three daughters. The eldest son served in the war in South Africa, as veterinary-lieutenant of the 9th New Zealand Contingent.
was one of the first settlers at Yaldhurst, and was afterwards, for many years, in the Tai Tapu district. He was born in Caithness, Scotland, in 1836, and was trained to a farming life on the Dunbeath estate, of which his father was the manager for half a century. In 1858 he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Indiana,” and worked in the bush at Ohoka for three months. He was then engaged by Archdeacon Wilson, on his farm at Heathcote, and in 1859 went to Yaldhurst, and worked on the Broomfield estate for a year. Mr. Sinclair joined in the “rush” to the Otago goldfields, and was at Gabriel's Gully for a year. On returning to
is on the main south line, about seven miles from Christchurch. The Christchurch Meat Company has works at Islington, which has, in consequence of that fact, moved ahead rapidly as a settlement within recent years. It now (1903) has a population of about 300 persons, and there is a steady increase in that respect. Many of the residents are employed directly or indirectly in connection with the meat factory. The Islington works cover several acres of land; they are amongst the largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and give employment to about two hundred men. About two miles from the works, on the main road between Islington and Templeton, there is the nucleus of a township, with a large State school, a post and telegraph office, and a hotel.
(the Christchurch Meat Company, proprietor), Islington. It may be said that the frozen meat industry in New Zealand was begun late in 1881 and early in 1882. The first shipment left Port Chalmers on the 15th of February, 1882, in the Shaw, Savill Company's ship “Dunedin,” and the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, under the auspices of its general manager, Mr. Thomas Brydone, was the shipper. The success of the shipment led to the establishment of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company at Dunedin, and of the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Company at Christchurch. Other companies were afterwards established, and the progress of the industry has been such, that the total value of the products of meat freezing, and preserving and boiling down works increased from £543,878 in 1885 to £3,834,891 in 1900. Canterbury stands at the head of this great industry, on account of the superior quality of its meat, which commands the highest price in the Home market. The Christchurch Meat Company, which has helped in a large measure to develop the industry, started in 1889, and its promoters, seeing the possibilities connected with by-products, devoted special attention to this branch, with the result that the company now annually turns out about four thousand tons of manures and fertilisers, manufactured from the offal, viscera and blood. Another most important branch of the business is in the manufacture of table delicacies and tinned meats, such as sheeps' tongues, corned, boiled, roasted, spiced and curried mutton, with the same varieties of beef, lambs' feet, liver and bacon, brawn, potted head, meat extract and stock for soups. The buildings at Islington, about eight miles south of Christchurch, on the main south line, cover five acres of ground, and have a freezing and killing capacity of 10,000 sheep per diem, and a storage capacity for 140,000 carcases of frozen mutton and lamb. Over 500 persons are employed at the works, and the various departments are presided over by thoroughly experienced and competent men. The whole of the buildings are lighted with electric light, and there is telephonic communication throughout the various departments. The engines in use are of the very latest design. There is a splendid system of hydrants throughout the building, with an unlimited supply of water; and there is also a fine ice plant capable of manufacturing five tons of crystal ice per day, from pure artesian water, obtained at a depth of 100 feet, and carefully purified previous to freezing. This ice is sold at a nominal price to the shipping, the households and hotels in Lyttelton, Christchurch, and throughout Canterbury. The Christchurch Meat Company is further referred to at page 79 of the general introduction to this volume, and also at page 325 in the section devoted to the meat trade. At its works at Islington, Smithfield and Picton the company put through 1,305,132 head of stock in the year 1902.
Manager at Islington of the Christchurch Meat Company's freezing works, was born in the county of London-derry, Ireland, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Waitangi” in 1876. After his arrival he was employed for about nine months with Mr. J. Sharp, a leading farmer at Landbrooks. He was with Mr. Thorne and afterwards with Mr. Freeman, fellmongers, at Woolston, for about two years, when he entered the service of the Prevision and Produce Company, at Belfast, where he remained until he joined the staff of the Christchurch Meat Company in 1889. Mr. Leslie entered the Company's service as a foreman, but his energy and practical knowledge led to his receiving promotion to his present important and responsible position, in 1894. In 1900 Mr. Leslie took a trip Home, where he visited all the
Chief Engineer of the Christchurch Meat Company's Islington Freezing Works, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, and learned engineering with the firm of Munroe and Co., of Arbroath, and at Palmer and Co.'s ship building and engineering works at Jarrow-on-Tyne, two leading engineering firms in Great Britain in their own particular lines of business. After considerable experience in his profession in some of the large engineering workshops in England, Scotland, and Ireland, Mr. Watson came to New Zealand by the ship “Janet Court” in 1874, when he entered the service of Messrs A. and T. Burt, engineers, Dunedin. He remained in that firm's employment for some time, and then went to Australia to gain further experience. While thus engaged he worked for about three years in New South Wales and Queensland, most of the time with the Government of the latter colony. Having accepted an engagement in the Government railway workshops in Tasmania he remained in that country for some time, and returned to New Zealand in 1880. After a short engagement with a firm in Timaru he went into business on his own account as an engineer and contractor, and, amongst other work, carried out several important contracts for the Timaru Borough Council on their water supply scheme. On the initiation of the South Canterbury Refrigerating Company, he was engaged by that company to prospect for water on its property, and remained in its employment and that of the Christchurch Meat Company there, until 1900, when he was appointed to his present position. As a Freemason Mr. Watson is a member of Lodge Caledonian, Timaru. He is married, and has a family of three children.
is a large agricultural district on the Canterbury Plains. The township so named is nine miles southwest from Christchurch, on the main south railway line, and was named after Mr E. M. Temple, who owned a large run in the district. About 1860 several settlers arrived, and took up land. Amongst these were Messrs Charles Jeffs, Stephen Barter, George Marsh, William Rogers, James Rogers, E. Blake, John Marshall, John Maddison, and William Tosswill. A few thatched sod whares were the first habitations, and these often suffered considerable damage from the fierce nor'-westers which swept over the plains, with nothing to check their fury. In the winter time heavy dense mists invariably covered the plains for several hours each morning. Since the country has been cultivated, and large clumps of trees planted all over the district, the climate has changed decidedly for the better. The affairs of the district are governed by the Templeton Road Board, which has 33,000 acres under its control, of which 7,500 acres is sheep-grazing country, principally old riverbeds. The Board, established in 1864, held its first meetings at the George and Dragon—now the Islington Arms—Hotel. The offices were afterwards removed to Yaldhurst. The present members of the Board are Messrs G. Witty, M.H.R. (chairman), W. H. Manhire, W. Bailey, W. J. Guy, and W. Davies. Mr. F. J. Clarke is the Board's secretary. The Templeton domain is a large plot of ground, situated almost midway between Templeton and Yaldhurst, and there is another public reserve in the township. The Anglican church, which is served from Prebbleton, possesses a handsome building, capable of seating 140 worshippers. There is also a Methodist church. Templeton also has a public school, public library, roller flour mills, two bakeries, two stores, and a blacksmith's shop. The Christchurch Meat Company's extensive freezing works are situated in the old riverbed, adjoining Templeton. There is a post and telepraph office at the railway station, and, in addition to the railway service, there is a daily coach which plies between Templeton and Christchurch.
is situated in the centre of the township, within spacious grounds, on which stand also the public library, and the schoolmaster's residence. It is built of wood, and contains two lofty and well lighted rooms. There is a headmaster and an assistant mistress, and the number of scholars on the roll is ninety-five,
Headmaster of the Templeton school, was appointed to his present position in July, 1898. He is a native of Victoria, and came to New Zealand at an early age. Mr. Sinclair has been successively master at Livingstone (Otago), Otaio (South Canterbury), the public school at Burnham, and at West Melton.
(R. T. Day, proprietor), Templeton. This commodious hotel stands immediately opposite the Templeton railway station. The building is of two stories and the bedrooms are lofty and well furnished. A first-class table is kept, and every attention is paid to visitors. The tariff is exceedingly moderate, and there is ample stable accommodation. Situated on the main south road, nine miles west from Christchurch, in the centre of an agricultural village, the Templeton Hotel is a favourite place of call for travellers and visitors. The road from Christchurch is good, and a pleasant drive, or bicycle ride, through Riccarton, Sockburn, and Hornby, brings the visitor to Templton, whence the return journey may be made, either via Prebbleton and Halswell, or through Yaldhurst and Fendalton. Mr. Day is ably assisted in his duties by Mrs Day, who studies the comfort of her guests.
who took over the Templeton Hotel in May, 1902, was born in Okain's Bay, where his father was an old colonist. Mr. Day is well known throughout the province as a rider and owner of trotting horses. He owned “Gazelle,” “Hassan,” “Lady May,” “Millionaire,” “Tarawera,” and “Impulse.” Mr. Day rode “Impulse” to victory in the Trial Handicap, at Plumpton Park, in 1902. He also rode “Wenlock” when he won the Spring Handicap, at the New Zealand Metropolitan Meeting, in 1900. For the season 1901–2 he headed the list of winning riders in Canterbury, and he also won the largest amount of prize money.
General Storekeeper, Templeton. Mr. Kissell has taken an active interest in the welfare of Templeton, and ever since his arrival in the district has served on the school committee, of which he is now (1903) chairman. He has also been chairman of the library committee for several years. Mr. Kissell married a daughter of the late Mr. A. Sutherland, of Upper Riccarton, and has a family of three sons.
Farmer, Templeton. Mr. Bailey, who has resided at Templeton for about forty years, is a son of Mr. Samuel Bailey, who is elsewhere referred to as an old colonist. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1854, and, at an early age, came out to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Brothers' Pride,' landing at Lyttelton in 1863. He was brought up to farming on his father's estate, at Templeton, and has since farmed in the same district with much success. Mr. Bailey now owns and resides at the Spring Top Farm. This valuable property, which comprises about 1150 acres was originally part of Mr. Samuel Bealey's estate. It is all agricultural land, and, although of a somewhat light nature, yields an average of thirty bushels of wheat and forty of oats to the acre. Since 1893 Mr. Bailey has been a member of the Templeton Road Board, of which he was chairman for two years, and he has been a member of the Domain Board since 1895. For five years he served on the Templeton school committee, and he is a director of the Midland Saleyards Company, and of the Broadfields Shearing Shed Company, and a member of the Farmers' Union. Mr. Bailey joined the Canterbury Mounted Rifles as a trooper in 1895, served some years as quarter-master sergeant, and is now lieutenant quarter-master in the 1st Battalion, North Canterbury Rifles. For about five years he acted in the capacity of county valuer for the Commercial Union Insurance Company. Mr. Bailey married a daughter of the late Mr. Gilbert Mayo, sometime master of the Templeton school, and has a family of four sons and three daughters.
Plumpton Park Farm, Templeton. Mr. Mangin took up this property in July, 1901. The farm, which comprises 200 acres, was the original Plumpton Park racecourse, and the present stables were formerly part of the grandstand. All the land has been put under crop, and yields an average return of about twenty-five bushels of oats to the acre. Mr. G. A. Mangin, the proprietor, is a son of the late Mr. George Mangin, an old colonist of Templeton. He was born at Prebbleton in 1868, but gained most of his farming knowledge at Greendale, where he first started on his own account. In 1894 he removed to Yaldhurst, and took up land there with his brother, working under the style of Mangin Bros. Mr. Mangin is a member of the Templeton Road Board and the Yaldhurst school committee. As an Orangeman he is connected with the St. Albans' Lodge, Christchurch.
Farmer, Templeton. Mr. Maginness is the eldest son of Mr. John Maginness. He was born at Templeton, in 1868, and was brought up on his father's farm. Of late years he has taken
Farmer, Templeton. Mr. Phillips was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1844, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1850, with his father, the late Mr Henry Phillips, by the “Sir George Seymour,” one of the first four ships. After about two years in Christchurch Mr. Phillips, senior, took up a run at Selwyn, and he afterwards purchased the Rockwood estate, at Malvern Hills, where he resided up to the time of his death in 1877. Mr. G. S. Phillips was educated at Christ's College, under the late Dean Jacobs, and was afterwards trained to a pastoral life on his father's run. He started on his own account at Dunsandel, and, about 1878, removed to Templeton, where his farm, comprising 183 acres, yields on an average, thirty-five bushels of wheat, and forty of oats to the acre. Mr. Phillips married a daughter of the late Mr. George Ffitch, an old colonist of Templeton, and has a family of one son and three daughters.
of Barton Farm, Templeton, was born in 1829, in Gloucestershire, England, and, accompanied by his wife and six children, came to New Zealand by the ship “Brothers' Pride.” Shortly after his arrival he removed to Templeton and started a blacksmith's shop, where he did a lucrative business for some years. He bought land in the district, and carried on farming in conjunction with his trade. After some years he relinquished the blacksmithing business, and devoted his increased attention to farming. Mr. Bailey imported three steam threshing machines, with which he carried on a flourishing business, and afterwards added a combine, the first made by J. Anderson and Co., of the Canterbury Foundry. After years of hard work and great prosperity, he now lives a life of ease on his handsome homestead at Templeton, where he still, for the sake of health and pastime, interests himself in his farm. Mr. Bailey was a member of the Templeton school committee for thirty years, for twenty-five of which he was continuously chairman. He was also a member of the Templeton Road Board for twenty-eight years, and for fourteen years its chairman, and only retired through failing health. Mr. Bailey was one of the directors of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association from its inception, and also of the New Zealand Farmers' Fire and Marine Association, and has held various other offices as a churchwarden and synodsman. Mr. and Mrs Bailey celebrated their golden wedding on the 5th of November, 1901, and have, living, a family of eight sons and one daughter, forty-one grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
one of the early settlers at Templeton, was born at Salisbury, England, in 1827. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Rochampton,” in 1858, and resided there, and at Christchurch, for a few months. Mr Barter then bought and settled on 101 acres of Government land at Templeton. It was tussock land, then in its native state, and he broke it up and fenced it, and planted all the trees on his property. Mr. Barter farmed the land successfully for many years, but it is now let to a tenant. He, however, still occupies the homestead, where he resides with Mrs Barter, whom he married before leaving the Old Country. For several years Mr. Barter was a member of the Templeton Road Board, and he also served on the Templeton school committee.
of Templeton, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1833. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Matoaka,” on the 4th of July, 1863, and a week later came on the Christchurch, where he remained for two years. He then removed to Templeton, where he took up fifty acres of Government land, and afterwards increased his holding to 150 acres. Mr. Maginness served three years on the Templeton Road Board, and was a member of the Broadfield school committee for about ten years. He was married in New Zealand to a lady whom he knew in the Old Country, and who arrived in 1864, by the ship “Indian Empire.” There is a family of five sons and three daughters.
The Weedons district lies to the west of Templeton, which it adjoins, and is thirteen miles south-west from Christchurch. In the early days of the province an accommodation house was built on the Main South road, at Weedons, by a Mr. Main, and was subsequently taken over by Mr. Weedons, after whom the district is named. This house was the first stopping place from Christchurch for Cobb and Co.'s line of coaches, but after the railway was opened the license was transferred to Rolleston. All the land was originally part of a large sheep run, owned by Messrs J. E. Fitzgerald and C. P. Cox; the former gentleman will be remembered as the first Superintendent of Canterbury. The first dwellinghouse at Weedons was built, in the early sixties, by Mr. J. J. McClelland, the pioneer settler of the district. The quality of the land is rather light, but there are several large holdings of good agricultural land, which yield very fair crops. Weedons possesses a large domain, a Wesleyan church, and a public school. The post office is at the railway station, and the nearest telegraph office is at Rolleston.
“Bloomfields” (R. Geddis, senior, proprietor), Weedons. This property is situated within a mile of the Weedons railway station, an consists of 400 acres of fertile agricultural and pastoral land. It passed into
was born in Christchurch in 1871, and is the second son of Mr. Robert Geddis, of the firm of Collie Brothers and Geddis. He gained his early education first at the Normal School, and then at private and public schools. Mr. Geddis subsequently farmed at Lincoln, and lived for a short time at Fendalton. In 1889 he removed with his parents, to “Bloomfields,” Weedons, and in 1895 took over the management of the estate, in conjunction with his brother. Mr. Geddis was married, in 1901, to Miss Galletly, youngest daughter of the late Peter Galletly, of Templeton.
Strathfillan Farm, Weedons. Mr. Gilmour is a native of Scotland, and was born near Glasgow in 1845. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1865, by the ship “William Miles,” and worked on a farm at Addington for a year, after which he assisted in erecting the telegraph line to the West Coast. Mr. Gilmour afterwards worked for Mr. John Rennie, at Doyleston, and for Mr. Job Osborne, and then purchased, in the same district, a farm of 145 acres, which he still possesses. He also farmed at Longbeach on his own account, for twelve years, when he sold out and removed to Weedons, and took over Strathfillan Farm, a property of 200 acres, all of which is good agricultural land. Mr. Gilmour has studied cattle breeding with success, and is the owner of the cow “Nellie Saunders,” a blend of Shorthorn and Ayrshire, with the best strains for milking qualities on both sides. She is the dam of “Rosie,” who won the first and special prizes at the Canterbury Agricultural and pastoral Show in 1902. “Rosie” holds the world's record for milking qualities. For twenty-four hours at the show she yielded 53 3/4 lbs of milk, which yielded 4lbs 3ozs of butter. During the five months she was in milk she gave 7,647lbs of milk, which yielded 465lb of butter. The “Canterbury Times,” of the 19th of November, 1902, in referring to her, says: “Mr. Gilmour's cow (‘Rosie’) is an extraordinary animal, and there is probably no other cow that could reach the record it established. For five months it has yielded a return of £1 a week. It is a brown cow, four years of age, by a Longbeach Shorthorn. Its dam (‘Nellie Saunders’) a famous Ayrshire cow, was imported by Mr. Alfred Saunders.” Mr. Gilmour has been chairman of the Weedons school committee, and at Longbeach he was a member of the Road Board and the local school committee. He was also treasurer of the Presbyterian church, at Flemington, and on his leaving that district he was presented with an illuminated address. Mr. Gilmour married a daughter of the late Mr. David Marshall, of Leeston, and has a family of two sons and two daughters.
Clarenda Farm, Weedens. Mr. Manion is a native of County Galway, Ireland, where he was brought up to farming. In 1862 he arrived in Brisbane, Queensland, by the ship “Theresa,” and four years later came to New Zealand. For eight years Mr. Manion worked on Mr. Grigg's celebrated estate at Longbeach, after which he removed to Weedons, and entered on his present property, which was originally taken up by Mr. J. J. McClelland. Clarenda Farm comprises 310 acres, in addition to which Mr. Manion has also twenty acres at Rolleston, and 232 acres at West Melton. He works all his properties in conjunction. Mr. Manion is a member of the Weedons Domain Board, and served on the local school committee for some years. He was married in Christchurch, and has a family of two sons and three daughters.
Carberry Farm, Weedons. Mr. Sandrey is a well-known colonist of over forty years' standing, and was born at Bude, Cornwall, England, in 1843. He was trained to agriculture on his father's farm in Devonshire, but left England for New Zealand, by the ship “Sebastopol,” and arrived at Lyttelton in 1861. His first experience of colonial life was in carting supplies from the wharf at Woolston to Christchurch; eighteen months later he became a partner in the firm of Barrett, Comer and Co., carriers, and worked as such for three years. In 1865 Mr. Sandrey commenced farming on the Lincoln Road, and five years afterwards took up land at Leeston. He also carried on road contracting for a number of years in conjunction with his farming, and made many of the principal roads in the Lincoln, Springston, and Ellesmere districts. Mr. Sandrey also conducted a carrying business between Southbridge and Christchurch, before the Southbridge branch of the railway was opened up, and had a five-horse waggon travelling twice weekly between the two places. During the twenty-six years he resided at Leeston he took a most active interest in every matter pertaining to the welfare of the district. He was chairman of the Leeston school committee for eighteen years, was School Commissioner for a time, and displayed an active interest in the building and extension of the Anglican church, of which he was churchwarden and vestryman for many years. He has taken a great interest in breeding draught entires, and introduced the first draught entires in the Ellesmere district. He also took an active part in promoting the Ellesmere agricultural and pastoral show, of which he was a staunch supporter. On his family's account Mr. Sandrey
the pioneer settler of Weedons, is an Irishman by birth and ancestry. He was born in 1830, near the city of Armagh, where he inherited considerable property. As a young man Mr. McClelland joined the Irish militia, and he afterwards entered the service of the Imperial army, and was stationed at Malta for about two years. On returning to Ireland, he took up his residence in Dublin, where he remained until 1862, when he came to New Zealand, in the ship “Kinnaird,” and landed at Auckland. Mr. McClelland remained in Auckland a few months, and then visited, in turn, Wellington, Nelson, Picton and Canterbury. Being satisfied with the prospects of Canterbury, he took up between 500 and 600 acres of Government land at Weedons, and a sheep run of 1000 acres. Mr. McClelland built the two first dwellinghouses in the district. He resided on his property for three years, and then let it for ten years, and went to Kaiapoi, where he remained three years and then lived in Christchurch until the expiration of his tenant's lease. He then returned to Weedons, and worked his property for three or four years, but again let it, and since then he has lived in retirement in Christchurch. Mr. McClelland was a member of the first Courtenay Road Board, and, at Weedons, he served on the committee of the Presbyterian church. He presented the Education Board with the land on which the Weedons public school is built.
is fourteen miles west from Christchurch, whence it is reached through Riccarton and Yaldhurst. The nearest railway station is Weedons, four miles distant. West Melton is a large tract of agricultural and pastoral country. Though the land is generally of a rather light quality, a return of thirty bushels of oats, and twenty of wheat to the acre is usually obtained, and sometimes there are still better results. Rape and turnips are grown extensively, and large numbers of sheep are raised and fattened. It was about the year 1864 that the first settlers arrived at West Melton. Among them were Messrs John Hill, A. C. Truscott, Louis Coutts, C. Newton, John Jones, E. Vaughan, A. Sanderson, H. Trickett, and H. T. Shepherd. Mr. Trickett named the district. The township has an Anglican and a Wesleyan church, a public school, hotel, store, and a blacksmith's shop. Monthly sales, which are well attended, are held in the yards of the West Melton Saleyards Company. West Melton has a tennis, cricket, and also an athletic and cycling club, which is affiliated with the League of New Zealand Wheelmen. A public library, which adjoins the public school, contains about 800 well chosen volumes.
senior, Farmer, West Melton. Mr. Bourke's farm was formerly owned by Mr. George Witty, M.H.R. It consists of 120 acres of good agricultural land, which has been successfully cultivated, and has produced yields of from thirty to seventy bushels of oats, and thirty-five bushels of wheat to the acre. Turnips and rape are also grown for fattening sheep, and Mr. Bourke has devoted some attention to the breeding and raising of pigs. Mr. Bourke was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1836. He arrived at Port Chalmers, by the ship “Otago,” in 1874, and shortly afterwards, on the opening of the Manuka Creek school, between Milton and Lawrence, was appointed its headmaster. Mr. Bourke was appointed to a similar position, on the opening of the Government school, at Seacliff. Subsequently he took charge of the school at Hunter, South Canterbury, for a short time and was transferred thence to the West Melton school. It was then that Mr. Bourke bought his present property, which he let to a tenant, for a term of ten years. Mr. Bourke afterwards removed to Tananaki, where he opened the school at Tarata. In 1896, on the expiration of his tenant's lease at West Melton, he returned to Canterbury, and took over his property.
junior, Farmer, West Melton. Mr. Bourke is the son of Mr. Martin Bourke. He was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1871, and came to the colony with his parents. While the family were in Tananaki he was engaged in commercial purusits at New Plymouth. He returned to West Melton with his father, and has since then managed the affairs of the farm. In the social life of West Welton Mr. Bourke takes a prominent part. He is secretary of the Athletic Sports and Cycling Club, and is also secretary and librarian of the public library. In order to promote concerts and entertainments at West Melton Mr. Bourke formed a small syndicate some time ago, and bought a piano, for the use of which a nominal fee is charged.
Farmer, West Melton. Mr. Hill was one of the first settlers at West Melton. He was born in Devonshire, England, in 1836. After being educated at South Melton, and at Minehead, in Somersetshire, he came out to New Zealand with his brother, under the charge of Mr. Guise Brittan, in the “Sir George Seymour,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1850. The brothers had purchased
(J. W. Walker and C. E. Walker, proprietors), West Melton. This farm consists of 774 acres of good agricultural land, and is devoted to mixed farming by the owners, who are sons of its first proprietor, the late Mr. William Walker.
Senior Partner of Rose Villa Farm, and eldest son of the late Mr. William Walker, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1852. He came out with his parents to Lyttelton, where he was brought up and educated. Mr. Walker gained his farming experience at West Melton, and was afterwards in business in Christchurch, as a boot manufacturer, for about eight years. On the death of his father he returned to West Melton, and took over the property, in conjunction with his brother. Mr. Walker was a member of the first cadet corps in Lyttelton, and afterwards of the Lyttelton Artillery. He has been a lieutenant of the Waimakariri Mounted Rifles since the formation of the corps. Mr. Walker was chairman of the West Melton school committee for seven years, and he has been associated with the Orders of the Oddfellows and Druids. He married a daughter of Mr. Murich Meynell, of Christchurch, and has a family of four sons and four daughters.
Junior Partner of Rose Villa Farm, was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, in 1857, and arrived in New Zealand with his parents during that year. He was brought up on his father's farm, but afterwards started business at West Melton as a storekeeper, and eleven years later joined his brother on the farm. Mr. Walker has served on the West Melton school committee, and holds the rank of quarter-master sergeant in the Waimakariri Mounted Rifles. He married a daughter of Mr. F. H. Trickett, an old resident of West Melton, and has a family of two sons.
Farmer, West Melton. Mr. Searle was born in Cornwall, England, in 1854, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in New Zealand, in 1875, and worked for a year at Waikari, on the Allandale estate, and for a similar period at Dunsandel, on Mr. Hyman Marks' property. Mr. Searle then engaged in cropping, threshing, and contracting, first at Highbank, and later at Rakaia, and on Sir John Hall's estate at Hororata. He next went to West Melton, and leased a farm of 105 acres, which he afterwards purchased, and has since increased his freehold area to 333 acres. The land is of good quality, and has been successfully worked. Mr. Searle also owns another farm of 150 acres at Russell's Flat, and works it in conjunction with his West Melton property. Of late years he has turned his attention to dealing in sheep and cattle, and is a familiar figure at the Addington and other saleyards. Mr. Searle helped to promote the West Melton Saleyards Company, and has from the first been on the directorate. He was married, in the Old Country, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Webb, of his native place. Mrs Searle accompanied her husband to the colony, and has shared in his many vicissitudes. They have a surviving family of four sons and seven daughters, and three grandchildren.
Farmer, “Salop Downs,” West Melton. Mr. Squire was born in Cornwall, England, in 1863, and came out to New Zealand in 1877, by the ship “Waitangi,” He first went to Timaru and devoted himself to farming with his brother. After a year or two he started contracting, and in 1885 took a farm at Gapes' Valley. He sold out in 1897, and in February, 1898,bought 750 acres at West Melton. While at Gapes' Valley Mr. Squire was for many years on the school committee. He married Miss Bowcher, grand-daughter of Mr. William Gapes, of Gapes' Valley, and has two children.
Farmer, Melton Hills Farm, West Melton. Mr. Watson is a son of an early settler, Mr. William Morgan Watson, who arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Cashmere,” in 1855. Mr. Watson, senior, was with Mr. Bray, at Avonhead, for a year or two, after which he settled at Spreydon, where he farmed for a number of years. For the last ten years of his life he lived in retirement at Fendalton, and took an active interest in
was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1813. He came out to New Zealand in 1857, by the ship “Zealandia,” and landed at Lyttelton, where, shortly afterwards, he started in business as a bootmaker. Mr. Walker successfully carried on his trade until 1870, when his property was destroyed by the great fire of Lyttelton. Thereupon he removed to West Melton, where he had previously bought land, and resided on his property, Rose Villa Farm, up to the date of his death in 1893. While residing in Lyttelton Mr. Walker was captain of the Lyttelton Volunteer Artillery for some years, and he also served on the Lyttelton Borough Council. He left a family of four sons and three daughters.
is named after the late Hon. William Rolleston, the last Superintendent of Canterbury. It was originally part of Messrs Fitzgerald and Cox's sheep run, and was cut up for settlement in the early sixties. Among the first colonists at Rolleston were Messrs Levi Lowe, senior, Henry Trott, John McIlroy, Robert McIlroy, John Kelly, John Crowe, Michael Lysaght, W. P. H. Benny, R. Golloway, and Isaac Walker. Rolleston is situated on the main south railway line, fourteen miles south-west from Christchurch, and is the junction of the Springfield and Whitecliffs branch lines. The main south road, over which there is considerable traffic, runs through the district. There is a hotel opposite the railway station, a public school, and a blacksmith's shop; public saleyards and homesteads are scattered over the plains. All the land, which is of a somewhat light nature, has been put under crop, and returns an average yield of between thirty and forty bushels of oats to the acre, and from twenty to thirty bushels of wheat. Large clumps and plantations of trees have done much to modify the violence of the nor'-west gales, which were formerly very destructive. Rolleston is partly in the Courtenay road board district, and partly in the Springs road board district.
was erected in June, 1893, and is a substantial wooden building, well-lighted and lofty. It stands in a spacious playground, in one corner of which is the schoolmaster's residence. There are forty-six scholars on the roll. The school committee consists of Messrs John Ellis (chairman), N. Newton, W. Payne, J. W. Halliday, J. Kelly, T. Harris, and D. Marshall.
Headmaster of the Rolleston school, is a son of an old resident of Springfield. He served as a pupil-teacher at the Kowai Pass school, and was afterwards at the Normal School, Christchurch, for two years. After acting as relieving master for some time, he was appointed master of the Rolleston school, at its opening. Mr. O'Shaughnessy holds a D certificate.
Farmer, Rolleston. Mr. Benny was born in the parish of Colan, St. Columb, Cornwall, England, in 1851, and is the youngest son of the late Mr. William
Farmer, Goodland Farm, Rolleston. Mr. Donaughey was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1831, and educated at Dungiven. He then removed to Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1863 in the ship “Brother's Pride,” which arrived at Lyttelton after a passage of 146 days, and was then quarantined for a further period of six weeks. This ship is noted for having had the record number of births and deaths during her long passage, and her captain was fined £100 for insubordination. After a short time spent in harvesting Mr. Donaughey took to station life in Gebbie's Valley, but caught the gold fever, and went in 1865 to Westland, whence he returned in the following year and settled near Christchurch. In 1871 he went to Rolleston, where he purchased his first sixty acres of land, all in its native state. He gradually increased his area to 188 acres, the capital value of which is £2400. Mr. Donaughey has had crops which have yielded as much as forty bushels of wheat and seventy bushels of oats in good seasons. He goes in extensively for fattening pigs, and prefers crossbred to purebred animals. Mr. Donaughey was married, in 1866, to Miss Ross, of Rossshire, Scotland, who came out to the Colony in the ship “Mersey.” Three sons and five daughters have been born of the marriage.
Farmer, Rolleston. Mr. Ellis was born in Cornwall, England, in 1855. He was brought up to a miner's life, and worked in the tin mines of Pendeen and St. Just. In 1874 he came to New Zealand, in the ship “Isles of the South,” and landed at Lyttelton. He went to Springston, where he followed threshing and farming pursuits for a few years, and then removed to Rolleston, where he took up his present farm of 110 acres. The land has all been cultivated, and returns good crops. Mr. Ellis has served on the Rolleston school committee for five years, and is, at the present time (1903) its chairman. He married a daughter of the late Mr. William Hosking, of Springston, and has a surviving family of three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Rolleston. Mr. Lowe is a son of the late Mr. Levi Lowe, and was born at St. Albans, Christchurch, in 1861. He was brought up to agricultural work on his father's farm, at Rolleston, and
Farmer, Rolleston. Mr. Whyte was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1859. He came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Sebastopol,” and arrived at Lyttelton in 1863. The family settled at Yaldhurst for a year, and then removed to Halkett, where they took up land, which had been broken up by Mr. Charles James, an early settler. Mr. Whyte, senior, remained there until his death, which took place on the 31st of October, 1893, when he was seventy-five years of age. Prior to that date Mr. Adam Whyte had taken over the property, and successfully worked it. In 1902 he sold out, and bought his present farm at Rolleston. This property, comprising 1810 acres, was formerly part of the Aylesbury estate, and it yields from twenty-five to thirty bushels of oats to the acre. At Halkett Mr. Whyte served on the school committee for about four years. He has taken an active part in ploughing matches, and has successfully bred draught horses, which have won prizes at the local shows. Mr. Whyte married a daughter of Mr. A. E. Davis, an old settler of Halkett, and has one son and two daughters.
sometime of Rolleston, and one of the early settlers of the district, was born at Dudley, Staffordshire, England, in 1820, and worked for about eighteen years on the Earl of Dudley's estate. On St. Patrick's Day (the 17th of March), 1859, he arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Clontarf.” After working for Dr. Willis, at Opawa, for a year, he had a short experience on the West Coast diggings. On returning to Canterbury, he worked for two years on the station of Mr. Fitzgerald, the first Superintendent of the province. He then purchased a small farm at Lincoln, where he remained for about two years. About 1864 he took up 100 acres at Rolleston, and afterwards increased his holding to 350 acres, besides purchasing other property in the district, and also at Oxford. After selling some of his land, he removed to Southland, but six years later returned to Rolleston, where he resided up to the time of his death, in 1897. Mr. Lowe owned the first threshing plant in the Rolleston district, and he took an active interest in church and educational affairs.
is a farming district, about twenty-six miles west by road from Christchurch. Relies of Maori habitation have frequently been discovered in the neighbourhood, though no approximate date can be assigned to the arrival of the natives in the district or to their departure from it. The earliest European settlers were Messrs Riordan and Shipley, who arrived in the district about 1879, and were soon followed by others. Charing Cross was originally covered with wild tussocks, but is now dotted with well-ordered farms, and numerous intersecting roads. The district is devoted chiefly to sheep grazing and grain growing, and contains many extensive and well managed estates. It possesses a public school, a blacksmith's shop, and a post office, with a daily mail service. The nearest railway stations are Kirwee and Norwood.
Farmer, Charing Cross. Mr. Dent was born at Nettleton, Lincolnshire, England, in 1827, and educated at a private school. He worked for his father till reaching the age of fourteen, when he left home to work for others. For about thirty-four years he was engaged in ploughing and other farm work in Lincolnshire, and in 1875 he sailed for New Zealand. His ship, the “Duke of Edinburgh,” put in to Lyttelton, where he and other passengers were transferred to a small coastal steamer, which conveyed them to Timaru. He remained there only a month, and then removed to Arowhenua, where he farmed till 1880. In that year he took up land at Charing Cross, a few miles from his present holding, and farmed it for about three years, but removed in 1883 to his present property. Mr. Dent's farm consists of two sections of 416 and 200 acres respectively, and he devotes himself chiefly to sheepfarming and agriculture. He was married, in 1851, to Miss Eliza Caunt, of Switderly, Lincolnshire, England, and has a surviving family of two sons and three daughters.
Pine Farm, Charing Cross. Mr. Shipley was born at Foston, Yorkshire, England, in 1837, and is a son of the late Mr. William Shipley, a farmer, of Foston. He was educated at private schools in his native village, and was afterwards engaged at farm work in the neighbourhood. In 1866 he sailed for New Zealand, and, shortly after landing, went as shepherd on a farm near the Rakaia Gorge. Then he spent about six years upon various farms at Templeton, and later on took up property at West Melton, where he farmed for five years. He was for two years shearing sheep and driving threshing machines, and, in 1875, went to Courtenay as manager of an estate for Colonel Brett. Mr. Shipley held that position for four years, but resigned it in 1879 to take up land at Charing Cross, of which he was one of the earliest settlers. His property, known as Pine Farm, was taken up in sections, and broken in from its rough native state. Its area is upwards of 900 acres; it is highly improved, and is devoted chiefly to sheep grazing and grain growing. Mr. Shipley has been married twice. His first wife died in 1868, leaving one son. In 1873 he married Miss Thompson, formerly of the North of Ireland, and of this marriage, there are three sons and seven daughters.
Farmer, Charing Cross. Mr. Smith was born in Flixbro, Lincolnshire, England, in 1851, and is a son of Mr. George Belton Smith, a blacksmith, of Flixbro. He was educated at a private school, and commenced farming at an early age. In 1872 he obtained employment at the iron smelting works, at Frodingham, Lincolnshire, and remained there for about three years. The following three years were spent in employment of various kinds, and, in 1878, he sailed for New Zealand, calling first at Port Chalmers, and finally landing at Lyttelton. Shortly after his arrival he made his way to Greendale, and was there employed a few months on Mr. George Rudd's estate. In 1879 he took up land at Charing Cross, where he is now the proprietor of a farm consisting of 220 acres of freehold and 200 acres of leasehold. Mr. Smith has for upwards of fourteen years been a member of the local school committee, of which he was for several years chairman. He is also a member of the Courtenay branch of the Canterbury Farmers' Union. Mr. Smith takes a considerable interest in church work, and is a member of the Primitive Methodist church, at Greendale. In 1874 he married Miss Mary Hairsine, of Broomfleet, Yorkshire, and has six sons and six daughters.
“Tara” (Edward Meredith, manager), Charing Cross. This farm comprises 989 acres, and was formerly a portion of the late Mr. Peter Clinton's estate. It was bought in 1899 by Mr. Richard Meredith, of the Cust long one of the Canterbury members of the House of Representatives, and was managed by his eldest son until 1902, when it was taken over by its present manager. “Tara” is intersected by several public roads, and is further subdivided by gorse hedges. Some of the larger paddocks are sheltered from the cold winds, and considerably ornamented, by clumps of well chosen evergreens. The soil is fertile, and is especially adapted for crop growing and sheep grazing. One paddock, of upwards of 100 acres of oats, yielded fifty-seven bushels per acre at the harvest of 1903, and the average return per acre for the same grain is about fifty bushels. Of sheep a large number are reared annually upon the estate; chiefly English Leicesters.
is the second son of Mr. Richard Meredith, of the Cust. He was born at Fernside, Rangiora, in 1874, and educated at the Cust public school, of which his father was then headmaster. On leaving school he was trained as a farmer, and was afterwards engaged, until 1902, in the management of his father's property at the Cust. Mr. Meredith is a member of the local school committee and of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married in June, 1902, to Mary, daughter of Mr. W. Anderson, of “Clydesgrove,” Cust.
situated between Rolleston and Kirwee, at a distance of twenty-two miles west from Christchurch, is a farming district, whose history dates back to the early sixties. Its first settlers—Messrs Cass, Holland, Catrick, Walker, and Price—were York-shiremen, and the district was known for many years by the name of Yorktown. Aylesbury is particularly adapted for the grazing of sheep, though grain growing is also carried on to a considerable extent by the farmers. Almost the whole of the district is now in private hands. The holdings generally vary in size from 200 to 1900 acres, though there are a few sections of less than 200 acres. Aylesbury is in direct communication with Christchurch by rail, the line between Rolleston and Kirwee running through its eastern portion. There is a post office at the railway station, with a daily mail service; and a public school, with an average attendance of about twenty-two, is situated in the centre of the district.
Aylesbury. This estate is owned by the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand. It was founded in the early days by Mr. John Brabazon, who had it broken in from the tussock, fenced and subdivided by gorse hedges, and personally superintended it for many years. In 1895 the estate passed into the hands of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, which has placed it under the supervision of a manager with several assistants. The total area of the property is about 1840 acres. It has about four miles of frontage to the Kirwee railway line, is intersected by several public roads, and judiciously planted with numerous clumps of shelter trees. Sheep grazing and crop growing are carried on extensively. The residence, now occupied by the manager, was erected many years ago by Mr. Brabazon. It is a handsome dwelling of two stories, facing the railway line, at a distance of about half a mile from it, and is almost completely surrounded by trees.
Manager of the Aylesbury Estate, was born at Invercargill in 1878, and is a son of the late Hon. W. H. Nurse, at one time proprietor of a station in Southland, and for many years a member of the Legislative Council. He was educated, primarily, at public schools in the south, and, afterwards, at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. On leaving school he commenced life as a farmer, spent some years on various estates in Canterbury and Marlborough, and, in 1902, was appointed to his present position. Mr. Nurse takes a keen interest in shooting. He is a member of the Christchurch Gun Club, and has won several prizes at pigeon shooting matches.
“Fernbank” (T. W. Johnson, proprietor), Aylesbury. This estate was originally in the hands of Mr. George Mangin, an early colonist, but was afterwards taken over by the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited. In 1889 it passed into the hands of its present proprietor. It consists of about 900 acres, is nearly square in shape, and is subdivided into twelve paddocks. Sheep are kept; rape, turnips and grain are grown extensively, and oats average about thirty bushels per acre. Labour saving implements are almost constantly in use upon the estate, such as reapers and binders and other modern machines.
Proprietor of “Fernbank,” was born in 1860, at Mumby, Lincolnshire, England, and is the youngest son of Mr. William Graves Johnson, a farmer of Mumby. He gained his education at the national school in a neighbouring village, and afterwards farmed with his father until 1875, when he sailed for New Zealand. Just prior to the arrival of the vessel at Lyttelton he was stricken down with an unknown malady, and, in consequence, was compelled to land at Quarantine Island. The following day, however, he was visited by relatives, who had been awaiting his arrival, and, permission for his landing having been obtained, he was conveyed to Lyttelton and thence to Christchurch. There he remained until thoroughly recovered, and then joined his brother Robert, who was at that time engaged in farm work at Racecourse Hill, Darfield. The two brothers worked together at Darfield, for about two years, and afterwards at Aylesbury. In 1878 Mr. T. W. Johnson started on his own account. For a number of years he was engaged in cropping, and in otherwise farming on leasehold property at Aylesbury and in the neighbouring districts. Captain Tosswill's farm, at Aylesbury, and the reserve of 276 acres, between Kirwee and Darfield, were his chiefly leasehold farms. His first freehold property was a section of 210 acres at Aylesbury. He bought it late in the eighties, and sold it again in 1897, having, in the meantime, acquired
Farmer, Aylesbury. Mr. Fowler was born on the 14th of November, 1830, at the village of Leonard Stanley, Gloucestershire, England, where his father, the late Mr. Thomas Fowler, was the proprietor of an estate, known as Prairie Farm. He was educated at a private school, about four miles from his native village, and afterwards brought up to farm work on his father's estate. In 1851 he left home for Woodchester, about four miles distant, and remained there until 1858, when he disposed of his property to sail for New Zealand. He landed at Nelson at the end of 1858, and took up land at Richmond. There he farmed for five years, and left in 1864 for Amuri, North Canterbury, where he became the proprietor of a station of 20,000 acres, known as “Stanley Vale.” Whilst still in possession of this property he took up another station of 30,000 acres, known as “The Top House,” in Nelson, and carried on the two runs for some years. However, in 1892, a series of misfortunes compelled him to relinquish his estates, and he was farming for two years on a smaller scale at Kaiapoi. In 1894 he bought property at Aylesbury, where he now holds upwards of 600 acres. The whole of his farm is devoted to sheep and cattle and to agriculture. Mr. Fowler has been twice married, and has a family of seventeen children. His first marriage took place in 1851, when he married Eliza, second daughter of Mr. Jacob Thomas, of Woodchester Park, about four miles from Leonard Stanley. This lady died in Nelson, in 1862, leaving two sons and two daughters. Four years later he married Miss M. Parsons, of Waiwera, Nelson, and she has borne him four sons and nine daughters. Mr. Fowler is an honorary member of the Working Men's Club, of Sydenham, Christchurch.
(Jonathan Sowden, of Dunsandel, proprietor), Aylesbury. “Raynham” was formerly in the hands of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, and was afterwards held by private persons. Mr. Sowden bought the estate in 1899. It has a total area of 2500 acres, and is fenced, subdivided, and stocked with sheep. Cropping is also carried on to a considerable extent, and oats yield about thirty bushels per acre.
was appointed manager of “Raynham,” in March, 1901. He was born at Templeton, in 1867, and is the second son of Mr. George Burgess, an early colonist, now living in retirement in Christchurch. He was educated at the Dunsandel and West Christchurch public schools, and was afterwards engaged for about ten years on his father's farm at Dunsandel. In 1893 he became working manager on Mr. John Deans' estate at Riccarton, and remained there until he was appointed to his present position. He is a member of the Courtenay and Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also of the Courtenay branch of the Canterbury Farmers' Union. Mr. Burgess was married in 1890, to Miss Mangin, of Greendale, and has one son and one daughter.
Ashton Farm, Aylesbury. Mr. Smith was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1841. He was employed at farm work in his native district till 1864, when he sailed for New Zealand. On landing at Auckland he entered into an engagement to work for a farmer in the neighbourhood of Waiuku, but soon left that district to work at Papakura. In 1867 he determined to try his fortune on the West Coast goldfields, which were then attracting large numbers, and was soon on the diggings near Hokitika. After spending a few weeks there with but little success, he resolved to return to farm work, and with that end in view he removed to Canterbury, where he found employment on Mr. H. White's estate at Lincoln. He remained there upwards of two years, and then went to Greendale, where, in conjunction with his brother, he took up land and farmed for about five years. The Thames goldfields had then commenced to produce good returns, and Mr. Smith joined the rush thither, only to return twelve months later, after ill success, to his former occupation. He spent a year on a large run at Waiuku, and then returned to Canterbury. After working for a few months at Greendale he bought a section of 100 acres since known as Ashton Farm, at Aylesbury, where he now carries on general farming, but pays special attention to the raising of Berkshire pigs. Mr. Smith is a member of the Aylesbury school committee. He was married at Auckland, in 1876, to Miss M. J. Bushell, who had sailed in the same ship to New Zealand, and has five sons and one daughter.
is an agricultural and pastoral district, between West Melton and Courtenay, and bounded on the north by the Waimakariri river. It is eighteen miles north-west from Christchurch, by road through Riccarton, Yaldhurst, and West Melton. Formerly it was a large sheep run, held by Mr Owen, and afterwards taken over by his manager, Mr Herbert Mathias. The first settlers, amongst whom were Messrs Andrew Cunningham, Arthur E. Davis, Robert Roper, Edward Guiney, J. Lord, Robert Leadley, John Marr, David Thomson, A. McKay, and others, arrived in the early sixties. Some of the land was purchased by Captain Halkett, after whom the place is named, and who made a gift of the ground on which the public school stands. The greater portion of the district has been under crop, and the land yields an average return of from thirty to thirty-five bushels of oats to the acre, and from twenty to twenty-five of wheat. Rape and turnips are cultivated considerably, and large numbers of sheep raised and fattened. About 1864 the old accommodation house, near the boundary of the Courtenay district, was erected by Mr. Charles Watson. It was known as the half-way house between Christchurch and Springfield, and was the stopping place for the line of West Coast coaches. The building is now occupied by Mr. Edward Guiney, as the homestead of his farm. There are two places of worship within the boundaries of Halkett; an Anglican church, the headquarters of the parochial district of Courtenay, and a Presbyterian church. The public school stands in the centre of the district. Halkett has a daily mail service, but the nearest telegraph office is at Kirwee, six miles distant. On the southern banks of the Waimakariri river at Halkett, large protective works, of concrete foundation, have been erected to keep the river to its course. The neighbourhood of the works is well planted with trees, and is a favourite resort with picnic parties. It is also a good shooting ground, as hares and rabbits are there in large numbers.
at Halkett faces the main road between West Melton and Courtenay, and is in the centre of the Halkett district. It was erected about 1878, on land given by Captain Halkett. The building is of wood, and is surrounded by a large playground, which is protected by rows of shelter trees. A portion of the ground is set apart for the schoolmaster's residence and private garden. The number of scholars on the roll is thirty-six, and the average attendance is thirty. Messrs T. Jeal (chairman), W. A. Davis, G. Davis, W. F. Turner, G. Henderson, and W. Stewart, are (1903) the present members of the school committee. The Halkett school is also the post office for the district, and there is a daily mail service.
Headmaster of the Halkett Public School, is a native of Dorset, England, where he served as a pupil-teacher. He was afterwards a master in the Walthamstow school, near Epping Forest, and also in other schools in Kent and Surrey. In December, 1887, Mr. Maber arrived in New Zealand, and in the following year was appointed master of the Charing Cross school. A year later he was transferred to View Hill, in a similar capacity, and remained there for seven years. He then removed to Broomfield school, and, in 1899, was appointed to his present position. Mr. Maber married a daughter of Mr. Walter Gee, an old resident of Christchurch, and has a family of five children.
is the headquarters and parent church of the parochial district of Courtenay. For some time prior to its erection service were held in the public school. The building is of wood, is Gothic in style, has a good organ, and has accommodation for about eight worshippers. In its graveyard lie the ashes of some of the early settlers of the district. The vicarage adjoins the church. St. George's (Kinwee), St. Paul's (West Melton), and St. Andrew's (Darfield), are also in the parochial district. A service is held in each church every Sunday; the vicar officiating in three churches, and a lay reader in the fourth, in rotation.
Vicar of the parochiaf district of Courtenay, was born at Maidstone, Kent, in 1861. He was educated at Sherborne school, Dorset, and afterwards at Exeter. In 1880 he gained a scholarship at All Souls', Oxford, where he graduated with honours in classics and modern history. Mr. Whitehead was ordained at Canterbury Cathedral, by Archbishop Benson, in 1886, and was the Archbishop's prize-man. From 1886 to 1838 he was curate of St. Paul's Cliftonville, Margate, and from then until 1892 curate of Margate. He then went to Syria, and for four years was chaplain at Beyrout and Lebanon. On returning to England, he was appointed curate of St. Alphege, Whitslable, for a year. In 1897 he arrived in New Zealand, and for two years filled Archdeacon Harper's place at Timaru, while that gentleman was on a visit to England. Since 1899 he has held his present position. As a Freemanson, Mr. Whitehead was initiated in England, and afterwards affiliated with St. John's Lodge, E.C., Timaru. He is also a member of the Order of Oddfellows. Since the formation of the Waimakariri Mounted Rifles he has acted as chaplain to the corps. Mr. Whitehead was married in England, and has a family of one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Halkett. Mr. Berry was born on the 16th of October, 1856, in Clifton House, Sheply, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. When he was three years of age his parents went to Cranston, Derbyshire, where they remained for nine years, and then removed to Sutton Hills, on the Sutton-Scarsdale estate. He was
Lyppiatt Farm, Halkett. Mr. Davis settled at Halkett in the early sixties, and was one of the pioneers of the district. He was born at Stroud, in Gloucestershire, England, came to New Zealand by the ship “William Miles,” and landed at Lyttelton in 1860. He bought a small property at Riccarton, and resided there for two years, after which he went to Eyreton. Eighteen months later he removed to Halkett, and took up eighty acres of Government land, with a purchasing clauses. This holding he has since increased to 373 acres of freehold, and recently bought an additional 479 acres of the Aylesbury estate. The crops give good extensively carried on, Mr. Davis helped to promote the establishment of the public school at Courtenay, and served on the committee for three years, and he was also a member of the Courtenay Road Board. He was a member of the Halkett school committee for about twenty years, and was chairman part of the time. He has served as churchwarden in connection with the local Anglican church. Mr. Davis is the oldest member of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he is now an honorary member, and he attended its first meeting. He is the agent at Halkett for the Commercial Union Assurance Company. Mr. Davis was married in the Old Country to Miss Amelia Kite, of Stroud, and they had nine daughters and seven sons, of whom six sons and seven daughters survive; and there are thirty grandchildren.
Longfield Farm, Halkett. Mr. Davis is the eldest son of Mr. A. E. Davis, an old resident of the district. He was born at Riccarton in 1863, and was brought up on his father's farm at Halkett. Longfield Farm is a good agricultural property of 213 acres, and has all been successfully cultivated. Mr. Davis has served on the committee of the Halkett school for about ten years, and he is a trooper in the Waimakariri Mounted Rifles. He married a daughter of Mr. Robert Finley, of Halkett, and has one son.
Farmer, Halkett. Mr. McKay is a son of Mr. Alexander McKay, formerly of Halkett, but now (1903) of Spreydon. He was born in the colony, in 1862, and was brought up to farming under his father. Subsequently he took charge of his father's property at Halkett, where he has since resided. Mr. McKett, where he has since resided. Mr. McKay now owns the adjoining farm, a property of 150 acres, which average returns. As a rule he carries on mixed farming. He has served as a member of the Halkett school committee. Mr. McKay married a daughter of Mr. John Thompson, of Halkett, and has a family of four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Halkett. Mr. Roper is the youngest son of the late Mr. Roper is the youngest son of the late Mr. Robert Roper, and was born at Halkett in 1880. Since his father's death he has had the management of Pine Grove Farm, where he carries on mixed farming. The property has all been under cultivation, and has produced some of the best average yields in the district.
Farmer, Halkett. Mr. Turner is the only son of the late Mr. William Turner, of Halkett, and was born in Christchurch in 1869. He
Farmer, Halkett. Mr. Watson was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1837, and was brought up to a farming life. In 1867 he arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Blue Jacket.” In the same year he went to Halkett, where, two years later, he bought land. Mr. Watson now owns a farm of 160 acres, and carries on mixed farming. He has served as a vestryman in the Anglican church, and has been a member of the local school committee. Mr. Watson was married in the Old Country, and has a family of six sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Halkett. Mr. Whyte was born in Perthshire, Scotland in 1840. He came to New Zealand, with his father, in the ship “Sebastopol,” and arrived at Lyttelton in 1863. Mr. Whyte worked in various parts of the country, and was for some time on Mr. William Boag's farm at Fendalton. In 1868 he removed to Halkett, where he took up fifty acres of land, and afterwards increased his holding to 180 acres The land has been successfully cultivated, and sheep and cattle are kept with success. Mr. Whyte was a member of the Halkett school committee for some years, and he has been connected with the local Presbyterian church. He married Miss Mary Ann Pigram, of Surrey, England, and has a surviving family of six sons and two daughters.
Fairview Farm, Halkett, Mr. Whyte was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1842, and came to New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Sebastopol,” which landed at Lyttelton in 1863. For a year the family were settled at Yaldhurst, when they removed to Halkett, where Mr. Peter Whyte has since resided. Fariview Farm is 200 acres in extent, but Mr. Whyte owns another farm of 225 acres near Aylesbury, and works the two in conjunction. The oat crops average from thirty to thirty-five bushels per acre, and wheat about forty bushels. Turnips and rape are also grown extensively for fattening sheep. Mr. Whyte is married, and has a family of four sons and four daughters. Mrs Whyte is a daughter of the late John Butler, of Dunsandel.
was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1830. He was brought up to agriculture, and in 1864 sailed in the ship “Royal Standard,” for Melbourne. Two years later he came to New Zealand, and landed at Lyttelton. After spending a few months at Scuthbridge, he went to Lincoln, where he remained for six years. He then went to Halkett, and bought Longfield Farm, which he worked until 1896, when he sold out his implements and stock, and let the property to his son-in-law, Mr. W. A. Davis, with whom he has since resided. Mr. Finley has been actively connected with the Halkett Presbyterian church, and has served as a committeeman. He was married in the Old Country, and has a family of one son and four daughters.
was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1825, and was brought up to pastoral pursuits. In 1861 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Royal Stuart,” and landed at Lyttelton. Soon afterwards he commenced shepherding for Mr. G. A. E. Ross, on Waireka station. Mr. McKay subsequently went to West Melton, where he was a shepherd on another property owned by Mr. Ross. In the later sixties he bought a farm at Halkett, but let it to a tenant and went to Southbridge shepherding for Mr. Samuel Bealey. Later on he returned to Halkett, and worked his property till 1894, when he removed to Spreydon, where he has since resided. Mr. McKay served on the Halkett school committee, and was also connected with the Presbyterian church. He was married in the Old Country, and has a family of one son and two daughters.
sometime of Pine Grove Farm, Halkett, was born in Suffolk, England, in 1834, and brought up to farming. In 1860 he came to New Zealand, in the ship “William Miles,” and landed at Lyttelton. After remaining in Christchurch for a few weeks, he went to the Ashburton Forks, and two years later to the Prebbleton and Lincoln districts, where he remained three years. Mr. Roper then removd to Halkett, and took up 100 acres of agricultural land, and afterwards increased his holding to 200 acres. It was named Pine Grove Farm. He was a member of the Halkett school committee, and was also connected with the Anglican church. He died at Halkett, in 1899, leaving a widow and a family of five sons and six daughters.
was an Englishman by birth, and a sailor by profession. He served in Her Majesty's Navy, and first visited New Zealand in a man-of-war in the early fifties. Some years later he left the sea, returned to New Zealand and settled in the colony. His first colonial experience was bullock-driving in North Canterbury, and he afterwards took over the accommodation house at Hanmer. In 1868 he married a daughter of
a farming district of considerable fertility, is situated twenty-five miles west from Christchurch, in the county of Selwyn. It was named by Colonel Brett—for many years one of its most useful residents—after a village in India, with which he had, as a military officer, been familiar. Kirwee was originally a part of the Racecourse Hill and Desert runs. Its earliest settlers were Messrs W. B. and John Tosswill and T. H. Anson. The railway from Rolleston passes through the centre of the district, and a township has sprung up about the station. In addition to a hotel and several trade establishments, the village now has a public school, a hall, and several churches. During the early days farming in the district was rendered uncertain by the want of a regular water supply. This difficulty, however, was removed by the resourcefulness of Colonel Brett, whose efforts led to the inauguration of the water-race system, by means of which an ample supply of good water is drawn from the neighbouring rivers, and distributed over the district. Sheepfarming and grain-growing flourish, and the rearing of cattle is also carried on, though to a lesser degree. Public sales are conducted monthly in the district, and an annual show is held, under the auspices of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Kirwee's postal service provides for two mails a day with Christchurch, and there is a telegraph office at the railway station.
at Kirwee was opened in December, 1881, with Mr. Peter Murray as its headmaster. It is a wooden building, with a concrete foundation, and has room for seventy-five pupils. The walls are hung with maps and pictures, with framed portraits of Queen Victoria, presented by the children, and the portraits of other English celebrities. Mr. Watson, the headmaster, wishes to obtain also enlarged pictures of prominent men, with a view to perpetuating the memory of those who have done good work for the country. The school is surmounted by a flag-staff, with the Union Jack, one of the first to be used in the North Canterbury education district, and presented by the school children. A glebe of two acres is surrounded by a belt of pine trees, and divided into two portions. The playground occupies about an acre and a half and contains a large concrete swimming bath; the remaining half acre is taken up with the residence of the headmaster and a well kept flower garden. There are about forty names on the school roll; but the attendance has been gradually falling, and there is now only one teacher.
Master of the Kirwee public school, is the youngest son of the late Mr. William Watson, of Brookside, who was widely known as a successful breeder of prize Shorthorn cattle. He was born in 1865, educated at the Brookside public school, and, becoming a pupil-teacher, was subsequently trained at the Christchurch Normal School. He was afterwards successively headmaster of the Rotherham and Woodside public schools, and, in 1899, he received his
(C. W. Bourne, proprietor), Kirwee. This popular hotel is situated within a stone's throw of the Kirwee railway station. It contains fifteen well furnished bedrooms, one large well ventilated dining room, capable of seating sixty persons, and two sitting rooms or parlours. There is good stabling, and there are several secure and well-watered paddocks for the accommodation of travelling stock. The hotel is patronised by the neighbouring settlers, and by visiting auctioneers, salesmen, drovers, commercial travellers, and anglers, who find good sport in the Waimakariri, Hawkins, and Selwyn rivers.
was born at Riccarton in 1855, and is the son of a pioneer who arrived at Lyttelton on the 16th of December, 1850, in one of the first four ships. He followed farming first at Rangiora and Southbridge, and subsequently at Makikihi, near Timaru, for nine years In 1883 he went to New South Wales, where he entered into business and kept a number of stud horses. He returned to New Zealand in 1889, and took up his headquarters at Timaru, where he raced “Milo,” “Frailty,” “Dispatch,” “Moonee”—the champion trotter of his day—“Lotier,” “Seabrook,” and others too numerous to mention. Mr. Bourne went to America with the horse “Artillery,” in 1896, and remained there for one year. He was married, in 1827, to Miss Warnoll, and has one son and one daughter.
Black-smith and Music Teacher, Kirwee. Mr. Belgrave was born in 1861, in Lyttelton, where his father, the late Mr. Robert Belgrave, was for many years a hotelkeeper. He was educated at private and public schools in Lyttelton, and afterwards apprenticed to the blacksmithing trade in Christchurch, where he continued to work for about ten years. In 1884 he established a blacksmith's business, which he still conducts at Kirwee, and has since resided within a few yards of the railway station in that district. Early in life Mr. Belgrave gave evidence of considerable musical talent, and was accordingly placed under capable tutors. Whilst working at his trade in Christcurch he took lessons from Mr. Corrick, and was for two years a member of the band organised and conducted by that gentleman. Mr. Belgrave plays a number of instruments, of some of which he has acquired his knowledge without instruction. He has considerable number of pupils, and was for seven years choirmaster at the local Baptist church. Mr. Belgrave is a member of the Kirwee school committee and of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Orange Lodge; of the latter he is a Past Master. In 1884 Mr. Belgrave married Miss Elizabeth Clarke, of Upper Riccarton, and has two sons and eight daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Westington Farm, Kirwee. Mr. Bolton was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1849, and came to the Colony with his parents in 1855 in the ship “Cashmere.' His early years were spent on his father's farm at Riccarton, but when he was twenty years of age he himself leased a farm from Captain Halkett in the Kimberley district. He purchased the first portion of his present farm in 1879, and now has an area of 590 acres. Mr. Bolton rears fat lambs for the export trade, and breeds from crossbred ewes and Shrepshire rams for the purpose. His crop of lambs sometimes amounts to 100 per cent, and the wool clip averages eight pounds per sheep. The improvements on the property include a good dwellinghouse of seven rooms, the usual out buildings, a garden, orchard, and plantations; and the farm is highly cultivated and divided into twelve paddocks. Only the best material has been used for fencing. Mr. Bolton has served on the school committee, and is a member of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association and a successful exhibitor. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Griffiths, who died in 1877, leaving three daughters. In 1880 he married Miss Kirk, and there is one daughter of this marriage.
(Robert Johnson, proprietor) Kirwee. This estate comprises about 1800 acres and extends into the Aylesbury district. The part which lies in the Aylesbury district consists of about 150 acres, and was taken up by Mr. Hohnson in 1872; the remainder having been subsequently bought in sections ranging from 100 to 600 acres. Lake Farm is well fenced and subdivided, and every paddock is provided with water-races. The pasturage of sheep and the cultivation of grain are carried on extensively, and the land is well adapted for both industries. About 2000 crossbred and Merino sheep are kept on the property; some are fattened for freezing and some sold in the local markets. About 500 acres are sown in oats and wheat, and a considerable area is devoted to the production of turnips and rape.
Owner of Lake Farm, was born at Mumby, Lincolnshire, England, in 1852. After receiving somewhat limited education at a private school he turned his attention to farming, at which he was engaged on his father's farm until his nineteenth year, when he sailed by the ship “Charlotte Gladstone” for New Zealand. On landing at Lyttelton, he immediately made his way to Greendale, where he was employed for about sixteen months by Mr. James Gough. It was early in 1872 that he took up the first section of Lake Farm. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Kirwee school committee, of the Courtenay Road Board, of the Kirwee branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and of the executive committee of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was for one term chairman; and he is also a director of the Kirwee Saleyards Company. In 1878 he married Miss Efiza Croskell, of Andersby, Lincolnshire, England, and has three sons and six daughters.
“Moy Hall” (James Mackintosh, proprietor), Kirwee. This farm consists of 422 acres and is situated near the railway line, between Kirwee and Darfield, at a distance of about a mile from Kirwee township. Its history dates back to the early days of the settlement of the district, and it has passed through several hands, Mr. Robert Aymus, who was succeeded by Mr. Mackintosh in 1890, being the best known of its former proprietors. “Moy Hall” is well fenced and subdivided. About 100 acres are annually under cultivation, wheat and oats, the chief crops grown, giving a good average yield; turnips; grown extensively for winter feed, also thrive well. The remainder of the property is devoted to sheepfarming. English Leicesters were formerly the favoured breed, but the Shropshire Down is now being introduced into the flocks. The dwellinghouse of the proprietor is a handsome wooden building, near the railway line, and is almost entirely surrounded by pine trees.
Proprietor of “Moy Hall,” was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, in 1843, and was brought up to farm work. In 1863 he sailed for New Zealand, and landed at Lyttelton in January of the following year. He went immediately to North Canterbury and obtained employment on the Lyndon station, Amuri, where he remained five years. Subsequently he was engaged in carting, and in farm work on a
J.P., Sheepfarmer, Galloway Farm, Kirwee. Mr. O'Malley was born in Galloway, Ireland, in 1847, and came to New Zealand in 1862 in the ship “Mermaid.” He followed various occupations for the first three years. In 1866 he went to the Marlborough diggings, and thence to the West Coast, where he remained only six months He then returned to Canterbury and purchased a waggon and five horses and commenced carting farm produce to the Westland diggings. In 1871 he began farming at Castle Hill, and grew feed for Cobb and Co.'s horses for twelve years. On the breaking out of the Kumara diggings he took fifty-three diggers across the ranges in his five-horse waggon, but as it was found that the prospects of the field had been exaggerated, forty of the men came back with him in the same way. In 1882 Mr. O'Malley disposed of his horses and waggons and farm at Castle Hill, and visited his native country. He went by the s.s. “Arawa,” and returned by the “Coptic.” On his return he purchased his present estate of 650 acres, and named it “Galloway.” Mr. O'Malley's land is devoted chiefly to raising and fattening lambs for the export trade, and he has sent away as many as 900 in one season. Mr. O'Malley has served on the Waimakariri Road Board, and is at present a member of the licensing bench and of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Glynn.
Kirwee, is a compact and fertile property of 303 acres, situated on the Kirwee side of the public road, which divides Darfield from Kirwee. It is conveniently divided into a number of paddocks, each provided with an ample supply of water by means of small channels leading from the main water race, which runs parallel to the public road along its north-eastern boundary. Sheep are kept on Rose Farm, and about seventy acres are annually sown with oats, which yield on an average forty bushels to the acre.
Proprietor of Rose Farm, was born in 1868, at Irwell, and is the eldest son of Mr. A. B Williams, of Thorn Farm. He was educated at Brookside public school, and after-wards trained to farming on his father's property, where he continued to work till 1894. In that year he bought his present farm, and removed to Kirwee. Mr. Williams was married, in 1898, to Miss Elizabeth May Simpson, of Kirwee, sister to the well known long-distance runner, and has two sons.
Farmer, Kirwee. Mr. Spooner's farm is 401 acres in extent, and is situated between the railway line and the water-race, near the township of Kirwee. It is freehold property; and an area of 300 acres, separated from the main portion of the farm by a public road, is held on lease from the Selwyn County Council. The whole is fenced and subdivided, and the freehold portion is highly improved. Sheepfarming is carried on exclusively, and every convenience which aids the success of the industry is on hand. The standard flock, consisting of Shropshires and crossbreds, numbers 500, and 300 more are bought and sold annually. Turnips and rape are grown extensively. Mr. Spooner's residence is well built, and is prettily surrounded by shelter trees, and the outbuildings comprise shearers' rooms, trap-houses, stables and general storage accommodation. Mr. Spooner was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1859, and educated at the Tamworth grammar school. He was afterwards engaged at farm work under his grandfather, Mr. Hand, of Tamworth, until he sailed for New Zealand in 1880. On landing at Lyttelton he went as a cadet to the Highbank station, Rakaia, and took a part in the general work, and latterly in the supervision of that station for five years. In 1885 he went as assistant manager to “Corwar,” a large station adjoining “Highbank,” and later on became manager. He held that position until 1894, when he resigned to take up his present farm at Kirwee. In addition to working his own place Mr. Spooner manages a farm of 500 acres at Ellesmere, the property of Mr. William Allen. Mr. Spooner has always taken an active part in matters affecting his district. When at Rakaia he was chairman of Barrhill school committee, and churchwarden at the Barrhill English church; and he is now a member of the Canterbury and Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, of the Kirwee branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, of the Kirwee school committee, and is churchwarden at the local English church. He was married, in 1893, to Miss Crosbie, of Christchurch, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer and Horse Trainer, Kirwee. Mr. Welsh was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1865, and at the age of two years went with his parents to New York, America. In 1872 the family went to England and in the same year sailed by the ship “Adamant” for New Zealand. Shortly after landing young Welsh commenced his education at the Boys' High School, Christ-church, and completed it at the public school, at Rakaia, where his father had established a saddlery business. After leaving school, at an early age, he determined to learn the saddlery trade and commenced to work for his father, but, in 1879, he left home and went to Sydney. New South Wales. Almost immediately on landing he obtained employment in the firm of Messrs Hellier Brothers, of Sussex Street, where he remained for about eighteen months In 1881 Mr. Welsh returned to New Zealand, and has since been engaged in farming and in the training of trotting horses.
is a fertile agricultural district, on the southern bank of the Waimakariri river, and twenty-two miles north-west from Christchurch, by road. It originally formed part of the Racecourse Hill and Desert runs, the former of which was originally taken up by Mr Watts Russell, and the latter by Mr. Owen. It was one of the earliest settled districts in Canterbury, and among the first residents were Colonel Brett, Messrs W. J. Jenkins, James Robertson, A. McNae, G. Bedford, G. Seaton, W. Pitt, James Preston, and H. Cowan. A hotel was built and carried on by Mr White, and a store was opened at the township in the days when Cobb and Co.'s coaches ran through it on their way to the West Coast. However, the formation of the railway to Springfield, through Kirwee, and the consequent loss of the coach traffic, spoiled the business prospects of the township, and both the hotel and store were subsequently closed. The Courtenay Road Board, of which Colonel Brett was the first chairman, had jurisdiction in the district, and meetings were held at the Courtenay Hotel. Subsequently the Board's headquarters were transferred to Kirwee. The Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a horticultural society, were also formed in the early days, and shows were held at the Desert homestead, but of recent years they have been held at Kirwee. As an agricultural area Courtenay ranks high among the neighbouring districts. Crops of oats usually average about forty bushels per acre, and wheat about thirty-five. The district is popular with sportsmen, as along the banks of the Waimakariri hares and rabbits are very plentiful, and fish abound in the river. St. Matthew's church, the centre of the parochial district of Courtenay, is situated on the Halkett boundary. The present township has within its area a public school, an Orange Hall, a public library and several farm homesteads. Courtenay has two Friendly Societies—a Court of Foresters and an Orange Lodge. There is a local post office, with a daily mail service, but the nearest telegraph office and railway station are at Kirwee, three miles distant.
at Courtenay is one of the oldest in the provincial district of Canterbury, and was erected about 1868. Mr. Cheyne, the first master, conducted the school for several years, and was followed by Mr. Foster, who was master for a still longer term. The building is of wood, and contains the school and the master's residence. It is situated in the centre of the township, facing the West Coast road, and is surrounded by a spacious playground. There are twenty-five scholars on the roll, and the average attendance is about twenty.
Headmaster of the Courtenay school, was appointed to his present position in 1900. He is a native of Akaroa, and served as a pupil-teacher in the German Bay main school. Prior to receiving his present appointment he was in charge of the public school at Aylesbury.
was formed in 1872, as a Farmers' Club, which was afterwards merged into the present association, and registered under its present designation. Its promoters included the Hon. Colonel Brett, Messrs N. S. Kingdon, L. Ceutts, W. B. Tosswill, J. Turner, J. Painter, G. Henderson, T. H. Anson, A. E. Davis, A. McNae, and other old colonists. Annual shows were held at Courtenay for several years, but afterwards an area of fourteen acres and a half was bought at Kinwee, which is a more central site. Financially, the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association is a great success, and year by year its members and exhibitors increase in number. At present Mr. Alexander Sandison is president; Messrs W. W. Jenkins, junior, and W. Sheate, vice-presidents; Mr. G. T. Robertson, secretary; and Mr. H. McNae, treasurer.
Secretary of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, is a son of the late Mr. James Robertson, one of the early colonists of Canterbury. He was born at Courtenay in 1861, educated in his native place, and brought up to agriculture by his father. For several years Mr. Robertson has been farming on his own account. He carries on mixed farming, and the land gives average returns of fifty bushels of oats, and from thirty to forty bushels of wheat to the acre. Mr. Robertson is a member of the Courtenay school committee, and was for many years chairman; he is secretary, and one of the elders of the Halkett and Kimberley Presbyterian church, and superintendent of the Sunday school. As a Forester he is connected with Count Courtenay, and has passed through the chairs. Mr. Robertson is an honorary ranger for the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, and a member of the Christchurch Angling Society. He is also an occasional contributor to the columns of the Christ-church papers. Mr. Robertson married a daughter of the late Mr. Archibald McNae, one of the early colonists of Courtenay, and has a family of two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Courtenay. Mr. Addington is a son of Mr. George Addington, a well-known settler of Kimberley. He was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1873, and came out with his parents in the ship “Cathcart,” which landed at Lyttelton. Mr. Addington was brought up in the Aylesbury and Courtenay districts, and learned farming upon his father's property. In 1902 he started on his own account, by leasing 330 acres of the Desent Farm, all good agricultural land, from which he threshed forty-seven bushels of oats per acre in 1903. He successfully carries on mixed farming.
Farmer, “Apsley,” Courtenay. Mr. Bedford was born in 1842 in Berkhampstead, Herts, England, and was educated partly in Herts and partly in London, to which he removed in 1853. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Mystery,” in 1859, on her first voyage to the Colony, and followed station life for four years. After being six months at Gabriel's Gully, he returned to Canterbury, and subsequently entered into the business of hotel-keeping. He was proprietor of the Miners' Arms Hotel during the “rush” to the West Coast, from 1864 to 1867 In 1868, he bought the first portion of his present farm, which now comprises 800 acres. Mr. Bedford has brought his land into a state of high cultivation. He devotes it to the production of wool and of mutton for the export trade, and a large number of lambs are annually available for this purpose. The improvements consist of a good dwellinghouse, with the necessary outbuildings, garden, orchard, and plantations, and the land is well divided with good fences. Mr. Bedford is a member of the local road board and school committee. He was for fourteen years chairman of the domain board, and was secretary to the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he is now president, and he is secretary of the Kirwee Saleyards Company. Mr. Bedford has been land valuator for the Government and for the road board for more than twenty years. He was married in 1864, to Miss Smith, daughter of Mr. H. A. Smith, the first jeweller in Christchurch, and has four sons. Mr. Smith made the silver trowel for laying the foundation of the Christchurch Cathedral. The trowel is now in the Canterbury Museum, to which it was presented by the family of the late Bishop Harper.
Berkeley Farm, Courtenay. Mr. Bedford is the eldest son of Mr. George Bedford, an early settler in the district. He was born in Christchurch, but was brought up and educated at Courtenay, and trained to a farming life under his father. Berkeley Farm was one of the first properties taken up in the district; it is all good agricultural land, and yields very fair crops. Mr. Bedford also leases 1000 acres of river-bed land, on which he grazes a flock of half-bred and cross-bred sheep. Rape and turnips are also cultivated for winter feed. Mr. Bedford is a member of the Courtenay school committee, and is connected with St. Matthew's Anglican church. He is a member of the local Court of Foresters, and has passed through the chairs. Mr. Bedford married a daughter of the late Mr. Archibald McNae, one of the early colonists of Courtenay.
Courtenay, is the home stead property of the old Desert run, formerly held by Mr. Owen, and afterwards taken over by Mr. Herbert Mathias. The farm now comprises 665 acres, facing the Waimakariri river. All the land has been under cultivation; it has returned good average crops, and mixed farming has been successfully carried on upon it. Of late years Mr. Feutz, the present proprietor, has let most of the property to adjoining tenants, but still retains eighty-five acres around the homestead. The residence is a handsome two-story building surrounded by a well laid out garden, and a long avenue of trees leads to the main road.
Proprietor of the Desert Farm, was born in Switzerland, in 1851. He spent his youthful years in London, where he was educated, and trained for the legal profession. In 1876 Mr. Feutz left England for New Zealand, in the ship “Wairoa” on her maiden trip. On arriving in Christchurch, he found employment with Mr. Duncan, the well-known solicitor. Shortly afterwards, however, he went to Springston, where he learned farming under the late Mr. James Gammack. Five years later Mr. Feutz removed to Irwell, where he bought a farm, on which he remained two years. He then took a trip through the North Island and Australia, and afterwards returned, for a short time, to Mr. Gammack's. Mr. Feutz then visited England, where he was married. After returning to the colony, with his wife, in 1886, he bought Desert Farm, where he has since resided. On his eyes becoming affected he visited Christchurch, Dunedin, and Melbourne, and consulted the best oculists in those cities; but their efforts were unavailing, and in 1891 Mr. Feutz became totally blind. Despite this he maintains a cheerful disposition, and takes part in public affairs. He still retains a seat on the local school committee, and is a member of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Foutz has a family of two sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Courtenay. Mr. Turner was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1837, and was brought up as a gardener. In 1863, he left England in the ship “Chariot of Fame,” and landed at Lyttelton in the same years. His first colonial experience was under Mr. G. A. Ross, of Stonycroft, Hornby, where he worked two years, and was afterwards for a time at West Melton, on another of that gentleman's farms. Mr. Turner then started on his own account with a farm at Halkett, and successfully carried it on until 1882, when he sold out and took up his present property at Courtenay. This comprises 300 acres of first-class agricultural land. which is devoted
one of the early settlers in the Courtenay district, was born in Oxford, England, in 1833. He went to school at Oxford, and afterwards studied at St. Peter's College, where he was also a chorister. In 1854 Mr. Jenkins left England in the ship “Forest Queen,” for Melbourne, where he joined in the “rush” to the goldfields at Kingour, Mount Korong, and Sandy Creek. He met with only moderate success, and afterwards followed pastoral work on stations on the Murray and Avoca. In 1857 Mr. Jenkins arrived in Nelson, and joined there in the gold “rush,” which proved a failure. He then went to Wellington, but removed thence to Canterbury, where he obtained an engagement in pastoral work on Mr. Allan McLean's estate, Lagmher, near Ashburton. At that time none of the neighbouring runs were stocked. After remaining at Lagmhor for twelve months, he went to Anama, near the Hinds, and for two years was engaged in pastoral work for Mr George Gawler Russell, on his station, He then removed to Prebbleton, and started farming on his own account. About 1862 Mr. Jenkins went to Courtenay, where he was engaged in pastoral work on the Racecourse Hill estate He bought land at Waddington at the same time, and also a holding at Courtenay, where he has ever since resided. His Courtenay property contains some of the best land in the district. Of late years Mr. Jenkins has retired from active life, and the farm is now worked by his son. In 1900 he took a trip to the Old Country, and re-visited the scenes of his youthful days. Mr. Jenkins served on the Courtenay school committee, and has been a churchwarden of St. Matthew's church. He is also a member of the Courtenay. Domain Board. Mr. Jenkins was married at Riccarton, and has a family of three sons and four daughters.
one of the pioneers of Courtenay, and for many years identified with the district, was born in Caithness, Scotland, in 1825. he was brought up to a pastoral life. In 1851 he left the Old Country in the ship “Isabella Hercus,” and landed at Lyttelton. Soon after landing Mr Robertson went to Courtenay, where he was employed for some years as a shepherd on the Desert run. He took up a farm of Government land in the later fifties, and successfully worked it up to the time of his death, in 1887. Mr. Robertson was one of the first vice-presidents of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married in Scotland, and left a surviving family of two sons and one daughter.
is an extensive farming district, situated thirty miles west of Christchurch, near the junction of the branch railway lines from Whitecliffs and Springfield. The land is held chiefly in moderate sized blocks, though there are some extensive stations in the neighbourhood, and the principal occupations of the people are sheepfarming and grain growing. Monthly sales are held in the village, and are well attended by the local farmers. A large water-race from the Kowai river brings an ample supply of good water to the district, and smaller races again divert it over the farms. The village of Darfield is a scattered one. It has four churches, representing the Catholic, English, Presbyterian and Wesleyan bodies; a public school, with a high school department, and a Catholic convent; and also a hotel, a courthouse, several general stores, and a blacksmith's shop. Mails are received and despatched twice daily, and there is a post and telegraph office, with other branches of the public service, at the railway station.
This school was opened on the 19th of February, 1883, with nine boys and nine girls, and Mr. A. C. Augur, M.A., was the first master. The school stands on a triangular piece of ground comprising three acres, of which one-quarter of an acre is allotted to the master, who has a comfortable dwellinghouse of six rooms. Close to the school there is a railway junction, whence trains run to Springfield and Whitecliffs. The school has gone on steadily increasing, and in 1902 it had two teachers—a master and a mistress, and there were ninety-three children on the roll. Mr. Withell, the present master, has fitted up the school with two museums, one of which is the property of the school committee, and the other that of the master, who has also made a number of valuable maps and diagrams, which are valuable adjuncts in the teaching of geography. For these maps and diagrams Mr. Withell has been highly complimented by the Board and all the Board's inspectors. The school museum has been much benefited by contributions from Sir John Hall.
was born in York-shire, England, in 1858. He began his education at Brookside, Canterbury, and finished at Canterbury College, where he passed the teachers' examination; he gained an E and a D certificate and now holds a D3. His first school was at Summerhill, Cust, where he taught for four years. he moved to Darfield in 1892. Mr. Withell was married, in 1887, to Miss Douds, and has one son and four daughters.
M.R.C.S. Eng., L.R.C.P. Irel., Darfield. Dr. Howard was born in 1845, at Dukinfield, Cheshire, England, where his father carried on business as a general merchant. He gained his primary education at the hands of private tutors, and afterwards went to Manchester, where he continued his studies at Owen's College and the Manchester School of Medicine. He gained the diploma of member of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, in 1867, and in the following year commenced the practice of his profession in South Lancashire, where he continued to study, taking, in 1872, the diploma of licenciate of the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland. In 1878 he removed into York-shire, where he practised his profession till he left for New Zealand in 1896. On landing in Wellington, Dr. Howard went to Blackball, near Greymouth, and there carried on a practice for four years, during which he held the post of medical officer to the Blackball Medical Association. In 1900 he came to Canterbury and settled at Sheffield, but in 1901, he removed to Darfield, where he has since practised his profession. Dr. Howard is surgeon-captain in the Malvern Mounted Rifles, and is also surgeon to the Oddfellows' Lodge at Sheffield and the Foresters' Lodge at Courtenay. He was married before leaving the Old Country, and has one son.
Darfield, is situated on a acre of land, two or three chains distant from the railway line, and was opened in the early eighties, to meet the requirements of a rapidly rising district, and an increasing traffic. It is a wooden building of two stories with a wide balcony extending round two sides, and overlooks the railway station and the eastern portion of the town ship. There are seventeen rooms in the hotel, inclusive of a commodious dining room, two sitting rooms, and a large smoke room. The bedrooms, thirteen in number, are neatly arranged and well kept, and the table is supplied with care and skill. There is good accommodation for horses and vehicles, and a paddock of about eight acres, on the opposite side of the road, is rented by the proprietor, who keeps several cows for the supply of milk and butter for the table. The Darfield Hotel has become a popular resting place for commerical travellers, and has gained a reputation for quietness and respectibility.
formerly Proprietor of the Darfield Hotel, was born in 1863, in Christ-church, where he was educated. He passed his early years with his parents at the Hurunui and Waiau hotels, and subsequently served in some of the best hotels in Christ-church, including Coker's and the “Royal.” Mr. King was married, in 1894, to Mrs Prince, and has one son.
Blacksmith and Machinist, Darfield. Mr. Whall is the son of Mr. John Whall, formerly of Darfield. He was born at St. Albans, Christchurch, in 1875, and educated partly at the public school there; and afterwards at Darfield. On leaving school he spent two years or more at farming, and afterwards at the bakery trade. Subsequently he went to Christchurch, where he gained some knowledge of engineering and fitting. Later on he returned to Darfield and learned the blacksmithing trade with his father. In 1898 he went to work at the Hutt, Wellington, but in the following year he leased his father's business for lowing year he leased his father's business for a term. This he conducted for about eighteen months on his own account, but, in 1901, he entered into partnership with Mr. William Willstead. Mr. Whall is a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge at Glentunnel, and was formerly a member of the Darfield school committee. He was married, in 1899, to Miss Mary Ann Scrimshaw, of Trentham, near Wellington, and has two sons and one daughter.
(J. Moffat, proprietor), Darfield. This mill was established in 1887 as a stone mill, but was subsequently fitted up with the most approved rollers. It is driven by water power supplied by the Selwyn County Council's water race, and does a good grist trade, the annual output being about 700 tons.
the Proprietor, was born in Cumberland, England, in 1854, and learned his trade amongst relations, several of whom were millers. He came to New Zealand in 1871, by the ship “Merope,” which made the run from land to land in sixty-eight days; and he resided with his uncle at Lincoln for a number of years. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Gaskill, and has five sons and three daughters.
Hawkins, near Darfield. This property is a portion of an extensive run taken up in the early days by a company, which had its headquarters in Belfast, Ireland. Mr. Ward, sent by the company from Ireland, managed the property for five or six years, and Mr. Hill then took charge. Two years later the estate was bought by Mr. George Holmes, who supervised the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel, and at his death, some years after, the property was left to his brother, Mr. John Holmes, then in the service of the Canadian Government, as a surveyor. He immediately sailed for New Zealand to take charge of his new possession, and when he died, in 1879, Bangor estate was taken over by his son, Mr. John Holmes, the present proprietor. “Bangor” contains about 5000 acres of good agricultural and pastoral country, and is fenced, subdivided, and well improved. Sheep grazing and grain growing are carried on extensively. About 7000 sheep are kept constantly on the property, and about 3000 lambs are annually sent to the freezing works. Up-wards of 1000 acres are yearly under cultivation; 400 acres are devoted to the production of rape and turnips, and 600 or 700 acres to oats and wheat. The homestead residence is near the railway line, and is surrounded by a plantation, which covers an area of about 200 acres. The farm houses are well built, and are about a quarter of a mile from the private residence. Mr. Holmes, who takes a keen interest in horse racing, owns several race horses, and has a private track on the property.
Proprietor of Bangor estate, is a son of the late John Hofmes. He was born in Canada in 1865, and was educated in New Zealand, first at the Nelson College, Nelson, and afterwards at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. On completing his education, he went to the bangor estate, where he has since resided, taking an active part in the supervision of the property. Mr. Holmes is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also of the Courtenay Road Board. He was married in Christchurch to Miss Loughrey, of Melbourne, and has four children.
Darfield, was originally taken up by Mr. Helmore, of Christcurch, from whom it was bought by the late Mr. Peter Clinton, who broke up the land
Proprietor of the Broadgate estate, was born at Morchard-Bishop, Devonshire, England, in 1846. He was brought up as a mechanic, and came out to the colony by the ship “Zealandia,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1870. Mr. Reed first went to Woodend, and soon afterwards bought land at Carleton, near Oxford. Subsquently he started in business as a wheelwright and blacksmith at Saltwater Creek, where he worked successfully for two years. Then he returned to Carleton and farmed his property there for overt twenty years. His Carleton farm, which contains about 900 acres, is now carried on by his son. Mr. Reed's extensive farming operations have left him little time for public affairs, but he has served as a member of the Oxford Road Board. he was married in the Old Country, and Mrs Reed, who died in 1902, left a family of two sons and three daughters.
(Daniel Mulholland, proprietor), Darfield. The name of this estate was suggested by the fact that the homestead upon it faces the two principal churches of Darfield, which stand close to one another in the sough-western part of the village. The oldest section of “Churchlea” was formerly a portion of the Racecourse Hill run, and was taken up by its present owner in 1886. Mr. Mulholland has steadily increased the area of his property by the purchase of neighbouring sections, and now has 1050 acres. The estate is ring-fenced, and is subdivided by gorse hedges into paddocks of about sixty acres each. Plantations of bluegums, stretching in belts across the property, serve the double purpose of affording shelter and supplying fencing material. The homestead is situated on the north side of one of these plantations, and the residence, a pretty and convenient dwelling of a modern design, faces the village of Darfield. The estate is well and systematically worked, and is devoted chiefly to sheep. Mr. Mulholland keeps a flock of about 400 purebred Shropshires for stud purposes, and also has a flock of about 500 half-breds. In addition to these, about 1000 wethers are bought annually and fattened on the property. The progeny of Mr. Mulholland's purebred flock find a ready sale in the neighbourhood. Grain is cultivated to the extent of about 250 acres, annually, oats and wheat being the chief crops. Turnips and rape are also cultivated for the sheep, and to this purpose Mr. Mulholland devotes about 230 acres.
Proprietor of “Churchlea,” was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1856, and educated at the village of Crumlan. At the age of thirteen he went to Scotland, where he worked for five years at the coal mines, in Lanarkshire. In 1875 he left Scotland for New Zealand. he landed in Port Chalmers, worked for one year as a farm hand in Otago, and in 1877 joined his brother in the blacksmithing trade at Christchurch. Two years later he went to Banks' Peninsula, under engagement to work for Mr. John Holmes, for whom, after a short interval spent in business in Christchurch, he subsequently worked as head shepherd on the Bangor station, until 1886. Mr. Mulholland is a member of the Canterbury and Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, of the Darfield branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and of the local school committee. He married Miss Frances Horrell, formerly of Devonshire, England, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Darfield. Mr. Candy is a son of Mr. Charles Benjamin Candy, an old Canterbury colonist, and was born at Halswell in 1869. He was trained to agriculture on his father's farm, and subsequently started on his own account in Taranaki, where he farmed successfully for seven years. In 1902 he bought his present property from Mr. W. Clinton. His farm contains 511 acres, and is situated about a mile to the north of the Darfield railway station. It is all good agricultural land, and returns an average of about forty bushels of oats to the acre. Mr. Candy also runs a large number of sheep, chiefly crossbreds, on his property. The homestead has the usual out-buildings, and the residence, which faces the Kimberley road, is fronted with a large garden, and surrounded by a belt of trees. Mr. Candy married a daughter of Mr. John Sharp, of Lincoln, and has a family of one son and one daughter.
(Peter Clinton, sometime proprietor), Darfield. Mr. Clinton was born in West Meath, Ireland, in 1834, and followed farming during his early years. In 1849 he emigrated to South Australia in the ship “Caterina,” but remained there only one year, and went to Victoria in 1850. He was at Ballarat when the first gold was discovered. After being seven years in Victoria
of “Evergreendale,” was born in Victoria in 1856, and came to New Zealand with his parents when he was a child. He was brought up on his father's property and soon began to as sist in the management of the estate, on which he has made many improvements, and has erected sheepyards on plans devised by himself. Mr. W. F. Clinton has another farm of his own, and he works his land on approved commercial principles. he was married, in 1884, to Miss Bruce, and has three sons and four daughters.
(John Olave Redfern, proprietor), Darfield. This is a property of 400 acres, and was set apart in the early days as an educational reserve. It has been held for many years on lease by private farmers. Mr. Hofmes of Bangor estate, being the first to work it. Mr. Redfern acquired the property in 1898, and has since devoted it to sheep and crops. Between 200 and 500 sheep are kept on the farm, and a considerable number are fattened annually and disposed of at local markets. Oats, wheat, turnips and rape are grown extensively.
Proprietor of “Ferndale,” was born at St. John's Wood, London, in 1866. When four years of age he was brought to Canterbury, and was educated in Christchurch. He afterwards joined his parents, who were then farming at Springfield, and was there trained to farm work. On the death of his father in 1891, he took over the farm and for three years conducted it on his own account. He eventually sold the property, and, in 1893, became manager of the Rakata Island estate at Southbridge. This position he held till 1898, when he resigned to take up “Ferndale.” Mr. Redfern is a member of the Darfield branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. In 1899 he married Miss Evelyn Prince, of Darfield, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Darfield. Mr. Goss was born in Christchurch in 1880, and educated at Mr. Charles Cook's school. After leaving school he spent three years in his father's business in Christchurch, and then turned his attention to farming, first on Ranks' Peninsula, and afterwards at Greendale. In 1900 Mr. Goss entered the agricultural college at Lincoln, with a view to gaining a knowledge of the science of farming. He remained there for two years, and, in 1902, commenced farming at Darfield. His property comprises 600 acres of medium agricultural land, and is well adapted for raising fat lambs for the English market. Sheep are kept and crops are cultivated extensively. Upwards of 500 breeding ewes are kept, besides a number which are fattened annually for the local markets. About one-third of the land is continuously under cultivation, oats, turnips, and rape being the chief crops. Mr. Goss takes a keen interest in all matters pertaining to farming, and is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
“Lowerfield” (F. C. Candy, proprietor), Darfield. This farm comprises 506 acres, divided almost equally between freehold and leasehold property. It originally formed a portion of a large run taken up in the carly days, but had for many years been farmed by Mr. William Long, who sold it in 1902 to its present owner. “Lowerfield” is well fenced and is divided into twelve paddocks It is devoted chiefly to sheep grazing and grain growing. About 500 breeding ewes are constantly stocked, and Mr. Candy annually sells a large number of fat lambs, as well as a varying number of sheep bought at local sales and fattened upon the property. About 150 acres are sown in wheat and oats, which yield good returns.
of “Lowerfield,” was born in Swansea, South Wales, in 1856, and landed at Lyttelton, in company with his parents, in 1860. He received a public school education at Halswell, where his father gained considerable note as a highly successful cheesemaker. After leaving school he assisted his father in farming, and, in 1880, entered into partnership and commenced farming at Kyle. There he remained till 1882, and subsequently spent about nine years contracting in various parts of Canterbury. In 1891 he went to Taranaki, where he took up a leasehold property, and carried on dairy farming for eleven years While he was in Taranaki Mr. Candy was one of the promoters, and subsequently a director, of what is now one of the largest dairy factories in the province, and was also an active member of many public bodies. Mr. Candy was married, in 1881, to Miss Boot, of Christchurch, who died in March, 1903, leaving two sons and two daughters.
(Messrs Reid Brothers, proprietors), Darfield. This farm is situated about two miles from the Darfield village, and was taken up by its present owners in 1888. The area of the property is 210 acres of first class quality, and “Riversleigh” is known throughout New Zealand for its purebred sheep of the English Leicester and Corriedale breeds. In 1898 the proprietors began to exhibit English Leicesters at the Christchurch show, and in that year they won, for rams, first and Champion prizes and a silver medal; in 1899, the gold medal; in 1900, first, second, and third prizes; in 1901, first prize and the gold medal; and in 1902 they had similar success. Grain is grown upon the property, and yields good crops. Turnips, mangolds and potatoes are also grown, and give excellent results.
J.P., Senior Proprietor of Riversleigh farm, is a son of Mr. Robert Reid, one of the founders of the leather industry, at Beith, in Ayrshire, Scotland. He was born in Beith in 1856, was educated primarily there, and after serving his time as an apprentice at law in his native town, was afterwards employed as a law clerk in Dumbarton and Glasgow, where he attended the law classes at the University. In 1883 he landed at Lyttelton in company with his brother, and gained his first colonial experience at farming under Mr. James Gough, at Greendale and Kinwee. Mr. Reid subsequently travelled about the province gathering experience. In 1887 he visited Scotland, but returned again in the following year, when he entered into partnership with his brother to take up “Riversleigh.” Mr. Reid is vice-president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is a member of committee, and a past president of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He is a member of the Council of the New Zealand Sheep-breeders' Association, and has frequently been appointed a judge of sheep, cattle, and horses at shows in various parts of the colony. Mr. Reid is also the chairman of the Darfield Domain Board.
near Darfield. This estate was first taken up in the early days, has passed through several hands, and was acquired by its present owner in November, 1901. “Waireka” is 2570 acres in extent, is fenced and subdivided, and carries between 4000 and 5000 sheep. Turnips and rape are grown extensively for sheep, and large crops of oats are also grown. There are about 150 acres of plantation, consisting of clumps in various parts of the estate. The residence is a two-storey building, and stands in the middle of one of the clumps of trees. There is probably no residence in west Canterbury with more attractive surroundings. The grounds are well laid out, and an orchard in full bearing occupies a considerable area to the rear. Just behind the orchard, and hidden in foliage, there is a small lake with an islet, in the centre, covered with green underwood. The outbuildings are conveniently and substantially built.
Proprietor of Waireka estate, is a son of the late Mr. John Broughton, who is fully noticed in the Old Colonists' section of this volume. He was born in Christchurch, in 1855, and educated, primarily, under his father, and afterwards at Christ's College, Christchurch. Subsequently he was engaged in various local offices until November, 1901, when he retired from city life to take charge of the Waireka estate. Mr. Broughton takes a deep interest in religious work, and holds service weekly in the public school at Homebush. He is chairman of the Homebush school committee. In 1878 he married Miss Goss, daughter of the late Mr. James Goss, of Christchurch, and has three sons.
sometime of Bangor estate, was born in County Longford, Ireland, in 1828. He was educated and trained as a civil engineer and surveyor, and as a young man went to Canada, where he spent many years as a surveyor in the Government service, and was afterwards a member of the Canadian Parliament. In 1878 he came to Canterbury to take charge of “Bangor,” and died in 1879.
who for many years was identified with the blacksmithing trade
lies on the south bank of the Waimakariri river, about thirty miles north-west from Christchurch, and is bounded by the districts of Courtenay, Darfield, and Waddington. It is a fertile agricultural and pastoral area, and was originally part of the Racecourse Hill run. The district is named after Lord Kimberley, who was Secretary of State for the Colonies in two of Mr Gladstone's Ministries. Its earliest settlers included Messrs Henry Roberts, William Pitt, John Brown, James Manson, Bell Reveley, James Dysart, William Cook, R. McBeath, George Hay, and Hugh McClelland. The greater portion of the land has been under cultivation, and a general average of the crops gives a return of thirty-five bushels of oats, and twenty-five of wheat to the acre. Captain Halkett, who owned land in the district, gave the site on which the public school stands. There is a public domain and a small Wesleyan church, and Presbyterian services are held in the public school. Kimberley also possesses a post office, with a daily mail service; but the nearest telegraph office is at Darfield, three miles and a-half distant.
at Kimberley is centrally situated in the district and stands on land which was given by Captain Halkett, who at one time owned property in the neighbourhood. It was opened in 1874, with twenty scholars on the roll, and with Mr. Henry Warnock as its headmaster. The building is of wood, on concrete foundations, and is divided into two lofty, well lighted and ventilated apartments. In addition to the usual school requisites there is a museum case, with many curious of value; and the collection is often added to. The scholars now on the roll number thirty-six, and the average attendance is thirty-two. There is a large playground, sheltered by a belt of trees, and the master's residence and garden adjoin the school ground. Presbyterian church services are held in the school, and an organ and harmonium are used on those occasions.
Headmaster of the Kimberley school, received his present appointment in July, 1902, He is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and was educated at Gordon College. In 1870 he arrived in Dunedin, by the ship “E. P. Bouverie,” and was engaged in contracting and other pursuits for some years. Mr. Stewart accepted an appointment under the South Canterbury Board of Education, as master of the Pareora school. In 1878, and six years later was transferred to a similar position at Gebbie's Valley. Subsequently he bacame master of the school at Kirwee. For many years Mr. Stewart filled the position of lay reader in the Anglican churches at Gebbie's. Valley and Kirwee. he is married to a lady from Cambridge, England, and has a family of five sons and eight daughters.
Farmer. Kimberley. Mr. Candy is the third son of Mr. Charles Benjamin Candy, an old Canterbury colonist, who is elsewhere referred to. He was born near Lake Wanaka, in 1863, and afterwards went with his father to Halswell, where he was educated and trained to farming. Later on he started on his own account at Springston, where he farmed for five years. He then went to Taranaki, where in partnership with his brother, he owned a dairy farm and butter factory. Seven years later the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Candy returned to Canterbury, and took up a farm at Clandeboye, near Temuka. In 1902 he sold that property, and settled at Kimberley, where he took up his present farm of 235 acres. It is all good agricultural land, and yields an average of about forty bushels of oats and thirty of wheat to the acre. While residing at Clandeboye Mr. Candy was a member of the local school committee. He married a daughter of Mr. William Prebble, an old colonist, of Prebbleton, and has a family of one son and one daughter.
Lawsonia Farm, Kimberley. Mr. Eaves is a son of Mr. John Eaves, of Christchurch, and was born in that city in 1875. After receiving his education at the public schools, he followed farming at Kaiapoi, Flaxton, Doyleston, Brookside, Cheviot, and Templeton. He and his brother entered into partnership at Little Akaloa, where they carried on farming for five years. In 1900 Mr. Eaves removed to Kimberley, and took over his present property, which was formerly owned by Mr. Hugh K. Cowan. The farm consists of seventy-five acres, and faces the Waimakariri river. It is all good agricultural land, and yields large returns. Mr. Eaves occupies a seat on the Kimberley school committee. He married a daughter of Mr. James Teague, of Annat.
is a rich agricultural and pastoral district in the county of Selwyn. It is situated to the west of, and adjoins Dunsandel, at a distance of about thirty-three miles by rail and road from Christchurch. There is neither railway nor coach communication through the district, but a short drive of eight or nine miles along excellent roads will carry one to either the southern or western railway line, the Norwood station on the southern line being the one most frequently used by the residents. Greendale is abundantly watered by the Hawkins, Waireka, Upper Selwyn, and Hororata, which unite, before leaving the district, to from the Selwyn river. Like many other districts in Canterbury, Greendale abounds in evidences of Maori habitation. Many valuable relics have been discovered in the district, and Mr. T. W. Adams, one of the earliest settlers, is in possession of some interesting specimens. Messrs Hill and Broom were the earliest runholders at Greendale, and held property in the district as early as the fifties. The permanent settlement, however, did not take place till about 1865, and the pioneers were Messrs T. W. Adams, H. McCrostie, Charles Adams, senior, Mangin and Rudd; the three first-named are still (1903) residents of the district. The population is about 370, and the chief occupations of the settlers are sheep grazing and grain growing. Wheat and oats thrive well in the district. The village of Greendale has a public school, a hall, two or three churches—used by the Baptist, Primitive Methodist, and Presbyterian bodies —a general store and a blacksmith's shop, together with a number of farm dwellings. There is a post and telegraph office at the local store, and the district has a daily mail service with Christchurch, via Darfield.
Farmer, Greendale and Kirwee. Mr. Gough was born at Montford, Shropshire, England, in 1830. When eleven
Farmer, Greendale. Mr. McCrostic is the youngest son of Mr. Hugh McCrostie. He was born at Greendale in 1873, educated at the local public school, and brought up to farming on his father's estate. Later on, in conjunction with an older brother, he took over the property on lease and his father no longer takes an active part in the working of the estate. Mr. McCrostie is a member of the Greendale branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and is also a member of the local cricket club. He was married, in 1900, to Miss Agnes Mathews, of Springston, a daughter of an early settler in that district, and has one son and one daughter.
“Nesslea” (James Gough, proprietor), Greendale. This estate was taken up by its present owner in the early days of the settlesen of Greendale, and is now one of the best equipped and most productive farms in the district. It comprises 1125 acres, is bounded by public roads and the rivers Hawkins and Waireka, and divided into about twenty-two paddocks. The residence of the manager is situated within a short distance of one of the public roads which intersect the property, and is surrounded by a full grown and prolific orchard of about 350 trees; the whole homestead is protected from the prevailing winds by tall shelter trees which extend round two sides of the orchard. Near at hand are the outbuildings, which are numerous and particularly well appointed. The machinery includes an eight horse-power portable boiler. Just close to the homestead there are a number of small paddocks occupied by stud sheep —English Leicesters and Southdowns—which are kept for the purpose of sustaining a high quality amongst the stock. “Nesslea” carries about 1200 half-bred and cross-bred ewes, and, in addition to these, a large number of store sheep are annually fattened upon the property. About 300 acres are devoted annually to wheat and oats, and a large area to the production of rape and Italian ryegrass.
in charge of “Nesslea,” was born at Exeter, Devonshire, England, in 1856, and is a son of the late Mr. John Jarman, a farmer, of Tiverton, Devonshire. After leaving school he assisted his father on the farm till sailing for New Zealand in 1877. Two years after his arrival, Mr. Jarman commenced to work as a farm hand on “Nesslea.” In 1884 he married Miss Gough, a daughter of the proprietor, and has a family of five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Greendale. Mr. Rudd, who is a Justice of the Peace, is the second son of the late Mr. George Rudd. He was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1849, and educated at Broomfleet, Yorkshire, whither his parents had removed in the early fifties. In 1866, he accompanied his parents to New Zealand. For about twelve months after landing. Mr. Rudd obtained employment as a ploughman, and, in 1867, he joined his father at Greendale, where the family were amongst the earliest arrivals. While his father lived Mr. Rudd was engaged upon “Ruddstone Croft,” which he managed latterly in conjunction with his brothers. In 1879, however, at the death of its founder, the estate was divided, Mr. Charles Rudd taking as his share about 300 acres, including the homestead. Upon this he keeps sheep and grows crops. Mr. Rudd has been for fourteen years a member of the Courtenay Road Board. He is a member of the Canterbury and Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and occupies a seat on the local school committee, of which he was for three terms chairman. Mr. Rudd is a member of the Primitive Methodist church, at Greendale, and a local preacher. He is a Prohibitionist, and takes an active part in promoting the movement. In 1878 Mr. Rudd visited England, where, in May, of the same year, he married Miss Blanche Fisher, of South Cave, East Yorkshire; and there is a family of three sons and five daughters.
“Wallaby,” Greendale Mr. Rudd was born in Yorkshire, England in 1856, and in 1866 he accompanied his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Victory.” He passed his early years on his father's farm, and commenced farming on his own account in 1878. In conjunction with his brother, Mr. John Rudd, he farms 500 acres at Greendale and 2343 acres in the Upper Ashley Valley. The Greendale farms are devoted chiefly to grain and root crops, but the Ashley Valley land carries sheep and cattle, and a large number of fat lambs raised from halfbred ewes and English Leicester rams are yearly available for the export trade. Mr. Rudd has served on the school committee, and has always taken an active part in the advancement of church matters He was married, in 1879, to Miss Earl, daughter of Mr. Samuel Earl, who came to New Zealand in the ship “Clontarf,” in 1860, and has four sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Greendale. Mr. Rudd was born in 1875, at Boroughgreen, near New Market, in Cambridgeshire, and is the eldest son of Mr. Richard Rudd, a farmer, of
Greendale, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1834. He was educated at a private school, and afterwards turned his attention to farming. In 1863 he sailed for New Zealand, and, shortly after landing at Lyttelton, made his way to Greendale, of which he was one of the earliest settlers. He took up land in its wild unimproved state, and now owns upwards of 1000 acres, on which sheep are kept and grain is grown. Mr. McCrostie is married, and has three sons.
sometime of “Ruddstone Croft,” Greendale, was one of the earliest settlers in the district. He was born in East Yorkshire, England, in 1816, and educated at the village of Elloughton. On leaving school he commenced farming, and followed that occupation till he left for New Zealand in 1866, by the ship “Victory.” After landing at Lyttelton he went to Yaldhurst, where he obtained employment as shepherd for Archdeacon Wilson. This position he occupied for about twelve months, and, in 1867, he took up land at Greendale, where he farmed till his death in 1897. Mr. Rudd added to the area of his property from time to time, and, at his death, he had 1000 acres in Greendale, and an extensive section at the Ashley Valley. In 1897 “Ruddstone Croft” was divided amongst the three sons of its founder, and is now conducted as three separate farms. Mr. Rudd was a man of high principle and strong personality. He was one of the founders of the Primitive Methodist church at Greendale, a consistent worker on behalf of Prohibition, and a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Rudd was married at Kirkella, near Elloughton, England, to Miss Dodsworth, in the same church in which, forty years previously, his father had been married. He left a grown-up family of three sons and one daughter.
is a farming district, about eight miles west of Darfield, on the branch railway line to Whitecliffs. It occupies the entrance to the valley which affords the only means of communication with the coalfields a few miles further west, and was consequently regarded as a gate to the coal; hence Coalgate. Relies of Maori habitation have been discovered in the neighbouring hills, but dates concerning the occupation of the district by the native race are not available. Homebush station was the first local property acquired by a European, but its owner—the late Mr. John Deans—did not reside in the district, and the real pioneers of Coalgate were Messrs James McIlwraith, Manson, and K. Wilson. Sheep grazing is the principal industry, and public sales are held monthly in the village. Grain also is grown with considerable success, especially along the bands of the Upper Selwyn, which flows through the heart of the district. Coalgate possesses a railway station, a hotel, a blacksmith's shop; and a general store and a police station, and exchanges mails twice a day with Christchurch. The post and telegraph office, and other branches of the public service, are at the railway station.
(J. H. Potton, proprietor), Coalgate. This hotel was built about 1876 by Mr. Mark Scott, now of Rangiora. Mr. Scott conducted it for several years, and since his departure from the district it has passed through several hands. It was taken over by its present proprietor, in 1896, and its popularity so speedily increased that an addition of several rooms had soon to be made. The hotel stands on an acre and three-quarters of land. It is built of wood, is two stories in height, and has, architecturally, a pleasing appearance. There are twenty rooms in all, including three private sitting rooms, where absolute quietude can be enjoyed, and there is a large commercial room. The out-buildings provide excellent accommodation for horses and vehicles. As it is within a few chains of the Coalgate railway station, and close to the junction of the Hororata and Glentunnel roads, the Bluff Hotel is admirably
Proprietor of the Bluff Hotel, is a native of England. He landed in New Zealand in the fifties, and was apprenticed to the coach-painting trade in Christchurch, where he worked for many years. In 1896 he took over the Bluff Hotel, which he has since conducted with success.
General Blacksmith, Implement Maker and Engineer, Coalgate. Mr. Body purchased his present business in 1887, and does a flourishing trade with the farmers in the district and with the run-holders to a distance of fifty miles. He was born in Devonshire, in 1858, and learned his trade in his native county. Mr. Body emigrated in the first instance to Victoria, where he passed ten years, and then crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. He is a member of the Coalgate school committee, of the local sports committee, and of the Oddfellows and Druids. Mr. Body is married and has four sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Coalgate. Mr. Beatty was born in Longford, Ireland, in 1856. He arrived at Lyttelton at the age of five years, and was educated under Mr. Broughton, at St. Albans. After leaving school he assisted his father at Courtenay until 1879, when, his father having died, he removed to Coalgate. His property there embraces 542 acres of good agricultural and pastoral land. It yields excellent crops, and produces some of the finest sheep in the district. Mr. Beatty is a member of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
Farmer, Longford Farm, Coalgate. Mr. Beatty was born at Newton, County Longford, Ireland, in 1848 and came to the Colony in 1861, in the ship “Royal Stuart.” He entered the survey department, and subsequently worked on the Malvern and Ashburton railway lines, where he carried out some contract work. Afterwards he began farming in partnership with his two brothers. In 1885 he settled on his present farm of 500 acres. Mr. Beatty carries on mixed farming, grows excellent grain, turnips, and rape, and he fattens a large number of sheep for the export trade. His property is well divided with substantial fences. Mr. Beatty is a member of the local school committee and of the domain board. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Jessie Duke, of Christchurch, and has four sons and four daughters.
Coalgate. This farm is a compact piece of undulating country 345 acres in extent, and is situated on the northern side of the Coalgate valley. It was acquired by Mr Langdale in 1880, having formerly been held by Mr. Robison, a bank manager. The homestead on this farm is particularly attractive, and the grounds surrounding it are well laid out. “Kirkless” is fenced, subdivided, and highly improved, and mixed farming is carried on. In 1900 Mr. Langdale disposed of property formerly held by him at Darfield and at Glenroy, and in July of the same year he bought a block of 325 acres, adjoining “Kirkless.” This property is farmed by his sons, and is known as “Glendale.” It consists partly of undulating country and partly of level land, possesses fifteen miles of fencing, and is in good working order. Its improvements include a large dwelling house, which was built and occupied by a former proprietor. “Glendale” is devoted to sheep grazing and grain growing.
Proprietor of “Kirkless” and “Glendale,” was born in the town of Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, and was educated at public schools in his native place. He afterwards spent some years farming in the neighbourhood with his father, and in 1863 sailed for New Zealand. On landing at Lyttelton he obtained employment as driver of a team of horses for Messrs Reese and Barrett Brothers, carriers, and kept that position
is an extensive and fertile farming district, about four miles south of Coalgate, the nearest railway station. The earliest settlers included the late Mr. John Cordy, the Messrs Studholme, Mr. S. Bealey, and Sir John Hall. There is a prosperous and attractive appearance about Hororata; the roads are unusually good and are well kept; and the Hororata river, a fine trout stream, meanders its way through rich pastures, and is overhung in many places by the foliage of willows. Most of the land has been long taken up, and some of the holdings are very extensive, such as those of Sir John Hall, Messrs Bealey Brothers, and Mr. Saville. Sheep grazing and crop growing are carried on with considerable success, and cattle also are raised. Hororata has a racecourse, an entertainment room, and a public library. The district also has a hotel, two churches—English and Presbyterian—a public school, a town hall, two or
Hororata. This hotel is situated in the centre of the district, about four miles from the Coalgate railway station, and stands back a few yards from the main road, on a block of fertile land, seventeen acres in area, lying between the Hororata river and the main road. It was built of wood in the early eighties by a local tradesman, and is two stories in height. The rooms are large and lofty, and there are several private sitting rooms, and a spacious commercial room, in addition to a large number of bedrooms, the dining room, and the private rooms of the proprietor and his servants. The management of the hotel reflects credit upon the proprietor, who exercises every care on behalf of visitors. Only wines of the very best quality are kept, and the table is well catered for. The hotel is almost entirely surrounded by tall pines, and the crescent-shaped road way by which it is approached from the main road, gives it a pleasing appearance.
Proprietor of the Hororata Hotel, was born in 1875, at Killinchy, Canterbury. He was educated at the public school there, and was afterwards engaged for a time at farm work in the neighbourhood. Later on he went to the North Island, where for two years he worked in the Wellington and Hawke's Bay provinces. He then returned to Canterbury, and found employment for five years at “Highbank,” which he left in 1902 to take charge of the Hororata Hotel. Mr. Crowe was married, in 1897, to Miss Mary O'Reilly, of Rakaia, and has five children.
Farmer, Hororata. Mr. Cordy is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Cordy, Hororata Station, and farms 400 acres of land at Hororata. He married Miss Richards, daughter of Dr. Richards, one of the Canterbury pilgrims, and has three daughters.
Farmer, Springbank, Hororata. Mr. Derritt was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1836, and past his early years on his father's farm. He subsequently took to sawing, which he followed for a few years. Mr. Derritt came to New Zealand in 1852, and settled at Hororata, when the land he took up was covered with flax and water. After the land was reclaimed it was used for fattening cattle for the West Coast trade, but Mr. Derritt now raises wool and mutton for export, and a
Farmer, Hororata. Mr. Hartnell was born in Somersetshire, England, on the 9th of June, 1843, and was educated at Wellington Academy. He passed his early years on his father's farm and in butchering, and came to New Zealand in the ship “John Temperly,” in 1866. The first land he purchased in the Colony consisted of fifty acres, part of Lord Lyttelton's property, and he paid £4 an acre for it. He has since increased his area to 1400 acres. Mr. Hartnell devotes himself chiefly to sheepfarming and he prefers Shropshire crosses in breeding for the export meat trade. In the early days Mr. Hartnell went in extensively for contract cropping and ploughing, and carting on the roads to and from the sheep stations, etc. He is a member of the Hororata school committee and of the racing club, and his own colours have been carried to the front. Mr. Hartnell was married, on the 28th of March, 1870, to Miss Mitchell, and has three sons and five daughters.
This property is held by the trustees of the late Mr. John Cordy. It was originally taken up by Messrs Aylmer and Percival about 1851, when it was stocked with Merino sheep from Australia. The run at that time comprised 10,000 acres of leasehold land, and now the property consists of about 4000 acres of freehold and 7000 leasehold. Mr. John Cordy purchased the run about 1858. In 1894 the English Leicester was introduced, in consequence of the demand for coarse wool and halfbred sheep for the frozen meat trade. Mr. Cordy was born in 1805, in Suffolk, England, came out to the Colony in the ship “Travencore,” and landed on the 31st of March, 1851, with his wife, three sons and two daughters. He took up land on the Port Hills, but afterwards removed to Home Bush, and, later on, to Hororata, where he died on the 10th of October, 1886.
Manager of Hororata Station, was born in 1865, in Leeds, Yorkshire. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Cuzco,” in 1881, and served as a cadet with Mr. T. Upton and at Sherwood. Mr. Hayward was appointed to his present position in September, 1891.
Farmer, Hororata. Mr. Napier was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1840, and was brought up as a carpenter. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Mermaid,” Captain Rose, in 1865, and followed his trade for over ten years, when he took up the first hotel in Hororata. The present hotel there was built by him in 1882, and he conducted the business till 1898, when he sold it. Mr. Napier is a keen sportsman, and took an active part in forming the Hororata cricket, football, racing, and bicycle clubs. He is an energetic member of various friendly societies. As an Oddfellow he has passed all the chairs that could be allotted to him in the Southern Hemisphere, and has been presented with a gold medal and a tea and coffee set for meritorious services to the order. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Kendren, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Springhead,” Hororata. Mr. Oliver was born in Kent, England, and brought up and educated in London. He came to New Zealand in 1857, in the ship “Glentanner.” His first land was taken up in 1860, when it was covered with tussock, flax, toi-toi, and raupo, but after a good deal of hard work he was successful in bringing his farm under cultivation. Mr. Oliver began carting wool, etc., into Christchurch in 1861, at a time when there were no roads, and only a few cuttings as a means of entering and coming out from the rivers and gullies. He continued carting till the advent of the traction engine reduced the
in the county of Selwyn, is owned by Sir John Hall, sometime Premier of New Zealand. A long article on Sir John appears at pages 63 and 64 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia. Hororata estate was selected at an early stage in the settlement of Canterbury, and has been systematically improved in every way likely to add to its practical value as a property. Some of the land is let to tenants, and the rest used, chiefly for pastoral purposes, by Sir John Hall himself, who keeps, off and on, about 30,000 sheep. The estate is at present (1903) managed by Mr. Duncan Fraser.
Manager of Sir John Hall's estate, was born near Ballarat, Victoria, in 1864. He came to New Zealand with his parents in 1868, and was educated at the Lower Shotover, near Frankton, Otago. In early youth he served under his father, with whom he gained valuable experience, and he was afterwards on some of the best runs in the North Island and Middle Island. He was appointed manager of one of the National Mortgage and Agency Company's stations in the Chatham Islands, and held the position till the run was sold. On returning to the mainland he was appointed manager of a station in the Upper Waiau, and only left when he received his appointment as manager of the Brabazon estate, Aylesbury, in 1895. Mr. Fraser has always taken an active part in the collie dog trials, and has acted as judge on several occasions. At a recent Christchurch dog trial he competed with his black and brindle dog “Rock,” and on the second day won the first prize for heading and bringing back. Mr. Fraser was married, in 1892, to Miss McLeod, and has one son.
is a flag-station thirty-nine miles west from Christchurch, on the branch railway line to Whitecliffs. The district embraces a wide valley, traversed by the Upper Selwyn river, and is said to have obtained its name from the fact that in the early days of settlement a tunnel was excavated through the hills on the northern side; hence the glen of the tunnel, or Glentunnel. Being of a broken nature, the district is taken up in large areas, and sheepfarming is carried on extensively. The pottery works and coalmining industry, the latter of which is capable of further development, have given rise to a considerable township. The village has a hotel, a public school, a town hall, and several places of business, and there are also representative lodges of Oddfellows. Glentunnel possesses a twice-a-day mail service by rail with Christchurch, and there is a post and telegraph office, with other branches of the public service, at one of the local stores.
at Glentunnel was established in the early seventies, and at first had only one room. But the attendance increased with the growth of the district, and another room and a porch were added to the building, which is of wood on a concrete foundation, and has accommodation for 120 pupils. The headmaster's residence is of two stories, and is about a chain from the school; the two buildings stand on a reserve several acres in extent. In April, 1903, there were about ninety names on the school roll, and the average attendance was about seventy. The headmaster is assisted by a mistress.
Headmster of the Glentunnel public school, was born at Templeton, Canterbury, in 1876, and is the fifth son of Mr. Charles Benjamin, a farmer, of Templeton. He gained his early education at the Templeton public school, where he passed the entrance examination for the teaching profession; and after spending the usual term as a pupil-teacher, he entered the Normal School, Christchurch, and there gained the D certificate. He subsequently became a relieving teacher, and as such, taught at schools in various parts of the North Canterbury district. Towards the close of 1900 he was appointed headmaster of the Glentunnel school. Mr. Benjamin is secretary and treasurer of the Glentunnel Library Committee, captain of the local cricket and football clubs, and secretary of the Glentunnel sports committee. In Christchurch he is a member of the Pioneer Cycling and Athletic Club, the Canterbury, College Amateur Athletic Club, the Harriers' Athletic Club, and the Merivale Football Club. He has represented Canterbury College against the Dunedin University in football, and was one of those selected to represent the Canterbury College at the Annual University Tournament, held in Auckland, in April, 1903. For
(John Deans, proprietor), Glentunnel. This colliery is situated in the hills on the north side of the Glentunnel valley. It was opened over thirty years ago by the late Mr. James McIlwraith, who was at that time manager of the Homebush station, and has been worked continuously ever since. The seam now being excavated will provide work for about fifty years, and there are other seams in the vicinity. The coal obtained is a superior class of brown coal of a non-bituminous nature, and is very suitable for household purposes. Upwards of twenty-five men are employed constantly and the total output, per annum, amounts to about 10,000 tons, all of which finds a ready sale within the province. The colliery is about a mile and a half from the main railway, and rails are laid up the hillside, on which the coal is trucked down to the Glentunnel flag station, whence it is conveyed to the markets.
Manager of the Homebush Colliery, is a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was born in 1842, and educated at a private school at the Clarkston village. At the early age of eight years he commenced to work at the coal mines, first, at the Simpson Pit, and afterwards at Chapel Hall. In 1859 he joined the 7th Regiment, and sailed to India as a soldier. Shortly afterwards he left India for New Zealand and landed at Auckland. For eighteen months he worked on the goldfields in Otago, and then assisted in opening up the coal mines at Green Island and Fairfield, near Dunedin. He then commenced a colliery of his own, and worked it for a while. Mr. Campbell was afterwards manager of the Walton park Colliery, at Fairfield, for four years; of the Saddle Hill Colliery, for Messrs Christie Brothers, for eight years; of the Allandale Colliery Company's collieries, at Shag point, near Palmerston South, for nine years; of the Burnweil Colliery, at Lovell's Flat, for one year; and of other collieries in the neighbourhood of Bannockburn and Cromwell for a few years. He was then recommended by Mr. R. B. Denniston, mining engineer, of Dunedin, to Mr. John Deans, by whom he was immediately engaged to take charge of the Homebush Colliery, which he has since conducted with great success. Mr Campbell was married, in 1864, to Miss McLachlan, daughter of Mr. Peter McLachlan, of Saddle Hill, Otago. This lady died in March, 1902, leaving, alive, one son and six daughters.
(John Deans, proprietor), Glentunnel. This industry was established in 1870, after it had been ascertained that clay of a suitable nature abounded in the neighbourhood. For about sixteen years operations were confined to the manufacture of bricks, but in 1886 the making of drain pipes for agricultural purposes was added, and two years later terra-cotta work, pottery and other branches of the industry. The clay is brought by means of trucks from the surrounding hills, and the articles, when manufactured, are sent in trucks along a branch line to the Glentunnel flag station, whence they are taken by rail to the city depot, 81 South Belt, Christchurch, or to where else required. The factory is a commodious brick building with an iron roof, and contains three drying sheds, two machine sheds, an engine and a boiler house, and a repairing shop. It possesses two kilns capable, respectively, of holding 16,000 and 24,000 bricks, and new machinery of a modern make is being introduced. With abundance of buff, red and fire clays of high quality near at hand, machinery of a most efficient and up-to-date order, good coal supplied by the Homebush colliery, and railway communication, the Homebush Brick, Pipe and Terra-cotta works are in a particularly favourable position to compete success fully with other works in the colony. About fifteen men are employed constantly in the establishment, and the annual output amounts to about £3000 worth. All the classes of goods manufactured are known for their fine finish and durability, and find a ready sale in the market.
Manager of the Homebush Brick, Pipe, and Terra-cotta Works, was born in February, 1854, at Padiham, near Burnley, in Lancashire, England. He was educated at the Wesleyan church school in his native village, and at the age of twelve was apprenticed to engineering under his father, who was head engineer at the Rosegrove Cotton Mills, Burnley. After serving his apprenticeship, he continued to work there till 1883, when he sailed for New Zealand. He landed at Dunedin, whence he removed to Lyttelton. For more than a year he was engaged in engine-driving in and around Christchurch, and was about six months with Messrs Lucas and Sons, engineers, Kilmore Street. He was then appointed head engineer of Messrs Ford and Ogden's Pottery Works at Whitecliffs, and resigned that position four years later to take up a similar position at the Homebush Brick, Pipe and Terra-cotta Works, of which he was appointed manager in 1892. Mr. Lord is a member of the local school committee, of the Domain Board, and of the Oddfellows' Lodge. He is married and has two sons.
Glentunnel. This estate was taken up in the early days by Dr. Turn bull, and was subsequently held by Mr. R. M. Cotton, and later on, by Mr. Fletcher. It occupies a large portion of the Wairiki valley, and derives is name from the geographical aspects of the property, the word “Hassendean” meaning, in the Scottish
Proprietor of “Hassendean,” is the third son of Mr. James Wallace of Papatoitoi, Auckland. He was born at Papatoitoi, and educated at the Church of England grammar school. Afterwards he was engaged as a clerk in the city of Auckland, and came to Canterbury in 1889. For seven years he acted as overseer on the Terrace station; in 1897 he purchased the Rockwood run, and two years later bought “Hassendean.”
(Alexander McIlwraith, proprietor), Glentunnel. This estate is situated on the banks of the Upper Selwyn, between Glentunnel and Whitecliffs, and embraces a large part of the Glentunnel valley, together with a considerable area of hilly country towards the west. It is about 1600 acres in extent; and is well fenced and subdivided into convenient paddocks, and carries a flock of about 2000 sheep. Turnips and rape are grown extensively for feed.
Manager of “Riversleigh,” was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1858, and educated at the National school, at the village of Clanfart. He assisted his father in farming until 1875, and was then for five years engaged as a ploughman upon neighbouring estates. In 1880 Mr. Ford sailed by the ship “Westland” for New Zealand, and landed at Lyttelton. His first colonial experience was gained at Riccarton, where he ploughed some paddocks for the late Mr. John Miln. This, however, occupied but a few weeks, and he then left for Southbridge, where he found employment as a ploughman till 1893. In that year he took up a position on the Homebush station, near Coalgate, and worked there for about two years. In the early part of 1896 he returned to Southbridge, and about two months later was appointed manager of “Riversleigh.” Mr. Ford was married, in 1891, to Miss Sellers, of Southbridge.
(T. H. and C. F. Overton, proprietors), Glentunnel. This estate is a portion of a much larger property taken up in the early days, and known by the same name. It has passed through several hands, and was taken over by its present owners in March, 1903. “Rockwood” has an area of 7100 acres, and, being very broken, is well adapted for sheep grazing. The Brockley coal mine—well known for the quality of its output—is situated near the eastern boundary, and there are said to be other seams in the neighbourhood. There are about 200 acres of native bush still standing on the property, and a river which, further on, runs into the Selwyn, affords an ample supply of excellent water.
the Senior Owner of Rockwood run, is the eldest son of Mr. Henry Overton, of Fendalton, Christchurch. He was born in the Ellesmere district in 1876, and educated at Warwick House, Christchurch, under Mr. Charles Cook. Shortly after leaving school he went to New South Wales, where he spent a year on different stations. On returning to New Zealand he joined his father at Kirwee, where he continued to work until 1899. In 1890 Mr. Overton visited England, and again in 1899. Immediately on his return from the later trip, he enlisted for service in South Africa, having formerly taken a keen interest in volunteering as a member of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He was made a sergeant before leaving New Zealand, and served as such under Colonel Craddock, of the Second Contingent, and gained promotion on the field to the rank of subaltern. When the Second Contingent returned in May, 1901, he was transferred to the Sixth Contingent, with which he served till within a few weeks of its return. Mr. Overton has for many years been a member of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club and has taken a prominent part at many championship meetings. He represented New Zealand in the Australasian Championship athletic meeting held in Sydney in 1897, and in the following year he represented Canterbury at the New Zealand Championship meeting held at Wanganui.
Junior Partner in the ownership of Rockwood run, is the second son of Mr. Charles Overton, and was born in August, 1881, at Prebbleton. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and in 1899 turned his attention to farming. After travelling through the colony and gaining valuable experience in different districts, he entered into partnership with his cousin to take up the Rockwood run in March, 1903. Since his early school days Mr. Overton has taken an active interest in athletics. He represented Christ's College in football and cricket in many inter-collegiate matches, and holds the college record for high jumping. As a member of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club he representel the province at the New Zealand Championship meeting held at Dunedin in 1899.
(C. T. Dudley, proprietor), Glentunnel. In the early days of the district “Tara Ghur” was a portion of the Glendore run, and was afterwards acquired by General Davidson, who worked it till his death in 1901 when it passed into the hands of Mr. Dudley. It contains an area of 850 acres, of which about 740 acres are hilly country, with about 110 acres of level agricultural land in the Valley. The estate is well suited for sheep, but cattle also are kept, and crops are grown to a limited extent.
J. P., Proprietor of “Tara Ghur,” is the second son of the late Archdeacon B. W. Dudley, of Rangiora, and formerly of Lyttelton. He was born in 1843 in Sussex, England, and arrived in Lyttelton, in company with his parents in 1850, by the ship “Cressy.” Mr. Dudley was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, under Dean Jacobs, the first headmaster, and commenced farm work as a cadet on Messrs Brittan and Burke's Landsdown estate, which then consisted of 10,000 acres, hill and flat. In 1866 he commenced farming on his own account by buying the “Ravensworth” property in the Leeston district and five years later accepted an appointment as manager of the Burnham estate. He held that position for five years, and resigned in 1876 to take up property at Irwell. Mr. Dudley subsequently bought the Riversdale estate of about 3000 acres, originally part of the Longbeach estate, at Ashburton. After farming there for about five years he removed to “Selma,” which he took up temporarily and worked; it was an estate of
Benjamin Wooley Dudley was born in Staffordshire, England, at the end of the year 1805, and consequently was eighty-six years old at the time of his death, which took place on the 28th of August, 1892. He graduated at Cambridge, where he took his B.A., and afterwards his M.A. degree. For some years he ministered in England, and held a curacy at Earnley, and afterwards at Ticehurst. He left England, on the formation of a Church of England settlement in New Zealand, as chaplain of the “Cressy,” one of the historical first four ships, in 1850, and was afterwards the first Incumbent of Lyttelton, where he invested his money and remained for eight years, when, on account of his wife's health, he visited Auckland for a short period. On his return he was transferred to Rangiora, where he remained during the rest of his life. In Rangiora the Archdeacon's ministrations were highly valued, as they deserved to be, for his energy in the cause of the church was untiring, and the only limited to his liberality was his means. He gave four acres as a site for the church and parsonage. Through his exertions the church was enlarged considerably, and afterwards removed to make room for the erection of the handsome building which took its place. To the cost of all this the Archdeacon and his family contributed largely. Archdeacon Dudley was personally the most liberal contributor towards the erection of a parsonage, and his latest effort was the building of a substantial schoolroom, which cost £750, and it was almost free of debt at the time of his death. Besides his work for the good of the church, the poor in the district had in him an unfailing friend. He was always ready to assist those in trouble or distress, and it was well known that during his later years he was wont to complain that his means prevented him doing all he wished, and common report credited him with having given largely of his substance to objects of bene-velence. In addition to these works of charity, Archdeacon Dudley endowed the Dampier Bay church with £250 per annum, and founded Divinity Scholarships at Christ's College. In 1866 he was made Rural Dean and Canon, and, in 1876, in recognition of his many services to the Church, was appointed Archdeacon of Rangiora. About four years and a half before his death Archdeacon Dudley resigned the incumbency of Rangiora, and retired to his private residence, “Earnley.” But he could not remain long idle, and volunteered his services to Fernside and St. Stephen's Maori Pa, and continued the work up to the very day of his death. As a matter of fact, he was preparing for a drive of six miles to take the morning service, when the attack which proved fatal to his heart seized him. His chief characteristic, activity in his work, thus remained with him to the very last, and, as the Bishop afterwards publicly said of him, his whole life had been an example of largeheartedness. In England Archdeacon Dudley married Mary Thornton, who died at Rangiora in 1865. He again married, and at his death left a widow, three sons and one daughter. Of his sons, the eldest, Archdeacon B. T. Dudley, of Auckland, died in April, 1901; the Rev. H. T. Dudley, M.A. Oxon, is still vicar of Whitechurch, Glossop, England; and the second son, Mr. C. T. Dudley, formerly a member of the firm of Acland, Dudley and Co., Christchurch, resides on his property “Tara Ghur,” at Glentunnel. Miss F. T. Dudley resided with her father at Rangiora, where she was his right hand in all church work. She continues to live at “Earnley,” which remains, as of old, a centre of well-doing on the lines of her father's life.
sometime of Glentunnel, was the pioneer settler of the Wairere Valley, and was born in Fife, Scotland, in 1830. He came to New Zealand, in the ship “Brechin Castle,” in 1865, and landed at Port Chalmers. After visiting the Wakamarina diggings, where he spent only a short time, he made a tour over the country, looking for a home, and his choice fell on the Wairere Valley, where he purchased 100 acres, and afterwards extended his area to 300 acres. At first the land was covered with flax and water, but he set to work and drained it thoroughly, which was no easy task. He stocked the place with cattle as a means of consolidating the swamp so long submerged in or saturated with water. Mr. Colville's success brought him a number of neighbours, who purchased all the remaining Crown land, but he had, as he deserved, the cream of the valley in his well cultivated farm, stocked with well-conditioned sheep and cattle. The improvements on Mr. Colville's farm were of a permanent nature, and the homestead was well sheltered by forest trees. Mr. Colville always took an active part in road board affairs, and in the local school committee. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Nicholl, and had two sons and one daughter. Mr. Colville died a few years ago.
sometime of Glentunnel, was a native of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and a cadet of the Davidsons of Tulloch, in Ross-shire. He was born in 1825, and entered the army in 1841, when he joined the 29th Madras Native Infantry. After serving for thirty-six years in India under Sir Henry Lawrence and other distinguished leaders, General Davidson retired in 1877, when he came direct to New Zealand, and resided successively at Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, and Christchurch. In 1883 he purchased an estate situated on the southeast of the Wairere Valley, a few miles from Glentunnel, and built a substantial house of brick and iron, and made other extensive improvements. The residence commands a view of the whole of the Wairere Valley. General Davidson was married, in 1851, to Miss Graham, daughter of Dr. J. M. Graham, of Cupar, Fifeshire, Scotland, and had three sons and five daughters. He died at Glentunnel in 1901.
was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1833, and arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1842. He was educated
is a sheepfarming and grain growing district situated about six miles south-west of Glentunnel. The land is good and undulating, and is taken up for the most part in areas of moderate size. A considerable stream, which has its source in the mountains a few miles to the north-west, passes through the district, and the land falls in terraces on both sides to the water's level. Glenroy possesses a public school and a post office, and has a bi-weekly mail service with Christchurch, via Glentunnel, to which the mails are conveyed in a buggy.
Farmer, Burnside, Glenroy. Mr. McKie was born in Kirkoud brightshire, Scotland, in 1839. He followed farming in his early years, and came to the Colony in 1869, in the ship “Matoaka,” on her last trip. He worked on farms in the Southbridge district for five years, and then joined his brother in cropping land at Home Bush, and they obtained as much as 6s. per bushel for oats. Mr. McKie purchased his present property of 1200 acres in 1879. At first he stocked it with Merino ewes, but the flock now consists of almost purebred Border Leicesters. A large number of sheep and lambs are annually available for the export trade, after being finished off on rape and turnips. The appearance of Mr. McKie's homestead, stock, and paddocks testifies to the fact that the proprietor is a practical farmer. Mr. McKie was married to Miss Brown in 1880.
Farmer, Glenroy. Mr. Orsbourn was born in suffolk, England, in 1848, and came to New Zealand with his parents, in the ship “Captain Cook,” in 1863. The family settled first at Rangiora, and then removed to the district now named Rolleston. Mr. Orsbourn went to the Westland goldfields, where he had to pay as much as a shilling for a pannikin of flour, but was not successful as a gold-seeker. He therefore walked back to Canterbury, and followed farm and station life in the Culverden district for five years. Subsequently he entered the racing field with a few good horses, which carried his colours trequently to the front. Mr. Orsbourn purchased his present farm of 401 acres in 1870, when the land was covered with flax and tussock. Since then it has all been brought under cultivation, and Mr Orsbourn fattens a robust flock of crossbred sheep on rape and turnips, for the growth of which the property is well adapted. Mr Orsbourn was married, in 1878, to Miss Napier and has two sons and five daughters.
near Glenroy. The history of this estate dates back to the fifties, when it was taken up from the Government by Messrs Peacock and Cunningham, as a portion of the Rockwood run. Later on it was bought by Mr. Thomas Phillips, and, at his death, handed down to his family, by whom it was farmed for many years. It was afterwards held by Mr. Norman Cunningham, and again by Mr. Goodwin, and was bought by its present proprietor, Mr. C. O. B. Lamb, in 1902. The Rockwood estate has an area of about 2000 acres, consisting chiefly of rough country, and is devoted almost entirely to sheep. The standard flock consists chiefly of English and Border Leicesters, and a large number of fat lambs are sold annually, in addition to store sheep bought locally and fattened upon the property. Apart from its qualities as a sheep farm, the Rockwood estate possesses many points of interest. There are about 200 acres of well grown native bush on the property, and there some wild pigeons, almost the last of the large flocks which at one time frequented the neighbourhood, find a safe home. A river flowing eastward, divides about midway in its course through the estate, and encloses a small island upon which vegitation grows in great profusion. There are also several ponds on the estate well stocked with trout, and prettily surrounded with native bush and vegetation. The residence of the proprietor is situated in the south-eastern corner of the bush, and has a quaint, old-fashioned appearance, though the grounds in front are laid out in modern style. The outbuildings are substantial
Proprietor of Rockwood estate, is the eldest son of Mr. C. B. Lamb, of Inholms, Todcaster, West Yorkshire, England. He was born in 1879, at Bilton Hall, near Marston Moor, and educated primarily at the village of Aysgarth, in North Yorkshire, and afterwards at Repton, Derbyshire, where he studied engineering. Later on he worked for about twelve months at a foundry in Leeds, and then spent a short time with his parents. In 1899 he sailed for New Zealand, and shortly after landing in Lyttelton embarked again for the Chatham Islands. There he spent over two years on a large run. He returned to the main land in June, 1902, and bought Rockwood estate, a few months later. Mr. Lamb is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
at the terminus of the branch railway line from Darfield, is situated about forty-two miles west from Christchurch, and is said to have obtained its name for the colour of the clay in the neighbouring hills. It occupies a wide valley, traversed by the Upper Selwyn river, is surrounded towards the north, west, and south-west by mountain ranges, and is essentially a sheep grazing district. The local pottery works, owned by Mr. H. F. Wigram, of Christchurch, are of importance to the industrial life of the district, and many of the residents are employed at them. The township is small and compact, and comprises a public school, a church—used by the Wesleyan and Baptist bodies—and a post and telegraph office, together with several places of business. Whitecliffs has a daily mail service, by rail, with Christchurch.
Farmer, “Bellfield,” Whitecliffs. Mr. Black was born in Strath Navar, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1841. His education was finished at the Normal school, Edinburgh, and he followed teaching for three years, but was subsequently engaged in pastoral pursuits. He came out to New Zealand in 1884, in the ship “Florida,” and was soon appointed manager of the Pentland Hills station. In 1891 Mr. Black bought his present property, which was originally part of Bishop Harper's run. “Bellfield” comprises 1100 acres, and is devoted chiefly to raising wool and mutton, with sheep of the English Leicester strain. Mr. Black his always taken a great interest in the Whitecliffs library, and has acted as treasurer. He was married, in 1881, to Miss Wallace. Mrs. Black has been a successful exhibitor at agricultural shows. In 1892 she gained two first prizes for table butter, and since then she has gained, for butter, bread and his cuits, twenty-one first, five second, four third, and seven minor prizes.
is a large agricultural district, situated thirty-six miles north-west from Christchurch, on the Springfield railway line. The whole district was originally part of the Homebush run, owned by the late Mr. John Deans. About 1873 the first settlers arrived, and bought land from the Government at £2 an acre. Mr William Waddington, after whom the place is named, purchased the township block, and cut it up into building sections. Other settlers of that period were Messrs Richard Scarlett, Samuel Hight, David Hight, Frederick Bull, D. McMilan, Aaron Ayers, William Lilley, William Humm, Alexander Fraser, James Bradshaw, William Minchin, and Charles Gamble. These settlers broke up the native tussock; and the construction of the railway, shortly afterwards, gave an impetus to the settlement. The land has all been under cultivation, and yields good average returns of oats and wheat. Turnips are also extensively grown, and large numbers of sheep, mostly crossbreds, are raised and fattened. The township has a commodious public school, and a Primitive Methodist church. The Presbyterians conduct their services
at Waddington dates back to 1875, when it was held in an old Wesleyan chapel, between Waddington and Sheffield. About two years later a small school was built, and was subsequently enlarged, and more recently the Board has added a large infant class room. The building is of wood, on concrete foundations; the rooms are lofty and well ventilated, and the walls of the infant room are plastered and papered. A spacious playground surrounds the school. Mr. J. A. Caygill was the first headmaster, and has been followed, successively, by Messrs Richard Pole, James Blythen, Victor, J. B. Borthwick, and Mr. T. L. P. Pole, the present headmaster, who has held the appointment since 1888. The number of scholars on the roll is 104, with an average attendance of ninety. Miss Agnes Colthart is relieving assistant mistress and Miss J. L. Hight pupil-teacher. Miss Popple, formerly assistant mistress, who was trained at the Malvern school, was one of the “eleventh contingent”—a band of capable teachers sent by the New Zealand Government to South Africa, to assist in teaching the Boer children in the concentration camps.
Headmaster of the Malvern school, was born at Ramsey, Huntingdonshire, England, in 1860. At the age of six he arrived in the colony with his parents by the ship “Mermaid,” and landed at Lyttelton. He was brought up and educated at Riccarton, and afterwards served as a pupil-teacher in the West Christchurch school. Then he studied for two years at the Normal School, and afterwards acted as relieving master at the Malvern school for three months. Mr. Pole was then appointed third master at the Lyttelton Borough school, where he remained for over three years, when he was transferred to the charge of the Kimberley school. Subsequently he became headmaster of the Hororata school, whence he was promoted to his present position. Mr. Pole takes a very active part in the social life of the community, especially in musical matters. He is sergeant-major of the Malvern Mounted Rifles. Mr. Pole married a daughter of Mr. William Griffiths, of Spreydon, and has a family of two sons and five daughters.
Builder, Waddington, Mr. Lord is one of the early colonists of Waddington, and was born at Burnley, Lancashire, England, in 1851. He was educated in his native place, where he learned the trade of a cabinetmaker. Subsequently he was engaged for some years in mercantile pursuits. In 1874 Mr. Lord left the Old Country for New Zealand in the ship “Cathcart,” which came to Lyttelton. For six months he remained in Christchurch, after which he removed to Waddington, where he has since resided. Upon his arrival there, Mr. Lord started in business with his brother-in-law, as wheelwrights and carpenters. One year afterwards the partnership was dissolved, and since then Mr. Lord has carried on a successful business as a builder. For several years he was a member of the local school committee, and he has taken an active part in musical matters, especially in connection with the churches of various denominations. At the present time he is choirmaster of the Waddington Primitive Methodist church. Mr. Lord married Miss Sarah Rose, of Lincolnshire, who was a shipmate on the “Cathcart,” and they have a family of five sons and three daughters.
(William Humm, proprietor), Waddington, Mr. Humm, on of the early settlers at Waddington, was born in Essex, England, in 1837, and was brought up to farming. He left England in the ship to farming. He left England in the ship “Gananoque,' which arrived in Lyttelton in 1860. His first occupation in Christchurch was picking and bagging potatoes, at five shillings a day. He was afterwards employed at the Royal Hotel at £1 a week, and was subsequently engaged in various callings. In 1864 Mr. Humm went to Weedons, where he took up fifty acres of Government land, and there commenced the life of a pioneer. Coal and firewood were at an exorbitant price, and for several years straw was used for the household fires. In 1873 Mr. Humm removed to Waddington, and took up his present property, Applecroft Farm, which contains 244 acres. The land was then in its native tussock, and it took many years of hard work, coupled with financial stress, to break up, fence, and subdivide the farm, erect the homestead and substantial outbuildings, and bring the whole property to its present prosperous condition. Success at last crowned his persevering efforts, and Mr. Humm is now reaping the reward of his industrious labours. Mr. Humm has been actively associated with church and temperance work, and is a local preacher in the Waddington Primitive Methodist church. Before leaving the Old Country, Mr. Humm married Miss Eliza Owens, of Essex. His wife accompanied him to New Zealand, and has been a worthy helpmate in his adversity and prosperity. There is a family of seven sons and four daughters. All the daughters and four of the sons are married, and they have, in all, twenty-seven children.
Farmer, Waddington. Mr. Bradshaw is the son of Mr. George Bradshaw, brush manufacturer and general dealer, of
Farmer, Waddington. Mr. Bull was born at Enfield, Middle-sex. England, in 1848. At the age of fourteen he arrived in the colony with his parents, by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” and landed at Lyttelton. Almost immediately he went to the Dalethorpe run, Russell's Flat, and remained with Mr. C. Watts Russell, the then owner, for three years. He then accepted an engagement as stockman on the Homebush run, where he worked for five years for the late Mr. John Deans. His next employer was “Skipper” Duncan, and he was for three years engaged in driving cattle to the West Coast. Mr. Bull then started a butchery business at Waddington, and carried it on successfully for twenty years. He bought 600 acres of the Homebush run, where he carries on mixed farming, and depastures a fine flock of crossbred sheep. Mr. Bull is a member of the Malvern East Road Board, and has held the position of chairman. For many years he was a member and chairman of the Waddington school committee, and he has also served on the Domain Board. At the present time (1903) he is chairman of the Cemetery Board, and is also president of the Malvern Trotting Club. He married a daughter of Mr. James Jackson, of Harewood Road, Papanui, a pioneer colonist, and has two sons and one daughter. The eldest son volunteered and served with one of the New Zealand Contingents in the late war in South Africa.
, is one of the oldest farms in the district. A small portion of it was bought by the father of the present proprietor, about 1868, and was originally part of the Homebush run. The land is of good agricultural quality. Enfield Farm contains 215 acres, but Mr. Jenkins has recently bought an additional 380 acres near the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge, and both places are worked in conjunction. The quality of this latter land could scarcely be excelled in Canterbury. Mr. Jenkins is well known as a successful breeder, and his Ayrshire cattle have won prizes at the agricultural and pastoral shows at Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton, Courtenay, and Rangiora. He has a stud flock of English Leicesters, and another of Southdowns, which have taken several prizes, and he has also been successful in horse breeding. One of the most useful stallions that ever travelled the district was the well known horse “Major,” a cross between a draught and a carriage horse. Mr. Jenkins bought him as a two-year-old colt, and for twelve years he travelled the district, in which he left not only the best of farm horses, for “Midnight,” “Bepp,” “Abner,” and “Rodney,” trotters that have won laurels at town and country meetings—are also “Major's” progeny.
is a son of Mr. W. J. Jenkins, an old settler of Courtenay. He was born at the Hinds in 1861, and was brought up to farming in the Courtenay district. In 1886 he started on his own account at Weddington, where he has since resided. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Canterbury, Courtenay, and Russell's Flat Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and a member of the Courtenay Court of Foresters. He has occupied a seat on the Waddington school committee, and as vestryman at the Sheffield Anglican church. Mr. Jenkins married Miss Malcolmson of Southbridge, and has a family of two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Crawford Farm,” Waddington. Mr. Fraser was born in 1842 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was educated, and early trained to farming. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Tudor” in 1865, and in the same year purchased the first portion of his farm, which consisted of unimproved Crown land. To this he has since added considerably, and he has now a property of 600 acres, highly cultivated, containing good substantial buildings and well-grown shelter plantations. The farm is sub-divided into good paddocks, utilised for mixed farming, principally in breeding and fattening sheep for export. In this branch of the business Mr. Fraser has been very successful, his lambing average being as high as 120 per cent. Mr. Fraser is a member of the school committee. He was married in 1896 to Miss Cameron, and has one son.
Sheepfarmer, Abner's Head, Waddington. Mr. Gray is the third son of Mr. William Gray, of Governor's Bay, who arrived in Canterbury in 1858. He was born at Governor's Bay, where he learned farming under his father. After gaining experience of sheepfarming on one of the large Canterbury stations, Mr. Gray leased his present property in 1895. His estate contains about 1670 acres, and was originally a portion of the Homebush run. When leased by
Farmer, Racecourse Hill. This gentleman, who succeeded his father in the farm, was born in 1852 in Caithness-shire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Chrysolite.” After leaving school he worked on his father's farm, under whom he gained valuable experience. He was appointed overseer on one of the properties belonging to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency, but resigned on account of his father's ill-health. Mr. Gunn possesses a beautiful property of 450 acres known as “Hawkes' View,” where he conducts a system of mixed farming, including the raising of wool and mutton, and has been a frequent successful exhibitor at the local shows. He has served as member and chairman of the South Malvern Road Board, and member of the council of the local Agricultural and Pastoral Association. In 1882 he married Miss Butterfield, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Waddington. Mr. Hight, who is one of the early settlers of the district, was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1844. He was brought up to farming, and, in 1864, arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Eastern Empire.” Mr. Hight went to Yaldhurst, and a few months later to Springfield, where he remained with his brothers for about two years. He was then engaged for about nine months on the railway, between Christchurch and Rolleston. He afterwards lived at Mr. Twigger's old homestead, on the Lincoln Road, for about two years, and then resided for a twelvemonth at Halswell. In 1873 Mr. Hight took up 100 acres of Government land at Waddington, where he has since resided, and has increased his holding to 177 acres. The land is of good agricultural quality and has been successfully worked. Mr. Hight served as a member of the Waddington school committee for some years. He was married in the colony, and has a family of four sons and four daughters. The eldest son, Mr James Hight, is one of the lectures at Canterbury College.
Fairleigh Farm, Waddington. Mr. Innes, who is a son of Mr. William Innes, now of Addington, was born at Pigeon Bay, in 1872, and was brought up to farming on Banks' Peninsula. In 1898 he went to Waddington, where he started on his own account, by leasing Glencairn Farm, a property of 150 aces. Two years later he purchased his present homestead farm, which he works in conjunction with the other. “Fairleigh” comprises 242 acres of good agricultural land, and yields, on an average, forty bushels of oats, and twenty-five of wheat to the acre. Sheep are also raised and fattened on the land. Mr. Innes is a member of the local school committee, and also of the Malvern branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union.
Meadowlyn Farm, Waddington. Mr. Lilley is a native of Norfolk, England, where he was born in 1846, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” which landed at Lyttelton in 1875. For that season he was engaged in driving a threshing machine at West Melton, and in the following year went to Waddington. Mr. Lilley bought a team of horses, and carried on contracting in the district until 1885, when he bought the Meadowlyn Farm. This property, which is situated in the southern part of Waddington, was originally part of the Homebush estate, and was taken up by Mr. Bradbury, from whom Mr. Lilley bought it. It consists of 182 acres, of good agricultural land, devoted to mixed farming. Mr. Bradbury broke up a part of it from the native tussock, and the remainder was broken up by Mr. Lilley, who also erected the homestead and outbuildings. In 1900 Mr. Lilley bought another property of 1200 acres in the Oxford district, which is carried on by his sons. Mr. Lilley has for ten years been a member of the Sheffield Road Board, and he is also a member of the Sheffield Domain Board. He held a seat on the Waddington school committee for several years, and was also a vestryman of the Sheffield Anglican church. Mr. Lilley was married in the Old Country, and has a family of four sons and two daughters.
Melrose Farm, Waddington. Mr. Nelson is a son of Mr. A. Nelson, of Waddington, who is widely known as a grain grower. He was born at Dunsandel in 1875, and brought up to farm work. Subsequently he assisted his father at Waddington, and, in 1901, bought his present property, which consists of about 284 acres, known as Melrose Farm. The land was formerly a portion of Mr. David McMillan's estate, and is well adapted for the pasturage of sheep, and the cultivation of crops. Mr. Nelson is a member of the Malvern Mounted Rifles.
is a beautiful property, owned by Mr. H. A. Knight, and situated midway between Darfield and Sheffield. It has an area of about 4500
Proprietor of Racecourse Hill Estate, is a son of the late Mr. Knight, a prominent and early pioneer settler, and stepson of the late Mr. H. I. Mathias, whose name is intimately connected with the early history of Canterbury. After leaving school Mr. Knight entered the Agricultural College at Lincoln, where he pursued a course of systematic instruction, to which he considers his success in farming to be largely due On leaving college he spent one year in England, and shortly after his return, the management of the estate devolved upon him. Mr. Knight has been a member of the Courtenay Road Board for fifteen years, and has been chairman for three years. He is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and chairman of the Darfield Saleyards Company, a member of the Board of Governors of the Agricultural College at Lincoln, and a director of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Knight married Miss Dicken, daughter of Mr. Thomas Dicken, of French Farm, Banks' Peninsula, and there is a family of three daughters.
Farmer, Waddington. Mr. Scarlett was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1853. At the age of six he arrived with his parents in New Zealand, and landed at Dunedin. The family moved to Christchurch, where they settled for a time, but subsequently Mr. Scarlett, senior, bought a farm at Lincoln, where Mr. Richard Scarlett was trained to farming. In 1873 he moved to Waddington, and took up some Government land, broke it up from the native tussock, fenced and subdivided it, and erected his present homestead, and substantial outbuildings. Mr. Scarlett carries on mixed farming generally, and owns several teams, which are employed in carting timber from the Oxford bush. He also possesses a specially constructed travelling van, which is used chiefly to convey picnic parties to the West Coast. The gardens fronting the homestead are laid out with superior taste, and ornamented with artificial lakes, small islets and choice flowers. For fifteen years continuously choice flowers. For fifteen years continuously Mr. Scarlett served on the East Malvern Road Board, of which he is now (1903) chairman. He is also a member of the Waddington school committee, has occupied a seat on the cemetery board for the past twelve years, and is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Scarlett married a daughter of Mrs Askew, of Waddington, and has a family of five sons and four daughters.
(J. R. Cullen, proprietor), Waddington. This farm is named after Mount Torlesse, which is plainly seen from the homestead. It was formerly a portion of Homebush estate, and was bought by its present owner in 1896. Torlesse View is 219 acres in extent. It is fenced and subdivided into convenient paddocks, and devoted to mixed farming. The residence of the proprietor, situated near the foot of the hills, and on the main road between Coalgate and Sheffield, is a new building of a modern design, and the grounds around are prettily laid out. The outhouses also are substantially and conveniently built.
Proprietor of Torlesse View, was born in Kent, England, in 1870, and came to New Zealand, with his parents, in 1879. After attending Greendale public school, he worked for three years for Mr. T. W. Adams, of Greendale. He and Mr. F. W. Compton were then in partnership for five years, three of which were spent in contracting, and two in farming, at Burnham. On the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Cullen took up property at Annat, and farmed there for seven years. He then sub-let his Annat farm, and bought “Torlesse View,” which he has since continued to work. Mr. Cullen is a non-commissioned officer in the Malvern Mounted Rifles. He is also a member of the Homebush public school committee, and of Malvern branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, a director of the Coalgate Saleyards Company, and parishioners' warden in the English church, at Sheffield. Mr. Cullen was married, in 1899, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Whyte, of Hawkins, and has one son.
sometime of Waddington, was a native of Derbyshire. England, which he left about the year 1842, for America. After he had been farming in the western States for some time, the Californian gold diggings broke out, and he crossed the plains to try his fortune, and was successful. Then he went to the Victorian goldfields in Australia, and was again fairly successful. Mr. Bradshaw came over to New Zealand and settled at Harewood Road, near Christchurch. Hearing about the coal seams at Malvern Hills, he bought land there with the intention of working the coal; but during the time he was sinking and preparing to get the coal the Dunstan “rush” took place in Otago. He then gave up the pit work, and took his team of horses and waggon, and carried goods to Gabriel's Gully diggings till the prices came down. Then he settled down to gold digging on the Arrow river. While he was there the West Coast diggings broke out, and he went there, and prospected down as far as Okarito. Eventually he came back to Canterbury, and settled on the farm which he had bought on his first arrival in New Zealand, and died there in 1880.
sometime of Racecourse Hill, was born in 1811 in Caithness-shire, Scotland, where he was educated and brought up to the life of a farmer. He came to New Zealand with his wife and family—five sons and two daughters—by the ship “Chrysolite” in 1862. In 1865 he took up land on the Hawkins, being one of the earliest settlers in that neighbourhood, and farmed it with his sons. He afterwards removed to Racecourse Hill, where in 1886 he lost his beloved wife, and the family a fond and devoted mother. During the many years he was in the district, he was much respected by his friends and a wide circle of acquaintances for his sterling and upright character. He died in 1895, his family all surviving him.
is a small township surrounded by a large and prosperous agricultural and pastoral district. It lies thirty-eight miles north-west from Christchurch, on the Springfield railway line. The climate is remarkably bracing and invigorating, as the district is 964 feet above the sea level. Originally it formed part of the Homebush run, and was then covered with its native tussock. The late Mr. John Jebson, the earliest settler at Sheffied, named the township after his native place in England. He bought land, which he cut up into building sections, and erected a small Methodist chapel, which was used as a public school for some time, and is now known as the Oddfellows' Hall. The opening up of the railway to Sheffield in 1874, promoted the growth of the township, as it was the terminus of that line for some years. Other settlers of that period were Messrs George Willis, Thomas Askew, Robert George Fleming, Walter Taylor, William Tresidder, and Hugh Wright, who all took up land in the neighbourhood. Prior to the advent of the railway, Mr. George Willis had built an accommodation house, known as the Malvern Arms Hotel, in the district then designated Little Racecourse Hill, between Sheffield and Annat. In 1875 he built the first hotel at Sheffield, to which he transferred his license. A public library was afterwards erected, but through the apathy of the residents it was subsequently sold. Practically, the whole of the district has been under cultivation. Large areas have been laid down in oats and wheat, and oats yield an average of from thirty-five to forty bushels, and wheat, twenty-five bushels, to the acre. Turnips are also grown on a large scale, and numerous flocks of sheep are raised. An efficient supply of water, fed from the Kowai river, is led by races through every paddock in the district. Sheffield now possesses two churches—Anglican and Methodist—a commodious Town Hall, Oddfellows' Hall, saleyards, a large hotel, two stores, and a blacksmith's shop. The offices of the East Malvern Road Board are also in the township. There is no public school, as the Malvern school at Waddington, and the school at Annat, are sufficiently near at hand. A public domain of twenty acres is planted round with shelter trees. Sheffield is the headquarters of the Malvern Mounted Rifles,
which is one of the largest in the South Island, was originally worked from Christchurch. Archdeacon Harper, now of Timaru, was in charge. Malvern was formed into a separate district in 1880. The first vicar was the Rev. H. Collins, and for several years the Rev. Walter Bean was vicar. He was succeeded by the Rev. T. Hodgson, the Rev. H. H. Hamilton, and the present vicar. Malvern parish extends from the Waimakariri river to the Rakaia, and from the Courtenay parish to the summit of the Southern Alps. Sheffield is the headquarters, and the residence of the vicar. Springfield, Kowai Bush, the Midland Railway works, and the West Coast road, up to the Bealey; also Waddington, part of Race-course Hill, Coalgate, Hororata, Glentunnel, Glenroy, Windwhistle, and Murchison's run, Glenthorne, are also included in the parish. St. Andrew's church, Sheffield, has accommodation for 110 worshippers; St. Peter's, Springfield, accommodates 140; and St. John's, Hororata, has seats for 120. A new church is (1903) being erected at Glentunnel. Services are held in the schoolrooms at Kowai Bush, at the Midland Railway works, and Glenroy.
Vicar of Malvern, was born in Bristol, England, in 1843. He was educated at Harrow, and afterwards studied at Oxford, where he graduated with honours. After being ordained for the Church, by the present Bishop of Gloucester, he was appointed curate of St. Paul's, in Gloucester. Subsequently he became vicar, successively, of the parishes of St. Paul's, Leamington, St. George's, Brighton, St. Matthew's, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, and St. John's, Pendeen. In April, 1902, he arrived in New Zealand to take up his present charge. Mr. Rogers is married to a daughter of Dr Shephered, of Clifton, Bristol, and has a family of one son and four daughters. Mrs Rogers was an art student of repute in the Old Country, and exhibited at the Exhibition for Water Colours, London, and also at the Dudley Gallery. Since her arrival in New Zealand, she has exhibited at the Canterbury Society of Arts, in Christchurch.
is a large building, erected on modern lines, and situated in the centre of the township. It was built by the late Mr. T. C. Hickson, in 1901, and for size, convenience, and general appearance, it may be described as one of the best town halls in the country districts of Canterbury. There is a raised stage, and the body of the hall has seating accommodation for about 400 persons. Cloak and dressing rooms for ladies and gentlemen adjoin the main hall, and there is also a large supper room. The local public meetings, concerts, and dances are held in the building, and travelling theatrical companies also give entertainments there. The Sheffield Town Hall is the property of Mr. D. J. Mahar, proprietor of the Sheffield Hotel.
(Fred Cox, proprietor), Sheffield. This prosperous business was started by the late Mr. Henry Milsom in 1880, and bought by its present owner in 1885. The factory, one of the largest country businesses of its kind in Canterbury, supplies the district of Sheffield, Castle Hill, Darfield, Coalgate, Glentunnel, Hororata, Oxford, and Springfield. The output amounts to 1000 dozen bottles per month, and the cordials have a reputation for their purity and tone. The factory is supplied with the latest machinery, and the water is obtained from a depth of thirty feet, and is thoroughly filtered before it is used.
is a son of the late Mr. William Cox, who was foreman engineer of the Great Eastern Railway, with which he was connected for over forty years. He was also a Freemason of high standing and a member of Lodge Garibaldi. Mr. Cox was born and educated in London, and came to Dunedin in 1877. In the following year he moved to Canterbury, and was for two years employed in the factory of the late Mr. H. Milsom at Christchurch, and afterwards went to the Ashburton branch. In 1885 Mr. Cox went to Sheffield to manage the Sheffield branch, which, owing to the death of Mr. Milsom, was then owned by his widow, from whom Mr. Cox afterwards bought it. Since settling at Sheffield, Mr. Cox has identified himself with the advancement of the place, and has always taken a keen interest in local and other sports. He is a shareholder in the Sheffield Saleyards Company. Mr. Cox married Miss Bartlett, and there is a family, of three sons and three daughters.
is a commodious two-storied building, and stands near the railway station. It was erected in 1882, by Mr. Michael Flanagan, and subsequently passed through several hands. Mr. D. J. Mahar, the present proprietor, bought the property in June, 1902, and since that date it has been conducted as a first-class country hotel. The bedrooms and sitting rooms are clean, comfortable, and well furnished, and the bath is provided with hot and cold water. Wines and spirits of the best quality are served, and a good table is kept. The billiard room contains a full-sized modern table. There is ample stable accommodation, and there are also paddocks for travelling sheep. Sheffield is a noted health resort, and visitors may depend upon receiving every kindness and attention from Mr. and Mrs Mahar.
Proprietor of the Sheffield Hotel, is a son of Mr. Daniel Mahar, draper, of Lyttelton. He was born at Pendalton, near Manchester, and was brought out by his parents as a child, in the ship “Duke of Edinburgh,” which arrived at Wellington in 1871. The family went to the West Coast, and six months later removed to Lyttelton, where Mr. Mahar, senior, started in the drapery business, which he has since successfully conducted. For sixteen years Mr. D. J. Mahar was engaged in his father's business, and during that time he became president of the Lyttelton Young Men's Club, and was connected with rowing and other clubs. In 1898 he took over the Harewood Arms Hotel, at Oxford, which he conducted for four years, when he bought the Sheffield Hotel. Mr. Mahar married a daughter of Mr. William Rodgers, of Sydenham, and has a family of one son and two daughters.
Farmer, “The Willows,” Sheffield. Mr. Fleming is a nephew of Mr. Richard John Phillips Fleming, one of the leading pioneers of Banks' Peninsula. He came to New Zealand in 1856 by the ship “Isabella Hercus,” and joined his uncle at Port Levy, where he remained six years. On the breaking out of the Otago goldfields he went to Gabriel's Gully, but, not meeting the success he anticipated, he returned to Canterbury, and bought his present property, which then formed a portion of the original
Farmer, Sheffield. Mr. Gemmell is the eldest son of Mr. John Gemmell, of Dunsandel, who arrived in 1863, at Lyttelton, by the ship “Chariot of Fame.” He was born at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, and came with his mother and brother, in the ship “Victory,” to join his father, who had previously arrived in Canterbury. The early part of his life was spent on his father's farm at Templeton and Dunsandel. On the breaking out of the Thames goldfields, Mr. Gemmell went there, and worked for about one year on the Thames and Te Aroha fields, with limited success. On returning to Canterbury, he devoted his attention to the more certain occupation of farming, and about 1896 leased his present farm, which consists of 170 acres, on which he conducts a system of mixed farming. Mr. Gemmell is a member of the Farmers' Union. He is married, and has a family of two sons and two daughters.
Chailey Farm, Sheffield. Mr. Pannett is a son of the late Mr. T. A. Pannett, of Lincoln. He was born in Christchurch in 1856, educated at the Lincoln school, and brought up to farming in the Springston and Lincoln districts. In 1882, his father having retired, he carried on the farm at Springston until 1900, when he sold out, and purchased his present property. Chailey Farm, which formerly formed part of the Homebush run, comprises 336 acres of good agricultural land, which has all been under cultivation. It is named after a village in Sussex, the birthplace of Mr. Pannett's father. Mr. Pannett is chairman of the Malvern branch of the Farmers' Union, and he is a member of the Annat school committee. He has also served on the Springston school committee. For seventeen years he was a member of the Lincoln Baptist church, where he acted as deacon, and when he left the district he was presented with a handsome illuminated address by the adherents of the church. Mr. Pannett married a daughter of Mr. James Osborne, of Tai Tapu, and has a family of three sons and two daughters.
of Sheffield, was born in the East Riding of Yorkshire, in 1841, and educated at St. Peter's, York. He came to New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” and entered the service of the Waterloo veteran, Lieutenant Dugald McFarlane. Subsequently he went to the Nelson diggings, and was settled for some time at Collingwood. In 1865 he tried his luck also on the West Coast, where he worked for a number of years. He then returned to Canterbury, and settled first at Christchurch, but went to Sheffield in 1871. Mr. Popple is clerk to three road boards—namely, Malvern South Malvern, and East Malvern, and he is also secretary to the Sheffield Saleyards Company. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Leigh, and has two sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Sheffield. Mr. Wallace was born at Treeve, parish of Sennan, in the hundred of Tollpedden-Penwith, Cornwall, England, in 1839. He was brought up as a wheelwright. He first carried on his business at Penzance, whence he went to London, where he was employed in the erection of the London Exhibition of 1862. Owing to failing health, he came to New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and was employed after his arrival in the erection of Messrs Miles and Co.'s large offices in Hereford Street, Christchurch, and on several other important buildings. About 1864 he joined his brother, Mr. Thomas Wallace, now of Sheffield, in a large fencing contract at West Melton. For three years afterwards he was in the employment of the late Hon. Colonel Brett, as ploughman, and was for some time subsequently employed by Captain Halkett. In conjunction with his brother he then started farming, but gave it up in four years, owing to bad seasons and
Farmer, Sheffield. Mr. Willis is the son of the late Mr. George Willis. He was born at Riccarton in 1852, and brought up on his father's farm. When a child he removed with his parents to the Malvern district, where he has resided since about 1864. He farms a property near the township, and has the reputation of being one of the best farmers in the district. Mr. Willis was for some years a member of the East Malvern Road Board, of which he was for some years chairman. He also served on the local school committee, and is at present chairman of the Sheffield Domain Board. As a Freemason he was initiated in the Malvern Lodge, No. 1919, English Constitution, and might be termed the father of the Order of Oddfellows in the district. Mr. Willis married Miss Armstrong, a Scottish lady, who arrived in New Zealand in 1874. Of this union there is a family of four sons and four daughters.
sometime timber merchant at Sheffield, was born in Norfolk, England, in 1830, where he was apprenticed as a mechanic. He came to Christchurch in 1851, and worked as a carpenter for some years. In 1855, he built the first combine in New Zealand, with which he performed the first steam-threshing in Canterbury, and threshed oats from the site of the City Hotel, Christchurch. He obtained as high as £2 10s. per acre for cutting wheat. Prices then ruled high for all commodities, corn selling at twelve shillings per bushel, legs of mutton at 9s. 6d. each, the 4-lb. loaf at eighteen-pence, and cattle in the same proportion, calves fetching as high as six pounds. Mr. Brown caught the goldfever and went to Gabriel's Gully, where he only got frostbitten, and quitted the goldfields. Returning to Canterbury he resumed his trade. Among other buildings that he erected were the Prince of Wales Hotel, also the hotel at Cass, and Porter's Pass Hotel on the West Coast road. The difficulty of travelling up-country was great then, as there were no roads or bridges. One of his party was drowned in crossing the Waimakariri river, others escaping the same fate by hanging on to their horses' tails. About this time he visited the West Coast, where he worked at his trade for four years. He was sworn in as a special constable, during the faction riots there. Returning to Malvern he carried on his trade, and built the second bridge over the Hawkins, and the Bealey Gorge bridge in 1876. Finally, he established his timber yards at Sheffield in 1874. He was one of the school committee. He was married in 1855 to Miss Jeffreys, and had five sons, two daughters, and eighteen grand-children. Mr. Brown died at Sheffield in the middle of January, 1902.
sometime of Sheffield, was born on the 1st of January, 1819, at Flockton, near Wakefield, Yorkshire, and went to work in the coal mines, when he was five years old, for four-pence a day. He attended night school and acquired a fair share of education, soon rising above his fellows. Ultimately he became a mining engineer, and received appointments as mine manager in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and acted in that capacity for many years, during which period he successfully sank several shafts. He came to New Zealand in 1862 in the ship “Zealandia,” Captain Foster, and is said to have bored the first artesian well in the Colony. Mr. Jebson supervised the construction of the telegraph between Lyttelton and Christchurch, and erected the first telegraph line to the West Coast, Greymouth, and Hokitika. He brought the first team of horses to Sheffield, which cost £100 in Christchurch, and were purchased for the Kowai Coal Mining Company, which held three mining leases in the district. Mr. Jebson was appointed manager to the company, and under his directions, a bore was put down which stuck coal, which is still being worked. When the company surrendered its lease, he took it up and worked the mine for twenty years. He cultivated the first crop of oats in the district, and carried on agricultural and pastoral farming on the reserves. Mr. Jebson was the first chairman of the East Malvern Road Board, and was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council during 1874–6. He was on the school committee, of which he was chairman for ten years, and was the promoter of the first Methodist church in the district, in which he was local preacher for many years. He was married in England in 1839 to Miss Haigh, who died in 1886, leaving six sons and three daughters. Mr. Jebson survived his wife by about fourteen years.
who arrived at Lyttelton, by the ship “Lady Nugent,” in 1851, was born at Lewes, Sussex, England, in 1811, and was brought up as a farmer. His first engagement in Canterbury was on Mr. John Deans' estate at Riccarton. Subsequently he worked near the Ferry Road, Christchurch for a year or two, and then returned to Riccarton, where he remained for seven years. In 1863 Mr. Pannett took up a farm at Springston, which he carried on successfully until 1882. From that date until the time of his death, seven years later, he lived in retirement at Lincoln. Mr. Pannett was preminently identified with public affairs, and served as a member of the Springs Road Board, and the Lincoln school committee, and was for some time chairman of the road board. He left a widow, and a surviving family of nine children. Mrs Pannett died in 1898.
one of the first settlers at Sheffield, was born at Whitchouch, in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1810, and was brought up to farming. He came out to New Zealand in the ship “Cressy,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1850. Mr. Willis went to Akaroa for a short period, and then took course. In 1864 he went to Springfield, where he built the first accommodation house on the West Coast road. A few years later he removed to Sheffield, then known as Little Racecourse Hill, and erected an accommodation
lies forty miles north-west from Christchurch, between Sheffield and Springfield, and extends from the Waimakariri river to the Malvern hills. The district is almost wholly occupied by settlers, who cultivate the agricultural areas, and depasture sheep and cattle on the grazing lands. Most of the home-steads are surrounded by large clumps of trees, which afford shelter and add beauty to the landscape. The settlement of Annat dates back to the later sixties, when the property now owned by Mr. G. F. Wright was taken up by Mr. Fisher. Other settlers of the period were Messrs Taylor, Joseph Searle, and John Searle. At that time part of the district was included in the Homebush run. There is a flag station on the railway line, which runs through the centre of the district, and close to the railway there is a special Government settlement, cut up chiefly into five-acre and ten-acre allotments. At the township there is a large public school, and a police station, with a residence for a constable, who has charge of the East Malvern district. Annat has, also, a creamery, a general store, a blacksmith's shop, and a post and telegraph office, with two mails a day.
stands in extensive grounds, well sheltered with ornamental trees. There are fifty-six names on the roll, and an average attendance of forty-eight pupils. The head teacher has one assistant.
B.A., Head Teacher at Annat public school, is a native of Devonshire, England, and was educated at Plymouth, and at St. Mark's Training College, London, and graduated at Cambridge, where he obtained his degree of B.A. in 1873. In that year he came to New Zealand, under an engagement as an assistant master at Christ's College, Christchurch, where he remained for five years and a half, when he was appointed headmaster of the Lyttelton public school. In 1890 he was transferred to Russell's Flat school, and appointed to the Annat school in 1897.
Farmer, “Rockdale.” Annat. Mr. Black is the second son of Mr. Lyttle Black, a leading farmer at Carvanaghan, near Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, where he was born, and was brought up to farming on his father's farm. In 1883 Mr. Black came to New Zealand by the “Tongariro,” on her first trip. After spending about three years in various occupations in Canterbury, he took a lease of about 100 acres of the Canterbury College reserve, at Dunsandel, and afterwards bought the freehold of seventy acres adjoining. On this property he farmed successfully till 1900, when he sold out and bought his present estate of 200 acres at Annat. The land was originally selected by the late Mr. John Moore. It is undulating, and yields good crops of grain. A never failing stream of pure water flows through the property. The residence is a handsome villa on a high natural terrace, well sheltered with trees and shrubberies, and the homestead has all the necessary outbuilding, sheds and graneries. Mr. Black, as the owner of a fine herd of dairy cows, is a large milk supplier to the Annat creamery. He married Miss Hamilton, of Canterbury, and of a family of nine, eight are alive.
Farmer and Butcher, Annat. Mr. Carter was born in Essex, England, and came to New Zealand in 1877, by the ship “Otaki,” which landed at Lyttelton. Shortly after his arrival he went to the
Farmer, Annat. Mr. McNae, who is a son of the late Mr. A. McNae, of Courtenay, was born in London, in 1849. He was educated in the metropolis, and in 1864 accompanied his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Ivanhoe.” He learned the trade of a blacksmith at Courtenay, under his father, with whom he remained for twelve years. On removing to Christchurch, he started on his own account, and in the following year went to Sheffield, where he carried on a blacksmith's business in partnership with Mr. Lilly for five years. Upon the dissolution of this partnership Mr. McNae took over the Cass Hotel, on the Cass river, and also carired on a store and a blacksmith's shop in conjunction. Two years later he took over the Little River Hotel, which he carried on until the expiration of the lease. he then went to Russell's Flat, and bought a farm, but shortly afterwards he took over the Annat Hotel, which had been built by Mr. William Tresidder. However, the prohibition movement of 1893, carried reduction, and resulted in the loss of this license. Since then the building has been converted into a general store. In addition to keeping the store, and farming a small property, Mr. McNae is engaged as a commission agent, and is the local representative for Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co., the Victoria Fire Insurance Company, Limited, and other companies. He has served on various school committees, and been a member of the Upper Waimakariri Road Board. As a volunteer, he is a farrier-sergeant in the Malvern Mounted Rifles. Mr McNae married a daughter of Mr. Charles Lyford, of Nelson, and has a family of four sons and one daughter.
Annat. This property, which is one of the earliest settled farms in the district, was originally taken up by Mr. J. T. Fisher. Subsequently it was held by Mr. J. P. Barr for about twenty years. It comprises 600 acres of good agricultural land, well fenced and watered, and subdivided into large paddocks, and yields, on an average, about forty-five bushels of oats, and thirty of wheat, to the acre. From 1000 to 1200 crossbred sheep are usually depastured, besides large numbers of store sheep, which are annually fattened. Behind the homestead there are numerous outbuildings, and in the shearing shed there is a portable engine, which drives the shearing machines. The proprietor possesses a complete threshing plant and two chaffcutters, which are worked among the surrounding farms.
Proprietor of “Mountain View,” is the eldest son of the late Mr. Frederick Wright, of Dunsandel. He was born at Springston, in 1869, where he received his earlier education, and completed his studies at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. He was trained to agriculture on his father's farm, and took a trip round Australia before settling down on his own account. In 1893 he bought his present property, which he has since very successfully carried on. Mr. Wright is a member of the East Malvern Road Board, of which he was for four years chairman, and he has served on the Annat school committee. He is also a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Wright married a daughter of Mr. George Hill, of Dunsandel, and has a family of two sons.
Farmer, Annat. Mr. Searle was born at Launceston, Cornwall, England, in 1838, and arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket,” in 1866. For some years after his arrival he was employed at F. and S. Neave's station, Rakaia Gorge. King's station, Selwyn, and at Homebush and at Bangor. In 1868, in partnership with his brother, he started farming at Russell's Flat, but gave it up after two years, and was contracting and roadmaking on the West Coast road. After some years at that employment, he again started farming, in 1871, at Annat, on a farm of about fifty acres, but still carried on contracting in conjunction with his farm. Many a time he had to carry a two gallon jar of water for his tea. Mr. Searle has been successful in his farming operations, and his properties rank among the best in the district. He was for two years a member of the Malvern Road Board, was a member of the Coleridge Licensing Committee, and is now a member of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder of the Sheffield Saleyards Company and of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association.
Embosomed in one of the valleys formed by the winding of the Malvern hills, which surround it on three sides, and opening into the Springfield district, which forms its north-eastern boundary, lies the beautiful and prosperous valley of Russell's Flat. It is in the county of Selwyn, and is within three miles of Annat on the Christchurch-Springfield railway, and about the same distance from Springfield railway station. In the early days of Canterbury, when the country was held in large runs, it was part of the Dalethorpe run, then owned by Mr. Watts Russell, after whom the district was named. A large portion of the flat is rich swamp land, through which the river Hawkins flows, and the evident capabilities of the soil early attracted the attenton of settlers. The first arrivals, in the early sixties, were Messrs Pitt and Morgan, who bought farms. These gentlemen were followed by Messrs Proctor and Sears, and, later on, by Messrs Robinson, Rutledge, Wallace, and the Craigheads. Under the well directed energy of these pioneers, handsome residences, surrounded by well kept, prosperous farms, gradually replaced the old dreary waste of flax, raupo and tussock. The land produces large crops of oats, which often yield as much as seventy bushels per acre, and the river flats are well known for their fattening qualities. The higher portions of the land carry sheep. Good roads intersect the district, and well grown plantations add beauty to the place, and at the same time afford shelter from the nor'-west winds. There is a public school, with an attendance of about thirty, and there is also a church at which services are held once a week. Coal in the surrounding hills only awaits capital to become an important and flourishing industry.
Farmer, Russell's Flat. Mr. Craighead came with his parents to New Zealand, in 1859, by the ship “Cashmere.” He first settled at Russell's Flat in 1874, when he took up a farm. In 1881 he bought his present property, which consists of about 152 acres of flat land and low lying downs. The lower land gives good yields of grain, and the higher ground fattens sheep and lambs. Mr. Craighead is a shareholder in the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, the Farmers' Insurance Association, and of the Malvern Saleyards Company, of which he has been a director and chairman for years. He has for many years been a member of the Russell's Flat school committee, and was chairman for one year. He has for two years been a member of the Malvern Road Board; and has for some years been vice-president of the Malvern Food and Produce show, which is held annually at Russell's Flat. Mr. Craighead married a daughter of the late Mr. David Lamb, of Christchurch, and there is a family of two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Russell's Flat. Mr. Craighead is the only son of Mr. James Craighead, and was born at Russell's Flat in 1873. He has had a thorough practical experience of farming, and, practically, had the management of the estate for a considerable time before the retirement of his father. The property consists of about 250 acres of the rich swamp land, which lead to the early settlement of the district. The oat crops give exceptionally large yields, and the fattening qualities of the land are proverbial in the neighbourhood. Mr. Craighead is a breeder of a good class of sheep and cattle. He is one of the directors of the Central Dairy Company.
Russell's Flat (Mr. George Rutherford, proprietor). This estate was originally taken up in 1851 by the first Mr. John Deans, who sold it to Mr. Watts Russell, by whom it was called “Dalethorpe” after his family seat in England. He in turn sold the property to Messrs. Douglass and Parker from whom the present proprietor purchased it in 1873, at which date it was all leasehold, with the exception of sixty acres at the homestead. The estate now comprises 26,000 acres of freehold and 5000 acres of leasehold, and carries 21,000 sheep, principally Merinos, including a small stud of the famous Murray type descended from sheep imported from South Australia, and which are regular prize-takers.
J.P., Proprietor of Dalethorpe Station, was born in Victoria in 1850, and came to Canterbury with his parents in 1860. He was educated at Christ's College, was on his father's run at Leslie Hills for some years, and moved to Dalethorpe in 1873. Mr. Rutherford is a member of the Selwyn County Council, of the local School Committee and Domain Board, was for ten years chairman of the Road Board, and is a life-member of the
“Riversleigh,” Russell's Flat. Mr. Field arrived in New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Canterbury,” in 1858, when he was fifteen years of age. In the first years of his residence in New Zealand he lived on his father's farm at St. Albans. In partnership with his brother he afterwards took up a run in the Mackenzie Country. After five years sheepfarming, the brothers gave up the run, and Mr. Field started farming, first, at Templeton, and, later on, at Monk's farm, Kaiapoi, and at Broadfields. He removed to Russell's Flat in 1878, and bought his present farm, which consists of fertile cropping land and rich river flats, with fine fattening qualities. From 1888 until 1891 Mr. Field lived in retirement at Opawa, having in the meantime leased his farm. During his residence at Russell's Flat he has taken an interest in church matters, and has been a lay reader at the Springfield Anglican church for over eight years. Mr. Field married the second daughter of the late Dr. Parkerson, who arrived in Canterbury in 1853, and died at Christchurch in 1876; and there is a family of twelve children.
“The Swamp,” Russell's Flat. Mr. Henry was born at Carmeen, County Monaghan, Ireland, and came to New Zealand, in 1873, by the ship “Carisbrook Castle,” with his father, the late Mr. John Henry, of Russell's Flat, who died in 1892. Mr. Henry was engaged during his earlier years in Canterbury at brickmaking, contracting, and other occupations, and was for four years in the employment of Mr. Anderson, of Ashburton. He was afterwards with Mr. Cardale, of Waireki, and with Mr. Cordy, near Whitecliffs. Then he took up the leasehold of his present fine farm, and ultimately bought the freehold. The property consists of 150 acres of rich swamp land. It is thoroughly drained and improved, and is recognised as one of the best farms in the district. A good dwellinghouse, with a fine granary, and other necessary outbuildings, further enhance the value of the farm. Mr. Henry is a member of the Russell's Flat school committee, and of the Malvern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he has taken prizes for sheep and horses. He is married, and has a family of one son.
Farmer, “Springbank,” Russell's Flat. Mr. Robertson was born in Dumfries-shire, Scotland, in 1857. He accompanied his parents to the Colony in 1862 in the ship “Chariot of Fame,” and received his education at a private school. His parents, after residing for thirteen months at Home Bush, removed to Culverden, to the property then belonging to Mr. Hugh McIlraith, where the subject of this notice gained practical experience in farming. He was manager of “Pine Grove,” Waddington, the property of Mr. G. Rutherford. In 1894, Mr. Robertson settled at Springbank on a fifty-acre section of unimproved Crown land, taken up by his father twenty years previously. This property he gradually increased to 700 acres, by additional land procured from the Midland Railway Company. The course of operations includes cropping and sheep grazing for wool and mutton. Mr. Robertson has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He is chairman of the road board, a member of the Russell's Flat School Committee, a director of the Sheffield Saleyards Company, and an active promoter of the racing club and athletic sports. He was married in 1882 to Miss Robinson, and has four sons and one daughter.
Greenvale Farm, Russell's Flat. Mr. Rutledge was born in Bullyboy, County Monaghan, Ireland, where he followed farming. In 1862 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mersey,” and for five years previous to the opening of the tunnel for traffic, he was occupied in conveying merchandise or other commodities across the Port Hills from Lyttelton to Christchurch. In
J.P., “Cloverhill,” Russell's Flat. Mr. Wallace was born in 1836 at Enniskillen, Ireland, where he was educated and followed farming pursuits as a youth. He came out to Victoria in 1856 in the ship “Dragoon,” and joined the mounted police in which he served for a few years until he caught the gold-fever and resigned to try his luck at the diggings. On the discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully, Otago, he crossed the Tasman Sea in the ship “Ocean Chief,” but meeting with poor luck, he left the diggings to engage in farming in Canterbury. He purchased his first section of sixty-nine acres of unimproved Crown land in 1868, brought it into a high state of cultivation, and gradually increased the extent of his holding to between seven and eight hundred acres. Mr. Wallace first stocked his farm with dairy cows, milking as many as twenty-five. When under crop the land yielded as much as sixty bushels of oats to the acre. Later, he put sheep on his farm, and its chief products now are mutton and wool for which “Cloverhill” is found to be admirably adapted. Mr. Wallace, who is a Justice of the Peace, has always taken an active part in local politics, having been a member of the road board for twenty years, and sometime chairman, and member and chairman of the school committee, and was instrumental in obtaining the ground for the cemetery. He is also a supporter of the local racing club, and athletic sports. Mr. Wallace was married in 1865 to Miss Atkinson, and has four sons and seven daughters living.
was one of the pioneer settlers of Russell's Flat, to which he went in 1866. In partnership with his brother, Mr. John Craighead, now of West Melbon, he took up 150 acres of swamp land, overgrown with flax; but with thorough cultivation and draining, it became one of the most fertile farms on the Flat. When the partnership was dissolved, Mr. James Craighead retained seventy acres around the present homestead. He afterwards added to his are, and on his retirement, in 1901, in favour of his son, Mr. Charles Craighead, the farm was known as one of the choicest in the district. During his long residence in Russell's Flat Mr. Craighead identified himself with the progress of the place. He was for a number of years a member of the Russell's Flat school committee, and for several years its chairman. Since his retirement, in 1901, he has resided in Sydenham, Christchurch.
sometime of Prebbleton and Russell's Flat, came to New Zealand in 1859, by the ship “Cashmere,” accompanied by his wife and five children. Soon after his arrival he settled at Prebbleton, but moved in 1865, to Russell's Flat, where he bought a farm, but never resided permanently on it. He died at Prebbleton, in 1884, leaving a family of seven sons and one daughter.
is a prosperous district forty-four miles by rail from Christchurch. It is 1200 feet above sea level, and is one of the healthiest places in New Zealand. The Midland railway now (1903) extends, on the Springfield side, to Staircase Gully. Springfield township has a fine up-to-date hotel, several good stores, a public school, and an Anglican church, and several blacksmiths' shops. Settlement in the district began about 1860, and the first to take up land on the banks of the Kowai were the late Mr. Gillanders and Mr. Say. The first hotel was built by the late Mr. Willis, and the first store by Mr. Henry Williamson. The discovery of gold on the West Coast, with the consequent traffic, gave an impetus to the growth of the township, but it was not until the advent of the Springfield Coal and Pottery Company that the place assumed the appearance of a genuine township. It was at first known as Kowai Pass, but on the extension of the railway from Sheffield to Springfield, it was renamed Springfield by the postal authorities, to prevent confusion with the Kowai road district at Amberley. Crops of oats in the distict average about forty bushels per acre, and the farms are all supplied with water-races. The country is intersected by good roads, formed and maintained by the Malvern Road Board. Springfield has a post office and a money order office, and there is a daily mail from Christchuch.
Baker, Springfield. Mr. Cooper was born in Wellington, and was educated at the public schools there and in Rangitikei, to which place his parents removed in 1856. Owing to the disturbed
(W. J. Cloudesley, proprietor), Springfield. This hotel is situated at Springfield, forty-four miles from Christchurch. It is a large handsome building, with spacious well furnished dining, commercial, and private sitting rooms, airy bedrooms, and bathrooms with hot and cold water. The house stands at an altitude of 1200 feet above sea level, near the fort of Mount Torlesse, which towers to a further height of 6000 feet. The air is remarkably pure and invigorating, and medical men recommend Springfield to persons in search of health and requiring relaxation from business. The scenery of the West Coast road and the Waimakariri Gorge is within a few miles of the hotel, and is accessible by good roads. Beautiful pieces of natural bush are dotted around the district, which abounds in ideal places for picnics. Large livery stables adjoin the hotel, and coaches, waggonettes, saddle horses, or buggies can be obtained at a moment's notice. The hotel, which was erected about 1862, was at first a small unpretentious accommodation house, but the growing traffic to the West Coast, coupled with the reputation of the place as a health resort, led to successive enlargements, and the present building contains about forty rooms, supplied with every modern luxury and comfort, and the table is supplied with all that is best in season. The bar, which is supplied with the choicest wines, spirits, and cigars, is away from the new portion of the hotel. The domestic arrangements are under the superintendence of Mrs Cloudesley, whose attention to the comfort and convenience of her numerous guests, has earned for her the gratitude and respect of tourists from various parts of the world.
Proprietor of the Springfield Hotel, was born in Gloucestershire, England, educated in his native place, and followed mining in his early days. In 1877 he came to New Zealand, accompanied by his wife and infant son, in the ship “Wanganui,” to Canterbury. He was for some time employed in the Wairarapa, but returned to Canterbury in 1879. Mr. Cloudesley then entered his present line of business as manager of the Cass Hotel. At the end of eighteen months he bought the Castle Hill Hotel, then a small accommodation house, but the reputation of the place as a health resort attracted so many visitors that Mr. Cloudesley erected the present fine stone building, containing twenty-eight rooms. After fourteen prosperous years he leased the Castle Hill Hotel to a tenant, and bought the Springfield Hotel, which has grown in popularity under his ownership. During his residence at Castle Hill, Mr. Cloudesley acquired one of the most valuable coal mines in Canterbury, and it only awaits the completion of the Midland railway to Broken river, to develop into an extensive industry. The property consists of 1000 acres, and the coal, of which there is practically an unlimited quantity, has been proved by the Government analyst to equal the celebrated Westport coal. The mine lies at a distance of thirteen miles from Springfield, and at a short distance from the route of the Midland railway. Mr. Cloudesley owns and works a coal mine on his property, only fifteen chains from the hotel. With this coal he supplies his own hotel, and also does an extensive local business. In 1901 he erected close to the hotel, a fine hall capable of accommodating about 500 people, with a large stage and dressing rooms. Mr. Cloudesley is a member of Christchurch Masonic Lodge. He is a shareholder in the Sheffield Saleyards Company, and in the Central Dairy Company. Mr. Cloudesley has been greatly helped in business by his only son, who is a musician of ability.
General Storekeeper, Springfield. Mr. Hoglund established his business in 1886, and has successfully created an extensive trade. The premises are very spacious and contain a large stock of every description of goods to meet all the requirements of a wide country connection, from the proverbial needle to the equally proverbial anchor. Mr. Hoglund is a native of Sweden, and was born in 1853, received his education at public schools, and was trained for a baker. He came to the Colony in 1879 in the ship “Boyne,” as ship's baker, but could find no employment at his trade until a year later, when he obtained work with Mr. Williamson, of Springfield, in whose service he remained for a few years. Carried away by the glowing accounts of the Queensland goldfields, he went to that Colony, but met
(Cassidy and Co., proprietors), Springfield. The overland mail service between Christchurch and Hokitika was begun in 1865 by Cobb and Co. At first part of the journey was done by coach, and part by pack horses, but the present road was opened through on the 8th of March, 1866; and Mr. Knox drove the first coach to the West Coast. The first owner of the service was Mr. Le Cole, who, after three years, sold it to Messrs Mitchell and Burton, and it was acquired by the present proprietor in 1873. The first coaches were constructed to carry eight passengers, six inside and two outside, and they ran twice a week. Now, however, each coach carries fourteen passengers, as well as numerous heavy mail bags, and occasionally three coaches are required for the work. Passengers leave Christchurch at eight o'clock in the morning; reach Springfield by rail at 11.15; stay at Springfield for luncheon; leave by coach at 12.30; arrive at the Bealey at 7.30 p.m. The Bealey is left early next morning, Otira Gorge reached before or about noon, and the journey to the coast is ended in the afternoon. The scenery through which the coach passes is classed by competent judges with the best in the world, and consists of mountain gorges, high snow-clad peaks, forests of primeval vastness and perennial beauty, rivers, mountain torrents, and high waterfalls. The hotels where the coaches call are most comfortable, and passengers can be supplied with every desirable refreshment. This journey to the West Coast has long been a favourite one with tourists, and is likely to continue so on account of the unequalled beauty and romantic wildness of the scenery by the way.
is situated near the West Coast Road, twenty miles west of Springfield. It is an old estate, was worked by Messrs Eyre Brothers—who put up the homestead and made other improvements—for about thirty years, and was taken over by its present proprietor, Mr. John McKenzie, in April, 1901. It has an area of 34,670 acres, comprising 33,800 acres leasehold, and 870 acres freehold, and is enclosed for the most part by rivers and mountains; the remainder of the boundary has sheep-proof fences “Castle Hill” is intersected by several rivers, which provide an ample supply of good water. It possesses some picturesque mountain scenery, the highest peak, situated near its south-western boundary, rising to a height of about 7500 feet. There are two dwelling houses on the property; one, the residence of the proprietor, the other, that of his manager. The former is a wooden building, prettily situated on an eminence overlooking the Castle Hill Hotel, and is surrounded by native bush; the latter, a five-roomed cottage, built of Castle Hill white stone, stands about
Proprietor of Castle Hill station, is a native of Invernessshire, Scotland. He is the eldest son of Mr. Donald McKenzie, of Alford Forest, was born in 1870, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1879. After being educated at the public school at Alford Forest, he worked on the Mesopotamia station, Rangitata Gorge, where he was a shepherd for thirteen years, and left in 1901 to take up “Castle Hill.” Mr. McKenzie has occupied a seat on the Upper Waimakariri Road Board for about two years. He was married in August, 1901, to Miss Chapman, of Alford Forest, and has one daughter.
Springfield Farm, Springfield. Mr. Dobbin is a son of Mr. Henry Dobbin, of Felixstowe, Suffolk, England, and was born in 1875. He was educated at St. Paul's School, London, and his earlier years were spent in banks in England. He came to New Zealand in 1894. Shortly afterwards he went to Coolgardie, in West Australia, but returned to New Zealand in eighteen months. After gaining experience in the colonial modes of farming, the bought a farm which formed a portion of the original Mount Hutt station property, but sold it after working it successfully for several years. In 1903, in conjunction with his brother, he bought the well known Springfield Farm. This is one of the early selections in the district, and contains about 700 acres of rich land, on which Mr. Dobbin carries on a prosperous system of general farming. Mr. Dobbin is chairman of the Malvern Road Board. He married Miss Stephens, of Prebble, Scotland.
Farmer, Drumbo Farm, Springfield. Mr. Dorman was born at Drumbo, County Down, Ireland, in 1836. He came to Auckland in 1863 by the ship “Telegraph” and was in employment for about one year at Papakura, Attracted by glowing reports of the discoveries of gold on the West Coast, he landed in Hokitika at the beginning of the “rush,” when the town consisted of a few calico tents. After about nine months of considerable success, he removed to Christchurch, where he was employed for some time by the late Mr. William Wilson. About 1870 Mr. Dorman removed to Springfield. At first he bought a farm forming a portion of the Mount Torlesse run, but afterwards purchased his present property of 340 acres. The land was then in its native tussock state, but is now in thorough cultivation, and yields large returns of oats. Mr. Dorman also leases 378 acres at Annat, where he fattens lambs and sheep. He was for some years a member of the Springfield school committee, and has always
is situated thirty-four miles west of Springfield, near the West Coast road. It is a rugged area, for the most part of mountain peaks and deep valleys, and is 14,950 acres in extent; 14,000 acres leasehold, and 950 acres freehold. “Grasmere” is bounded on the north by the Waimakariri river, on the north-west by the Cass river, and on its remaining sides by mountain ranges. Many of the mountain peaks are snowcapped for several months in the year, and these with the valleys give it a romantic aspect. The pretty little lake, known as “Grasmere,” and situated about a mile from the homestead, has much scenic beauty. It is overhung on one side by native bush, is protected from almost every wind, and its clear waters teem with trout. The Grasmere station was first taken up in the early days. It was worked for many years by Mr. Charles Dalgety, who built the present homestead, and did much to improve the station generally. Mr. John Sim held it for five years, 1898–1903, and then disposed of it to Mr. S. E. Rutherford. The standard flock of sheep numbers about 7000. Grain also is grown on the level country near the lake, about 150 acres being annually under cultivation.
Proprietor of Grasmere station, was born in 1879, and is the third son of the late Mr. Robert Rutherford, of Mount Nessing station, South Canterbury. He was educated primarily by private tutors at “Mount Nessing” and then spent several years at farm work. Later on he attended Warwick House school, Christchurch, under Mr. Charles Cook. In 1895 he went to work for his uncle—Mr. Duncan Rutherford—on the Leslie Hills station. After remaining there four years he entered into partnership with his two eldest brothers to take up The Lakes station, in the Waikari district. The partnership was dissolved in 1903, when Mr. Rutherford acquired “Grasmere.” Mr. Rutherford is a member of the Upper Waimakariri Road Board.
Farmer, Springfield Mr. Keane was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1838, and in early life followed farming pursuits. He went out to South Australia in the ship “Eastcott” in 1859, and resided there for six years, after which he came to New Zealand in the early days of the West Coast diggings, where he worked with success for twelve years. Mr. Keane purchased the Otira Gorge Hotel in 1878, and was there for seven years, when he disposed of his interest and purchased the Springfield Hotel in 1885. Latterly he has devoted himself to farming. He was married in 1865 to Miss Cassidy, and has four sons and five daughters living.
Sheepfarmer, Springfield. Mr. Milliken was born in County Antrim, Ireland, where he followed farming. He came to New Zealand in 1881, accompanied by his wife, and for the first year after his arrival was employed by Captain Walker, at West Melton. Mr. Milliken moved to Springfield in 1882, and has since carried on a prosperous business as a contractor and carrier. The carrying branch consists chiefly in taking wool from the large back stations on the West Coast roads, and he employs three five-horse teams. Shortly after his arrival in Springfield he bought the farm surrounding his homestead, and has carried on farming with his other operations. His success was so great that Mr. Milliken has bought the Brookdale station, consisting of 20,200 acres leasehold, and 3000 acres of freehold, and carrying 10,000 sheep. Owing to the great demand on his time in looking after his large business concerns he has not been identified with any of the local bodies except the Upper Waimakariri Road Board, of which he has been a member for some years. Mr. Milliken married previous to leaving Ireland, and there is a family of twelve children.
lies at the foot of Mount Torlesse. It consists of 11,000 acres freehold and 5500 acres leasehold, and carries about 10,000 Merino sheep. The station is bounded by the Waimakariri on the east, on the north and west by the Southern Alps, and on the south by a portion of the Kowai river. It was named after the Rev. C. M. Torlesse, a member of the original committee of the Canterbury Association, and was first taken up as a run by Mr. Pater, who was succeeded in the ownership by Mr. Curry. After passing through various other hands it was bought in 1901 by Mr. George Leslie Rutherford. The homestead is surrounded by a large area of well preserved native bush, and stands near the banks of the Little Kowai river. There are large shearing sheds and other outbuildings, and the shearing is done by ten shearing machines. The whole estate shows signs of thorough management.
is the only son of Mr. George Rutherford, of Dalethorpe, where he was born. He was educated at Mr. Cook's school, and afterwards spent four years on his father's station at High Peak, where he obtained an extensive knowledge of sheepfarming. In 1901 he bought “Mount Torlesse.” Mr. Rutherford takes an interest in racing and horse breeding, and in athletic and other sports. He is a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, a member of the Oxford Racing Club, the Kowai Pass Domain Board, and the Christchurch Hunt Club, and has been a member of the Malvern Mounted Rifles for a considerable period.
(Hamilton McIlraith, proprietor), Springfield. Mr. McIlraith was born at Killinchy, County Down, Ireland, in 1839, and was brought up to farming. In 1862 he left for Melbourne, and came to New Zealand in the following year. After visiting the Otago goldfields, he removed to Canterbury in 1863, and was for some time employed by Mr. Rickman, of Rangiora. In conjunction with his brother, the late Mr. James McIlraith, he afterwards bought a farm in the Ellesmere district, where he farmed for four years. He then sold his interest in the farm to his brother, and removed to Springfield, where he bought his present farm of 400 acres. The land was then in its native state, but Mr. McIlraith's practical knowledge has converted it into one of the finest farms in the district. Mr. McIlraith was for twelve years a member of the Malvern Road Board, and was on the Springfield school committee for a number of years. He is a member of the Cemetery and Domain Board, also of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder in the Sheffield Saleyards Company. Mr. McIlraith married Miss Atkinson, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Atkinson, one of the pioneers of Russell's Flat, and of a family of eleven children, ten are now alive.
is one of the sub-districts of the Malvern road district. It is forty-eight miles north-east from Christchurch, and four miles from Springfield. The district originally formed a portion of the Mount Torlesse station, and comprises part of the low lying country at the foot of that range. It was formerly covered by a forest of fine have destroyed most of the timber, although portions still remain. Kowai Bush district extends in one direction to the Waimakariri Gorge, and therefore opens into some of the finest scenery in New Zealand. As the land stands at an altitude of over 1300 feet above sea level, the climate is invigorating, and the place is much frequented by persons in search of health, especially during the summer and autumn. Good accommodation is easily procured at the homes of some of the settlers. The first settlers, who purchased land in the bush towards the end of the fifties, were Messrs William Rodgers and Mr. Henry Williamson. These gentlemen were followed by Mr. Paul Hackett, who still resides in the district, near the banks of the Waimakariri. As settlement increased Mr. Frederick Benham erected a sawmill, which cleared the land of much of the timber, but a bush fire, accidentally lighted, destroyed a large portion, and despoiled the district of much of its beauty. The cleared land is well adapted for farming. It returns about forty bushels of oats to the acre, and yields luxuriant pasturage, fit to make the district a large contributor to the fine creamery at Annat, only three miles away. The portion of the district adjoining the Waimakariri is covered with tussock, on which sheep are fattened. Otarama, about a mile further on, on the Midland railway, is much frequented by holiday parties from Christchurch. There is a post office in the disstrict, but the nearest telegraph office is at Springfield.
is attended by about sixty children. The master is helped by an assistant mistress, Miss Agnes Menzies, who hold a C4 certificate.
Master of the Kowai Pass School, was born in Christchurch in 1872, and was educated at the East Christchurch and Normal Schools. He holds a D2 certificate. Mr. Glanville was first appointed schoolmaster at Barry's Bay, and was transferred thence to Mount Grey Downs. He was afterwards appointed to the Kowai Pass School.
near the West Coast road, about twenty miles west of Springfield, rises to a considerable height from the deep valley traversed by the Porter river, and presents somewhat the appearance of a castle; hence Castle Hill. The surrounding country is, for many miles, taken up by large stations, and sheep grazing is carried on extensively. Castle Hill itself is justly renowned as a health and holiday resort. The scenery is romantic, and the climate invigorating in a high degree. To the scientific observer, the neighbouring fossil beds and caves are objects of unusual interest; and for the sportsman the adjacent rivers teem with trout, and the country abounds in hares and rabbits. There is a comfortable hotel near at hand, where first-class accommodation can be obtained, and where there is a post and telegraph office. A bi-weekly coach service connects Castle Hill with Springfield and the Bealey, and affords regular mail communication with Christchurch and the West Coast.
Castle Hill. The older portion of this hotel, a one-storey stone building, was built in 1871, as an accommodation house, by Mr. Fred Harris. It was afterwards sold to Mr. Tom Douglas, and in 1881 was bought by Mr. Cloudesley, who added the present two-storied building to the older portion. Fourteen years later Mr. Cloudesley let the hotel to Mr. Charles Morton, the predecessor of the present proprietor. The hotel is built of Castle Hill white stone, and possesses about twenty rooms, comprising about a dozen bedrooms, the kitchen and the bar. The domestic arrangements are supervised by Mrs McLachlan, and the table would do credit to any city hotel. As it is situated on the West Coast road, twenty miles from Springfield, the hotel receives a large amount of patronage. It possesses a post and telegraph office, and is a stopping place for the coaches on their way to the Bealey. The Castle Hill Hotel is, however, noted chiefly as a holiday and health resort. The scenery surrounding it is picturesquely mountainous, and the climate is invigorating to a salutary degree. There are fossil beds and caves, near at hand, and these, with their varied relies and quaint specimens, are a source of endless interest, and the rivers and neighbouring country offer inducements to anglers and sportsmen. A pond, two chains by three chains in area, is in course of construction, and will be used for skating in the winter. Visitors have the use of a carriage and pair of horses, and every convenience is afforded for their enjoyment.
Proprietor of the Castle Hill Hotel, was born in 1877 at the Cust, and educated there at the public school. He then served some years at the butchering trade in the district, and afterwards opened a shop at Springfield, where he carried on business for four years, but sold out in August, 1902, to take over the Castle Hill Hotel. Mr. McLachlan was married, in 1898, to Miss Middleton, of Leithfield, and has one son.
is situated eighty-four miles north-west of Christchurch, and is connected with Springfield and the West Coast by bi-weekly coaches, which meet there, and make it the halting place for the night. It is noted for the scenic beauty of its surroundings, and is much frequented by tourists and persons in search of health, and also by sportsmen, on account of the deer, hares, rabbits, and wild ducks which abound in the neighbourhood. The township is one of the highest in New Zealand, being about 2130 feet above sea level. It faces the Waimakariri river, and is backed by rugged, bush-clad mountains. The head of the Waimakariri river and the Bealey Glacier, each a few miles distant, are objects of great interest. There is a post and telegraph office in the township, with a bi-weekly mail service, and a large and well kept hotel provides good accommodation for visitors.
Bealey. This hotel is a large two-storied wooden building with an iron roof. It contains thirty-four rooms, comprising several private sitting rooms, a bagatelle room, about twenty-five well appointed bedrooms, and a bathroom, kitchen, etc. A first-class table is maintained, and the best of liquors are kept in stock.
Proprietor of the Glacier Hotel, was born in Sheffield, England, in 1867, and arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand, in 1898. He afterwards opened a general store in Rangiora, and carried on business there with great success until November, 1901, when he became proprietor of the Glacier Hotel.
is a farming district, eighteen miles south-west from Christchurch. Its first settlers were Messrs W. P. Cross, John McIlroy, and Joseph Nichol, who arrived between 1866 and 1874. Burnham is devoted chiefly to sheep farming and crop growing, though the land is not so suitable for grain as that in the neighbouring district of Selwyn. At the railway station, which is near the centre of the district, there is a public telegraph and post office department, and there is daily mail communication with Christchurch. The public buildings consist of the Burnham Industrial School, a public school, with an average attendance of about fourteen, and a church. Burnham stands 197 feet above the level of the sea.
Burnham, was founded by the Department of Agriculture in 1899, and is one of the four Government poultry stations in New Zealand, the others being situated at Auckland, Wanganui, and Milton, Otago. The object of its establishment was to raise purebred fowls, and, by disposing of these at slightly over cost price, to relieve the farmers from the expense and accompanying risk of importation, and thus give encouragement to the industry upon proper lines. The farm comprises ten acres, and was formerly in the hands of the Education Department as a portion of the Burnham Industrial School estate. It is ring-fenced with wire-netting, and is subdivided into thirty-four pens, each provided with a breeding house and other necessary appointments. There is also a large shed upon the station for the accommodation of brooders, incubators, and food-milling machinery. The brooder department, containing both hot air and hot water brooders, is capable of accommodating 600 chickens, whilst the incubators, four in number, are made to hold 120 eggs each. The machinery employed in the preparation of food consists of a bone cutter, a grit mill, a grain crusher, a clover cutter and a vegetable or root cutter; and the foods in their crude state are obtained from Christchurch. All the common species of purebred fowls, together with many rarer kinds, are bred upon the station, which now has over 150 breeding birds and 450 young stock on hand. Since its establishment the farm has been well supported, eggs and stud fowls being sent to all parts of the colony. A manager and several assistants are permanently employed at the station and the Government expert, Mr Hyde, makes periodical visits.
who was appointed manager of the Government poultry station, at Burnham, in 1902, was born at Ashburton in July, 1881. He is a son of Mr. J. W. MacRae, the proprietor of Stronvar estate, in the Wairarapa district, Wellington, and was educated by a private tutor. Mr. MacRae afterwards assisted his father on the estate, and devoted a considerable amount of his leisure time to the study of poultry. In 1901 he went as a cadet to the Government poultry station, at Momahaki, near Wanganui, and in the following year accepted his present appointment.
“ Burnham Grange,” (W. P. Cross proprietor), Burnham. The oldest portion of this estate was purchased by its present proprietor in 1870, when it was all rough tussock land. “Burnham Grange” now consists of 240 acres of freehold and 189 acres of leasehold. It is highly improved, and is devoted to sheepfarming, grain growing and dairying.
Proprietor of “Burnham Grange,” is one of the earliest settlers in the district of Burnham. He arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Laucashire Witch,” in 1868, and spent the three
is a farming district, twenty-three miles south-west of Christchurch. Its settlement began in the fifties, when Messrs Washbourne, Aldridge, and Westenra took up areas of rough tussock-covered country, and began farming. In those days Cobb and Co.'s coach was the only means of communication between Christchurch and the southern districts. The establishment of railway communication about 1867 gave a great impetus to the growth of Selwyn and the development of its resources, and a village, consisting of a hotel, an accommodation house, and several stores, immediately sprang up around the railway station, which was for some years the terminus of the southern line. Most of the land is now taken up, and sheep-farming, dairying, and cropping are carried on extensively. Wheat, oats, and barley flourish in the district, and the yields often amount to fifty bushels per acre. The village of Selwyn has, however, almost entirely disappeared, the extension of the railway line south-ward in the early seventies having deprived it of much of the trade which had accumulated about it as a terminus. A single shop—a wheelwrighting business—standing close to the railway line, serves to preserve the memory of the old village. There are two creameries in the district, and the cream from upwards of 11,000lbs of milk is sent daily by rail to Christchurch. A sub-post office, at the railway station, conducts a daily service with Christchurch and the southern districts.
This station is twenty-three miles from Christ-church, on the main south line. It was established about 1869, and was for some years the terminus of the railway service south from Christchurch. It is a well appointed country station with a general business office, a ladies' waiting room, a porch and an asphalt platform. A large goods-shed stands immediately opposite the station, and the station-master's residence is but a few yards distant. The station embraces, also, a sub-post office, which receives a daily mail from Christchurch at 9.18 a.m., and despatches an outward mail for the capital at 4.45 p.m.
Stationmaster at Selwyn, was born at Kaiapoi, in April, 1870, and is the fourth son of the late Mr. William Harris, an early Canterbury pioneer. He was educated at the Ashburton and West Christchurch public schools. In 1884 he joined the railway department, as a cadet at the Christchurch central station, and afterwards served as a cadet, and latterly as a clerk at Lyttelton, Kaiapoi, and Christchurch. He was married, in August,
is a branch of the Central Dairy Company, whose head-quarters are at Addington, Christchurch. It was established in April, 1901, and is situated within about three miles of the Selwyn railway station. The building, which is of wood, contains an engine room and a separating department, with suitable appointments. It is supported by an average of twenty-one suppliers, and receives about 5,500lbs of milk daily. After separation, the cream is sent to the local railway station, whence it is conveyed to Addington to be converted into butter.
Manager of the Southbridge Creamery, is temporarily in charge of the Selwyn Creamery, pending the appointment of a permanent manager. Mr. Mason was born in 1876 at Lakeside, near Leeston, and was educated at the Lakeside public school. He was afterwards employed for four years on Longbeach estate, and, in 1901, was appointed to the management of the Southbridge Creamery.
Selwyn, is one of the oldest estates in the Ellesmere district. It was founded in the fifties by Mr. H. Washbourne, who recently gave up the management to his sons, and now lives in retirement on the property. The change from a flax and tussock covered tract, haunted by wild pigs, to a well cultivated farm, has been gradual but complete. The homestead is prettily situated in the forks of the river Irwell.
with his brother, Mr. William Washbourne, has managed the farm since 1899. He was born in 1868, and after leaving school assisted on the farm, thus gaining an intimate knowledge of all farming matters. He is a shareholder in the local creamery, and a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations.
Farmer, “The Bungalow,” Gelwyn. Mr. Washbourne was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1838. He was brought up to farming, and belonged to a family whose members had been farmers for generations in their native county. Mr. Washbourne arrived in New Zealand in 1850 by the ship “Sir George Seymour,” and was brought out by his father, the late Mr. Henry John Washbourne, who became a prominent colonist, and died at his residence, “Brockworth,” Riccarton, in 1898, at the advanced age of eighty-two. Mr. Washbourne first worked on his father's farm at Riccarton, but when nineteen years of age he went to Selwyn to manage a large run for his father; and later on, he and his brother, Mr. Edward Washbourne, carried on extensive cattle farming operations on their own account. On the dissolution of their partnership Mr. H. J. Washbourne devoted himself to general farming, at the “Bungalow.” He has been very successful as a breeder of cattle and sheep, particularly of fat sheep, and has taken many prizes at the various agricultural and pastoral shows. He is a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Washbourne is married and has eleven children.
is in the county of Selwyn, and on the main line of railway, twenty-five miles from Christchurch. It is the centre of a farming district, and has a population of 236 persons. The railway office and post office are combined, and there is a telephone service.
Dunsandel. This hotel stood for many years near the Selwyn railway station, where it had been erected in consequence of the rapid growth of the village as a terminus. Shortly after the continuance of the railway line further south, the hotel was closed, but remained in its original position until 1895, when it was removed to Dunsandel. It is a well-built wooden house, two stories in height, and imposing in appearance. The ground floor is occupied by a large dining room—extending the full width of the building—a commercial room, a bagatelle room, the kitchen, the bar and the bathroom, and the second storey contains about a dozen neatly arranged bedrooms, and a cosy private sitting room. Water of good quality, obtained by means of an artesian well, is laid on all over the house, and the bathroom is supplied with both hot and cold water. Land to the extent of about even-and-a-half acres is at the service of the hotel, five acres of that area being a railway reserve. The remaining area, two-and-a-half acres, on which the hotel stands, is well laid out in orchard, and is bounded towards the east by a belt of tall pines. The outbuildings are conveniently appointed for the accommodation of horses and vehicles. As it stands at the junction of the main roads of the district, and within a few chains of the railway
Proprietor of the Dunsandel Hotel, is a native of Kent, England. He was born in September, 1861, in the village of New Cross, where he received a public school education. When about fifteen years of age he embarked on a merchant vessel for the East, and remained for fifteen years at sea. During that time he served upon several large trading vessels, and made many voyages to China, India, and various parts of Australasia. Finally he obtained employment on the “Tongariro,” and after voyaging between England and New Zealand for several years, he determined to make his home in this colony. Accordingly, in 1891, he landed at Lyttelton, spent five years at the boot manufacturing trade, and in 1896 entered into busines as proprietor of the Dunsandel Hotel. Mr. Richards was married, in 1891, to Miss Eliza Lawrence, and has a family of two daughters.
Farmer, Dunsandel. Mr. Boag is the third son of Mr. William Boag, of Fendalton, and was born at “Burnside,” Fendalton. He learned farming under his father's tuition, and in 1887 started on his present farm, which formed part of his father's estate. The property consists of about 578 acres, on which Mr. Boag conducts general farming. His stud flock of Border Leicesters is from his father's celebrated strain, as are also his draught and Clydesdale horses. He is a member and one of the committee of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and a frequent and successful exhibitor of Border Leicesters. He exhibited the champion ewe at Ellesmere in 1900. Mr. Boag is also a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He has always taken a great interest in sport, and has been president of the Dunsandel Football Club. Mr. Boag married Miss J. L. Henderson, daughter of the late Mr. Henderson, of Lincoln road, and has a family of three children.
Farmer, “Ashgrove,” Dunsandel. Mr. Brown was born in 1844, at Dalry, Ayrshire. In his early years he assisted his father, who carried on a mercantile business. Mr. Brown came to New Zealand in 1863 by the ship “David G. Fleming,” and shortly afterwards commenced farming near Templeton. In 1873, he purchased 188 acres of his present estate and gradually added to it, and now he has 568 acres of freehold and 120 acres of leasehold land. Mr. Brown devotes his property chiefly to the production of wool and mutton, and the English Leicester is his favourite sheep for these purposes “Ashgrove” can carry from 1000 to 1200 sheep, in addition to cattle and horses, and a number of sheep are fattened every year for the export trade. Besides this, about 200 acres are put under grain every year. Mr. Brown has been for twelve years on the Rakaia Road Board, and over twenty years on the school committee. In 1880 he went to England by way of America, and returned in the s.s. “Garonne,” by way of the Cape of Good Hope. He again visited the Old Country in 1900, and the Paris Exhibition, going and returning by way of Suez. Mr. Brown's residence at “Ashgrove,” is a handsome building, with a northern aspect, and has a fine commanding outlook. It is sheltered from the prevailing winds by a well grown plantation. The outbuildings are substantial, and the fences of the property are kept in excellent order. Mr. Brown married Miss Lublin, in 1882, and has two sons.
(Jonathan Sowden, proprietor), Dunsandel. This estate was formerly a portion of a large run taken up in the early days by the Hon. R. Daley, of London, after whose native place, Dunsandel, in Ireland, it is said to have been named. It was bought from Mr Daley by its present owner in 1877, when it was the only remaining portion of the original run. “Dunsandel” contains 970 acres of good agricultural and pastoral land, and is highly improved. Sheep
Proprietor of the Dunsandel estate, was born in 1845 in the village of Sutton-on-the-Sea, Lincolnshire, England, and was educated at a local private school. He left school at an early age, and obained employment at farm work in the neighbourhood of his native village, where he continued until he sailed for New Zealand in 1864. For six months after his arrival in Lyttelton he worked as a farm hand at New Brighton, and in 1865 he went to work for Mr. Samuel Bailey, of Templeton, with whom he remained nine years. He then took up land at Ashburton, where he farmed on his own account till 1877, when he removed to Dunsandel. In addition to the Dunsandel estate Mr. Sowden possesses 1,100 acres in the western part of Dunsandel, and also the Raynham estate of 2,570 acres in the Aylesbury district. Mr. Sowden is a member of the local school committee, of the Dunsandel branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and of the Ellesmere and Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. He was married, in 1878, to Miss Muirhead, a daughter of Mr. Peter Muirhead, of Templeton, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Helston Farm, Dunsandel. Mr. Gilbert was born near the Lizards, Cornwall, England, in 1842, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Accrington,” which landed at Lyttelton in 1863. He was first engaged as a ploughman, at Prebbleton, by Mr. Toswill, with whom he remained eight months. For some years afterwards he was engaged in contracting on the roads around Christchurch. He then settled in the Dunsandel district, where he bought an unimproved farm, which he worked for ten years and then sold. In 1877, he bought ninety acres to which he has since added 500 acres of freehold, and 100 acres of leasehold. The land was, when he bought it, in its uncultivated state, but he now has a splendid reproductive farm, on which he fattens large numbers of sheep and lambs. He also devotes much attention to dairying, and sends large supplies to the adjoining creamery. He has taken prizes for pigs and horses at the Ellesmere show. Mr. Gilbert has been for five years a member of the Ellesmere Road Board, and has been for years a member of the Dunsandel school committee. He is also a member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union and the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Gilbert married Miss Bosustow, before he left England, and has a family of nine. Three sons and two daughters are married.
(James Balfour, manager), Dunsandel. This station consists of about 12,000 acres, and is owned by the Bank of New South Wales. It is situated within twenty-five miles of Christchurch, six miles from Dunsandel on the main railway line, and within seven miles of the important town of Leeston. The property is of mixed quality, from light sheep country to rich agricultural land, which yields excellent green crops. There are numerous paddocks, which are surrounded by either wire or live fences. The estate carries about 12,000 sheep: 300 acres of turnips, 400 acres of rape, and 700 acres of green feed are annually grown for fattening purposes. Over 4000 fat lambs 3000 fat sheep and 150 fat cattle are annually sold from the estate. The fat lambs from “Heslerton” hold the record at the Addington saleyards, and numerous prizes have been taken at the various agricultural and pastoral shows of Canterbury with the station's halfbred sheep. Latterly he breeding of draught and hack horses has been taken in hand, and the station is already becoming famous for its stock in both classes. The system of management is now such that the output of fat sheep has doubled during the last five years. Amongst recent improvements, a handsome villa residence has been built to replace the old homestead, and well laid out grounds surround it. Fine stockyards, concrete sheep-dips, woolshed, and numerous other necessary buildings, including the men's quarters, adjoin the homestead. About ten men are constantly employed, and in getting in the green crops, which is done by contract, seven contract teams are employed. “Heslerton” was originally owned by the late Mr. Kynvett and has for some time been the property of the Bank of New South Wales.
the Manager of Heslerton Estate, was born in Victoria, and came as a youth with his parents to Now Zealand. Mr. Balfour has had years of experience in the management of important stations near Timaru, and in North Canterbury, and was appointed to his present position in 1897. The management of “Heslerton” since he entered upon it, has been one of progress and success. Mr. Balfour is a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and is a frequent prize-taker with sheep and lambs at the shows of both, and at the Dunedin show. He is a Freemason of many years' standing, and a member of St. John's Lodge, Timaru. Mr. Balfour married Miss Fowler, of Wellington, and has one daughter.
Farmer, “Glenavy,” Dunsandel. Mr. Henry was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1842, and brought up to a mercantile life in Belfast. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Himalaya,” in 1866, and opened a shop in Cashel Street, Christchurch, on account of Messrs Grant
Farmer, Dunsandel, is a son of the late Mr. William Irvine, and was born at Tai Tapu, in 1865. On his father's death, he succeeded to the estate. He is a successful breeder of draught horses and fat lambs; is a member of the Canterbury and Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and has taken prizes with sheep and cattle at both shows. Mr. Irvine married Miss Dawson, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Dawson, of West Eyreton, and has one son.
Farmer, Dunsandel. Mr. Johnston was born near Belfast, County Down, Ireland, on the 3rd of December, 1841, was educated in his native town, and came to the Colony in 1863, by the ship “Tiptree,” and landed at Lyttelton. He went over to the West Coast, and was at the diggings there for nearly three years, when he returned to Canterbury. For four years he was storekeeping at Waddington, and then he went farming at Lauriston, whence he removed to his present property. Mr. Johnston was elected a member of the Ashburton County Council in 1892. He was chairman of the Lauriston school committee, and was for some years a member of the Mount Hutt Road Board, but resigned when he went to England in 1892. Mr. Johnston was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1893. He was married on the 19th of October, 1863, in the Old Country, to Miss Lamont, of Londonderry, and has a family of nine.
Sheepfarmer, “The Grange,” Dunsandel. Mr. Lill was born in 1838, at Huttoft, Lincolnshire, England, and landed at Lyttelton by the ship “Glenmark,” in 1865. For a few weeks after his arrival he was engaged in harvesting, and for a year afterwards was employed at Yaldhurst. He was then for two years manager for Mr. W. B. Tosswill. Mr. Lill first began farming on fifty acres of unimproved land, at Templeton, and in 1877 purchased his present farm, which at first consisted of 237 acres, but now comprises 1000 acres of freehold, and 277 acres of leasehold land. On this estate Mr. Lill keeps about 1000 sheep, and has a well-known stud flock of English Leicesters bred from Threlkeld ewes, and Ernest Grey rams. He has also a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle of distinguished pedigree. Mr. Lill was a member of the Selwyn school committee for several years, and is now (1902) chairman of the Dunsandel Domain Board, and a member of the Cemetery Board, and also of the North Rakaia Road Board. He is also a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has taken numerous first prizes with cattle. Mr. Lill married Miss Muirhead, of Templeton, and has a family
Farmer, “Ardgowan,” Dunsandel. Mr. McMillan was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1837, and arrived in New Zealand in 1883. Soon after his arrival he began farming at Dunsandel, where he remained for about five years. In 1888 he took over his present farm, of 600 acres, on which he conducts mixed farming. Mr. McMillan is a breeder of a fine class of sheep, and yearly fattens about 600 lambs for freezing. He is also a breeder of good draught horses. Mr. McMillan has taken an active part in the local affairs of his district, and is a member of the Dunsandel Domain Board. He is an elder of the Brookside Presbyterian church, and was elder of the church at his native
Farmer, Dunsandel. Mr. Stevens was born in the village of Lizard, Cornwall, England. Shortly after landing in New Zealand he obtained employment at Dunsandel, and worked subsequently at Rakaia and Selwyn. In 1887 he took up land at Selwyn and farmed there on his own account for eleven years, but removed in 1898 to Dunsandel, where he has since held on lease the property of Mr. George Burgess, who now lives in retirement in Chirstchurch. This farm is highly improved, and is devoted to sheep grazing and grain growing.
Bangor Farm, Dunsandel. Mr. Walker is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Walker. He was born in Scotland, in 1863, and when eight months old, he arrived in New Zealand with his parents. After attending school at Dunsandel he assisted his father at his trade of blacksmithing and on the farm. At the death of his father, in 1896, Mr. James Walker took, as his share of the estate, 246 acres, lying on the east side of the railway line, and known now as Bangor Farm. This property, however, has been increased by an area of 220 acres, in two sections, one of 170 acres, situated in the Ellesmere district, and the other of fifty acres, lying close to the Dunsandel railway station. It is all rich agricultural land, and is devoted to grain growing and sheep grazing. Mr. Walker is interested in religious work, and is a member of the Dunsandel Presbyterian church. He was married, in 1894, to Miss Givens, formerly of Ireland, and has three daughters.
(William Walker and John Walker), Farmers, Dunsandel. This partnership was formed in 1896, when the two brothers took over a portion of the farm formerly conducted by their father. The property consists of 370 acres of rich agricultural land, and is situated close to the township of Dunsandel. It is fenced, subdivided into convenient paddocks, and generally in a high state of improvement, as the property was systematically worked for nearly thirty years by the late Mr. W. Walker. Sheep grazing, crop growing, and the rearing of Berkshire pigs are carried on to a considerable extent. About 150 acres are annually under cultivation, and heavy crops of wheat and oats are produced.
of Messrs Walker Bros., Dunsandel, is the second son of the late Mr. William Walker. He was born in Christchurch in 1869, and at the age of three years removed with his parents, to live at Dunsandel. After being educated at the local public school he was trained to farming on his father's land, which he helped to work until 1896, when he entered into partnership with his brother, and took over a portion of the property. Mr. Walker is an office-bearer in the local Presbyterian church, and is also a member of various public bodies, including the Dunsandel branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, the public hall committee, and the local Court of Foresters. He married Miss Wickliffe, of Southbridge, in 1899, and has one son.
of Messrs Walker Bros., Dunsandel, was born at Dunsandel in 1876, and is the third son of the late Mr. William Walker, He was educated at the local public school, and afterwards assisted in the management of his father's farm. In 1896 he entered into partnership with his brother. to take over their present property. Mr. Walker is a member of the local Presbyterian church, and also of the Dunsandel branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union. He was married, in 1900, to Miss Gertrude Jane Wickliffe, of Southbridge, and has one daughter.
Farmer, “Ashfield,” Dunsandel. Mr. Wright was born at Culmstock, Devonshire, in 1843, and was brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton in 1863, by the ship “Accrington,” and gained his early colonial experience in driving a waggon between Rangiora and Oxford, and in contracting and fencing. He first
sometime of Dunsandel, was born in 1818, in the Shetland Islands, and landed at Lyttelton in 1863, by the ship “Brother's Pride.” After working for some time in various places throughout Canterbury, he took a farm at Tai Tapu, from the late Mr. R. H. Rhodes, and remained there six years. In 1870 he bought about 200 acres at Dunsandel, and by subsequent purchases increased the area of his farm to 600 acres. During his residence at Dunsandel Mr. Irvine took a great interest in the Selwyn school committee, and in the presbyterian church, and the first Presbyterian service in the district was held in his house. His second son, Mr. Robert Francis Irvine, M.A., had a distinguished career at Canterbury College, and taught for several years at Christ's College. He went to New South Wales in 1890, where he received the appointment of Principal of Moore College, and complied a series of text-books which are in general use in the public schools of that colony. The Public Service Board gave Mr. Irvine the appointment of secretary to the Board of Examiners. Mr. William Irvine died in 1901, leaving a family of four sons and two daughters. Mrs Irvine died eighteen years before her husband.
who for many years carried on blacksmithing conjointly with farming, at Dunsandel, was a native of Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland. He was educated at private schools, and trained to be a blacksmith. In 1863 Mr. Walker sailed for New Zealand, and shortly after landing obtained employment at Mr. John Anderson's foundry, in Christchurch, where he continued to work for some years. He left Christchurch in 1872, and established himself in business in Dunsandel, where he also took up property and carried on farming in conjunction with his trade, until his death, in 1893. During his residence in Dunsandel Mr. Walker took an active part in religious work. He was an office-bearer in the local Presbyterian church and superintendent of the Sunday school; also a member of other local bodies. At his death he left three sons and one daughter.
sometime of Dunsandel, was well known as a sheep-farmer in that district.
in the county of Ashburton, is situated on the south bank of the river Rakaia, and is thirty-six miles from Christchurch on the main south line at its junction with the branch line to Methven. Previous to the completion of the Rakaia bridge, which spans the large tract of water and shingle forming the river, and is over a mile in length, the township consisted of a hotel, a store, and one or two other buildings, and was about half a mile distant from the present town. On the opening of the railway the township was removed to its present position. At first it gave promise of developing into a very important town, but the more central situation of Ashburton gave advantages which enabled it to become the chief town of central Canterbury. Still Rakaia is a prosperous township with several large general stores, two good hotels, a court-house, a town hall, Masonic hall, a bank, four churches, and with monthly sales, which are largely attended by the farmers of the surrounding districts. The population of the township is about 450, and its affairs are governed by the Rakaia Road Board. The ratable value of the whole road district is about £487,680, and the rate is one farthing in the £. The district is intersected by over 300 miles of well formed roads, many of which are well adapted for cycling. Close to the township, there is a fine domain and recreation ground, and large swimming baths. The land in the district is of first-class quality, and the grain crops average from fifty to eighty bushels per acre. The introduction of water races has conferred a priceless benefit upon the farmer, who, before, had to cart water for his stock from the Rakaia river, which is ten miles away from some of the homesteads in the district. Now the farmers have never failing supplies running through their paddocks,—a change which has made the condition of the district one of prevailing prosperity. The farmers of the Rakaia district fatten large number of sheep and lambs for freezing and export. In directions the landscape is dotted with numerous plantations, and belts of ornamental shelter trees modify the effects of the fierce north-west winds, and add to the beauty of the country, which abounds in handsome homesteads, that testify to the prosperity of the farmers.
Member for Selwyn in the House of Representatives, and a Justice of the Peace for New Zealand, was born in Ireland. Since his arrival in the colony he has been engaged in business, and has for some years carried on a large general store at Rakaia. He was first elected member for Selwyn in 1900, and was re-elected in 1902, for the same district. Mr. Hardy has taken an active interest in the public affairs of his district. He is chairman of the North Canterbury Board of Education, and a member of several other local governing bodies.
This school is situated six miles from South Rakaia, and is built on a section of two acres of land, partly the gift of Mr. Robert Magson. It consists of one room, which will accommodate twenty-four children, and there are twenty on the roll, with an average attendance of sixteen. All the standards are taught.
the Master, was born at Templeton in 1871, educated at South Rakaia, and appointed to his present position in 1892. He holds in E3 certificate. Mr. Laraman has always taken an active part in football, cricket, and running, and on more than one occasion has carried his colours to the front.
M.R.C.S., (England), L.R.C.P., (London). Physician and Surgeon, Rakaia. Dr. Chesson was born in England, and educated in London, where he studied at St. Mary's Hospital, and took his degrees in 1894. he had charge of the Barrow-in-Furness Hospital, until 1896, when he went to Australia. Dr. Chesson was in the Government service in Queensland for some years, and took up his practice at Rakaia, in January, 1903.
(A. Craighead. proprietor, South Rakaia. This is the principal hotel in Rakaia, and is situated conveniently near the railway station at the junction of the Methven and Christchurch-Dunedin railway lines; it is also near the bank, the post and telegraph office. The hotel is a handsome wooden building of twenty-nine rooms, and the accommodation generally is equal to that obtainable at the leading city hotels. It had a large dining room, a commercial
the Proprietor of the Railway Hotel, was born in Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1874 by the ship “Dunedin.” He held positions in various parts of Canterbury, and took the Lake Te Kapo hotel, in the Mackenzie Country, in 1894, and carried it on for two years. In 1897 he bought the lease of the Railway Hotel at Rakaia, and has converted it into one of the leading hotels in New Zealand. Mr. Craighead married Miss O'Sullivan, and they have a family of five children.
(Pearce Brothers, proprietors), Sherwood, Rakaia. Mr. William Edward Pearce, eldest son of the late Mr. W. A. Pearce, and one of the firm of Messrs Pearce Brothers, was born in London. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand, and was brought up to farming; he also spent two years in learning the trade of a blacksmith. On the death of his father, in 1900, he, in conjunction with his brother. Mr. E. W. Pearce, succeeded to the estate. Mr. Pearce is member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and of the New Zealand Farmers' Union.
Rakaia. This property comprises 3353 acres freehold, acquired in 1872 and afterwards. “Auchenflower” was one of the earliest purchases on the south bank of the Rakaia, and was bought before the bridge was erected. It has been systematically improved, and is one of the best estates in the district for growing grain and root crops, and for rearing and fattening sheep. There are two stud flocks on the estate—Shropshire and Romneys. The Shropshire flock is unsurpassed in New Zealand. It was established in 1892, with two rams and seven ewes, selected in England by Mr. J. A. McIlraith, for the flock of Mr. Charles Coxon, of Staffordshire. In 1895 the Messrs McIlraith imported another ram from the same breeder, and another has since then been bought from Mr. R. S. Steel, of Tasmania. The Romney stud flock was established in 1894 by a purchase from Mr. R. N. Bealey, of Haldon station. Since then another purchase has been made from Mr. Bealey, and a ram has also been bought from Mr. F. Grey, of Masterton. “Auchenflower” is especially noteworthy on account of its buildings. The mansion house is situated on the top of the terrace overlooking the Rakaia, with a fine view of the great Canterbury Plains, and the snowy Southern Alps in the distance. The building is of brick and iron, and the architecture is after a style which Mr. J. McIlraith noticed while he was in Berlin. The woolshed and the manager's house are of the same material. About 1881 the Messrs McIlraith also purchased about 2400 acres near Mataura, in Southland.
sometime of “Auchenflower,” was born in 1834, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was educated. At the age of seventeen he came out to Victoria, and settled in the Western District, where he followed station life on extensive runs owned by some of his relations. In 1856 he came to New Zealand, and two years later assumed the management of Home Bush station.
J.P., of Auchenflower Estate, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Chariot of Fame,” and passed about three years at Home Bush and Culverden alternately. In 1865 he was appointed to the management of Home Bush during his brother's two years absence in the Old World. While he was at Home Bush he sold three-year-old steers fat off tussock at £17 per head to the West Coast dealers. In 1868 he spent three months in travelling in the North Island, and in 1869 he was appointed to the management of Haldon station, the property of Mr. Bealey. This was a run of 40,000 acres, and in addition to managing it, Mr. McIlraith had to look after 2000 acres at Southbridge, and also, later on, 1000 acres on the river Styx, including the present site of the Belfast freezing works. After twenty-three years in harness as manager of these large properties, Mr. McIlraith took a well-earned holiday, during which he visited Fiji, Australia and the Home Country, where he spent nearly one year. Mr. McIlraith occupied a seat on the Rakaia Road Board for twelve years, during which the board acted for the Selwyn Council in helping to carry out the water-races, which have done so much for settlement on the plains. He was placed on the Commission of the Peace in 1882, and in 1894 he was married to Alice Douglas Milne, second daughter of the late Mr. George Augustus Milne, of Exeter, England.
Sheepfarmer, Rakaia, Mr. Boag is a son of Mr. John Boag, of Brookside, and grandson of the late Mr. William Boag, one of the pioneers of Canterbury. He was educated at Brookside, at the Christchurch Boys' High School, and at Canterbury College, learned farming with his father, and settled at Rakaia in 1893, when he bought 600 acres, a portion of the Acton estate. Mr. Boag makes a study of current politics. He
Farmer, “Allamina,” Overdale, Rakaia. Mr. Croy was born in Orkney, Scotland, in 1848, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket,” on her last trip to this colony. After being a short time in the employment of Mr. Henry Kimber, of Tai Tapu, he went to Brookside, and spent six years in the service of Mr. Cunningham and Mr. J. Boag. In 1875 he bought seventy acres on the Longbeach estate, and afterwards increased the area to 203 acres, on which he farmed successfully until he sold out and bought his present valuable property at Overdale. His land, which was formerly owned by Mr. Oakley, consists of 486 acres, all thoroughly improved and in a state of advanced cultivation. Mr. Croy carries on a system of general farming, and fattens a large number of lambs. He is well known as a breeder of horses and sheep, and owns a stud of Southdowns, the winners of numerous first prizes. Mr. Croy devotes considerable attention to the raising of prize fowls, and is known as a most successful breeder of Indian game, Langshan, silver Dorkings, and brown Leghorns. His experience has led him to the conclusion that on account of whiteness of flesh, size, and early maturity, a cross between the Indian game and Dorking hen produces the best results. Mr. Croy is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he has been a very successful prize-taker with sheep and other stock. He was for many years a member of the Longbeach Road Board and school committee, and he is at present on the Overdale school committee. Mr. Croy married Miss Moore, daughter of Mr. Robert Moore, an old settler at Brookside, and there is a family of five sons, of whom two are successful farmers, and the two youngest live at home.
Farmer, “Mitcham,” Rakaia. Mr. Campbell was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1835, and landed at Port Chalmers by the “Star of Tasmania,” in 1862. Not satisfied with the prospects there, he came shortly afterwards to Christchurch, and was employed for three years roadmaking, and in helping to build the protective works at the Waimakariri river. He then joined Mr. Blake's party in roadmaking at the Teremakau, where he remained about one year. In 1866 Mr. Campbell returned to Canterbury to take up and work a farm he had previously purchased at Southbridge. About eleven years afterwards he leased his place to a tenant, and removed to Rakaia, where he worked for two years on the Acton estate, and for a similar period on the property of Mr. Leonard White. In 1877 Mr. Campbell took up his present property of 566 acres, on lease, with a purchasing clause, and has since acquired the freehold. He fattens lambs, crops about 200 acres, and keeps about 400 sheep. Mr. Campbell has never taken any part in public affairs, but he is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and of the Farmers' Union, and a shareholder of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association. He is unmarried.
Sheepfarmer, Hatfield Farm, Rakaia. Mr. Davison was born at Crumlin, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1841, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Victoria” in 1862. After his arrival he was fencing at Springston, and for the three ensuing years was engaged on the formation of the streets and roads in and around Christchurch. About 1866 Mr. Davison took up about fifty acres of land at the Killinchy swamp, the Killinchy church now stands on a portion of his original selection. Success enabled Mr. Davison to add about ninety acres to his area, and he farmed at Killinchy until 1874, when he removed to the Rakaia district, and started cropping on the Coster estate, where he subsequently bought 200 acres, to which he added, and now has a fine block of 450 acres, with extensive homestead buildings. Mr. Davison keeps sheep, grows grain and breeds a fine class of draught horses. The property at Killinchy is now carried on by his son, and his youngest son assists him in the management of Hatfield Farm. Mr. Davison has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married before leaving Ireland, died in 1884, leaving six sons and one daughter; and he married, secondly, Mrs Crothers, who had occupied the position of teacher at the Kullinchy school for years.
South Rakaia. This is the property of the family of the late Mr. D. Gordon Holmes. It contains 5000 acres, and was bought from the Crown in 1872, when it was all in its native state. Mr. Holmes had other properties and the freeholds have a total area of about 10,000 acres. The chief products are grain, wool, and mutton. Mr. Holmes had 2500 acres in grain in one season, and 800 acres in turnips. When the soil was in its virgin state it yielded up to sixty bushels of wheat per acre, but now a yield of from thirty to forty bushels is considered a good crop. Mr. Holmes had a small stud flock of Lincolns, which was established in 1884 by purchases from Mr. Lockhart when that gentleman dispersed his flock. The pastures at “Holmeslee” are extremely nutritious, and the annual increase in lambs is from ninety to one hundred per cent. Holmeslee House is situated on a natural eminence in the midst of the plain, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. The grounds are laid out and planted with great taste, and the avenue runs down to the main road. Excellent taste has
was born in Ireland, in 1836, arrived in Victoria in 1857, and came to New Zealand in 1862 to take charge of the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel for his uncle, Mr. George Holmes, then absent in Australia. On his uncle's return to New Zealand, Mr. D. G. Holmes went to Pigeon Bay to superintend the cutting, sawing, and shipping of the sleepers for the south line, but his uncle's health failing, he had to return and superintend the construction of the line himself. Mr. Holmes never entered public life, though often solicited to do so, but he had occupied a seat on the local road board, and his knowledge of engineering was of much service to the district, and highly prized by is fellow members. In 1877 Mr. Holmes was married to Miss Deamer, eldest daughter of the late Dr. Deamer, of Christchurch. He died on the 13th of November, 1902.
Farmer, “Fairfield,” Rakaia. Mr. Irwin was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1841, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1865, by the ship “Greyhound.” Being a thoroughly practical farmer, he was appointed manager of the Glentui station, then owned by the late Mr. Knowles, and held the position for over five years. During that period he bought 362 acres of his present property, and began farming on his own account in 1875. The land was then in tussock, and without shelter of any sort, and for two weeks his dray had to serve him also as his dwellinghouse. Mr. Irwin succeeded as a farmer, and he now has 607 acres around his homestead, besides another block of 521 acres not far off, and twenty-nine acres in the township of Rakaia. He keeps sheep and grows grain, and as the soil is fertile the crops are invariably good. Mr. Irwin has been chairman of the Rokeby school committee for several years, and a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and since his residence in the Rakaia district, he has taken a prominent part in church matters. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Rakaia. Mr. Irwin visited the Old Country, and returned by way of America. He married Miss Coote, of Cadan, Ireland, but she died in 1885, leaving one son and one daughter.
Welburn Farm, South Rakaia. Mr. Magson was born at Welburn, near York, in England, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1864 in the ship “Eastern Empire,” and helped to make the West Coast and Lochinvar Roads. For six months he worked on the West Coast goldfields, where, instead of making money, he lost £100. He then returned to Canterbury, and stayed for a time at “Craigieburn” with his brother, who set him up again. After that he entered the service of Mr. C. Withell, with whom he remained for four years. He took up the first land at Dunsandel, and purchased his present farm of 518 acres in 1873, when the land was all in its native state. The land was cropped with good results, and Mr. Magson threshed as much as fifty-five bushels to the acre. After growing grain for six years he stocked his land with sheep, and now farms on the rotation system, with about one-third of the farm in white and green crops. The land carries a sheep to the acre, and cattle and horses are kept only for the use of the farm. Mr. Magson was married, in 1871, to Miss McPhail, who died in 1884, leaving four sons and two daughters.
Avenel Farm, South Rakaia. Mr. Morland was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1842. In youth he followed farming, and came out to New Zealand in 1865, in the ship “Greyhound.” His first work was to plough part of Hagley Park, Christchurch. In 1868 he took up land at Greendale, and he held it for seven years. He was one of the first to take up land south of the Rakaia, and had crops which threshed out as much as fifty bushels of wheat per acre from the maiden soil. The Avenel estate contains about 1600 acres, and is divided into twenty paddocks. Good crops of grain and roots are raised, and a large number of sheep and lambs are annually fattened for the export meat trade. Mr. Morland has served on the road board, and is chairman of the directors of the Rakaia Saleyards Company. He was married, in 1879, to Miss Ward, daughter of Mr.
Sheepfarmer, Overdale. Mr. Oakley is a son of Mr. Alfred Oakley, who came to New Zealand by the ship “Strathallan” in 1859, accompanied by his wife and family. Mr. Alfred Oakley was first employed by Mr. Hill, of Avonhead, where he remained ten years. He was afterwards with Mr. Charles Withell, of Brookside, for thirteen years and a-half. In 1883 he removed to Rakaia to join his son, Mr. Robert Oakley, with whom he now resides in his declining years. Mr. Robert Oakley was born in Norfolk, England, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand when he was at the age of four. He was first employed by Mr. Charies Withell, with whom he remained eight years, and was afterwards contracting at Burnham for eighteen months. In 1878 he settled at Rakaia, where he bought 176 acres of his present property, the only building of which was then a sod whare. Mr. Oakley soon increased the area of his farm, which now consists of 1280 acres of fertile land, with a fine dwellinghouse, and all other necessary buildings. He carries on general farming, and also fattens large numbers of sheep and lambs for freezing. Mr. Oakley has always taken a great interest in education, and has been a member of the Overdale school committee for years, and was chairman for some time. A portion of the school grounds was presented by him, and the district and school bear the name of his farm. Before the erection of the Overdale school, Mr. Oakley was a member of the Rakaia and Chertsey school committees. He is an elder of the Rakaia Presbyterian church, of which he has been treasurer for the last eight years. Mr. Oakley is an Oddfellow, and a trustee of the Rakaia Lodge. He married Miss Doyle, eldest daughter of Mr. John Doyle, of Ruapuna, Rangitata, and there is a family of three sons and four daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Roseville,” Overdale, Rakaia. Mr. Richards was born in Wexford, Ireland, in 1853. He was for years engaged in farming at Home with his father, and at the same time he carried on large operations in cattle dealing. In 1877 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Opawa,” and settled at Methven, where he was ploughing and contracting throughout the district. Two years later he was appointed foreman ploughman on the Acton station, and held the position for six years. He then started cropping on some leased land, and three years afterwards, in conjunction with his brother, Mr Edward Richards, of Dorie, bought the property on which the latter gentleman's homestead now stands. Prosperity attended the labours of the partnership, and shortly afterwards the present property of Mr. Thomas Richards was bought. The partnership was then dissolved, and each brother took his present estate. Mr. Thomas Richards has since added 1014 acres in the Dorie district to his property, on which he conducts general farming. He has been for years a member of the Overdale school committee and of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Richards married Miss Harrison, a member of one of the best known families in the district, and there is a family of five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Dellmount,” Rakaia. Mr. Ross was born in 1855, at Glenark, Newtown Stewart, County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Eastern Monarch” in 1874. He was first engaged for six months as ploughman by the late Mr. J. P. Barr, and was, for the ensuing five years, with the late Mr. J. Hall, of Leeston, Mr. Ross removed to Rakaia in 1882, and for about eight years he owned and worked a threshing plant in partnership with Mr. Leonard White. On the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Ross started farming on his present property, which he had previously bought while it was in its unimproved state, and without any buildings. He has thoroughly improved the land, and erected a handsome homestead, with large offices and sheds, on a well chosen site. Mr. Ross Annually fattens lambs for freezing, and also crops a portion of his land. He has for some time been a member of the Overdale school committee. Mr.
sometime of “Hartwood,” South Rakaia, was born at Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1817, and was brought up as a carpenter. He came to New Zealand in 1863, and for five years after his arrival he worked at his trade. In 1868 he settled in the Selwyn district, and purchased “Hartwood” in 1873, when the land was all in its native state. The estate now consists of 719 acres, and is devoted to the production of grain, mutton, and wool, for which the land is admirably adapted. The improvements are of a permanent and extensive nature, and the dwellinghouse has a pleasant north-western aspect. The outbuildings are excellent, and are well sheltered from the prevailing winds by a well grown plantation of forest and ornamental trees, with a beautiful avenue running from the house to the road, and the land is divided into sixteen paddocks. Mr. McPhail died in 1896, leaving a widow, two sons, and one daughter to mourn his death.
sometime of Allandale Farm, Sherwood, Rakaia, was born at Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, and arrived in Canterbury by the “Strathallan” in 1859. Not being able to obtain employment at his trade as a bootmaker, he started on the first work then offering, and earned twenty-five shillings a day at stone breaking on the Port Hills. Shortly afterwards he got an engagement with Mr. Adams, bootmaker, High Street, Christchurch. Wages being high, he was enabled shortly afterwards
is about ten miles from Rakaia on the Rakaia-Methven branch line of railway. There is a telegraph office at Lauriston, three miles nearer Methven.
Farmer, Sherwood Farm, Sherwood, Rakaia. Mr. Leatham was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1841, and came to Auckland in 1862 by the ship “Indian Empire.” After spending a year in Auckland he removed to Canterbury, and was for about two years engaged in fencing and contracting about Christchurch and at the Springs road. Mr. Leatham then started farming on a part of Westenra's run at Dunsandel, where he was in partnership with a friend, to whom he sold out his interest and removed to the Ashburton district. He settled on the Wakanui run, where he leased about 200 acres, and carried on farming for seven years, till the expiration of his lease. Mr. Leatham then purchased a block of 230 acres, a portion of Mr. Moore's freehold, and carried on a prosperous system of farming until 1897, when he sold out and purchased his present fine estate, which was originally owned by Mr Passmore. The block consists of 2500 acres, thoroughly improved, with a homestead, and every convenience in the shape of out offices, yards and shearing sheds of the most up-to-date pattern. Mr. Leatham carries on extensive operations in grain growing and sheep. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his district. During his residence at Wakanui he was a member of the Wakanui school committee, and of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Leatham is married and has a family of four sons and four daughters.
is a fine agricultural and sheepfarming district in the Ashburton county, on the Rakaia-Methven line about twelve miles from Rakaia. It has a good school, a post office, and a blacksmith's shop. The district is divided into comparatively extensive farms, on which sheep are fattened and crops are raised with great success. The district was named after Mr. Laurie, one of the early settlers. As elsewhere throughout central Canterbury, the farms are served by a thorough system of water races. Large belts of well grown plantations give partial protection from the fierce
Farmer, Lauriston. Mr. Dent is the youngest son of the late Mr. James Dent, and succeeded to the paternal property when his father died in 1898. He had previously leased it, and has since inheriting the estate added 1000 acres to its area, which now consists of 2,164 acres. Mr. Dent has been a member of the Lauriston school committee, of the Canterbury and Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and is chairman of the Taylor Steam Coal Mining Company at Alford Forest. He married Miss Phillips, daughter of the late Mr. James Phillips, long in the service of the Government, and there is a family of two children.
Farmer, “Rosedale,” Lauriston. Mr. Drummond is the eldest son of Mr. Peter Drummond, of Corwar, and was born in the Oamaru district. He was educated at Rakaia, and learned farming with his father. In 1900 he started farming on his own account on his present property of about 1240 acres. The estate was one of the first selections in the district, and was first owned by Mr. Laurie, of Christchurch. After passing through various hands, it was bought by Mr. Drummond, who grows grain extensively, and breeds a fine class of draught horses for his own use. Oats on “Rosedale” average from thirty-five to fifty-five bushels per acre. Mr. Drummond is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
Sheepfarmer, “Oakwood,” Lauriston. Mr. Moore was born in County Antrim, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Waimea” in 1876. He landed at Wellington, but removed to Canterbury shortly afterwards. For two years he was engaged in ploughing for Mr. Cameron, of Springfield, and for fourteen years afterwards was manager of the Winterslaw station. He started farming on his own account at Alford Forest, but three years afterwards, in 1897, he sold out, and took up his present property, which consists of 1300 acres of good land, on which he keeps 1000 sheep; he has about 100 acres each year in turnips and oats, and fattens lambs for freezing. The property is well sheltered with plantations, and there is a convenient homestead, with all necessary outbuildings. Mr. Moore, who was a member of the Alford Forest school committee for several years, is also a member of the Lauriston school committee. He has always taken a great interest in church matters, and is at present a member of the church committee, and is also a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Moore is married, and has a family of six children.
Sheep-farmer, Tiptree Farm, Lauriston. Mr. Stewart is a son of Mr. Peter Stewart, of Seaview, formerly of Brookside, where the subject of this article was born in 1868. He first started farming on his own account at Greenstreet, and
sometime of Lauriston, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1837, and came to Nelson, New Zealand, in 1858. After a short time spent in Nelson, at Greymouth, and on the diggings at Gabriel's Gully, he returned Home and brought out his family, whom he settled at Nelson. He himself went to Greymouth, and was employed as overseer under Mr. Blackett, on road formation work. For four years he was manager of the Brunner mines under the Government, and was afterwards overseer of lighthouses and bridges between Christchurch and Oamaru. In 1871 Mr. Dent retired from the service of the Government, and started farming at Lauriston, on a property of 1164 acres, which he had previously bought, and farmed prosperously until his retirement in 1896, in favour of his sons. He then removed to Ashburton, where he lived until his death in 1898, when he left a widow, five sons and four daughters. All the sons are married, and are prosperous farmers.
is a prosperous district on the Rakaia-Methven line, about fifteen miles from the former and seven from the latter township, and four miles west of Lauriston. The infant township has a blacksmith's shop, a small general store, and there are also large sheds for the storage of grain. The land is particularly fertile, and yields large returns of wheat and oats, and other crops. Lyndhurst is also a good sheep country, celebrated for the fattening qualities of its grass. Several of the estates are large in area, and on some of these farming is conducted on an extensive scale.
(Andrew McFarlane and William Cook), Engineers, Blacksmiths, Coachbuilders, and Farriers Lyndhurst. This extensive business was begun in 1887 by Mr. McFarlane, in a small way in unpretentious premises, but has become one of the leading businesses of its kind in the county of Ashburton. At first the business was confined to blacksmithing, and Mr. McFarlane employed only one man. Now the extensive premises have three forges, with a large steam engine, steam hammers, and lathes, and all the most up-to-date appliances for large engineering works. Six men are constantly employed in the various departments of the business, and the firm keeps an extensive stock of reaping machines, duplicate parts, ploughshares, twines, oils, and harness. A large quantity of seasoned timber, for the construction of drays and other vehicles, for which the firm holds a high reputation, is also kept in stock, as well as seasoned timber for building purposes, as an important branch of the firm's business consists in the construction of residences in the surrounding district. Mr. McFarlane being a practical farrier; the firm keeps a large stock of drugs, and he is constantly consulted in connection with the ailments of horses. The Lyndhurst post office and telegraph office is under the charge of Mr. Cook, one of the partners.
is the third son of Mr. Andrew McFarlane, sheepfarmer, Alford Forest. He was born at Alford Forest and started business in 1887 at Lyndhurst. Owing to the expansion of his trade, he was compelled to remove to larger premises, and to secure the services of a working partner. Mr. William Cook, who had been previously in his employment for a number of years. The business is now, therefore, carried on under the title of McFarlane and Cook, Mr. McFarlane superintending the general management of the business. Mr. McFarlane is married, and has a family of one.
(Arthur Ingham Dent and William James Dickie, proprietors), Lyndhurst. This estate consists of 2550 acres, and was bought by the present owners in 1902 from Mr. Friedlander. It fattens annually about 2000 sheep and between 2000 and 3000 lambs. About 1000 acres are in wheat, oats and turnips. Wheat averages forty, and oats fifty bushels per acre, and five reapers are employed in the harvesting season. Messrs Dent and Dickie bought Mr. Friedlander's flock of Hampshire sheep, with which they have taken numerous prizes at the Christchurch and Ashburton shows. Horses born of draught mares and thoroughbred sires are bred on the estate with excellent results. Good roads surround the property, and large plantations of full grown trees give shelter from the nor'-westers.
is the fourth son of the late Mr. James Dent and was born at Cobden near Greymouth, in 1872. He was educated at Lauriston, and was brought up to farming by his father. In 1892 he commenced farming on his own account on 500 acres, which he successfully cultivated till 1902, when he sold out, and, in conjunction with Mr. Dickie, bought the Ardagh estate. Mr. Dent has always taken an intelligent interest in the public affairs of the district. He was for two years a member of the Mount Hutt Road Board, is at present a member of the Marawhiti school committee, and was for a
is a grandson of the late Mr. James Dent, one of the earliest settlers in Lauriston, and was born at Cobden, near Greymouth. For a time he worked for the firm of Messrs Thomas and McBeth, who had one of the leading businesses on the West Coast. Owing to ill health, he was compelled to leave business. It was then he came to Canterbury and started farming, an occupation which has contributed to the restoration of his health, and to his material success. Mr. Dickie began with land at Charlton, Somerton. After seven years he sold the property, and, in partnership with Mr. Dent, bought the Ardagh estate, Lyndhurst, formerly the property of Mr. Murdoch. Since his arrival in the district he has taken no part in public affairs, but he is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and of the Masonic Lodge at Rakaia. He married Miss Peyman, niece of Mr. James Peyman, one of the early settlers of Greymouth, and there is a family of two sons.
Farmer, Lyndhurst. Mr. Thompson is the son of Mr. A. Thompson, who for many years shod the Marquis of Waterford's horses. Mr. A. Thompson came to the Colony with his family in the ship “William Miles,” in 1860, and started in business as a blacksmith at Mount Peel and Alford Forest stations. In 1860 he took up land at Ashburton, where the mill now stands, and at Lyndhurst he selected a further area in the following year. He was born in 1818, and died in 1893. Mr. George Thompson was born in 1845 at Waterford, Ireland, and came to the Colony with his parents. He drove the first bullock team across the plains, with the Port Hills as his guiding landmark. The route he took was followed by others, and became known as Thompson's track. Mr. Thompson's well cultivated farm is systematically worked on the principle of rotation, by which means he grows good crops of grain and rears and fattens a number of sheep. Mr. Thompson was married, in 1872, to Miss Baker, and has four sons and four daughters.
is fifty-five miles by rail from Christchurch, and is on the Rakaia-Methven branch line, two miles beyond Lyndhurst and within three miles of Methven. It is a farming district. There is a post office at the railway station, and a daily mail to and from Christchurch. The nearest telegraph office is at Methven.
Farmer, “Craigielea,” Cairnbrae. Mr. Batty was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Waimate” in 1875. He entered the employment of the late Mr. Reid, of Westerfield, and afterwards that of Messrs Gould and Cameron, of Springfield. During the period of his service with Mr. Reid he bought his employer's threshing plant, and the year following he purchased another engine and combine (Ruston and Proctor) from the late Mr. G. Gould. He worked both plants in his own interest for one season. In 1878 he sold the former machine to Mr. J. W. Oliver, and continued to work the latter along with contract teams and cropping until he leased the farm “Whenuapai” from Mr. G. Coward. Afterwards he leased his present farm “Craigielea” from Mr. William McMillan, of Irwell. “Craigielea” contains 1360 acres, and carries about 2500 sheep. Each year about 300 acres are devoted to the cultivation of oats, wheat and turnips, with a general average of twenty-five to thirty bushels of wheat, and forty of oats. Mr. Batty has occupied a seat on the Mount Hutt Road Board for a considerable period. He is also a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Canterbury and Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. In 1889 Mr. Batty married Miss Clara Archer, of Yorkshire, and there is a family of two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Croxby,” Cairnbrae, Methven. Mr. McLean was born near Belfast, in County Down, Ireland, in 1858, and came to New Zealand, in 1878, in the ship “Christian McCausland.” He landed at Dunedin, and after being a year in Otago he came to Canterbury and purchased a farm of 300 acres at Chertsey. At the same time he managed, for six years, another farm for Mr. Daw, at Lyndhurst. In 1889 he bought Croxby Farm, which consists of 750 acres, and about two miles and a half from “Croxby,” he has another freehold property of 520 acres. The improvements he has made on “Croxby” include a good dwellinghouse with a north-eastern aspect. The property is divided into thirteen paddocks, and is devoted to grain growing and the fattening of sheep. Mr. McLean sometimes has as much as 300 acres under crop, and he has fattened 3000 sheep in one season. Southdowns are his favourite breed Mr. McLean has been chairman of the Highbank school committee. He was married in August, 1886, to Miss Doak, daughter of Mr. William Doak, of County Down, Ireland, and has four sons and two daughters.
is the terminus of the Rakaia-Methven railway, twenty-two miles from the township of Rakaia. It is a very clean and healthy place, and is the business centre of a prosperous district. There are three churches, a state school, two hotels, and several large general stores in the township. The grain crops of the district average from fifty to seventy bushels per acre, and the grass is famed for its fattening qualities. Although the district is sometimes visited by heavy nor'-westers, it is compensated by the extra rainfall with which it is favoured through the northerly winds, from the adjacent mountains. The district is under the jurisdiction of the Mount Hutt Road Board, which levies a rate of one farthing in the £ on the capital value, which, for the whole road district, is estimated at £797,000. The population of Methven is about 300, and of the whole road district, 1500. About 300 miles of road, 220 of which are well metalled, have been made in the district. The main road from Ashburton to Methven, twenty-five miles, and to the Rakaia Gorge, ten miles further is equal to any highway in Canterbury. Methven was named by the late Mr. Patton, one of the pioneers of the district, after his native place in Scotland. On the foundation of the Rakaia-Methven line of railway, several large stores were erected in the township, which has since gradually increased in size and prosperity. Fortnightly sales are held at Methven during six months of the year, and monthly sales for the other six months. The sales are attended by buyers from all parts of Canterbury, and twenty thousand sheep are sometimes yarded at a time. There are some large estates in the neighbourhood, such as Mount Hutt, Mount Harding, Springfield, and Waimarama. The whole country is intersected with water-races, fed from the Pudding Hill stream and the river Ashburton. Lately large blocks have been purchased by the Government, and cut up for close settlement. “High-bank,” one of these properties, now supports one of the most prosperous farming communities in New Zealand; and “Corwar,” formerly the property of Mr. J. Cathcart Wason, gives promise of a degree of success.
has an average attendance of about 100 pupils. Mr. James Gillanders, the headmaster, holds a D2 certificate. He is assisted by Miss E. M. Willis, and a female pupil-teacher.
(R. Millar, proprietor), Methven. The business of this hotel is carried on in a handsome two-storey building. It has well furnished sitting and commercial rooms, dining rooms, bath rooms, a billiard room, and numerous comfortable bedrooms. The cookery is under the supervision of Mrs. Millar, and the bill of fare includes the richest of creams, and the freshest of eggs, supplied from the hotel farm. The hotel is frequented by squatters, farmers, commercial men and tourists. The bar, which is stocked with the best spirits, wines and cigars, is away from the domestic portion of the house, and guests are therefore assured of a privacy almost equal to that of a private dwelling. The landlord maintains livery and bait stables, and buggies and waggonettes, with either one or two horses, and driven by steady and experienced drivers, are available for use. Methven is known to possess one of the most bracing climates in New Zealand, and many places of great beauty are within a short distance of the hotel, such as the Rakaia Gorge, Mount Hutt, the Ashburton Gorge, and Mount Somers; and the local roads are well adapted for driving, riding, or bicycling. Trout abounds in the Rakaia and hares are plentiful throughout the district, so that Methven has attractions for the sportsman as well as for the sightseer.
was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and accompanied by Mrs Millar, arrived in New Zealand by the first trip of the s.s. “Norfolk” in 1880. For years he had charge of the late Mr. Michael Studholme's stores at Waimate, but in 1888 he started business on his own account at Darfield, and carried on the Darfield hotel for four years, when he bought the present hotel in Methven. He married Miss Dinsmore, and of a family of four, one daughter and two sons are alive.
(Vivian Rouse, proprietor), Methven. This house was established in 1883. It is situated close to the railway station, and contains nineteen rooms, thirteen of which are well furnished bedrooms. There are two sitting rooms, and one large, well ventilated dining room, capable of seating twenty-four persons. The house is patronised by the settlers, commercial travellers,
the Proprietor, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1847, and was apprenticed to the butchering trade. He came out to New Zealand in 1873 by the ship “Mary Shepherd.” He was for a considerable time with Mr. Charles Reid, of Westerfield, and settled subsequently at Alford Forest. Mr. Rouse has been twice married, and his first wife bore him four sons and two daughters.
Butcher and Baker, Methven. This business was established about 1878 by Mr. W. Morgan, and purchased by the present proprietor in 1886. While the railway, roads and water-races were being constructed, and cropping was carried on extensively prior to the land being laid down in grass, business was very brisk at Methven. Then followed the usual lull, but trade on a permanent footing is now carried on with the townspeople and settlers. Mr. Baker was born in 1853, in Wellington, Somersetshire, England.
Storekeeper and Farmer, Methven. Mr. Hibbs was born in Dorsetshire, England, and came to New Zealand in 1876. He was the first to import into New Zealand the Dorset horn-sheep, of which breed he imported from England a ram and two ewes in 1897. Mr. Hibbs has now a small flock of this hardy breed, which, from their early maturing and hardy qualities, should prove a benefit to New Zealand raisers of fat lambs.
Farmer, “Clunes”’ Methven. Mr. Cameron was born at Lochaber, Inverness-shire, Scotland, and is a member of the clan Cameron of Lochiel, and cousin of Mr. Duncan Cameron, of Springfield. He came to New Zealand in 1876, by the ship “Timaru,” and landed at Dunedin. After travelling through the colony for a year he settled at Methven in 1877, when he bought the Clunes estate, which consists of about 1200 acres of freehold, on which he carries on general farming. Mr. Cameron is recognised as one of the best judges of sheep in New Zealand, and is well known as a breeder of English Leicesters, of which he has a stud flock of about 300. Apart from his farm, he carries on an extensive business as a dealer. He revisited the Old Country in 1887. Mr. Cameron is married, and has a family of five.
Farmer, “Dalmore,” Methven. Mr. McKay was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1858. He went to sea when he was fourteen years of age, and followed it for six years, during which he visited many parts of the world, such as Spain, Italy, Sicily, Western Islands, Canada, Africa, and the United States. He was in possession of an A.B. certificate when he was sixteen years of age, and was an officer before he was twenty. Mr. McKay served in the Allen, Anchor, and P. Henderson lines. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Oamaru,” in 1879, and resided in Otago for five years, at the end of which he visited his native country. After a short stay in Scotland he returned to New Zealand, and settled in the Ashburton district, where he purchased his present farm in 1891. Mr. McKay has a freehold of 460 acres, on which he has made many improvements, so that his farm is now in perfect order. It grows root crops and grain to perfection, and Mr. McKay fattens a large number of sheep and lambs for the export trade
Runholder, Methven. Mr. McLennan was born in Ross shire, Scotland, in 1845, and followed pastoral pursuits, first, in his native country, and then in the south of Scotland. He came to New Zealand in 1869 in the ship “Hydaspes,” and went direct to Mr. Studholme, with whom he remained for two years. Then he took up the Blackford run at Mount Hutt, and has resided there ever since. “Blackford” consists of about 35,000 acres of hill country, held under lease, and 1000 acres of freehold, and is stocked chiefly with Merino sheep. Mr. McLennan has suffered in a way which illustrates the hardships which sometimes have to be borne by pioneer settlers. In 1874 he was severely frost-bitten through exposure in the snow, and as a result he lost both his feet. Mr. McLennan was married, in 1882, to Miss Scott, and has one son and three daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Drayton,” Methven. Mr. Millton is the youngest son of the late Captain millton, who was a prominent pioneer settler of Canterbury. Mr. Millton came to New Zealand, in 1868, by the ship “Mermaid,” and was educated at Christ's College and at Lincoln Agricultural College. He first started farming at Birch Hill, and bought his present estae in 1897. Since his arrival at Methven he has taken a keen interest in local affairs. He was elected a member of the Mount Hutt Road Board in 1900, and reelected in 1902. Mr. Millton is also a member of the Ashburton County Council, and is on the Managing Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he has taken prizes for fat sheep. “Drayton” consists of about 2400 acres, and originally formed part of the Spaxton station. It is now used almost exclusively for rearing and fattening sheep, and a large area is cultivated annually for root and green crops.
(Trustees of the late D. G. Holmes, proprietors), Methven. This estate adjoins the township of Methven, and consists of about 4200 acres. It was originally a portion of the Mount Hutt and Spaxton stations, and was bought by the Messrs Holmes Bros. from Captain Harding, after whom it was named. On the dissolution of the partnership of the Messrs. Holmes, Mount Harding became the property of the late Mr. D. G. Holmes. The estate is surrounded on all sides by good roads, and the homestead is well sheltered by plantations. The Mount Harding stream runs through the property and forms at the homestead a comparatively large lake. Mount Harding is devoted chiefly to the fattening of sheep and lambs, but, generally, about 100 acres are under cultivation for turnips, oats and wheat. The woolshed accommodates ten shearers.
Manager of Mount Harding, was born in Tasmania, and brought up to farming. In 1872 he came as a cadet to the late Mr. Low, of Switzers, Otago, where he remained for eighteen years, and latterly had full charge of the stock. After removing to the Rakaia district, Mr. Wood was for five years manager of the Rokeby station, the property of his brother-in-law, the late Mr. Lyttelton. In 1895 he was appointed to his present position, and his management
(Hamish McLean, owner), Methven. This estate, which originally formed a portion of the Mount Hutt station, is situated about ten miles from Methven, at the foot of the mountain, from which it derives its name. Mount Hutt is 7000 feet high, and stands as a majestic sentinel of the Rakaia Gorge. The property consists of 3500 acres of fertile land, and the homestead, with its well-planned, well-built, well-placed buildings is surrounded by ornamental shrubberies and plantations for shelter. Shering is carried on by the aid of ten Wolesley machines, equal to sixteen sets of shears; the motive power is supplied by a Fielding and Platt eight-horse power oil engine. During the shearing season thirty extra hands are employed on the station, and there are twelve persons permanently employed on the estate. Mr. McLean owns the Mount Hutt Hill run, which carries 14,000 sheep when fully stocked, and the annual lambing averages eighty-four per cents. Berkshire and Tamworth pigs are extensively bred on the property, and Mr. McLean is equally successful as a breeder of draught horses and fine backs. the piggeries and sheep dips are of concrete, and are well designed and easily worked. An area of about 700 acres of the land is under crop, principally oats, turnips and rape. The average yield of oats is about fifty bushels per acre, and in good seasons it rises to ninety bushels.
is the eldest surviving son of the late Captain McLean, one of the Canterbury pioneers, and sometime of Buccleuch station, and nephew of the late Sir Donald McLean. of Hawke's Bay. He was born at Buccleuch station, educated by the late Rev. J. D. Ferguson, of Christchurch, and learned sheepfarming on the Lagmhor station, Ashburton. Mr. McLean started sheepfarming in the Hinds district, and bought his present fine estate in 1896. He is a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has frequently exhibited hunters and backs at the annual shows.
Farmer, Methven.
Farmer, Enfield Farm, Methven. Mr. Stewart was born at Baronscourt, Newtown Stewart, Ireland, where he was employed as blacksmith to the Duke of Abercorn. He came to Dunedin in 1890, and after a short stay there, removed to Methven and stated business as a blacksmith. Mr. Stewart carried on a successful trade until he retired in 1902. In that year he bought about 300 acres of Mr. Duncan Cameron's property, and carries on a system of general farming. He has been a member of the Methven school committee for several years, and is a Freemason of ten years' standing.
(Duncan Cameron, J.P., Proprietor), Methven. This property was originally held by Messrs Hill and Bray, as a grazing run from the Crown, from whom it was bought by the late Mr. George Gould and its present owner, Mr. Duncan Cameron. At first Messrs Gould and Cameron confined their operations to sheep, but with the extension of the railway to Ashburton, they began to break up the land and to grow crops on a large scale. In the year 1889 Mr. Gould died and in 1890 Mr. Cameron became sole proprietor of “Springfield,” of which he had all along had the full management. As a practical man Mr. Cameron had from the first seen that a permanent water supply to the Springfield property—as to all the Ashburton country—would be of great benefit. In fact, Mr. Cameron was the first to establish a sytematic water supply on the dry but otherwise fertile lands of Central Canterbury, and what he did proved a great boon to others as well as to himself as the teams of settlers came from far and near to cart water away in tanks from his races. It was in the early seventies that he decided to do something in the matter of water races, and he then constructed four miles, but it was not until 1876 that he commenced his great scheme of taking water in open channels over all sorts of land. Mr. Cameron was his own engineer, and in 1876 he constructed a water race which had its intake at the upper end of the plains and was thirteen miles in length. The immediate result was so satisfactory, that he went on increasing his mileage, and by the year 1880 he had close on forty miles of water races running through “Springfield.” When Mr. Cameron's resolute efforts became generally known, even the engineers through that, owing to the shingly nature of the soil in many parts of the country, the races would be useless, as the water would, in their opinion, percolate through the surface unless an expensive system of pipes were adopted. The success of Mr. Cameron's scheme disproved all this, and justified his sagacity in devising and carrying it out. It also gave the impetus derivable from a valuable practical example to the general movement throughout the Ashburton district in 1879–80. That movement culminated in the complete water race system which has transformed one of the driest regions in New Zealand to a district noted far and wide for its crops and stock, and the perennial freshness of its pastures. It would be fair in the opponents of large estates to remember a service like this to the credit of the proprietors. No one but a man of Mr. Cameron's enterprise and extensive interests could have done what he did in watering “Springfield,” and there is not the slightest doubt that his highly successful operations led to the great Ashburton plain becoming what it is now—a wide area covered with hundreds of prosperous farms of moderate size. The frozen meat industry, which may be said to have developed in time to save the sheepfarmers of New Zealand from bankruptcy or a precarious existence,
J.P., owner of Springfield estate, is the son of the late John Cameron of Glenfintaig, and was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland. After residing for five years at Ben Nevis, Mr. Cameron, in 1864. came to New Zealand by the ship “Mirage.” He is a member of the Lochiel branch of the
Methven. This estate contains 2400 acres, and is the property of Mr. Robert R. Lyne. It was originally taken up in 1874 by Mr. William Waggrolds, uncle of the present proprietor, and Mr. Waggrolds commenced the improvements which have been completed by his nephew. Of the total area, 600 acres are in grain, and 300 acres in turnip, and the balance is in grass. As many as 3500 sheep have been fattened in one season, and the estate has at the same time carried a large flock of breeding ewes. The improvements at “Three Springs” comprise a good dwellinghouse, with an avenue leading to the road, and the necessary outbuildings, and the property is divided into twenty-six paddocks.
Proprietor, was born in London in 1863, and was brought to New Zealand by his widowed mother, in 1871, in the ship “Zealandia,” Captain White. He settled with his mother at Hororata, and on the death of his uncle in 1888, he succeeded to his property. Mr. Lyne finished his education at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was married, in 1894, to Miss Prayer, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Upton Farm Methven. Mr. Ulyett was born in Yorkshire, England. In 1865 he left Home for Queensland, where he remained six months, and arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, during the same year. For three years he was employed by Mr. Pilkington, at East Tamaki. Canterbury, however, then offered better prospects, and in 1869 Mr. Ulyett arrived in the Leeston district, where he worked with his brother-in-law, Mr. Wilson, on his farm at Brookside. About 1873 Mr. Ulyett started farming on his own account at Wakanui where he remained six years. He then disposed of his farm, and bought 1400 acres in the Mount Hutt district. The land was then in its native state, and totally unimproved, but with intelligent perseverance and energy Mr. Ulyett has converted his property into one of the finest small estates around Methven. Well fenced paddocks, producing luxuriant crops of wheat and oats, and numerous sheep fattening in heavy clover pastures, have replaced the broad expanse of tussock. A handsome residence, surrounded by large and remarkably well kept gardens, gives evidence of the taste and prosperity of the owner, on whom success has smiled since his arrival in the district. Mr. Ulyett, accompanied by Mrs Ulyett, revisited the Old Country in 1898, and returned after nine months of pleasurable sight-seeing. Mr. Ulyett is a churchwarden and a member of the committee of management of the Methven church.
(Robert Hennah, manager Methven. This property contains 4140 acres of fertile land, and was originally a portion of the Mount Hutt station. It was bought by Mr. Hugh McIlraith, on the subdivision of that estate, and acquired in 1892 by the late Mr. John Deans, who altered the original name of “Broom Park” to its present native one. About 10,000 sheep are kept on the estate, and a herd of forty-three pure bred Shorthorn cows, a portion of the famous Homebush herd. There is also a stud flock of 400 Lincoln ewes. Over 800 acres of the estate are devoted to root crops and grain, and the yield of wheat and oats sometimes exceeds seventy-five bushels to the acre. The homestead is surrounded by well grown plantations, and the buildings and wool sheds are built of concrete, with every convenience for carrying on all the operations of the estate. All the land is ploughable, and over forty-two acres of plantations and to the beauty and value of the property.
Manager of Waimorama, is the youngest son of the late Mr. H. H. Hennah, manager for Messrs Dalgety and Co. He was born in Christchurch and educated at Christ's College, and at Timaru. On leaving school he was appointed to a position on the Lake Coleridge station, and was there for three years. Wishing to study the modes of farming in Australia he went there, and for some years had an experience of station life on several large properties in Australia. After his return to New Zealand he held a position for some time on a station in South Canterbury, and later on he was for four years overseer on Mr. Hamish McLean's estate at
sometime of Methven, was born at Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, on the 12th of August, 1827, and was educated at the parish school. He came out to New Zealand in September, 1864, in the ship “British Empire.” At first he found employment at Rokeby station, where he remained twelve years, and in 1876 he entered the service of Mr. H. McIlraith, with whom he stayed four years. He then began farming on his own account at the Rakaia, on 200 acres of land, with which he afterwards parted in order to buy 280 acres on Hill Park near Broom Park. In 1884 he purchased what is now known as “Belmont,” then a partly improved property of 1400 acres. He soon added to the improvements by dividing the estate into fifteen paddocks, planting trees, etc. Mr. Henderson was a practical farmer, and raised heavy crops of wheat, oats, turnips and rape, and his sheep fetched the top price at the Addington sales. He took a warm interest in church matters, and was an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Ashburton in 1874, and subsequently at Methven. Mr. Henderson helped to organise the Rakaia and Methven schools. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Watson, of Glasgow, and left a family of seven sons and one daughter, when he died on the 21st November, 1898.
is a small township on the main south line, between Rakaia and Ashburton, five miles from Rakaia and twelve from Ashburton. It has one hotel, and two general stores, a post, telegraph and money order office, an Anglican church, and a public school. The surrounding district contains some very fine cropping land—in fact some of the finest in the Rakaia district—but towards the sea the soil is of lighter quality, and is devoted chiefly to sheepfarming. There is a thriving special village settlement close to Chertsey, and the main south road, which passes through the township, is very good for cycling. Chertsey has a population of 100 persons.
This station is on the main south line of railway, at a distance of forty-one miles from Christchurch, and twelve from Ashburton. As it is in the centre of a rich agricultural district, a large amount of grain is despatched from it every year. Mr. J. H. White is the present stationmaster.
Stationmaster at Chertsey, was born at Milton, Otago, in 1874, and educated at the Tokomairiro High School. He is the second son of Mr. Henry White, storekeeper, Milton. In May, 1890, he entered the railway department, at Christchurch, as a cadet, and has steadily gained promotion year by year. In 1892 he was transferred to Lyttelton, whence he was removed in 1893 to Oamaru, and, having completed his apprenticeship in 1896, he was appointed booking clerk. He is a member of the Order of Foresters, and is attached to the Court Star of Canterbury. During his residence in Oamaru, Mr. White was closely connected with the various organisations of the Wesleyan church. He held office as secretary of the Sunday school, and acted as a local preacher and as vice-president of the Christian Endeavour Society, and up till 1897 he acted as secretary of the North Otago Christian Endeavour Union. Mr. White was appointed chief clerk at the Milton railway station in January, 1899, and has since then been promoted to his present position at Chertsey.
Tillyfour Farm, Chertsey. Mr. Copland was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1839, and was brought up to agriculture. He came to New Zealand in 1866 by the ship “Blue Jacket,” and landed in Lyttelton. Shortly after his arrival he went to Cheviot, and for two years worked for the Hon. W. Robinson. Subsequently he bought a threshing machine, and worked it for some years, and then settled down to farming at Weedons. Eighteen months later he took up his present farm, which comprises 1030 acres. Mr. Copland also owns another farm in the Chertsey district, and another at Rakaia. His wheat crops sometimes average thirty bushels per acre. Mr. Copland is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Rakaia Road Board, Domain and Cemetery Boards, and of the Chersey school committee. He was the first to interview Mr. F. Waymouth, the manager of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, to suggest that the Company should start a branch at Ashburton,
Farmer, Kenmuir Farm, Chertsey. Mr. Doig is a highly respected old colonist, and was born in Scotland in 1838. He has been identified with farming from his boyhood. In 1861 he arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Chrysolite.” After working at Home Bush station for about three years, he bought a farm on the Moeraki Downs, and worked it for eleven years. He then sold it and went to Chertsey, where he took up another farm. At the present time he owns four farms in the district, with a total acreage of 3600 acres. The whole of the properties have been under cultivation, and wheat crops average sixteen bushels, and oats thirty bushels per acre. Mr. Doig thinks very highly of New Zealand, and has never regretted coming to it. He has been a member of the Chertsey school committee for some years, and was formerly a member of the Moeraki school committee. Mr. Doig was married in Scotland, and has a family of six sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Chertsey. Mr. Stringfellow is the second son of the late Mr. H. Stringfellow, a member of an old English family who had lived for generations on the Arundel estate. Mr. H. Stringfellow was agent to Squire Plowden, of Plowden Hall, Shropshire, and died in 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-three. The subject of this article was born in Wiltshire, and followed farming in England, until he came to New Zealand in 1874, by the ship “Eastern Monarch,” accompanied by his wife and a family of six children. Mr. Stringfellow went to Port Levy, where he was employed by the late Mr. Charles Cholmondeley and Mr. Fleming, until he leased a dairy farm, on which he milked about fifty-five cows, and fifteen on his own freehold, and made cheese. He worked this farm for about seven years. However owing to the low price of cheese, he left Port Levy in 1881, and went to Chertsey, where he rented a farm from Mr. George King. Three years subsequently he bought the freehold of the estate, which comprises 1094 acres of some of the finest land in the district. Mr. Stringfellow is known as a most successful breeder of the well known Corriedale strain of sheep, a cross between the Lincoln ram and Merino ewe, which yields good flesh and fine wool. This system of breeding he has pursued since 1888, with great success, and has now a stud flock of seventy, and 450 flock ewes. Mr Stringfellow has obtained over 100 first prizes with his sheep, at the Ashburton, Timaru, Christchurch, and Dunedin shows. At Christchurch in 1902, he took first prize for aged rams out of a class of seventeen entries, besides first prize and highly commended certificates for ewes and lambs; and he took first prize for five Corriedale wethers in the same years, at Ashburton. He has been a member of the Rakaia Road Board for eleven years; he is also a member of the Cemetery and Domain Board, and a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations of Christchurch, Timaru, and Ashburton, and is on the committee of the last named association. Mr. Stringfellow has been a Justice of the Peace for a number of years. He married before leaving England and has a family of seven, of whom four sons and one daughter are married.
Higham Farm, Chertsey. Mr. Wilkinson is the eldest son of the late Mr. T. W. Wilkinson and was born at Lincoln Road, in 1856, and brought up to farming by his father. The late Mr. Wilkinson first took up the leasehold of Higham Farm, which then consisted of about 2700 acres. The land was then in tussock, and for some years, owing to bad seasons, the prospects of making it pay were not very bright. However, the present owner took control of the property, and in 1888, he bought the freehold. Mr. Wilkinson, like his late father, takes a keen interest in all affairs relating to the progress of the district. He is chairman of the Chertsey school committee, and has been a Justice of the Peace for several years. He is also a total abstainer and an ardent prohibitionist. Mr. Wilkinson is a member
sometime of Chertsey, arrived in Canterbury in 1852, by the ship “Samarang.” Before coming to the colony he had bought land on Lincoln Road from the Canterbury Association. He resided on it for some years, and the Mount Magdala Asylum now stands upon it. In 1865, having sold his farm, he went to the West Coast goldfields. He walked overland from Canterbury, and worked for about a year on the diggings, but without success. He therefore returned to Canterbury, and was appointed manager of the estate of Mr. John Milne, at Southbridge. Later on he was cropping on the Acton and Highbank stations. In 1877 he took up the property now owned by his son and lived there until his death in 1902. Mr. Wilkinson, who was a man of culture, always took an intelligent interest in local and general affairs, and was for a time a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council. He was one of the first to lease the southern portion of Hagley Park. He married Miss Reeve, of Leicestershire, who, with her sister Miss S. Reeve, arrived in 1852, by the ship “Mermaid,” and opened the first ladies' school in Christchurch. Mrs Wilkinson died in 1880, leaving a family of four sons and two daughters. The youngest daughter, Dr. Ada Wilkinson, was lately appointed medical officer of the Asylum on the Isle of Wight, England.
is a fine farming district in the Ashburton county. It is within five miles of Chertsey, which is forty-one miles by rail from Christchurch and twelve from Ashburton. The district lies to the south of Kyle; the land towards the sea, being of rather light quality, is devoted chiefly to sheep, although considerable areas, under cultivation, produce fair crops of grain. Only portions of the roads in the district are good for cycling.
Farmer, Pendarves. Mr. Beattie was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Waimate” in 1875. His first employer in New Zealand was Mr. Meredith Wilson, and he was afterwards for a considerable time employed on the Acton station, and with Mr. Mulligan, whose property is now owned by Mr. Beattie. On the arrival of his three brothers, in 1878, he and they entered into partnership, and carried on large farming operations until the firm was dissolved in 1895. Mr. Beattie's present property of 800 acres fell to his share in the division of partnership interests. Mr. Beattie has been chairman of the Pendarves school committee.
in the county of Ashburton, is fifty-three miles from Christchurch, with which it is connected by a daily postal service. The nearest telegraph office is at Chertsey, twelve miles distant. There are good roads in the district, which is devoted to agriculture and sheepfarming.
Farmer, “Willow Grove,” Kyle. Mr. Watson was born near Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Huntress,” in 1863, accompanied by Mrs Watson. After their arrival he and Mrs Watson were employed as a married couple by Mr. Weir, of Lincoln Road, for eighteen months, and Mr. Watson was also for a similar period manager for Mr. John Walker, of Lincoln. He afterwards took up a small farm in the Southbridge district, where he remained for eight years. Mr. Watson then let his farm and took up at Leeston the well known property now owned by Mr. Hay. He prosperously carried on farming there for eleven years, when he bought a farm at Brookside, where he remained until he removed to his present farm at Kyle in 1887. He had bought the place five years previously; it consists of 842 acres, and he annually fattens about 800 sheep. Mr. Watson has been a member of the Kyle school committee for some years, and also of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He has a family of two sons and three daughters.
is one of the subdivisions of the South Rakaia district. It lies three miles to the eastward of the town of Rakaia, and extends in an easterly direction from Overdale to the Pacific Ocean and from the river Rakaia to Kyle in a southerly direction. Dorie is a flourishing district, with comparatively large farms. The average yield of grain is from forty to seventy bushels, and large numbers of sheep and lambs are fattened for freezing. The district was formerly a portion of the well known Acton station, one of the earlier runs taken up on the Rakaia. Mr. John McLean, who was one of the early settlers, named the district Dorie, after his native place in Scotland. There are two good schools in the district, a post office, and a handsome Anglican church, the site of which was presented by Mr. H. J. Harrison, one of the leading farmers in the district. The main road through Dorie is very good for cycling for about twelve miles towards the sea. There is good fishing in the Rakaia river, and there are hares throughout the district.
Sheep-farmer, “Holly Forth,” Dorie. Mr. Harrison was born in County Wexford, Ireland, and was employed upon his father's farm until he left for New Zealand by the ship “Soukar” in 1875. For some time after his arrival he was engaged in harvesting, and later on in contracting on the Killinchy swamp. On removing to Rakaia he was joined by his brother,
Sheepfarmer, “Summerlee,” Dorie. Mr. Harrison was born in 1856 in County Wexford, Ireland, and is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Harrison, sometime a leading farmer of Hollyford in that country. He came to New Zealand in 1875, by the ship “Cardigan Castle,” and joined his brother. Mr. Henry J. Harrison, who had arrived in the colony about a year previously. On settling at Rakaia he worked a threshing and chaff-cutting machine for Mr. Leonard White. Later on he was employed as engine driver by Mr. Browne, of Chertsey, and Mr. Storry, of Southbridge. He and his brother entered into partnership, and bought a new Clayton and Shuttleworth threshing machine, which they worked for three seasons; whereupon they bought a traction engine, which was worked for about seven years. The business prospered and the profits were invested in land, the price of which was then comparatively low in the district. Mr. W. Harrison's practical knowledge of machinery caused his services to be in much request for repairs to reapers and binders and other machinery in use on the surrounding farms. While the partnership existed Mr. H. J. Harrison superintended the farming part of the business, and Mr. W. Harrison the contracting and threshing operations. On the dissolution, in 1886. Mr. William Harrison took, as his share, the 1500 acres which surround his fine homestead. His residence is now lighted with electric light, the machinery for which has been erected by himself; the motive power is generated by a fine supply of water. Mr. Harrison was a member of the Dorie school committee and has been on the committee of the Awaroa school since its inception. He has also been a vestryman of the Anglican church since its establishment in the district. He is
Sheepfarmer, “Ardamine,” Dorie. Mr. Richards was born in Wexford, Ireland, where he was employed in a general store until he went to America in 1867. After farming successfully for seven years in the United States, he returned Home to revisit his parents. He remained in Ireland three years, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Opawa” in 1876. For some time he was engaged in a general store at the Port, and afterwards drove the mail coach between Greytown and Masterton in the North Island. After returning to the South Island, he was employed for two years on a large station in Otago, the property of the late Hon. Robert Campbell. In 1880 Mr. Richards removed to Rakaia, and started cropping on a portion of his present farm. The season was good and the price of wheat high, with the result that Mr. Richards was able to buy the freehold of about 300 acres of land. Since then he has added 370 acres to the homestead block. He has also 1300 acres near the sea coast devoted to the grazing of sheep and the growing of grain. Mr. Richard's homestead is finely situated on rising ground, well planted with trees. The land is so good that it yields forty bushels of wheat and sixty of oats to the acre. Mr. Richards has been a member of the Ashburton County Council and the South Rakaia Road Board for a number of years. He is chairman of the Dorie school committee, and has been a vestryman of the Anglican church for over fifteen years, and a churchwarden for six years. He is also a member of both the Ashburton and Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. As a Freemason he belongs to Lodge Rakaia 31, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Richards married Miss Harrison, of Dorie, and has five sons and six daughters.
township is situated four miles north of Ashburton, close to the Fairfield railway station and freezing works. The whole of the buildings are new, and there are several accommodation houses and shops. The town has grown up round the freezing works, and is mainly dependent on the meat freezing industry.
at Fairton was opened on the 17th of May, 1901, in temporary premises, which were rented in the Fairton township. Miss R. Hodgson was the first Mistress. The present school, which is substantially built of wood, is situated on the main road, near the railway station. The five acre section on which it is built, was bequeathed by the late Mr. Wilson, of Dromore, for educational purposes.
Master of the Fairton Public School, was born at Cheviot and educated at Papanui, where he obtained the dux medal awarded by Mr. T. S. Weston, and also a School of Art drawing scholarship, which he held for three years. He went through a two years' course of training at the Normal School, and in 1898 obtained a D certificate. Mr. Campbell was relieving in several districts, before being appointed to Fairton in May, 1902. His father, Mr. Robert Campbell, arrived in Canterbury by the s.s. “Zealandia,” (Captain Foster) on the 14th of November, 1859. Mr. Campbell, senior, came to the colony as a shepherd, and has followed that occupation to the present time. He was the first to take sheep over The Whale's Back in Nelson, and in 1862 he drove 11,000 sheep from Flaxbourne to Mataura; the journey, an arduous one in those days, occupied seven months. He was for twelve years head shepherd on Cheviot estate, under the late Hon. William Robinson, and is still, at the age of seventy-five, in the best of health with a grown-up family of eight.
are owned by the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited, and are situated about four miles north of Ashburton, in the centre of one of the best sheep raising districts in New Zealand. The
Representative of the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited, in the Ashburton county, was born in Christchurch and educated in that city. He joined the company's clerical staff in 1892, and, after being ten years in the company's service, was appointed to his present position in February, 1902.
Engineer of the Fairfield Freezing Works, is a native of Christchurch, where he was educated, and apprenticed to Messrs Scott Bros., engineers of that city. On the completion of his term of apprenticeship he went to London to gain further experience. For some time after his return to Canterbury he was with Messrs J. and A. Anderson. He was then an engineer with the Wellington Meat Export Company, Limited, and also worked at the Belfast Freezing Works for seven years. When the machinery was erected at the Fairfield Freezing Works in January, 1899, he received his present appointment. Mr. Beck holds an extra first class engineer's certificate issued by the New Zealand Government. He takes an active interest in local affairs, and its chairman of the Fairton school committee, and a member of the Robert Burns Masonic Lodge of Christchurch.
who is head of the fellmongery department of the Fairfield Freezing Works, was born and educated in Christchurch, and learned his trade in his father's fellmongery at Geraldine. He was for two years in the North Island, and also had some experience in Australia. On his return to New Zealand Mr. Ellis was engaged by Messrs Nelson Bros. at their Ocean Beach works at the Bluff. He was head fellmonger there for six years, and left to take charge of the fellmongery at the Fairfield freezing works. The paint is one of the latest and most up-to-date in Australasia, and is second only to the Belfast freezing works plant. In the busy season fifty men are employed at the Fairfield works.
who has charge of the manure department of the Fairfield Freezing Works, is a native of Canterbury. He joined the staff of the Belfast Freezing Works in 1894, and was in the manure department there until the opening of the Fairfield works, when he was appointed to his present position. The department has an extensive machinery plant, and eight men are employed in it. Mr. Adams, who resides at Fairton, is a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge at Ashburton. He is married, and has one son.
lies about ten miles to the eastward of Ashburton, and sixty-six miles from Christchurch, with which it has postal communication on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The district is devoted to farming, and has good roads.
Farmer, Seaview. Mr. Stewart is a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1859, with his parents, by the ship “Cresswell.” After residing for two years in Christchurch his father took up fifty acres of farm land at Halswell, where he remained for four years. Mr. Peter Stewart learned the trade of carpenter at Brookside, where he resided for a number of years, during six of which he was farming. On selling out he moved to Seaview, Wakanui, where he took up 360 acres, since extended to 760 acres. He was for five years and a half chairman of the Wakanui Road Board, and was for many years a member of the local school committee. Mr Stewart was married while he was at Brookside.
in the county of Ashburton, is a fertile farming settlement. Its distance from Christchurch is fifty-nine miles. The sea is only three miles away, and the district is about six miles to the east of Ashburton, the county town. There is a local post office, and a daily mail service with Christchurch. The nearest telegraph office is at Ashburton.
(Mr. Thomas Rollitt, proprietor), Wakanui. These large mills were erected in the early days of Canterbury by a Mr. Moffatt, and were subsequently owned for several years by Mr. Edward Thomas, who converted them into roller mills of the latest type, and afterwards sold them to Mr. Rollitt. They are situated in the centre of the Wakanui district, one of the most renowned wheat growing districts in New Zealand, and the supply of grain is almost at the very door. The mills supply the local demand, which is sufficient to keep them running constantly the whole years round; their capacity is from three to four sacks per hour. The building is four stories in height; the machinery is driven by an overshot wheel, 18 feet in diameter, and the water supply comes from the Ashburton river. A farm of 100 acres, attached to the mill, is also the property of Mr. Rollitt, and on a recent occasion it yielded an average of seventy-three bushels per acre of Tuscan wheat. Mr. Rollitt's residence is picturesquely situated near the mill, and is surrounded by a prettily laid out garden.
Proprietor, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1861, and is a son of Mr. William Rollitt, milling engineer. He was brought up to the milling business in the Old Country, where he received a thorough practical training. Mr. Rollitt came to New Zealand in 1883, by the first direct steamer that traded to the Colony, and has ever since been identified with milling. He is a member of the Ashburton Thistle Lodge of Freemasons. Mr. Rollitt was married, in 1892, to the third daughter of the late Mr.
Farmer, Avoca Farm, Wakanui. Mr. Bonifant has been identified with the Colony since 1861, when he came out in the ship “Matoaka.” He was born in Devonshire, England, in 1838, and was brought up to farming under his father, Mr. James Bonifant. On arriving in New Zealand he first went to Culverden and Balmoral, then to South Canterbury, and he subsequently had six years' experience in the North Island. On returning to Canterbury, he took up his present farm, which comprises 400 acres, and has resided there for the past twenty-one years. Mr. Bonifant also owns another farm of 555 acres in the same district. Both properties have been entirely under cultivation, and the crops average forty-seven bushels and a half of wheat per acre; oats and barley, fifty bushels. Mr. Bonifant devotes much attention to breeding sheep, and has 300 purebred Leicester ewes on his property. He is an active member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has for several years acted as judge of Leicester sheep at shows in Canterbury and North Otago. In 1882 he married Miss Mary McGrath, of Dublin, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Wakanui. Mr. Rose was born in Prussia, and was brought up on his father's farm at Menton, where he was also educated. He arrived in New Zealand in December, 1856 by the ship “Egmont,” by which the late Bishop Harper and his family also came to the colony. After working for Mr. Cridland, of Hoon Hay, for eight years, Mr Rose removed to Wakanui, and settled on a farm of fifty acres, to which he subsequently added 118 acres. Here he has resided during the past forty years, growing cereals and rearing cattle and sheep. The land is particularly good for growing oats, wheat and barley. Mr. Rose was married, at Christchurch, to Miss Griffiths, who came to Lyttelton with her parents by the ship “Travencore” in March 1851. Her father, who was a blacksmith, was in business on the Lincoln Road, and afterwards at Sunnyside, where he was well known. He died at Kaiapoi. Mr. Rose has three sons.
Farmer, Wakanui. Mr. Wilson was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Victory” in May, 1859. After working at the formation of the Ferry and Opawa roads, he bought a small farm at Yaldhurst, and occupied it for three years. He then held about 200 acres of agricultural land at Irwell and Brookside, where he was engaged in dairying and growing cats and wheat. In 1872 Mr. Wilson went to the Wakanui district where he secured a block of 500 acres, and subsequently acquired several hundreds more, upon which he raises sheep and cattle and carries on general farming. He also owns land between Wakanui and the beach, and at Seafield. Mr. Wilson was for some years a member of the Wakanui school committee and road board. He was married in Ireland.
is fifty-eighty miles from Christchurch, and within five miles of Ashburton. There is a local post office, and a daily mail service. Agriculture is the prevailing industry of the district.
Farmer, Elgin, Ashburton. Mr. Kennedy is a native of County Antrim, Ireland, where he was brought up to farming on his father's farm. Shortly after his marriage in 1869, he sailed for New Zealand by the ship “E. P. Bouverie.” He landed at Port Chalmers, and after working on a farm at Greendale for two years, he took up 100 acres in the Wakanui district, where he farmed for eleven years. In 1883 he sold out and bought 265 acres in the Elgin district. Mr. Kennedy served on the Wakanui school committee for some years, and has also served on the Elgin school committee. He has five daughters and six sons.
Before Ashburton was, no one standing upon its site, and gazing over the tussock-clad plain, which extended from the hills to the sea, and farther north and south than the eye could reach, could have imagined the wonderful change which would come over the somewhat dreary landscape in a few years. The monotony of the view was relieved only by a few cabbage trees, dotted here and there over the plain. But to-day Ashburton itself presents the appearance of a healthy, prosperous, inland town, and that it is the centre of a rich agricultural district can be seen by a glance at the large grain stores situated in the neighbourhood of the railway. The public buildings, and many of the business
The first settlers of the Ashburton district went there in the early fifties as squatters and flockowners. Mr. Thomas Moorhouse took up a large run near the present town, and Mr. Moore, of Glenmark, settled similarly at Wakanui. Other settlers arrived gradually, and it was those sturdy, persevering pioneers who began the efforts, which, having been worthily continued by their successors, have transformed the wilderness into a veritable agricultural paradise.
In 1863 Ashburton consisted only of an accommodation house, and the stables for the horses of the Christchurch-Timaru coach, which was, in fact, a spring cart, drawn by a shaft horse and an outrigger. The accommodation house was situated on the banks of the Ashburton river, close to where the present traffic bridge now stands, and was kept by Mr. William Turton, who also acted as fordsman on the river. The first store was established midway in the sixties by a Mr. Louis Berliner, but the business subsequently came into the hands of Mr. Donald Williamson
Ashburton is named after Lord Ashburton, who was one of the members of the Canterbury Association, which had purchased a large tract of land in the South Island, lying between the Waipara and the Ashburton rivers, from the New Zealand Land Company, at ten shillings per acre. This land the Association sold, in lots to suit intending colonists, at £3 per acre. Out of this money it deducted the ten shillings per acre it had paid for the land, and devoted ten shillings towards the formation of roads; £1 towards churches and schools; and £1 as a subsidy to the passage money of the early colonists. Among the first settlers from the Old Country there were many University men, and the agricultural labourers they brought out were picked from the English counties. Cropping first commenced in the district in the early sixties.
The town of Ashburton was first surveyed and partly pegged out in 1863, by Mr. Robert Park; and the survey was subsequently completed as the demand for sections and building sites arose.
In 1865 Mr. John Grigg took up the then little known but afterwards famous Longbeach run, and in 1867, and for several years following, he employed a large body of workmen to drain the swampy land and fence it. This property has been transformed into one of the best model farms in the world. Mr. Grigg's enterprise attracted a large amount of attention, and the fertile land of the surrounding country was soon taken up by energetic settlers.
Mr. Charles Reid, of Westerfield, was another of the prominent early colonists who did much for the welfare of the Ashburton district, and the success he achieved was only the due reward of his indomitable enterprise.
The flood of 1868, which did so much damage in South Canterbury, was not so destructive in its results at Ashburton
In respect to roads and bridges, the district of Ashburton has long been well off, and, apart from other sources of supply, the Provincial Government, in 1873, voted a sum of £20,000 as a special grant to the road boards for road construction. The expenditure of this money was a considerable factor in the rise and progress of the district, by attracting many farmers and contractors, together with labour and capital.
The late Sir Julius Vogel's public works policy also gave a great impetus to the rising township. In 1874 the railway was put through, and the event created a boom in land, from the reaction of which the town took many years to recover. However, the success of the frozen meat industry afterwards created a prosperity which led to very favourable results throughout the whole district.
The nor'-westers, which are very prevalent on the plains, are not now so destructive in their effects as they were in the early days, when there was not a single tree to check their violence. Although these winds are somewhat enervating, the unpleasantness is counter-balanced by some of the other results, as the atmosphere is thus cleared of miasma and all impurities
The Ashburton County Council was inaugurated in 1877. Mr. W. C. Walker, the present Minister of Education, was the first chairman, and among the first councillors were Messrs John Grigg and Charles Reid. Mr. Mainwaring was appointed clerk to the Council, and Mr. Baxter county engineer, and both these gentlemen still fill their respective positions.
The first Ashburton Borough Council met in 1878. Mr. Thomas Bullock was the first mayor, and Messrs Donald Williamson, Weymouth Roberts, Robert Shearman, James Campbell, Andrew Orr, George Parkin, Edward Saunders, Rudolph Friedlander, and Joseph Ivess were the first councillors. Messrs Thomas Bullock, Hugo Friedlander, Donald Williamson, Rudolph Friedlander, Thomas
The recorded population of the borough, within the statutory boundaries, 2,322, does not represent the actual number of residents in the business centre of the district; if the immediate suburbs of Hampstead and Allenton were included, it would amount to at least 5,000. It is highly probable that the present borough boundaries may be extended so as to include these suburbs; and when this occurs, the town will take up, statistically, a far more important position in the list of New Zealand boroughs. The present rates realise over £1,000 annually, and the borough reserves bring in a rental of about £600 a year.
The town is well built, and the streets and houses lighted with gas. With an ample supply of water always flowing in the side channels, the sanitary arrangements are excellent, and Ashburton is one of the healthiest places in New Zealand. The local industries comprise a woollen factory, flour mills, a brewery, and the Fairfield freezing works.
Ashburton has a domain, which was set apart at the laying out of the town, and comprises about 100 acres. The first Domain Board was appointed in 1874 by the New Zealand Government, but in 1879, the Borough Council was constituted the Domain Board. In 1880 a water-race was constructed by the Borough Council from the Wakanui mill race, and water was brought into the domain from a distance of about two miles from the intake at the Ashburton river. The water was permitted to flow into the natural gullies, which were trimmed and banked up, with the result that the Ashburton Domain contains to-day one of the prettiest artificial lakes in the colony. Winding its way round the northern part of the domain, it forms a horse-shoe bend, and lower down it surrounds a higher plot of land, thus forming an island. The banks are lined with several varieties of willow trees, and shrubs, and the island is beautifully and densely wooded. There the native game resort and breed, and on the opening of the shooting season hundreds of wild ducks make their appearance on the placid waters of the lake, where they are secure from the ravages of the sportsman. There are black and white swans on the lake, in which thousands of perch and other fish abound. The domain also contains a cycling track, a cricket ground, swimming baths, a bowling green, and tennis and croquet lawns. A sum of £2,000 has been spent by the Borough Council in the laying out of the domain, but as the domain is, with its beautiful walks and well-kept gardens, one of the beauty spots of the Middle Island, the money has been wisely expended.
Hares are very numerous in the surrounding country, and in the Ashburton river the successful angler obtains some of the largest trout in New Zealand.
who represents the electorate of Ashburton in the House of Representatives, was born at Ardrossan, in Ayrshire Scotland, in 1840, and was brought up to the trade of his father, who was a
Ashburton. The business of the Post Office and Telegraph Department in Ashburton is conducted in a large and handsome building, which was begun in 1900, and was completed in November, 1901. It is of brick, faced with Oamaru stone and cement and cost about £5,300. There is a clock tower, and a chiming clock is now (June, 1903) in course of construction. It will cost £750, one-half of which has already been paid by the people of Ashburton. The postmaster, who is also in charge of the Telegraph Department, is Mr. W. H Renner, who succeeded Mr. St. George Douglas in 1897. The combined staff numbers twenty.
at Ashburton is in East Street, close to the entrance to the Domain. Although the station has been considerably enlarged during the past few years, having been added to every now and then, it is hardly equal to the requirements of the town. It has a fair-sized goods shed, and engine sheds and, off the platform there are, besides the offices, refreshment rooms, and waiting rooms; also a bookstall. The present stationmaster, Mr. W. Bass, took charge in 1960.
has jurisdiction over a district which has an area of 2542 square miles and a population of 11,000 persons. The Council has offices in the borough of Ashburton, where it meets once a month. The ratable property in the county is valued at £3,465,941, and there is a general rate of 1/4d. and a special rate of 1–5thd. in the £. Mr. F. Mainwaring is clerk, and Mr. W. Baxter engineer to the council.
Chairman of the Ashburton County Council, is a sheepfarmer at Upper Hackthorn, Ashburton. He is a native of Eton, Buckinghamshire, England, third son of Bishop Harper, sometime Primate of New Zealand, and was educated at Rossal Hall, and at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. In 1855 he arrived at Auckland by the ship “Duke of Portland,” in which Bishops Selwyn and Patteson were also passengers. On coming to Canterbury, in 1858, Mr. Harper took up the Malvern Hills and Lake Coleridge runs, and afterwards farmed at Brackenfield, Amberley, for ten years. He also owned the Hackthorn estate in the Ashburton district. Mr. Harper has devoted much of his time to public affairs. He was a member of the Old Rakaia Road Board, and also a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council for five years, until the abolition of the provinces. In 1883 he was elected a member of the Upper Ashburton Road Board, of which he was chairman in 1898, and again in 1901. He has been chairman of the Rangitata Road Board since 1886, since which he has also been a member of the Ashburton County council, of which he has been chairman since 1899. Mr. Harper was married in February, 1868, to Miss Cracroft, a first cousin of the late Sir Cracroft Wilson. He resides at Upper Hackthorn, about sixteen miles from Ashburton, on the Mount Somers branch line.
of Willowby, has been a Member of the Ashburton County Council for the past four years. He has also been chairman of the Willowby school committee ever since the school was opened, has been prominently identified with the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its inception, and has done good service as a member of the Longbeach Road Board. Mr. Chapman was born in 1847, is a son of Mr. T. G. Chapman, formerly of Lincolnshire, England, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in New Zealand in the ship “Glenmark,” in January, 1865, with his parents and the rest of the family. After farming in the Templeton district for about nine years, he and his brother, under the style of Chapman Bros., took up
has been commercially connected with Ashburton for nearly thirty years. He has extensive interests in the town and district, and has always been more or less actively associated with the administration of the local governing bodies.
is referred to elsewhere, as owner of the Hackthorn estate, in the district of Hinds.
J.P., of Kyle, Member of the Ashburton County Council, was born on the 4th of May, 1840, in the parish of Craigie and district of Kyle, Ayrshire, Scotland. His ancestors had been farmers in that district for many generations, and he also was brought up to farming. In 1860 the Provincial Government of Auckland were offering free grants of forty acres of land as an inducement to immigrants, and in 1860, Mr. Lambie came to Auckland by the ship “Northern Bride.” His first colonial experience was gained in the employment of the late Mr. John Wallace, of Flat Bush, Otahuhu, Auckland. About that time there was trouble with the Maoris, and Mr. Lambie was sworn in as a militiaman and drilled for some time, but saw no active service. In 1863, he came to Canterbury, and after some time spent in contract work, he took up some land at Boggy Creek, near where the township of Doyleston now stands, and devoted his attention to dairy farming. On the introduction of Sir Julius Vogel's public works policy, the branch railway line from Hornby to Southbridge was constructed, and as this line ran through Mr. Lambie's property at Doyleston, he cut up and sold about one hundred acres as an extension of the township. He also gave a free site for a public library. During his residence in the district Mr. Lambie served as a member of the North Rakaia Board of River Conservators. He was also a prime mover in establishing a public school at Leeston, and was chairman of the first public meeting ever held for that purpose. In 1873 Mr. Lambie's wife died, and shortly afterwards he sold his farm at Doyleston and bought 1500 acres of Government land on the South Rakaia plains. As one of the pioneer settlers in the new district, he was a prime mover in establishing a public school and post office. He also gave the new district its name of Kyle, in honour of Scotland's national poet, Burns, and also of his own birthplace. Mr. Lambie was an intimate friend and ardent admirer of the late Thomas Bracken, who was so greatly pleased at Mr. Lambie's action in naming a district in New Zealand after the birthplace of the Scottish poet, that the last book published by Mr. Bracken was dedicated to Mr. Lambie in the following terms:
Mr. Lambie has now a compact farm of about 1700 acres at Kyle, principally devoted to sheep. He has long taken an active share in public business, and was one of the first to advocate the present water race system on the Canterbury Plains. Mr. Lambie is also a strong believer in a system of irrigation for the Plains. He has long been a member of the South Rakaia Road Board, and since the death of Mr. W. M. Lyttelton, he has been its chairman. Mr. Lambie is also chairman of Kyle district school committee; he also serves as local postmaster, and he has represented the South Rakaia riding in the Ashburton County Council for some years. In 1890 Mr. Lambie visited the Old Country, going home via San Francisco and New York, and returning via Suez and Australia. He has been twice married. His first wife was a daughter of the late Mr. James Crawford, a very old settler of Wairoa South, Auckland. She died in 1873, and three years later Mr. Lambie married a daughter of Mr. T. Hunt, of Christchurch. By his first marriage he has three children alive—two daughters and one son, who are all married; and by his second wife he has two sons and three daughters. Mr. Lambie's father is still alive. He came to the Colony in 1865, and bought 200 acres of Crown land at Lakeside, near Leeston. Mr. Lambie, senior, is now in his ninety-first year, but his wife, then in her eighty-sixth year died on the 19th of May, 1899, at the Lakeside homestead. Her grandfather, Alexander Brown, occupied a farm in Ayrshire, adjoining that of the poet Burns' father at Lochlea, and when the poet's father died, Mr. Brown was one of those who helped to carry him to the grave in Alloway Kirkyard, immortalised in “Tam o' Shanter.”
is referred to in another article in connection with his property, “Drayton Grange,” in the Methven district.
is a farmer in the Methven district. He is a Justice of the Peace for the colony.
Member of the Ashburton County Council, was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, in 1842, and was educated there and brought up to farming in his native county. In 1862 he left for New Zealand by the “Chariot of Fame,” and on arriving at Lyttelton he went direct to Ashburton and was shepherding for about eighteen months on the land now included in the property of Mr. Cameron of Springfield. He afterwards moved to Winchmore, and was shepherding there for four years, and subsequently became the manager of the run, now known as Winchmore estate, of 4300 acres, the property of the late Mr. George Hart. Mr. Stitt is still manager and trustee of the property for the family. He also has a pleasant farm at Winchmore, named “Braemar,” where he resides. In 1896 he was elected a member of the Ashburton County Council. He has been judge for the Ashburton Racing Club for the past twenty-four years, and has been for the past twenty-one years a member of the Upper Ashburton Road Board. He is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and has filled the office of president; is a life member of the Caledonian Society, of which he was president for many years, and for about eight years he was master of the Ashburton Hunt Club.
is referred to in another article in connection with the Coldstream estate at the Hinds.
Clerk of the Ashburton County Council, arrived in New Zealand in 1864. For several years he was engaged on sheep stations, and was for six years Secretary to the North Canterbury Board of Education. Mr. Mainwaring received his present appointment in January, 1878. He is also Secretary of the Ashburton Hospital Board.
Engineer of the Ashburton County Council, is a native of Perthshire, Scotland. He was appointed to his present position in 1879. Since then he has superintended the construction of 1300 miles of water races, besides many bridges, plantations, and river protective works. In 1878 he was elected a member of the London Institute of Civil Engineers.
The want of water was for a long time a great drawback to the Ashburton plains, but the County Council has now constructed over 3000 miles of water-races, and every paddock between the sea and the hills is supplied with water. Operations were begun in 1880, when 2000 barrels of cement were used to construct a dam at Pudding Hill. Two years later a second supply was taken out of the north branch of the Ashburton river, and a third supply was secured from the river near Winchmore. The works now include a small supply from below the Rakaia township, an intake from the Taylor Creek, and one from the Mount Somers woolshed creek. But for the whole settled area of the county, it is certain that much of the land could not be occupied profitably for agriculture of even purely pastoral purposes.
Water Ranger, was born at Keith, in Banffshire, Scotland, in 1851. In his earlier years he followed railway and other public works. He came out to Australia in 1878, in the ship “Durham,” and shortly afterwards arrived in New Zealand. For a year he resided in Otago, and then came to Canterbury, where he entered the service of the Ashburton County Council as inspector of bridges. He has been connected with the water-races from their inception and saw the first water turned on. Mr. Morrison is a member of the Ashburton school committee, and takes an active part in the management of local sports. He was married, in 1882, to Miss Rutherford, of Willowbank, and has three sons.
as a borough, was incorporated on the 30th of July, 1878. Before that time the town's affairs were managed by the Ashburton Road Board. The borough's boundaries enclose an area of about 680 acres. There are about 500 buildings in the borough, which contains property of an annual ratable value of £22,627. The burgess roll contains the names of 586 ratepayers. A loan of £7,500 has been raised to carry out works and improvements within the borough. At the census of April, 1901, Ashburton had a population of 2,322; 1,209 males, and 1,113 females. The members of the Borough Council for 1903 are: Mr. Henry Davis, Mayor, and Messrs J. Davison, Robert Clark, Charles Reid, J. W. Timmins, G. J. Wallace, David Thomas, Hugo Friedlander, John Wilson and A. Whitaker. Mr. Herbert H. Fooks is clerk, and Mr. Charles E. Fooks, engineer.
was elected Mayor of Ashburton, in succession to Mr. W. H. Collins. Mr. Davis landed in Lyttelton in 1858, and is almost a native of New Zealand. He came in the ship “Mermaid,” but his earliest recollections are of Christchurch, where he was educated. Being of an independent disposition, he made an early start for himself, and was farming and stockdealing for some years. For eight years he was proprietor of the Plough Hotel at Rangiora, and sold it to acquire the “Royal” at Ashburton. During his residence in Ashburton he has earned the goodwill and respect of all classes. He belongs to the Thistle Lodge of Freemasons, and is a Past Master in the Orange Lodge; and while at Rangiora he was connected with the Druids. Mr. Davis has been twice married, and has one son and three daughters.
is the son of the late Robert McGavin Clark, who was well known in commercial circles in the province of Auckland. He was born in Nelson in 1863. Mr. Clark was educated by self-effort, and was studying for the Bar, but, owing to family misfortunes, turned his attention to other callings. He has travelled a good deal, and turned his hand to many trades, but finally selected that of coach painting. Mr. Clark arrived in Ashburton in the year 1882, and since then has held office as a Freemason, a Druid, a member of the Fire Brigade, Salvage Corps, of cycling and athletic clubs, and sports associations. He has been elected several times to the Ashburton Borough Council.
who is a member of the Ashburton Borough Council, is a native of Lancashire, England. He arrived in New Zealand in 1870, and shortly afterwards settled in Ashburton. In 1866 he was appointed clerk to the Upper Ashburton Road Board. He is also Deputy Assignee for the Ashburton district, and is agent for the National Mutual Life Assurance Society. Mr. Davison was elected to the Borough Council in 1896.
who has also served as Mayor of the borough, has been long and intimately connected with the trade and the public affairs of the town and country of Ashburton. He is at present also a member of the Ashburton County Council.
was first elected a Member of the Ashburton Borough Council in 1888, and, except for one term, has held office continuously since that date. He was mayor for 1898–1899.
who was elected to the Ashburton Borough Council in 1890, was born at Market Drayton, England, and brought up and educated in Yorkshire. He served an apprenticeship to the drapery trade at Ludlow, and afterwards gained experience in various towns in England. In 1885 he came to Lyttelton. He was with Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., and Messrs H. E. May and Co., and on his arrival at Ashburton, in 1891, he joined the staff of Messrs Mitchell and Turner. On the death of Mr. Mitchell in 1896, he became a partner in the firm.
carries on business as a wool and grain broker. He is a Justice of the Peace for the colony.
is manager at Ashburton for the well known Canterbury firm of P. and D. Duncan.
was returned to the Council at the last borough elections.
who is a painter by trade, was returned to the Council at the last elections.
Clerk of the Ashburton Borough Council, was born in Christchurch, educated at the Ashburton High School, and graduated at Canterbury College. He was for twelve months in a solicitor's office, and was appointed assistant town clerk for Ashburton in 1889, and promoted to his present position in 1901. He is a son of Mr. Charles E. Fooks, the borough engineer.
Engineer for the Ashburton Borough Council, was born at Weymouth, Dorsetshire, England; was educated at Salisbury and Edmonton, near London, and articled to a London architect and surveyor. He married at the age of twenty-one, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Steadfast” in 1851. He was in the survey office of the Canterbury Association for some time, after which he took up a farm in the Avon district. Mr. Fooks then returned to his profession, which he followed at Ashburton and in other districts of Canterbury, until he received his appointment as engineer for the Borough Council.
gained its majority in 1902. It stands in spacious grounds in the north-east corner of the town. The buildings are old fashioned, but the Board of Governors do all they can to make them comfortable for the seventy-five scholars now (1903) in attendance. For many years the boys and girls were separated, but a few years ago, the Board decided, chiefly for economical reasons, that they should be taught together. The present head-master is Mr. J. S. Tennant, M.A., B.Sc., and he is assisted by Miss C. Macgregor, M.A., and Mr. C. F. Salmond, M.A.—all graduates of the University of New Zealand. Mr. Tennant came from Dunedin, where he was a lecturer in the Technical School, and sometime Lecturer in Botany at the University of Otago, and Miss Macgregor is from the Nelson Girls' College, Mr. Salmond gained his experience in South Canterbury. He is at present also Lecturer on Mental Science in Canterbury College.
These consist of the Main School and the Infant School. The buildings are of wood, and are built on separate grounds in a central part of the town. The Main School has accommodation for about 400 pupils, and the staff consists of two male and two female assistants and one pupil-teacher, exclusive of the headmaster, Mr. C. D. Hardie, B.A. Mr. Hardie took charge of the Borough Schools on the 1st of April, 1897. He was previously headmaster of Papanui school, and was for ten years First Assistant in the Normal School, Christchurch. The last roll number was 398, and the average attendance, 336. The Infant Department is in charge of the Headmistress, Mrs E. Willis, with two pupil-teachers, and can accommodate 150 pupils. The opening of a side school at Allenton suburb
Ashburton. This is an imposing structure; in fact, the most noticeable building on the west side of the town. The Convent was established in 1884, when it was erected a short distance outside the borough boundaries, but the buildings were removed to their present site in 1894, and were enlarged considerably. There is accommodation for twenty boarders, and at present twelve are in community. The Sisters conduct a girls' school and a boys' school in connection with the Convent. Until quite recently the boys were taught in a separate building. But this is now used as a place of meeting for societies in connection with the church. It was used as the old church before the present one was erected.
Ashburton, is substantially built, and has thick concrete walls with stone pillars and buttresses, and slate roofing. The body of the church has cost about £4,000 to erect, and is now complete. The chancel, however, has yet to be built, and, with the belfry over the gate, will probably cost a further £1,500. It should then be one of the most handsome and substantial parish churches in New Zealand, and should last for generations to come. The seating accommodation at present is ample for 450 people. There is an excellent surpliced choir, and Mr. H. A. Gates has been choirmaster for many years. Immediately adjoining the section on which the church is erected, stands a large church schoolroom and meeting room, which is also on church freehold property, while on the east town belt a glebe consisting of ten acres, with a vicarage erected thereon, is also owned by the church.
is the present vicar. He had previously been stationed at Kumara, Southbridge, and Patea, and also spent many years prior to his coming to New Zealand in doing good church work in India and in England.
Ashburton, is a wooden building, and was erected in 1876. The Rev. H. B. Burnett was the first minister, the Rev. A. M. Beattie, the second, and the Rev. G. B. Inglis, the third and present minister. The choir is a very strong one. There is a flourishing literary and debating society in connection with the church. The church accommodates 250 persons, and the managers have resolved to erect a new and larger building. The surrounding districts are under the care of a Home Missionary.
Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Ashburton, was ordained in 1880 at Warepa, in the Presbytery of Clutha, and was transferred to Ashburton in October, 1893. He has had opportunities of travel, and has visited the United States of America, India, Australia, and more recently the New Hebrides. Mr. Inglis takes a leading part in educational and missionary matters.
Ashburton, was built in 1882, and is in the style of the early English Gothic. It has seating accommodation for 350. There is a good choir connected with the church. For many years the Catholic Literary Society was the only one of its kind in the town. It has been very well managed from the first, and holds a meeting every week. The Very Rev. Dean James Joseph O'Donnell has been in charge of the district since November, 1892, and is assisted by a curate.
Ashburton. The first Wesleyan church erected in Ashburton was built in Cameron Street, in 1878, and the Rev. W. B. Martin was the first minister. In 1892 the building was removed to its present site opposite Baring Square East. It has seating accommodation for about 300 persons, and is a comfortable and cheerful building, having been enlarged and improved since its removal. At the back there is a schoolroom, which will hold about 200 pupils. It is also used for meetings. An infant school in brick adjoins, and is capable of accommodating 100 children; and there are two vestry rooms. The choir is an excellent one, and is under the charge of Mr. E. Undrill. The parsonage is a good sized building, situated on half an acre in Cameron Street.
Minister at Ashburton, formerly belonged to the United Methodist Free Church, in which he held the office of district chairman, and was also connexional secretary for two years and treasurer for five years. After the union of the Wesleyan and Methodist churches he was in charge of the Ponsonby circuit, Auckland, until March, 1899, when he was transferred to Rangiora, and succeeded at Ponsonby by the Rev. W. Ready. Mr. Peters was born at Probus, Truro, Cornwall, England, in 1851, and educated at Probus Grammar School. He arrived in Nelson in 1876, and in 1877 was ordained to the ministry of the United Methodist Church, for which he officiated successively at Reefton, Christchurch, Oxford, Rangiora, Wellington, and Auckland. Mr. Peters was married to Miss Watson, youngest daughter of the late William Morgan Watson, of Fendalton, Christchurch. Whilst originally residing in Rangiora, Mr. Peters was a member of the school committee and of the Oxford licensing committee. He was appointed a deputation to wait upon all the United Free Methodist Churches, throughout New Zealand, in connection with the Loan on Buildings Fund scheme, and was very successful in his work in that respect. Mr. Peters has always taken an active part in the cause of education and temperance.
Ashburton, is in Wills Street, not far from the railway station. It will seat about 260 persons, but is hardly large enough for the congregation. The church has been very fortunate in its pastors. The Rev. R. Rains, the present minister, came from Waimate in 1898. The pastorate includes a good deal of the country district. There is a strong staff of local preachers attached to the church, and the choir is a very efficient one.
Ashburton, has seats for about 250 persons. It stands in the north-eastern part of the town, and was built some years ago when he Rev. A. Ager was pastor, and he designed and superintended its erection. Shortly afterwards Mr. Ager resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. Lamb, who afterwards accepted a call from a charge in the North Island. His successor, the Rev. W. L. Salter, arrived in Ashburton in May, 1903.
was established in 1885. At the time of its inauguration it had few members, but in the eighteen years of its existence it has grown to be one of the finest and most complete institutions of its kind in New Zealand. Its popularity is shown by the fact that at the present time it has 620 members, amongst whom there are many business men and farmers. The premises are situated well back from the street, and have an attractive entrance. They include an office for the manager, a ladies' room, commercial room a room for ping pong, and a card hall, with room for eighty-four players engaged in progressive euchre. The club also possesses a bagatelle room, a skittle alley, and a billiard room; reading rooms, writing rooms, an excellent library, and a room for the meetings of the committee of management, and other business connected with the institution.
Manager of the Ashburton Club and Mutual School of Art, was born in Canterbury, and educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. He was article to a solicitor and was with Mr. T. G. Russell for three years, after which he went to the North Island. On returning to Christchurch he began business as a commission
No. 1811, E.C., is a combination of two English Lodges, the Somerset, No. 1811, and St. John's, No. 1858. The former lodge was established in Ashburton in 1877, and Mr. R. W. Shearman, the first Master, gave the site of the present Masonic Hall. Lodge St. John's, of which the Rev. W. A. Paige was the first Master, was opened two years later. Mr. W. H. Gundry, the first Senior Warden, of this Lodge, became Master in the following year. On the amalgamation of the two lodges, in 1891, Mr. J. M. Cambridge was installed Worshipful Master. Meetings are at present held at the Masonic Hall, Tancred Street, but these premises have been found unsuitable, and a site for a new hall has been bought. The installation takes place in June, and ordinary meetings are held on the second Thursday in each month. The officers of the Lodge are: Messrs E. Nordon, W.M.; T. Stone, I.P.M.; J. Pipe, S.W.; T. W. Clayton, J.W.; J. W. Timmins, S.D.; J. V. de Beer, J.D.; T. M. Jones, P.M., Secretary; and J. W. Hardley, P.M. Treasurer.
Worshipful Master of Lodge Ashburton, was installed in his present office in June, 1902, by Mr. R. D. Thomas, Right Worshipful District Grand Master of Canterbury. He was initiated in Lodge Ponsonby, No. 708 S.C., Auckland, in which he attained the position of Senior Warden, and was on the point of being elected Master, when he removed to Canterbury. Prior to his departure the members of the Lodge presented him with an illuminated address. On his arrival in Canterbury Mr. Nordon affiliated with Lodge Ashburton and Lodge Canterbury, No. 1048, E.C. He was born in London, in 1869, and left England as a youth. After three years spent in America, and twelve months in Australia, he came to New Zealand, and arrived in Auckland in 1890. There he resided for eleven years, and was engaged in business as a Press agent, an avocation which he has since followed in Ashburton and Christchurch. As a member of the Order of Foresters, in Auckland, he rose to the position of District Sub-Chief Ranger. His departure precluded him from accepting the office of District Chief Ranger, but his fellow Foresters presented him with a jewel denoting his office. For several years Mr. Nordon was secretary of the Auckland Cycling Club, and he is now on the Council of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen, on which he represents North Canterbury. He also sits on the Council of the Amateur Swimming Association, on which he represents Westland; he is Secretary of the New Zealand Hockey Association, and is also an active member of the New Zealand Amateur Boxing Association.
Mus. Bac., Ashburton and Christchurch. Mrs McLean, who, prior to her marriage with Mr. Donald McLean, of “Kinraid,” near Tinwald, was Miss Alice Rowley, is a native of Christchurch and the eldest daughter of Mr. Joseph Rowley of the Land Office, Christchurch, being the only child of his first wife. She was educated at the Girls' High School, Christchurch, and was the youngest child ever admitted to that institution, being, at the time of her entrance, only seven years of age. From her infancy she showed great musical ability, both as a pianiste and a composer. At the close of her course at the Girls High School, she matriculated and attended lectures at the University with a view to obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Music. In the meantime, the late Mr. G. F. Tendall had her musical education in hand, and under his able guidance she studied the science of music, and graduated in 1901, the first lady student in New Zealand to obtain the degree. Her examiners were Sir Frederick Bridge and Sir Alexander Mackenzie, and her exercise for the degree was a sacred cantata “Prayer and Praise.” Mrs McLean is a prolific composer, of both sacred and secular music, but song-writing is her specialty, and she is well-known in Canterbury as a brilliant pianiste.
Music Seller, Burnett Street, Ashburton. Mr. Gates was born in London in 1857, and came to New Zealand by the “Indian Empire,” in 1864. He received his early education at the public schools of Christchurch. As a boy he had a remarkably fine voice, and at the age of ten years he was selected a member of St. John's choir, Christchurch, and led the choir for many years. He received a thorough grounding in choir work under his first choir-master, Mr. J. F. McCardell, and afterwards from Mr. Robert Parker, L. Mus. T.C.L., and the late Neville Barnett, F.C.O. He also obtained a good insight into oratorio music, as he was a member of the Christchurch Musical and Mendelssohn Societies. Mr. Gates moved to Ashburton in 1875, and was appointed choirmaster of St. Stephen's church in 1880, and he retains that position up to the present day. In December, 1881, he conducted the “Messiah,” on the occasion of its being given in Ashburton; and at the opening of the Roman Catholic church he conducted Mozart's 12th Masa,
Professor of Music, Burnett Street, Ashburton. Mr. Owen was born in London in 1871, and came to New Zealand with his brother by the “Euterpe” in 1879; he had missed his passage by the “Knowsley Hall,” which was never again heard of. He was educated at the East Christchurch school, and made such rapid progress that his success gained him a pupil teachership at fourteen; at eighteen he matriculated, and at the age of nineteen he was headmaster of a school for a short period. He moved to Ashburton, in 1881, and obtained a mastership at the borough school, where he gave his spare time to the direction of the children's musical exercises with such remarkable results that he resigned his position at the school and devoted himself wholly to the study of music. In this his progress was so great that he soon commenced a practice, which has grown into one of the largest in New Zealand. Mr. Owen has contributed considerably to the lists of dance music, and his barn dance, “The Royal Cambrians,” and the “Euterpe Waltz,” have been published by Messrs Robert Cocks and Co., of London. His “Euterpe Waltz,” which is now famous, was played twice before the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. Mr. Owen is conductor of the Ashburton Musical Union, the orchestra of which numbers thirty performers. He also belongs to the Canterbury Society of Musicians, and is the local conductor of the Liederkranz, and of the Estudiantina Band, with its twelve performers. Mr. Owen has a singing class of about sixty members. He has been very successful in training pupils for the London College examinations, and has not had a failure. Mr. Owen is a Freemason and a member of the Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter.
Musicseller, Ashburton, Mr. Wright is the eldest son of Mr. Gilbert Wright, of Mosgiel, and was born in Dunedin in 1875. He was educated at the Mosgiel public school, after leaving which he was engaged with his father in the bootmaking business, then went to Invercargill in 1890 and was employed in the Kingsland boot factory, afterwards returning to Canterbury and working for Messrs Logie and Son of Christchurch. He became manager of Mr. Thurlow's business at Kaiapoi, and subsequently opened one of his own at Henley, Otago. He sold his business and returned to Kaiapoi, whence to moved to Ashburton. Mr. Wright was a member of the Invercargill Band when it was successful at the band contest of 1893. He was also cornet-player in the Christchurch Garrison Band. Mr. Wright was married, in 1896, to a daughter of Mr. William Wright, of Kaiapoi.
Barrister and Solicitor, Tancred Street, Ashburton. Mr Crisp was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1852, and educated at the Hobart High School. He served his articles in his father's office, Crisp and McGill, Hobart, and was admitted to and bar in Hobart in 1876. Mr. Crisp then came over to New Zealand. He was twelve months with Messrs Haggitt Bros. and Brent, solicitors, Dunedin. In 1877 he came to Ashburton, and had the distinction of being the first solicitor to practise in the town, in which he has established a prosperous business.
M.R.C.S., L.S.A. (Eng.), Corner of Tancred and Cass Streets, Ashburton. Dr. Trevor is a native of Plymouth, England, and was educated at St. Mary's Hospital, London, where he gained his diploma. Shortly afterwards he went to the West Indies, where he spent eighteen months as Medical Officer in the Royal Mail Service. On returning to England he was engaged in private practice near London till 1868, when he sailed for New Zealand. Dr. Trevor practised his profession at Kaiapoi till 1872, when he removed to Ashburton. During his long residence in the district Dr. Trevor has been intimately associated with many phases of active life, in addition to holding numerous public appointments. He has been surgeon-superintendent of the Ashburton Hospital since the opening of that institution, and was for many years coroner for the borough.
Surgeon Dentist, Cass Street, Ashburton. Mr. Dodds was born in Kelso, Scotland, in 1869, and was partly educated by private tutors. In 1881 he sailed for New Zealand, and completed his education at the public schools at Port Chalmers. On leaving school he was apprenticed to Mr. Chatfield, surgeon dentist, of Auckland. Mr. Dodds gained his diploma as a qualified dentist, at Dunedin, in 1890, and in the following year, commenced business on his own account in Ashburton. His premises are neatly arranged, well fitted up, and contain all the appliances of a modern dental surgery. He employs one qualified assistant. Mr. Dodds was married, in 1893, to Miss Lye, daughter of Mr. Lye, of Auckland, and has three sons and one daughter.
Dentist, Burnett Street, Ashburton. Mr. Gresham was born in Dunedin, and educated there at the High street School. He was taught his profession by his brother, Mr. E. G. Gresham, of Dunedin, and passed his final examination and was registered in 1897. Mr. Gresham was for some time manager of a dental business at Gore. He then became assistant to Mr. J. Gray, dentist, at Hawera, and afterwards first assistant to Mr. F. W. Gresham, dentist, Invercargill. Having thus gained experience, he established himself in business in Burnett Street. Ashburton, where he has gained a good reputation and an increasing connection.
opened its Ashburton branch in October, 1881, and it is now one of its best country branch businesses. The building is of wood, one storey in height, and stands at the corner of Tancred and West Streets, facing the Union Bank of Australia.
Manager of the Bank of Australasia at Ashburton, is a grandson of Bishop Harper, sometime Primate of New Zealand, and a son of Mr. C. P. Cox, formerly of Mount Somers station, and now (1903) a resident of Christchurch. Mr. P. H. Cox was born at Mount Somers, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He joined the staff of the Bank of Australasia in Christchurch; and was in the bank's service at Invercargill for six years, and in the North Island for eighteen months, when he received his present appointment, which he has
(Geoffry Selwyn Mathias, manager), Ashburton.
Manager, is a son of the late Venerable Archdeacon Mathias, and was born in Christchurch in 1856, and educated at Christ's College. In 1873, he entered the service of the Union Bank in Christchurch, where he remained for three years. He was successively transferred to Lyttelton, Auckland, and Timaru; was appointed to the management of the Waimate branch in 1891, and remained at Waimate till the end of November, 1902, when he entered on the management of the branch at Ashburton. Mr. Mathias takes an active and prominent part in the social welfare of his district. He was a member of the Waimate school committee, a steward of the Waimate Racing Club, president of the Star Cycling Club, member of the committee of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and president of the Waimate Caledonian Society. He has always taken a keen interest in athletic matters, and in his younger days he won a large number of cups and trophies. While at college he established a record for the mile for boys under sixteen. This record—5 minutes 14 seconds—has never since been broken. As a footballer, he represented Canterbury in several interprovincial matches Mr. Mathias married a daughter of Mr. H. Hawkins, of Lyttelton.
was for three years manager of the
Financial and Insurance Agent; Agent for the Royal Exchange, Burnett Street, Ashburton.—Mr. Bell is also clerk to the Coldstream Road Board, and to the Hampstead Town Board. He was born at Clifton, Gloucestershire, England, in 1842, and educated at the Bishop's College, Clifton. He came to New Zealand in 1864, by the ship “Indian Empire,” Captain Black, and landed at Lyttelton. Mr. Bell bought a half interest in a cattle run on the Rangitata, and resided there for seven years in taking cattle over to the West Coast. After that he removed to Ashburton, where he was with Mr. Fooks, surveyor, and helped to complete the first valuation roll of the district. He then went on a survey party all over the county. Since that time he has held several public positions as clerk to the Mount Somers Road Board and the Rangitata Road Board. He has been extensively employed by local bodies, and was deputy official assignee for some year in Ashburton. Mr. Bell was married, in 1875, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Taylor, of St. Albans, Christchurch, and has four daughters.
Commission Agent, Ashburton. Mr. Malcolmson was appointed Manager of the Fairfield Freezing Works when they were started at Fairton. Previously he had been in the shipping and grain trade for twenty years, during which he had been connected with the National Mortgage Company Ltd., as agents for Shaw, Savill and Co., and in the Grain Agency with the late Mr. Peter Cunningham. Mr. Malcolmson was born in Lyttelton in 1864, and is a son of Captain Malcolmson, an old colonist. He was one of the promoters of the Lyttelton N Battery, and the Lyttelton Navals, and one of the first members of each of these corps. In social, athletic, and sporting matters Mr. Malcolmson has always taken a very prominent part. For five years he was secretary of the Lyttelton regattas, and was secretary and treasurer of the Lyttelton Rowing Club. As commodore of the New Brighton Sailing Club he became very popular with oarsmen. He was also a director of the Canterbury Caledonian Society. Since settling at Ashburton, Mr. Malcolmson's business ability and cheerful disposition have made him a general favourite amongst the farmers. Mr. Malcolmson is married to a daughter of Mr. Aaron Ayers, of Christchurch, and has a family of three.
Auctioneer and General Agent, Ashburton. Mr. Stonyer was born at Henley, Staffordshire, England. He came to New Zealand in 1857, with his father, a well-known miller in Canterbury, who built the “Ravenswood” mill at Woodend, near Kaiapoi, and afterwards purchased the Kaiapoi flour mills, and, later on, the Pleasant Point flour mill, and about 800 acres of land near Timaru. Mr Stonyer, senior, died at Valley Field Farm, Otipua, shortly after giving up business and active life, in 1890. Mr. William Stonyer was educated at Kaiapoi, at the old English Church school. He was in business for some years with his father, after whose death he was engaged as travelling representative for the Walter A. Wood Machinery Company. Later on he represented the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, and in 1900 he established himself in business at Ashburton, in an office in the Ashburton Arcade. Owing to the rapid extension of his business he purchased three-quarters of an acre of land in Tancred Street, on which he has erected commodious offices, a large auction mart known as “Tattersall's,” implement showrooms, workshops and grain stores. Mr. Stonyer's long experience in connection with agriculture and machinery has been of great advantage to him in selecting and acquiring some splendid agencies, such as those of Messrs Conway Matson and Sons, Wilson's Oil and Gas Engines, Electric Lighting Plant, McCormick Turbines, Osborne Colombia Machine Company, Colombia harvester and binders, McSherry drills, rollers, ploughs, harrows, and a large number of farm implements. Wool packs, twines, oils, and other farmers' requirements are always in stock. Mr Stonyer is also agent for English and American bicycles, and for the United Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and does a large business as a land agent, chiefly in connection with farm lands. He is also a grain and produce merchant, and has had about twenty-five years' experience in the flour and grain business. Considering the short time it has been in existence Mr. Stonyer's business has made rapid strides in all departments.
Baker and Confectioner, Wills Street, Ashburton. Mr Bryant was born and educated in Christchurch, Canterbury. He was employed by Mr. Robertson, baker, of Victoria Street, Mr. Faville, and Mr. T. Plummeridge, all well known Christchurch bakers. In 1885 he went to Ashburton, and after working at his trade there for twelve months, he established himself in business in Havelock Street. He has been obliged to enlarge his premises to enable him to cope with his increasing business. Mr. Bryant has two carts continually employed, and has also a good counter trade. As a Forester Mr. Bryant has been an active and energetic member of the Ashburton Court. He became a Freemason in 1901, when he was initiated in Lodge Ashburton, E.C. Mr. Bryant is married, and has one son and six daughters.
Cameron Street, Ashburton. Telephone 77; P.O. Box 36. The original site of half an acre, on which this brewery was established in 1878, has since been added to, and an allotment of four acres, facing Cameron Street, is now reserved for its use. The main building is of
(Alfred Bray, Proprietor), Cameron Street, Ashburton. This businesswas established by Mr. H. F. Brittan, who carried it on for a number of years. Since then it has been owned in succession by Mr. Taylor Mr. C. M. Brooke, and Mr. W. H. Dardis; and in 1900 passed into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Bray, who has had the factory enlarged and improved, and a new plant of the latest machinery erected. The factory has a large output of excellent beverages, comprising all kinds of aerated waters, cordials, hop beer, etc.
was born in Cornwall, England, and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1876. He was educated at Southbridge, and, after following various occupations for several years, he bought his present business. Mr. Bray is a member of the Ashburton Court of Foresters, and also of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles.
Builder, Ashburton. Mr. Andrews was born in 1849 at Nelson, where his father, Mr. Thomas Andrews, arrived in 1842. He was educated at the Spring Grove and Motueka public schools, Nelson, and subsequently trained as a bricklayer and builder. Mr. Andrews settled at Ashburton in 1875. He was elected to the Ashburton Borough Council in August, 1900, and has been associated with public life in various capacities for upwards of twenty-five years. For seventeen years he has been a member of the Hampstead Town Board, of which he has been chairman for several terms. He was for a number of years a member of the Ashburton school committee, and was elected a member of the committee of the Hampstead school, when that school was first opened. Mr. Andrews has been associated with the Wesleyan body in Ashburton since the initiation of the Ashburton circuit, of which he was the first circuit steward and one of the first trustees. He has also been a Wesleyan Sunday School teacher for thirty-two years, and has taken a prominent part in promoting the Prohibition movement. He has been an active cricketer for about forty-five years. In 1877 he was married to Miss M. Williams, of Christchurch, and has had two sons and one daughter. One son was killed by a gun accident a few years ago.
(Charles Were Baker, proprietor), Builders and Undertakers, Corner of Wakanui Road and Cass Street, Ashburton. This business was established in 1876, by Messrs John W. Baker, Charles W. Baker, and Benjamin Baker. In 1884 it was taken over by Mr. Charles Were Baker, and has since then been carried on by him under the style of Baker Bros. The undertaking branch of the business has long held a leading position in the county of Ashburton, the plant being thoroughly modern in every particular. As a builder Mr. Baker has erected the Farmers' Co-operative Association's building, Cookson's Stables, Butler's Family Hotel, the church and parsonage at Mount Somers, and other buildings. He acts also as an agent for monumental masonry.
the Proprietor, is a native of Devonshire, England, where he was educated and taught his trade. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” on the 9th of December, 1871. After being engaged by Mr. D. Reese as a builder for eight years in Christchurch, he removed to Ashburton and joined his brothers in the business he now carries on. Mr. Baker became a member of Lodge Somerset, English Constitution, in 1884, and is now one of its Past Masters. As an Oddfellow he is an old member of the Manchester Unity, and was transferred to Ashburton from Christchurch, where he joined the Order in 1876. Mr. Baker is an honorary member of the Lodge of Druids and the Court of Foresters at Ashburton.
Builder and Contractor, Burnett Street, Ashburton. Mr. Gourdie was born in Perthshire, Scotland, where he also learned his trade. After working in
(Frederick Albert Smith and George M. Smith), Builders and Contractors, Cameron Street East, Ashburton. This business was established in 1884 by Mr. James Smith, father of the present members of the firm. The firm has built many important buildings in Ashburton, including the Ashburton Arcade for Mr. Bullock, Captain Coleman's residence, the municipal offices, and many private residences throughout the district. Designs are drawn, and specifications made out by Mr. F. A. Smith. The workshop is in Wills Street, where men are employed on the joinery for the buildings in progress.
Senior Partner of the firm, was born in England, and came to New Zealand with his father. He was educated in Ashburton, where he also learned his trade.
Junior Partner, was born in Canterbury, where he was educated and learned his trade.
Builder and Contractor, Moore Street, Ashburton. Mr. Vesty was born in Leicester, and brought up in the Midlands of England. He came to New Zealand with his stepfather in the ship “Lurline” in 1883, and settled at Ashburton, where he was engaged in the building trade until he established himself in business in 1890 as a builder and contractor. Since that time he has erected a large number of shops, dwellinghouses, and other buildings in and around Ashburton. Much of his work is done by private contract. Mr. Vesty draws the plans, submits specifications, and carries on the work to completion. In the large workshop in Moore Street, near West Street, several men are continually employed, chiefly on joinery work. Mr. Vesty was initiated as a Freemason at Ashburton, in 1888, and is a Past Master of Lodge Ashburton, No. 1811, E.C.
Painter, Signwriter, Decorator, Glazier, and Picture Framer, Tancred Street, Ashburton. Mr. Higgs is a native of Timaru, where he was educated, and learned his trade under Mr. Craigie, of that town. After serving a five years' apprenticeship he remained with Mr. Craigie for eighteen months. He came to Ashburton in 1888, and went into partnership with Mr. Dorn, trading as Dorn and Higgs. This business was carried on for several years, and, on the partnership being dissolved, Mr. Higgs went back to Timaru, but returned to Ashburton in 1895, and after working at his trade for some time, established his present business, and now has a large connection. His stock of wall papers, colours, plain and fancy glass, is most complete, and comprises many special lines. He also has a very fine stock of artists' materials. Mr. Higgs is an old member of the Court of Foresters, and a Past Chief Ranger. He is also a member of the Ashburton Society of Good Templars. Mr. Higgs is married, and has three daughters.
Tailor, Men's Mercer and Boot Importer, East Street, Ashburton. The business premises consist of two adjoining shops. Mr. Sparrow does the principal trade in the town, and keeps a large stock of tweeds and coatings, portmanteaux, hats, scarves, rugs, waterproofs and overcoats, men's shirts, and boots and shoes. He employs about twenty-five hands. The premises have two frontages, one of 42 feet to East Street and another of 36 feet to Moore Street. The shops are admirably appointed, and were originally built by Messrs Friedlander Bros., who for some years carried on a large business in them. Mr. Sparrow was born at Carstairs, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1852, and was brought up in Greenock, where he served his apprenticeship through all the different branches of his trade. In 1872 he came out in the “Wild Deer” to Dunedin, where he remained till 1877, and then came to Ashburton to open a branch for the New Zealand Clothing Factory, and was manager of the branch for nine years. In April, 1889, he
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Ashburton. Agent for the “Lyttelton Times.” Established 1894. This is the principal business of its kind in Ashburton, and the shop is replete with stock of every description in the trade. Cigarettes are manufactured on the premises, and Mr. Percy's brand is “Goldleaf.” The saloon is well lighted and furnished, and is under the supervision of Mr. F. Price. Mr. Percy was born at Lyttelton in 1866, his father, Mr. John Percy, having come to New Zealand by the “Mersey” about four years previously. He was educated at the Normal school, Christchurch. Mr. Percy went into a wholesale house in the fancy goods and tobacconist line, and after fifteen years' experience, he started in business on his own account in Ashburton in 1894. He is secretary and treasurer of the Ashburton Cricket Club.
(William H. Dardis, proprietor), Ashburton. This large and commodious hotel is situated within two minutes' walk of the railway station and post office, and fronts the Wakanui road. The house contains twenty bedrooms (exclusive of what are used by the family), a dining-room, five sitting-rooms, a commercial room, card rooms, and a billiard-room fitted up with one of Alcock's tables. Under the able management of Mr. Dardis, the “Central” has become a popular resort. A first-class table is kept, and the household arrangements are under the supervision of Miss Dardis. On account of its convenient situation and excellent appointments, the house is specially adapted for theatrical companies, tourists, and the travelling public, and guests receive every attention and consideration at the hands of the
Proprietor, took over the license of the Central Hotel in 1899. He was born in Christchurch in 1872, and served an apprenticeship as a compositor with Mr. H. J. Weeks, Christchurch. Mr. Dardis afterwards followed his trade for several years in the North Island. He has always taken an active interest in sporting and athletic matters, and his geniality makes him generally popular. Mr. Dardis owned the Ashburton Ærated Water and Cordial Factory for two years, and the business was largely increased under his management. He sold the factory on taking possession of the Central Hotel.
(Albert Whitaker, proprietor), Ashburton. Mr. Whitaker is a native of Brimingham, England, and came to New Zealand in 1884. He was shortly afterwards engaged by Mr. T. G. Russell, solicitor, Christchurch, and became manager of the canvassing and collecting department of the Mercantile and Bankruptcy Gazette, and Mr. Russell's managing clerk. Mr. Whitaker left that position to become manager of the Ashburton Club. After his father-in-law, Mr Henry Davis, retired from the ownership of the Royal Hotel in 1901, Mr. Whitaker took over the license. The “Royal” is one of those comfortable houses in which the traveller is apt to recall Shenstone's lines:
[No License was carried at Ashburton at the general election of November, 1902.]
(H. S. Drummond, proprietor), East Street and Burnett Street, Ashburton. Telephone 54. P.O. Box 10. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This is the principal and the oldest-established hotel in Ashburton. The public bar and private bar with separate entrances, are on the ground floor; together with a bar parlour, two sitting-rooms, and a dining-room with accommodation for thirty guests. The kitchen and domestic rooms are at the rear of the buildings. The billiard-room is fitted with one of Alcock's first-class tables, with all the latest appurtenances. There are eight sample rooms, all commodious, and well lighted with incandescent lamps. There are also spacious stable at the rear of the hotel. Upstairs there are twenty bedrooms, with a bathroom, with hot and cold water, a lavatory, two commercial rooms, and three private sitting-rooms, all well furnished. There are three pianos upstairs, and there is also a covered balcony overlooking both East and Burnett Streets. The hotel is situated about two minutes' walk from the railway station, is in the centre of the business part of the town, and is directly opposite the auction yards of Messrs. Friedlander Bros. and Mr. D. Thomas's buildings. [No License was carried at Ashburton at the general election of November, 1902, and this article was written and printed prior to that date.]
the Proprietor of the Somerset Hotel, was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1844. When he was eight years of age his parents went to Lancashire, England, where his father engaged in farming as a tenant of Lord Leigh's. He was educated there and brought up to farming on his father's farm. When a young man he went to Liverpool and entered the employment of a corn and flour merchant. He came to New Zealand in 1879, by the ship “Coriolanus,” Captain Cause. After his arrival at Lyttelton, he went on a farm for some months, and then joined a survey party in the Rakaia Gorge, on Sir John Hall's estate. After that he was engaged by Mr. C. Louisson, of the Hereford Hotel, to manage the Terminus Hotel, opposite the Christchurch railway station, and held the position for four years. He was subsequently at the Railway Refreshment Rooms, Christchurch, for twelve years. Mr. Drummond was then for eighteen months out of business, but he got tired of private life, and in July, 1897, he purchased the lease of the Somerset Hotel, Ashburton. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Crown Lodge, Sydenham, Christchurch. Mr. Drummond is a vice-president of every athletic and sporting club in the Ashburton district and is a member of the Christchurch Caledonian Society, and of the Canterbury Bowling Club.
General Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Ashburton. Mr. Meddins was born in Wales. In 1879 he came to New Zealand under engagement to the firm of Messrs Twentyman and Cousins, of Christchurch, with whom he remained for three years, after which he was in the employment of Messrs Friedlander Bros. and Mr. Henry Zander, of Ashburton, for fifteen years. He established himself in his present premises as “The People's Ironmonger,” in 1898. The business has thriven, and is now one of the most flourishing in the town. In the shop facing Burnett Street a good stock of general ironmongery is displayed, and special attention is given to carpenters' tools, builders' and furnishing ironmongery. Mr. Meddins holds the district agency for the “Orion” and “Zealandia” cooking ranges, the W. Davey sewing machine, an improvement on the Singer. Guns and ammunition by the best makers are always
Blacksmith, Wills Street, Ashburton. Mr. Kingston was born in London, where he learned his trade. For the years he was in the employment of Mr. George Balls, M.R.C.V.S. He was also for some years with Mr. T. Talbot, M.R.C.V.S., of Scotland Yard; altogether his veterinary experiences in England extended over fifteen years. Mr. Kingston landed in New Zealand in October, 1881, and a few months afterwards established himself in business in his present premises, as a veterinary, shoeing, and general blacksmith. He has become widely known throughout the province, chiefly on account of such specialties as rubber pads and shoes, which he imports and manufactures for horses with defective feet. Mr. Kingston's skill in the treatment of horses, especially in shoeing, is much appreciated in the Ashburton district. He was married in London, and has two sons and one daughter.
(late Kennedy and Muir), Blacksmith, Engineer, and Coachbuilder, Cameron Street, Ashburton. Mr. Muir was born at Notting Hill, London. At an early age he went to America, and in 1879 arrived in New Zealand. Shortly after landing he went to Ashburton, where he was for about three years with Mr. Charles Reid. To gain further experience he went to Melbourne for four years. He returned to Ashburton in 1892, and after being with Messrs Reid and Gray for two years he took over the engineering branch of their business, in conjunction with Mr. J. Kennedy, of Geraldine, who retired from the partnership in 1901. Mr. Muir has two large workshops with suitable plant, including a large lathe, drills driven by power, and a six-horse power engine. He does a considerable trade in repairing all classes of agricultural implements and in engineering generally. Mr. Muir is a member of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge of Oddfellows; he has passed through all the chairs, and is now P.P.G.M. He resides in Moore Street, Ashburton; is married, and has three sons and one daughter.
Butcher, Tancred Street, Ashburton. Mr. Robinson was born in London, and arrived in the colony with his parents in 1876. He was brought up at Newlands, and educated at Ashburton, where, in 1894, he started business with his brother. In 1896 he bought his brother's share and carried on the trade until 1900, when he purchased the “London Butchery,” the property of the late Mr. Barnard. This has proved to be a good investment, for the trade of the shop has increased, both locally and throughout the district. Mr. Robinson is Chief Ranger of the Foresters' Court in Ashburton. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Thistle, S.C., and is also a member of the local Orange Lodge.
Woolbroker, Baring Square, Ashburton. Mr. McElrea was born at Moyle, Newtown Stewart, in County Tyrone, Ireland, and was apprenticed to a wheelwright there, but left to come to New Zealand. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Eastern Monarch,” and after working at the building trade in Christchurch, he took to harvesting, and was for years the driver of a threshing machine. In 1883 he started his present business. Mr. McElrea does a large trade in exporting wool and skins, and is known throughout the district as an extensive purchaser of woolly sheepskins. He is an old member of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. McElrea is married, and has one son and one daughter.
(George Clark and Charles Clark, proprietors), Ashburton. This nursery, which covers five acres and a half of first class land, is situated at the corner of Carter's Terrace and the main South Road, close to the Ashburton bridge. It is well planted with fruit and forest trees, and has also a good stock of flowers and fancy shrubs. The business, which was originally established by Mr. Thomas Sealey, is now managed by Mr. George Clark, who has had thirteen years' experience in nursery work. He was head assistant to the former proprietor, and also his manager for six years. During that time he had contracts for planting several public reserves, and has supplied settlers from the sea to the hills with many varieties of shelter and fruit trees.
was born at Kaiapoi, and is a son of Mr. Joseph Clark, of Clarkville, near Kaiapoi, who arrived in New Zealand in 1848, and after farming in the Kaiapoi district for a number of years, removed to Ashburton, where he was engaged in the grain trade up to the time of his death.
the Junior Partner in the firm, who is also a native of Kaiapoi, was for some years engaged in the landbroking business at Ashburton, and also had experience in farming. He joined the Ninth New Zealand Contingent which left for South Africa on the 12th of March, 1902, but on the declaration of peace, he returned to Ashburton and joined his brother in business.
Bookseller and Stationer, Ashburton. Mr. Jones was born in London in 1852, and arrived in New Zealand in the early part of 1858. He received his education by private tuition, and was trained as a bookseller and stationer, a calling which he has since followed. Mr. Jones arrived in Ashburton in 1877, and established a business which rapidly developed, until at present (1903) it ranks amongst the best businesses in Ashburton. He was elected to the Ashburton Borough Council in the early nineties. After occupying a seat for a term of three years, he retired from the council till 1896, when he again became a member. Mr. Jones has for some years been a circuit steward of the Wesleyan church, and is now a local preacher. He has taken an active part in the furtherance in the Prohibition movement. As a Freemason, he has been Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge. He is a member of the Ashburton borough school committee. Mr. Jones was married, in 1875, to Miss Calvert, daughter of Mr William Calvert, of Christchurch, and has four sons and two daughters.
at Ashburton, where the well known “Supreme” brand of flour is manufactured, were originally built in 1873. The mills are situated on a stream from the Ashburton river, and are driven by two turbines and steam power. In September, 1900, the mills were purchased from the Assets Realisation Board by the Messrs Wood Brothers, of Christchurch, manufacturers of “Wood's Flour,” well known as the oldest established brand of
Managar of the Canterbury Roller Flour Mills, is a native of Christchurch, and a son of Mr. W. D. Wood, who is referred to in the Old Colonists' section of this volume. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and afterwards was clerk in the Union Bank of Australia, which he left to join the firm of Wood Brothers. In 1897 he went to New Plymouth, where he represented the firm of Wood Bros. Limited, for three years. In October, 1900, he took over the management of the mill at Ashburton, where he now resides. Mr. Wood is a member of many athletic clubs, and is well known throughout the colony as a runner, having represented New Zealand in Australia, in 1890, and in England in 1892.
Livery Stable Proprietor, Tancred Street, Ashburton. Mr. Claridge was born at Loughborough, Leicestershire, England, and came to Lyttelton in 1879. He was a cadet on Mr. J. R. Campbell's station at Southbridge for some years, and was afterwards engaged in horse dealing in Templeton for three years. In 1890 he removed to Ashburton, and had charge of the Ashburton. Hunt Club hounds for eight years. He went to Riccarton in 1898, and took over training stables there, and trained a large number of horses, principally hunters. As an amateur rider he has won several important races in different parts of the colony. He bought his present business from Mr. McConnell in 1902. The stables, which are built of brick, have an attractive entrance facing Tancred Street. They have accommodation for fifty-two horses, there being forty-two stalls and ten loose boxes. There is also a very comfortable and well furnished waiting room for ladies. The vehicles for hire consist of a large drag, four dog-carts, four gigs, two cabs and two waggonettes, and thirteen horses are kept for the service of the public.
Livery Stable Proprietor, Ashburton. Mr. Cookson is a native of England, and came to New Zealand in 1860 by the ship “Roman Emperor.” He was with Mr. E. J. Wakefield for five years, and then took a trip through the Middle Island in which he travelled 800 miles with a son of Lord Masham. In 1867 he commenced in a livery stable at Selwyn, and later on, at Rakaia; and in 1876 he began his present business in a small wooden building, on the site of his present extensive premises, which have as their foundation stone the first taken from the Mount Somers quarries for building purposes. Mr. Cookson's stables are situated in Wills Street, and are widely known for their excellent accommodation, which is second to none in the colony. He has first class vehicles, including buggies, waggonettes and gigs, for the convenience of the travelling public. The stables have room for thirty-five horses. Mr. Cookson had the contract for the Ashburton-Mount Somers bi-weekly mail service for nine years, and held it until the completion of the branch railway line.
Farmer, Winchmore, Ashburton. Mr. Bland was born at Sutherland, Durham, England, in 1850, and is the second son of the late Mr. James Bland, wno came to New Zealand in 1859, by the “Zealandia,” Captain Foster, and landed at Lyttelton. Mr. Bland, senior, went to the Ashburton sheep station, owned by Mr. Thomas Moorhouse, whom he served first as shepherd and then as manager. In 1864 he purchased land at Winchmore, and managed it until his death, which was caused by an accident in 1873. On Mr. J. S. Bland's marriage with Miss Nicholas, daughter of a very old settler of Ashburton, the property was divided among the brothers, and Mr. Bland has been farming ever since. Mr. Bland's farm, consisting of 700 acres, is named “Broughton,” and its chief productions are sheep and grain. Mr. Bland was on the committee of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Society for several years. He has a family of four sons and four daughters, and his children drive to and from school, which is seven miles away.
Farmer, Ashburton. Mr. Gates was born at Richmond, Yorkshire, in 1859. He was brought up to farming on his father's property, came to New Zealand in 1880, by the sailing ship “Rangitikei,” landed at Lyttelton, and was engaged to manage Messrs Wilkin and Carter's station and Grove Farm at Ashburton. He managed the farm till the death of Mr. Carter in 1886, and then entered into business on his own account. He has gone into extensive operations as a farmer, and is well known throughout New Zealand as a breeder of thoroughbred stock. Mr. Gates has a stud farm of 150 acres, and he goes in extensively for general farming on a property of 1000 acres, on the Lagmhor road, close to Tinwald. At his stud farm he has the celebrated “Lady Zetland” whose name is always fresh in the memory of racing men as that of perhaps the very best mare that New Zealand has produced. She finished her racin career in 1896, when she started twice and won both races—the New Zealand Cup and Canterbury Cup. A true farmer likes all the animals that are about his place, and Mr. Gates has a dog named “Darkie,” of which he tells a remarkable story. During harvest time, “Darkie” got built over in a wheat stack, and five weeks afterwards, when the grain was being threshed, the dog was discovered and released from his prison. He had been all that time without food or water and with very little air. Mr. Gates has been chairman of the Tinwald Racing Club for many years. He is chairman of the Tinwald Town Board and the Tinwald Domain Board, and is a Freemason. Mr. Gates was married on the 1st of June, 1898, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Stone, farmer, of Greenstreet.
Farmer, Wakanui Road, Ashburton. Mr. Hunt was born in Oxfordshire, England, where he was brought up to farming. He landed at Lyttelton by the ship “Isabella Hercus,” in 1856, and resided at Gollans Bay for two years, during which he worked at the formation of the road from Lyttelton to Sumner, and also at the Christchurch-Sumner road. Mr. Hunt rented a farm at Sumner, from the late Rev. George Cotterill, and there raised one of the first wheat crops grown in that district. From Sumner he went to the Harewood Road, where he had a farm for two years. Mr. Hunt removed to the Ashburton county in 1865, and worked part of Mr. Peter Chalmer's land on the Wakanui beach road. In 1868 he took up 150 acres of agricultural land with a purchasing clause, and has since acquired more. He also rents a considerable area. Mr. Hunt was engaged by the late Mr. G. H. Moore, in 1869, to cut a water-race from the Wakanui river to the creek. It was surveyed by Mr. Sealey, and was one of the first water-races made in Canterbury. Mr. Hunt also put down the first fields of oats and wheat in the Ashburton county. He married before leaving England, and still resides on the farm on the Wakanui Road, with his wife. He has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Wakanui Road, Ashburton. Mr. Hunt is the third son of Mr.
(G. A. M. Buckley, proprietor), Ashburton. This property, originally a pastoral lease from the Crown, was taken up by the McLean Brothers in the fifties, and the area, about 30,000 acres, extended from the Ashburton river to the Hinds river. Eventually it was bought from the Crown at the current values of Crown land. When McLean Brothers divided their properties, Lagmhor was taken over by the late Hon. John McLean, who, about ten years prior to his death—which took place at “Redcastle,” Oamaru, on the 15th of July, 1902—made it over to his nephew, Mr. George McLean Buckley. For the last five years Mr. Buckley has worked the estate on his own account, and has sold about 7000 acres of the land. At present (1903) Lagmhor has an area of nearly 23,000 acres, of which 10,000 acres are poor tussock land, and the balance good to medium agricultural land. About 3000 acres are in cereals, 600 acres in rape, and 1200 acres in turnips. The stock numbers about 31,000 sheep and lambs, thirty head of cattle, and 140 horses.
the Proprietor, is referred to at page 137 of this volume, in the Military Section. He entered into possession of the estate in 1899, and was for some time one of the members of the Ashburton County Council, and of the Upper Ashborton Road Board. Mr. Buckley was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. F. R. Warren, barrister, London, and has a family of three.
Farmer, “Aberfolye,” Beach Road, Ashburton Mr. Millar was born in Aberfoyle, West Stirlingshire, about twenty-one miles from Stirlingshire, about twenty-one miles from Stirling, in 1827, and was brought up as a shepherd. He came to New Zealand in September, 1855, by the “Mystery,” to Lyttelton, under engagement to Messrs Moore, Lilly and Kermode, as a shepherd, for three years, and he remained with them for seven. Mr. Millar was on the Wakanui station when there was only one house in Ashburton. In 1866 he went in for farming on his own account. He is one of the oldest living residents of Ashburton, and has about 400 acres in the neighbourhood of the town. Mr. Millar keeps sheep and carries on general farming, and has also been supplying the town with milk for more than twenty years. His dairy herd consists of about sixty head of cattle. Mr. Millar has taken a great interest in horses, cattle, and dogs in connection with the Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and sometimes acts as judge in the dog class. He himself has gained prizes at different shows with Ayrshire cattle and draught horses. He was married, in 1861, by Rev. Mr. Fraser, in Christchurch, to Miss Agnes Taylor, a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, who came out to him to be married, and he has nine in his family.
Willow Park, Winchmore, Ashburton. Mr. Robertson was born in Strathdearn, Inverness-shire, Scotland, and passed his early years on his father's farm. In 1868 he went to America by the ship “Ottawa,” of the Allen line, and landed at Quebec, Canada. He went through to the States, where he remained for five years, and then returned to Scotland. He came to New Zealand in 1874, by the ship “Hydaspes,” and landed at Auckland, but came almost immediately to Canterbury. In 1892 he purchased his present farm of 740 acres. The land was then all in its native state, but it is now well cultivate and divided into six paddocks. There is a good dwelling-house at the homestead, and the grounds are planted with many choice trees and shrubs. There are three artificial pons on the property, and in these Mr. Robertson has placed either trout or perch. Mr. Robertson has always taken a warm interest in sporting matters, and has served for many years on the school committee. He was married, in 1878, to Miss McKay, and has four sons and six daughters.
Stock Dealer, Ashburton.—Mr. Smith was born in Canterbury. He is the eldest son of Mr. Hay T. Smith, an old colonist of Canterbury, and was educated at Ashburton. He was brought up to stock dealing, and for some years was with Mr. Walter Hartnell, of Rakaia, and then with Messrs Watt and Co., of Templeton, buying and taking charge of all stock bought for the Ashburton district. In 1886 he started in business on his own account. He has been most successful, and puts through more stock than any other dealer in the district; in fact, his business extends all through South Canterbury. Mr. Smith resides at Ashburton, and is a member of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and of the local racing clubs. He was married in Ashburton, and has three children.
Sheep farmer, Ashburton. Mr. Upton is well known as a breeder of purebred Shropshires, of which he has had at one time about 1200 in the New Zealand Flock Book. He has been a judge at the Leeston, Rangiora, and Timaru shows, and has obtained as much as seventy guineas for a Shropshire ram—the highest sum given in the Colony for a Shropshire He has generally taken a keen interest in sheep breeding. Mr. Upton was born in 1845, at Moreton Say Rectory, Shropshire, and is the eldest son of the late Rev. Robert Upton, who was for fifty-three years incumbent and rector of Moreton. He was educated at Market Drayton Grammar school and by private tutors, and he sailed from England on the 1st of November, 1865, by the “Mermaid,” Captain Rose, for Lyttelton. After his arrival he went as a cadet on the property of Sir Frederick Napier Broome (Messrs Hill and Broome), at Malvern Hills, Canterbury, and was there for two years. He was afterwards for sixteen years manager for the late Sir Cracroft Wilson. At the end of that time he went farming in the Ashburton county, and has ever since been engaged in that industry. Mr. Upton was on the Rakaia Road Board when Sir John Hall and others were members, and he has filled various other public positions. He has been for many years a member of the Ashburton Club, and in 1898 he was elected president, having filled the office of vice-president the year previous. Both Mr. Upton's sons were educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and his son Robert was captain of the football and cricket teams. His eldest son, Thomas Everard Tichborne Upton, is at present practising as a solicitor at Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire, England, and his second son who was in the Union Bank at Ashburton, went to the Transvaal war with the Canterbury Troop of Rough Riders, who left Christchurch on the 17th of February, 1900.
was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1843, and was educated partly at Bruton and partly at Christ's Hospital, London. In 1859, he arrived in Sydney by the “Duncan Dunbar,” and came on to New Zealand immediately afterwards. On his arrival at Lyttelton, he worked in an office for some months, and then went as a cadet to Fernside station. In
was born at the Baston Rectory, Lincolnshire, and is a son of the Rev. W. C. Denshire. He was educated at the Marlborough Grammar School, and at Marlborough College. In 1872 he came to New Zealand; but left again for England in 1874. After spending some time in England and America he returned to New Zealand, and took up land at Kaipara. On selling his farm there he went to Nelson, whence he moved to the Ashburton county, where he took up 2000 acres in the Wakanui district, where he had a general farm with a large number of sheep. Mr. Denshire takes a keen interest in sporting generally and has been well known as an owner of thoroughbreds. After farming there for fifteen years he let the property, and came to reside at Ashburton. He was married in Nelson, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Reid Dodson, who was Mayor of Nelson for several years.
who was the first farmer in the county of Ashburton, was born in Surrey, England, in 1831. He was brought up to farming at Reigate, and was married there in 1853, to Miss Amy Brewer. In 1856 he arrived at Geelong, Victoria, by the ship “Arabian,” and was engaged in brickmaking and farming until 1861, when he left for Canterbury. It was he who made the first bricks used in the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel. In 1862 Mr. Ede went to Mount Peel, where he made 300,000 bricks for the Hon. J. B. A. Acland; after which he went to Orari, where he was engaged in brickmaking for Mr. Tripp. Mr. Ede settled in 1863, at Ashburton, and carried on brickmaking, principally for Captain McLean. In the same year he took up twenty acres of land from the Government, at £2 per acre, and subsequently twenty acres more. This was the first farm worked in the county of Ashburton. At Methven the country was then in a very wild state, and pig shooting, at the Forks, was an exciting and lucrative pastime. After spending three years at his farm, which was close to the site of Digby's bridge, Mr. Ede went to Longbeach, where he took up 440 acres, at £6 per acre, close to where the Willowby public school now stands. There he worked at clearing and draining the land, until 1876, when he sold to Mr. Stoddart, and took up thirty-two acres at Allenton, where he carried on general farming. He also contracted for the carriage of wool and provisions between Christchurch and Longbeach, for a number of years. In 1878 he took up 240 acres of land at Alford Forest, and was contracting and farming there for nineteen years, during which he broke up about 5,000 acres of tussock land. He returned to Ashburton in 1897, and now he and his wife reside on his land, at Allenton, close to Ashburton, where he carries on market gardening. He has four sons and six daughters, eighty grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
was born in Wiltshire, England, on the 2nd of April, 1830, and came to New Zealand with his father by the ship “Indus,” which landed at Nelson on the 7th of February, 1843. After spending some years on his father's farm he purchased the ketch “Harriet,” and traded between Motueka and Nelson. He afterwards opened one of the first stores in Riwaka, where he remained for twenty years, at the end of which he took up a sheep run at Quail Valley, known as Fairbrook station, where he remained five years. In 1873 Mr. Fowler came to Canterbury and began the business of a general storekeeper, in Ashburton, and retired from business at the end of ten years. Mr. Fowler, who lives in Peter Street, is married and has six daughters and two sons. He was one of the first members of the Motueka Lodge of Oddfellows.
sometime of Oak Flat, Ashburton, came out from England in the year 1851, and landed at Lyttelton on
the 10th of December. He lived in Christchurch for a few years and then took to farming at Heathcote Valley, where he was for six years. Mr. Mawson then went to the
was born in Scotland in 1861, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1863. His father, the late Mr. William Pauling, was one of the early settlers of Ashburton. Mr. J. H. Pauling served his apprenticeship with Mr Durant, blacksmith, at Leeston, and for about twenty years afterwards he was with Messrs Reid and Gray, of Dunedin, at their Ashburton branch, of which he was appointed manager in 1897. Mr. Pauling was a member of the Star of Ashburton Lodge of Druids for eighteen years, and passed through all the chairs. He joined the Ashburton Working Men's Club in 1892; and in 1897 he was its president. He formerly took a great interest in the Volunteers and the Fire Brigade. Mr. Pauling has been twice married, first, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Bennett, an old resident of Ashburton, and then, in 1895, to Miss McDonald, of Ashburton. He has a family of five, and now (1903) resides at Masterton in the North Island.
was born in 1852, in County Cork, Ireland, where his father was a farmer. He arrived in the Colony when nineteen years of age, by the ship “Robert Henderson,” and first went to North Canterbury, where he resided for a short time, and was afterwards for a while in Christchurch. In 1875, he removed to Ashburton, and in conjunction with his brother established there the well-known seed and nursery business, with which he was associated for some years. He withdrew from the firm in 1888, when he took up farming, which he has since followed. Mr. Sealy was for twelve years a member of the Ashburton Borough Council, and was Mayor during the Jubilee year of 1887. He was for several years a member of the Ashburton school committee, licensing committee, and Tinwald Town Board; he was also one of the members of the Ashburton Hospital Board, and sat as one of the members representing Ashburton on the United District Charitable Aid Board. Mr. Sealy is a prominent Freemason and a member of the Thistle Lodge, Ashburton. He married a daughter of Mr. Alexander Coutts, of Aberdeen, and has one son and four daughters.
was for many years manager at Ashburton of the Union Bank of Australasia. He was one of the early settlers in the township, with the progress of which he has all along been closely identified. Latterly he has taken a keen and directing interest in acclimatisation, and is especially noted as an angler, and as an authority on the acclimatisation and treatment of trout.
is a native of Tenby, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, England. He was born on the 18th of October, 1847, and was brought up and educated at Manobier. In 1867 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket,” and after working at Leeston for two years he bought a threshing machine, and carried on a contracting business in the Leeston and surrounding district. He started a sawmill in the Oxford district in 1875, and ran it for twelve months. On selling out he removed to Wakanui, where he took up a farm and purchased a threshing plant, in conjunction with which he carried on business as a farmer and road contractor, until he bough the Wakanui flour mill from the Assets Realisation Board. Mr. Thomas made improvements in the mill, by putting in an upto-date roller plant, but in 1899 he sold it to Mr. Thomas Rollitt, and retired. Mr. Thomas takes a great interest in trotting and is the owner of the stallion “Bolderwood,” winner of the mile-and-a-half Highclass Handicap at the Metropolitan Trotting Club's grounds in 1902, and also of the two mile New Zealand handicap of 150 sovereigns at the same meeting He was married in Christchurch, in 1873, and has six sons and two daughters.
is situated close to Ashburton, on the south bank of the Ashburton river. Its railway station, which is two miles from Ashburton, is the centre of the township. The saleyards, which are about one mile from the railway station, are well designed for cattle and sheep sales, which are held fortnightly. As a town district, Tinwald has a population of 561, but this enumeration does not include the large farming district of which it is the centre. The portion of the town nearest Ashburton is occupied principally by the business men of that borough, and retired farmers. The local place of business include two general stores, a drapery establishment, two blacksmiths' shops and a hotel, and there is a good public school. Tinwald has a domain, which has long been a favourite resort with picnic parties, who enjoy themselves on the banks of the pretty miniature lake, and under the overhanging willows and shrubs which fringe its banks. Races are held on the local racecourse once a year, on New Year's day.
parochial district was formerly included in the Longbeach parochial district. In May, 1903, it was decided at a meeting of the parishioners to ask that the old district should be divided into two parishes; one including Tinwald and Longbeach, and the other Coldstream, Hinds and Lismore. The intention then was that the Rev. E. N. Blakiston, who had been incumbent of the old parish for three years, should continue to have his headquarters at Tinwald.
General Blacksmith, Graham's Road, Tinwald. Mr. Morrison was born at Leithfield, where he was also educated. He was apprenticed to his trade in 1874, at “Lagmhor,” when that estate was the property of the late Mr. John McLean. Shortly after the completion of his term of apprenticeship he was appointed head smith, and held the position until 1902, when he bought from Mr. John Stevens his present business, which was originally established in 1870. The business has now considerably increased, chiefly owing to Mr. Morrison's popularity at “Lagmhor,” and the care and attention he always gives to his work. He became a Freemason in 1893, and is Master of Lodge Thistle, S.C., Ashburton.
General Storekeeper, Butcher and Baker, Tinwald. Mr. Gudsell was born in Surrey, England, where he received part of his education. At the age of ten, he came to Lyttelton with his parents, by the ship “Egmont,” in 1862. The family resided at Ohoka for many years. Mr. Gudsell finished his education at Flaxton; and in 1876 went to Ashburton and bought a farm from the Government on Graham's Road, Tinwald. After farming there for seven years, he sold out and established his present business in 1893. His large premises in Archibald Street include ironmongery, groceries, and a butchery and a bakery. Goods are delivered throughout the surrounding districts. Mr. Gudsell owns several farms—one at Tinwald, one at Winslow, another at Hinds, and a fourth at Ohoka. He has taken an active part in local affairs, and was elected to the Tinwald Town Board in 1896, and on two subsequent occasions. He has been a member of the Tinwald school committee since 1890, and several times its chairman. Mr. Gudsell has been a member of the Loyal Lodge of Oddfellows, Tinwald for many years, and is a Past Noble Grand of the Order. He is also a trustee. Mr. Gudsell is married, and has five sons and one daughter.
General Storekeeper, Archibald Street, Tinwald. Mr. Robinson was born at Ludborough, Lincolnshire, England, where he was educated. After serving an apprenticeship to the milling and bakery trades, he went in for farming. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Invercargill” in 1884, and shortly afterwards went to the Ashburton county, where he was engaged at farm-contracting, pipe-draining, and afterwards at chaffcutting. After spending some time at Longbeach he was engaged by Mr. Andrew Terrace, butcher and general storekeeper, of Tinwald, for twelve months, at the end of which in 1892 he purchased the business. He has also a farm of 107 acres near Tinwald. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Loyal Lodge of Oddfellows, Tinwald, and is its president and Past Noble Grand. He has served on the Tinwald school committee since 1900. Mr. Robinson was married at St. Leonards, Lincolnshire, England.
Coal and Produce Merchant, Tinwald. Mr. Clothier was born at Kaiapoi, and is a son of the late Mr. Edward Clothier, who arrived in Canterbury by the ship “Jane Seymour” in 1853. He was educated at Kaiapoi, and was employed by the late Mr Joseph Clark, of Kaiapoi Island, with whom he came to Ashburton in the year 1878. At first he worked for two years for Mr. Clark on the latter's farm at Waterton, and was afterwards with him in his coal and grain business at Tinwald. On the death of Mr. Clark, Mr. Clothier took over the coal and produce branch of the business. Mr. Clothier is also manager of the grain stores of Messrs Friedlander Brothers, at Tinwald. He has been secretary of the Loyal Tinwald Lodge of Oddfellows since it was established in 1882, has been chairman of the local school committee since 1896; and has been twice a member of the Tinwald Town Board. Mr. Clothier is married, and has three sons and three daughters.
Carrier, Tinwald. Mr. Williams is a native of Montgomerieshire, England, and came to Lyttelton in January, 1873, by the ship “Star of India.” After following farming for a number of years, he joined his brother in the butchery business at Winslow, where he remained for five years. He then started in business as a general carrier. In 1885 he bought the plant and business of Mr. J. Johnston, who was at that time doing the carrying trade between Ashburton and Tinwald, and started as a general carrier. Mr. Williams has a large connection in Ashburton, and is agent for the New Zealand Carrying Company, and also has the distribution of goods for several large manufacturing firms in Christchurch and Dunedin. He was elected a member of the Tinwald Town Board in 1890, and has held office continuously, with the exception of one year, since that date, and is a member of the works committee of that body. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Thistle of Ashburton, and is a Past Master. He is also a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge at Ashburton, and is Past Provincial Grand Master. Mr. Williams is married, and has one son.
Farmer, Tinwald. Mr. Bonnington has been in New Zealand for more than half a century, and his physical robustness bears splendid testimony to the beneficial effects of the climate of the Colony. He was born in Derbyshire, in 1844, and accompanied his mother to Nelson in the ship “Mariner,” in 1850. There he was brought up to farming, and remained in the province of Nelson twenty-four years. Mr. Bonnington then removed to Christ-church, where he started a general store, which he carried on for several years. He then went to Ashburton, and bought his present farm at Tinwald. It was originally part of the Lagmhor estate, and has all been successfully cultivated. As a sheepdealer Mr. Bonnington is well known throughout Canterbury, and was the first man to moot the establishment of the Fairfield Freezing Works, for which he sold a large number of shares. Mr. Bonnington has been a member of the Tinwald school committee for a number of years. He has been a Freemason for over twenty years, and is a Past Mast of St. John's Lodge, Ashburton. In 1865 he married a daughter of Mr. Saywell, one of the very early pioneers of New Zealand. They have a family of five sons and five daughters, and the eldest son is a well-known chemist in Ashburton.
Farmer, Graham's Road, Tinwald. Mr. Doherty is a native of Limerick, Ireland, where he was brought up on his father's farm, a portion of the Earl of Dunraven's property. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Hydaspes,” and shortly afterwards went to Rangitata, where for some years he managed a farm for Mr. J. H. Twentyman, after which he was appointed manager for Mr. J. Ballantyne in the same district. He purchased 100 acres of first-class land at Tinwald, in 1887, and later on 420 acres more near the Lagmhor estate. Mr. Doherty grows cereals, root crops, and goes in for sheep breeding, and he has also a number of cattle and horses. He is a director of the Tinwald Butter Factory, and has spent much time in promoting its welfare. Mr. Doherty is chairman of the Tinwald Town Board, and of the Tinwald Domain Board, and has been a member and chairman of the local school committee. He was married in Ireland, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Grove Farm, Tinwald. Mr. Hampton was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1848, and was brought up to agriculture. He came to New Zealand, in the ship “Charlotte Gladstone,” and landed at Lyttelton. For some time he was engaged in farming at Southbridge, and removed to Ashburton in 1874. After a period of successful cropping in the district he bought a farm at Tinwald, and worked it for twelve years, but afterwards sold it to Mr. Grigg, of Longbeach. He took up another farm in the same district, but subsequently sold it also. In 1899, he bought the Grove farm from Mr. E. Gates, and his first season's crop of oats yielded sixty bushels per acre. Mr. Hampton takes a great interest in sporting matters, and is a member of the Asburton County Racing Club. He is also a member of the Thistle Lodge of Freemasons. In 1876 he married Miss McMillan, of County Armagh, Ireland, and has five sons and three daughters.
Silverstream. Farm, Lagmhor Road, Tinwald. Mr. Long is a native of County Limerick, Ireland, where he was educated, and brought up to farming on his father's farm. While a young man he went to America, and was engaged in stone-turning in the city of Concord, for three years. After visiting the World's Fair at Chicago,
Farmer, Graham's Road, Tinwald. Mr. Rogers was born in Worcestershire, England, but was brought up and educated in Shropshire, where he gained experience in sheep breeding on his father's farm. He himself had a farm of 300 acres for six years, but sold out on leaving for New Zealand. Mr. Rogers landed at Lyttelton by the ship “Soukar” in 1877, and became manager for Mr. Andrew Duncan, at West Melton, for six years. He afterwards managed Mr. George King's Horseshoe Lake farm for two years and a half, and a farm of 4000 acres at Dromore, for Messrs Cunningham and Stead, for over fifteen years; there he bred a number of high class Shropshire sheep. Mr. Rogers started farming on his own account on a farm of 700 acres, which he purchased from of 700 acres, which he purchased from Mr. J. C. Wason at Corwar. He sold this after seven months to Mr. J. Dolan, and bought his present holding of 140 acres at Tinwald, where he carries on general farming, and breeds Shropshire sheep, for which he has obtained many prizes at the Ashburton and Christchurch agricultural shows.
who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1838, and came to New Zealand about 1859, was among the earliest settlers in the Ashburton district, and was closely identified with its agricultural progress. He was for two years manager of the Mount Hutt station, and afterwards took over the management of the Wanaka Lake station in Otago. About 1872 he was appointed manager of Messrs Wilkin and Thomson's estate at Maronan, where he remained until Mr. Thomson's death. He then entered into partnership with Mr. Robert Wilkin, with whom he carried on Maronan and several other farms, also the well known Grove Farm estate, and managed the various properties for many years. Mr. Carter was well known in sporting circles. He imported thoroughbred stock, including “Miss Kate,” “Macsiccar” and “Forget-Me-Not,” whose progeny are well known throughout New Zealand; “Perkin Warbeck II.,” “Prime Warden” and “Lady Zetland,” for example. Messrs Wilkin and Carter also imported valuable Clydesdales. In 1882 Mr. Carter went to America and imported several trotting mares for Mr. R. Wilkin. Mr. Carter went to England in 1875 and remained there three years. He was married, in 1876, to the eldest daughter of the late John Harland Cowper, of Wensleydale, and returned to New Zealand in 1878. He died at Grove House, Tinwald, in 1884, leaving a widow and one daughter.
of Carter's Terrace, Tinwald, is a native of County Derry, Ireland, where he was educated and brought up on his father's farm. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1868, and went to Christchurch by the first passenger train that steemed through the tunnel. After arriving in Canterbury he worked on Mr. John Millen's farm at Southbridge for twelve months, and then on Messrs Dudley and Lawrence's farm at Leeston. While there he bought 50 acres of land at Malvern. On leaving Messrs Dudley and Lawrence he leased a small place at Leeston, where he worked at contracting for some years. He then moved to Malvern, where he leased an additional fifty acres, which he held for only twelve months. His health failing, he sold and went to Christchurch, where he worked at the coach-building trade for four years and a half. In 1879 he bought a farm of 100 acres at Longbeach, and subsequently acquired adjoining it an additional 320 acres, which he drained and farmed for twenty years, growing principally crops of oats and wheat. Mr. Huston was a large supplier of milk to the Flemington Dairy Factory, and at one time milked as many as forty-seven cows. Three years before selling his Longbeach property, he bought a farm of 948 acres at Mayfield, on which he raised a large amount of wheat. After selling out at Longbeach he bought another farm at Mayfield. it had an area of 620 acres, on which he grew turnips and fattened sheep and lambs, the carcases of which he froze and sent to London. Mr. Huston then sold his first Mayfield farm to Mr. M. Anderson, and the others to his eldest son, and now lives in retirement at Carter's Terrace, Tinwald. He is a member of the Canterbury and Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, and has been a director of the Flemington Dairy Company, and also of the Mayfield Saleyards Company. Mr. Huston was married in Ireland, and has seven sons and five daughters.
of “Kinraid,” Tinwald, has had more than half a century's colonial experience, and comes from the Western Highlands of Scotland, where he was born in 1835. He came out to Melbourne early in 1852, and followed the “rushes” to the diggings. When, ten years later, he arrived in New Zealand, he was appointed manager of the well-known Lagmhor estate, and filled the position for thirty-six years. This estate was then owned by the Messrs McLean Bros., and was stocked with 20,00 sheep chiefly Merinos. Mr. McLean has been a
is in the county of Ashburton. It is sixty-five miles from Christchurch, with which it has postal communication three times a week. The district is on the Ashburton-Springburn line, eleven miles from Ashburton. There is a telephone service at the local post office. The local school is attended by between twenty and thirty children.
(E. S. T. Simpson and Herbert Chinnery, proprietors), Westerfield. The Westerfield flaxmill was started in 1897 by Mr. Herbert Chinnery and others. In is situated in the centre of an agricultural district, which abounds in flax in its native state. The Westerfield mill is capable of turning out four tons of well dressed flax per week. On reaching the mill the raw material is first sorted, and then put through the stripping machine, which removes most of the vegetable matter and gum. It is then thoroughly washed, and laid out in the field to bleach in the sun for eight days. After that it is placed in the scutch, which rapidly cleaves the fibre of all the remaining matter, laving it in long silklike tresses, which are knotted together, and packed in bales, each of about five hundredweight. It is then ready for export to England. A considerable quantity, however, remains in Canterbury, where it is made into ropes, binder twine, lashing, etc. The mill gives employment to fifteen hands. Its motive power is supplied by a four-horse power turbine, and a nine-horse portable steam engine.
is a native of Manchester, England, where he was educated, and was apprenticed to the engineering trade. After was apprenticed to the engineering trade. After serving several years at his trade, he joined the 70th Regiment of Foot, and served on the Indian frontier under Colonel Chute. He came to New Zealand with the Regiment in 1860, was on active service in the colony during the greater part of the Maori war, and took part in several fights, including that at the Gate Pa. After serving on the gold escort in Otago he went to Napier, where he received his discharge in 1865. He holds the Maori war medal. After receiving his discharge, Mr. Simpson took up land at Alford Forest, and farmed it for twenty-five years. In 1902 he joined Mr. Chinnery in partnership in their present business.
who is a native of London, came to New Zealand with his parents in 1882. His father settled at Woodend, where he was engaged in farming for many years. He himself was first engaged at flax dressing with his uncle, under whom
Farmer, Westerfield. Mr. McCann was born in 1845 in County Down, Ireland, where he passed his early years on his father's farm. He came to the Colony in the ship “Matoaka,” in 1869, and settled for a few years at Southbridge, and subsequently at Peel Forest. In 1878 he purchased the first portion of his present farm, which now contains 356 acres of freehold and 330 acres of leasehold land. For a time Mr. McCann cropped his freehold land with good results, but now the whole property is devoted chiefly to the production of wool and mutton for the export trade. In breeding fat lambs for this purpose Mr. McCann prefers Shropshire rams to sires of any other breed. Mr. McCann is a Freemason, and has served on the Westerfield school committee. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Button, and has three sons and five daughters.
(Alexander Frederick Roberts, proprietor), Westerfield. This estate was originally taken up and settled by the late Mr. Charles Reid. Its present owner, Mr. A. F. Roberts, was born at Akaroa, and educated in England at Malvern College, Worcestershire. On his return to New Zealand, in 1880, he started farming with his cousins, Messrs Lyon Brothers, at German Bay, on Banks' Peninsula. He afterwards took up the Waikerikikeri run of 3,000 acres on the east coast of the Peninsula, where he remained for twelve years, during which he was engaged in raising sheep and cattle. After having improved and fenced the property, he sold all, with the exception of 900 acres. and bought the Onawe property of 166 acres. In 1900 he sold Onawe, and took up his residence at the old Westerfield homestead, which is pleasantly situated on the south bank of the Ashburton river. Mr. Roberts has 3,000 acres of first-class grazing land, which is occupied principally by sheep and cattle. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Moorehouse, second daughter of the late Mr. T. C. Moorehouse, and niece of William Sefton Moorehouse. His father, Mr. James Fraser Roberts, C.E., was a very old colonist, and was well known at Akaroa, where for many years he held the position of District Civil Engineer.
is a well known farming district in the county of Ashburton. It is within eight miles of the county town, and sixty miles from Christchurch, with which it has postal communication three times a week. The nearest telegraph office is at Ashburton.
(George McRae, proprietor), Greenstreet. Mr. George McRae, the proprietor of “Ringwood,” was born in 1838 in Ross-shire, Scotland, where he was brought up to a pastoral life. In 1857 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Glentanner.” After gaining experience of station life in Canterbury and Otago, and being for thirteen years head shepherd on the Mesopotamia estate, he bought a sheep run on the Rangitata. He afterwards had another run on the Waipawa Downs, and in 1895 he bought the freehold of the Braemore estate, of 4400 acres, in the Cheviot district. Mr. McRae spent a large amount of money in improving the property. Whilst at “Braemore” he was chairman of the Cheviot County Council, and a member of the Hurunui Rabbit Board, and of the local school committee. Mr. McRae sold “Braemore” in 1900, and bought the Barford estate, of 3,760 acres, on the north side of the Hinds river. He held that property till July, 1902, when he sold it, and bought “Ringwood,” where he has built a new residence, and made many other improvements. Mr. McRae was one of the thirty-one of the “Glentanner's” passengers who met in Christchurch on the 3rd of October, 1897, to celebrate the forteith anniversary of their landing in New Zealand. In May, 1903, he left New Zealand to pay a visit to the Old Country.
is nineteen miles from Ashburton on the Ashburton-Springburn railway line, which has an entire length of thirty miles. The Valetta estate was originally taken up by Mr. Chalres Hurst. It has an area of 18,000 acres, 10,000 of which is freehold, and the balance is an educational reserve. It extends from the south branch of the Ashburton river to the river Hinds, and is used as a sheep run, very little cropping being done on the estate. Sheep thrive well, and the cultivated land carries three to the acre. The soil along the river bank is good cropping land, but on the plains, it is stony and much lighter. On the Mayfield side of the county there are some good farms, and also some towards Westerfield.
Sheep-farmer, Willow Terrace, Valetta. Mr. Harrison was born in County Wexford, Ireland, where he was educated and brought up to farming. After spending some years on his father's farm he sailed for New Zealand by the s.s. “Coptic,” and arrived at Lyttelton in 1891. He at once proceeded to Dorie, where he worked for his brother at “Hollyforth” for six years. Mr. Harrison then re-visited his native land, and, on his return to New Zealand he managed his brother's farm at Dorie. In 1897 he bought his present holding of 632 acres, on the south bank of the Ashburton river; it belonged fromerly to the late Mr. D. McCormick. The land nearest the river is of good quality, and the oat crops often yield as high as eighty bushels to the acre, and wheat fifty-two bushels to the acre. Sheep do remarkably well on the lighter soil, and Mr. Harrison has been very successful in fattening sheep and lambs for the export meat trade. He was married at St. John's, Christchurch, in 1897, and has two sons.
is twenty-two miles from Ashburton, on the Ashburton-Springburn branch railway. It stands at a height of 1040 feet above the level of the sea, and is seventy-five miles from Christchurch, with which it has postal communication. The nearest telegraph office is at Mayfield, distant two miles. Anama is within four miles of Mount Somers.
was so named by its first owner, the late Hon. W. S. Peter. It originally contained over 30,000 acres, 19,000 of which was freehold, and had within its boundaries the Gawler Downs, the Hekeao Government settlement, and also some of the farms situated in the forks of the Hinds river. For many years the estate remained intact, and was noted for high-class Merino sheep. In 1877 the Gawler Downs portion was bought by the late Mr. E. G. Wright, and in 1897 the Government purchased 2,000 acres for close settlement. The estate now consists of 1,100 acres leasehold and 1,500 of freehold. The freehold comprises some very good agricultural land, and includes the original homestead, which nestles comfortably in a large plantation of well grown pines and ornamental trees. “Anama” is on one of the branches of the Hinds river. It is well watered, carries two sheep to the acre, and, when cropped, it yields as much as seventy-five bushels of oats to the acre. The Hon. William Spencer Peter, the original owner of the “Anama” estate, is referred to at page 88 of this volume, as having been a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand from the year 1868 till the date of his death, on the 23rd of November, 1891.
owner of the “Anama” Estate, is a native of Ashburton county, and son of the Hon. W. S. Peter. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and brought up to sheepfarming on “Anama.” In 1898 he took possession of his present property.
Farmer, Anama. Mr. Elliott is a native of Worcestershire, England, and came to New Zealand in 1878, by the ship “Waitangi,” with his father, who was engaged by the late Mr. E. G. Wright, to work on his estate at Windermere. Mr. Elliott was educated at Willowby, and started life on his own account on his present holding of 180 acres in 1895. The land is of good quality, and yields excellent crops of oats, and is well adapted for sheep grazing, as it carries four to the acre. The farm is pleasantly situated, and ajoins the Gawler Downs. Mr. Elliott has another farm of 193 acres at Shepherd's Bush. He was married at Akaroa, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Anama. Mr. Wilson, who is a son of Mr. Meredith Wilson, was born, brought up, and educated at Wakenui, in the Ashburton district. In 1897 he started farming on his own account at Anama, where he has an area of 583 acres of first-class land, situated in the forks of the Hinds river. His farm is on the Mayfield-Mount Somers road, and is devoted chiefly to stock grazing; it carries about five sheep to the acre, and yields good crops of oats. Mr. Wilson has a chaffcutting and crushing plant for his own use, and works it by means of a six-horse power oil engine. He married a daughter of Mr. John Corbett, of Wakanui, and has one daughter.
is a farming district within the county of Ashburton. It is sixty-seven miles from Christchurch, with which it has postal communication three times a week. The nearest telegraph office is at Mount Somers, ten miles distant. The distance from the town of Ashburton to Ashburton Forks is twenty miles, and visitors can travel by the mail coach on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Farmer, Ashburton Forks. Mr. Corbitt is a native of Barwell, Leicestershire, England, where he was educated, and brought up on his father's farm. He served an apprenticeship as a wheel wright there, and after being fifteen years at his trade, he sailed, in 1865, for New Zealand in the ship “British Empire,” and landed at Lyttelton. His first work in the colony was done for Mr. Wagstaff, coachbuilder, Papanui Road, and he afterwards worked at his trade at Papanui. Later on he took up land in the Selwyn distriot, where he also started in business as a wheelwright. In 1873 Mr. Corbitt moved to the Ashburton Forks, where he took up 250 acres, and subsequently purchased 650 more. He also has a farm of 320 acres at Winton, in Southland. Mr. Corbitt was married at Kirby Mallory, in Leicestershire, in 1852, and has a family of four daughters.
noted for its quarries of building stone, is in the county of Ashburton, and lies at the foot of the Southern Alps, twenty-six miles inland from the town of Ashburton, with which it is connected by railway, on the Ashburton-Springburn branch line. The Mount Somers road district had a population of 928 persons, at the census taken on the 31st of March, 1901. There are coal mines a few miles from the township, and the stone quarries are kept constantly busy, as the stone is esteemed in all parts of the colony for building purposes. There is a post, telegraph, money order office, and a Post Office Savings Bank at the local railway station, and there is a daily mail service with Christchurch, distant seventy-eight miles. Mount Somers is a pastoral district, and stands at a height of 1184 feet above the level of the sea.
was built in 1879, on the corner of a three-acre section of land, and consists of one room, which can accommodate fifty children. There are thirty-eight names on the roll, with an average attendance of thirty-two, and all the standards are taught. The school is in charge of Mr. Kerr.
Headmaster, was born in 1871, at Belfast, Ireland. He was educated in his native place, and at Ashburton and Hampstead, Canterbury. In 1894, he was appointed to the charge of the Wakanui side school, and received his present position at Mount Somers in 1897. Mr. Kerr was married, in 1898, to Miss Stewart, daughter of Mr. Peter Stewart, of Seaview.
This mine, which is situated at Mount Somers, was first taken up by Mr. James Gibson, who leased it from Mr. McClemont, who had the freehold. After the ground had been thoroughly prospected, the company was formed, with Mr. Gibson as business manager. Work was started in 1900, and the tramway took nine months to complete. In 1901 a start was made on the coal, and the returns have proved most satisfactory. In the seam of brown coal, drives have been put in 350 feet, and the seam is seventy-five feet thick. The mine is situated nine miles from Mount Somers, and the coal is conveyed by means of the company's and the County Council's tramways a distance of ten miles, and thence by rail to Ashburton, another twenty-six miles. The coal has come into general use in Ashburton and the surrounding districts. The mine being in its infancy, the output is still limited, but there is a large quantity of coal to be worked, and drives are being put into a lower seam, where coal of a superior quality is known to exist.
This mine was discovered by the pioneer settlers early in the fifties, but the credit of opening it up belongs to the late Mr. C. G. Tripp, who began operations in 1863. The working of the mine was, however, confined to the supply of local requirements till the railway was opened to Mount Somers. A tramway of eight miles was laid down in 1880 by the Ashburton County Council, and this gives access to the neighbouring lime and stone quarries as well as to the coal.
Proprietor of the Mount Somers Coal Mine, is a son of Mr. Gavin McIntyre Park, one of the pioneer settlers of Otago, who came out, in 1848, in the ship “Philip Laing.” He was born in Dunedin in 1863, and when a child removed with his parents to Westland. After leaving school, he was engaged in office and in railway work for some years, and subsequently spent some time in exploring the ranges for gold-bearing reefs. In this connection he met with some success on the banks of the river Waiau. Mr. Park has an enviable reputation as a canoeist. On one occasion he took his canoe from the Teremakau river, crossed the saddle, and launched himself on the head waters of the Hurunui; came through Lakes Taylor and Sumner; said good-bye to his brother and friends at the Hurunui township, passed the lower gorge, and arrived at Lyttelton the same evening. At another time he launched his canoe at Eketahuna on a tributary of the Manawatu river, passed Mangatainoka, joined the main stream near Woodville, came through the gorge, and arrived in good time at Palmerston, where he was cordially welcomed by his friends. Mr. Park still takes a keen interest in various kinds of sport, while duly
(David McMillan, proprietor), Mount Somers. This business was established in 1879 by Mr. Lavery and purchased by the present proprietor in 1879. Since then Mr. McMillan has considerably improved the business in many ways, and enlarged the circle of its customers, who include the surrounding settlers, runholders and contractors. He always has a large stock of harness and ironmongery on hand, and is able to supply any order on the shortest notice.
the Proprietor, was born in 1875, in Christchurch, where he learned his trade, and worked at it for eight years. He was for seven years a member of the Canterbury Engineer Volunteer corps.
Blacksmith, Mount Somers. Mr. Paton was born in County Down, Ireland, and was educated at Lord Dufferin's private school up to the time he was apprenticed to his trade. He subsequently shod horses for Lord Dufferin, James Jameson, John Glasgow, Kennedy Brothers, and many other noted stud owners. In 1872 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Isles of the South.” He was for the first two years with Messrs P. and D. Duncan, and subsequently served with Messrs Scott Brothers. Mr. Paton was the first blacksmith to open at Mount Somers, and he built the trucks used on the tram to take the coals from the mines, the lime from the kilns, and the stone from the quarries to the railway station. Shoeing forms the chief branch of Mr. Paton's business, and horses are sent to his smithy from a distance of twenty-five miles. He also does a good business in repairing farm implements. Mr. Paton takes an active part in anything that tends to advance the district. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Savage, and he has five sons and four daughters. Two of the sons are in South Africa.
Mount Somers. Mr. W. T. Webster, the proprietor of these works, purchased them in 1890. The building is erected on the most modern principle, and fitted up with the latest improved and best machinery, including a Williams' patent box. There is provision for rolling the bales easily on to the sorting table, at which there is room for three classers. From the table the wool passes to the warm water tanks, and the soap used is specially made in Christchurch for the purpose. From the tanks the wool passes into the Williams' patent box, with an unlimited supply of soft water. Over 1000 bales are scoured at the works between December and March, and as many as fourteen hands are employed during that time.
was born in Liverpool in 1856, and came to New Zealand in the s.s. “British Queen.” On his arrival he joined his brothers, who were in the trade, and remained with them until he bought the Hakatere works at Mount Somers. Mr. Webster had a long experience in the trade in
(G. Pickles, proprietor, and A. Clark, manager), Mount Somers. These works were established in 1893 on the north bank of the south branch of the Ashburton river, and fitted up with the latest and most improved machinery. The soap used is specially manufactured for the works. There is an unlimited supply of water, and from December till March over 550 bales of wool are scoured at the works.
Manager, was born in 1862, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, where his father carried on the wool stapling business for over forty years. Mr. Clark early gained experience at his father's works, and for the last twenty-three years he has been wool classing and scouring in New Zealand and the Australian colonies.
General Storekeeper, Mount Somers; branch at mayfield. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Telegraphic address, “Doak, Mount Somers.” Mr. Doak does business with the settlers, farmers, and runholders of the Ashburton Gorge, and with the local limeburners, coalminers, quarrymen and contractors. The store was established in 1890, and has been gradually extended and the building enlarged. Mr. Doak is a native of Ireland. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Dover Castle,” in 1875, and landed at Auckland, where he resided for eight years. In 1882 he came to Canterbury, and was for eight years at Methven and Sefton. He is a member of the Mount Somers school committee. Mr. Doak was married, in 1888, to Miss Carr, and has four sons and two daughters.
Waggoner, Mount Somers. Mr. Todd was born in 1853 in County Antrim, Ireland. On leaving school he crossed the sea to Glasgow, and was engaged in the carrying trade for a few years. He came to New Zealand in 1866, in the ship “Matoaka,” and was farming for five years at Papanui. After disposing of his interest at Papanui, he bought a farm at Mount Somers, and entered into the carrying business by carting stores and fencing material into the back country, and bringing out wool. As a matter of necessity he has had to ford the Rangitata, Ashburton, Wilberforce and Rakaia rivers for twenty years, but he has never had a single accident. Mr. Todd also went in for contract cropping, and has had as much as 500 acres in grain in one year. He takes a keen interest in educational matters, and was a member of the Mount Somers school committee for many years. Mr. Todd was married, in 1877, to Miss Armstrong, and has three sons and three daughters.
This is the property of Mr. James Harrison, and was origin ally taken up by Messrs Tooth and Rowley in 1859. After changing owners several times it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1885. “Clent Hills” comprises 52,000 acres leasehold and 1500 acres of freehold, and carries a well-bred flock of Merino sheep and a good herd of Shorthorn cattle. The homestead is situated on the north bank of the south branch of the Ashburton river, and the grounds, lawns and gardens are tastefully laid off, and planted with many choice trees and shrubs.
the Proprietor, was born in North Lancashire, England, in 1856, and studied engineering as a profession. He came to New Zealand in 1885, in the s.s. “Tainui,” and joined his brother in the ownership of “Clent Hills.” After a time he bought his brother's interest in the property and is now sole owner. Mr. Harrison served on the local road board for six years, and has always taken an active part in church affairs. He was married, in 1888, to Miss Williams, and has five sons and two daughters.
Farmer and Butcher, Mount Somers. Mr. Harvey was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1864 in the ship “William Miles,” Captain Rabb. On the passage out the ship got into such cold quarters that the passengers had snow-balling matches on board. Where they reached Lyttelton and disembarked, Piper Sinclair played them over the hills to Christchurch; the marching party consisting of seventy-five young men, fourteen single women, and fourteen married couples. Mr. Harvey settled first at Kaiapoi Island, but subsequently visited the Westland goldfields. He, however, returned to Canterbury and helped to make the West Coast Road. While at work on the Cloudy Ranges he was for a whole month in wet clothes. Mr. Harvey then began farming at Leeston, where he remained till 1868, and was then at Hororata till 1875, when he moved to Mount Somers, where he was the first butcher. Mr. Harvey has a farm of 210 acres, on which he fattens a considerable portion of the mutton used in his business. Mr. Harvey has been a member of the school committee for twenty years, and its chairman for eighteen years. He is also a member of the Cemetery and Domain Boards, and takes an active part in church affairs. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Corbett, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Mount Somers. Mr. Hitchell was born in Kirkeud-brightshire, Scotland, in 1842, and followed farming during his earlier years. In 1863 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Huntress.” He did contract work on the Prebbleton road, and bought land at Leeston. He soon disposed of that, however, and took up 400 acres on the Hororata Downs. In 1870 he disposed
of that also, and entered the service of Mr. Gerard, of Snowdon, as manager of the agricultural land and teams. He remained in that position twelve years, and in 1883 he entered into store-keeping at Glentunnel, where he remained till 1894, when he purchased his present property of 500 acres. The land was part of the Buccleugh estate, and was then in its natural condition. It has, however, in its natural condition. It has, however, undergone great improvements during Mr. Hitchell's ownership. A good new dwelling
Farmer, Mount Somers. Mr. Hood was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 1851, and came to New Zealand in 1862. He went to Mount Somers in 1866, took up land, and built and opened the Mount Somers Hotel in 1872, but afterwards gave up the hotel and took to farming. He has 1600 acres of land, which is chiefly devoted to the production of wool and mutton and fat lambs for the export trade. For the purpose of breeding fat lambs Mr. Hood prefers halfbred ewes and Leicester rams. Mr. Hood takes an active interest in local affairs, and is chairman of the road board, and the domain and cemetery boards, and a member of the library committee. He was married, in 1877, to Miss Johnston, and has four sons and three daughters.
This station is the property of Mr. George Allan McMillan, and was originally taken up by Mr. Butler in 1860. After passing through various hands it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1885. It comprises 2070 acres of freehold, 38,000 acres of Canterbury Agricultural College Reserve, and 27,000 acres of Crown Land, and is stocked with Merino sheep and cattle. In 1896 Mr. McMillan purchased the homestead block of Cracroft station, consisting of 5000 acres of freehold, and this he uses for the purpose of raising the fat lambs which are now so much in demand for the export trade
the Proprietor, was born at Contin, Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1832. He came out to New Zealand in 1859 in the ship “Zealandia,” and went almost directly to Cheviot, where he became successively head shepherd and manager. Mr. McMillan held this position till 1879, when he purchased Lake Sumner station, which he sold again in 1883. Mr. McMillan served his district on the local road board for a number of years.
This is the property of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. It was originally taken up on a pastoral lease in 1858 by Messrs Tripp and Acland, and consisted at that time of 56,000 acres of Crown land. Now it comprises 9000 acres of freehold, and 47,000 acres of leasehold land. “Mount Possession” is worked in conjunction with “Hakatere,” which is also now the property of the Loan and Mercantile Company. “Hakatere” was originally taken up by Mr. T. H. Potts, in 1858. It has an area of 86,000 acres, and was originally stocked with cattle, which were afterwards superseded by Merino sheep.
Manager of “Mount Possession” and “Hakatere,” was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1854. He came to the Colony with his parents in 1863, in the ship “Brother's Pride,” and entered upon station life at an early age. He was first with his father at Lake Heron, and was subsequently at “Clent Hills” for fourteen years, and has, therefor, been among sheep in the Upper Ashburton county from boyhood. Soon after entering the service of Mr. Potts he was appointed manager of “Hakatere,” and in 1888, he was appointed manger of “Mount Possession” by the Loan and Mercantile Company, which now owns both runs. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1878, to Miss Lambie, second daughter of Mr. George Lambie, and he has six sons and two daughters.
sometime of Gift Farm, Dunsandel, and Bucclench Estate, Mount Somers, was born at Wellington, Somersetshire, England, and descended from a very old farming family. He came to New Zealand
is eighty-two miles from Christchurch, and thirty south-west from Ashburton, and is the terminus of the Ashburton-Springburn branch railway. It has a daily mail service with Christchurch. The local post office has a postal note branch, but the nearest telegraph office is at Mount Somers, four miles away. Springburn is a sheepfarming district in the county of Ashburton. The school is about one mile from the railway station. Ashburton Gorge, about eight miles distant, supplies the district with coal and lime.
Farmer, Roxburgh Farm, Springburn. Mr. Campbell was born in 1845, in the Island of Coll, Argyleshire, Scotland. In 1859 he came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Alpine,” which landed at Dunedin. Shortly after his arrival he entered the employment of Mr. Donald Reid, auctioneer, of Dunedin, for a short time, while his father was looking about for a suitable farm, very little land being open at the time for selection. When the rush to Gabriel's Gully took place he went there in quest of gold as one of a party of twelve, but was not very successful. After that he went to work on his father's farm at Moeraki, where he remained for eleven years, when he left the farm and started a general store and bakery at Hampden. Mr. Campbell carried on that business successfully for nineteen years and a half. Owing to ill-health he then sold his store and took a trip to Sydney and Melbourne, Auckland, and the baths at Rotorua. On returning from his tour he bought the Roxburgh Farm of 1,180 acres, which he uses principally for raising and fattening stock. The farm grows good crops of all kinds. While he was in North Otago Mr. Campbell was for many years a member of the Hampden Borough Council, the church committee, school committee, Hampden Cemetery Trustees, Moeraki Harbour Board, and of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he often acted in the capacity of judge. In 1878 he married Miss Herbert, who is a native of Currie, Scotland, and came to New Zealand with her parents. Five sons and three daughters have been born of the marriage.
Farmer, Tahuna Farm, Springburn. Mr. Mathieson was born in Strathconan, Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1842, and came to New Zealand in 1859, in the ship “Zealandia.” On arrival he entered the service of Sir Cracroft Wilson, with whom he stayed eighteen months. When gold was discovered in Otago he set out for Gabriel's Gully, but was not successful. He then settled for four years in the Mackenzie Country. When gold was discovered in Westland he went there in quest of fortune, but did not find it. Accordingly he again returned to Canterbury, and led a very restless life for a number of years, during which he was successively a shepherd, farmer, and station manager. In 1896 he purchased his present holding of 626 acres, part of the Buccleugh estate, and he grows first-rate turnips, rape, and other root crops, and raises and fattens lambs for the export trade. The improvements on Mr Mathieson's property include a good dwellinghouse, the necessary outbuildings, seven miles of wire fencing, sheepyards, and all the other conveniences required to work a good sheep farm. The grounds are tastefully laid out with carefully selected and systematically planted trees. Mr. Mathieson was married, in 1873, to Miss Daly, and has one son and three daughters. Mrs Mathieson is a native of County Clare, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1866 in the ship “Mermaid.”
in the county of Ashburton, lies eighty-six miles westward from Christchurch, from which there is railway communication as far as Springburn, within five miles of Alford Forest, between which and Springburn there plies a daily mail coach. The sawmilling industry flourishes in the neighbourhood, which has a population of about 300 persons. The district has coal, lime and hematite formations, and there is probably an active industrial future in store for it. There is a local post office, with a postal note branch, but the nearest telegraph office is at Methven, distant eight miles.
(Henry Havelock Sharplin and Hugh Boyd, proprietors), Alford Forest. Established in 1890. Messrs Sharplin and Boyd have about 1600 acres of forest in connection with their mills. They employ about fifty-six men when the season is on, but only fifteen when times are slack. About twenty-three horses are employed and fifty-four bullocks. There is a full sawmilling plant, with an engine of twenty-three
the Senior Partner, was born in Sunderland, England, and came out to New Zealand with his parents in 1858. His parents settled in Kaiapoi, and at Rangiora. Mr. Sharplin was brought up to the timber trade, and was at Oxford for some years. He has been all his life in the milling business, and in 1890 went into partnership with Mr. Boyd. The firm has been most successful with its mill, and has enough timber to keep it going for another twenty years. Mr. Sharplin is also interested in lime works at Alford Forest. He is a member of the Ashburton Lodge of Freemasons, and has been an Oddfellow since he was eighteen. He has always taken a great interest in athletics. Mr. Sharplin married Miss Gundry, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Gundry, a very old settler of Oxford, and has nine sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Alford Forest. Mr. Grieve was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1845, and followed pastoral pursuits during his earlier years. He came out to New Zealand in 1867, in the ship “Mermaid,” and entered the service of the late Sir Cracroft Wilson, with whom he remained for a number of years. In 1879 he took up his first land at Alford Forest, and he now has 1300 acres of freehold and leasehold land. The leasehold is chiefly surface-sown, and carries a flock of the crossbred sheep so much in favour in the district. All the improvements on the place have been made by Mr. Grieve. They consist of a good dwellinghouse, and the necessary outbuildings, and substantial fences. Mr. Grieve was married, in 1867, to Miss Sinton, and they have seven sons.
Farmer, “Glenara,” Alford Forest. Mr. McFarlane was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1837, and was apprenticed to the blacksmithing trade. He came out to New Zealand in 1860 in the ship “Matoaka,” and worked for about two years with the late Mr. John Anderson, Christchurch, previous to commencing on his own account at Ashburton, where he was the first blacksmith in the county. In those days horses were sent from the Rangitata to be shod at Ashburton. Mr. McFarlane subsequently relinquished blacksmithing, and turned his attention to farming. He has now about 4500 acres of land, chiefly devoted to grazing and fattening sheep. He prefers half and three-quarterbred Leicesters for the purposes of the export trade. Mr. McFarlane served for a quarter of a century on the Mount Somers Road Board, and was for two terms on the Ashburton County Council. He is a member of the Mount Hutt Road Board and licensing committee, and chairman of the Alford Forest school, committee. Mr. McFarlane was married, in 1860, to Miss Higgie, and has four sons and three daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Laggan,” Alford Forest. Mr. McKenzie was born in Scotland, on the estate of Glengarry, where his father farmed for seventy years. He followed pastoral pursuits in his early years, and served with Mr. Charles McCrosty, of Killean, for eighteen years, when the country was converted into a deer forest, and shepherds were not required. Mr. McKenzie came to New Zealand in 1877. He settled first at “Clent Hills,” and subsequently with Mr. Peach, at Mount Somers, and Mr. Heron, at Alford Forest. At Alford Forest he took up land, which he gradually increased to 7000 acres The farm is devoted chiefly to grazing and fattening sheep, and good crops of turnips and rape are annually raised. Mr. McKenzie was married, in 1873, to Miss McRae, and has three sons and four daughters.
is situated on the main south railway line, six miles from Ashburton. It has a small railway station, a public school with an average attendance of forty scholars, a blacksmith's shop, a hotel, and several grain sheds belonging to Longbeach estate. The soil within two miles of the township is generally light, though some of it yields good crops of wheat and oats. Towards the sea, the land, which was at one time a swampy wilderness, is now in a flourishing condition. It is all closely settled and well drained for the most part with field pipes. The land towards the hills is used principally for grazing sheep, and is somewhat stoney and tussocky. The extensive view of the mountain ranges from Winslow is very fine; the snow clad peaks, with their ever changing aspects, supplying an effective foil to the the plains, which would otherwise be uninteresting.
(Edward F. J. Grigg, proprietor), Winslow. Mr. Grigg is a son of Mr. John Grigg, one of the pioneer settlers in Ashburton county, and was born at Longbeach, Canterbury, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and Jesus College, Cambridge. In January, 1900, he started farming on 2500 acres of the Longbeach estate. The land grows excellent crops of wheat and oats, besides carrying a large number of sheep. Mr. Grigg has a farm of 2100 acres at Lowcliffe, and devotes his land there chiefly to grazing purposes. He married, in 1902, a daughter of Professor Cook, of Canterbury College, Christchurch.
Farmer, Winslow. Mr. Pearce is a native of Bristol, England, and came to Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Cameo” in 1859. His father, Mr. W. C. Pearce, established himself in business in London Street, Lyttelton, and for some years owned several coastal trading vessels. He afterwards removed with his family to Akaroa, where he spent four years in the grocery business, after which he had a farm at the Ashburton Forks for a number of years. It was there that Mr. T. A. C. Pearce first started on his own account, by taking up agricultural contract work, and also cropping on lease in the Upper Ashburton district, where, besides his farm, he had several large areas under cultivation. In 1889 he sold his farm, and continued cropping on lease for ten years, when he acquired his present holding of 272 acres between the Winslow railway station and Willowby. The land is light agricultural soil, suitable for either sheep grazing or grain crops. Mr. Pearce is a member of the Winslow school committee, and became a member of Lodge Somerset, Ashburton, in 1888. He married a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Ford, of Rangiora.
which is on the railway line six miles from Ashburton, is one of the best agricultural districts in Ashburton county. Field pipes have been largely used for draining the land, which is suitable for growing cereals and for grazing. The wheat crops average about forty bushels to the acre, and oats have been known to yield eighty bushels. There is a post office at Willowby, a Wesleyan church, and a public school with forty-two names on the roll. The nearest telegraph office is three miles distant, at Winslow.
(Henry Osborne, proprietor), Willowby. This factory, which is situated in the centre of a rich agricultural district on Ford's Road, is complete in every particular. It was specially designed, and is built of brick with concrete floors. The receiving platform, which is about eleven feet from the ground, has a convenient hoist for lifting the heavy cans to the platform, where they are emptied into the weighing cistern, which is placed on one of Fairbank's patent scales. This cistern is connected with a large wooden tank, in which the milk is allowed to mature before being run through the Swedish pasteuriser, which is of the latest pattern, and has a capacity of 130 gallons per hour. The cream is then separated by an Alpha-Laval separator, with a similar capacity, and transferred from the separator to one of the latest
Proprietor, was born on Banks' Peninsula, and was brought up on his father's farm at Tai Tapu. He visited England in 1885, and some months after his return he went to the North Island in search of a farm. Finding the climate unsuitable to his tastes he returned, and was engaged on contract farm work for some time. In 1897 he settled on the farm he now occuples, and which belongs to his father. He combines grain growing with dairy farming and for some years has been a large supplier of milk to the Flemington cheese factory. Mr. Osborne had attempted on several occasions to get an up-to-date butter factory started in the district, but without success. He decided, therefore, in 1901, to build one himself, and thus became the founder and owner of the first butter factory in the county of Ashburton.
General, Blacksmith, corner of Boundary and Ford's Roads, Willowby. Mr. Cass is a son of Mr. Francis Cass, who arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Lancashire Witch.” He was born in West Melton, Canterbury, and educated at Wakanui, where he learned his trade. Mr. Cass went to Lauriston for a short time, and then to Ashburton, where he was employed by Messrs P. and D. Duncan, and gained considerable experience in connection with agricultural machinery. In 1894 Mr. Cass acquired his present business, which he has carried on successfully ever since. In his large workshop he has two forges, and the necessary machinery for his trade, including a powerful oil engine. The business includes shoeing, coach-building, wheelwright work, and agricultural implement making, and repairing.
Farmer, Willowby. Mr. Lill was born and educated in Lincolnshire, England, where he was farming for a number of years before he came to New Zealand. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” in 1867, and shortly afterwards was engaged by Mr. Samuel Bailey, of Templeton, to take charge of his threshing machine. He was afterwards with Mr. Tosswill, of Templeton, for four years, and was on the Government railways for two years. He left his position, and took up 750 acres of land at Newlands, where he carried on general farming until 1890, when he sold out and bought his present farm of 187 acres at Willowby; later on he acquired a farm of 800 acres at Lyndhurst. Mr. Lill has taken an active interest in local affairs. He was for many years a member of the Newlands school committee, and at the time of his resignation was chairman of that body. He was a member of the Wakanui Road Board for four years, and was elected a member of the Longbeach Road Board in 1898, and a member of the Willowby school committee in 1890. Mr. Lill was married at Ashburton, in 1876, and has five sons and six daughters. He resides on his farm on the Longbeach Road, Willowby.
Willow Farm, Willowby. Mr. Stoddart is a son of an old colonist, Mr. William Stoddart, of Lincoln, and was born in Christchurch in 1865, and brought up to farming on his father's farm. For a time he tried his fortune on the goldfields of Otago, and worked for the Island Block Goldmining Company. After five years' experience in mining, Mr. Stoddart took up his farm at Willowby; it is good land, and comprises 150 acres. He owns another farm of 150 acres in the same district, and all his property has been cultivated. His wheat crops occasionally average forty-five bushels per acre, and oats eighty bushels. Mr. Stoddart deals extensively in buying and fattening sheep for the markets. He is a Freemason and a member of the Thistle Lodge, Ashburton. In 1895 he married a daughter of Mr. Horsey, and old colonist, of Willowby, and has a family of four.
Farmer, Willowby. Mr. Williams was born in Wales in 1846, and has been connected with farming from early life. In 1869 he arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Mermaid.” After his arrival he was for four years contracting for Mr. Rhodes at Tai Tapu. He afterwards removed to Ashburton, where he worked at laying the foundation of the Canterbury mill and cutting the mill race. He then went into the employment of Mr. Rhodes on his estates in the country, and afterwards bought 140 acres of land at Willowby; at the same time he started a butchery business, which he conducted for ten years. He then bought an additional 100 acres adjoining his farm; and as his family grew, and his area was not large enough to give employment to all its members, he bought 160 acres at Eiffelton, which he works conjointly with his home farm. In 1879 Mr. Williams married a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Chapman, of Willowby, and has five sons and three daughters.
was formerly part of the Longbeach estate, but is now all under cultivation in moderately-sized farms. The land is very fertile, and there is a cheese and butter factory in the settlement, which lies between Tinwald and Longbeach. It is sixty-three miles from Christchurh, with which it is connected by a daily mail service. The nearest telegraph office is at Tinwald, distant six miles.
Flemington is eminently adapted for grazing cattle, and should, therefore, be one of the best dairying centres in New Zealand. Owing to the dampness of the soil, it is not profitable to keep sheep, unless there be a tract of dry land in the neighbourhood, to which they can be removed at intervals. Those farmers who patronise the cheese factory, and make their living by dairying, say that it pays remarkably well. The great drawback to dairying at Flemington, as elsewhere, is the tie which it entails upon those who engage in it. Week in and week out, Sunday as well as Saturday, they have to be at it, and the young people are apt to become weary of what they consider a bondage. But the Flemington farmers have to study their own interests and adapt their mode of farming to the particular locality in which they are situated, and to the production of what will fairly remunerate them. With land sometimes reaching as high as £26 per acre, and with wheat sometimes as low as 2s 2d per bushel, and oats barely so much, it will not pay to grow grain.
The breeding of horses is intelligently carried on in the Flemington district. Messrs Taylor, Shearer and Small are well known in the showyard; and not only do they take a prominent place at the local shows, but even at Christchurch their horses carry off a very large proportion of the honours. This kind of farming pays handsomely, and when a man gets name for such stock he is generally on the way to a fortune.
The late Mr. John Grigg was reckoned as one of the shrewdest men in New Zealand, and he gave evidence of his talent when he selected what is now Longbeach and Flemington. In the early days the whole district was a swamp, but now, thanks to the energy of Mr. Grigg and his neighbours, it has become a veritable land of Goshen. As the capital of the settlers increases, improvements will go on, and it may reasonably be expected that in the near future, Flemington will rank as one of the finest farming districts in the whole of New Zealand.
(Mr. W. E. Bond, proprietor), Flemington. This factory was originally started by a company which competed for the Government bonus of £500 for the first fifty tons of cheese exported from the colony. The Edendale Factory in Southland, however, was awarded the bonus through a priority of ten days. Mr. Bond bought the factory in 1894, and has since then very successfully conducted it. The only difficulty experienced is in connection with milk, as the factory has a capacity for treating 3000 gallons per day, and cannot get a sufficient daily supply. The whole of the milk supplied is made into cheese and butter. The factory is considered to be one of the best built in the colony; the machinery is driven by a twelve-horse power steam engine, and the vats, presses and appliances are of the latest patterns. There are two large cheese-curing rooms in the building,
Proprietor, is a son of Mr. William Bond, of Callington, Cornwall, England. He was born in Dartmouth, Devon, in 1860, and brought up to farming. In 1878 he arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Hydaspes.” For about seven years he owned the mail coach running from Ashburton to Longbeach, and was for eight years subsequently owner of a store at Wheatstone. Mr. Bond is a man of untiring energy, and has lately been extensively engaged in the breeding of poultry and pigs. He married a daughter of Mr. Joshua Fergusson, of Belfast, and has two daughters.
Farmer, Flemington. Mr. White was born and brought up in Lincolnshire, England, and came to Lyttelton in 1871 by the ship “Charlotte Gladstone.” He shortly after joined his brother, Mr. John White—who had arrived three years previously—in farming at Templeton; after which he went to Prebbleton, and remained there until June, 1874, when he removed to the Longbeach district, and bought 187 acres. He has since added to this area, and has now 450 acres of land, chiefly rich swampy soil. Mr. White resides on his farm at Dells's Road. He is married, and has four sons and six daughters.
is a school district about two miles from Ashburton on the coach road between Tinwald and Longbeach, and close to the sea coast. The land is light and well adapted for sheep, though it also grows good crops, forty bushels of wheat and fifty of oats to the acre being not uncommon. The school has an average attendance of thirty scholars. Mails leave daily for Ashburton by coach.
Ashton, is situated in the centre of the Ashton district, at the junction of the Longbeach and Graham's Roads.
Master of the Ashton School, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and educated at St. Andrew's and also at Edinburgh. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Velore” in 1861. For a number of years he was on a station, and then taught for two years and a half at a school at Waikerikikeri, on Banks' Peninsula, until he became master of the Ashton public school in 1887.
Ford Creek Farm, Ashton, near Ashburton. Mr. Taylor was born in the North of Ireland in 1841, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1864, in the ship “Statesman,” and landed at Auckland. Shortly afterwards he went to Hokitika, where, for twelve months, he was successful in mining. He then came to Canterbury, and farmed in the Leeston district for ten years. After that he bought his present farm, which was then Crown land, in its native state. He now owns another farm in the same district, and the two together contain 650 acres. During a recent season his wheat yielded thirty-five bushels per acre, and his oats, sixty bushels. Mr. Taylor is well known as one of the most successful horse breeders in the Ashburton county, and he has won a large number of prizes at many shows. Mr. Taylor was for five years a member of the Ashburton County Council. He has been associated with the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association since its inception, and was its president for a year. He took an active part in promoting the Ashton library; he is a member of the local cemetery board, and has also been chairman of the Ashton school committee for several years. Mr. Taylor was married, in 1871, to Miss Gilmour, of Glasgow, and they have three sons and eight daughters.
Farmer, Beach Road, Ashton. Mr. Weston was born in 1840, and educated at Stanwell Moor, near Staines, Middlesex, England. He spent five years at sea on board the British man-of-war “Arrogant,” and also on the “Black Prince,” the second ironclad launched by Great Britain. While in the navy he visited many ports in Africa and the Mediterranean. After buying his discharge he joined the merchant service, and was in one of Mr. Money Wigram's ships, the “Yorkshire,” trading between Melbourne and London, and was afterwards in the ship “Blandina Dudley,” trading between Callao and Genoa, New York, and London. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Canterbury” on the 17th of June, 1865, and after visiting the West Coast, he returned to Canterbury, where he worked for three years at Westerfield. For four years he was in partnership with Mr. W. Streeter, as a threshing machine proprietor. On retiring from that business, he removed to Ashton, and purchased 123 acres from the Government, to which he afterwards added another area of 101 acres; and, at a later date he bought 126 acres from Mr. J. C. N. Grigg. He now has 350 acres of land, which extends to the coast line. Mr. Weston was married at Tai Tapu, in 1875, to Miss E. Streeter, daughter of a very old colonist, who came to New Zealand from Adelaide in 1858, and has one son and four daughters.
is in the Longbeach road district, and is ten miles from Tinwald and twelve from Ashburton. A coach carrying passengers and mails leaves Waterton daily at 8 a.m., and returns at 6 p.m. The township itself is on the Longbeach road and close to the seashore. There is a good hotel of twenty-one rooms, several business houses, a church and a school, which is situated near Longbeach homestead. The land throughout the district is of good quality, and yields excellent crops of cereals. There is generally a large area under cultivation, and sheep thrive well on the lighter land.
(E. P. March), proprietor), Waterton. This hotel is situated in the pleasant country district of Waterton, close to the well-known Longbeach estate. The house contains twenty-four rooms, including the dining room and four sitting rooms. A balcony runs round the house, affording on one side a splendid view of the sea, and on the other, of the picturesque neighbouring country, with the hills in the distance. Waterton is a favourite health resort, and Mr. Burkitt's house is throughout a model of cleanliness. A good table is also kept. Stabling is provided, an there are accommodation paddocks for sheep.
formerly Proprietor of the Waterton Hotel, was born in Norfolk, England, where he was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand on the maiden trip of the s.s. “Coptic,” in 1884. Mr. Burkitt followed mining and farming first in Central Otago and afterwards in Nelson. He took over the Waterton Hotel, in 1899. Mr. Burkitt married Miss Peters, of Otago, and has one son.
Farmer, Craigieburn Farm, Waterton. Mr. McLauchlan has been identified with Canterbury since 1855, when he arrived at Lyttelton in the ship “Cornubia.” He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1837. After remaining in Christchurch some time he went to Lincoln, where he bought a farm, which he worked for five years. Then he went to Brookside, where he farmed for twenty-five years. On the expiration of his lease he went to Waterton, in 1891, and bought his present farm of 303 acres, which has all been successfully cultivated. Mr. McLauchlan's wheat crops occasionally average forty bushels, and oats fifty bushels per acre. Mr. McLauchlan has been very successful in breeding horses. He was married, in New Zealand, to Miss Christina Sutherland, of Caithness, Scotland, and has two sons and one daughter.
of Waterton, is a very old colonist, who landed in New Zealand prior to the first four ships. He was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1826, and was brought up to agriculture. In 1849 he arrived in New Zealand in the ship “Duke of Portland,” and landed at Wellington. He came out as a cadet, and throughout his long experience in New Zealand has never once regretted the step he took. On the arrival of the first four ships at Lyttelton, Mr. Dawson went to Canterbury, and settled for some time at the Head of the Bay, in Banks' Peninsula. In 1872, he took up his present farm of 1460 acres, then mostly swamp land, covered with flax and tussock. It has all been drained and farmed successfully, and the crops yield good returns. Mr. Dawson was for many years an active member of the Longbeach Road Board, and was for a long time chairman of the Waterton school committee. He married a daughter of the late Mr. Prebble, of Prebbleton, and has a surviving family of four sons and four daughters. Mrs Dawson was brought out, when a child, with her parents, in 1840, and is considered the oldest surviving lady colonist in Ashburton county.
received its name on account of its nearness to the long beach which was formerly known as the Ninety Mile Beach. The district has, however, become noted chiefly through the exceptional enterprise, energy, and intelligence, with which the late Mr. John Grigg developed the agricultural resources of his celebrated estate. Longbeach is in the county of Ashburton, and within sixteen miles of the town of Ashburton, with which it is connected by a daily coach service. There is daily postal communication with Christchurch, distant sixty-nine miles. Winslow, eleven miles away, has the nearest telegraph office.
Longbeach, is situated on the Longbeach Road, about a mile and a half from the Waterton township, and so is conveniently situated for both the township and the families residing at Longbeach homestead. The school, which is well built of wood, was put up about 1876, on the corner of a twelve-acre block, a gift of the late Mr. John Grigg, who acted as chairman of the school committee for a number of years. Mr. Collins was first headmaster. When Mr. Watson, the present headmaster, took charge in 1890, the average attendance was fifty, and it has now risen to fifty-five. There is one female assistant teacher.
Headmaster of the Longbeach public school, was born in Christchurch, and educated at Brookside. He was afterwards a pupil-teacher under Mr. Baldwin, for three years, and also went through a two years' course of training at the Normal School, and obtained his D certificate. He has been master of the Selwyn public school, and the Killinchy public school, and was in South Canterbury for five years, after which he was for two years at Kyle, whence he was appointed to Longbeach in 1890. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Ashburton, No. 1811, and was initiated in 1895. Mr. Watson is married, and has three sons and four daughters.
A portion of this well-known property was taken up as early as 1857 by Messrs Fitzgerald, Cox, Hunter Brown, and Draper, but nothing was done towards reclaiming and cultivating any part of it till eight or ten years later. During the year 1864 Mr. John Grigg, in partnership with Mr. Thomas Russell, of Auckland, began to buy up portions of the country, and continued doing so till 1871, by which time he had acquired a block of 30,000 acres. The land was then a tract of peaty swamp, and no one, looking upon its wild state, would have thought that such an uninviting piece of country could be turned into one of the most productive areas in the colony, or come to be termed “the finest farm in the world.” The draining of Longbeach was a long, labourious and costly undertaking, but it was carried out with the energy and indomitable perseverance which distinguished the character of its founder, Mr. Grigg. While the original property of 30,000 acres was being brought under cultivation, portions on the outskirts were gradually sold, and passed into the hands of farmers, many of whom had gained their early experience at contract and other work on Longbeach, and afterwards built for themselves well appointed and comfortable homesteads. By this process the area of the estate was reduced until it was only half of its original acreage. The sales then ceased, however, and the area remained till recent years at 15,000 acres. In the year 1882 the partnership between Mr. Grigg and Mr. Russell was dissolved, and lead to a memorable sale of stock, which lasted for five days, and realist a total sum of £35,037 12s 8d. Previous to this sale mixed farming had been carried on to a very considerable extent, but the breeding of cattle and sheep had formed the principal feature in each year's operations. Mr. Grigg's long experience, remarkable energy, and almost unerring judgment, were devoted to the selection and breeding of choice stock, and he was, consequently, a large and highly successful exhibitor, and one of the principal prize-takers at the Canterbury metropolitan and other important agricultural and pastoral shows. Large numbers of sheep and cattle were annually reared, and Mr. Grigg did much to found and promote the frozen meat trade. Dairying was also an important branch of
Proprietor of Longbeach Estate, is a son of the late Mr. John Grigg, the founder of the property. He was born in Auckland, in 1861, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and the University of Cambridge, England. On his way back to the colony, he spent several months in visiting the various important centres of America, and landed in New Zealand in 1883. From that date he acted as overseer of “Longbeach” until 1901, when, on the death of his father, he succeeded to the ownership of the estate. Mr. Grigg was married, in 1891, to Miss A. M. Hutton, daughter of Captain F. W. Hutton, curator of the Christchurch Museum, and has three sons and two daughters.
Pioneer Colonist and Founder of Longbeach Estate, was born at Liskeard, Cornwall, England, in 1828, and was educated at the Naval College, Stoke, and at other schools. He inherited from his father a freehold farm, which he sold in 1853, and then sailed for Australia in the ship “Blackwall,” by which he reached Melbourne early in 1854. Mr. Grigg remained only about six months in Australia, and then came to New Zealand. He took up land in the Auckland district, where he also married Miss Vercoe. He began in Auckland by devoting his land to the cultivation of potatoes on a large scale, and sending the produce to the Australian markets, but this did not prove a profitable business. During the time of the war with the Maoris, Mr. Grigg contracted with the Government to supply hay for the army horses. This contract was broken by the Government, where-upon Mr. Grigg bought up all the hay in the district. Then the Government, after all, had to obtain its supplies from him, and under the circumstances he exacted double the price agreed upon in the original contract. Mr. Grigg was for some time engaged in sheep and cattle-farming in the Auckland district. He afterwards bought some land in Southland, but did not settle there. It was in 1864 that he bought the first portion of “Longbeach,” and his brother, Mr. Joseph Grigg, managed it while Mr. Grigg himself wound up his affairs in the North Island. When Mr. Grigg first removed his family to Canterbury in 1866, they resided for some years at Avonbank, near the Fendalton bridge, but he personally at once began to apply himself to the reclamation of the Longbeach land, which consisted very largely of peaty swamp, covered with flax, rushes, and other rank vegetable growth, interspersed with deep and dangerous bog-holes filled with water. Then, and up till 1882, his brother-in-law, Mr. Thomas Russell, was in partnership with him in the ownership of the estate, which for a number of years was used solely for raising and fattening sheep and cattle, in the sale of which a large trade was done with the West Coast goldfields. While this was going on, the partners kept adding to their property up till 1871, when it consisted of 30,000 acres, half of which was afterwards sold from time to time in moderate-sized areas: On the balance Mr. Grigg carried on that work of reclamation which ended in making “Longbeach” famous as the finest farm in the world. The huge swamp was effectually drained and cleared, sown in grass, and brought under cultivation with such results that from 4,000 to 5,000 acres have been under crop year by year; with an average in wheat of from thirty to fifty bushels per acre, oats from fifty to 100 bushels, barley forty-seven bushels, and peas about twenty-two bushels per acre. Besides devoting great enterprise, intelligence, and energy to the development of “Longbeach,” Mr. Grigg actively assisted in the establishment of the Belfast Freezing Works, in the management of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and in the work of the Ashburton County Council, the Longbeach Road Board and school committee. He was also for some time a member of the House of Representatives. Mr. Grigg died at Longbeach on the 7th of November, 1901, in his 74th years, and was buried in the Longbeach churchyard beside his wife who had predeceased him by about sixteen years. There had been ten children in the family, but only seven were alive at the time of Mr. Grigg's death.
The Hinds township and district take their name from the river Hinds which flows, only when in flood, through the northern part of the settlement, towards the sea. The Hinds railway station, and post and telegraph offices, which are on the main south line, sixty-four miles from Christchurch, and eleven from Ashburton, are in the centre of a large agricultural and pastoral district. Mails by coach leave thrice weekly for Lowcliffe, and also for Lismore and Maronan. Hinds presents an instructive object lesson in its saleyards, which belong to the Hinds Saleyards Company Limited. The company, however, has built not only the usual cattle and sheep pens, but a fine shearing shed and an up-to-date sheep dip, both of which are well supported by the farmers throughout the district. There are several business places in the township, which has an accommodation house, a Wesleyan church, and a public school. In 1887 the neighbouring land, which was formerly held under Crown lease by Mr. John Studholme, was opened up by the Government for selection in blocks of fifty acres each, and the settlers received financial assistance to the extent of £20 each for building purposes. However, the land proved to be suitable only for sheep, and the small selectors either threw up their leases or sold out, and now the smaller farms in the district range from 200 to 500 acres in area.
stands in a plantation of fir trees near the railway station. It has a class room which has accommodation for seventy-five scholars, and there is an attendance of fifty. Mr. J. C. Sheldon is headmaster, and has one female assistant teacher.
Headmaster of the Hinds Public School, was born in South Australia, and educated at the Church of England grammar school, Melbourne. He came to New Zealand in 1885, and shortly afterwards was appointed master of the Bloomfield school, near Amberley, whence he was transferred to Charing Cross, where he was headmaster for eight years. In 1895 Mr. Sheldon was appointed to his present position. He is married, and resides near the school.
Farmer, Hinds, Mr. Chisnall is a son of Mr. William Chisnall, who is referred to in another article as an old colonist. He was born in Christchurch, brought up on his father's farm, and educated at Mr. Scott's high school. On leaving school he took charge of his father's farm at Fendalton, ad managed it until 1877, when he removed to the Hinds and bought 1000 acres of good grazing land He has now 3800 acres of land, which is used principally as a sheep run. Mr. Chisnall is a member of the Coldstream Road Board, and was for a number of years on the Rangitata Road Board. He is chairman of direction of the Hinds Saleyards Company, Limited. Mr. Chisnall is married, and has five sons and one daughter.
Hinds. This property was first taken up as a run from the Canterbury Provincial Government early in the fifties by Messrs Scott and Ernest Gray, the latter of whom was afterwards well known as a member of the Legislative Council, and as the owner of Hoon Hay, near Christchurch. In 1867 these gentlemen sold their interest to Messrs John and Michael Studholme, under whose joint ownership it remained until the brothers dissolved partnership, in 1878. It then became the sole property of Mr. John Studholme, and continued in the bands until he made it over to his eldest son, the present owner, in 1890. The original boundaries of the run were the Hinds and Rangitata rivers on the east and west, the sea on the south, and the old Maronan and Cracroft runs on the north. From these it was divided by a fence running close to the present railway line. Cold-stream had the same area and about the same boundaries as the present Coldstream road district. When sold by Messrs Scott and Gray, the freehold consisted of only a few sections, and consequently few improvements had been made. At that date, too, nearly all that part afterwards known as the Lowcliffe estate, and about 1000 acres of what is still Coldstream, some 12,000 acres in all, consisted of an impassable swamp, which abounded in wild pigs, pukaki, and other native game. This was true also of the lagoon at the mouth of the Rangitata, where swans, shags and ducks, now conspicuous by their absence, were numerous. From 1867 to 1890 the property was under the able management of the late Mr. C. H. Dowding, who, by care and knowledge, raised the flock of Merino-Lincoln cross to a high standard. A few years ago the Lincoln strain was discarded for the English Leicester cross; the Lincoln stud flock was sold and a start made with an English Leicester stud flock by the purchase of eighty ewe hoggets at Mr. Henry Gray's clearing sale at Waiora. Coldstream has some hundreds of acres in plantations, and a large sum has been spent in fencing, draining, and other improvements. The freehold area, which two or three years ago was over 18,000 acres, is being steadily reduced by sale. The old homestead, built by Messrs Scott and
eldest son of the late Mr. John Studholme, a prominent pioneer colonist, was born in 1863, at Sir John Hall's present home at Hororata, then owned by Messrs Studholme brothers. He was educated at Farnborough, England, Christ's College, New Zealand, and at Christchurch, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1887 and M.A. in 1891. From 1888 to 1891 he was engaged in farming at Coldstream. The years 1891 to 1895 were spent by him chiefly in the North Island, assisting his father in connection with his northern property. From 1895 to 1897 he was engaged partly in travelling and partly studying the conditions of life in East London, at the Oxford House, under its then head, the present Bishop of London. In 1897 Mr. Studholme married a daughter of the late Dr. Thomson, Archbishop of York. From 1897 to the present date he has continued farming at Coldstream. He served as a trooper in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry for two years, and for one year as lieutenant in the Ashburton Mounted Rifles. Mr. Studholme has taken much interest in the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he is a past president, as he is also of the Ashburton County Racing Club. He is a member of the Diocesan Synod, and of the Ashburton County Council, and is chairman of the Coldstream Road Board.
on the Hinds river, has an area of 3,100 acres. Near the river the soil is rich and yields good crops of oats and wheat, but on other parts of the estate the land is unsuitable for cropping, though it grows excellent pasturage for sheep. The estate is well laid out with plantations, which afford excellent shelter for the stock, and protect the crops from the nor'-west winds, which in the early days did much damage to the district. In 1902–3, 100 acres of “Dane bury” were under crop, 800 in tussock, and the balance was in English grasses.
Owner of the Danebury Estate, is a son of Mr. James Austin, of Winchester, who is well known throughout South Canterbury. He was born and educated at Winchester, where he was brought up on his father's farm. In 1902 the Danebury estate was bought by Mr. Austin. The home-stead, which is pleasantly situated on the north bank of the Hinds river, is surrounded by plantations in excellent order.
(T. Harrison, proprietor), Hinds. This estate was originally part of the Westerfield run, and was purchased by the present proprietor in 1895. The estate contains, 2,445 acres of freehold. It is devoted chiefly to the production of wool and mutton, and a large number of lambs and sheep are annually available for the export trade. For this purpose Mr. Harrison breeds from English Leicester and Shropshire rams, and halfbred ewes. The lambs are finished off on rape, and all sold fat on the property. Excellent crops of grain are raised on “Hackthorne,” and a considerable area is ploughed annually with a view to the constant renewal of the pasturage. Mr. Harrison has a purebred flock of Shropshire sheep. Of his two stud rams, one was bred by Mr. R. P. Cooper, England, and one by Mr. Burbing, of Tasmania. One first and one second prize were obtained out of three entries, at the Ashburton show, the first time Mr. Harrison exhibited sheep belonging to his stud flock. The dwellinghouse at “Hackthorne” is a fine two-storey building, situated on the banks of the Hinds river, and well sheltered from the prevailing winds by plantations of ornamental trees and shrubs. There are over forty acres of plantations on the estate to give shelter and shade to stock.
was born in 1858 in Cockerham, Lancashire, England. He was educated at the Lancaster Grammar School. Mr. Harrison came to New Zealand in 1879 in the ship “Waimate,” and was for three years in the Amuri district, in Marlborough, and in the North Island. In 1883 he visited England, and returned to New Zealand in the following year. He purchased “Clent Hills,” in 1885, and sold it to his brother ten years later. Mr. Harrison served for five years on the Mount Somers Road Board. He was married, in 1891, to Miss Williams, and has three sons.
Farmer, Hinds. Mr. Hansen was born in
is situated on the south bank of the Hinds river. It has an area of 6000 acres, and extends from Lismore to within a mile and a half of the Hinds railway station. Of its total area 2000 acres are under cultivation, and the balance in its native state; it carries 5000 sheep and lambs. The estate was purchased by the present proprietor in 1895. The Maronan old trees were well known features in the coaching days, and afforded an acceptable sheltered halting-place on the open plain.
Proprietor of Maronan Estate, is a native of Totnes, South Devon, England, where he was educated. After spending some time in London he went to Ceylon, where for twenty years before coming to New Zealand, he had a tea, coffee, and cinchona plantation in the Uoa district. Mr. Kellock imported from Herefordshire, England, the first Ryeland sheep brought to New Zealand. They have the reputation of being the hardiest and oldest breed of sheep known in England, and are similar to the first cross so much sought for in Canterbury. Mr. Kellock is now a member of the Rangitata Road Board. He married a daughter of the late Mr. John Grigg, of Longbeach.
Farmer, Hinds. Mr. McKenzie was born at Inverness, Scotland, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1862. After living on the Ferry road, Christchurch, the family removed to Southbrock, where Mr. McKenzie was educated; after which he lived at Fernside for a number of years. In 1878 he and his brother took up 1500 acres of land at the Hinds and worked it as a sheep farm until 1899, when he bought a block of 143 acres from Mr. J. Studholme. This land, which is close to the township and the river, yields up to eighty bushels of oats and sixty bushels of wheat to the acre. Mr. McKenzie also has 260 acres of plains land which carries sheep. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and has been on the local school committee since 1901, and is now its chairman. Mr. McKenzie was married at the Hinds.
Farmer, Hinds. Mr. Stewart is a son of Mr. Peter Stewart, of “Seaview,” Wakanui, and was born, educated and brought up on his father's farm. He worked a threshing plant for five years before taking up his present holding of 1300 acres, in 1898. Mr. Stewart runs 1300 sheep on his land, and his crops of oats average from twenty to thirty bushels to the acre. He was the first to introduce into the district ploughing by traction engine, and he has proved it to be cheaper than horse power, the engine making as many as nine furrows at a time. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Hinds school committee. He is married.
Farmer, Maronan Road, Hinds. Mr. Woolley was born and educated at Throaphan, Yorkshire, England. After sixteen years of farm life there he sailed for New Zealand, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Huntress' in 1863. He first obtained employment with Mr. McFarlane, of Rangiora; after which he was contracting at farm work for six years in Tai Tapu and the surrounding districts. On settling in the Ashburton district he took up a farm of 100 acres near Willowby, and also had 278 acres near the Wakanui creek. He farmed these lands for six years, and then took up the 434 acres on which he still resides at the Hinds. Mr. Woolley carries on general farming, and his wheat and oats average twenty-five and forty bushels to the acre respectively. He was married at Hoon Hay, near Christchurch, and has three sons and eight daughters.
arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Phœbe Dunbar” in November,
is on the bank of the river Hinds, in the county of Ashburton, and is seventy-three miles from Christchurch, with which it has postal communication three times a week. The nearest telegraph office is at Mayfield, seven miles away. Lismore is connected by an eight-mile coach service with the Hinds railway station. The district is devoted chiefly to the pasturage of sheep, but the cultivated land yields excellent crops of wheat and oats.
Farmer, Fairview Farm, Lismore, Mr. Paterson was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and for some time he followed farming, which he afterwards exchanged for town life in Ayr and Glasgow. However, when he came out to New Zealand in 1874, in the ship “Verona,” he took to farming. In 1877 he purchased 200 acres of his present farm, which was then covered with tussock and manuka. Now the place is one of well cultivated fields, surrounded by substantial live and ire fences; and the property consists of 400 acres, divided into eleven paddocks. The land is devoted chiefly to the rearing of stock, and to the production of wool and mutton for the export trade; but as it is found necessary to renew the grass occasionally, Mr. Paterson has a fair portion of his farm under the plough, and raises good crops of wheat, oats, turnips and rape. Mr. Paterson has always taken an active part in educational and church matters; he has been on the school committee almost from its inception, and has been its chairman. He was married, in 1873, to Miss McCallum, and has four sons and two daughters.
is situated five miles from the Valetta railway station, and is seventy-two miles by road from Ashburton. There is a daily coach service to Valetta, a post and telegraph office, a daily mail, a public school, with fifty scholars on the roll, a Presbyterian church, and a Wesleyan church. The business places include an accommodation house, a large general store, a blacksmith's shop, and also the premises of a coach builder and painter. A company named the Mayfield Saleywards Company, Limited, was formed in February, 1902, and has acquired a ten-acre block, in the township, and built yards, with accommodation for 4,000 sheep; sales are held monthly. The company has, also an up-to-date sheep dip, seventy feet long. The surrounding country is almost entirely devoted to sheepfarming, and oat and turnip crops do well on the land. The output of fat sheep and lambs increases every year, and the district is rapidly coming to the front as one of the best in Canterbury for grazing and fattening sheep. Owing to the nearness of the hills, there is an abundant rainfall; but although Mayfield is over 1,000 feet above sea level, snow seldom lies more than two days at a time. Amongst the earliest settlers were Mr J. Toner, Mr W. Rutherford, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. James Dellow, Mr. J. Coskerie, Mr. D. Morrow, Mr. E. G. Beckett, Mr J. L. Christensen, and Mr G. J. Rainey.
Engineer and Threshing Machine Proprietor, Mayfield. Mr. Burgess was born at Templeton and educated at Dunsandel, and at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. After spending some time on his father's farm he was employed by Messrs P. and D. Duncan in Christchurch, and later on was with Mr. D. Reese, the well known builder in that city. On leaving Mr. Reese he followed agriculture for about five years. In 1894 he bought a steam chaffcutting plant, and began
Storekeeper, Mayfield. Mr. Good is the eldest son of the late Mr. Joseph Good, of Greenstreet. He was born on the late Mr. J. R. C. C. Grammond's farm, Tinwald, and was educated in the Ashburton district. At his father's death, in 1890, he took over his father's farm at Greenstreet, where he resided for five years. He was then for a while in Ashburton, and in 1899 he bought Mr. Tweedie's farm of 335 acres at Anama, where he farmed for three years. He then bought his present business from Mr W. T. Doake, who had carried it on for many years. Mr. Good has built new premises, including a slaughterhouse and yards, in the centre of the township. The stock in the store includes groceries, ironmongery, glassware, crockery, drapery, clothing, etc. Mr. Good is proprietor of the mail coach which runs daily from Mayfield and Valetta, and twice a week to Ruapuna, and he has the contract for carrying the mails. He takes an active interest in local affairs, and is a member of the Mayfield school committee. Mr. Good was married at Greenstreet, in 1889, to the second daughter of the late Mr. Corpus, of Croydon, Surrey, Eng land, and they have a family of five daughters.
(William Oakley, Proprietor), Mayfield. Mr. Oakley is the youngest son of Mr. Alfred Oakley, who is well known in the Brookside and Rakaia districts. He was born at Riccarton, and received his education at Brookside. After being associated in farming with his brother for a few years, he married Miss Lewis, of “Riccarton,” and started on his own account in 1885, at Overdale, where he bought a farm of 500 acres. In 1890 he moved with his family of three sons and four daughters to Mayfield, where he bought, from the Rev. Dr. Elmslie, 1000 acres of land, known as the Cairndale estate. Mr. Oakley has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He has served as chairman of the Overdale and the Chertsey school committees for several years, and is a member of the Mayfield school committee, and chairman of directors of the Mayfield Saleyards Company Limited. Mr. Oakley is a very successful farmer.
Blacksmith and Farmer, Mayfield. Mr. Dellow was born in Middlesex in 1857, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1859, in the ship “Regina.” The family settled at Harewood Road and Templeton, and his father purchased land at the last mentioned place; he himself learned his trade partly at Yaldhurst, and finished his apprenticeship with Messrs P. and D. Duncan, of Christchurch. Mr. Dellow began business at Mayfield in a small way on the 18th of July, 1881, and since then his trade has gone on increasing. It has been found that the implements in use in other parts of the colony are all too light for the stony land about Mayfield, and ploughs of exceptional strength had to be designed with heavy coulters and steel shares. Notwithstanding this, there are constant breakages, and Mr. Dellow's chief business consists in repairing the damaged implements. With the experience thus gained he has made harrows much more adapted for the Mayfield land than those made elsewhere. These harrows are in great demand, and their manufacture now forms a special branch of Mr. Dellow's business. It has been found necessary in the Mayfield district that ploughwheels should have wrought iron tiers around them, and Mr. Dellow has developed a special branch of trade in this connection. Horseshoeing is another important item in his business, and owners bring their horses from distance of fourteen miles. In addition to blacksmithing, Mr. Dellow farms 283 acres, which he uses chiefly for grazing purposes. He bought a stud flock of English Leicesters from Mr. John Ballantyne, of Staple estate, Rua puna. These sheep were the progeny of a flock imported by Mr. Ballantyne from Mr. T. H. Hutchison, of Manor House, Catterick, England, and of studs owned by other first-class New Zealand breeders. Though a blacksmith, Mr. Dellow has had a practical knowledge of sheep since he was ten years of age, and he makes a specialty of his stud flock. Mr. Dellow has long acted as postmaster at Mayfield, and he has for many years been chairman of the school committee, the library committee, and the cemetery trustees, and a member of the Rangitata Road Board since May, 1899. He is a local preacher in the Wesleyan church, and a supporter of the Presbyterian and other churches; and he organised the first singing class in the district, and has conducted it with great success for over fifteen years. He is a brother of the late Rev. J. Dellow, so well and favourably known in Canterbury,
Sheepfarmer, Mayfield. Mr. Gale was born in Somersetshire, England, where he served an apprenticeship as a blacksmith. In 1862 he arrived in Victoria by the ship “City of Melbourne,” and shortly after-wards went to the Ovens goldfields, where he spent two years. He then crossed the brother into New South Wales, in which he resided twelve months. While in Victoria he was engaged in boiler-making at Fitzroy, and at Newcastle, New South Wales, he was employed by a large mining company, and was also working at Wallsend. Thereafter he sailed for New Zealand, and landed at Auckland in 1865. After spending two months in Auckland he removed to the West Coast, and shortly afterwards came on the Canterbury, where he was engaged in farming at Lincoln, and afterwards for four years at Greendale. Some time after settling in the Ashburton district he took up a farm at Longbeach, and farmed it until 1884, when he bought 150 acres of land of good quality at Mayfield. Mr. Gale has since acquired a further area of 300 acres, part of which originally belonged to the Valetta run. The farm is well watered, and situated on the Hinds river, close to the Mayfield township.
This estate is the property of Mr. George Murdoch. Originally it was part of Shepherd's Bush and Cracroft runs, but now it consists of 4500 acres of freehold land. The estate is devoted to grazing, and growing turnips and other root crops, for which the land is well adapted, and a large number of fat sheep and lambs are annually available for the export trade. The breeds in favour on “Mayfield” are English and Border Leicester rams and halfbred and crossbred ewes. All surplus stock is sold fat from the estate. The property is divided into twenty-nine paddocks, with good substantial fences, and the homestead has a good dwellinghouse and the necessary outbuildings.
was appointed Manager of the Mayfield estate in 1894, when the property was owned by the National Bank of New Zealand. He was born in Caithnessshire, Scotland, in 1860, and was brought up to pastoral life under one of the best farmers in his native county—Mr. John Miller, of “Scrobster.” Mr. Dunett came to New Zealand in 1886, in the s.s. “Doric,” and obtained an engagement on Raincliff station under Mr. T. B. Bain, and was subsequently on Sherwood Downs. He was married, in 1896, to Miss Fraser, and has two daughters.
Farmer, Valetta Road, Mayfield. Mr. Trethewey was born and brought up on his father's farm at Tregaise, Roche, Cornwall, England. He was engaged in mining for a few years before leaving for New Zealand. Shortly after his arrival at Lyttelton, in October, 1879, he proceeded to
formerly of Mayfield, arrived in New Zealand from Scotland, by the ship “Chariot of Fame,” in 1862. He settled at Templeton, where he farmed for a number of years, and also had farms at Dunsandel and Mayfield. While he resided at Mayfield he was a member of the Rangitata Road Board. Mr. Burgess now lives in retirement in Christchurch. He has four sons, three of whom are engineers and threshing machine owners, at Mayfield and Dunsandel, respectively.
settlement, which was bought from the trustees of the late Hon. W. S. Peter, by the Government, contains 2,000 acres of good, level, and undulating agricultural and pastoral land, with a depth of about eight inches of black soil. In March, 1898, the land, which had been divided into nine farms, was balloted for under leases in perpetuity at a rental of five per cent. on its capital value. The rents averaged from two shillings to six shillings and sixpence per acre, and the whole of the land was taken up. It is now well fenced and cultivated. Excellent yields of oats and turnips are common; the settlers are well housed, and the farms are in a prosperous condition owing to careful cultivation. There is a public school at the settlement, which is one mile and a half from Mayfield, and three miles from the Anama railway station.
Farmer, Hekeao settlement. Mr. Harrison is a native of County Wexford, Ireland, where he was brought up on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in 1884 by the ship “Bombay.” Shortly after landing at Lyttelton, he went to Dorie in the Ashburton county, where he settled with his brothers. After working a farm of 1000 acres in that district for seven years, he was appointed manager of a property of 1500 acres for the Bank of New South Wales. In 1898 he took up his present area of 330 acres. The land is all of good quality, crops of oats going as high as seventy bushels to the acre; it also carries four sheep to the acre. Mr. Harrison is a member of the Anama Road Board, to which he was elected in 1902; and he is also a director of the Mayfield Saleyards Company Limited. He married a daughter of Mr. Eggleston, farmer, of Hekeao.
which is about twenty-five miles from Ashburton, is a prosperous agricultural and pastoral district. The post office is connected with the public school, which has an average attendance of twenty-two. Among the oldest settlers in the district are Mr J. Doyle and Mr. J. McLaughlan. In 1885, the land which lies between the Shepherd's Bush estate and the Rangitata traffic bridge was thrown open for selection by the Government, under perpetual lease, in sections varying from 200 acres to 600 acres, valued at thirty shillings per acre. Under a revaluation made in 1889 the price was reduced to twenty-five shillings per acre, with the result that the whole of the sections were taken up within two years. Before the advent of the settlers, stunted manuka scrub, tussock and stones, which seemed to defy all attempts at cultivation, covered the plain. Owing to the industry and perseverance of the settlers, the foresight of the Government, and the County Council's water races, the landscape now presents a very different aspect, with its well made roads, bordered with sweet smelling gorse hedges, which afford shelter for the sheep and cattle, and the plantations of stately pines which surround the homes of the farmers. The land is all divided and fenced into paddocks of from five to one hundred acres, and the homesteads of the settlers are set off with lawns, orchards, flower and vegetable gardens. Heaps of stones and boulders, which have been taken from the land, are to be seen in many of the paddocks, some of which still await the labour which has raised the value of the land from twenty-five shillings to £4 per acre. Mr. T. Bennett, Mr. J. Glaney, Messrs D. and S. Sewell, Mr. C Jaine, Mr. R Anderson, Mr. W. Trethewey, Mr. Sealey and Mr. Clement are amongst those who were the first to settle in district. The Ruapuna settlers have been specially complimented by the Government Land Commissioners on account of the excellence of the work done by them.
Sheepfarmer, Ruapiana. Mr. Bennett, who is a son of the late Mr. John Bennett, of wakanui, was born at Templeton and brought up on his father's farm at Wakanui. He took up his present holding of 442 acres in 1891, under a thirty years' lease. After fencing the land and cultivating it for five years, he had his tenure changed to perpetual lease. When Mr. Bennett first settled on his holding it had a very rough appearance; it was thickly covered with stones and tussocks, and had no water-races, and no fences of any kind. After getting the land surveyed, he fenced and broke it up, and gathered the largest of the stones into heaps in various parts of the different paddocks. The whole of the land is now in an excellent state of cultivation; the paddocks of English grasses are well stocked with sheep; the root crops do well, and the homestead nestles in a clump of spruce and pine trees; all of which goes to show that the land has been made the most of Mr. Bennett was married at Templeton, and has five sons and one daughter.
Eden Terrace Farm, Ruapuna. Mr. Doyle was born at St John's, Dalry, Scotland, in 1836. On arriving in New Zealand in 1862, by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” he entered the employment of the late Hon. J. C. W. Russell, of Ilam. Three years afterwards Mr. Doyle, like many others, tried his luck on the West Coast diggings, but failing to strike gold there he commenced farming for himself in that part of the Leeston district now known after him as Doyleston. Later on he acquired another and a larger farm in the same district. Both these properties, which still remain in his possession, have been much improved by careful cultivation, and the erection of substantial buildings. In 1880 Mr. Doyle pushed still further afield, buying 1500 acres in that part of the Shepherd's Bush district, Rangitata, now known as Ruapuna. On his arrival it was with difficulty he was able to locate his property, as for miles in all directions nothing was to be seen but tussock. Out of this treeless and waterless waste, a splendid well-grassed farm, with abundance of water, and capable of carrying fully 4000 sheep, has been formed by his untiring labours. The progress and prosperity which have been achieved are well exemplified by the fine homestead, with its comfortable ten-roomed dwellinghouse, the many convenient outhouses, the roomy stable accommodating the fifteen working horses, the smithy and carpenter's shop, the water wheel operating the circular saw, chaffcutter and corncrusher, and by the surrounding well-grown plantation. Eden Terrace farm possesses every facility for carrying on to perfection the business of sheepfarming and early lamb-raising. Mr. Doyle is a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and h
Sheepfarmer, Ruapuna. Mr. Jaine was born at Ledbury, Herefordshire, England, where he was brought up on his father's farm, and also spent some time in business in Hereford. On the 25th of March, 1881, he sailed for New Zealand by the ship “Waimea,” and landed at Wellington, but immediately transhipped to Hokitika, where he remained for six months. He then removed to Canterbury, and was for ten years in the employment of the late Mr. John Grigg, at Longbeach. Mr. Jaine left Longbeach in 1891 to take up 600 acres of Crown land at Ruapuna, under perpetual lease, and was one of the first settlers in the district to take up land on that tenure. He has expended a great amount of labour and money on the property, in clearing stones, laying off plantations, and in fencing; and the farm, which was once a desolate piece of stony ground, is now in a perfect state of cultivation. The plantations are well grown, and afford good shelter for the crops, the sheep, and the homestead, which is surrounded by well laid out grounds, a fine orchard, and a flower garden. The paddocks are subdivided with wire and standard fences, and water-races have been made by the Ashburton County Council. Mr. Jaine was elected a member of the Rangitata Road Board in 1901, and is chairman of the Ruapuna school committee.
Farmer, “Cairn-hollow,' Ruapuna. Mr. McLauchlan was born in Strathmore, Perthshire, Scotland, and followed agriculture till he came to New Zealand in 1855, by the ship “Cornubia.” He settled first at Opawa, and subsequently joined his father and brother, who had taken up land at Lincoln, where they carried on dairying and grain growing for ten years. This farm, however, was disposed of, and another was purchased at Brookside, where they carried on dairying and cattle breeding and fattening for thirteen years. In 1878, Mr. James McLauchlan bought the first portion of his present farm at Ruapuna. He named his place “Cairnhollow,” which now consists of 500 acres of freehold and 185 acres of leasehold land. It was originally part of the Cracroft run, taken up in 1851. When the land was bought by Mr. McLauchlan it was covered with tussock and innumerable stones, which made cultivation troublesome and expensive. As the first settler at Ruapuna, Mr. McLauchlan had to combat these and many other difficulties. The ordinary Reid and Gray double, furrow plough would not stand the strain, and Mr. McLauchland devised a special plough, modelled on Reid and Gray's patent, but ploughing only one furrow. In this and in other ways he has persevered, and now his land is all cultivated and clear of stones. “Cairnhollow” is divided by substantial fences into eleven paddocks, where good crops of oats and excellent crops of rape and turnips are grown, and a large number of sheep are bred and fattened for the frozen meat trade. Mr. McLauchlan has always taken an active interest in school and church matters, and has been a member of committees for twenty years; he is also a member of the Domain and Cemetery Boards, and an elder in the Presbyterian church. He was married, in 1868, to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. Samuel McCleary, of County Down, Ireland, who came to Auckland, in 1866, in the ship “Rob Roy;” and he has two sons and twelve daughters.
The Ealing railway station is situated on the main through railway close to the Rangitata river, and is nineteen miles from Ashburton. Sheepfarming is the chief industry of the district. The soil, although stony, is good plains land, and yields satisfactory crops of oats and turnips. Ploughing by traction engine is carried on for breaking up the tussock land. There is a machine shearing shed close to the railway station, on the Rangitata estate, where, in the shearing season, six machines are employed, and driven by a portable engine.
Farmer, Ealing. Mr. Clement was born in Somersetshire, England, and came to Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Glentanner” in 1857. His father, Mr. Shedrick Clement took up land at New Brighton, and farmed it for a number of years. Mr. W. H. Clement was brought up on his father's farm, after which he spent about twelve years at the Tekoa station, in North Canterbury. He first started on his own account in the Ashburton district by farming 1200 acres at Mayfield. In 1889 he took up his present holding of 433 acres under lease in perpetuity, from the Government. The land is valued at 25s per acre, and the annual rent is at the rate of 4 per cent interest on that value. The soil, which was originally light and stony, has been partially cleared of stones and cultivated, and the balance has all been broken up and sown in grass, and carries two sheep to the acre. Oats average about thirty bushels to the acre. During the year 1901, Mr. Clement fattened over 2000 sheep on his land. His farm, which is about five miles from the railway station, is a model one. The land is divided into eleven paddocks, in each of which ample shelter is provided for the sheep by plantations of pine trees, which were grown from seed. Some of the trees are now (1903) forty feet in height. Mr. Clement was married in Christchurch, and has three sons and four daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Ealing. Mr. Parkerson was born in England, and is a son of the late Dr. Parkerson, of Christchurch. He came to New Zealand in 1851, and started farming at Sumner, on land purchased from the Canterbury Association in England, and, later on, was at Prebbleton and Ellesmere. In 1864 he went to the Mackenzie Country, and bought, in conjunction with his father and brothers, the Grey's Hills run of 30,000 acres and the Whale's-back and Sawdon runs. At that time he also held several blocks of freehold at Temuka.
Farmer, Ealing, (Mr. Reddecliffe was born and educated in Devonshire, England, and worked there on his father's farm. He arrived in New Zealand in 1874, when he obtained employment on the estate of Mr. James Shand, at the Taieri, where he remained for fifteen months. He was then employed in contracting and cropping near Oamaru for thirteen years, and at Timaru for four years. On leaving Timaru Mr. Reddecliffe took up land at Washdyke, where he carried on general farming for four years, growing chiefly crops of wheat and oats. He was then, successively, manager of Messrs Bourne and McDonald's estate at Ealing, Mr. D. L. Henwood's estate at Lowecliffe, and of the Ruddenklau estate of 1200 acres at Ealing. After being some years on this estate, Mr. Reddecliffe bought 1178 acres of good light land, which is capable of carrying three sheep to two acres. Mr. Reddecliffe sows from 150 to 200 acres with turnips every year, and about fifty acres with oats, and grasses. The balance of his turnip land he sows with rape and grass, and thus secures excellent feed for fattening lambs. Mr. Reddecliffe was married at Timaru in the year 1882, and has five sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Ealing. Mr. Tarbotton is a native of Harewood Dale, Yorkshire, England, and was educated at Gilling East, and brought up on his father's farm at Cawton. On the death of his father he managed the farm in the interests of the family until 1873, when he acquired another adjoining farm which he held for six years. He then took up the Gilling Park farm, the property of Mr. Charles G. Fairfax, and carried it on for three years, when he sold out, and sailed for New Zealand. Mr. Tarbotton arrived at Wellington by the s.s. “Cusco” in May, 1880, and immediately afterwards came to Canterbury, and bought forty acres at Orari, where he farmed for three years; and he also leased 400 acres on the Peel Forest road Rangitata South. In 1889 Mr. Tarbotton bought 600 acres of plains land at Ealing, and on giving up the leasehold at Rangitata South, he settled on the Ealing property, which he named Gilling farm. In July, 1902, Mr. Tarbotton sold his property, and went to reside on his present holding of 500 acres, which he had bought in 1896. Mr. Tarbotton has always taken an active, interest in local affairs. He was a member of the Ealing school committee for a number of years, and was twice chairman. He was one of the first shareholders in the Hinds Saleyards Company Limited, and is one of the company's directors. In 1893 he was elected a member of the Rangitata Road Board, and has since held office continuously. Mr. Tarbotton was married in Norfolk, England, and has three sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Ealing, Mr. Tilson was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and brought up to farming on his father's farm. He left Ireland for the West Indies, and managed a sugar plantation at Santa Cruz for about five years. Then he returned to Ireland, and shortly afterwards went to Port Natal, whence he came to New Zealand; and arrived at Lyttelton by the “Rangitikei,” on the 14th of December, 1876. He was employed by Mr. W. A. Brown, of Chertsey, for two years, after which he went to Methven, and, with a partner, carried on general farming on a 400 acre farm. In 1880 he took up land at Rangitata, and later leased 1000 acres at Ealing, 500 acres of which is the property of Mr. Baxter, of Ashburton. On acquiring a 640 block of Government land at Ealing, Mr. Tilson gave up one of his leases. He has now 1140 acres, the greater part of which carries sheep, and the remainder is under crops. The first application to the County Council for a water race for the district was sent in by Mr. Tilson, and he was one of the first to raise cereals on the plains at Ealing. For ten years he has served on the Ealing school committee, and was chairman for five years. Mr. Tilson was married at Southbridge, and has five sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Ealing. Mr. Walsh is a son of an old colonist, Mr. Peter Walsh, of Otago. He was brought up on his father's farm, and afterwards held land in conjunction with his brothers in the Henley district, where they carried on general farming for twenty years. They also had a butchery at Henley, and a blacksmith's shop at their Kuri Bush farm. On selling out, Mr. Thomas Walsh acted as country agent for the Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association for six months, until he bought his present holding, at Ealing. It is known as Gilling Farm, and consists of 600 acres of good plains land, subdivided into fourteen paddocks, which are well sheltered by plantations and hedges. Sheep thrive remarkable well on the land; and crops of wheat and oats average, respectively, thirty and fifty bushe's to the acre.
was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and was brought up to farming in Scotland. He came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Jura,” on her first trip, and shortly afterwards obtained employment on the Taieri plains. After four years' experience there he took up a farm of 300 acres at Kuri Bush, Otago, and sold it after working it for twenty years He subsequently removed to Ealing, and now resides at Gilling Farm. Mr. Walsh was married in Dunedin, and has five sons and one daughter. His wife died at Henley, in October, 1896.
is seventy-five miles from Christchurch on the main line of railway, and within twenty-five miles of Timaru. Bush abounds in the district, and timber felling is a local industry. In summer the Rangitata river attracts large numbers of anglers, who often go in camping parties, though private board can be obtained if arranged for beforehand. There is a coach service between Rangitata and the Arundel village settlement, eight miles distant. Rangitata is in the county of Geraldine. There is a daily mail service with Timaru, and postal and telegraphic business is conducted at the local railway station.
(R. D. Petrie, proprietor), Rangitata. This hotel was established about 1874. It contains twenty-seven rooms, of which twelve are well-furnished bedrooms, and there are two dining-rooms, with chairs for twenty-five persons. There are also two private sitting rooms, three parlours, and one good bagatelle table. Mr. Petrie has large stables, with several loose boxes, and six securely fenced and well-watered paddocks for the accommodation of travelling stock, and he keeps a baker's, butcher's, and a blacksmith's shop on the premises.
the Proprietor, was born at Oxford, North Canterbury, in 1867, and was apprenticed to the butchering trade. He subsequently carried on a successful business in Christchurch and at Rangitata, where he purchased the Bridge Hotel in 1898. Mr. Petrie was married, in 1892, to Miss Greer, and has one son and two daughters.
Sheepfarmer and Sawmiller, Upper Rangitata. Mr. Button was born in Norfolk, England, in 1828. He was educated in his native place, and was in the Norwich Union Fire Office for some time. In 1850 he left England, by the “Catherine Stewart Forbes,” and landed at New Plymouth. He went farming in the Taranaki province, and was there till 1859, when he removed to Canterbury and settled at Kaiapoi, where he had some property and carried on the business of carpenter and builder. In 1863 Mr. Button went to Little River for eighteen months. Thence he removed to Leestson and became the owner of a threshing machine. He afterwards went to Rangitata and purchased a part of Peel Forest bush from the late Mr. Robert Rhodes, erected a sawmill, and has since carried on farming and sawmilling.
Farmer, Rangitata. Mr. Edgar was born in 1838 in Berwickshire, Scotland, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand by the “Queen of the Mersey,” and landed at Lyttelton on the 19th of November, 1862. He first went as a shepherd to Sir Cracroft Wilson, with whom he remained for fourteen months. After that he was shepherding on Action station, Rakaia, for three years. He then visited various parts of the South Island, including the diggings, and was afterwards contracting in Canterbury. In 1875 he started farming at the Rangitata, where he has between 400 and 500 acres and keeps sheep and grows crops. Mr. Edgar has several times been on the local school committee. He was married to Miss Selina Barnham, of Oxfordshire, England, in 1877, and has four daughters and two sons living.
is situated on the north bank of the Rangitata river, and close to the traffic bridge. It consists of 1700 acres of medium quality land, very suitable for sheep, with which it is well stocked. There is generally a considerable area under crop as well, and oats and root crops thrive on the land. “Hackfall” was originally part of the Cracroft run, and was bought by Mr. Knight in 1900.
was born at Lincoln, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. His father, Mr. A. C. Knight, was a pioneer colonist, and sat for some years in the Canterbury Provincial Council. He resided for some years on his father's farm at Akaroa, and afterwards had two years' experience of farming in the North Island. On his return to Canterbury he bought a Government run at the head of the Rangitata Gorge; it was known as “Stronchrubie,” and he occupied it for ten years. About twelve months after selling “Stronchrubie” he removed to “Hackfall.” Mr. Knight married a daughter of the late Mr James Pilbrow.
Farmer, “Orangeville,” Rangitata. Mr. McClelland was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1851, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Charlotte Gladstone,” in 1871, landing at Lyttelton. After a few months at Courtenay, he moved to South Canterbury, and in 1876 acquired his farm of 194 acres. Mr. McClelland married Miss Mahan, of Rangitata, and has two children. Mr. McClelland is a member of the Temuka Orange Lodge.
Old Colonist, was born in Carigallan, County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1834. He was educated in Dublin, and brought up in the teaching profession. After his college course he went to County Longford, where he taught for fifteen years. While there he married Miss Cody. Mr. and Mrs Mahan arrived at Lyttelton, by the first trip of the “Duke of Edinburgh,” in 1874. After teaching for a short time in the Main School, in Timaru, Mr. Mahan went to Waitohi Flat, where he opened the local public school. He was teaching in South Canterbury for twenty-five years, within a radius of twenty-five miles from Timaru. Mr. and Mrs Mahan had fourteen children, eight sons and six daughters, eleven of whom are living. Mr. Mahan retired from the teaching profession in 1899 and started farming on the Rangitata, where he remained until his death in April, 1901.
is formed by the forks of the Rangitata river. The land is good and is all occupied by farmers. There is postal communication three times a week with Timaru, thirty-one miles distant. The nearest telegraph office is at Rangitata, on the main line of railway, five miles away. There is a public school in the district, with an attendance of fourteen or fifteen children.
Farmer, Pine Villa Farm, Rangitata Island. Mr. Hearn was born at Wendover, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1852, and was brought up to farming pursuits, but worked for two years in a cement mill in Warwickshire. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Crusader” in 1874, and worked for Mr. H. Engelbrecht, Mr. Thomas Ellis, at Ashley Gorge, and for the late Mr. J. G. Ruddenklau, and started a station at Ealing for the latter gentleman, afterwards managing his Rangitata Island property. In 1893 Mr. Hearn leased a farm of 2000 acres which he is occupying. He is a member of the local school committee, and also has charge of the post office. Mr. Hearn married Miss Mary Ann Clay, of Berkshirea shipmate of his—and has eight children.
Farmer, Rangitata Island. Mr. Snell was brought up to farming in Devonshire, England, where he was born in 1846. He went to sea in early life, and came to Victoria by the ship “Victoria,” in 1865. The vessel left in May following for New Zealand, and was wrecked at the Bluff. Mr. Snell went on to Dunedin, then to Lyttelton by the ship “Auckland,” and settled in North Canterbury for fifteen years. Removing to Rangitata in 1880, he leased about 750 acres of land. He was a member of the Temuka Road Board for many years, and was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the local school, of the committee of which he was a member. Mr. Snell has three sons and six daughters.
sometime of “Willowbank,” Rangitata Island, was born in Yorkshire, in 1835, and came to the Colony in 1864 by the ship “Tipton.” He obtained ready work at farming, and was afterwards employed by Mr. Hoskins, a surveyor. Mr. Grainger first took up land at West Melton, and after selling this property went to Tai Tapu, and, subsequently, to Rangitata Island, where he had about 550 acres. Deeply interested in educational matters, he was one of the originators of the local school, and for many years acted as chairman of the committee. Mr. Grainger was a member of the Wesleyan Church, and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was married at York, had six children, and died on the 28th of October, 1899.
is a rural district seven miles east of and below the Rangitata railway station, which is seventy-five miles from Christchurch and twenty-five from Timaru. The district has a post office, which is thirty-three miles from Timaru, and mails are received and despatched on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Rangitata, seven miles away, has the nearest telegraph office. There is a public school, which is attended by about twenty children. Orton is named after a village in Westmorland, England, where one of the local settlers, Mr. John Airay, used to live before he left the Old Land for Australia.
Farmer, Orton. Mr. Airay is a native of Yorkshire, where he was born in 1845. He emigrated to Melbourne in 1863 by the s.s. “Great Britain,” and had, as a shipmate, Mr. Seddon, now Premier of New Zealand. Mr. Airay was engaged in mining for some time at Yackandandah, Victoria, and was at Tarrauringee when the notorious bushranger, Morgan, was shot. He came to Hokitika in 1866, and, having lost his all on the West Coast, he made his way to Canterbury, where he worked for a while at Leeston. In 1870 he removed to Orari, and two years afterwards purchased a farm at Orton, where he has 1752 acres of freehold land. In 1878 Mr. Airay visited the Old Country, and was at the Paris Exhibition, and again went Home in 1898. Mr. Airay has been a member of the Orton school committee for a number of years; he is postmaster for the district, and is also a member of the Temuka Road Board. He married Miss Hughes, a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hughes, of Brookside, and has five children.
Farmer, Orton, Rangitata. Mr. Gilliatt is the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Robinson Gilliatt, of Seadown, one of the early colonists. He was born at Papanui, and lived with his father at Little River for seventeen years. When his father removed to the Stumps Farm at Orari, he accompanied him. He started farming on his own account in 1893, when he bought 700 acres of the estate of the late Mr. Angus McDonald. Since then Mr. Gilliatt has greatly improved his property, by cultivation, and through the erection of a fine residence He pursues a system of mixed farming, by growing crops and fattening lambs. Mr. Gilliatt is a member of the Orton school committee. He married Miss Borrie, daughter of Mr. James Borrie, one of the early settlers of Otago, and has a family of two daughters
sometime of Orton, Rangitata, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1842, and passed his early days on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Mary Anne,” and first settled at Ashburton. In 1865, he took up 886 acres of Crown land on the banks of the Kakahu. His farm was known as the River Bend. He sold it in 1871 and bought a property near Amberley, and farmed it until he sold it five years later. Attracted by the success of the dairying industry in the Taranaki district, he bought a dairy farm at Eltham, where he resided for some years. Mr. Kelland then sold his land and went to Victoria, where he remained two years, and then returned to New Zealand to start sheepfarming on 1300 acres near the Cave, at White Rock river. In 1899 Mr. Kelland bought a farm at Orton, consisting of 329 acres, on which his widow and family now reside. He always took an active part in educational matters, and served as chairman on the Eltham and Cannington school committees. He died suddenly at his residence, in November, 1900, at the age of fifty-nine, leaving a widow, five sons and two daughters.
is situated on the main railway line between Christchurch and Dunedin, and is the stopping place for passengers to Geraldine, with which there is a regular coach service. It is eighty-one miles from Christchurch, and nineteen from Timaru. The district, which is in the county of Geraldine, is devoted to agriculture and sheepfarming. There are about 120 persons in the township, which has a school, and there is a post, telegraph, and money order office at the railway station.
Belfield, near Orari This school was erected in 1884. The number of scholars on the roll is sixty, and the average attendance forty-seven.
Headmaster of the Belfield School, is a son of Mr. William Glanville, an old colonist of Woodbury. He was born in Temuka in 1869, and brought up and educated at Woodbury. He served as pupil teacher at the Woodbury school, and was then appointed headmaster of Fitzherbert East school, near Palmerston North. There he remained for two years, until 1890, when he received his present appointment. In musical matters Mr. Glanville takes a great interest, and his services are in active request at local concerts. He was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. John May, stationmaster at Rakaia, and has two sons and one daughter. The Belfield Post Office is connected with the school, and Mr. Glanville is the local postmaster.
General Storekeeper, and Farmer, Orari. Agent for the “Rambler” bicycle, the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, and the “Press” and “Lyttelton Times” newspapers. Mr. Mason was born in Westmorland, England, in 1857. He arrived in Victoria in 1879, by the s.s. “Cuzco,” and shortly afterwards came on to New Zealand. After staying a few months in Dunedin, Mr. Mason went to the Rangitata, where he established a business, and was one of the first storekeepers in the district. About two years later he established his present business at Orari, and has successfully carried it on and enlarged it. It comprises a butchery, bakery, ironmongery, drapery and general store. He owns a farm of 120 acres, all cultivated, and has wheat crops which average thirty-two bushels per acre. Mr. Mason has always taken a very active interest in all local affairs. For six years he was a member of the Orari school committee, and for three years its chairman; but owing to pressure of business he was obliged to resign. Mr. Mason is a member of the Orari Park Board, Temuka Caledonian Society, the Geraldine St. Patrick's Sports Association, steward of the Geraldine Racing Club, and president of the Orari Football Club. He married a daughter of Mr. Duncan Taylor, of Rangitata, in 1889, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Banaskine,” Orari. Mr. Bisset was born on the Orari station in 1873, and is the second son of the late Mr. Christopher Bisset, an early settler, and formerly manager for the late Mr. W. McDonald. Mr. C. Bisset arrived in the Colony by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” and was at White Rock for some two years, prior to moving to South Canterbury in 1864, when he purchased the “Banaskine” property in 1876, and occupied it to the time of his death, in 1893. Mr. Bisset was a member of the Temuka Road Board for some years prior to his demise. He was married in Sutherlandshire. Scotland, to Miss Ann McDonald, and left eight children; his widow still resides at Orari.
Farmer, “Brooklands,” Orari. The subject of this notice was born in Liverpool in 1826, and is
Farmer, Pine Tree Farm, Orari Bridge. Mr. Hewson was born in Scotland in 1853. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” in 1862, and they settled at the Hinds. At that time there was scarcely a fence on the Canterbury Plains, and bullock tracks constituted the only roads. After receiving his education in Christchurch, Mr. Hewson lived in the Ashburton district till 1869. He then went to the Orari Gorge station, and was subsequently engaged in various occupations. He bought part of his present farm in 1874, when it was in its native state, but he so successfully cultivated his land that, in 1899, he had wheat crops which averaged thirty-eight bushels per acre and oats forty-six bushels. Mr. Hewson has been chairman of the Orari Bridge school committee for the past thirteen years. He has been twice married, and has four sons and two daughters now living.
Farmer, Wattle Hill Farm, Orari Bridge. Mr. Metcalf was born on the 27th of October, 1846, at Stainwood, Westmorland, England, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Zealandia,” at Lyttelton, in 1869, and worked for six months for Mr. John Ruddenklau. He then went sheep shearing on his own account, and was the first to start cropping on the Orari side of Geraldine. Mr. Metcalf visited England in 1875, when he went Home by the ship “Rangitikei,” and returned in the following year by the “Desdemona.” In 1877 he bought his present farm, and has between 500 and 600 acres all cleared and well cultivated. Mr. Metcalf was elected a member of the Geraldine Road Board in 1889, and has been returned at subsequent elections. He was one of the first members of the Orari Bridge school committee, and has also been on the water-race committee ever since its inception. He keeps a small stud of Leicesters imported by him from England. During his visit to England, in 1875, Mr. Metcalf was married by the Rev. W. Nie, to Miss Margaret Frances Sowersby, of Barningham, Yorkshire, and has two sons and four daughters. He has been a Justice of the Peace for some years.
Geraldine County, comprises 75,000 acres, including the freehold. It is a splendidly situated run, and was taken up in the early days by the late Mr. C. G. Tripp, who devoted a large amount of attention, and expended much money in improvements. The station is now managed by Mr. Bernard Tripp, and carries 200 head of cattle and 45,000 shearing sheep. In addition there are stud flocks of Merinos and English Leicesters. The first named have been awarded first and champion prizes in Timaru for many years in succession. About 4,000 acres of land are under cultivation, and of late years, the condition of the country has been advantageous for raising large numbers of cross-bred lambs and sheep for the London market. There is probably no better improved run in the Colony. At various convenient places there are stone huts for the accommodation of the musterers, and there is a splendid drove of pack mules, mostly bred on the place. The homestead residence is large and very picturesquely situated at the foot of a low range of hills, and is surrounded by very spacious grounds, partly in native bush, besides about fifteen acres of orchard and kitchen garden. The woolshed, men's huts, yards, stables, and other out-buildings are all very substantial and conveniently situated. There is a considerable growth of native timber on the property, on which coal has been found.
sometime of Orari, was one of the earliest settlers of South Canterbury. He was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, and when a young man went to Australia, whither he was followed some years afterwards by his brothers, Dr. A. R. Macdonald and Mr. Angus Macdonald, both now dead. In 1852 Mr. Macdonald came to New Zealand, to which his brothers followed him later on, and they took up a large block of land between the Orari and Rangitata rivers, where his family are still in possession of part of it, now known as the Orari estate. Mr. Macdonald was at one time a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and was one of the originators of the Christchurch Club, and of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Macpherson, eldest daughter of the late Captain Macpherson of the 59th Regiment, an old Peninsular officer, who afterwards resided in the Geraldine district. Mr. Macdonald died in 1879.
in the county of Geraldine, is a prosperous little town with a population of about 870 persons. The surrounding district is really beautiful; it is favoured with an abundant water supply, has numerous roads in an excellent state of repair, and, being highly diversified in its nature and set against a background of rugged and picturesque mountains, offers many attractions to the visitor. Geraldine itself is often visited by picnic parties, to whom the chief centre of interest is a small reserve of magnificent native bush, the remnant of a forest which was formerly of considerable extent. Excellent fishing can be obtained in the Waihi river, adjoining the town, and in the many streams and rivers of the neighbourhood. The town is the centre of an extensive and fertile district, and its weekly sales of stock are among the most important in the province. Its founders have made ample provision for the recreation of its inhabitants, in the shape of a beautiful little park-like reserve, containing excellent cricket and tennis grounds, and a fine concrete swimming bath. All the principal religious denominations have churches in the town; there is a fine District High School of 220 pupils, a library with a free reading room, a bank, and a post and telegraph office. Geraldine is about five miles from Orari railway station, connection with which is maintained by coaches which meet every train. The adjacent farming districts are very prosperous, and large crops of oats and wheat are raised at Pleasant Valley, Woodbury, and Hilton. Some of the yields amount to eighty bushels of oats and sixty of wheat, per acre. The downs, which spread towards the mountain ranges, include some of the best sheep country in New Zealand, and are noted for their fattening qualities. The finances of the town are controlled by a Town Board. There is a good water supply, and the leading business places are lighted by acetylene gas.
Member of the House of Representatives for Geraldine, resides at “Summerlea,” about four miles from Geraldine. His farm contains between 900 and 100 acres. Mr. Flatman was born in the county of Suffolk, England, in 1843, and was educated at High House School, Oulton. He was brought up to farming on his father's farm, where he remained until he left for New Zealand in 1862, when he came out by the “Mary Ann,” to Lyttelton. Shortly after his arrival he went to South Canterbury, and was on Mr Cox's station for some months. In 1865 he went into business as a storekeeper in Geraldine, and carried on in that line for six months. Afterwards he joined Mr. Robert Taylor in a sawmilling business and in farming, and also had the general store at Woodbury. In 1892 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Flatman has since then carried on farming at “Summerlea,” where he keeps sheep and grows grain. In 1876 Mr. Flatman was a member of the South Canterbury Board of Works and was for nineteen years without a break a member of the Geraldine Road Board. He was also for eight years a member of the Timaru Harbour Board. He is a Master Mason, and belonged to the first Geraldine lodge. In 1893 he was asked by the electors to stand for the representation of Pareora in Parliament. To this request he acceded, and was elected by a majority of 216 in preference to Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes. In 1896 the alterations in the boundaries of the district led to the name being changed to Geraldine. Mr. Flatman and Mr. Rhodes stood again, and Mr. Flatman was again elected in 1896, by a majority of 211. At the general election held on the 6th of December, 1899, he had two opponents, but was returned by a majority of 1556. His opponent at the general election of November,
Geraldine, who represented the Rangitata electorate in Parliament from 1893 to 1896, was born at Brentford, Middlesex, England. He came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Maori,” and landed at Lyttelton on the 21st of July. 1858. Mr. Maslin, senior, went to Timaru in December of that year, and was followed by his family early in 1859. Mr. Maslin was in the timber and building trade, and was, therefore, connected with many of the earlier erections in Timaru. In 1861 the family removed to Geraldine, where Mr. Maslin, senior, opened a timber yard. Steam was not then applied in the district to cutting timber, and the supply was kept up by from six to eight pairs of hand sawyers. On the 21st of June, 1864, Mr. Maslin, senior, was killed while bricking a well on his property, and left a family of two sons and three daughters. From that date Mr. W. S. Maslin, the eldest of the family, took charge of affairs; and when hand-sawing gave place to steam power, a large general store was added to the business. On the bush being cut out, storekeeping occupied Mr. Maslin's attention, until, in 1883, he sold out his business, which had grown to a large and prosperous one, to Mr. N. Dunlop. Mr. Maslin then continued in business as an auctioneer in Timaru and Geraldine. In 1892 he discontinued his auctioneering, but kept on the land and agency branch of the business. Mr. Maslin farms between five and six hundred acres of land, and commenced farming as early as 1860, when the ploughing was done with bullocks and a single-furrow plough. He grew the first crops in the now-famed grain growing district of Geraldine. In 1872 he was elected a member of the Geraldine school committee, on which he remained for many years, and was chairman for five consecutive years. In conjunction with Mr. Pierpoint he was one of the founders of the Geraldine Town District, and was a member of the Town Board for twelve years, until he entered politics. He was also a member of the licensing committee for many years. In 1893 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, but did not stand at the next general election. Mr. Maslin was one of the founders of the first Good Templar Lodge in the district, and has always taken a great interest in the cause of temperance. Since 1868 Mr. Maslin has taken an active part in the working of the Methodist Church at Geraldine; and for some years the meetings of the congregation were held in his mother's house. His mother died in 1887. In 1879 Mr. Maslin became a Freemason by joining the Southern Star Lodge No. 619 E.C., and is also a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge. Mr. Maslin was married, in 1873, to Miss Hannah Clough, daughter of the late Mr. M. Clough, of Sandietown, Timaru, and has a family of four sons and four daughters.
who represented Geraldine in the House of Representatives for 1882–1884, and was at one time the proprietor of the Raukapuka station, was born at Broughton-Furness, Cumberland, England. He was for many years High Sheriff of Cumberland. Mr. Postlethwaite came to New Zealand in 1872 and first settled at Opawa, but afterwards removed to Riccarton. In 1875 he purchased the Raukapuka station. Mr. Postlethwaite retired from public life and leased the property to Mr. M. C. Orbell, its present occupier. He took a keen interest in public affairs and always did his utmost to promote the progress of the district. Mr. Postlethwaite now resides in California. He has a family of three sons, and Mr. Arthur Herbert Postlethwaite, the youngest son, resides in Geraldine. The other sons reside in California.
meets at Geraldine on the third Thursday in each month. At the census of 1901 the county had a population of 5991. It has an area of 9458 square miles, and the capital value of property within its boundaries is £1,805,429. There is a general rate of one farthing in the pound, and there are also special rates in several water supply districts; for instance, the interest on the water supply loan for the Rangitata-Orari district is three-eighths of a penny in the £, in the Woodbury district, seven-sixteenths of a penny, the Orari-Waihi district, one penny and one-sixth, the Geraldine Flat district, one penny, and in the Waitohi Flat district, nine-sixteenths of a penny. The members of the Council are Mr. John Talbot (chairman), and Messrs G. J. Dennistoun, Anthony Metcalf, William Dixon, Samuel Wright, R. B. Macdonald, and A. Kelman. Mr. F. W. Stubbs is clerk to the council.
J.P., Chairman of the Geraldine County Council, was born in Devonshire, England, on the 14th of September, 1845. He emigrated to New Zealand in company with his father and mother and the rest of the members of the family, in January, 1862, by the ship “Zealandia” (Captain Foster), and arrived in Lyttelton on the 24th of May. After about two years of farm work near Rangiora he, in partnership with his brother George, and cousin, Mr. J. T. Wright, commenced farming at Springston, and, later, in the Selwyn district. The partnership was dissolved in 1869, Mr. Wright retaining the Selwyn farm. Mr. Talbot, with his brother, removed to Temuka, and took up land at Rangitira Valley, where he has since resided; his brother buying land and settling near Timaru. In addition to the farm at Rangitira, Mr. Talbot
Of the Geraldine County Council, was born in 1832 at Kay Head Farm, St. Fergus parish, Buchan, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was educated and brought up to the plasterer's trade. He came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Selena” in 1864, and afterwards went to Lyttelton. After a short time in Christchurch he took up a farm of fifty acres in the Geraldine district. Mr. Kelman lost everything in the flood of 1868, but made a fresh start, and now owns several farms; he resides at “Annfields” on the Geraldine road. He has been a member of the Geraldine Road Board for about nine years and is now a member of the Geraldine County Council; he was one of the first to assist in establishing schools at Geraldine and Temuka. Mr. Kelman was married at Fraserborough in Scotland, in 1861, to Miss Ann Davidson, second daughter of Mr. William Davidson, of Fraserborough, and has nine children. All his sons are farming on properties leased by their father.
Clerk and Treasurer to the Geraldine County Council, was born at Coventry, England, in 1835. He went to France with his parents when a child, remaining there till he left for New Zealand in 1852 in the ship “Samarang,” landing at Lyttelton. Afterwards proceeding to Timaru, he was for over four years and a half engaged on Messrs Rhodes' station, and was for two and a half years of the time sub-overseer. He then went to Pareora, where he was appointed by Messrs Harris and Innes manager of the Pareora station. After staying six years on the run, he went to Timaru, where he started the first auctioneering business in the town with Mr. John King for a partner, under the style of Stubbs and King. Mr. King afterwards retired from the firm, and Mr. Stubbs carried on the business for three years on his own account, when he gave it up. He then went in for valuing, and was appointed the first Government valuer for South Canterbury. In 1880, three years after the Geraldine County Council came into existence, Mr. Stubbs was appointed clerk and treasurer to the council. The monthly meetings
meets on the first Tuesday in the month. It levies a rate of three farthings in the pound on a capital value of £45,000. At the census of 1901 the town district had a population of 868. The Board consists of a chairman and six members; namely, Mr. W. S. Maslin, chairman, and Messrs J. Farrell, I. Herlihy, R. Taylor, J. M. Sutherland, J. Kennedy, and Dr. Hislop; clerk, Mr T. Twigg.
is a Member of the Geraldine Town Board. He was born in the Orkney Islands, in 1862, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1863, by the ship “Metropolis.” The family resided at Little River for six years, when Mr. Sutherland, senior, went to Blueskin, where he settled down as a farmer. Young Sutherland worked on his father's farm till he was sixteen, when he went to Palmerston South, where he served his time to the general blacksmithing trade. He came to Geraldine in 1882, and worked for a time with Mr. C. Trengrove. When Mr. Trengrove gave up his business, Mr. Sutherland went into partnership in the wheelwright business with Mr. Newport. In 1889 he began to work on his own account and has ever since carried on the business. Mr. Sutherland was elected a member of the Town Board in 1892, and has been in office ever since. He is a member of the Cemetery Board and Domain Board and has been three years a member of the Geraldine school committee. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars. Mr. Sutherland married a daughter of Mr. Mark Coombes, an old settler of the district, and has a family of six children.
Clerk to the Geraldine Town Board, was appointed to his position in March, 1897. Mr. Twigg was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1851 and arrived in Geraldine in 1884. He was afterwards engaged in country work till he took up his present appointment.
has jurisdiction over a district with a population of 2250 persons. There are 480 dwellings, 511 ratepayers, and 833 ratable properties in the district. A rate of three farthings in the pound produces an annual revenue of £1896. Five members constitute the Board; namely, Mr. John Kelland, chairman, and Messrs A. V. McHutchinson, Kyran Brophy, A. Metcalf, and J. M. Barker. Mr. Thomas Dyer is overseer and clerk.
has a station which is situated in the main street, opposite the Oddfellows' Hall. The Brigade meets once a fortnight and practises every alternate fortnight. It consists of fifteen members.
Captain of the Geraldine Fire Brigade, was born at Rolleston, near Christchurch, in 1869. He was educated at Christchurch and Timaru and brought up to the jewellery and watchmaking trade, serving his indentures to Messrs Bower and Ferguson, jewellers of Timaru. He left that firm's service when he was twenty years of age and moved to Geraldine, where he established himself as a watchmaker and jeweller and fancy goods dealer. He was one of the first members of the brigade, which was formed in 1889, and was elected captain in 1896. Mr. McIlroy is connected with all the outdoor sports in the district.
The Geraldine Rifles were first formed on the 17th of April, 1885, and their first officers were Captain Walter Montague Moore, Lieutenant George Ward and Lieutenant Robert Henry Pearpoint. Dr. Robert Fish was honorary surgeon, and the Rev. James Preston the honorary chaplain. In 1886, on the formation of the South Canterbury Rifle Battalion, Captain Moore was appointed Major. Lieutenant Pearpoint was then elected Captain, and Sergeant Kenneth Mackenzie, lieutenant. The first non-commissioned officers were Colour-Sergeant Thomas Hughes, Sergeants W. Stonehouse, Fred. Worner, A. Penny; Corporals Edward Hardcastle, George Porteous and Edwin Mellard. In 1890, Lieutenant George Ward resigned his commission, and Mr. B. R. Macdonald was appointed in his stead. When first formed the company was one of the smartest in the Battalion, and continued to do good work till the 11th of November, 1894, when, from various causes, the corps was disbanded. In 1898 there was a movement to re-establish the corps, and on the 5th of May, 1899, its services were again accepted; the officers being Captain Kenneth Mackenzie and Lieutenants John Rogerson Montgomery and Guy Macdonald. The corps started with its full strength of sixty-three officers and men, and is doing excellent work. Shortly after it was re-formed Lieutenant Macdonald resigned, and Mr. Ernest Edward Tasker was elected in his stead.
of the Geraldine Rifles, is referred to at page 144, in the Military Section of this volume, where his portrait also appears.
of the Geraldine Rifles, is referred to in the Military Section of this volume, page 144; and also under the Geraldine public school of which he is headmaster.
is situated to the west of the main street and near the centre of the town. The school was first placed opposite Mr. Tasker's shop in Talbot street, but in 1891 the present building was erected on a three-acre section. It is built of wood and has five class rooms. The number on the roll is 268,
M.A., the Headmaster, is the fourth son of the late Mr. Alexander Montgomery, for many years headmaster of the Normal school at Dunedin. He was born in Christchurch in 1866 and educated in Dunedin. In 1887, after a distinguished career at the Otago High School and University College, he obtained his M.A. degree. Mr. Montgomery was for nearly ten years teaching in the Dunedin High School, and in April, 1897, was appointed headmaster of the Geraldine school. He has been extremely successful in securing the healthy development of his pupils, by the introduction of suitable exercises, a branch of school work in which he is himself an expert; and the school has made such progress that its conversion into a District High School has been sanctioned. Mr. Montgomery takes a keen interest in all branches of athletics and in all institutions that make for right living; in athletics he is best known through having captained the Otago football representatives in 1891 and 1892.
Geraldine. This is a tri-weekly paper, owned by the Hon. J. M. Twomey and managed by Mr. W. Thomas. Mr. Thomas was born in Dunedin in 1869 and worked for mercantile firms before he took to journalism, which he entered as a reporter on the “Morning Herald,” while that journal was in the hands of Mr. S. N. Brown. After the “Herald” collapsed, Mr. Thomas was on the staff of the “Globe,” when the late Mr. Freeman Kitchen was its editor. In 1891, he removed to Geraldine to take up his present position. In addition to managing the “Guardian,” Mr. Thomas carries on the business of a news agent and general commission agent, and represents the Christchurch “Press,” “Lyttelton Times,” “Timaru Herald,” and other papers. He is also proprietor of a book and stationery business. Mr. Thomas was married, in 1893, to the eldest daughter of Mr. R. Morrison, a well-known merchant of Geraldine, now living in retirement, and has a family of three.
Talbot Street, Geraldine. This well-known pharmacy dates its existence as far back as 1880. In that year it was established by Mr. Citron, who has since gone to Europe. From the date of its inception the business has been conducted by various qualified chemists, and, in 1898, was acquired by its present proprietor, Mr. William Baxter, formerly of Christchurch. The business has a well appointed dispensary and laboratory, and there is a heavy stock of drugs, druggists' sundries, proprietary medicines, toilet requisites, and surgical appliances.
(J. C. Moore, manager), Geraldine.
Manager for the Executors of the late Mr. J. W. Pye, was born at Geraldine. He entered Mr. Pye's business in the capacity of clerk, in 1893, and held the position until he was appointed manager after Mr. Pye's death in April, 1903. Mr. Moore is a Freemason, and as such is a member of the Geraldine Lodge, of which he was secretary for two years. He is also an Oddfellow and was secretary of his lodge for five years. Mr. Moore is one of the directors of the Geraldine Building Society, and is also connected with numerous other local bodies. He is married, and has a family of one child.
was born in Devonshire, England, in 1861, and came with his parents to New Zealand in the s.s. “Atrato,” to Port Chalmers, whence they moved to Timaru. His father, Mr. John Pye, was one of the earliest settlers in Geraldine, and was for many years gardener to Mr. C. G. Tripp, of Orari Gorge station; he planted the majority of the trees now in front of the station, and is now following the occupation of gardener and seedsman at Geraldine. Mr. J. W. Pye was educated at Geraldine, and was afterwards a clerk in the Road Board office. He was in the service of Messrs Morrison and Dunlop of Geraldine for seven years, and was afterwards for three years with Mr. Dunlop. In 1887 he started business in a very small way on his own account by buying the drapery business of Mr. J. S. Waite. This he carried on till 1892, when he built the present large and important building, which was his own property, and thereafter carried on the business of general draper, milliner and dressmaker, with a boot, shoe and general furnishing emporium. His staff of employees never numbered less than nine, and in busy times, it consisted of twelve members. He also ran a cart into the country. Mr. Pye imported largely from England. In addition to making a success of his business, Mr. Pye took a great interest in the welfare of the town. He was chairman of the Geraldine Town Board, and chairman of the Domain Board. Mr. Pye had been an Oddfellow for twenty-five years, had passed through all the chairs of the order, and was a member of the Grand Lodge in virtue of his position as District Deputy Grand Master for South Canterbury. Mr. Pye was a Freemason, and had
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Talbot Street, Geraldine. This is the principal business of its kind in Geraldine, and was established in 1890 by Mr. Turner, who keeps a very good stock. He is an all round tradesman and has met with considerable success. The promises are situated in the business part of the town, and adjoin the Geraldine and Crown hotels. In addition to his large stock of cigarettes, Mr. Turner makes up a line, which he calls “Record Reign.” He was born in Birmingham, in 1865, and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1869, by the ship “Otago,” by which his father came out under engagement to the Washdyke Meat Preserving Company. Mr. Turner served his apprenticeship to the saddlery and sailmaking trade at Christchurch and Dunedin. He then went to Gore and started as a hairdresser and tobacconist with Mr. Gleeson. For twelve months thereafter, he travelled about till the opening of the Dunedin Exhibition, during which he worked in Dunedin, and then went to Geraldine and started his present business. He has taken a prominent part in sporting matters, and has had an interest in several trotters; the stallion “Young Berlin,” by “Berlin” belongs to him. Mr. Turner is married to a daughter of the late Mr. William Gibbs, an old colonist of Canterbury, and has five children. Mrs Turner was born at Woodend, Canterbury.
(John Farrell, proprietor), Talbot Street, Geraldine. Mr. Farrell came into possession of the Crown Hotel in 1890, and purchased the freehold in 1888. It is situated in the heart of the town and contains on the ground floor a bar, billiard room, four sitting rooms, commercial room, dining room which will seat about sixty guests, a kitchen, scullery, etc. There are bedrooms upstairs to accommodate twenty-four persons. At the rear of the premises there are stables with twenty-one stalls and four loose boxes. The best of everything is kept, five servants are employed, and the domestic management is in the capable hands of Mrs Farrell.
the Proprietor, was born at Umrigar, County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1862. He is the fourth son of Mr. James Farrell, farmer, and was educated at the national school, Carnew, and took his degree as a teacher under the National Board of Education in the year 1880. Subsequently he studied for two years at St. Patrick's College, Dublin. In 1884 he came to New Zealand by the s.s. “Aorangi,” and after landing at Port Chalmers proceeded to Geraldine where he stayed for a considerable time with his brother, who was then the licensee of the Crown Hotel. He received an appointment as a teacher at Shand's Track, near Christchurch, where he remained for two years, and then returned to Geraldine to take charge of the “Crown.” He is connected with all the local sporting clubs, and was for several years treasurer of the Geraldine Racing Club and St. Patrick's Sports Association. In 1890 Mr. Farrell was married at Temuka to Miss McShane, daughter of an old settler of Geraldine Flat, and has a family of three.
(A. G. McLean, proprietress), Geraldine. This favourite hotel is the leading house in Geraldine, and is frequented by tourists, commercial men and the principal farmers in the district. The building, which has been enlarged and renewed is close to the saleyards, post office and other leading businesses, and the accommodation is all that can be desired, as all the rooms are well furnished and the bedrooms are large and airy. There is a billiard room with a large full-sized table and other suitable appointments, and there are several sample rooms on the premises for commercial men. The bar is stocked with a choice assortment of wines, spirits and cigars. There is good stabling adjoining the premises. The cookery is equal to that of leading hotels in the large towns. Fine scenery abounds in the surrounding district, the settlers are hospitable, and there is good trout fishing in the numerous rivers. Any one wishing to enjoy a short holiday, can do so at Geraldine with the greatest satisfaction. The roads are ideal roads for cycling, and they lead through varied and beautiful scenery of mountain, glen and river. Mrs McLean has had over sixteen years' experience in hotelkeeping, and is ever mindful of the comforts of her guests. In this she is ably assisted by Miss McLean, her only daughter.
Baker, Geraldine. Mr. Williams was born in Somerset, England, in 1830, and was brought up to the confectionery trade in the Old Country. He arrived at Lyttelton on the first day of December, 1860, by the “Matoaka,” and stayed at Christchurch for a while with Mr. Ruddenklau. In March, 1862, he went to Geraldine, where he has been ever since. He was for eight years employed at Raukapuka station, and in 1870 started a bakery, which he still carries
on, and does a very fair amount of trade. For many years Mr. Williams was a member of the town board. He has been through all the chairs of the Oddfellows'
Saddler and Harness Maker, Bicycle Agent, and Agent for the South British Insurance Company, Geraldine. This is the principal business of its kind in the district, and a large stock of saddlery and harness of all descriptions is kept. Mr. Bethune employs three hands in his saddlery business. He also does a large bicycle trade, and as he sells only the best of machines, and has a well equipped repair shop, and a thoroughly competent man in charge, he can undertake any kind of repairs. The shop has a frontage of about 36 feet and a depth of 40 feet. Mr. Bethune, the proprietor, is a native of Canterbury, and was born at Cracroft station, Rangitata, in 1866. His father was an old identity, who came to New Zealand under engagement to Sir Cracroft Wilson, and was drowned in the Rangitata in 1872. Mr. Bethune was educated at Geraldine, and served his time with Mr. N. Connolly, saddler of that town. He then went to Melbourne, where he was engaged in his trade for seven years. In 1892 he returned to New Zealand and bought out his former employer, Mr. Connolly, and started on his own account. The business was an old established one, and Mr. Bethune has maintained its prestige. He takes a great interest in outdoor sports, and is connected with all the local clubs, which are devoted to athletics. Mr. Bethune was married in Christchurch to Miss Walls, a daughter of the late Mr. W. Walls, of Sydenham.
Butcher, Talbot Street, Geraldine. Mr. Tasker was born at Nelson in 1865, and is a son of Mr. James Tasker, the well-known butcher of Ashburton. He emigrated to Australia with his parents when he was a child and came to Nelson, New Zealand, when he was twenty-one years of age. On leaving school he went into business with his father until 1895, when he removed to Geraldine and started on his own account. He runs a cart and saddle horse and has two deliveries per day. While in Ashburton he was a Druid, but on coming to Geraldine he joined the local Oddfellows' Lodge. As a pigeon shot, Mr. Tasker is well known all over New Zealand and has won a large number of trophies; and has also in his time been an all round athlete. Mr. Tasker married a daughter of Mr. James Taylor, of Ashburton, and has a family of three. He was a prominent member of the Ashburton Gun Club, and of seven matches he won five.
Geraldine Branch. This branch was established in 1892, and in consequence of the rapid increase of trade the present extensive site was bought in 1895. The main building is divided into departments, and the goods include agricultural implements, domestic utensils, and generally, all the commodities required in a farming centre. Mr. George Barkley Creemer, manager, entered the employment of the Association at its headquarters in 1890, and was promoted to his present position in 1901.
General Storekeepers, Geraldine; branch, Woodbury. This firm began business in Geraldine about the year 1896, and, largely through practical experience begun in the Old Country and continued in the colony, it has succeeded in establishing a very extensive and very satisfactory connection. The business prospered so well, in fact, that in March, 1897, the firm acquired, as a branch, the general store formerly carried on at Woodbury by Mr. Flatman, M.H.R., and in November, 1898, it opened new premises in Geraldine. The building was designed by Mr. Turnbull, architect, of Timaru. It is 55 feet long by 28 feet wide, has three large plate glass windows in front, and inside is divided into an artistically fitted shop, show rooms and workrooms; the work of the dressmaking department has increased beyond expectation. Messrs Dawson Brothers enjoy a reputation
General Storekeeper, Talbot Street, Geraldine. Agent for the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company and for Zealandia Ranges. Mr. Sherratt is the eldest son of the late Mr. Amos Sherratt, who is referred to elsewhere in this work. He was born at Coventry, England, in 1852, and came with his parents to New Zealand in 1863 by the “Captain Cook,” to Lyttelton. Mr. Sherratt was educated in Christchurch at Christ's College, and was with his father for five years on the farm of “Rosedale,” near Leeston. He was engaged in teaching at the South Road school for some time, but gave up the position through failing health. Eventually he removed to Geraldine, where he entered Mr. Maslin's store as book-keeper. In the course of four years Mr. N. Dunlop purchased the business and Mr. Sherratt continued on with him as book-keeper for twelve years. When the premises were destroyed by fire in 1895, Mr. Sherratt started in business for himself as a general storekeeper. He is chairman of the Geraldine school committee and a member of the Town Board, and has held the positions for a number of years. Mr. Sherratt has taken great interest in musical matters, and when the Geraldine Choral Society was in existence he was its conductor, and still takes the conductorship at musical performances in the town. He is organist of the Presbyterian Church, and was bandmaster of the Geraldine Volunteer Band for seven years. Mr. Sherratt was married, in 1882, to a sister of Mr. W. S. Maslin, a very early settler in the district, and has three children.
Junior, Sheepfarmer, Geraldine. Mr. Bothaway is the eldest son of Mr. George Bothaway, a very old and respected settler of Pleasant Point, and was born there in 1872. He received his training on his father's farm, but since he was eighteen years of age, has been working on his own account. In 1894, he removed to Geraldine, where he engaged in sheep dealing. For many years he has been a member of the Oddfellows' lodge at Geraldine. He was married in 1894, to Miss Briggs, daughter of Mr. Thomas Briggs, of Ashburton, and has three children.
Te Moana, near Geraldine. This estate is owned by the Hon. Lancelot Walker, and comprises about 3270 acres of freehold and 19,000 acres of leasehold land. From 11,000 to 12,000 sheep, chiefly Merinos and half breds, are run on the estate. The homestead comprises the residence of the Hon. Mr Walker, the manager's house and a large number of outbuildings. A portion of the estate has been cultivated with good results, and the crops average from thirty-five to forty bushels per acre.
Manager of the Four Peaks Estate, is a son of Mr. Lewis Edmond Corsbie, an old Canterbury colonist. He was born near Ashburton in 1872, and educated at the Normal school, Christchurch. Mr. Corsbie gained his experience in farming at Greenstreet farm, near Ashburton, under his father. Subsequently he served four years with the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association in Christchurch, and later became part owner of the Rainbow run in Marlborough, where he remained for three years. On leaving “Rainbow,” he was engaged in stock work for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company and Mr. J. S. Josephs. In 1899 he was appointed to his present position at “Four Peaks.” Mr. Corsbie has taken an active part in athletics, and was a prominent member of the Merivale Football senior team when it held the senior position.
Farmer, “Eccles,” Geraldine. Mr. Gimson was born in Kent, England, in 1847. He came to New
Farmer, “Lingodells,” Geraldine Road. Mr. Hawke was born at Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Yorkshire, England, in 1839, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand by the ship “William Miles,” to Lyttelton, in 1864. At first he went to Temuka, where he stayed for two years, and then took up his present property near Geraldine, and settled down to farming. He takes a great interest in everything that is likely to help the district. In addition to the farm on which he resides, Mr. Hawke has a second not far from his homestead, and another at Orari. He keeps sheep and carries on general farming. Mr. Hawke was interested in getting the “Victoria” bridge placed over the Orari in 1897, and he also joined the agitation for the park at Orari. He has also done a great deal of road-making in the district. Mr. Hawke was married in the Old Country before coming out, and has a family of seven sons and five daughters. Three of his daughters and one son are married.
Farmer, “Riverford,” Geraldine. Mr. McKenzie was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1840, and was brought up to farming in the Old Country. He came to New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Brother's Pride,” to Lyttelton. On his arrival he resided for six months in the neighbourhood of Christchurch and then moved to Geraldine district, where he worked on Mr. Angus Macdonald's station for about sixteen years. After that he was cropping for a few years on Mr. A Macdonald's land. He then began farming on his own account with a limited area of land, but his farm has since been augmented by the purchase of adjoining sections. Mr. McKenzie is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the affairs of which he has taken a prominent interest. He keeps sheep and grows grain and turnips, and has taken prizes in the show ring with his draught horses. In one year he took first prizes at Timaru, Ashburton and Christchurch. Mr. McKenzie was married in Christchurch, and has three sons and one daughter.
Raukapuka, Geraldine. Mr. Orbell was born
Sheepfarmer, Holmwood, Te Moana, Geraldine. Mr. Pym was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1871, and is a son of the late Rev. William Mills Parry Pym, of Corsham vicarage, Wiltshire. He was educated at Bedford College, Bedfordshire, and came to New Zealand in 1889, when he went as a cadet on the late Mr. F. Every's farm at Te Moana. In 1897 he purchased the property, which consists of 300 acres, on which he keeps sheep and grows crops. Mr. Pym has hitherto taken no part in public matters except as chairman of the local school committee. There is a very fine residence of ten rooms at Te Moana; in fact it is one of the finest in the district.
Farmer, Geraldine. Mr. Shiers was born in Yorkshire, England, and arrived in Victoria in 1853. He was employed on the construction of the railways from Melbourne to Bendigo, and from Geelong to Ballarat. After visiting the various leading goldfields in Victoria, he left in 1861 for New Zealand, to which he was attracted by the “rush” to Gabriel's Gully. He soon left for Canterbury, where he was employed by Messrs Holmes and Richardson in assisting to lay the iron rails in the Lyttelton tunnel. In 1862 he joined Howitt's expedition appointed by the Provincial Government to prospect for gold in the Hurunui and Teremakau rives, and took the first pack horse over the Hurunui Saddle, to the western side, across the Dividing Range. He was afterwards engaged by the late Mr. W. White, senior, to lay down the first wooden tramway to Burke's bush, on the Port Hills, and to the first sawmill erected at Little River, and also the tramway on the Lincoln road. In 1865 Mr. Shiers was employed by the Previncial Government, in making the West Coast road (Kowai to Craigieburn), and on the Lyttelton harbour works, under the late Mr. E. G. Wright. Mr. Shiers acted as railway and bridge inspector for the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, and was employed in a similar capacity by the Government in 1875 on the Albury railway works. For over eighteen years he was overseer and clerk to the Geraldine Road Board, and the roads of the district bear witness to his skill in road formation. He has been a member of the Geraldine County Council and school committee. Mr. Shiers now follows the peaceful life of a farmer. He is married, and has a surviving family of eight children.
(Arthur Geore Nalder, manager), Geraldine. This property is within eight miles of the township and consists of 3000 acres. It carries sheep and a few cattle, and 2000 acres are under cultivation. The property is fenced and divided into paddocks, which are sown with English grasses. On an average 5000 sheep are kept on the property. The homestead residence is a very handsome brick and wood building with about twenty rooms, and the grounds are planted with English trees, which are among the handsomest in South Canterbury. The property was formerly owned by Mr G. W. Slack, who sold it to Mr. Nalder. The estate is well watered and has plenty of natural bush upon it.
the eldest son of Mr. Henry Neucomen Nalder, long well known as a solicitor in Lyttelton, is manager of this very fine property. He was born at Lyttelton in 1871, and educated at Christ's College and Lincoln College. He was for some years in North Canterbury harvesting and was at Kaituna shepherding for some time. “Woodside” was bought by his father in 1891, and in 1894 Mr. Nalder went on to it and was shortly afterwards appointed by his father to manage the estate. Mr. Nalder married Miss Preston, a daughter of the late Rev. James Preston, of Geraldine.
Sheepdealer, Geraldine. Mr. Elmslie is the son of the Rev. Dr. Elmslie, of Christchurch. He was born in Aberdeen in 1865, and came to the Colony with his parents in the ship “Caribou”; was educated at Wanganui and Christchurch; served for three years in the New Zealand Grain Agency office, Christchurch, and was subsequently a cadet on the Acton and Springfield estate. Mr. Elmslie afterwards owned the Cairndale estate at Mayfield, Ashburton
a native of Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, came to New Zealand by the ship “Tudor,” in 1865, and landed at Lyttelton. He went to the Mackenzie Country as a shepherd to the late Mr. John Hay, with whom he remained two years. After a time he went to the Geraldine district, where he acquired land, named his farm “Spring-field,” and carried on farming till his death in 1886. While he was in the Mackenzie Country, Mr. Bell was married at Kakahu to Miss Sarah Beattie, sister of Mr. W. J. Beattie, an early settler of the district. Mr. Bell was of a retiring disposition and took no active part in public matters beyond being a member of the local school committee and an elder of the Geraldine Presbyterian church. He left five children—the eldest son, Mr. James Richard Bell, manages the farm for his mother, and the second son, Mr. Alex. Bell, M.A., sometime headmaster of the Timaru South public school, is now assistant inspector of schools for South Canterbury.
was born in Queen's County, Ireland, in 1838, and brought up to farming on his father's farm. In 1859 he left for Melbourne in the ship “Constantine,” and worked in Victoria for two years. He then came to New Zealand, went on the Otago goldfields, and struck a good claim on the Arrow river, where his party cleared £800 per man in twelve months. After that he visited the Wakamarina and the West Coast, where he made £250 in a short time. On coming to Canterbury he bought his present farm at Pleasant Valley, near Geraldine. The land was then in its native state, and there were no roads or fences in the country between his property and Temuka. Mr. Brophy's farm comprises 600 acres, and his wheat crop sometimes averages forty bushels per acre, and oats sixty bushels. Mr. Brophy has been a member of the Geraldine Road Board for a long time, and he has also been chairman of the Pleasant Valley school committee for many years, and a member of the St. Patrick's Sports Association. He married Miss Letitia Brown, of Kakahu, in 1872, and they have seven sons and four daughters.
sometime of Geraldine, was born at Saffron-Walden, in Essex, England, in 1822, and was brought up to the cigar-making trade in London. In 1858 he left England by the ship “Clontari” and landed at Lyttelton. He came to Geraldine under engagement to Mr. Alfred Cox of Raukapuka station, where he remained eighteen months. After that he went to Temuka to the late Mr. William Hornbrook, of Arowhenua station, and was there for five years. He was then with Mr. Edward Acton, and started that gentleman's butchering business at Timaru, managing it for five years. In 1871 Mr. Gapes took up a farm in the valley, which was named after him, “Gapes' Valley.” He had 123 acres on which he carried on fruit-growing and general farming.
formerly of “Greenfield,” Geraldine, was born in Morayshire, Scotland, in 1843. He is of English descent, and his father was head shepherd to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon at Castle Gordon; where he himself was brought up to shepherding. In 1862 he left Scotland for New Zealand by the “Queen of the Mersey,” and arrived at Lyttelton with a ten pound note in his pocket. He went to the Rangitata with his father, under engagement to the late Sir Cracroft Wilson, with whom he remained for a year. He then went shearing for a year with a crack shearer named Burgess and afterwards entered the employment of Mr. Acland at Mount Peel station, where the Hewson river is named after him. Finding hill shepherding too monotonous, he left Mount Peel and removed to Peel Forest estate, then owned by the late Mr. Jollie. There, after being shepherd, he became head shepherd and subsequently manager. He then took to buying land, and his first purchase was Richmond farm, then in the tussock. From that time he went on adding to his landed property, and bought “Greenfield.” In 1878 Mr. Hewson took a year's trip to the Old Country, where he visited all the scenes of his youth. He married in 1873, and was left a widower with a son and daughter in 1893, but has since then married again. Mr. Hewson always took a great interest in the advancement of the district, and was a member of the local school committee and water race committee. He now resides in Waimea Road, Nelson.
sometime of Geraldine, was born at Fazakerby, near Liverpool, England, and was a son of Mr. Henry Hesketh, surveyor and contractor, of Liverpool, who was engaged for many years on the Liverpool-Manchester railway, and died in America. As a boy Mr. Hesketh joined the railway service in the Old Country, and he was present at the opening ceremony of the Manchester-Liverpool railway, when Mr. William Huskisson, who had been Secretary of State for the Colonies in the Ministry of Viscount Goderich, was killed on the 5th of September, 1830. In 1852, Mr. Hesketh left England for Victoria by the ship “Falcon,” and for several years was engaged on the Hobson Bay railway between Melbourne and Sandridge, and was head-porter for the greater part of the time. He came to New Zealand in 1863 and arrived at Lyttelton, where he met Mr. George Holmes, who was then constructing the tunnel from Lyttelton to Christchurch. Mr. Holmes gave him the position of manager of the goods department at the Christchurch railway station. In 1876 Mr. Hesketh purchased a property at Gapes' Valley and engaged in farming. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Meadows, of
sometime of “Ashfield,” Geraldine, was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1833, and was brought up to sheepfarming in the Highlands. In 1854 he came to New Zealand under engagement as a shepherd to Sir Cracroft Wilson. He remained with Sir Cracroft for six years. He then went on a farm at Scotsburn on his own account and was there three years. After that he went to Mount Peel as overseer for Mr. Acland, with whom he remained for nearly ten years. At the end of that time, Mr. Irvine removed to Woodbury and started farming, and, later on, he had several farms throughout the district. Mr. Irvine never directly interested himself in public affairs. He married a daughter of the late Mr. Stephen Payne Smith, a very old settler of Canterbury, who came out by the “Steadfast,” which arrived in 1851. Five children were born of the marriage. Mr. Irvine died at “Ashfield,” on the 12th of October, 1901.
Senior, Geraldine Flat, is an old settler, who has been identified with Geraldine for the past thirty-five years. He was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1836, and brought up on his brother's farm, where he received his agricultural education. In 1862 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” landed at Lyttelton, and went to the Mackenzie Country, where he remained for three years shepherding on the Castle Tekapo station. Subsequently for a time he had charge of the ferry boat on the Tekapo river. After that he went to Winchester and took up 100 acres of land on which he remained for seven years when he sold out to Mr. Arthur Barker. In 1872 Mr. Shaw went to Geraldine Flat, where he took up 440 acres of land, and carried on mixed farming. He still resides there, but he owns several other farms in South Canterbury, on which he runs about 2000 sheep. Mr. Shaw was married the day before leaving the Old Country to Miss Margaret Stevenson, of Condoratt, Dumbarton, and has had fifteen children, eleven of whom are living. Mr. Alexander
sometime of Geraldine, was born near Burton-on-Trent, England, in 1831, and was, when twenty-three years of age, a deputy in a coal mine in Warwickshire. He came to New Zealand in 1863 by the ship “Captain Cook,” to Lyttelton. For a while he worked at the Lyttelton tunnel, and then went contracting with his two brothers, who worked under the name of Sherratt Bros. at Lyttelton for two years. He then moved to Christchurch, where he remained for about two years with Mr. Aulsebrook. After that he went farming in the Leeston district and bought the Rosedale farm, where he was for twelve years and a half. In 1878 he removed to Geraldine, where he entered into business as a money lender. Mr. Sherratt for some years was a member of the Geraldine County Council, and he had also been on the Town Board. He was a prominent member of the Primitive Methodist Church, and was made a Justice of the Peace in 1896. Soon after settling in Geraldine he turned his attention to sawmilling, and took Mr. E. Brown into partnership. On the bush being worked out, the firm was dissolved in 1866. Mr. Sherratt was married in Canterbury to Miss Eskett, and had a family of two sons. He and his wife and son visited England in 1886, and returned the same year. Mr. Sherratt died on the 4th of July, 1901.
Castlewood, near Geraldine, is a son of the late Colonel John Temple, Hants, England, where Captain Temple was born in 1835. He joined the 55th Regiment, saw service in India, and went through the Crimean war. Captain Temple resigned from the service in 1870, and came to New Zealand nine years later in the ship “Rangitikei,” which landed in Lyttelton. For two years he remained in Christchurch, and then went to Castlewood, where he has since resided. Captain Temple is an artist of repute, and while residing in Christchurch he helped to found the Canter bury Society of Arts.
is a fertile farming valley, which extends from Geraldine back to the high mountain ranges, a distance of about ten miles. It has a public school, store, post office, and blacksmith's shop. The district is noted for its fine crops of oats and wheat. It is supplied with an effective system of water-races, and the river Waihi also flows through the district. Towards the mountains, at the head of the valley, the country is occupied by large stations, such as Four Peaks and the Orari Gorge. Good roads of easy grade run through the district in all directions.
is situated near the general store at Woodbury, and on an area of two acres. The school consists of two class rooms, and Mr. J. McLeod, the headmaster, is assisted by Miss Riordan. There are seventy-two on the roll, and the average attendance is sixty-three. A gymnasium is fitted up in the school ground, and there are two play-grounds, one for girls and one for boys. The headmaster's house adjoins the school.
the Headmaster, is the third son of Mr. William McLeod, an old settler of Opihi, Pleasant Point. He was born in the Island of Skye, in 1866, and was educated partly at Home, but principally in New Zealand at Lakeside school, Leeston, and at Opihi. At first he worked on his father's farm, but at the same time he pursued his school studies privately. In 1893 he was appointed to teach at Burke's Pass, where he was for four years, and in 1897 he was transferred to Woodbury. Mr. McLeod married a daughter of Mr. W. Anniss, an old settler of Burke's Pass.
Blacksmith, Woodbury. Mr. Fifield was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1868, and came to New Zealand with his parents when a boy. He was educated at Geraldine at the public school, and served his apprenticeship to the blacksmithing trade with Mr. W. Heney, of Geraldine. He was with Mr. Heney for nine years, and afterwards worked with Mr. Kingston for one year. In 1894 he purchased the business at Woodbury. He was elected a member of the school committee in 1896, and in 1897 was elected chairman. He is a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge at Geraldine, and has been through all the chairs. Mr. Fifield married a daughter of Mr. George Hammond.
Sheepfarmer, “Fairfield,” Woodbury. Mr. Bennett was born in Cheshire, England, in 1838, and came to New Zealand, in 1859, by the ship “North Star,” which was afterwards wrecked at Invercargill. he went to Arowhenua shortly afterwards, and worked there for several years. About 1869 he bought a team of bullocks, and was for some years engaged in contract work, and in carting wool from the Mackenzie Country. Mr. Bennett was afterwards farming at Pleasant Valley for twenty-eight years. In 1897 he disposed of his property to his eldest son, and bought his present farm of 203 acres, on which he conducts general farming. He married Miss Foley, who, accompanied by her two brothers and sisters, arrived in New Zealand in 1858 by the ship “Zealandia.” Of a family of eleven children, seven sons and two daughters are alive.
Farmer, “Woodlands,” Woodbury. Mr. MacDonald is the youngest son of the late Mr. Allan MacDonald, an old settler of the district, who came to the Colony by the ship “Zealandia.” Mr. MacDonald, senior, was settled first at the Hinds, where he engaged in farming, but he sold out and secured a farm at the Waihi near the late Mr. Tripp's station. He dealt in cattle on a large scale, and went about the year 1870 to Woodbury, where he purchased the farm of “Woodlands.” This he farmed successfully for many years, till 1897, when he died in consequence of an accident. He left four sons and one daughter. Mr. J. W. MacDonald was born at “Woodlands” in 1875, and after his father's death he bought out the interests of his brothers, and now carries on the farm on his own account. He was once a prominent performer amongst athletes, and was well known as a sprinter. As such he won many 100 and 200 yards races in Canterbury, principally over hurdles. Mr. MacDonald is a member of the Woodbury water-race committee.
Farmer, Waihi Bush, Woodbury. Mr. Webb was born at West Bromwich, near Birmingham, England. He emigrated to Victoria in 1854, and was on the Ballarat goldfields for six years. In 1860 he returned to England and was away from the colonies about twelve months. About the end of 1862 he came to New Zealand for the purpose of going to the Otago goldfields, and was first at the Dunstan and subsequently at Bannockburn, Arrow, Shotover, and several other creeks and rivers leading into Lake Wakatipu. He came from Southland to Canterbury in 1867, and worked for a few years
(Joseph and Thomas Percival Wooding), Farmers and Mill Owners, Woodbury. These gentlemen are sons of the late Mr. T. P. Wooding, of Woodbury. The first was born at Woodend in 1861, and was one of the first scholars at the Woodend school; the second was born in 1868, also at Woodend, and was educated at Woodbury. Both sons were brought up to farming on their father's property, and in 1888 they started in partnership on a farm near Woodbury. They also own two threshing combines, clover shellers, and chaff cutters, which they work throughout the Geraldine and Orari districts, and during the season of 1899, they threshed 233,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Joseph Wooding has been a member of the Woodbury Domain Board for many years. He married a daughter of Mr. William Hawke, Geraldine, in 1892, and has two sons and two daughters. Mr. T. P. Wooding married a daughter of Mr. Robert Ray, of Geraldine, and he also has two sons and two daughters.
sometime of Woodland Grange, Woodbury, was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1832, and was brought up as a gardener. He came to New Zealand with some of the early colonists in the ship “Joseph Fletcher,” and arrived in Lyttelton in 1856. After remaining at Papanui for a few months Mr. Wooding went to Woodend, where he was one of the first colonists, and there he resided until 1875. During his stay there he was a member of the first Woodend church, school committee and sexton of the Woodend church. On leaving that place, he went to Woodbury, and took up a farm of 500 acres, then in a state of nature. Mr. Wooding kept half-bred sheep, and his oat crops averaged forty bushels per acre. His success in life was due to his untiring energy, and his sons have followed in their father's footsteps. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Gibbs, of Bedfordshire, and they had three sons and four daughters. Mr. Wooding died in August, 1901.
is the name of a prosperous pastoral district in the county of Geraldine. It is off the railway line, but is connected by coach with Rangitata, distant thirteen miles. The local post office has a telephone service, and there is postal communication with Tamaru, thirty-eight miles off, three times a week. There is a population of about 180 persons in the district, which, in respect to scenery, is one of the most beautiful in Canterbury. It is a favorite place for picnickers, and it is no uncommon thing for 300 people to be seen camping out there at Christmas and New Year. Mount Peel, towering up 5,633 feet above the little township nestling at its foot, and clothed with native bush, is in itself no mean attraction. Then there is the fine bracing air, which will in time make the district celebrated as a sanitarium. There are numerous fine waterfalls, one of which, the Lynn, is over eight feet in height, and the sight of which is well worth a scramble up its rugged romantic gorge. To the botanist the district is specially attractive in its variety, ranging from the strange Raoulia or “vegetable sheep,” (Celmisias), and other Alpines, through the resplendent ratas, manukas, and dracophylliums, or grass trees, festooned and carpeted with lycopodium, to the lower lands flora with its tree ferns, orchids, and other botanical treasures. At Mount Peel can still be found the maiden-hair, the rare and singular umbrella fern, and many unique forms of the native leafless brooms. A day's drive from Peel Forest, inland, takes one to that interesting district to the geologist, called Stew Point, which shows indications of being rich in minerals: further on still, are the rarely visited but magnificent Rangitata glaciers.
Fruitgrower, Waikonini Orchard, Peel Forest. Mr Barker is a son of the late Dr. Barker, who came out to the colony in the ship “Charlotte Jane,” and settled in Christchurch. He was born in Christchurch in 1858, and received the first part of his education at Christ's College, Christchurch, and finished at Jesus College, Cambridge. On returning to the colony in 1880 Mr. Barker bought his present property of 150 acres, and immediately began to prepare a portion of the land for fruit trees. The first 700 trees were planted in 1883, and 3300 in 1893. The trees were carefully selected and systematically planted in diagonal
This station is the property of the Hon. J. B. A. Acland who is referred to at page 87 of this volume as an ex-member of the Legislative Council. The property consists of 5000 acres of freehold and about 100,000 acres of leasehold land, and carries 45,000 Merino and halfbred sheep. The improvements include a mansion house built in 1864, of bricks burnt on the place, and of stone from Mount Somers, and roofed with slates. There are fine gardens, lawns, and grounds, all laid out with great taste on a naturally beautiful site on the south bank of the Rangitata. The plantations of hard wood are among the most valuable in the colony.
who has been Manager of Mount Peel Station since 1894, was born at Papanui and educated at Christ's College. He served two years in a bank, but subsequently relinquished office work for station life. Mr. Thomson was at Hopefield for three years; he was appointed manager of “Glenwye” in 1886, and held the position till 1893. He was married, in 1898, to Miss Lucy Acland, fourth daughter of the Hon. J. B. A. Acland.
Sheepfarmer, Peel Forest. Mr. Thew was born at Lemington-on-Tyne, Northumberland, England, in 1841. His father was employed at Stephenson's Railway Works, but owing to ill-health, had to give up his occupation. He then engaged in farming two miles out of Newcastle. Mr. Thew was sent to a private school, but owing to the death of his father he went home when thirteen years of age to assist in working the farm, and was thus engaged until he reached the age of seventeen. He was then connected with shipping work for four years at North Shields. In 1861 Mr. Thew came to New Zealand by the “Matoaka,” and landed at Lyttelton. He then went to Timaru, where he stayed for one year on a cattle station. Subsequently Mr. Thew took up contracting, which he followed for sixteen years in the South Canterbury district, and then settled down at Peel Forest, where he still carries on his farm. He was elected a member of the Timaru Harbour Board in 1895. Mr. Thew has been a member of the Mount Peel Road Board for nineteen years, and has been chairman of the school committee several times. He was created a Justice of the Peace in 1897. Mr. Thew married Miss Harris, daughter of an old settler of Timaru, and has a family of five sons and two daughters.
is a rural township situated midway between Temuka and Orari, on the main south railway line, about sixteen miles to the north of Timaru. The district is one of the gardens of New Zealand. Its prosperity is patent to the most superficial observer, and it is known as one of the best grain producing districts in Canterbury. The farms are comparatively large, and the homesteads testify to the prosperity of the owners. The south road runs through the township, the buildings in which, though not large, suggest prosperity. Winchester has a handsome Anglican church, a good flour mill, with up-to-date machinery, two hotels, two good general stores, a blacksmith's shop, a library, a public school, and two large wool scouring establishments. The Winchester river, in the immediate neighbourhood of the town, the Orari and the Rangitata rivers, distant respectively about three and eight miles to the north, with the Temuka and the Opihi four miles to the south, are counted with the best trout streams in Canterbury; and anglers from various parts of Australia, and even from the Home Country, annually visit the district during the fishing season. Remarkably good roads abound in the district, and cyclists can enjoy a run to Temuka and Geraldine. The latter township is about seven miles from Winchester. From Geraldine the trip can be continued by equally good roads to
V.D., founder of the township of Winchester, was born at Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, England, in 1832, and was educated there. He was apprenticed to the cabinet-making trade in London, and resided there for eight years, and was married to Miss Tarrant, of Plastow, Essex. Leaving London in October, 1858, for Timaru, by the ship “Strathallan,” Captain Williams, he worked for some time in the bush, and then started for some time in the bush, and then started in business as a carpenter and builder. He went into partnership for a time with Mr. Philip Dale (now of Timaru), and then took the Arowhenua Hotel, where he remained three years; he then engaged in business as a storekeeper and butcher at Georgetown, Temuka, and afterwards opened a similar business at Waimate. Returning to Winchester, he built the Winchester Hotel, the first publichouse there, and two years later built and conducted the Royal Hotel at Temuka. After some years, he returned to Winchester, let the hotel and built another, the “Wolseley,” which he conducted for about five years. On leaving this hotel, Mr. Young carried on a storekeeper's business for some three years. In Winchester, he owns the two hotels, a store, and a private residence named “The Villa.” For some time he carried on farming on a small scale. Major Young has always retained his interest in volunteering, and was one of the promoters of the Temuffa Rifles, which were enrolled in 1868. He was promoted to ensign in that year, lieutenant in 1870, captain in 1875, and major (unattached) in 1883, and has received the long service and Imperial medals. He was quarter-master of the South Canterbury battalion until it was disbanded in 1888, and has served the full limit of service for an officer allowed by the volunteer regulations. In 1873 he paid a visit to England for the benefit of his health. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, was chairman of the school committee for some years, and has been chairman of the Winchester Domain Board and Sports Association since 1882. He has seven children, all of whom are married.
(Angus McKay, proprietor), Winchester. This well-known hostelry is situated on the main line of railway, sixteen miles north of Timaru, and was established about 1863. It contains twenty-four well-furnished rooms, a large, well-ventilated dining-room, and a billiard-room, fitted up with one of Alcock's tables. There are numerous well-stocked trout streams close to the hotel, which is patronised by farmers, anglers, commercial travellers, and by drovers, who find the securely fenced and well watered paddocks attached to the hotel a great convenience. There are good stables on the premises.
the Proprietor, was born at Ledmore, Amberley, in 1868. His parents removed to Totara Valley in 1869, and to Kakahu in 1877, and he was educated at Hilton. Mr. McKay was brought up to pastoral life, and has always taken an active part in athletic sports. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Wills, of Waimate.
(Thomas Langdon, proprietor), Winchester. This hotel was built in 1884 by Major Young. The bar and parlours are downstairs, as well as the dining-room, which measures 24 feet by 18 feet; single and double bedrooms, a hot and cold water bath, and two sitting-rooms are upstairs. The grounds are beautifully laid out with macrocarpa and pinus insignus, and the hotel itself is the favourite resort of trout fishers, and is visited by tourists and others from all parts of the world. Lord Hampden, formerly Governor of New South Wales, Major Fergusson, and Mr. Fairfax, one of the proprietors of the “Sydney Morning Herald,” have stayed at the “Wolseley.” During the fishing season of 1897–98, 2662 trout, weighing 3282 pounds, were caught by visitors staying at the hotel. The most notable basket was taken by Mr. C. Opie, in
the Proprietor of the Wolseley Hotel, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1838, and came to New Zealand in 1862, when he landed at Nelson from the “Albemarle.” He was for thirteen years in the Nelson district, and was on the principal goldfields of Otago and the West Coast. He afterwards resided at Timaru, where he followed his profession of landscape gardener. In 1891, he took over the hotel at Winchester, and from a position of obscurity it has risen under his management to popularity as the pleasantest resort in South Canterbury for tourists and fishermen. Mr. Langdon married Miss Mary Anne Kearns, who was born in Nelson, to which her father had come by the first iron ship, and has one daughter. In 1883 Mr. Langdon made a trip to the Old Country, and returned in the same year.
(D. McCaskill, proprietor), Winchester. These works were established in 1869. They are erected on the banks of a stream of soft water, close to the railway station, and fitted up with the latest improved
the Proprietor, was born at Milton, Otago, in 1869, and was educated at Temuka. He was married, in 1895, to Miss Bissett, of Orari, and has one son and one daughter. Mr. McCaskill is a vice-president of the Temuka Bicycle Club, and a prominent member of the South Canterbury Rugby Union.
(William Harrison, lessee), Winchester. This old established mill was erected by the late Mr. Daniel Inwood, the first miller in Canterbury. It had a successful history as a three-stone mill for years, but the universal change from stones to rolls compelled the owner to convert it into a roller flour mill, and supply it with the finest and most modern machinery. The mill's capacity is now two-and-a-half sacks per hour, on a system of four breaks and six reductions. It is provided with cleaning machines, separators, a magnetic wire-extractor, smutter and brush machine. The building is three stories in height, and it has abundant room for the storage of wheat. Motive power is supplied by a new American turbine of thirty-two horse power. The turbine is twenty-five inches in diameter, and is operated by water with a head of fifteen feet. Most of the machinery was supplied by the well known Manchester firm of Henry Simon. “Reform” is the brand borne by the mill's flour, which finds an ever ready sale in the district.
is a Yorkshireman, who came to New Zealand in 1880, and after being for some time on the Longbeach estate he worked for two years at the Winchester flour mill, then leased by Mr. Murray. Mr. Harrison then visited America and spent two years in one of the largest flour mills at Mineapolis. After that he visited England, where he remained eighteen months, and then returned to New Zealand by way of Melbourne and Sydney. Mr. Inwood offered him employment in the Winchester mill, and he worked there for about three years prior to taking a lease of it when Mr. Inwood retired from business in 1889. Mr. Harrison is a member of the Winchester library committee, and one of the trustees of the public hall.
(John Opie), General Storekeepers, Butchers, and Bakers, Winchester. Established 1891. Mr. John Opie, the principal in this business, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1843, and was brought up to farming. In 1866, he left England for New Zealand by the ship “Glenmark,” and landed at Timaru. He went straight to Waimate, where he was for seven years engaged in bush work, and was afterwards road making for the Waimate Road Board. Mr. Opie entered the service of Messrs Manchester Bros. and Goldsmith, and was the firm's accountant for thirteen years, when he left for Winchester to establish his present business. Three of Mr. Opie's sons are in business with him; the eldest, Alfred Thomas, is engaged in the wool business, and is also well known in athletic circles. When in Waimate Mr. Opie was a member of the Waimate school committee; he belonged to the Waimate Rifle Corps, and was also choirmaster of the local Wesleyan choir. He has been Worshipful Master of the Winchester Lodge of Freemasons, No. 1737, and is also a member of the local school committee. Mr. Opie was married in the Old Country, just before the sailing of the “Glenmark,” to Miss Collins, also of Cornwall, and they have a family of nine.
Farmer, Smithfield, near Winchester. Mr. Aitken was born in London in 1843, and came to Lyttelton in 1868 by the ship “Blue Jacket.” After landing, he went to Timaru, under engagement to the late Mr. Elworthy, of Pareora station, where he was shepherding for seven years. He then leased, and afterwards bought his farm of 808 acres. The estate has been subdivided into paddocks, cleared, and cultivated, and is devoted to sheepfarming and wheat growing. Mr. Aitken has never held any public office, although he has always taken a great and active interest in the advancement of the district in which he has his home.
Farmer, Winchester. Mr. Budd, who has seen and been connected with the early development of South Canterbury, was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1843, and was brought up to farming. In 1863, he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” and landed at Timaru. He worked for Mr. Rhodes at the Levels station during the shearing seasons, and purchased a small farm at Winchester in 1865, and gradually increased his holding. Though he has taken no active part in public affairs, Mr. Budd is well acquainted with the early history of Canterbury, and can recall many interesting occurrences of the old days. In 1889, he sold his farm and purchased another one of 313 acres, also at Winchester, and there he resides, and carries on mixed farming. Mr. Budd's first wife, whom he married in England in 1863, died in the Colony. He subsequently married Miss Mills, of Christchurch, and they have two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Hunnington,” Winchester. Mr. De Renzy was born at Carnew, County of Wicklow, Ireland, in 1837, and is the youngest son of the late Dr. Thomas De Renzy. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Egmont,” to Lyttelton, in 1856, and went as a cadet on the Hororata station for eighteen months. Afterwards he rented a run at Lake Ellesmere from Messrs Harman and Davie, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. G. Gordon. The partnership lasted for two years, but Mr. De Renzy carried on the run till 1863, and kept both cattle and sheep. He then visited the Old Country, and returned to New Zealand in 1871. After coming back he managed a farm at Selwyn for sometime. Then on the 20th of May, 1874, he went to Winchester and took charge of the “Hunnington Farm” of 1100 acres, and managed it for the Hon. Spencer George Lyttelton for twelve years, when he took the property over on lease, and is carrying it on with sheep farming and agriculture. Mr. De Renzy has been a
Farmer, “Blannant,” Geraldine Road, Winchester. Mr. Lewis was born in Glamorganshire, South Wales, England, in 1831, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Echunga,” landed at Timaru, and worked at Temuka for the late Mr. John Hay, hurst for some time, after which he went into the bush, contracting and pit sawing. Later on he bought twenty acres of land on the Geraldine Road, and took to farming and contract work. Now he has a compact freehold farm of about 300 acres, and keeps sheep and cattle. He occasionally keeps a stud flock. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Geraldine Flat school committee, and was also one of the first to go on the school committee when the Winchester school was opened. He was married in the Old Country, and has a family of eight.
Farmer, Winchester. Mr. Prattley was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1843, and was brought up to farming. In 1873, he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Crusader,” and landed at Lyttelton. Thence he went to Temuka, where three years later he leased a farm from Mr. Hayhurst, and remained there for twelve years. In 1888 he took up a farm, near Temuka, where he has since resided. Mr. Prattley was married in the Old Country, but his wife died in New Zealand, leaving him a family of four sons and one daughter. In 1895, he married Miss Elizabeth Simmons, of Oxfordshire, England, and there is one child of this marriage.
Farmer, “Greenvale Farm,” Winchester. Mr. Shaw is the fourth son of Mr. David Shaw, of Geraldine Flat, and was born at Winchester, and educated at the public school. He was brought up to farming by his father, and in 1896 purchased his present farm from Mr. Alexander Clyne; its area is ninety-five acres of the best soil in the district. He has also a farm of 975 acres at Rangitata. Mr. Shaw was married to Annie, youngest daughter of Mr. Archibald Mahan, schoolmaster, of Geraldine Flat.
Farmer, “Brookfield,” Winchester. Mr. Young was born in 1854 at Haverford West, Wales, and came with his parents to New Zealand in 1863. Mr. Young, senior, went to Heathcote for six years, but moved thence to Winchester, and took up land at Waitohi Flat, where he died in 1892. Mr. F. M. Young purchased “Brookfield” in 1890, and has cultivated the land ever since. In addition to general farming, he is a breeder of a pure strain of English Leicester sheep. He married Miss Elizabeth Josling, daughter of the late Mr. John Josling, of Rangiora, who was one of the early settlers who came out in the “first four ships.”
Farmer, Wool Scourer, Fellmonger, and Flax Miller, Smithfield, Winchester. Mr. Smith was born at Halswell, near Christchurch, in 1853. His father, the late Mr. Robert Evans Smith, was manager of the Mount Peel station, and subsequently leased, from the late Mr. Tripp, Orari Gorge station, where he was for five years, when he took up the Smithfield farm, near Winchester. The subject of this sketch was educated at the High School, Christchurch, and was apprenticed to the wheelwright and millwright trade with Messrs John Anderson and Sons, of Christchurch. On completing his time he went to Winchester, where he was for ten years in business as a wheelwright. He afterwards established wool-scouring works at Smithfield, and the flax-mill was added later. In 1890, he went for a trip to England with his wife, to whom he was married in 1878, and who was a daughter of the late Mr. John Gibbs Hart, a very early settler of Rangiora. On returning the following year, Mr. Smith, in addition to his other vocations, entered into farming pursuits on his farm of 900 acres. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an active adherent of the Church of England, and was for a term a member of the Temuka Road Board. His brother-in-law, Mr. Thomas Lawson Hart, is a partner in his wool-scouring business.
on the Kakahu river, in the county of Geraldine, is twenty-two miles north from Timaru, and eight miles from Temuka, with which it is connected by coach. The district is a farming one, and has limestone and pipe clay deposits. It lies in a north-easterly direction from Waitohi Flat. For the greater part it is fine, rich, open country, taken up by large and well managed farms. High and fertile downs separate it from the Waitohi Flat, but the whole district is in a thorough state of cultivation. It has a good public school, a store, and a blacksmith's shop. Extending from the head of Hilton, towards the mountains is Kakahu, a fine sheep country, with its lower portions under cultivation. Throughout the whole district there are well kept roads, some steep, but mostly of easy grades. Hilton has a daily mail service with Timaru, and there is a telephone bureau at the local post office.
This school was built in 1874, on a section of three acres of land, the gift of the late Mr. Ormsby and Messrs R. and J. Skinner. The building will accommodate one hundred children, and there is an average attendance of about fifty. Mr. A. E. Wray, the headmaster, is assisted by Miss Mary Wharton.
Farmer Hilton. Mr. Beattie was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1835. He came out to New Zealand in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” in 1863, and landed at Timaru. For five years he was shepherding for the late Mr. John Hay in the Mackenzie Country. In 1865, he went to the Hokitika goldfields, but finding the place over-crowded and overrated, returned to Mr. Hay, and remained in the Mackenzie Country another five years. In 1873, he took up 200 acres of land at Hilton, where he has since resided. He has
Farmer, Hilton. Mr. Crow, who is the eldest son of Mr. William Crow, J.P., Leeston, was born at Polesworth, Warwickshire, England, in 1859, and came out to Lyttelton with his parents in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” in 1863. He worked on his father's farm at Leeston for about twelve years, and was subsequently for three years at Coldstream. In 1881, he purchased 400 acres at Rangitata, where he remained for three years. He then removed to Invercargill, and took up 450 acres in Southland. After a three years' sojourn, he found the climate of Southland unsuitable to his health, and bought a farm at Hilton and another at Arowhenua Downs, the two together comprising 572 acres. In 1883 he married Miss Clara Johnson, daughter of Mr. Thomas Johnson, of Irwell, and has a family of five daughters and three sons.
Farmer, Hilton. Mr. Friel was born in the County of Donegal, Ireland, in 1843. He was brought up to farming and came out to Australia in 1862, in the ship “Greyhound,” which landed at Melbourne. After a stay of six months he came over to New Zealand. He remained twelve years in Otago, eight years of which he spent on the goldfields. On coming to Canterbury he settled at Pleasant Point, where he was engaged in contracting on the Levels estate for three years. Afterwards he bought a farm at Waitohi Flat, where he resided for twenty years, during which he continued cropping and contracting. Some years ago he sold out his farm at Waitohi Flat, and in 1897 he took up his present property at Hilton on lease in perpetuity; it consists of 264 acres, and is part of the Arowhenua estate. Mr. Friel has never taken much part in public affairs, but he was a member of the Upper Waitohi Flat school committee for several years. In 1876, he married Miss Eleanor Coll, of County Donegal, and they have one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Hilton. Mr. Greene was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1849, and passed his early years on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in the ship “City of Dunedin,” and settled at Ashburton, where he followed farming. In 1897 he took up the largest farm offered on the Raketairi settlement. It contained 425 acres, and was partly cultivated. Mr. Greene immediately set about improving the property by building a dwellinghouse, erecting about two miles of subdivision fences, and renewing the old pastures. He raises fat lambs for the export trade, for which he breeds from halfbred ewes and English Leicester rams. Mr. Greene has served on the local school committee for a number of years. He was married, in 1872, to Miss Cameron, and has two sons and four daughters.
Chippendale Farm, Hilton. Mr. Hunt was born at Portsmouth in 1857, and was apprenticed as an engineer and blacksmith. He came to New Zealand in 1875, by the ship “Blairgowrie,” and worked at his trade for twelve years in Christchurch. In 1887, he removed to Rangitata, where he remained for ten years. He then bought 220 acres of land from the Government, and named his farm “Chippendale.” Mr. Hunt has cultivated his land with excellent results, and has occasionally threshed fifty bushels of wheat and eighty of oats to the acre. He also grows good crops of turnips and rape, and fattens crossbred Leicester sheep for the export trade. Mr. Hunt has made permanent and substantial improvements in the shape of a good dwellinghouse, outbuildings, garden, and orchard and the farm is divided into six paddocks. He has been twice married, and has sons and daughters.
Farmer, Hilton. Mr. Skinner was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1844. He was educated in his native place, and brought up to farming by his parents. In 1868 he set out for New Zealand and arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “William Davie.” A year after his arrival he began cropping at Totara station, near Oamaru, and was there for about seven years. Mr. Skinner then removed to Hilton, in the Geraldine county, where he acquired a farm, and has since been engaged in farming. His farm consists of about 600 cres of freehold, is named “Redcliff,” and he has 660 cres of leasehold land known as Burleigh farm. In 1896, Mr. Skinner was elected a member of the Timaru Harbour Board, and he has been chairman of the Hilton school committee for the past eighteen years. He takes a great interest in all social matters, and occupies the position of president of the Geraldine Farmers' Club. Mr. Skinner is married, and has a family of four daughters and one son.
lies about eighteen or twenty miles to the north-west of Timaru, in the county of Geraldine, and is within eight miles of Pleasant Point. There are two post offices in the district; one at Kakahu bush, and the other at Kakahu school, three miles apart. Timaru is the head office for both; the nearest telegraph office is at Geraldine, distant ten or twelve miles. Agriculture and sheepfarming are the leading industries. The district had a population of sixty-six souls at the census of March, 1901.
Farmer, Kakahu, near Geraldine. Mr. Earl was born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1833, and was brought up to farming in the Old Country. He came to Victoria in 1855 by the ship “Caroline,” and was on Castlemaine and Bendigo and all the principal diggings of Victoria. After that he visited New Zealand and was prospecting for a time on the Hauraki Peninsula. He then returned to Australia, but in 1866 he came over again to New Zealand and was for three years on the West Coast of the South Island. Subsequently Mr. Earl removed to
Sheepfarmer, Kakahu, Geraldine. Mr. Hutchinson was born in India in 1869, and educated at the Military College, Oxford, England. He came to New Zealand in 1896, in the s.s. “Kaikoura,” and served as a cadet on Mount Peel and Orari stations. In 1899 Mr. Hutchinson bought his present property of 2100 acres from Mr. W. P. Studholme. The land consists of rolling downs and the soil is of rich limestone formation. It has all been cultivated with excellent results, and grows grain, grass, rape and other root crops to perfection. The flock consists of English Leicester crosses, and a large number is annually fattened for the export trade. Mr. Hutchinson has made many improvements and the commodious dwellinghouse is charmingly situated, and is surrounded by a plantation of quick growing pines. Mr. Hutchinson was married in 1896, to Miss Buchanan, of Little River, a daughter of one of Canterbury's earliest and most prominent settlers.
This property was first taken up as a run in 1856 by Mr. Campion, and sold to Mr. Cox in 1861. Mr. Cox, in his turn, sold to the late Major Hornbrook, from whom Messrs Studholme and Wigley purchased the station. Mr. John Studholme, father of the present proprietor, subsequently bought out his partner. The property now consists of 10,000 acres of freehold and a leasehold of 2000 acres of a corporation reserve. A large area of the land is under artificial grass, and a considerable portion is cropped year by year. The flock consists chiefly of English Leicester and Merino crosses. “Kakahu” abounds in limestone, which yields ninety-eight per cent. of pure white lime, and there is also an abundance of coal clay and good building stone, but an extension of the railway is necessary to the development of these resources. The improvements of the Property include a new dwellinghouse, outbuildings, plantations, gardens, lawns, and eighty miles of wire fences.
J.P., of Kakahu, Hilton, is the second son of the late Mr. John Studholme, of Merivale. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Magdalen College, Oxford. Mr. Studholme is a barrister of the Inner Temple, and graduated in law honours at Oxford. He married Mabel, only daughter of Mr. Henry Francis Gray, of Waihora, Woodend.
named after the late Mr. William Gapes, one of the pioneers of the district, lies between two spurs of the high downs which fall away from the back ranges, and is about four miles from Geraldine. The flat land is of exceptionally good quality, and yields large crops of grain. The valley is about four miles in length, and the houses of the settlers, nestling in well grown plantations, give an idyllic charm to the landscape. Back from the lower land rise downs, whose fattening qualities are noted in the district. The roads are good and of easy grade, and the valley has a public school.
Farmer, Gapes' Valley. Mr. Clephane is the third son of Mr. Thomas Clephane, an old settler of Christchurch. He was born in Christchurch in the year 1866, and brought up to the occupation of a farmer on his father's farm near Ashburton. In 1890 Mr. Clephane took up his present property of 200 acres at Gapes' Valley, where he carriers on farming. He has been connected with sporting, and has always taken a great interest in the Geraldine Racing Club, on which he serves as a member of the committee. He is also a member of the school committee. Mr. Clephane is married to a daughter of the late Mr. G. F. Lovegrove, sometime of Scarborough Road, Kekerangu station, Marlborough, and has a family of four.
Farmer, Gapes' Valley. Mr. Lovegrove, who is the eldest son of the late Mr. G. F. Lovegrove, was born in Marlborough, in 1864, and was engaged with his father in the various places where they resided. He farms his present property, and cultivates fruit extensively. Like his father, he takes great interest in sporting affairs; he has won nine steeplechases in Canterbury, and has bred some of the best Hunt Club horses. Mr. Lovegrove has been a member of the South Canterbury Hunt Club, and of the Gapes' Valley school committee, of which he was chairman for several years.
Farmer, Gapes' Valley.—Mr. Patrick was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1835, and worked for about thirteen years in the coal mines. In 1860 he came to New Zealand in the ship “William Miles,” and landed at Lyttelton. He settled for a time at the head of Akaroa Bay; he was then engaged in the construction of the Lyttelton tunnel and afterwards went contracting and road making. In 1866 Mr. Patrick went to Hilton, where he took up a farm, which he worked for five years. He then went to Gapes' Valley, and took up the farm of which he has since resided. The property consists of 280 acres, and was, when bought by Mr. Patrick, all tussock land. It has been successfully cultivated, and the oat crops average forty bushels, and the wheat twenty-five bushels per acre. Mr. Patrick has been a member of the Gapes' Valley school committee for several years. He was married in the Old Country, and has a family of eight sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Hillside Farm, Gapes' Valley. Mr. Russell was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1845, and was brought up to farming. He came out to New Zealand in the ship “Zealandia,” in 1872. For three years he was engaged in farming and contracting at Maheno, North Otago, after which he removed to Canterbury. He cropped for a season on the Levels estate, and then went to Waitohi, where he leased some land, which he worked for three years, when he bought some Government land in the neighbourhood, and settled on his present farm. At the end of two years he went to the Kakahu bush, and twelve years later returned to his farm. His wheat crops occasionally average forty bushels per acre, and oats fifty bushels. Mr. Russell was married at Maheno to Miss Proctor, and has five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Greendale Farm,” Gapes Valley. Mr. Wells was born in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1841, and being trained to farming pursuits, from the time he was nine years old he worked for himself. His father, Mr. Joshua Wells, paymaster-sergeant, served in the 27th Regiment of the line at Waterloo, and his brother, Sergeant John Wells, of the Royal Artillery, served through the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. Mr. R. P. Wells landed at Lyttelton in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” in 1863, under engagement to Mr. James Lockhead, being accompanied by his brother, the late Mr. William Wells. He reached Christchurch with only ten shillings in his pocket, and worked with several employers
J.P., who was one of the very early colonists of New Zealand, was born at Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, in 1831; twenty years later he came to New Zealand in the ship “Phœbe Dunbar,” and landed at Wellington. His first engagement was with Sir Charles Clifford at Stonyhurst, and after working there for two years he was appointed manager. Seven years later he went to Flaxbourne, Marlborough, and managed that station for Messrs Clifford and Weld for a period of fifteen years. He then bought Benhopai station, Marlborough, and Kekerangu station in the same province, and resided at the latter place for three years. On coming to Canterbury he bought a large farm at Makikihi, and afterwards went to Castle Rock farm, Totara Valley. In 1891, he bought Brookside farm, Gapes' Valley, where he resided until his death, in 1894. He left a family of eight children. Mr. Lovegrove served on the Waimate Road Board, and was chairman of the Hook school committee for some years. He was the starter of the first Grand National Steeplechase in New Zealand, and was also secretary of the Waimate Hunt Club.
is on the main south line of railway, eighty-nine miles from Christchurch, and eleven miles to the north of Timaru. The surrounding district is rich agricultural country; towards the sea the land is particularly fertile, and was originally a wild swamp, but it now yields crops which average sixty bushels of wheat and from seventy to eighty bushels of oats to the acre. With a few exceptions, the holdings are comparatively large, and the whole district is dotted with fine plantations, which afford shelter to the stock and homesteads and lend a sylvan grace to the landscape. The district is well watered, as the Opihi and Temuka rivers are about half a mile from the town, the Orari three miles, and the Rangitata about ten. These rivers are known to all anglers as being stocked with trout, which, in respect to size and delicacy, equal the best in New Zealand. Temuka is, therefore, in high favour with anglers, some of whom come from Australia, and even England, every fishing season. In itself Temuka is a pleasant country town, with broad clean streets, and fresh water running in the side channels. It is well supplied with schools, churches, hotels, and livery stables. Many of the buildings are in brick, and the shops are supplied with articles equal to those to be seen in the larger centres of population. There are two doctors, two chemists, and one dentist in the town, which has a well kept park and domain, with a bicycle track, and tennis, cricket and football grounds. The post and telegraph office and the courthouse are built in brick. A large amount of business is transacted at the local railway station and the goods sheds. At the census taken on the 31st of March, 1901, Temuka had a population of 1,465; 767 males, and 698 females.
meets in the Council Chambers on the first Wednesday in each month. There is a population of 1465 in the borough, which is assessed at a capital value of £87,300. This
has been a member of the Temuka Borough Council since its formation in 1899. He is a son of Mr. S. Buxton, formerly member of the House of Representatives for Rangitata; was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1863, and arrived in New Zealand in 1865. After receiving his education at the public schools in the vicinity of Christchurch, he was engaged as a clerk in the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association stores at Timaru, and subsequently as a book-keeper in the office of a well-known Temuka merchant. In 1892 he commenced business on his own account as a grain and produce merchant in Temuka. Mr. Buxton was married to a daughter of Mr. E. Brown, of Temuka, in April, 1898. He was elected Mayor in 1802, in succession to Major Hayhurst, who resigned to make a prolonged visit to Europe.
is one of the original members of the Temuka Borough Council, as he was first elected when the Town Board merged in to the Council in 1899, and was returned at the election of 1901. Councillor Henry has done much to bring the Temuka fire brigade up to its present efficiency, as he has been its captain for seventeen years. He has also taken a considerable interest in the Caledonian Society, of which he has been vice-president for ten years, and was president for two years. Councillor Henry was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1849, and educated at a private school at Kattins. He was subsequently trained as a blacksmith, and followed his trade in different parts of Scotland till 1870, when he left for New Zealand. On the 12th of November, in that year, he arrived in Temuka, and immediately established the smithy which he still conducts. Mr. Henry was married, in 1872, to Miss A. Robertson, also a native of Scotland, and there is a family of five sons and two daughters.
was elected to the Temuka Borough Council in September, 1902, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. J. A. McCaskill, and was re-elected in 1903. He is referred to in another article as the owner of Seadown Farm, Seadown.
has been associated with the local government of Temuka since 1893, when he was elected a member of the Temuka Town Board. Six years later, he took a prominent part in bringing the borough into existence. At the completion of this change he was elected a member of the council, and still holds a seat.
Member of the Temuka Borough Council, was elected in April, 1903. He is referred to in another article as proprietor of the Crown Hotel.
J.P., Clerk of the Temuka Borough Council, was born at Dunedin in 1862, and is a son of the late Mr. W. H. Cutten, and grandson of the late Captain Cargill. He was educated partly at Dunedin and partly in England, and has had business training as a banker, having for many years been in the Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Cutten married Mrs Mendelson, widow of the late Mr. Julius Mendelson, who was one of the most prominent residents in Temuka. He is further referred to in the Military section of this volume as Quartermaster of the South Canterbury Infantry Battalion.
extends from the Rangitata river to the Opihi. It is bounded on the east by the ocean, and comprises some of the finest land in Canterbury. The ratable vale is estimated at £756,794, with a rate of three farthings in the pound. Mr. John Talbot is chairman of the Board, and the other members are Messrs John Airey, Peter Coira, Alexander Bissett, and Daniel McCaskell; with Mr. E. B. Cooper as seceretary and overseer.
Member of the Temuka Road Board, was born at Compo, in Italy, in 1845. He left his native land for England in 1858, was there for five years, then came to Lyttelton by the “Cosipore,” in 1864, travelling all over the province, and being engaged at most of the mining centres in Otago, In the beginning of 1866 he came to Temuka and worked at the Royal Hotel. When Major Young, the proprietor, removed to Winchester in 1869, Mr. Coira was engaged at the Crown Hotel, where he remained until 1872. He then went to Winchester, and remained there until 1875, when he returned to Temuka as manager of the Royal Hotel for Mrs. Heap, and was there until 1879. He then took a trip to the Old Country, and on his return, in 1880, became the licensee of the Royal Hotel. In 1885, he took the Wallingford Hotel, remaining there until 1890. In the meantime, the Royal Hotel, which he had leased to a tenant, fell into his hands. It was destroyed by fire in 1894, and was rebuilt in a very handsome style. Mr. Coira was for a time out of active business, but has never ceased to take an interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Acclimatisation Society and Angling Club, and acts as judge at competitions; and is one of the oldest volunteers in the Colony, having joined the Temuka Rifles in 1869, and passed into the reserve in 1895 with the rank of colour-sergeant. He has received the long service and Imperial medals. Mr. Coira was also for a time an active member of the Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade. In 1898, he represented the brigade at the Auckland conference and demonstration. He was married in 1883 to Miss Watt, and has had three sons and one daughter. His daughter died on the 19th of June, 1903. Mr. Coira is referred to in another article as proprietor of the Royal Hotel, Temuka.
Secretary and Overseer to the Temuka Road Board, was born in Poverty Bay, in 1853, and arrived in Canterbury in 1862. In his earlier years he was employed in contracting and road making, until his appointment as secretary and overseer to the Mount Somers Road Board; a position he filled for fourteen years. In 1898 he received his present appointment from the Temuka Road Board, and holds a similar position on the South Orari River Board. Mr. Cooper was a member of the Bushside school committee, previous to his arrival in Temuka. He is a member of the Primitive
at Temuka is a handsome two-storey building fronting the main street. It was opened by Sir Joseph Ward in June, 1902, to replace the old building. The ground floor is devoted to the public offices, and the upper storey is occupied as a residence by the postmaster.
Postmaster at Temuka, was born at Nelson, and entered the Government service as a cadet in the telegraphic department at Wellington. He was postmaster, registrar and clerk of the Magistrate's Court at Charleston, and postmaster at Arrowtown and Kaitangata, before receiving his present appointment in 1902.
at Temuka was built in 1881, and is divided into seven large class rooms. All the usual subjects are taught, and tuition is also given in the higher branches if required. The school has an average attendance of 346; 200 boys and 146 girls.
B.A., Headmaster, was born in South Canterbury, and educated at Pleasant Point, Orari, temuka, and at the Timaru High School. He became a pupil-teacher at the Temuka school in 1886, and graduated B.A. at the Otago University in 1896. In that year he became headmaster of the Timaru South school, and received his present appointment in 1898.
Temuka, is a handsome stone building which was erected in 1899 to replace the old wooden church, which had been destroyed by fire. The interior of the church is decorated with a handsome stone pulpit, a gift in memory of the late Mrs Hayhurst, and a stone font given by Mr. and Mrs Rooke, of Temuka. It has seating accommodation for 300 persons, and services are held twice every Sunday. Services in connection with the parish are also held at the church of St. John the Evangelist at Winchester, and at the Orton, Seadown, and Waitohi schools. There is an efficient choir.
M.A., Vicar of Temuka, was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England, and received his education at Tamworth grammar school. He came to New Zealand in 1889, studied under the late Bishop Suter, and was ordained deacon in 1890, and priest in 1892, when he was appointed vicar of Brightwater and Waimea West. In 1893 he became incumbent at Motueka. Mr. Adcock returned to England in 1894, and entered St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1898 and M.A. in 1902. He was curate at St. Barnabas, Cambridge, from 1895 till 1898, and curate of Aston from 1898 till 1899. In 1899 he went to India as secretary to the British and Foreign Bible Society. After his return to New Zealand he was curate to Archdeacon Harper at Timaru, until he entered on his charge at temuka, in 1902.
Temuka, is a very substantial building in white stone from the banks of the Opihi river, Kakahu district. It stands on a two acre allotment facing Wilkin Street. For general design and interior decoration, it is one of the most noteworthy churches in Canterbury. On entering, one is vividly struck by the beauty of its stained-glass windows, which contain thirty-one full-size pictures of the greatest saints of the New and of the Old Testament. The building measures 118 feet in length by 43 feet in width, and can easily accommodate over 600 persons. It has a square tower, 60 feet high, surmounted by a spire of the same height, making a total height of 120 feet. The tower is thus a landmark in South Canterbury, and it can be seen from a distance of thirty-two miles. In the belfry, at the top of tower, there is a first-class peal of bells, which have been heard at twelve miles away. Under the belfry there is a beautiful tower clock, from Dent and Co., London, which strikes all the quarters and hours; the latter, under favourable circumstances of wind, being heard over six miles and the former at four miles. The erection of St. Joseph's church was begun in the year 1879 by Father Fauvel, and the first stone was blessed by his Lordship, Dr. Redwood, on the 16th of November, in the same
S.M., Rector of St. Joseph's, Temuka, is a native of Normandy, France. He obtained his primary education at St. Lo College, studied Theology at the great seminary of Constances, and was ordained in 1860. After several years spent in the ministry in France and ten years among the cannibals of Fiji, his health was completely broken down. Ordered by his superiors to a cooler climate, he came, in 1875, to New Zealand, laboured for fifteen months with the Rev. Father Goutenoire in the parish of the Sacred Heart at Timaru, and was then appointed parish priest of Temuka, where he has always been since and where, most likely, he will end his days.
(Jeremiah Matthew Twomey, Proprietor and Editor, Temuka). The “Temuka Leader” was established in 1877 by Mr. J. Ivess, who disposed of it a year later to Mr. Utting, a reporter on the staff of the “Lyttelton Times.” Mr. Utting carried it on for some time, and ultimately it fell into the hands of Mr. A. Wilson, a local storekeeper. The paper had not hitherto prospered, and it could not be expected that it would improve in the hands of an amateur journalist. When, therefore, it was purchased in 1881 by Mr. Twomey, its present proprietor, it had reached a very low ebb; but it soon became apparent that new life had been infused into it. The circulation went up rapidly, and the advertising columns, which had been made up of “dummies,” began to assume a healthier appearance. It was not long before other papers began to quote from its colums; some of its articles on the Home-Rule question found their way into Irish papers, and one of them became the subject of a debate in the House of Commons, as may be seen by referring to a book entitled “Home Rule,” by “Lex.” With regard to New Zealand polities, Its views have always been progressively Liberal, and consequently, very frequently in advance of current opinion. Since it became the property of the present proprietor, it has advocated the measures which the Ballance-Seddon Governments have passed into law, and has always been a consistent supporter of the Liberal party. The spirited and enterprising manner in which the “Temuka Leader” was conducted attracted attention in the neighbouring town and district of Geraldine, and towards the close of 1882, an influentially signed requisition reached Mr. Twomey asking him to remove his plant to that town. Mr. Twomey declined to do so, but on receiving a certain guarantee, he started the “Geraldine Guardian,” the first number of which appeared in April, 1883. Both papers are published tri-weekly, and are very popular in the districts in which they circulate.
M.L.C., Editor and Proprietor of the “Temuka Leader” and “Geraldine Guardian,” is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Legislative Council.
Barrister and Solicitor, High Street, Temuka. P.O. Box 1. Private residence, “Kynnersley,” Mr. Aspinall is a Londoner by birth and came to New Zealand in 1875. He served his articles with the late Mr. B. C. Haggitt, Crown solicitor, Dunedin, and was admitted to the Bar in 1882 by Mr. Justice Williams; shortly afterwards he commenced practice in Temuka, and in 1889 took into partnership Mr. J. W. Salmond, now professor of law at Adelaide University. Mr. Aspinall has held several public offices, having been a member of the local road board and of the cemetery and park boards. He was one of the originators of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society and acted as secretary for some time; he is still a member of the council as well as solicitor for the society. Mr. Aspinall is the local representative of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and the New Zealand Accident Assurance Company.
M.D., R.U.I., L.R.C.S.I. and L.M., Temuka. Dr. Hayes was born in Dublin, Ireland, educated at Trinity College, and qualified for his profession in 1876. He arrived in New Zealand in 1877, and has since practised at Temuka, where he has a private hospital under the superintendance of a trained nurse.
M.D. M.Ch. L.M. Queen's University, Ireland. Dr. Warren studied at Dublin, Galway, and Edinburgh, and qualified for the medical profession in 1874. Before coming to New Zealand he practised in New South Wales for a time, and finally settled at Temuka in 1898. Dr. Warren has been Home twice, for the purpose of studying the latest methods in connection with his profession.
Main Street, Temuka. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1899, by Mr. Eichbaum, a well known chemist of Timaru, who engaged Mr. W. H. Carl to conduct the pharmacy. In the succeeding year Mr. W. H. Carl purchased the business, which has steadily increased since it came into his possession. The premises are well stocked with a large assortment of drugs and druggists' sundries, as well as numerous popular proprietary preparations.
the Proprietor of the Medical Hall, was born in Christchurch in 1875, and educated at Christ's College, where he matriculated in 1893. Evincing a special liking for chemistry, he was apprenticed to Messrs Cook and Ross, of Christchurch, and in 1897 he took his diplomas as a duly qualified chemist. In 1898 he went to Sydney, where he spent eighteen months in some of the leading pharmacies. Mr. Carl turned to New Zealand towards the end of 1899. During his residence in Temuka he has taken considerable interest in various phases of active life, and is a member of several clubs.
at Temuka is a two-storey building, of handsome design, and is situated in the main street of the town. The banking apartments are on the ground floor, and the manager's residence takes up the remainder of the building.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, at Temuka, was born in Nelson and entered the service of the bank at Reefton, in 1877. He afterwards opened the Lyell agency, his service in both places together covered about five years. After a short term at relief duty he took the agency of the Charleston branch for about three years, and was appointed manager at Kumara in 1886. He was temporally in charge at St. Bathans, Otago, prior to receiving his present appointment in 1901. Mr. Brown became a Freemason at Reefton in 1879, was one of the Wardens of Lodge Kilwinning, Charleston, and is at present a member of Lodge St. George, Temuka. He has always taken a keen interest in sports and is now secretary of the Temuka Sports Association, and one of the directors of the Caledonian Sports Committee. While at Charleston he married Miss Dike, daughter of the late Charles Dike, architect, Melbourne.
(James Findlay, proprietor), Temuka. This extensive business was established in 1874 by Messrs Henry and Findlay, who began in a small way with a blacksmith's shop. After
Proprietor of the Temuka Engineering Works, is the only son of Mr. David Findlay, an old settler in the Temuka district, and came with his father to New Zealand, by the ship “Mermaid” in 1862. He learned his trade with the late Mr. Bryant, of Temuka, and with Mr. B F. Gray, engineer of the same town. In conjunction with Mr. Henry, he founded the business, which has now attained to a leading position in South Canterbury. Mr. Findlay has always taken an active part in the affairs of the town, and was a member of the old Town Board, before Temuka became a borough. He joined the Temuka Rifles in 1869, and held the commission of lieutenant from 1871 until his retirement in 1896, when he was placed on the honorary unattached list. As a Freemason Mr. Findlay is a Past Master of Lodge St. George. Temuka. Mr. Findlay is married and has a family of three children. His eldest son, Mr James Findlay, served in South Africa with the New Zealand Second and Eighth Contingents.
Contractor, Temuka. This old colonist was born in London in 1829, and has been in New Zealand for nearly forty years. He worked for Messrs Collard and Collard, piano manufacturers, for many years. After his arrival in the colony he worked on the Otago goldfields, where he was fairly successful. Later on he wont to Nelson, where he was connected with mining. Subsequently he removed to Temuka, where he started as a contractor and builder, and erected the chief buildings of the place, including the Bank of New Zealand, the English Church, Wesleyan Church, etc. Mr. Clinch has been a member of the Temuka Town Board. He was married in the Old Country, and has a family of eight sons, and one daughter.
Builder, Temuka. Mr. Frew has been associated with the local government of Temuka since 1885. It was largely due to the energy of himself and a few others that the road board district of Temuka was, in that year, transformed into a town district, under the control of the Temuka and the Arowhenua Town Boards. On the completion of this change, Mr. Frew was elected a member of the Arowhenua Board, and since then he has, till lately, held a seat in the governing body of Temuka. Mr. Frew was Frew in Stirlingshire. Scotland, in 1843, and is a son of Sir. John Frew, farmer, of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire. He was educated at the Free Church school in the native district, and was trained as a joiner, a trade which he afterwards pursued for ten years in Glasgow. In 1874 Mr. Frew sailed from Glasgow for New Zealand, and early in 1875 he settled in Temuka, where he has since followed the trade of a builder.
Draper, Clothier and Outfitter, Timaru and Temuka; Manager of the Temuka branch, Mr. Cowper Lashlie. The Temuka branch of this extensive business was established in 1902 in large brick premises in Mendelson's buildings, near the post office. The main shop is lighted by a large plate-glass window, in which a well assorted stock of clothing, drapery and gentlemen's mercery is temptingly displayed. All goods are sold at precisely the same prices as those which prevail at the Timaru establishment. Every thing offered is of the best quality and of the latest prevailing fashion. The showroom is fitted with the latest novelties, and the boot and shoe department contains a large assortment of boots and shoes of colonial and European manufacture. Suits made to order from the best colonial and English tweeds can be supplied within a few days to fit to perfection, and finished in the best style of the trade. The business is conducted on purely a cash basis, and the management's motto is “Small profits and quick returns.”
Manager of the Temuka branch of the business of Mr. A. Gabites, is a native of Durham, England, and gained his business experience in some of the large leading business establishments in England. He came to New Zealand in 1900, and after gaining colonial experience in Christchurch, was appointed to his present position in 1903. Mr. Lashlie has always taken an active part in the cause of temperance and other philanthropic movements, and has for some years been a member of the Order of Rechabites. He has patented a
Tailor, Main Street. Temuka. This flourishing business, which is now carried on in spacious brick premises, was established in 1899. The stock, which is
was born in France, and came with his parents to Lyttelton, New Zealand, by the ship “Waitangi.” He was apprenticed to his trade at Timaru, and was afterwards employed by some of the leading tailors in Wellington. In 1894 Mr. Rissel went to France, and was employed for twelve months at one of the largest military tailoring establishments at Rennes, where he acquired a thorough experience in the art of cutting. On his return to New Zealand he entered the employment of Mr. Slater, tailor, Wellington. He afterwards began business on his own account at Timaru, and formed his present flourishing business at Temuka in 1899. As a Freemason Mr. Rissel is a member of Lodge St. George, and he is also a member of the Timaru Garrison Band.
(R. Vyse Phillips, proprietor), Temuka. This is a fine two-storey brick building, opposite the post office and courthouse, and has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most comfortable hotels in the district. It is a favourite with commercial men, and also with anglers, as it is only half-a-mile from the Temuka and Opihi rivers, both celebrated for the number and size of their trout. The house is furnished with good taste, in a way that promotes comfort, and the various rooms are large and lofty. Files of all the leading papers are available in the commercial room, and the sitting room and suites of private apartments are extremely comfortable. A well laid out flower garden, beautifully kept, adjoins the hotel, as well as a fruit and vegetable garden. The bathroom has hot and cold water, and a shower, and the offices are on the septic principle. Only the best wines, spirits, and cigars are kept at the Crown Hotel, which has a well maintained reputation in that connection. Livery and bait stables adjoin the hotel, and vehicles of all kinds can be supplied at a minte's notice for picnics, fishing, or wedding parties; and there are large sample rooms for the use of commercial men on the premises.
the Proprietor of the Crown Hotel, has had experience as a commercial traveller, and was formerly manager of the Royal Hotel, Christchurch. He was born at Bristol, and educated at the Commerical Travellers' School, Pinner, London. In 1883 he came to New Zealand and was representative of Messrs Edwards, Bennett and Co., Christchurch, Messrs. J. Kitchen and Sons, and Apollo Company, Limited, Dunedin, and for Messrs Trent Bros., Christchurch. After sixteen years of commercial life, he retired from the road in 1899. For three years he managed with great popularity and success, the Royal Hotel, Christchurch. In 1902 he obtained a long and favourable lease of the Crown Hotel, Temuka. On taking possession, he renovated the hotel through out, and has made it one of the most popular hotels in Canterbury. His long experience as a traveller makes Mr. Phillips an ideal host. He always took a great interest in matters connected with the social welfare of commercial travellers, and was one of the promoters of the New Zealand Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Club, Dunedin. Mr. Phillips married Miss Carl, daughter of Mr. John Carl, so long a leading hotelkeeper in Christchurch. Mr. Phillips was elected a member of the Temuka Borough Council in 1903.
(Peter Coira, proprietor), Temuka. This hotel, to which extensive additions and improvements have recently been made, is now recognised as one of the best in Canterbury. It is built of brick, is two stories in height, contains twenty-seven rooms. and is surrounded on two sides by an exceptionally fine balcony. The commercial room, several private sitting rooms, and a spacious dining room, capable of accommodating eighty guests, are on the ground floor. A broad, handsomely carpeted staircase,
formerly Proprietor of the Royal Hotel, is a son of Mr. C. Donovan, an early settler in New Zealand. He was born in Kaiapoi in 1865, and was at sea for about ten years, during which he was engaged chiefly in the Australasian trade. In 1884 he took a trip to England, and on returning went to the West Australian goldfields. He, however, came back to New Zealand, and took over the Royal Hotel in 1898. He is a member of the Alexandrovna Lodge of Oddfellows, and a member of the Tuscan Lodge of Freemasons, Sydney, New South Wales. In 1898, he married Miss Dempsey, of Christ-church.
(J. J. Rainbow, proprietor), Temuka. This fine old establishment is situated in the main street of Temuka, within a short distances of the railway station and post office. It contains thirty-four
Proprietor, is a son of Mr. William Rainbow, cordial manufacturer, South Belt, Christchurch, and was born at Bombay, India, in 1871. Ten years later he accompanied his parents to New Zealand. After leaving school at Christchurch he entered the employment of Messrs Bowron Bros., tanners, Woolston and Christchurch. He remained five years with that firm, and then joined his father at his cordial factory. In 1900 he entered the ranks of the hotel-keepers, and for twelve months kept the Cave Rock Hotel at Sumner. Mr. Rainbow then removed to Temuka, where he entered into possession of the Wallingford Hotel. Since his arrival in Temuka Mr. Rainbow has identified himself with the affairs of the town He is a member of the school committee, and as a Freemason he is secretary of Lodge St. George, No. 29, New Zealand Constitution. He is also a Druid and an Oddfellow. Mr. Rainbow was elected a member of the Temuka Borough Council in 1902. He is married, and there is a family of two children.
Fellmonger, Temuka, Mr. Rooney was born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1849, and was brought up to agricultural work. In 1868, he came to New Zealand in the ship “James Nicol Fleming,” and landed at Port Chalmers. After working for five years on the Otago goldfields, where he was very successful, he went to Temuka, where he and another colonist began the present business, and they subsequently started a similar business near Fairlie. The partnership was, however, dissolved, and Mr. Rooney conducted the two businesses for five years, when he sold the Fairlie branch. He still carries on his business at Temuka. Mr. Rooney has taken an active interest in sporting matters, and has owned and bred several race horses. In 1870 he married Miss
Seedsman and Florist, Temuka. Mr. Clinch was born in London in 1855, and accompanied his father, Mr, Stephen Clinch, to New Zealand in the sixties. For two years he worked in the office of the “Nelson Examiner,” and afterwards served an apprenticeship to the tailoring trade. He subsequently travelled all over the colony, but settled down to business as a tailor in Temuka in 1876, and carried on successfully for eighteen years. Mr. Clinch has always taken a very active interest in horticultural matters, and has won 720 prizes at horticultural shows. At a recent winter show in Christchurch, he promoted and arranged the exhibit of the Temuka Road Board, which won the first-prize. Some years ago Mr. Clinch started in business in Temuka as a seedsman and florist. He is the local agent for Messrs Nimmo and Blair, of Dunedin, for seeds and nursery goods. Mr. Clinch has always taken an active part in social and public affairs; he has been a member of the Temuka school committee, and has also been a Forester and an Oddfellow. He was married, in 1883, to Miss. Elizabeth Barrett, of Temuka, and has two sons and three daughters.
(W. G. Aspinall and W. P. Routledge, proprietors), Temuka. These mills, situated about one mile and a half from Temuka, were established by Mr. J. T. M. Hayhurst in 1889, and became the property of Mr. W. G. Aspinall in conjunction with Dr. J. S. Hayes; they are now owned by Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes, of Christchurch, the mining being carried on by Messrs Aspinall and Routledge. The mill is fitted with a complete roller plant on Simon's system. The motive power is supplied with water which drives a turbine wheel. The milling capacity of the plant is five sacks of flour per hour. The firm's brand “Lustrous Gem” is well and favourably known, not only locally, but throughout the Colony. The brick grain, store in Temuka in connection with the mills, is a building measuring 120 feet by 33 feet, with storage capacity for 30,000 sacks.
one of the Proprietors of the Temuka Flour Mills, and manager of the works, was born at Stotfold Baldock, Herts, England, in 1861, and served his apprenticeship at the Astwiek Flour Mills, in Bedfordshire. On completing his indentures he went for a twelve months' trip through America, picking up information and acquiring a greater knowledge of his trade by visiting and inspecting some of the great mills of that country. In 1884, he came to New Zealand, and soon after arrival received an engagement with the Timaru Flour Milling Company, where he remained for three years. On the establishment of the Temuka Flour Mills by Mr. J. T. M. Hayhurst, he Was appointed to supervise the erection of the milling plant and to act as miller. He remained in the mill for two years, when he left and went to Australia, and was engaged by Messrs Norman and Co., of Adelaide, to take charge of their mill. After a period of some eighteen months, he returned to New Zealand, and in conjunction with Mr. W. G. Aspinall, took over the Temuka Flour Mills. He acts as miller, whilst Mr. Aspinall looks after the other part of the business. His private residence is adjacent to the mill, and is, like the mill, lighted by electricity.
(Arthur Story, proprietor), Temuka. These new and spacious stables are situated within a short distance of the railway station and post office, and adjoin the offices of the Road Board. Single and double buggies, waggonettes, wedding carriages and saddle horses are kept on hire, and arrangements can be made by either letter or telegram for picnic parties. Tourists can arrange for either weekly or daily services, with or without a guide. A thoroughly qualified veterinary surgeon attends the stables, and can be daily communicated with, if required A groom sleeps on the premises, an express attends all the trains, prompt attention is paid to all the requirements of travellers, and the motto of the proprietor is, “Moderate charges.”
came with his father and brothers to New Zealand by the ship “Canterbury.” He first went to Banks' Peninsula
Lees Farm, Temuka. Mr. Bragden was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1838, and was brought up to farming. In 1871 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Ballochmyle,” and landed at Lyttelton. He was for three years engaged by the late Mr. Hayhurst, and then took a farm at Milford. Three years later he entered on the management of the Greonhayes and Lees properties, and worked his own at the same time. He afterwards leased from Mr. J. T. M. Hayhurst the Lees farm, of about 400 acres, and has since continued to reside on that property. Being of a very retiring disposition, Mr. Bragden has taken no part in public affairs except as member, for two years, of the Milford school committee. He was married previous to his departure from England. Mrs Bragden died in 1902, leaving seven surviving children, all of whom are married.
Farmer, White, rock, near Temuka. Mr. Bisset was born at Rangiora. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. Christopher Bisset, who came to Canterbury in 1862, and was manager for the late Mr. W. McDonald, of Orari station. Mr. Bisset was brought up to farming from his boyhood by his father, who also owned a freehold estate. On the death of his father, Mr. Bisset went into partnership with his brother in two farms. Subsequently, they divided the properties, Mr. A. Bisset taking 203 acres, formerly a part of the Riverslea estate. He has interested himself in athletics and is a member of the Temuka Caledonian Society. Mr. Bisset married Miss Lyon, daughter of Mr. James Lyon, of Temuka, and has two children.
Farmer, “Riverslea Homestead,” near Temuka. Mr. Brown was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1846, and was brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1867. After two years in North Canterbury, he leased a farm of eighty-three acres at Timaru from the Mr. John Hayhurst, subsequently purchasing the place. He acquired other lands and finally purchased the “Riverslea Homestead,” formerly the property of Mr. Alfred Cox. Mr. Brown's property consists of 597 acres of rich soil, devoted to cropping and sheep-grazing. He is a member of the Milford School Committee, but has not otherwise been able to take much interest in public affairs. He was married in 1878 to Miss Louisa Kirby, daughter of one of the early Akaroa settlers, and has eleven children.
Farmer, Rangatira Valley Road, Temuka. Mr. Crow was born at Leeston in 1872, and is a son of Mr. William Crow, J.P., who is one of Canterbury's earliest settlers. He was brought up to farming on his father's farm at Leeston. In 1892, he went to Temuka and took up one hundred acres of land at Kakahu, but he subsequently sold it. He afterwards took up 103 acres on the Rangatira Valley Road, where he now resides. Mr. Crow owns another farm of 440 acres at the Cave, and farms both properties, running sheep principally at the Cave and carrying on general farming at Temuka. He was married, in 1891, to Miss Maud Moss, daughter of Mr. Edward Moss, Winchester, and they have three daughters.
Farmer, Temuka. Mr. Edgar, who has been identified with Temuka from its earliest infancy, was born
Sheepfarmer, “Willow-bank,” Temuka. Mr. Grant is the eldest son of the late Mr. Andrew Grant, an old settler In the district, by whom he was brought up to farming and sheep-breeding. The subject of this sketch was born at Orari Gorge in 1874. Mr. Grant has one of the most successful stud flocks In the Colony, consisting of 700 English Leicester ewes, and about 100 Border-Leicester ewes. He has been very successful as an exhibitor, having shown the champion ewe for three years in succession at Christchurch agricultural and pastoral shows, and also securing both championships at Timaru, Christchurch, and Wellington in 1897. The stud farm, which is about 400 acres in extent, is situated near the township.
(Edward Richardson, proprietor), Temuka. An article on Mr. Richardson as manager of the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Limited, appears on page 270 of this volume.
Farmer, “Trevenna,” Temuka. Mr. Guild was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1836, was educated at Greig and MacNeil's Academy in Perth, and brought up to farming. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery,” in 1859, and managed the Kaituna and Ahuriri stations for eleven years. Mr. Guild first bought land at Springston, where the homestead of the late Mr. Gammack now stands, and subsequently sold portions of it to Messrs Todd and Gammack. He afterwards purchased land at Ohoka, where he went to live for eleven years, draining and improving a very rough swampy property, which he afterwards sold to Mr. Isaac Wilson. He then purchased the Trevenna Estate from Mr. John Greig, and has brought it into a high state of efficiency by a thorough system of under-ground drainage, and has considerably added to the estate by purchases at the Riverslea and other sales. The estate produces abundant crops of wheat, also fat cattle and freezing sheep. Mr. Guild gave a considerable amount of time to public affairs until the purchase of “Trevenna,” but since then he has been wholly occupied in improving his property. He is a Justice of the Peace, and is married and has four children.
Farmer, and Justice of the Peace, Temuka. Mr. Hayhurst is the only son of the late Mr. John Hayhurst, of Green Hayes, Temuka, and was born at sea on the 16th of November, 1800, while his parents were returning from a trip to the Old Country. His early boyhood was passed at Temuka, but he was sent to the Old Country in 1867. There he remained two years, and returned to the colony in 1869. In 1875 he again went Home, this time to complete his education at the Ley's
Settler, Temuka. Mr. Kennedy was born in 1839 in Newtownards, County Down, Ireland, where he was educated. He came to Lyttelton in 1864 by the ship “Mermaid.” For two years he worked at Christchurch, when he moved south to Temuka, and shortly afterwards started farming at Rangitata. After some years, he sold his farm and disposed of his interest in a coaching business to his partner, Mr. John Mundell, and with his wife went to the Old Country. On returning to the Colony, Mr. Kennedy purchased his residence Eclipse Cottage, near Temuka. He was married at his birthplace in 1861.
J.P., Farmer, “Puke Mara,” Temuka. Mr. Kelland was born in Devonshire, England, in 1840, and was brought up to farming in his native country. He came to New Zealand by the ship “British Empire,” in 1864, to Lyttelton. After his arrival he went on to a station at Ashburton—now occupied by Mr. Cameron—and was there for two years. He then went to Timaru, and was with his father at Gleniti for a short time. Subsequently he moved to Kakahu, and was there during the flood of 1868, when he was in partnership with his brother, William, who bought out his interest. He then went to Smithfield, and after being there for seven years, he took up his present property, which consists of 1386 acres of leasehold land, and a small freehold farm. Mr. Kelland carries on
Sheepfarmer, “Glenormston,” Temuka. Mr. Mackay was born at Double Hill, on the banks of the Rakaia, in 1867, and finished his education at the Timaru High School. He was taken to “Raincliff” by his parents when he was seven years old, and there he passed the succeeding sixteen years of his life. Afterwards he managed his father's property at “Trentham” for five years, and commenced farming on his own account at “Glenormston,” Temuka, in 1894. This property comprises 426 acres, upon which fair crops of grain are raisad, and good crops of turnips and rape. Mr. Mackay fattens sheep for the export trade, and prefers English Leicester crosses for that purpose. The homestead is beautifully situated at the lower end of the Rangatira Valley, and is sheltered from the prevailing winds by the hills and by plantations. Mr. Mackay has greatly improved the property during the short time he has been in possession. He was married, in 1894, to Miss Menzies.
Farmer, Temuka, Mr. Mackenzie is a son of the late Mr. Patrick Mackenzie, veterinary surgeon, who was an early Canterbury settler. He was born in Temuka in 1873, and was brought up on his father's farm. For some years after the death of his father, the farm was worked under the supervision of Mrs Mackenzie, until Mr. Edwin Mackenzie took charge. A few years ago he took up another farm near Milford, and he works the two properties in conjunction.
Farmer, Temuka. Mr. Marshall was born in Tasmania in 1860, and brought up amongst live stock. In 1874, he visited New Zealand and settled in the Timaru district, where he has ever since resided.
Farmer, Riverslea, near Temuka. Mr. McLeod was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1836, and was trained as a shepherd. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Chariot of Fame,” in 1863, and was engaged by Mr. T. W. Maude, on the Ashwick station, Burke's Pass. On the opening of the West Coast goldfields, he engaged in mining until 1866, when he returned to Canterbury, and was employed at “Rollesby,” the station adjoining Burke's Pass, and owned by Mr. Charles Ensor. Shortly afterwards, Mr. McLeod went to Scotland, where he married, and returned to New Zealand, working as a shepherd in the Mackenzie country until his health failed, and he took the Lake Tekapo accommodation-house and ferry, where he remained four years, and was afterwards in business as a hotel-keeper in the Mackenzie country for about sixteen years. In 1891 he acquired his present farm of 300 acres at Riverslea. He has always taken an interest in public affairs, and has served on various school committees, and as member of several Caledonian societies, being a regular judge of Highland music. As a Freemason he is connected with St. John's lodge. Mr. McLeod has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Sea forth. near Temuka. Mr. Mitchell was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and brought up in the south of Scotland. He came to the Colony in 1866, and lived in Napier for one year, then went to Otago and was shepherding for six years. After a year in Hawke's Bay, he came to South Canterbury in 1874, and commenced stock-dealing. In 1880, in conjunction with a partner, Mr. Mitchell bought the Seaforth estate, and on the dissolution of the partnership, became the lessee of that and other properties, in all about 1700 acres. Mr. Mitchell is now an extensive sheep farmer.
Farmer, Hazelgill Farm, Milford, Temuka. Mr. Parke was born in Westmorland, England, on the 14th of August, 1833, and brought up to country life. In 1856 he arrived in Port Chalmers by the ship “Maori,” but soon removed to Christchurch, where he settled on the banks of the river Avon. In 1859 he began farming at Yaldhurst, and stayed there for seven years. On removing to Temuka he acquired Hazelgill Farm, which is 3000 acres in extent. For several years Mr. Parke served as a member of the Milford school committee. He was married, in 1860, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Hayhurst, of Temuka, and has nine sons and two daughters, and twenty-four grand-children.
Farmer, Riverslea, near Temuka. Mr. Pye is a Devonshire man and was born in 1845. He was educated in his native county and brought up to farming pursuits, but went to sea in his youth. After visiting many parts of the world in sailing ships, he was wrecked at Oamaru in the ship “Gazehound” in 1865, and remained in the Colony. He was for a short time at the West Coast diggings, and on returning to Canterbury, was employed for two years at the Coldstream station. For some time, Mr. Pye carried on a carting business at Geraldine, and later engaged in road making and bridge building, and in 1882 was appointed assistant overseer to the Mount Peel Road Board. Mr. Pye purchased 150 acres of land at Riverslea in 1892, where he has since resided. He was chairman of the Milford School Committee from 1897 to 1901, and has been a member of the American Order of Oddfellows for twenty-six years. Mr. Pye married a daughter of Mr. Samuel Dale, upholsterer, Geraldine, and has five sons and five daughters.
Junior, Farmer, “Brooklyn,” Temuka. Mr. Shaw is the third son of Mr. David Shaw a very old Geraldine settler, and was born in the Mackenzie country in 1865. He was educated at the Winchester and Geraldine public schools, and brought up to agriculture and sheep farming by his father. Mr. Shaw purchased his freehold of 257 acres in 1894, and he has also a small run on the Waitohi hills. He married a daughter of Mr. Archibald Mahan, schoolmaster, Geraldine Flat, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Rangatira Valley, near Temuka. Mr. Talbot was born in Devonshire, England, in 1853, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Zealandia,” in 1862. He went with his father to Tai Tapu, and afterwards to Springston, where they remained twelve years. It was there that Mr. Talbot was instructed in farming. In 1874, he leased land for
Farmer, Riverslea, near Temuka. Mr. Trezise was born in Cornwall, in 1847. He learned farming in the Old Country and came to the Colony by the ship “Matoaka” in 1867. In settling shortly afterwards in Temuka he entered into partnership with Mr. Orlando Orr Matthews, a shipmate, on a property at Waitohi. Mr. Matthews now superintends this farm, which is 480 acres, and Mr. Trezise manages the Riverslea property. Mr. Trezise was married in New Zealand to a sister of his partner, and has one son.
Farmer, Court Farm, Temuka. This well-known colonist is a native of South Wales, where he was born in 1840. He was brought up to agriculture on his father's farm. Believing that the colonies offered a better field for his energy, Mr. Thomas left the Old Country and came to New Zealand in the ship “Zealandia,” which arrived at Lyttelton in 1863. For some time he worked at Papanui, and then went to Temuka. In 1868, the year of the South Canterbury flood, Mr. Thomas took up a farm at Waitohi and farmed it for eight years. He then sold his property and returned to the Old Country, with the intention of remaining there. Ill-health, however, compelled him to come back to the colony, and he went again to Temuka, and took up 120 acres of good agricultural land, on which he has since resided. At Orari, he owns another farm, which is leased to a tenant. Mr. Thomas is well known in South Canterbury as a successful breeder of good draught horses. His wheat crops occasionally average fifty-six bushels per acre, and oats seventy bushels. Mr. Thomas was married, in 1868, to Miss Jane Hall, of Christchurch.
Farmer, “Woodlands,” Temuka. Mr. Wareing, who halls from Birmingham, England, where he was born in 1848, came to Auckland when sixteen years of age, by the ship “Surat.” He has been Identified with Temuka since 1871; for a time he was a shepherd in the Mackenzie country, and subsequently engaged in store-keeping at Burke's Pass. Prior to starting farming, Mr. Wareing had a store at Temuka and was for a short time in partnership with Mr. K. F. Gray, Iron-founder. He now farms his property of “Woodlands,” consisting of seventy-five acres of drained swamp; he also works 400 acres at Rangitata, and 200 acres of leasehold land adjoining it. Mr. Wareing also breeds Border-Leicester rams with considerable success, and as a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association has been a successful exhibitor. Though Mr. Wareing has not taken an active part in public affairs, he has assisted greatly in advancing the general welfare of the district. It may be interesting to note that Mr. Wareing was a passenger on the ship “Bruce” when that vessel was wrecked at Port Chalmers. He married Miss Hoare, daughter of the late Mr. Patrick Hoare, one of Timaru's earliest settlers, and has eleven children.
Settler, Temuka. Mr. Wright was born in the parish of Culmstock, Devonshire, England, in 1847. He is a son of Mr. John Wyatt Wright, who came to the Colony in 1865 by the ship “Tudor.” The family had previously been engaged in farming in Devonshire. After their arrival Mr. S. Wright with his brother William farmed a property at Dunsandel, in 1866, the gift of their father, and afterwards one at Temuka. On the partnership being dissolved, Mr. Wright went to Ashburton, where he purchased 1100 acres, a portion of the farm belonging to Mr. Moore of Glenmark. For fifteen years he was engaged in pastoral and agricultural farming on this estate, which he sold in 1893 and retired from farming. He now resides at “Hazelthorpe,” Temuka.
Veterinary Surgeon, Temuka. Mr. Levens, who claims to be one of the first settlers of Temuka, was born in St. Leonards, Hastings, England, in 1847, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1858, by the ship “Indiana.” In 1859, he removed to Temuka, and was engaged in general farm work with the Neal family, with whom he was associated for ten years. He then went farming on his own account, and worked a small property of his own for six years, when he sold out to a Mr. Lyons It was then that Mr. Levens began business as a veterinary surgeon, and he has followed that occupation ever since, in addition to being bailiff. He was the first to start a volunteer corps at Temuka, and held the post of sergeant for many years in the Temuka Rifles, but he is now on the reserve list, and holds the New Zealand long service medal. At one time Mr. Levens was the crack rifle shot of South Canterbury. He has been a member of the Temuka school committee since its inception, and has always taken a prominent part as a low comedian in dramatic entertainments, Mr. Levens was for many years a member of the Oddfellows Lodge, and he is a Good Templar. At the time of the great flood of 1868 Mr. Levens took an active part in saving life and property. He was married, in Temuka, and has a family of six children.
J.P., was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1837, and served an apprenticeship to the building trade. He came to Timaru by the “Strathallan,” in 1859, and followed his trade until 1861, when he tried, his fortune on the Otago goldfields. Returning to Timaru, he carried on business as a builder for some years, and settled in Temuka in 1872. In 1880 he commenced business as a timber, coal, and iron mer chant. His premises occupy an acre and a-half of ground in Wood Street, where he also has a large grain store. Mr. Blyth is district agent for the National Insurance Company. He has taken a leading part in all movements for the welfare of the district, and was associated with the Temuka Pioneers' Memorial, which was erected in commemoration of the Record Reign, and was unveiled by Mrs. Blyth on the 16th of December, 1897. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1897. Mr. Blyth is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Alexandrovna Lodge of Oddfellows, American order, in which he has occupied all the chairs and has been for years treasurer of of the lodge. He was one of the first members of the Temuka Town Board, of which he was chairman from 1890 to 1894. Mr. Blyth was married in 1862 to the eldest daughter of Mr. Thos. Dunn, of “The Stumps” farm, Orari, and has three sons and three daughters.
of Camperdown cottage, Temuka, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1825, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Mermaid” in 1862. His first employment in the colony consisted in driving. for the late Mr. Robert Wilkin, a mob of 6000 sheep, from Cheviot to Lake Wanaka. After working for a while in the Akaroa bush, he joined in the rush to the Otago goldfields, with unsatisfactory results. On returning to Canterbury he remained in the Temuka district, and was for a considerable time engaged in fencing on the stations of Messrs Nelson and Moorhouse, and of Mr. Tripp. In 1860 he started farming on 100 acres in the Kakahu district. By degrees he increased his area to 300 acres, and farmed successfully until he retired in 1889. At first he leased his land to a tenant, but afterwards sold the freehold. Since then he has lived in retirement at Temuka, where he devotes most of his time to the peaceful pleasures of trout fishing. Before leaving Scotland Mr. Findlay married Miss Margaret Mitchell, and there is a family of one son and two daughters, all married.
Old Colonist, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1839, and brought up to the saddlery trade. In 1862, he sailed from
sometime of Temuka, was the son of Mr. James Hay of Symington, Scotland, and was born on the 26th of May, 1822, at Symington. He came out to New Zealand in 1841 at the age of nineteen in the ship “Mandarin.” owned by his uncle, Mr. James Raeburn, of Glasgow. At first he settled at the Hutt, near where that suburb of Wellington subsequently grew up, and where he joined his uncle, Mr. Ebenezer Hay, who had come out to New Zealand in February, 1840. In the end of 1842, Captain Sinclair and the Hays set out in a vessel of their own to explore the South Island. They sailed as far south as Dunedin, and finally decided to settle at Pigeon Bay, Banks' Peninsula, which was then inhabited only by Maoris. The land in those days was covered with dense bush abounding with pigeons, hence the name given to the place; but the settlers at once set about clearing the bush and erecting buildings. They also chartered a vessel for intercolonial trading, exporting potatoes and dairy produce to Melbourne, and bringing back live stock and goods in exchange. When the Canterbury pilgrims arrived in the “first four ships” in 1851, these early pioneers saw them sail past the mouth of the bay bound for Lyttelton. At this time, which is generally looked upon as being the dawn of Canterbury history, the Hays were already old settlers and had surrounded themselves with many of the comforts of civilization in the beautiful spot which they had made their home. With the spirit of enterprise which characterized the early settlers, they had taken up a pastoral run in the Mackenzie country, which Mr. John Hay had explored in 1856. Meanwhile Mr. John Hay revisited Scotland and was married in 1858, and he and Mrs. Hay settled down in their married life together at Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie country, where Mr. Hay had taken up the Lake Tekapo run. The Mackenzie country was then a terra incognita, and Mrs. Hay was the first lady to penetrate beyond Burke's Pass. Mr. and Mrs. John Hay remained at Lake Tekapo until 1866, their station-house, built on a small peninsula running out into the lake, being a well-known halting place in the early days, where hospitality was always to be found. In 1866, Mr. Hay sold his run and took up his residence at Kakahu, near Temuka, having purchased a freehold property there a few years previously. There he resided until his death on the 20th of October, 1891. His wife did not long survive him, dying on 21st of February, 1894. Their family consists of one son, who resides at Kakahu, and four daughters.
was born in the North of Ireland in 1838, and was brought up to farming pursuits by his father. He came to Lyttelton in 1863 in the ship “Huntress,” and was on Major Hornbrook's station for twelve months. On his brother's arrival from Australia, they entered into partnership in a farm at Milford. When the partnership was dissolved, Mr. J. Maze retained 130 acres of the property. He takes an interest in public affairs. In 1897 he was elected a member of the Temuka Road Board. He was for many years a member of the Milford school committee; is a prominent member of the Temuka Caledonian Society and one of the judges at the sports, and is also a member of the Temuka Athletic Club. Mr. Maze married Miss Brown, daughter of Mr. Francis Brown, a very early settler, and has nine children.
sometime of Temuka, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1839, and came to New Zealand in 1860, by the ship “Storm Cloud,” under an engagement with the late Mr. Robert Wilkin, of Christchurch, to be a shepherd on that gentleman's station at Lake Wanaka, Otago. He remained there several years, and was head shepherd during the latter part of his engagement. On the sale of the property by Mr. Wilkin to Messrs Holmes and Campbell, Mr. McCullum was appointed manager of the station, and held the position for seven years. Mr. McCallum came to Canterbury in
sometime of Temuka, was one of the earliest settlers in the district. He was born in Poland in 1834. At the age of seventeen he went to England, and emigrated to Victoria in 1854, where he entered with the late Mr. J. L. Morris, into a partnership, which continued in Australia and New Zealand until 1879. In 1863 he visited his native land, and, returning to Australia in 1864, proceeded to New Zealand, whither his partner had already gone. They entered into store-keeping at Pleasant Valley, and afterwards at Temuka and Pleasant Point. The Pleasant Point branch was subsequently taken over by Mr. Morris, and the partner-ship dissolved. Mr. Mendelson retained the Temuka business and resided there, and afterwards opened branches at Geraldine and Ashburton, which were managed respectively by Mr. R. H. Pearpoint and Messrs. Friedlander Bros. He was instrumental in promoting the Royal Flour Mills at Timaru. For many years he was a member of the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, Temuka Road and Cemetery Boards, and at the time of his death, was a member of the Geraldine County Council and of the District High School Committee. He was also a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Mendelson left a widow and five children.
sometime of “The Stumps,” Temuka, was born in Inverness in 1865, and came out to Otago with his. parents, proceeding eight years later to South Canterbury. Mr. McMillan moved to Temuka in 1882, and spent some years with the late Mr. Andrew Grant, the well-known breeder and stock-dealer, and on the latter's death, commenced business on his own account. In addition to farming “The Stumps,” of 460 acres, he was interested in station property in the Mackenzie country, and was an extensive dealer in fat stock. Mr. McMillan was accidentally killed, at the level railway crossing, Temuka, on the Timaru shew night, 26th October, 1899.
of Rangitira Valley Road, near Temuka, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1824. He came out to New Zealand in 1863 in the ship “Captain Cook,” and landed at Lyttelton. For some years he worked in the Selwyn county, and in 1868 he removed to Temuka and took up 110 acres, where he now resides. He has since increased this property to 280 acres For seventeen years he also farmed another property at Fairlie, but has since sold it. Mr. McCullough married Miss Sarah Clark, of County Down,
of Formosa Villa, Temuka, is a son of the late Captain Leonard Charles Rooke, R.N. He was born at Florence, in Italy, but received his education in England. In 1850 he came to Canterbury by the. ship “Sir George Seymour,” and resided at Christchurch until 1866. when he started farming at Washdyke, near Timaru. In 1875 he removed to Hilton, in the Geraldine district. Mr. Rooke gave up farming in 1895, and now lives in retirement at Temuka, where he devotes his leisure to horticulture; his collection of flowers is choice, numerous and various. He takes no part in local politics, but was a member of the Hilton school committee, whilst he lived in that district. Mr. Rooke served in the Royal Navy, but retired through ill-health, previous to his arrival in New Zealand. He married Miss Duffell, daughter of the late Mr. William Duffell, one of the pioneers, whom he accompanied to New Zealand in the ship “Cressy,” in 1850. There is a family of eight.
was born at the Pass of Killiecrankie, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1833, and came to New Zealand, in 1862, by the ship “Ellen Lee,” and landed at Dunedin. For about eighteen months he was engaged contracting on Bell Hill, Dunedin, and at the Bluff harbour. At the time of the West Coast rush in 1865, he went to the Greenstone, where he remained one year. After a year at Prebbleton, he removed to Waitohi, in 1867, and started farming on seventy-seven acres of unimproved land. He afterwards increased his area to 195 1/2 acres, all highly improved land. In 1891 Mr. Seaton retired from farming, and he and Mrs Seaton now live in retirement in Studholme Street, Temuka. He has never taken part in local politics, but has been a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
is a native of Yorkshire, England. He landed at Lyttelton, when a child, in 1864, and received his education at the hands of private tutors. He was subsequently engaged in various pursuits until 1878, when he purchased the liveray stables in Temuka. These he conducted till 1900, when he sold out to his brother, and retired from active life. He is a Freemason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd-follows; he was a member of the Arowhenua Town Board for two years, and has served also on the Temuka Borough Council. Mr. Story was married, in 1879, to Miss Digman, of Dublin, Ireland, and has three daughters and one son.
of “Templeton,” Temuka, was born in 1842 in Forfarshire, Scotland, and was educated in his native place and at Dundee. Arriving in Lyttelton by the ship “Motoaka” in 1860, he spent a year in Christchurch, and went to the Marlborough diggings, just before the raids of the Burgess-Levy gang. He was at Leeston for about two years, and removed to Temuka in 1866, when he purchased the farm known as “Templeton” which contains 103 acres. Mr. Waddell cultivated his farm until 1897, when he retired.
is seventeen miles to the north of Timaru in the county of Geraldine. It is within five miles of Temuka, and has a tri-weekly mail service with Timaru. The district, which is devoted to farming, has a public school and a blacksmith's shop.
Farmer, Clarendon Farm, Ohape, Winchester, Mr. Hide was born at Baldock, Hertfordshire, England, in 1853, and came to Lyttelton, in 1871, in the ship “Merope.” In 1876, he took up a farm of 110 acres at Hilton, and afterwards took up the Clarendon farm of 235 acres at Ohape, where he chiefly resides. Mr. Hide has been a member of the Winchester school committee, and also of the Hilton school committee for many years. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Eliza Woodley, and they have a family of four sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Ohape, Temuka. Mr. Scott was born in Fife-shire, Scotland, in 1845, and was trained to farming. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Chariot of Fame,” landing at Lyttelton in 1862, and settled in Temuka in 1877, when he took up a farm of 120 acres Mr. Scott afterwards purchased 124 acres at Winchester. He takes no part in public affairs, but is a member of the Winchester Lodge of Freemasons. Mr. Scott is married and has eight children.
Farmer, Ohape, near Temuka. Mr. Austin was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1837, and was brought up as a farmer by his father. He came to Lyttelton in 1864 by the ship “Zealandia,” and after farming for three years at Selwyn, removed to Temuka in 1867—just before the heavy flood in that district. Mr. Austin has a number of farms, and in addition to cereal growing, is a breeder of sheep and cattle; at one time he owned a stud of Clydesdale horses. He was married in the Old Country, and has eleven children.
in the county of Geraldine, is between Temuka and the sea. There is a large lagoon in the district, and at one time it was thought that it might be practicable to convert it into a harbour, to serve all that part of Canterbury. At the census of March, 1901, Milford had a population of 157 souls. The district is devoted to agriculure.
Blacksmith, Milford, near Temuka. Mr. Cartwright is a son of Mr. John Cartwright, an old settler, of Pleasant Point, and was born in Timaru in 1869. His father took up a farm at Pleasant Point in 1872, and there young Cartwright was brought up to farming, and was later on engaged with his father in contracting for road making. He served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith trade at Pleasant Point, and then went to Waitohi, where for two years he was engaged in farming work. In 1881 he went to Milford, where he bought a small property and erected a blacksmith's shop, and there he has since followed his trade; he also cultivates a compact little leasehold farm, part of Green Hayes estate. In 1892 he married Miss Sarah Ann Shepherd, of Pleasant Point, and they have two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Milford, near Temuka. Mr. Prattley was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1845, and was brought up to farming. In 1875 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Crusader,” and landed at Lyttelton on New Year's Day, He went to Temuka, where he had to build his own house, as there were very few people in the district at that time. For about eight years he followed agriculture, and then, in conjunction with his brother and Mr. Ward, he leased a farm of 128 acres near Temuka. After working this farm for three years he was burnt out of house and home by a destructive fire. The partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. Prattley took up another farm near at hand. There he worked for about five years, and built another house on a section he bought on the Arowhenua settlement. He then leased another farm from Mr. Andrew Grant, and occupied it for four years. In 1895, he leased his present farm at Milford, and now enjoys the results of persistent effort. His wheat occasionally averages sixty-two bushels to the acre. Mr Prattley is a member of the Milford school committee. In 1874, he married Miss Jane Malins, of Worcestershire, England, and they have ten sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Manor Farm, Milford, near Temuka. Mr. G.
Old Colonist, Milford, near Temuka, belongs to that rapidly diminishing band of sturdy pioneers, who came to this colony in the days when it was young. He was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1811, and in 1859 brought out his wife and family to New Zealand in the ship “Clontarf.” For about four years he was engaged with Mr. John Studholme, at the Rakaia Gorge and the Selwyn. Then he went to Cashmere, near Christchurch, and took up a farm, which he kept for three years. In 1866 he leased a farm near Temuka from the late Mr. Hayhurst, and worked it with his son for twenty-one years. On the expiration of the lease they bought a place at Milford, near Temuka, and named it Manor Farm.
which is divided into Upper and Lower Waitohi, extends from Temuka in a north-easterly direction for about twelve miles, and is bounded on the south-west by the river Opihi. Lower Waitohi extends for about six miles in the direction of the river, and Upper Waitohi continues for a similar distance. The Lower Flat has a good public school, a store, post office, blacksmith's shop, and there is also a good school in the upper portion of the district. The land is most fertile and produces heavy crops of wheat and oats; even in the upper district, which merges into the higher country, though it is not so rich, the land in some favoured seasons has yielded from sixty to eighty bushels of grain per acre. Pleasant Point lies on the other side of the river, which is to be spanned by a bridge, whereby the journey to Timaru will be shortened by many miles. The settlers of the district know how to mingle enjoyment with hard work. They have two tennis clubs, one day's horse racing and athletic sports every year, and keep up a succession of concerts and dances at the public school throughout the winter.
Farmer, Dulas Farm, Waitohi Flat. Mr. Feilden is the youngest son of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Feilden, of Dulas Court, Hereford-shire, and the 44th Essex Regiment. He was born in Lancashire in 1865, and was educated at Marlborough and Oxford. It was at first intended that he should take holy orders, but preferring a colonial life, he came to New Zealand in 1887, and went as cadet on Messrs Chamberlian Brothers' farm, “Waireka,” near Malvern Hills. He was afterwards at “Raincliff,” Fairlie, and obtained a thorough insight into colonial farming life during the seven years he was at these two stations. Mr. Feilden visited the Old Country in 1893, and returned to the colony the following year, when he purchased Dulas Farm, on which he has grown oats, which have threshed ninety-six bushels to the acre. The grounds are laid out in a very artistic manner. Mr. Feilden is a
Farmer. “Dairy Green,” Waitohi Flat. Mr. Goodeve was born in Essex, England, in 1845, and went to sea at the age of thirteen years. and sailed to the colonies. He settled in New Zealand in 1859 and was in the coastal trade in the well-known schooner “Wellington,” which traded between Lyttelton and Timaru. He was for a time on the Otago goldfields, and in 1862 worked on Mr. John Hay's run, the “Mackenzie.” In that year he bought a farm at Waitohi Flat in conjunction with Mr. William Ackroyd, which they afterwards sold, and he then bought his present property of 156 acres. He was a member of the committee appointed to erect the pioneers' memorial, in Victoria Park, Temuka, in commemoration of the Record Reign. Mr. Goodeve married Miss Taylor, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Taylor, a very old Canterbury settler, and has eleven children living out of fourteen.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. Hally was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1836. He landed in Melbourne in 1860 from the ship “Champion of the Seas,” and crossing the Tasman Sea in the early days of the Otago diggings, visited the mining centres of the South Island. After revisiting Victoria, Mr. Hally returned to New Zealand, and in 1867 purchased his farm at Waitohi, where he lives with his family.
Farmer, “Dinda Farm,” Waitohi. Mr. Heron was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1837. He left for New Zealand by the “Indiana” in 1857, landing at Lyttelton, and was for about three years in the Halswell district, afterwards going south to Lake Wanaka. After a time he returned to Halswell and started farming, and also undertook contract work, including the cutting of a drain from Springston to Lake Ellesmere for the Government. There he met with an accident which incapacitated him for twelve months. He then did some farming successfully at Malvern and Long-beach, and took up his Waitohi property of 200 acres. His wife died in 1897, leaving eleven children. All his sons work on the farm, and the eldest is a threshing contractor.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. Hullen was born in London in 1850, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1859. He was brought up to farming by his father, who settled at Waitohi in 1866. The area of Mr. Johann Hullen's farm is 239 acres, all subdivided into paddocks and under cultivation, with the exception of twenty acres. His crops are of the finest quality and give good yields. Mr. Hullen has a stud flock of English Leicesters. He was married in Timaru to the daughter of Mr. Christian Arras, of Levels Plain, and has six children.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. Langridge was born in Sussex, England, in 1834, and served an apprenticeship to the building trade, after which he entered the service of Sir John Shelley, with whom he remained three years. He left England for New Zealand in 1858, by the ship “Indiana.” For eight years subsequently he was settled in Christchurch, and then he removed to Temuka, and put up a brick house just before the flood of 1868. It was then he bought the farm which he still owns. For many years he carried on the business of a builder, but has latterly confined himself solely to farming. He was for some years clerk of works for the Temuka Road Board. In the olden days he was a member of the Temuka school committee, and he is still a prominent member of the Church of England at Temuka, and was clerk of works for the new stone church. Mr Langridge was married in the Old Country, and has a family of nine children, but Mrs. Langridge died in 1897. His son, Mr. J. J. Langridge, is in business at Takaka, Nelson, and senior member in the firm of J. J. Langridge and Co., general storekeepers.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. McAteer is a native of Donegal, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Invercargill,” landing at Port Chalmers. He was brought up to farming in the Old Country, and on his arrival here he worked for a time for Mr. Donald McLean. Then he owned a team, and was ploughing and contracting on the Levels station. He afterwards took up a farm of 277 acres on the Point Road, where he remained for four years. Thence he went to Temuka, where he kept the Royal Hotel for three years. Mr. McAteer took up his present holding of 200 acres on the Waitohi, in 1894. He was married, in 1887, to Miss Maggie Power, and they have seven children.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. McKinnon was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, in 1830, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Canterbury,” in 1874, and went to Banks Peninsula, but finding that there were no schools within reasonable distance for his children he removed to Saltwater Creek, where he was shepherding for twelve months. He then went to Orari, under engagement to Mr. Tripp, with whom he remained for two years. Mr. MoKinnon then bought a farm on the Rangitata, but subsequently sold it to Mr. Ruddenklau. In 1886, he went to Waitohi, and took up the farm where he now resides, and runs sheep and cattle, besides cropping his land. He was a member of the Waitohi school committee, but resigned through being unable to devote sufficient time to the position. Mr. McKinnon married Miss Margaret McDonald, of Ross-shire, Scotland, and has three sons and two daughters.
Erdoch Farm, Upper Waitohi. Mr. McCormick was born on his father's farm of Erdoch in Argyle, shire, Scotland, in August, 1837, and was educated in his native village. He was brought up to farming, and came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Resylvia” in 1861. Immediately after his arrival he went to the Otago goldfields, where he remained for six months, but being unsuccessful, then returned to Canterbury. For a time he was engaged in roadmaking and contracting in Christchurch. On the outbreak of the Wakamarina “rush” he went there, but was again unsuccessful. After twelve months on the West Coast and elsewhere, he removed to Waitohi, where he took up his present farm of 508 acres, on which he conducts a mixed system of farming; his wheat crops average thirty bushels per acre. Mr. McCormick is also a threshing contractor, and owns the Cave Hotel, Cave. He has been a member of the Upper Waitohi school committee for many years. Mr. McCormick was married, in 1877, to the eldest daughter of Mr. James McIntyre, farmer, Pleasant Point, and they have two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. Moore was born at Newcastle, County
Stone Farm, Waitohi Flat. Mr. Smart was born at Wooton Rivers, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, England, in 1850, and, accompanied by his wife, came to New Zealand in 1874, by the steamer “Atrato,” which anchored at Lyttelton. Mr. Smart then went by the steamer “Beautiful Star” to Timaru, where he and Mrs Smart obtained an engagement as married couple on the Seadown estate of the late Mr. B. Rhodes. Thence he went to Temuka. In 1880 he went to the Waitohi district, where he afterwards began farming. Mr. Smart now occupies about 500 acres, on which he conducts a very successful system of mixed farming. He has a family of five sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Longside Farm,” Waitohi Flat. Mr. Walker was born in Cheshire, England, in 1834, and was brought up to farming. When he was nineteen he entered the railway workshops in Lancashire, and remained there for six years. He emigrated to New Zealand by the ship “Regina,” landing in Lyttelton on the 4th of December, 1859. He settled in North Canterbury for seven years, but went south to Temuka in 1866, and took up his present farm of 220 acres. Mr. Walker also carried on an extensive carrying business for a considerable period, besides undertaking steam-threshing and hauling operations with his sons. He was one of the first settlers at Waitohi, and was for some time a member of the water-race committee. Mr. Walker married in the Old Country, and brought his wife and three children with him to New Zealand.
Farmer, Waitohi. Mr. Williams was born in Carnarvonshire, North Wales, in 1825, and was early trained to farming, but afterwards became a stonemason. In 1864, he came to New Zealand in the ship “Canterbury,” and landed at Lyttelton. In Christchurch, he helped to erect the Durham Street Church, and was afterwards engaged with Mr. Britton, Halswell, at his quarry. Then he went bush-felling at Hoon Hay, and thence to Long-beach, where he worked for some time for Mr. John Grigg. In 1869, he went to Waitohi, and took up 110 acres, which he has farmed ever since. Mr. Williams was the first to settle in the Upper Waitohi, and he has witnessed the growth of South Canterbury from its infancy. He has been a member of the Upper Waitohi school committee and the Temuka Road Board. Mr. Williams was a member of the Order of Foresters in the Old Country for twenty years. In 1872 he married Miss Mary Opie, of Cornwall, England, and they have one son. Mrs Williams came out in the ship “Charlotte Gladstone” in 1872.
was a native of Ceres, Fifeshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1835, and was brought up to the trade of a blacksmith. In 1858 he married Miss Margaret Nairn, in his native town, and some time afterwards brought her out to New Zealand in the ship “Captain Cook.” He commenced business with Mr. Blyth, near Christchurch, but soon afterwards went to Temuka. Mr. Cunningham built a blacksmith's shop, and also a store, at Waitohi, where he carried on his business for over thirty years. He also bought a farm at Waitohi, which his second son, David, now manages. Mr. Cunningham was a member of the Waitohi school committee for several years. He died in 1898, leaving a
sometime of Waitohi, and latterly of Timaru, was born in London in 1853, and came with his parents to Lyttelton when a child, by the ship “Regina,” landing in 1859. His father, the late Mr. Henry Hullen, was farming at Tai Tapu for seven years, and on removing to Waitohi in 1867, purchased 319 acres of land. On his death in 1884, the property was divided between his sons, Johann Martin, and the subject of this sketch. Mr. John Hullen's farm consisted of 175 acres, well subdivided and devoted to sheep raising and grain growing. For two years he was a member of the local school committee. He married a daughter of the late Mr. Jacob Jack, who came to Canterbury in 1864, and had two children. Mr. Hullen died at Timaru on the 28th of October, 1901.
is a town district in the Temuka riding of Geraldine county, and is actually a part of the town of Temuka. Arowhenua has a scattered population of about 800. The revenue from rates and other sources is about £200. It is eighty-nine miles distant from Christchurch on the main trunk railway, and is served by the railway station at Temuka.
Farmer, “Belper Farm,” Arowhenua. Mr. Gaffney was born in 1836 at Belper, Derbyshire, England, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1858 by the ship “Cresswell,” landing in Lyttelton. He went to Timaru and was employed by Messrs. Rhodes Bros, for many years, principally at bush work and fencing. He was the first to take a waggon team to the Mackenzie country, and was engaged in the carrying business for some years. In 1861, he was the first who took up land on the Levels estate. The farm on which he resides comprises 548 acres, and he has another property of 252 acres at Washdyke, and a considerable amount of township property. In addition to wheat-growing, he fattens sheep for freezing, and disposes of a considerable number annually. Mr. Gaffney has been a member of the South Canter bury Hunt Club for many years and takes a general interest in sport. He was married in Christchurch to Miss Maggie Brosnahan, and has twelve children.
is a farming district extending from the south bank of the Opihi river towards Washdyke. Seadown is also the name of a riding of the Levels county. There is a considerable rural population, which probably numbers fully 400. The railway station stands at a level of 36 feet above the sea, and is ninety-three miles from Christchurch, and seven miles from Timaru. Seadown has a public school and a post office.
was established in 1893, and is conducted at the homestead of Mrs Margaret Hornbrook, Miss Caroline Josephine Hornbrook acting as postmistress. Mails are received and despatched on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
was born at Kirriemuir, in Scotland. She was educated in her native place, and came to Wellington by the ship “Arab,” in 1841. In 1848 she was married to the late Mr. William Hornbrook, a brother of the late Major Hornbrook, of Wellington. Mr. Hornbrook was born in Brittany, France, in 1822, and, when a boy, went through a war in Spain. He came out to his brother in Wellington and was assisting in the store-keeping business for a number of years. In 1853 he removed to Canterbury, and became part owner with his brother in the Arowhenua station. In 1871 Mr. Hornbrook bought 256 acres at Seadown, which he farmed till his death in 1882. Since that time his widow has sold a portion of the property, but still owns 131 acres, known as Hollywell Farm. Mrs Hornbrook has had four sons and five daughters, of whom one son and two daughters have died.
was established in 1890, and serves part of the district of Levels and Seadown. The building is of wood and iron, and contains two class rooms and two porches. It has accommodation for 100 pupils, and the average attendance is seventy-three. The land attached to the school is about four acres in extent, and contains two play-grounds, with some well grown shelter trees. The school house is also on the property. The teacher in charge is assisted by a mistress.
Headmaster of the Seadown
Farmer, “Laurel Grove,” Seadown. Mr. Cain is a County Down man, and was born in 1849. He left Ireland for the Colony with his parents in 1859 by the ship “Clontarf.” His father farmed land at Milford, near Temuka, where the subject under notice was brought up to farm life. He purchased a farm of 187 acres, and started on his own account in 1868, subsequently building his present residence in 1891. Mr. Cain owns another farm of 212 acres on the Seadown block. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been chairman of the Seadown School Committee since 1893. Mr. Cain has been twice married, first to Miss Eagle, who died in 1890, leaving eleven children, and secondly to his first wife's sister, by whom he has three children.
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. Cargo was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1842, and came to Auckland by the ship “Northern Bride,” in 1861. He was mining at Coromandel, and afterwards tried the West Coast goldfields, where he was unsuccessful, Mr. Cargo went to Christchurch, and after a while obtained employment at Leeston, where he subsequently managed a farm until 1885, when he purchased his holding of 142 acres at Seadown. He was married in Leeston to a daughter of the late Mr. Stephen Tweedy, and has three children.
Farmer, “Bellmont,” Seadown, Mr. Cooper was born in Caithness, Scotland, in 1854, and was brought up on his father's farm. He arrived at Port Chalmers in the ship “Nelson” in 1863, and five years later commenced farming in North Otago, where for about nine years he had a farm of 200 acres of leasehold at Boundary Creek. In 1880 Mr. Cooper removed to South Canterbury, where he was for some time on the Level's station, and was subsequently employed for a short time by Mr. W. Grant. In 1898 he bought Bellmont Farm, which is seventy acres in extent. He has been a member of the Washdyke school committee since 1899. Mr. Cooper was married, in 1892, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Wright, of Geraldine, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Seadown Mr. Cochran was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1846, and worked on a farm until he was sixteen, when he apprenticed himself as a builder and stonemason. In 1869 he left the Old Country and went to America, travelling from New York to San Francisco, where he was engaged in the building trade. In the winter of 1870 he made a trip back to the Old Country, and while there married Miss Margaret Russell, of Forfarshire. He returned to America alone, but was soon joined by his wife, and they remained there for two years. From San Francisco they went to Sydney in the Australian mail boat—which in those days was only a little paddle steamer—and came on to New Zealand, where they landed in 1874. Mr. Cochran was first engaged in building the Otepopo tunnel, and the bridge over the Kakanui river, of which he built all the pillars. In 1875, he entered into a farming partnership with his brother-in-law, and took up 600 acres of land on the Waitohi Downs, where they remained for two years, when they dissolved partnership, and sold the property. On the opening up of the Arowhenua estate Mr. Cochran bought a farm there, but was unsuccessful. Subsequently he took up 216 acres at Woodbury and 165 acres at Seadown. He farms both properties, and runs sheep chiefly at Woodbury and crops the land on Seadown where he resides. He has adopted two children, who live with him on the farm.
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. Devon was born in Wigtownshire, Scotland, in 1838, and was brought up to farming. He arrived at the Bluff in 1863, by the ship “Helenslea,” and was for three years living in Southland. For nine years afterwards he was employed by the late Hon. Matthew Holmes, at Oamaru. In 1874 Mr. Devon purchased 200 acres of land, at Washdyke, South
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. Dunnett was born in Caithness-shire, Scotland, in 1863, and was brought up to farming. In 1887 he came to New Zealand in company with his brother, and for some years was shepherding at the Levels, and subsequently at the Sherwood Downs station. In 1893 he went to Seadown, where he took up 262 acres of good agricultural land, and has considerably improved his property. He carries on general mixed farming, and takes a great interest in sporting matters. Mr. Dunnett is unmarried.
Farmer, “Seagrove,” Seadown. Mr. Grant was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, in June, 1844, and was brought up to farming. He arrived in New Zealand on the 24th of March, 1864, and resided in Christchurch until 1868, when he removed to South Canterbury. He was engaged there for some time in contracting and general farm work, and was afterwards employed by Mr. John Hay in travelling horses. Mr. Grant afterwards bought land at Orari Bridge, and during his residence in the district was a member of the Geraldine Road Board, and a director of the Geraldine dairy factory. He was also a member of the Orari school committee, and for some time its chairman. In July, 1889, Mr. Grant settled at Seadown, where he bought from Mr. W. Stevenson, Seagrove Farm, a property of 241 acres. He has served on the Washdyke school committee, and was for a time chairman of that body. Mr. Grant was married on the 20th of March, 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Clark, of County Tyrone, Ireland, and has four sons and five daughters surviving.
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. Gilliatt was born in Lincolnshire, England, In 1837, and trained to farming pursuits. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Cashmere” in 1861 and was living on Banks' Peninsula for sixteen years. He then removed to South Canterbury, where he leased the “Stumps Farm” at Orari, and afterwards bought 460 acres at Seadown, where he now resides. Mr, Gilliatt was married in Lincolnshire and has five children.
Seadown Farm, Seadown. Mr. Holwell is the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Holwell, of Temuka. He was born in Leicestershire, England, in 1860, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1881. For a time he worked on the property of Messrs Bruce and McLaren, of St. Andrews, and on his father purchasing a farm at Kakahu, he assisted him to work it for eight years. Subsequently, he commenced farming on his own account on a farm consisting of 220 acres of leasehold on the far-famed Seadown estate and has resided there for sixteen years. He has also 100 acres of freehold on the Springfield estate, Temuka. Mr. Holwell is a member of the Temuka Floral Society, of which he was president in 1896 and again in 1901. He is also vice-president of the Temuka and Geraldine Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a member of the Temuka Borough Council and of the local school committee. Mr. Holwell is a member of the local Masonic lodge, and also of St. John's Lodge Arch Chapter. He is an enthusiastic cricketer, and has long been interested in volunteering. For three years he was quartermaster sergeant in the Geraldine Mounted Rifles, in which he is now (1902) lieutenant. Mr. Holwell married Miss Findlay, daughter of Mr. David Findlay, a very old settler, and has five children.
Farmer, Dairy Creek Farm, Seadown, Mr. Lewis was born at “Blannant,” Winchester, Canterbury, in 1869, and educated at the Winchester and Geraldine Flat schools. He was trained as a schoolmaster, served his pupil-teachership at Geraldine Flat school, taught altogether for fourteen years, during which he held positions in the Waimate District High School, the German Bay main school, the Clyde Quay school, Wellington, and the Mount Cook Boys' School, Wellington. Mr. Lewis, who is unmarried, commenced farming for the sake of his health, in June, 1898. Dairy Creck Farm contains 250 acres of freehold, and is devoted mostly to grain growing and sheep-farming.
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. McCullough was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1860, and was brought up to farming in that county. He came out in the ship “British Queen,” in 1883, and landed at Lyttelton. For about three years he was engaged in agricultural work in the Winchester and Kakahu districts, and then he bought 118 acres at Seadown. In 1897, he took up another farm of 197 acres, also at Seadown, and he farms both properties conjointly and successfully, and resides on the larger of the two. The soil is good, and he has grown barley which has averaged fifty-five bushels per acre. Mr. McCullough is a member of the Timaru Lodge of Druids. In 1895, he married Miss Margaret Creighton, of Naseby, Otago, and they have one son.
Farmer, Seadown. This settler is the third son of the late Mr. William Oldfield, one of Canterbury's pioneer settlers, who came to New Zealand in the “Cressy” in 1850. He was born at Lyttelton in 1855 and brought up to farming pursuits. When seventeen years of age, he moved to South Canterbury, and settled in the Temuka district, where he started as a waggoner, and as a contractor for cropping and threshing. For the past sixteen years he has been farming at Seadown, where he has a nice compact farm of 250 acres of freehold and 250 acres of leasehold land. He carries on breeding, grazing, and wheat-growing. Mr. Oldfield has manufactured a new sheep dip, the trade mark of which is “The Real McKay,” for which there is a large demand in the province. He was married to Frances Mary, daughter of Mr. Thomas Hawke, an old settler, and has six children.
Farmer, “Burleigh,” Seadown. Mr. Paterson was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1843, and brought up to country life. He came to Port Chalmers, in 1863, by, the ship “Wave Queen,” and was farming and shearing in the Amuri district for two or three years. He settled in the Timaru district, and had a farm at Totara Valley from 1877 till 1901. Mr. Paterson then sold his interest there and bought Burleigh Farm at Seadown. This land, which was purchased from Mr. William Grant, consists of 460 acres of freehold. Mr. Paterson was a member of the
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. Shaw was born at Winchester, in 1871, and is the fifth son of Mr. David Shaw, a very old South Canterbury settler. He was educated at the Geraldine and Geraldine Flat public schools, and was trained to farming. Mr. Shaw began on his own account in 1897, on a farm of 131 acres at Seadown. In the same year he was married to a daughter of Mr. James Campbell, an early Otago settler.
Farmer, “Polmangon,” Seadown. Mr. Stephens was born in 1840, at Polmangon, St. Winnow, Cornwall, England, and was brought up to farming. He came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Amoor,” in 1864, and for three years lived in Christchurch. On removing to South Canterbury he bought sixty acres of land from the Government, and has made many improvements on the property. Mr. Stephens also owns fifty-seven acres at Levels Plains. He was married, in 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Stewart, of County Tyrone, Ireland. Mrs Stephens died in 1900, leaving two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Seadown. Mr. Smith was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1842, and came to Auckland in the ship “Portland” in 1863. After tempting fortune at the West Coast diggings, he returned to Auckland and commenced farming at Pukekohe. On the expiration of his lease he came to Canterbury and settled for five years at Waikari. He then settled at Seadown and took up his present farm of 108 acres. At Pukekohe he was member of the local road board and school committee, but has not since interested himself in public affairs.
was born in Banffshire, Scotland, in 1837. He was brought up on his father's farm and afterwards served an apprenticeship to the building trade, which he subsequently followed for many years in New Zealand. He came out in the ship “John Duncan,” and landed at Port Chalmers. For some time he worked in Dunedin, and afterwards at Milton, where he resided for two years. Then he followed his trade at Lawrence for twelve years, but after taking a trip round the colonies, he sold his business, and then removed to Timaru, where he was engaged in contracting and building for a couple of years, and built several schools for the South Canterbury Board of Education. Later on, he bought a farm at Seadown, where he built a substantial concrete residence, and carried on mixed farming till 1899, when he sold his property.
is said to have obtained its name from the fact that it had a convenient natural place for sheep-dipping, and that in the early days the flocks of the Levels estate, of which it originally formed part, were periodically dipped there. Formerly the district was notable for the large boiling down establishment, which was owned by the New Zealand Meat Company, and at one time employed seventy or eighty men. This establishment was closed in the middle eighties, and two wool-scouring works have taken its place. Washdyke was also one of the first places where regular sales of stock were held in South Canter-bury. The position being central, sale-yards were early erected, and are stall used periodically. A large Shearing shed was built for the season of 1902. The local railway station, Washdyke Junction, which is also the post and telegraph office, is within three miles of Timaru, ninety-seven miles from Christchurch, and 134 from Dunedin, and stands at an elevation of eleven feet above the sea. The village has a hotel, a smithy, and a number of cottages. The local school serves for the children resident on some portions of the Seadown, Temuka, and Pleasant Point roads, which all branch off towards their respective localities at Washdyke. Religious services are regularly held in the school building. About a mile from Washdyke, towards Timaru, are situated the Smithfield Freezing Works, which give employment to a large number of men. At the census of 1901 the village of Washdyke had a population of 175.
was established upon the opening of the branch line to Fairlie. Six trains arrive and depart daily. The buildings are of the usual type, and contain a ladies' waiting room, a public lobby, and post, telegraph and railway offices, combined. The station has a double passenger platform.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at Washdyke, was born in Port Chalmers, in 1870. He entered the railway service in 1885, and was stationed at Dunedin, Caversham, Albury, and Purakanui respectively. Having gained leave of absence he went to South Africa with the Sixth Contingent, and came back unhurt. He was appointed to his present position in May, 1902.
was established in the seventies. The building is of wood and iron, and contains two classrooms and two porches with accommodation for from eighty to ninety children. There is a roll number of fifty-six, and the average attendance is forty-four. The school stands upon two acres of land; the schoolhouse of six rooms occupies a portion of this land, and there is a small playground.
Master of the Washdyke public school, was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1852. He was educated at Altona, and came to Lyttelton in the ship “St. Leonards” in 1872. After serving as assistant master at Timaru for fourteen years, he received his present appointment in 1887. Mr. Muller was married, in 1881, to a Miss Mansfield, of Timaru, and has three sons and two daughters.
(Mrs Charlotte Dale, Proprietress), Washdyke. This house dates from about 1854. The present building of wood contains eighteen bedrooms, three sitting rooms, kitchen, and bar, and a dining room which will seat twenty guests. There is a large iron stable with stalls and loose boxes, which as the hotel is so near the Timaru racecourse, are very useful at race times.
sometime proprietor of the Doncaster hotel, was a very old resident of Timaru. He was born in Doncaster, England, in 1838, and came to New Zealand, with Mr. George Rhodes, and settled in the Timaru district. He was at the West Coast diggings for a short time, and conducted a cab and express business in Timaru, for a number of years. In 1832 Mr. Dale acquired the Doncaster Hotel, where he remained up to the time of his death. He was very fond of sporting generally, and was particularly interested in angling. Mr. Dale married, in 1870, a daughter of the late Mr. T. Timpson, of Richmond, Surrey, England, and at his death left two sons and three daughters.
(Arthur Palmer proprietor), Washdyke. The area of five or six acres of land attached to these works, was the original site of the well-known boiling-down works at Washdyke. Mr. Palmer is a cash buyer of wool and skins, and an exporter of pelts and wool. He was born in Victoria in 1866, and at the age of two years, accompanied his father, Mr. A. Palmer, to Canterbury. He learned his trade in his father's works at Woolston, and leased the South Canterbury fellmongery early in 1901. Mr. Palmer has been a member of the Waimataitai school committee, and has served in the Timaru Naval Brigade for three years. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of Mr. Bockmann, of North Canterbury, and has three daughters and one son.
(George King and George Fletcher), Chaff-cutters and Straw-Pressers, Washdyke. This firm dates from 1896, and owns a traction engine, two chaff-cutters and a press. These machines are worked throughout the district. The firm leases eighty acres of land at Washdyke.
of the firm of King and Fletcher, was born at Saltwater Creek, South Canterbury, in 1867, and has been always engaged in country life. Before joining his partner in the present firm, he was in the employment of Mr. William King. Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Loyal Leithfield Lodge of Oddfellows, and has been a member of the Washdyke school committee since 1898. He was married, in October, 1898,
Farmer, Dalmuir Farm, Washdyke. Mr. Davie was born at Dalmuir, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, in October, 1839, and gained experience of farming before coming to Port Chalmers by the troopship “Peter Denny,” in 1865. He spent a few months at Taieri, but in 1866 went to Oamaru, where for about nine years he was farm-contracting and cropping. About the end of 1874 he removed to the Timaru district, and for a year or two found employment in cropuing at the Levels. In 1876 Mr. Davie purchased Dalmuir Farm, of 367 acres. There are some splendid plantations on the property, and many other improvements have been made. Mr. Davie was married on the 28th of January, 1879, to a daughter of the late Mr. Peter Cousin, of Dunfermline, Fafeshie, Scotland. His wife died on the 21st of August, 1902, leaving four sons and three daughters.
Farmer. Devon Farm, Washdyke. Mr. Stocker was born in Devonshire, England, in 1838, and was brought up to country life. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1866 by the ship “Blue Jacket.” and settled in North Canterbury, where he was farming, chiefly on his own account, at Rangiora, Leeston, and Halswell. In 1879 Mr. Stocker removed to the Timaru district, and bought Devon Farm, which is sixty-four acres in extent, and where he has since resided. He has served on the Halswell and Washdyke school committees. Mr. Stocker is a member of the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is also interested in the South Canterbury Farmers Co-operative Association. He was married, in 1836, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Harris, of Devonshire, England, and has six sons and four daughters.
district obtained its name from the headquarters of the Levels estate. It is situated in the Waimataitai riding of the Levels county. The railway station is seven miles from Timaru on the Timaru-Fairlie branch line, and stands at an elevation of 78 feet above sea level. There is a local post office, but the nearest school is at Seadown. As a county, Levels is an important and wealthy district, consisting principally of low rolling downs, most of which is good wheat growing land. There is a population of about 5500, all engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and the capital value of property within the county's limit is about £1,500,000. The main north line between the rivers Pareora and Opihi runs through part of the county, and also the Fairlie line. Pleasant Point and other flag stations are on this line. The Levels county adjoins the town of Timaru.
was established on the 14th of September, 1901, and is conducted at the homestead of Mr. Cornelius Sullivan, near the railway station. Mails are received and dispatched daily.
Postmaster at the Levels, was born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1842. He arrived in New Zealand in 1876, and settled at Kerrytown, and has since been employed in country life, having been at the Levels since 1897.
Farmer, Levels. Mr. Anderson, was born at Alloa, on the Firth of Forth, Scotland, in 1823, and brought up to farming. For fifteen years he lived in the Channel Islands, and was engaged in building the breakwater at Alderney. In 1865 he came out in the ship “Echunga,” and landed at Timaru. He rented a farm at the Washdyke for five years, and then bought 100 acres of Government land on the Levels at £2 an acre. This he has since. increased to 249 acres. In those days there were no roads formed, there were very few people in the district, and the country around was entirely devoid of trees. Mr. Anderson has planted all the trees on his property, and tastefully laid out a flower garden. His land has all been cultivated, and the wheat crops average over forty bushels per acre. Mr. Anderson has been a member of the Pleasant Point school committee, and was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was married in the Old Country, and has a family of two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Levels. Mr. Brosnahan was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1862 by the ship “Exchange.” He engaged in various pursuits until 1865, when he became a farmer at the Levels, where he acquired 530 acres. Mr. Brosnahan is married and has twelve children.
Farmer Levels. Mr. Driscoll was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1836, and was brought up to farming. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Ivanhoe,” in 1864, and landed at Lyttelton. After working some time in Christchurch he went to
Farmer, Derry Farm, Levels. Mr. Fitzgerald was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1838, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Charger,” landing in Lyttelton in 1862. After being two years in Christchurch, and a like period on the West Coast, he removed to Temuka district in 1868, where he bought a farm of 300 acres, to which he has devoted his whole attention, and has brought it from its native wildness to a state of cultivation. He was married in 1883, and has seven children.
Farmer, “Spring Grove,” Levels. Mr. King was born in South Australia in 1838. His parents were farmers and he was brought up to like pursuits. He came to Otago in 1878, and twelve months afterwards settled in Seadown, working for two years on the Seadown station. For a time he undertook contracts at chaff-cutting, etc., ultimately taking up land of his own. Mr. King has 346 acres at the Levels, where he carries on mixed farming. He has also two fully-equipped steam plants for pressing and baling straw and chaff-cutting. The homestead is very comfortable, with substantial out-buildings and other necessary farm conveniences. He married Miss Dawe, daughter of Mr. Dawe, farmer, Seadown, and has seven children.
(New Zealand and Australian Land Company, proprietors; Manager, Mr. C. N. Orbell, the Levels). This large run, which contains nearly 50,000 acres of freehold land, includes portions of the districts now known as Seadown, Cave, Albury, Washdyke, Pleasant Point, Sutherlands, and Totara Valley, and has its northern boundary at the Opihi river. It was originally of very much greater extent, but considerable areas of the land have been taken up for closer settlement, and the process is still going on About 50,000 sheep are depastured on the property, besides 250 head of cattle. Every year about 2500 acres are put down in turnips, from 1200 to 1300 acres in wheat, and about 1000 acres in oats. (Since the foregoing was written the property has been bought by the Government for close settlement.)
General Manager of the Levels Estate, is referred to in another
formerly Chief Cook at the Levels Station, was born at Maidstone, Kent, England, in 1870, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Crusader” in 1874. He was educated at Timaru, learned the business of a baker and pastrycook, and worked at his rade till the maritime strike in 1890, when he was appointed chief cook at the Levels estate, and, except for a year, held the position continuously until the estate was sold to the Government in 1903. Mr. Lane resides on a nice little property in the Seadown district. He was married in July, 1896, to a daughter of Mr. S. Cain, of Seadown, and has one son and two daughters.
Farmer, “Carsewell,” the Levels. Mr. Stevenson was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1842, and brought up to farming. He arrived at the Bluff in 1863 by the ship “Sir William Eyre,” and after four years in Southland on one of the New Zealand Land Company's stations, he removed to Oamaru, where he was on another of the Company's stations for seven years. On settling in the Timaru district, Mr. Stevenson bought land at Washdyke, and farmed 340 acres for some years. In 1881 he sold his interest in the Washdyke property, and bought his farm of 400 acres at the Levels, where he carries on mixed farming. Mr. Stevenson was for twelve years a member of the Washdyke school committee. He has long been associated with the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, having been on the committee for over twenty years. Mr. Stevenson was married, in 1869, to Miss Leonard, of Galway, Ireland, and has four sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Guirteen,” Levels. Mr. Sullivan was born on the borders of Kings County, Ireland, in July, 1836. He was brought up as a carpenter and mechanic, and spent two years at the Cape of Good Hope before coming to Lyttelton in 1862. After a short goldmining experience at the Shotover, in Otago, he settled in the Timaru district, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Sullivan began to farm 800 acres of land in the Levels Valley. This property he increased to 1650 acres, but it was sold to the Government for close settlement in 1900. For twenty-five years he was farming 2100 acres, at Kakahu. But in 1901 the Government acquired this also, at £4 per acre. Mr. Sullivan then took up his present property of 142 acres, in the Levels district, upon which he has erected a fine brick residence. He also owns 500 acres in the Levels and Pleasant Point district. As a sheep-farmer Mr. Sullivan has gone in mostly for the English Leicester and Lincoln broads. He was for seven years a member of the Timaru Harbour Board, but retired from the position in 1899; he was also a member of the Levels Road Board for many years before the establishment of the County Council. Mr. Sullivan was married, in 1871, to Miss Alexander, of King's County, Ireland, and has had four daughters and two sons. One son has died.
is a small settlement in the Seadown riding of the Levels county. Its population at the census of 1901 was 156. The district is about ten miles from Timaru and Temuka respectively, and about three miles from Pleasant Point. It takes its name from the large number of old settlers who came originally from County Kerry, Ireland. There is no public school in the district, the educational wants of which are supplied by a well-equipped Roman Catholic school. Some years ago a large building was erected on a corner section for the purpose of a hotel, but no license was granted, though the building still (1903) stands.
which is within ten miles of Timaru, has been conducted at the residence of Mr. Hugh Brosnehan since 1885. Mails are received and despatched three times weekly. Mr. Brosnehan was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1870, by the ship “Merope.” He has been a resident of the district since 1882. Mr. Brosnehan was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. P. Scannill, of Kerry, and has five sons and seven daughters.
Kerrytown, was established about 1884. The site contains about three acres of land, and the school building is of wood and iron, and contains two class rooms. There is accommodation for 200 children; there are 110 names on the roll, and the average attendance is ninety. Four Sisters of St. Joseph constitute the teaching staff of the school.
Farmer, Kerrytown. Mr. Hoare was born in Kerrytown, in 1869, and was brought up to country life. For about five years he kept a hotel in the Oxford district, but in 1901 returned to Kerrytown, where he farms fifty acres of freehold land. During his residence in North Canterbury Mr. Hoare belonged to the Cust Mounted Rifles, and was one of the first members of that corps. He had charge of the catering at the encampment of the 19th of October, 1901. Mr. Hoare was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. Donovan, of Bennett's Junction, and has had one son and one daughter. His son is dead.
In the year 1855, or thereabout, when many who are now old and weary were young, the man of enterprise, bent on prospecting for a sheep run or proposing to penetrate the coastal range by way of Burke's Pass to explore the then unknown regions since called the Mackenzie country, would have taken his departure from the accommodation house kept by “Sam Williams,” on the beach below the present site of Timaru. He would travel over the broad plains, stretching away from the Levels station, and some three miles ahead of him he would see a projection of land standing out conspicuously, and which had already been named “Pleasant Point.” Just beyond “The Point,” and within the shelter of its arm, will now be found the township of that name, which is thirteen miles from Timaru. There the rivers, Te Ngawai and Opihi, meet each other and embrace a large area of fertile land. Here, also, many roads now converge, such as the road to Totara Valley, Opihi, Opuha, Waitohi, and Temuka, which have done much to raise it in importance as a country centre. The railway constructed by the provincial government of Canterbury from Timaru to Fairlie also helped to dot the district with many prosperous farms. The first freehold property in the locality was bought by Messrs R. and G. Rhodes, who subsequently sold to the New Zealand and Australian Land Company; but the first real settlers were Messrs Kennaway and Acton, who purchased land between the two rivers. The bulk of the agricultural land is now occupied in considerable farms. Now (1903) the South Canterbury Dairy Company has a creamery at work in the township, which has three churches—Anglican, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic—two hotels, three stores, a bakery, two butchers' shop, and several blacksmiths and wheelwrights. Fortnightly stock sales are held at Pleasant Point, and the settlers from surrounding districts attend in considerable numbers. The township is in the Point riding of the Levels county, and at the census of 1901, the population of the settlement and neighbourhood was set down at 749. The railway station, which is in the centre of the township, stands at an elevation of 205 feet above the sea, and is thirteen miles from Timaru on the Fairlie branch line of railway.
This station is on the Timaru-Fairlie line, and is situated thirteen miles from Timaru. It was erected about 1874, when the line was constructed, and it ranks as a fourth-class station. There is a large goods shed at the station, and the principal traffic is in grain. The post and telegraph offices, and the office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages are also at the station.
Stationmaster and Telegraphist, at Pleasant Point, and Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages for the district, was born at Rangiora, in 1869, and educated at public schools. In 1883 he joined the Postal Department as a messenger at
at Pleasant Point is said to be one of the oldest schools in South Canterbury. It stands on part of a section of an acre and a half in Church Street, is built of wood and iron, and has four class rooms and two porches, with accommodation for 200 children. There are 180 names on the roll, and the average attendance is about 166. The teaching staff consists of the master, an assistant, an infant mistress, and two pupil-teachers. There is a convenient playground, and a good residence for the headmaster.
B.A., Headmaster of the Pleasant Point Public School, was born on Banks' Peninsula, Canterbury. He was educated at the Akaroa Borough School, where he served a four years' pupil-teachership. After a year at the Normal Training College at Christchurch, he was appointed assistant at the Woolston Borough School. A few months later Mr. Dalglish became assistant at the Sydenham Borough School, where he continued for six years until taking up his duties at Pleasant Point in 1896. He graduated B.A. at Canterbury College in 1894, and was married at the end of 1896, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Buchanan, of the Christchurch City Foundry, and has one son and one daughter.
extends from Washdyke to Mount Cook, a distance of 140 smiles, and was constituted in 1891. It includes the settlements of Fairlie, Pleasant Point and Burke's Pass, among others. The vicarage is situated on Tengawai road, Pleasant Point. There is a glebe of ten acres, and there is also a small endowment of thirteen acres for the church. Services are held in outlying places, inclusive of Hazelburn, Albury, and Opihi, in school buildings, and also at Fairlie, Silverstream, and Burke's Pass.
at Pleasant Point, is constructed mostly of concrete, and was erected about the end of the seventies. It has accommodation for eighty worshippers, and service is held regularly, morning and evening, every Sunday. The Sunday school of twenty scholars is in charge of three teachers.
Vicar of Tengawai-with-Fairlie, was born in 1855, in South America, and was educated in England. In 1876 he came to South Australia and was ordained deacon in 1884. He studied at the Adelaide University. After being stationed in various parts of Australia he came to New Zealand in 1892, and has been in charge of his present cure since January, 1893. Mr. Hinson was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. John Braim, of Melbourne, and has two sons and two daughters.
at Pleasant Point is prettily placed on an eminence overlooking the township. Occasionally services were held in the district as early as 1865, and the church was built ten years later. The congregation was made a separate charge in 1879. The church is of wood, with a shingle roof, and has seating accommodation for 120 persons. A Sunday school, consisting of seventy children and nine teachers, meets in the building. The minister in charge holds services at Totara Valley in a pretty little church, and in the schoolhouses at Cannington and Cave, also at Kakahu Bush and Waitohi. The manse, which was erected in 1881, and was considerably enlarged in 1892, is a short distance away from the church, and stands on part of a glebe of five acres.
Minister in charge of Pleasant Point Presbyterian Church, was born in 1839, in Derbyshire, England. He studied for the United Methodist Free Church, and became a minister in 1864. In 1866 Mr. White came to New Zealand, and was eight years on the West Coast goldfields, and afterwards took other appointments. Owing to the failure of Methodist Union in 1885, he ceased his connection with his mother church, and became General Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in Dunedin. Two years later he became a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland, and was inducted at Pleasant Point in 1894. Mr. White was married, in 1868, to a daughter of Mr. Jesse Humphries, of Nelson, and has had eight sons and one daughter. One son and the daughter are dead.
(South Canterbury Dairy Company, Limited, proprietors), Pleasant Point. This creamery was opened in October, 1902. It is built of wood and iron, with a concrete foundation, and is well equipped with an engine, a boiler, and a 510 gallon Crown separator. The cream is sent daily to Timaru.
Manager of the Pleasant Point Creamery, was born in 1870, near Dunedin. He gained experience in dairy work, and was appointed manager of the Pleasant Point Creamery when it was first opened.
at Pleasant Point in the South Canterbury sub-district, dates from 1875. The station is on the Mackenzie Road, on a site of two acres, and consists of a house of six rooms, a lock-up, a stable, and other out-buildings. The district in charge of the local constable extends from the racecourse near Washdyke to Coalcreek, and as far as Raincliff on the northern side of the Opihi river. No court is held at Pleasant Point, but local justices act in cases of emergency.
Constable in charge of Pleasant Point, was born at Hokitika, in 1867. He became an officer of the Permanent Artillery in 1889, but afterwards joined the police force, and has been in charge at Pleasant Point since 1901.
(John Murphy, proprietor), Pleasant Point. This well known
General Storekeeper, Pleasant Point. This business was established in May, 1878, and is conducted in convenient premises almost opposite the railway station; the proprietor's residence is situated in another part of the township. Mr. McKibbin was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1848, and was brought up to mercantile life. He arrived at Port Chalmers, in 1878, by the ship “County of Peebles,” which is said to have been the first four-masted ship to bring passengers to that port. After a few months in Dunedin, he founded his business at Pleasant Point. Mr McKibbin is also owner of 200 acres of freehold which he purchased in 1887, and still farms. He served as a member of the local school committee for several years, and held office as its chairman. Mr. McKibbin was married, in February, 1877, to a daughter of Mr. R. Morgan, of County Down, Ireland, and has had five sons and three daughters. One son and three daughters have died.
Fellmonger, Pleasant Point. Mr. Halstead was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, in 1836. He was there brought up to fellmongery, which he followed until he left the Old Country in 1858, when he came to Auckland in the ship “Shooting Star.” For some time he worked in Auckland and Hawke's Bay, where he saved £30, with which he took a trip to Sydney and went to the goldfields, and in two years had saved £1000, which, with the exception of £50, was, however, lost in speculation. He then returned to New Zealand, and was engaged at Oamaru in wool sorting for about three years. Mr. Halstead was then appointed salesman in a large store, and later on he became a wool valuator. In 1866 he went to Pleasant Point, and classed wool on the Levels estate for several years, and afterwards, except during four seasons, he scoured all the wool produced on that estate. He started his present business on his arrival from Australia, and is now the oldest wool scourer in South Canterbury. He has won a silver cup, three silver medals, and four bronze medals for wool scouring at various exhibitions. Mr. Halstead is a member of the Timaru Caledonian Lodge of Freemasons, and has been an Oddfellow. He is chairman of the Domain Board, and was chairman of the Cemetery. Board for many years, and also of the Pleasant Point school committee. In 1857 he married Miss Mary Metcalf, of Craven, Yorkshire, who followed her husband to New Zealand four years later. They have a family of five sons and two daughters. Two sons are married, and follow their father's trade.
Farmer, “Fordlands,” Pleasant Point. Mr. Acton was born at Exeter, Devonshire, England, in 1832, and is the son of the late Rev. Henry Acton, of Exeter. He was educated at Mount Raford school, and studied surgery. Relinquishing the idea of the medical profession, he came to Wellington in 1855 by the ship “New Era,” but removed to Canterbury, and wen in for sheepfarming at Alford Forest, near Ashburton. He afterwards, in partnership with Messrs Kennaway, took up runs at Burke's Pass, which he stocked, together with the Clayton and Opawa runs. Later on, he bought 1500 acres at Pleasant Point in partnership with Mr. Walter Kennaway. This partnership was not dissolved for thirty-two years. Mr. Acton farms a fine agricultural and pastoral property of 1100 acres, known as “Fordlands.” He has been intimately connected with public affairs, and, with the late Mr. C. J. Tripp, was a member of the first road board in South Canterbury, and also of the first county council. For ten years he was on the Harbour Board, of which he was chairman for five years. He was one of the promoters of the South Canterbury Refrigerating Company, and was for some years chairman of directors. Mr. Acton married a daughter of Dr. T. O. Rayner, of Temuka, and has twelve children.
Farmer, Hazelburn, Totara Valley, Pleasant Point. Mr. Bracefield was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1848, and was employed in railway construction work before coming to Lyttelton by the ship “Captain Cook,” in 1863. He first found employment in farm work, near Christchurch, but afterwards removed to South Canterbury, where he was cropping in the Opihi district for two years. In 1878 Mr. Bracefield acquired his property of 191 acres at Hazelburn. It has been
Farmer, “Rosglet,” Pleasant Point. Mr. Boyd was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, on the 31st of December, 1865. He gained experience on his father's farm, before coming to Wellington in 1888, by the s.s. “Kaikoura.” He was employed as a shepherd by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company at Rakaia for a number of years, and came into possession of his present property, of 238 acres at Pleasant Point, on the 1st of September, 1898. The land has now been largely improved, and a six-roomed residence has been erected. Mr. Boyd served as a volunteer in Invernessshire. He was married on the 31st of December, 1900, to a daughter of the late Mr. Frederick Sams, of Sutherlands, and has one daughter.
is the property of Mr. Gideon Rutherford, who bought it in 1894. Mr. Rutherford has carried out extensive and permanent improvements, which include a substantial two-storey stone and iron dwelling-house, and one of the best orchards in the provincial district of Canterbury; besides other trees, it contains the Australian fig, orange, and mulberry. In other ways Mr. Rutherford has done all that was possible to improve the property. He has drained the alluvial swamps and brought them under cultivation, and they now grow any crop to perfection. In clearing gorse alone Mr. Rutherford has spent £1000; he has placed wire netting on nearly all the fences, and has subdivided the property into convenient sized paddocks with the same material. “Castlerock” is noted for its stud flocks and herds, for which the property is admirably adapted, with its abundant water, sheltering limestone boulders, native shrubs and trees, and caves and corners provided by nature. The Merino stud flock is descended from the best animals that money and talent could procure in Australia, and the ewes were drawn chiefly from the famous Learmouth flock. Mr. Rutherford's Merinos are noted prizewinners at the Christchurch, Oamaru, Timaru, and Dunedin shows, and he had a ram eleven years old, which one season yielded a fleece weighing twenty pounds and three-quarters. His Lincoln stud flock was established in 1885 with twenty-five ewes and two rams, purchased from the Hon. M. Holmes. Mr. Rutherford's herd of Shorthorn cattle has been established since 1887, when he bought Mr. David Grant's herd, and the only bulls which have been used were bred by Mr. John Deans, or in the herd.
the Proprietor, was born in 1834 in Golspie, Sutherlandshire, Scotland. In 1850 he came out to Australia, where he followed a pastoral life. He came to New Zealand in 1879, and has been settled successively at Dunedin, Oamaru, and Castlerock, Pleasant Point. The main effort of Mr. Rutherford's life as a woolgrower has been to produce wool of the highest spinning qualities.
Farmer, “Daisyhill,” Pleasant Point. Mr. Collett was born in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, in 1831. He is the eldest son of the late Captain Collett, of the mercantile marine. When only eleven years of age he went to sea, and visited almost every country in the world. He was shipwrecked near Alexandria, Egypt, and whilst he was there, war was proclaimed in the Crimea. Mr. Collett then joined the transport service and took from Spain the first cargo of mules that arrived in the Crimea, and he continued in active service until peace was proclaimed. He afterwards went to Australia, where he tried his luck on various diggings. Then he shipped to Bombay with horses, and went thence to the Andaman Islands, to take Seapoy mutineers as prisoners. After that he drifted back to Australia. In 1859 he came to New Zealand with a cargo of sheep in a ship chartered by Mr. Wilkinson. He then followed station life for a few years. In 1863 Mr. Collett took up part of his present farm of 400 acres, then all in its native state. It is good limestone country, and was soon brought under cultivation. Mr. Collett has generally topped the local market with his sheep, and he has also bred some excellent hacks and roadsters. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, has served on the local committee, and the first school in the district was held in one of
Farmer, Pleasant Point. Mr. Greig was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1839, and was brought up to pastoral pursuits. He was in the service of the Duke of Leeds, the Mitchells of Linfearn, and Messrs Tait and Urquhart of Strathglass, Mr. Greig married Miss Christina McIntosh, of Glenurquhart, Inverness-shire, in 1861, and came out to New Zealand in the ship “Sebastopol,” in 1862. He obtained an engagement with Messrs Kennaway, Lee and Acton, of Opawa station, Timaru, and was afterwards with Mr. Sheath, of Birmingham. He has been a member of the Pleasant Point school committee for a number of years, and is chairman of the cemetery board and library committee. Mr. Greig has a family of five sons and two daughters. One of the sons is in Queensland and one is in the Government service in Christchurch.
Farmer, “The Willows,” Pleasant Point. Mr. Gliddon was born in Plymouth, England, in 1845, and for fourteen years was a sailor in the Royal Navy. He was invalided from service, and in 1874 came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Wild Deer.” Settling in the Timaru district, he engaged in road contracting and other work, until 1901, when he purchased his present property, “The Willows,” which consists of 131 acres of freehold land. Mr. Gliddon was married, in 1879, to a daughter of Mr. James Agnew, of Pleasant Point, and has five sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “Loftlands,” Pleasant Point. Mr. Medlicott was born in Shropshire, England, in 1860, and at the age of three years, accompanied his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “William Miles.” The family settled in South Canterbury and Mr. Medlicott was educated at Milford, and brought up to country life in the Hook district. He came to Pleasant Point to manage his father's farm, and fourteen years later, in conjunction with his brother James, took over the property, of 560 acres. In 1899 the brothers dissolved partnership, and 295 acres fell to the share of Mr. Fred Medlicott. He was married in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. John Elliott, of Sutherlands. His wife died in 1897. In 1902, Mr. Medlicott married a daughter of Mr. Anthony Watkins, of the South of Ireland.
“Wellforth,” Pleasant Point. Mr. Mee was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1833, was educated in his native town, and brought up to farming pursuits. When eighteen years of age, he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary, and when the Crimean war broke out, volunteered for active service and went through the campaign. Mr. Mee holds the Crimean medal, the clasp of Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal. After his return to England he received the silver medal of the Royal Society for the Protection of Life, for conspicuous bravery in saving life from fire. Bishop Daily, of Waterford, presented him with an illuminated certificate illustrating the deed, and the Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary also presented him with a badge. On returning from the Crimea to England, Mr. Mee served another year with the constabulary, and in 1860 emigrated to Otago by the ship “Pladda.” Joining the police force, Mr. Mee rode in the first and second gold escorts from Tuapeka to Dunedin, and was promoted to senior sergeant at Dunedin gaol. It may be mentioned that in 1862, a clerk in the Union Bank of Australia absconded from Dunedin with a large sum of money. Mr. Mee was detailed to effect his capture, went to Australia, and followed the fugitive to England, where he arrested him and eventually brought him back to Dunedin. Subsequently leaving the service, he went to the West Coast and started in business as a hotel-keeper at Hokitika. Having sold out after four years, he bought a farm at Oamaru, which he sold at a profit and purchased the “Wellpark” property of 900 acres at Pleasant
Farmer, “The Sisters,” Pleasant Point, Mr. McIlwrick was born at Milford, near Temuka, in 1870, and was brought up to country life, chiefly at Makikihi. In April, 1901, he leased his property of 460 acres, from Mr. W. B. Howell, for a period of seven years. Mr. McIlwrick was married in 1901, to a daughter of Mr. A. Bucetich, of Chertsey.
Farmer, Pleasant Point. Mr. Munro was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1837, and was brought up as a shepherd. He came to Lyttelton in 1865 by the ship “Tudor,” and entered the employment of Messrs Rhodes and Wilkin of St. Leonard's station, as a shepherd. He was afterwards employed for a year by Mr. Hamilton Ward at Bangor estate, Malvern, at Mount Torlesse station for five years, and again for two years at Bangor station, before entering the service of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company in 1876. Mr. Munro farms 230 acres at Pleasant Point, and still acts as shepherd for the company. He was married, in 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Telford, of Selwyn, and has two sons and four daughters.
Pleasant Point. This property belongs to Messrs W. and A. Webb, and contains 1000 acres of rich limestone country. It was purchased in 1898, and is well watered and securely subdivided into fourteen paddocks. The Messrs Webb use halfbred ewes and English Leicester rams to breed lambs for the export trade, and the lambs themselves are finished off on rape and early turnips. The ewes are bred from during one season only, and then fattened and sold. Rotational cropping is regularly practised at “Ngakorua,” grain, turnips or rape, and grass following in succession. Wheat yields about thirty-five bushels per acre, and the oats grown are all consumed on the place. The owners also keep about eighty head of cattle, with a number of brood mares in the swamps.
was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1862, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He is at present (1903) manager of Springbank station, North Canterbury, and is further referred to in connection with that property.
was born, in 1864, in Sydney, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was for two years in a mercantile office in Christchurch and then followed station life at Kaituna, and at Ashley Gorge; and he subsequently managed the Hon. J. T. Peacock's run for seven years. At the end of that time he and his brother purchased and settled on “Ngakorua.”
Threshing Machine Proprietor and Farmer, Pleasant Point. Mr. Neilson was born in 1851, in Sydney, New South Wales, where he was brought up to country life. He spent some years on the Victorian goldfields. In 1868 he came to Hokitika, and was afterwards engaged in goldmining at the Blue Spur and at Kawarau, in Otago. Later on he was shearing in various parts of the colony. In 1886 he settled at Pleasant Point, where he bought a property of ninety-two acres of rural land on the Mackenzie road, and erected a very comfortable dwelling. As an Oddfellow, he has been connected with the Timaru Lodge. Mr. Neilson has a complete threshing machine plant, including a traction engine, for which he finds employment in the district. He was married, in December, 1867, to a daughter of Mr. John Brown, of Adelaide, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Prospect Farm, Pleasant Point. Mr. Norton was born in 1860, in Devonshire, England, and found employment in country work until leaving for New Zealand. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Waitangi” and found employment with Mr. William Wright, at Rangatira Valley, near Temuka, till 1898, when he purchased 404 acres, which he has named Prospect Farm. The land was all in one paddock, but is now sub-divided into nine paddocks, and has been very largely improved, a handsome ten-roomed residence and substantial out-buildings having been erected. Mr. Norton served as a member of the Pleasant Point school committee for a year, and has been connected with the Waitohi Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars. He was married on the 3rd of November, 1884, to a daughter of Mr. John Beer, of Doddiscombe Leigh, England, and has five daughters and four sons.
Farmer, Surrey Downs, near Pleasant Point. Mr. Oliver was born in Surrey, England, in 1844. He was brought up as a farmer, and came to Australia by the ship “Giant's Causeway” in August, 1865. A few months later, he came to Lyttelton, and for three years was employed on stations in the Oxford district, North Canterbury. He moved to Pleasant Point in 1869. Two years later Mr. Oliver took up a portion of the land where he resides, its area having been increased
Traction Engine and Threshing Machine Proprietor, Pleasant Point. Mr. Saunders was born at Wheat-hampstead, Herefordshire, England, on the 26th of April, 1862. He was brought up to country life, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Orari,” on the 14th of May. Mr. Saunders settled in the Pleasant Point district, where, except while absent on two trips to the Old Country, he has ever since resided. He has been a mill-owner since 1881, and is now the proprietor of three complete plants. His residence and well appointed workshop stand on three-quarters of an acre of freehold land. Mr. Saunders is attached to the Pleasant Point Lodge of Oddfellows, in which he has passed all the chairs. He was married on the 3rd of November, 1886, to a daughter of Mr. David Anderson, who came to New Zealand in one of the first four ships, and has three daughters.
Farmer, Strabane Farm, Pleasant Point. Mr. Vance was born in 1840, in Strabane, Ireland, and was brought up to farming. In 1864 he came out to Port Chalmers by the ship “Adgemere” and after four years in Christchurch, removed to Pleasant Point. About two and a half years later, Mr. Vance purchased eighty-nine acres, the first portion of his present farm, upon which he settled in March, 1875, and which he has now increased to 243 acres of freehold. The Government afterwards acquired a portion of his land for the site of the Waitohi Road railway station. There were very few settlers in the district when Mr. Vance made his home at Strabane Farm, and he has witnessed the development of the settlement. Mr. Vance was married, in 1870, to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. James Caldwell, Coolislin Farm, North of Ireland.
of Pleasant Point, was born in 1817 at St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, England, and had experience under his uncle, who was a farmer in the Isle of Ely. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Minerva,” on the 4th of February, 1853, and in 1880 acquired about 400 acres of land at Burke's Pass, where he farmed till 1881. In that year he retired from active life and has since resided at Pleasant Point. Mr. Brittin has taken an active interest in the Anglican church for about fifteen years, and has acted as vestryman and churchwarden. He was always fond of racing and hunting, and in the early days he often rode with success in Christchurch as a gentleman rider. Mr. Brittin was married, in 1840, to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Marsh, farmer, of Woodhurst, Huntingdonshire, England, and has had one son and four daughters; one daughter having died. There are twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.
sometime of Pleasant Point, was a son of Dr. Orton, and was born in Sunderland, England, on the 27th of March, 1837. He was intended for the medical profession, but did not complete his course of study. Mr. Orton arrived at Lyttelton in 1860, and went to his uncle, the Rev. R. R. Bradley, at Charteris Bay. Shortly afterwards he removed to South Canterbury, and found employment for a short time at the Level's station. He was farming between Christchurch and New Brighton for about four years, and finally settled in the Pleasant Point district in March, 1863. In 1879 he took up his residence in the township, and carried on business as stock dealer and drover and afterwards undertook statistical work for the Government. Mr. Orton was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late
sometime of Pleasant Point, was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1845, and was brought up to agricultural work. He emigrated to Australia in 1869, by the ship “Lanarkshire,” and followed the goldfields for some time. In 1873 he came to New Zealand and took to farming and cropping near Timaru. In 1877 he cleared £1400 from 160 acres of wheat, but in the year following a hailstorm threshed all the crop standing in the field. Mr. Stewart purchased the lease of an educational reserve in Totara Valley in 1882. It comprises 562 acres, and on obtaining an extension of the tenure he effected improvements, which include drainage and fencing, and a good dwellinghouse built of stone. Mr. Stewart purchased the first portion of “Clover-hill” in 1894–550 acres—from the New Zealand and Australian Land Company. In 1897 he purchased an additional 450 acres, thus bringing his freehold at “Cloverhill” up to 1000 acres. In one season he had 360 acres in wheat, 100 acres in oats, and 50 acres in turnips; and it was common for his wheat crop to average thirty bushels and the oats sixty bushels per acre. Mr. Stewart died on the 26th of November, 1899. He was married, in 1887, to Miss Dickson, who bore him two sons and four daughters.
is a prosperous farming district on the south bank of the Opihi river. There is a good deal of flat country, interspersed with high terrace lands, which, here and there, display buttresses of limestone, valuable for building purposes. The public school stands on one of the highlands overlooking the valley of the Opihi river. Letters are delivered twice weekly by mail cart from Pleasant Point. The district is devoted principally to sheep farming. It is situated in the Tengawai riding of the Levels county, and had a population of 104 at the census of March, 1901.
was established about 1880. It is of wood and iron, and contains a class room and a porch, with accommodation for eighty pupils. There are twenty-nine names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-three. The school glebe is planted with some well grown shelter trees, and the teacher's residence, adjoining the school, is surrounded by a good garden.
(Robert and Andrew Aitken), Farmers, Opihi. The property of these brothers consists of 225 acres of improved land, and is worked as a mixed farm. The partners are sons of the late Mr. Andrew Aitken, of Opihi.
was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, in 1859, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand, in 1863. He was brought up to country life, and for about twenty-five years he was employed on the Opuha station, which he managed for ten years. Mr. Aitken was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Shewan, of the Shetland Isles, and has five sons and two daughters.
was born in 1861, in Dumbartonshire, Scotland. He was brought to New Zealand in 1863, and joined his brother in 1891.
Farmer, Opihi. Mr. Beedell was born in 1843 in the parish of Washfield, near Tiverton, Devonshire, England, where he was bought up to country life. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Elmstone” in 1868, and went to Oamaru, and soon afterwards to Waiareka, and then started farming at Fen Valley. About the year 1877 he went to Pleasant Point, where he worked Long Hill Farm for a number of years. In May, 1892, Mr. Beedell settled at Opihi, where he farms fifty-three acres of freehold, upon which his residence stands, and also 263 acres of leasehold land, known as Highland Hut Estate, the property of Mr. W. B. Howell. He has served as a member of the local school committee. Mr. Beedell was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Cheldon, of Devonshire. His wife died on the 8th of October, 1902, leaving three daughters and one son.
Farmer, Opihi. Mr. Cartwright was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, in April, 1855, and was brought up to country life by his father, who was a farmer. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Atrata” in 1874, and for ten years was employed in navvy work in connection with railway and road construction. Mr. Cartwright bought 290 acres of land at Raincliff, but some years later, in consequence of the necessity for educating his children, he sold this property, and settled on 382 acres of freehold land in the Opihi district. He has been a member of the local school committee for some time. Mr. Cartwright was married, in 1877, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Bracken, of County Fermanagh, Ireland, and has five sons and four daughters.
was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, in 1828. He was brought up to country life, and came to Timaru in the ship “Lancashire Witch,” in 1863, For a time he and his wife lived at Opuha station, the property of Mr. William Hornbrook, but afterwards owned by the Hon. T. H. Wigley. Mr. Aitken afterwards bought twenty-five acres of land at Opihi, where he resided until his death on the 7th of April, 1893. For a short time he served as a member of the Opihi school committee. Mr. Aitken was married in 1857 to a daughter of the late Mr, R. Muirhead, of Dumbartonshire, Scotland, and had seven sons and three daughters. Three sons and one daughter have died. Mrs Aitken still lives and has sixteen grandchildren.
is a rich farming district extending for several miles on the northern bank of the Tengawai river, in the Tengawai riding of the Levels county. The population at the census of 1901 was set down at forty. The building stone which is excavated from picturesque limestone cliffs is of considerable value, and if facilities for its transport were available, would be largely in demand. There is a Presbyterian church and a public school in the district and also a blacksmith's shop.
at Totara Valley was opened about 1890. The building, which is prettily situated on a grassy knoll surrounded with pines, is constructed of wood and iron, and has the usual class room, with a porch entrance. There is accommodation for fifty pupils, but there are only twelve on the roll.
Totara Valley, was built of the local lime stone in 1890, It has accommodation for 120 worshippers. A Sunday school, consisting of forty children and four teachers, meets in the building. Services are regularly held, and the minister at Pleasant Point is in charge.
General Blacksmith and Farrier, Totara Valley, Mr. Miller started business in 1886 in a shop built of stone quarried in the district. The residence, which adjoins the smithy, is of wood and iron, and stands on part of a section of two-and-a-half acres of freehold. Mr. Miller was born in 1848, in Caithness, Scotland, where he served his time to the blacksmith's trade as general blacksmith, for a period of four years. He then went as an improver to the Clyde, where he worked as a ship-smith. Mr. Miller came to New Zealand in the ship “Hydaspes,” and landed at Lyttelton in 1869. He found employment intermittently in different parts of New Zealand, and, like all early colonists, tried his hand at various kinds of work.
Farmer, “The Willows,” Totara Valley. Mr. Cunningham was born in Scotland, in 1859, and came to Lyttelton with his parents in the ship “Captain Cook” in 1862. He is a son of the late Mr. David Cunningham, of Waitohi, was educated at Christchurch and Temuka, and worked with his father for two years. He then engaged in contracting and cropping, and latterly in sheep dealing. As a sheep dealer he has been very successful, and his turnover for the year 1898 was over £35,000. Mr. Cunningham rented a farm of 600 acres from Mr. Verity for six years, and then bought his present property of 500 acres at Totara Valley. The land was then in its native state, but he has cleared it and drained it with pipes, and it is now first-class farming land. Formerly he cropped extensively, but since he has gone in for sheep dealing he utilises most of the land for grazing. He finds the three-quarter and crossbred sheep most suitable. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Opihi school committee, and has been a member of the Totara school committee. In 1886, he married Miss McLeod, of Kakahu, and they have two sons and four daughters.
Totara Valley. This estate was originally part of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company's property. It was purchased in the first instance by Mr. W. W. Cobb, who sold it to Messrs Paterson and Rodgers. Theses gentlemen, in turn, sold the 824 acres which they held to Mr. D. McBeath in 1886. Mr John McBeath subsequently purchased 186 acres adjoining, and now the estate has a total area of 1010 acres. It is all limestone formation, and will grow crops of grain and turnips to perfection. The improvements which have been
the elder brother, was born in 1835, in Caithnessshire, Scotland, where he was educated and followed a commercial life. In 1863 he came out to Otago in the ship “Helenslea,” and went to Westland soon after gold was discovered there, and there he remained till 1895. He died in November, 1902.
is two years younger than his brother, with whom he came out to Otago. He was for many years settled in Otago, but subsequently entered into business in Christchurch. In 1889 he leased his brother's portion of “Glenelg,” and still leases and works it in conjunction with his own part of the property.
Totara Valley. This estate is the property of Mr. Charles H. Verity, who came out to New Zealand in 1877, and was for many years manager on “Rockwood” and “The Brothers” estate, near Albury, South Canterbury. “Totara Downs” contains 611 acres of rich limestone formation, and is capable of grazing and fattening a large number of sheep and lambs. The property was originally part of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company's run, and was bought by the present proprietor in September, 1884. It is now devoted chiefly to the breeding and fattening of lambs for the export trade. In order to keep the pasturage in good heart and condition, a considerable area is annually placed under cultivation. The homestead is beautifully situated on the highest part of the property, and commands a fine view of the Canterbury Plains, the Pacific Ocean, and the Southern Alps.
sometime of Totara Valley, was born at Doune, Perthshire,
at the head of the Totara Valley, is a rich agricultural and sheep farming district, of limestone formation. The country varies from high terraces to small flats and valleys, and a good deal of rock, often gaunt, bare and rugged, is visible on the sides of the high land. The local limestone is well suited for building purposes, and hence the houses of many of the settlers are built of that material. There is a local schoolhouse, and a postal delivery by a mail cart is made twice a week. The district, which has a small and scattered population, is about five miles from Pleasant Point, and is in the Tengawai riding of the Levels county.
is situated at the head of the Totara Valley about ten miles from Pleasant Point. The land attached to the school is three acres in extent, and has been used for educational purposes since about 1890, when the school building was removed to its present site from another part of the district. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains a class room and porch, with accommodation for fifty pupils. The roll number is fifty-four, and the average attendance forty-five. The staff consists of a headmaster and assistant mistress. There is a comfortable five-roomed cottage close to the school.
Headmaster of the Hazelburn Public School, was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1873. He was brought to the colony by his parents as a child, and was educated at public schools. Mr. Smart served a five years' pupil-teacher ship, and was then placed in charge of the Hakataramea public school, where he continued for nearly eight years before being transferred to Hazelburn in June, 1901. He was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. George Park, of Glenavy, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Hazelburn. Mr. Blackler was born in Devonshire, England, in 1865, and came to the colony with his parents in 1874 by the skip “Stonehouse” He was educated at the Carleton school, near East Oxford, and in his early years he followed farming at Ashburton, Orari, and Longbeach. He also worked on his father's farm, and was cropping for three years. In 1888 Mr. Blackler bought his present farm, which was one of the first selected in South Canterbury, as its first settled portion was purchased by Messrs James and John McKay, in 1859. The farm now comprises 600 acres, 250 acres of which consisted of a swamp and some lagoons when the present proprietor entered into possession; but now having all been drained and cultivated, it grows excellent crops of rape and turnips, and the grass during summer will support ten sheep to the acre. The swamp was drained and cleared at a cost of £8 per acre. Wheat and oats are grown for the use of the place, but the remainder of the property is devoted to the production of beef, wool, and sheep and lambs for the export trade. Mr. Blacker's dwelling-house, situated near the south bank of the Opihi river, is built of stone and iron, and is one of the best farm residences in South Canterbury. Mr. Blackler was married, in 1807, to Miss McCallum.
Hazelburn. This estate is the property of Mr. D. T. Carter, who bought it from the Government in 1874, when the land was all in its native state. It consists of over 800 acres, a large portion of which has now been cultivated and the balance surface sown. “Rockpool” is devoted to the production of wool and mutton, and the grain and root crops raised are consumed chiefly on the place. The soil is a rich limestone formation, and grows very fair crops of turnips. The Aberdeen variety is in favour, and Mr. Carter finds that the best time to sow is between Christmas and New Year. The property is stocked with crossbred sheep, and those not sold as fat lambs are disposed of as two-tooths. Ryegrass, cocksfoot and clovers are used by Mr. Carter for pasturage. The property is divided into conveniently sized paddocks, and the homestead buildings, which are of stone and iron, are situated on the south bank of the Opihi river.
Proprietor, was born in London, and educated there and in Devonshire. He travelled much at Home to study the different systems of farming carried on in various parts of England, and came to the colony in 1873 by the ship “Edwin Fox.”
is named after the first settler, Mr. Alexander Sutherland, whose farm adjoins the railway station, which is seventeen miles from Timaru on the branch line to Fairlie, and stands 349 feet above the sea. There is a local post office and a public school. The population at the last census was set down at forty-two, but that number can represent only those who live in the immediate vicinity of the railway station.
has been conducted at the residence of Mrs Ann Samms for sixteen years, and the telegraph bureau was established in September, 1901. Mails are received and despatched daily. Miss Annie Samms acts as postmistress.
at Sutherlands is built of wood and iron, and contains one class room and a porch, with accommodation, for forty children. There are thirty names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-six. The playground is large, and sheltered by well grown trees, and there is a five-roomed house for the teacher.
teacher in charge of Sutherlands School, was born at Orari, where he was educated and served his pupil-teachership. He was appointed to his present position in October, 1902.
Farmer and Builder. “Water Side,” Sutherlands. Mr. Cochrane was born in 1855, at Darval, Ayrshire, Scotland. He was apprenticed as a joiner, and afterwards worked on the Landfine estate for eight years. In 1881 he landed in Port Chalmers, and worked at his trade at Timaru for two years. He was afterwards employed for four years at Sherwood Downs station, until he settled at Sutherlands, where he purchased the ten acres of land upon which his homestead now stands. Mr. Cochrane also works forty acres of leasehold, and still undertakes contracts for building. He has erected the creameries at Pleasant Point and St. Andrews, and a good many residences in South Canterbury. While in Scotland he served in the Ayrshire battalion for three years, and since settling at Sutherlands has been a member of the local school committee for nine years. Mr. Cochrane was married in Ayr, in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. Peter Hunter, of Momentend, Ayrshire, and has five sons and three daughters.
Sutherlands. This estate is the property of Mr. Andrew Cleiand, and contains 2000 acres; the first portion of which was bought from the Government in 1874, when it was part of the Levels run then leased by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company. “Londoun” is devoted chiefly to the production of wool and freezers, of which large numbers are annually available, and the flock is made up of Border Leicesters and Merino crosses. About 250 acres are in grain and 100 acres in rape, and about the same area in rye and turnips. The improvements consist of a large concrete dwellinghouse, stables, and other outbuildings erected of stone and iron, and there is a good garden and an orchard, sheltered by a wellgrown plantation. The property is sub-divided into twenty-six paddocks, by 1100 chains of gorse and 520 chains of wire fencing. Horses and cattle are bred only for the requirements of the property.
was born in the parish of Loudoun, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1845. He followed farming in his early years and came to New Zealand in 1864 by the ship “Robert Henderson.” Mr. Cleland was
Farmer, Dunvegan, Sutherlands. Mr. McLeod was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in October, 1840, and followed a country life until coming to Lyttelton in 1864. Early in the following year he went as shepherd to Three Springs station, Fairlie, and then for fifteen months to Opawa station, and for seventeen years afterwards was on the Levels estate, the first nine years as shepherd, and then as overseer, residing at the Cave. Mr. McLeod rented a farm for ten years at Orari, and at the end of that period removed to Temuka, where he resided for five years. In 1886 he bought his property of 200 acres at Sutherlands, where he has resided since. 1896. Mr. McLeod was for ten years a member of the Orari school committee, and was its chairman for five years. He was married, on the 18th of August, 1864, the day he left the Old Country, to a daughter of the late Mr. John McLeod, of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and has two sons and two daughters.
Dunnichen Farm, Sutherlands. Mr. Shepherd was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1842, and followed farming during his early years. He emigrated to Queensland in 1866, but soon afterwards came to New Zealand. He was in Southland for two years, and then removed to Otago, where he remained five years. In 1873 he removed to South Canterbury, where he entered into the business of cropping. In 1881 he bought his present farm of 350 acres from the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, and subsequently added 400 acres of leasehold. The property as a whole is devoted chiefly to breeding and fattening sheep. In order to renew the pasturage with the necessary regularity, Mr. Shepherd annually crops a considerable area of his land with grain and roots. Mr. Shepherd keeps Leicester sheep and their crosses. The improvements on the property are of a permanent and substantial character, and the dwellinghouse commands a fine view of the plains and the sea. Mr. Shepherd has served on the school committee and was chairman for several years. He has been twice married, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Sutherlands. Mr. Sutherland was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1832. He was brought up to country life, and carried on farming on his own account before coming to New Zealand by the ship “Echunga,” in 1862. After working for a year on the Opawa station, he found employment in general road work in the Timaru district, and soon afterwards purchased thirty-two acres of freehold land, upon which his homestead now stands. He has increased his farm to nearly 400 acres, which is all in cultivation, and he also owns a like area at Albury. When Mr. Sutherland settled in the district in 1868, the whole country was in tussock; there were no formed roads and very few buildings at Pleasant Point, and only shepherds' huts at the Cave, and the building of sods which served him for a house in the early days still stands. He was the first to plough at Opawa, Mount Nessing, and Albury stations, and also the first to reap grain in the Fairlie district with a Saunder's side-delivery. His present homestead is built of stone out of his own quarry, and put together with lime burnt on his own farm. Sandytown, one of the suburbs of Timaru, is named after Mr. Sutherland, who has served as a member of the local school committee, and has taken an active interest in connection with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Sutherland was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. George McKenzie, of Tain, Scotland, and has a surviving family of four daughters and two sons.
was born in Essex, England, in 1845. He went to sea early in life, and came to New Zealand when quite a boy. For some time he was engaged in the landing service at Timaru, and in 1871 he bought fifty acres of land at Sutherlands. where he afterwards increased his area to 200 acres. Mr. Samms worked for a time on the roads; and farmed his land up to the time of his death, in July, 1881. He was married in July, 1864, to a daughter of the late Mr. George McKenzie, of Ross-shire, Scotland, and left four daughters.
widow of the late Mr. Frederick Samms, was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, and came to Timaru by the ship “Echunga,” in December, 1862. She is a sister of Mrs A. Sutherland, of the Cave.
derives its name from the interesting Maori caves in its neighbourhood. It is on the Tengawai river and about twenty-two miles by rail from Timaru, on the Timaru-Fairlie line. The station stands 507 feet above the sea. There is a post and telegraph office near the railway station, and a public school. The district is said to abound in trout and hares, and it is a very pleasant place at which to spend a holiday. At the census of 1901 Cave had a population of eighty-eight. The district is devoted to agriculture and sheepfarming.
is conducted at the local railway station. The postal department has been represented here since the land around was first opened up, and telephone communication was established in August, 1901. Mails are received and despatched daily.
at Cave dates from the early eighties. The building is of wood and iron, and contains one class room and a porch, with accommodation for forty pupils. There are twenty names on the roll, and the average attendance is eighteen. Five acres of land are connected with the school premises, and there is a comfortable five roomed residence.
Teacher in charge of Cave school, was born at Pleasant Point, and served her pupil-teachership at the local school. For a time she had charge of the Kakahu school, before being appointed to Cave.
(G. Finch, proprietor) Cave. This hotel is situated at Cave, twenty-two miles inland from Timaru, on the main road and railway line to Fairlie. It stands within a chain of the railway station, and has well furnished bedrooms for eight guests. The well ventilated dining room has seats for twenty-five persons, and there are several sitting-rooms. The stabling, loose boxes, and the well-grassed, well-watered paddocks are all that the traveller could wish for his weary horse. The hotel is supported by the neighbouring farmers, men on the surrounding stations, contractors, and the travelling public.
was born within one mile of London Bridge, and educated in Kent, where he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade. He came to New Zealand in 1872 by the ship “Isles of the South,” and worked at his trade on the railway and at Mr. John Anderson's foundry, Christchurch. Mr. Finch is a member of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, and is a Freemason and an Oddfellow, and also a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Dixon.
is a run of 1600 acres near the Cave, and is owned by Mr. Albert Smith. It was originally part of the Levels sheep station, but was taken up on the perpetual lease system in 1890 by the present proprietor, who has effected extensive improvements on the place, which now carries a flock of half-bred English Leicester sheep.
was born in Gloucestershire, England, where he followed farming pursuits during his early years. He came to New Zealand in 1859 in the ship “Zealandia.” and engaged in station work at Coldstream with Messrs Scott and Grey. In 1863 he went to work for Mr Mellish at Lake Heron. There were then no roads or bridges in the district, and the haulage was done by bullocks. Mr. and Mrs Smith met with bad weather on their way to Lake Heron, and their journey thither occupied five weeks. Mr. Smith commenced farming on his own account in 1866 at Pleasant Point, where he passed ten years, and removed to Albury in 1876. There he carried on farming till 1888, when he sold out. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Major, and has two sons and six daughters.
Darling Downs, Cave. Mr. McGrath was born in 1868 at Oxford, where he passed his early years on the farm of his father, the late Mr. Thomas McGrath, who came to New Zealand in 1862. He purchased Darling Downs from Mr. Donald Matheson in 1898. It contains 637 acres, and is devoted to the production of wool and mutton for the export trade. The land grows rape and other root crops to perfection, and the farm is divided into conveniently sized paddocks. Mr. McGrath's homestead is charmingly situated on the top of a round knoll, whence one obtains a splendid view of the river, plains and sea, and on a clear day, even of Banks' Peninsula. Whilst at Oxford Mr McGrath served as director of the sheep dipping company
Sheepfarmer, Mount Misery, Cave. Mr. McPherson was born in 1843, in Caithness-shire, Scotland, and was educated at Braemore school. In 1870 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “James Nicol Fleming,” and entered the service of Messrs Buckley and McLean Brothers, of Waikakahi, where he remained for twenty years. In 1890 he took up his present holding of about 2000 acres on the lease in perpetuity system, and has made substantial and permanent improvements. The homestead is built on a piece of tableland overlooking the Pareora river gorge. It commands a good view of the Southern Alps, and is sheltered by a well grown plantation. The run is divided into conveniently sized paddocks, and carries a robust flock of crossbred sheep. Mr. McPherson is a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1863, to Miss Cunningham, and has eight sons and six daughters.
is situated on the Timaru-Fairlie branch line of railway, and is twenty-nine miles from Timaru. It is surrounded by fine mountain scenery, and is on the way to Mount Cook. There are about 100 people in the township, which has a telegraph office, a daily mail service, railway station, a church, a public school, a hotel, and a blacksmith's shop. Albury is also the name of a riding in the Mackenzie county. The entire population of the riding, which includes Burke's and Mackenzie's Passes, is 523. Since the continuation of the railway to Fairlie the township of Albury has gone back somewhat. The local railway station is 751 feet above sea level.
was established in 1876, when the line was opened. The building contains a ladies' waiting room, a vestibule, and the stationmaster's office. Mails are received and despatched daily. On five days of the week there are two trains, and four on Monday. Albury was the terminus of the line for five years, after its opening. The goods sent away include grain, wool, fat lambs and coal.
Stationmaster and Postmaster, at Albury, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1871. In 1874 he arrived at Port Chalmers with his parents, and was educated in Dunedin, where he entered the railway service in 1887. He was transferred to Albury in 1900. Mr. Pilkington was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. John Cable, of Port Chalmers, and has one son and one daughter.
which is centrally situated in the district, was established in 1881. It has accommodation for thirty-six children; the number on the roll is forty-two, and the average attendance, thirty-five. A residence for the local teacher stands on the property, which consists of five acres, and the buildings are well sheltered by a fine plantation of trees.
(F. West, proprietor), Albury Established 1867. This hotel is situated close to the Albury railway station, and contains twenty-one rooms, of which thirteen are well furnished bedrooms. The dining-room is large and well ventilated, and has seats for thirty persons. There are two sitting rooms and a commercial room, and the billiard room is fitted up with one of Alcock's tables. The stables are large and have numerous loose boxes, and there are well watered and secure paddocks for travelling stock. The “Albury” is patronised by settlers, contractors, commercial travellers and passengers by the trains.
was born in Richmond, Victoria, but educated in Canterbury. He entered the “Lyttelton Times” office when young, served there for over twenty years, and took over the Albury Hotel in 1898.
Storekeeper and Butcher, Albury. Mr. Stewart is a son of the late Mr. John Campbell Stewart, of Pleasant Point, and was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1864. He came with his parents to New Zealand in the steamship “Kaikoura,” in 1884. They landed at Port Chalmers, and Mr. Donald Stewart went to the Pareora estate, where he worked for three years. He then went to Albury and engaged in farming with his brother. A few years later he started, in conjunction with his brother, a general store and butchery at Albury, and they do a large country trade which is still increasing. Mr. Stewart was secretary and treasurer of the Albury Racing Club while the club was in
(J. M. Willetts, proprietor). This coalpit is about six miles from Albury, and was formerly the property of Mr. J. S. Rutherford. It was discovered in the sixties, but has only been steadily worked since 1895. The seam of solid coal is flat, and about twenty feet thick. It is used principally for household purposes, and is taken from the mouth of the pit by traction engine, and delivered as far as Pukaki, Orari, and Temuka. The demand for the coal is increasing, and in 1902 orders were received for 1100 tons.
Proprietor of the Albury Coalpit, was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1863, and came to Lyttelton the same year with his parents. After being in Christchurch for a time his father went prospecting for coal, opened the Prince Alfred mine at Papakaio, and carried it on for thirty years. Mr. J. M. Willetts received his education at Papakaio, and worked with his father until 1893, when he took over the management of the Albury Coalpit, which he leased five years later. Mr. Willetts was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Mr. John Henderson, of Awamoko, Oamaru, and has five sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Roseburn Farm, Albury. Mr. Adamson was born in 1838 in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he began to work on a farm at an early age. In 1866 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Victory,” and engaged in contracting and general farmwork, besides working a small farm of sixty acres of freehold near Washdyke. After eight years he sold his property and bought, near Albury, twenty-one acres, which he used for cropping purposes. In the early days Mr. Adamson built his own cob whare of three rooms, and planted trees, which now add greatly to the appearance of his section. While in Albury he was waggon driving for Mr. J. S. Rutherford for about eighteen years. Mr. Adamson was married, in 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Gibson, of Ayrshire, Scotland. His wife died in 1902, leaving a grown up family of four sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Annan dale,” Albury. Mr. Annan was born in 1867, at Tumai, in Otago, where he was brought up to all classes of farming. He was for some time engaged as a shepherd in several parts of Canterbury. In 1898 he was appointed manager of Pinaki station, by Mr. W. K. Parbury, and continued with Mr. C. Sawtell when that gentleman purchased the property. Mr. Annan acquired his present property in 1901, and carries on agriculture and sheep farming. He was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. R. Irving, of Brown-hill, Albury, and has two children, a son and daughter.
(J. Austin, proprietor), Albury. This property, which comprises 1564 acres, was formerly part of the Levels estate, and was taken up by the present owner in 1896. It is situated close to the township of Albury, and is bounded on the south-west side by Rocky Gully. The land is well fenced and grassed, and is nearly all ploughable. About 550 acres are ploughed for oats and the remainder of the land runs 1500 ewes. There is a well sheltered residence of eight rooms, with a large orchard adjoining.
Proprietor of Bank-side Farm, was born at Selwyn, Canterbury, in 1865. He was educated at Winchester and worked on his father's farm until taking over his present property in 1896. Mr. Austin is chairman of the Albury school committee, treasurer of the Presbyterian church committee, and a director of the Albury Saleyards Company. He was married, in 1898 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Stewart, of Orari. Mrs Austin died in 1899, leaving one daughter.
(Richard Irving, proprietor), Albury. This estate comprises 1775 acres freehold, and is situated about five miles from the township of Albury. It was originally part of the Levels estate, and was acquired from time to time by the proprietor who has now a complete and well fenced station. Most of the land is ploughed, and in grass, and about 400 acres are cropped yearly. The homestead is built on a rise, and commands a splendid view. It is surrounded by a thick, well grown plantation of trees and a large orchard, while near by are the woolsheds, sheep-dip, stables with twelve stalls, and a loose box, and all other necessary outbuildings. In the front of the property two lakes have been made, and are the home of swans and ducks, and a number of goldfish.
Proprietor of “Brown Hill,” is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Mackenzie County Council.
(James, Frank and Michael Charles), Farmers, Albury. Messrs Charles are sons of Mr. John Charles, an old resident of Rangitata, and were born in West Eyreton, and educated at Rangitata. In 1897 they leased their present farm of 350 acres at Albury. The land, which, with the exception of thirty acres, is ploughable runs a flock of about 500 sheep; and 100 acres are kept in crop. The brothers have worked their property well and profitably and in 1902 acquired another block of 900 acres at Hilton, on which they run 1600 sheep.
Farmer, “Cricklewood House,” Albury. Mr. Corbett, who is the fourth son of Mr. Thomas Corbett, late of Kinallen, County Down, Ireland, came to Lyttelton in the ship “Charlotte Gladstone,” in 1870. Two of his brothers had arrived in the colony in 1862; and his father, mother and his brother Thomas, now of Mayfield, and his two sisters, now Mrs Sinclair, of Wakanui, and Mrs Simmons, of Makikihi, came out in 1871. Soon after landing Mr. Corbett went to the Dunstan diggings, where he spent one year, but meeting with little success, he returned to Canterbury, and took over the old accommodation house at Burnham. He did not like that life, however, and decided to try storekeeping at Greendale, where he bought a section of land, and built a store, and carried on business for eight years. Then he thought he would try farming and bought 570 acres of land at Ruapuna. This he subsequently let, and bought a small farm near Timaru, but not caring for the sea-air, he bought his present farm of “Cricklewood House,” which contains 1050 acres. Mr. Corbett still owns his original estate at Ruapuna. He was married, in 1871, to Miss P. Fulton, fourth daughter of the late Mr John Fulton, of Kinallen, County Down, Ireland. Miss Fulton also came out by the “Charlotte Gladstone,” and landed in February, 1871, exactly a year later than Mr. Corbett himself.
Farmer, Albury. Mr. Hart was born in 1875, in Christchurch, and attended school there and at Winchester where he afterwards worked in a flaxmill for about four years. He was farming with Mr. R. Smith, of Winchester, for two years, and
Farmer, Albury. Mr. Higgs was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1852, and came to Timaru with his parents in 1863. He followed farm work at Gleniti, and about 1875 started cropping and contract ploughing in the district with his father. In 1878, in conjunction with other members of his family, Mr. Higgs acquired his present farm of 150 acres freehold, on which he runs about 200 ewes. He and his wife were among the earliest settlers of Albury, and their property has now been well fenced and much improved altogether. Mr. Higgs was for some time a member of the local school committee, and is now a shareholder in the Albury Saleyards, the “Timaru Post,” and the South Canterbury Dairy Company. He was married, in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. Albert Smith, of Albury, and has five sons and three daughters.
consists of 3000 acres of freehold land. It is near Coal Creek, was originally part of the Levels station, and was purchased by the late Mr. A. B. Smith. There is an exceptionally fine stud of Merino sheep connected with the property. Mr. Smith established this flock in 1884 by the purchase of 105 ewes from Mr. H. R. Kermode, of Monavale, Tasmania, and of three rams from the Hon. James Gibson, of Bellvue. This flock came into the possession of the Messrs Smith Brothers in 1891, and was subsequently removed to “Waratah,” near Albury.
the founder of the flock, was born in 1833 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and was apprenticed to the business of ship-building. He subsequently traded to New Zealand with three ships of his own, one built by himself and two purchased, but he sold out in 1861 and purchased the Merino Downs station in Southern Otago. After selling out that property he settled in the Mackenzie Country and eventually bought “Monavale.” Mr. Smith was for some time chairman of the Mackenzie County Council. He was gored to death by a bull in 1896. Mr. F. H. Smith, the third son, who manages Waratah station, contested the Timaru seat with the Hon. W. Hall-Jones at the general election of 1896, and also at that of November, 1902, when he received 1394 votes.
Albury.—This station is the property of Mr J. S. Rutherford. It was originally taken up by Messrs Kennaway and Acton about 1856, and was purchased by the present proprietor, in partnership with his brother, Mr. Robert Rutherford, in 1870. It then consisted of 33,000 acres, of which only 1600 acres were freehold. There were then very few buildings, no trees, and the other improvements consisted of two paddocks—one of five acres, and the other of 700 acres. The total area of the station is now 21,000 acres, of which 11,300 acres are freehold, and the balance leasehold. There are 100 miles of fencing on the property, 5000 acres have been brought under cultivation, and 100 acres have been planted with a choice selection of trees. The improvements at the homestead consist of a good dwellinghouse and other buildings, lawns, orchard and garden, and ponds with water lilies. Merinos and crossbred sheep are kept on the property, and there is a small stud herd of Hereford cattle. Mr. Rutherford bought his brother's interest in the property in 1877.
the Proprietor, was born in Victoria in 1846, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1860. He passed his early years at Leslie Hills. Mr. Rutherford served on the Mount Cook Road Board until it was merged into the Mackenzie County Council, and since then he has served on the County Council. He is chairman of the Albury Saleyards Company, has been twice president of the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and he is a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the shows of which he has been a successful competitor. His four-in-hand tandem ponies have always attracted much attention. Mr. Rutherford drove Lord and Lady Onslow and family through the Mount Cook country, through Central Otago, and on to Invercargill. He is a keen sportsman and kept the South Canterbury hounds for four years at Albury at his own expense; and he has long acted as president or judge in connection with all the races, and cricket and football matches throughout his wide district. Mr. Rutherford married Miss Brown, and has three children.
was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1836. He arrived in Port Chalmers in 1863, and after some experience in gold digging commenced farming in Otago. With Messrs W. Evans and F Le Cren he took up Strathallan station, which he and his partners were interested in for eighteen years. After selling his interest, Mr. Milne settled in Albury in 1897. In the early days he was a member of the Mount Cook Road Board, and was more than once chairman of the Mackenzie County Council. Mr. Milne was married at Otepopo, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Pringle. Mrs Milne died in 1882, leaving five sons and three daughters. Mr. Milne is an elder in the Mackenzie Presbyterian Church, and superintendent of the Albury Sunday school.
is situated in the Albury riding of the Mackenzie county, and is thirty-three miles from Timaru, by the Timaru-Fairlie branch line of railway. The local flag station stands at an elevation of 899 feet above sea level. There is a small school, but no hotel, or store, or church. Cricklewood is a sheepfarming district, with a small, scattered population.
Farmer, Langdown Farm, Cricklewood. Mr. Bray was born in Cornwall, England, in 1862, and came to Lyttelton, with his parents, in the ship “Lady Joyclyn.” He received his education at Ferry Road and at Leeston, where his father was farming. Mr. Bray learned the trade of a blacksmith at Doyleston, and worked there for six years, when he removed to the Ashburton district. He followed his trade in various places, and in 1887 started for himself at Westerfield. After seven years he sold out and bought 226 acres, which he farmed successfully for three years, when he took up his present property of 1066 acres. Mr. Bray works his land as a sheep and agricultural farm, usually cropping half of it, and running 1000 crossbred sheep. He is president of the Mackenzie County Agricultural Society, a member of the Fairlie branch of the Farmers' Union, and a member of the Cricklewood school committee. Mr. Bray was married, in 1885, to a daughter of Mr. Richard Boulton, of Alford Forest, Ashburton, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Cricklewood. Mr. Corbett was born in 1856, in County Down, Ireland. He was educated in his birthplace, and brought up on his father's farm, which he managed until coming to Lyttelton in 1880. For some time he was farming at Geraldine and Rangitata, and for fifteen years he had a small farm of sixty acres, at Ashburton Forks. In 1897 Mr. Corbett sold out and acquired his present farm of 289 acres leasehold, and has improved his holding by fencing it and building a cottage. He runs about 450 sheep, and also does a little cropping. Mr. Corbett has served on several school committees, and is now a member of the Cricklewood school committee. He was married, in Ireland, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. Hugh Corbett, of County Down. Mrs Corbett died in 1890, leaving four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Cricklewood. Mr. Sargent was born in Cornwall, England, in the parish of Morval, on the 5th of June, 1838. He was brought up to farming on the property of his father, who was a farmer, and came to New Zealand in 1862,
has long been one of the most celebrated pastoral areas in New Zealand. It is a great inland plain, noted not only on account of its own pastoral richness, but for its lakes, Tekapo, Pukaki, and Ohau—and its adjacent mountains. Yet it was discovered, in the first instance, almost by accident, and under circumstances which shed a humorously sinister light on some of the incidents of early colonisation. These circumstances have been variously described, and two accounts are brought together in this article. Mr. L. Langlands, in a letter dated Highfield, Burke's Pass, and published in the “Otago Witness” some years ago, says: “On several occasions sheep in large numbers were missed from the Levels station. Mr. Rhodes came to Dunedin in the hope of hearing something of them. He told me he felt convinced they were being brought into Otago, but as no traces were left, was at a loss to conceive how, and had to return no wiser than when he came. In those days the common custom was for sheep to be tended in large flocks by boundary keepers, generally two men in a hut. On the Levels some Maoris were acting in that capacity, and report had it that they were more partial to playing cards in each other's huts than looking after the sheep. Each flock had a large block to graze over, and they were only mustered on special occasions. Sheep-stealing was thus made easy. The country was all open, and if a mob could be got away without being seen going, some time might elapse before they were missed. It was only by a fluke that the discovery on the Levels was made. Mr. Sidebottom, the manager, wanted some horses, and sent a Maori boy to look them up and ride them in. The lad returned at night, and said he could not find them. The manager doubted whether he had been really looking for them, and told him he believed he had been putting off time at one of the huts, which the boy denied. He was told to go again next day, with the consolation that if he came back without them he would get a flogging. This frightened the boy, and caused him to cover a lot of ground, but without success. Sidebottom, still doubting, questioned him closely as to where
Mr. Langlands' account of the encounter between Sidebottom and Mackenzie, and of Mackenzie's release from custody, does not tally with that of Mr. E. W. Seager, Usher of the Supreme Court at Christchurch. Mr. Seager arrived in New Zealand in 1851, by the barque “Cornwall,” and has up to the present time (1903) been in the services of the Government. In 1855 he was Immigration Officer and Inspector of Police at Lyttelton, and in the second of these capacities he had a good deal to do with Mackenzie. In an article contributed to “Canterbury, Old and New,” published in the year 1900, Mr. Seager says that Mackenzie was a Highland shepherd, born in Ross-shire, Scotland. About the year 1845 he emigrated to Australia, and two years later arrived in New Zealand, and landed in Otago. At first he earned a living by driving sheep, and in that way became acquainted with sheep stations in Otago and Canterbury. After residing for some time in the Mataura district, Mackenzie tracked northward into the interior on an exploring expedition, on which his only companions were his collie dog, and a bullock which carried his possessions and his provisions. On this expedition he discovered new country to the north-west of Timaru, and of the Levels run, occupied by Messrs G. and R. J. Rhodes; and Mr Manson, the Commissioner of Crown Lands in Otago, afterwards gave him a license to occupy country bearing north-west from Timaru, and midway between the sea and the west coast of the Middle Island. In order to stock this territory Mackenzie
Accordingly, as Mr. Seager relates, Mackenzie, in 1855, cut from the Levels flock, with the assistance of his dog, a mob of sheep, which he drove up the valley, over the pass, and down to the plains; that is, into the district now known as the Mackenzie Country. In the mob thus stolen there was a black sheep, which was missed by Mr. Side-bottom, overseer to the Messrs Rhodes, the next time he mustered; and he also found that altogether about a thousand had disappeared from the flock. With the help of a Maori boy, Mr. Sidebottom got on the track of the lost sheep. On reaching the plain of the new country they saw a bullock in the distance, and farther on came to a small tent, in which they found a man asleep. On being aroused, the man was asked how he came there, and he answered “That's my business.” He then leaped to his feet, seized a piece of wood, with which he felled Mr. Sidebottom to the ground, and then ran away. After recovering from his stunned condition Mr. Sidebottom found the sheep, which were being faithfully guarded by Mackenzie's dog. Then, on returning to the Levels home station, he despatched the Maori boy to Purau, Lyttelton harbour, to inform Mr. Rhodes of what had happened, and give him a description of Mackenzie, for whose apprehension Mr. Rhodes then offered a reward of £100. The boy left Levels on Saturday, and, travelling along the lonely Ninety-Mile beach, reached Purau on the following Friday. Mackenzie, who was probably trying to escape from the country, also made his way to Lyttelton—by what route is not known—and reached it on Thursday, the day before the Maori boy arrived at Purau. To Mr. Seager, as officer in charge of the local police, Mr. Rhodes told all the circumstances of the case; and, in the end, after much ingenuity and resource on Mr. Seager's part, he, with two of his constables, arrested Mackenzie late at night while he lay in bed in the loft of a small shanty that stood in a narrow alley between London Street and Norwich Quay, Lyttelton. Mackenzie was found to be a man of large size, with red hair, high cheek bones, and piercing ferrety eyes, that gave a look of extreme cunning to the whole face. In due course he was taken before the Resident Magistrate (Captain Simeon) and committed for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court to be held at Lyttelton. When placed on trial in the Supreme Court before Mr. Justice Stephen, Mackenzie remained stolid and silent and refused to plead. But during the trial his dog was brought into court; and, at once recognising her master, she wagged her tail and whined up towards Mackenzie, who was so overcome that he shed tears. Mr. Sidebottom gave evidence that the dog in court was the same which he had seen guarding the sheep, and after he and Mr. Seager had described the conversations which they had had with Mackenzie, the accused was adjudged guilty. Before being sentenced, Mackenzie begged, with tears in his eyes, that his dog might be allowed to accompany him to gaol. This it seems was not allowed by the gaol authorities, for the dog was taken south, where for years afterwards her progeny were much sought after by runholders and shepherds. Mackenzie was sentenced to five years' penal servitude. Within the first year he escaped three times from custody, but was recaptured on each occasion. It was, however, thought advisable that, on account of the trouble and expense caused by his escapes and captures, he should be allowed to leave the country, under a proviso that, should he return, he would be compelled to serve the unexpired term of his sentence. This plan was carried out, and Mackenzie left for Sydney. He seems to have returned to New Zealand, but on receiving a significant hint from the police, he soon left the country for ever. Such, as historically described by one who had intimate official knowledge of the facts, are the circumstances connected with the discovery of the fine pastoral territory which has so long been known as the Mackenzie Country.
, Mackenzie Country. These stations are the property of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. They contain 170,000 acres, stocked with Merino sheep, and were originally taken up in 1858 by Messrs Beswick, Cox and Hall. “Balmoral” is the second highest homestead in the colony, and stands 2600 feet above the level of the sea.
J.P., Manager of the three stations, was born in 1842, in Tasmania, where he received the first part of his education, which was finished in England. For some years he followed a pastoral life in Australia, and came to New Zealand in 1867 in the ship “South Australia,” which was wrecked at Port Chalmers. Mr. Winter was for ten years manager for Messrs Tancred and Allan at Ashburton. He afterwards entered into farming on his own account, and followed
in the county of Mackenzie, is the terminus of the branch railway from Timaru. It taps the rich pastoral districts of the Mackenzie Country, and is on the direct route to Mount Cook, and its famous glaciers. Fairlie is thirty-nine miles from Timaru, with which it has daily mail communication and it is also a telegraph station. The surrounding scenery is of a very interesting character. Coaches start from Fairlie for the great snowy ranges. The township has three churches, a public school, four general stores, two hotels, and three blacksmiths' shops. Fairlie is also the name of the most populous riding of the Mackenzie county. At the census of March, 1901, it had a population of 968, of whom 597 souls were returned as being in Fairlie township and its neighbourhood. The riding includes Ashwick Flat, Burke's Pass, and Silverstream.
has jurisdiction over an area of 2537 square miles of country, which is chiefly pastoral, and of a mountainous character. The district was formerly known as the Mount Cook road district, and was constituted as a county in 1879. It has a population of 1697, and its capital value is £753,733. Property carries a rate of three-fourths of a penny, and the annual revenue is about £4635; expenditure, about £4826. The Council meets once a month at its offices in Fairlie. Members for 1903: Messrs F. R. Gillingham (chairman), W. Wreford, J. S. Rutherford, R. Irving, R. Guthrie, and J. A. Pringle, Mr. R. L. Banks is clerk and engineer.
was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1837. He was brought up to farming, and in 1867 came to New Zealand, under engagement to the Levels Land Company, for whom he brought out a valuable stallion, “Iveno.” After a time Mr. Irving was appointed manager of the farming department, and held the position for fifteen years, when he bought 300 acres of the Levels estate at Albury. He has since increased his holding to 1775 acres, known as “Brown Hill.” In 1899 he took a pleasure trip of seven months to England, and brought to New Zealand a number of very valuable draught stallions, two of which, “Sandy Erskine” and “Agitator,” have been champions ever since coming to the colony. Mr. Irving also owns the stud draught horses “Reformer' and “Brown Hill,” and he has acted as a judge of draught horses at nearly all the agricultural shows throughout Canterbury. He has been a member of the Timaru Agricultural Show Committee for twenty years, a director of the Albury Saleyards Company since its foundation, has served for twelve years on the local school committee, and has been a member of the Mackenzie County Council since 1902. Mr. Irving was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Young, of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and has seven sons and four daughters.
Member of Mackenzie County Council, is a farmer residing at Coal Creek, Cave, and was born in Devonshire, England, in 1851. Having been brought up to farming pursuits, he resolved to seek fortune in New Zealand, and in 1874 sailed in the ship “Clarence” for Hawke's Bay. In 1875 he was employed on Captain Russell's station in that province, and remained there for some time prior to coming to Canterbury, where he worked on the Hon. E. Richardson's station at Albury. He then started in business as a butcher and dealer; subsequently, he took up land, and now occupies some 400 acres. Mr. Wreford was elected a member of the County Council in 1896, and was chairman of the Cave School Committee for some years. He was married in New Zealand to a daughter of Mr. John Bussell, farmer, of Makihihi, and has four children.
dates from 1881, when the line was opened to Fairlie. The building is of wood and iron, and contains three rooms where railway, postal, and other official business for the district is transacted. There are goods and engine sheds at the railway station, and trains depart and arrive for and from Timaru, with a double service on Mondays. The goods sent from the station consist principally of wool, sheep, and grain.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at Fairlie, was born in 1865, in Dunedin. He joined the railway service as a youth, and was appointed to his present position in 1900. Mr. Robertson was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Russell, of Seacliff, and has two sons.
which dates from 1863, has accommodation for 160 children. There are 130 on the roll, and the average attendance is 115. The master's residence is situated near the school, which has a glebe of ten acres. The teacher in charge has two assistants.
B.A., Headmaster of Fairlie Public School, was born in Dunedin in 1872. He was trained in his native city, and graduated at the University of Otago. Mr. Wallace was appointed to his present position in 1897. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Connor, of Dunedin.
at Fairlie, is built of wood and iron, and was erected in 1896. It is a good and well appointed church, and has accommodation for 100 adults. The site consists of half an acre, and is centrally situated in the township. Services are held, morning and evening, every Sunday. There is a Sunday school attended by twenty-five children, in charge of three teachers. The vicar-in-charge resides at Pleasant Point.
Government Stock Inspector, Fairlie. Mr. Black was born at Caroline, Southland, in 1869, and was trained at a butcher and farmer. After being in Invercargill and Lumsden for fifteen years he worked on several sheep stations about Southland, until receiving an appointment as Government rabbiter at Thornbury, in 1888. Mr. Black was afterwards agent at Lumsden for three years, and was also at Clinton, Ophir, and Tapanui, before receiving his present appointment at Fairlie in 1893. His boundaries include all Mackenzie county, and part of Geraldine and Mount Peel road district. Mr. Black is specially interested in the Mackenzie county agricultural show, at which he is the largest exhibitor, and he has been successful as a prize taker with horses, cows and garden produce. He is honorary secretary and treasurer of the local racing club. Mr. Black was married, in 1892, to Miss Jaggers, daughter of one of the oldest settlers in Southland, and has three sons and three daughters.
near Fairlie. This school was opened in December, 1892. It consists of one room capable of accommodating sixty children. There are thirty-nine names on the roll, with an average attendance of thirty. The school stands on the corner of a fifty-acre section, the whole of which, with the exception of about two acres, is reserved for the sole use of the master. The chief credit for establishing the school is due to Mr. Robert Allan of Ashwick Flat. Mr. S. N. Ormandy is at present (1903) in charge.
formerly Master of the Ashwick Flat school, South Canterbury, was educated at the Bury Grammar school, England. He was English master in the Denbigh Grammar school, North Wales; and mathematical master in the High school, Sale, Manchester. Mr. Yates is an English certificated teacher, and holds certificates in eight subjects, from the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, London. He is the author of a work on “Latin Prose Composition” (Macmillan) and of “Short Methods in Arithmetic” (Whitcombe and Tombs). Mr. Yates studied vocal music in Manchester, under Henry Coy, Mus. Doc. (Oxon.) and R. H. Wilson, Mus. Bac. (Oxon.), and was for a short time a member of Sir Charles Halle's choir. He came to New Zealand in 1887 in the s s. “Tainui,” and landed at Lyttelton. Mr. Yates was for five years headmaster of the Lakeside school, North Canterbury. He is well known in musical circles, and was for two years paid choirmaster of the St. Andrews and Beaconsfield churches. Mr. Yates was married, in 1883, to the third daughter of Mr. James Robertson, a noted Edinburgh paper-maker and patentee, and author of “Hints on Papermaking.”
Accountant and Commission Agent, Fairlie. Mr. Dopping was born in Hampshire, England, in 1855, and received his education at Blackheath. After leaving college he went to Ceylon, where he engaged in coffee planting for eight years, but owing to ill health returned to England in 1880, and a year later came to New Zealand. He landed at Auckland, and going thence to Lyttelton, became a cadet on Sir John Cracroft Wilson's station at Rangitata for two years. Mr. Dopping afterwards established his present business at Fairlie, where he holds agencies for the Manchester Fire and the National Mutual Life Insurance Companies. He takes a general interest in local affairs, and is secretary for various clubs.
Builder and Contractor, Fairlie. Mr. Foden was born in 1850, in Staffordshire, England, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” in 1866. He went to Timaru the same year, and served an apprenticeship as a builder with Mr. Samuel Harding. Mr. Foden carried on his trade in the district for thirty years. He held the contract for the council chambers at Burke's Pass in 1877, the Hermitage, at Mount Cook, in 1888, and Mr. E. Brown's residence at Temuka in 1892, besides several churches and the Catholic Boys' School at Timaru. In 1880 Mr. Foden acquired a farm of 100 acres at Silverstream, and in 1894 settled at Fairlie, where he has a two-acre section, upon which his residence and workshop stand. He is a member of the local school committee, and was the first chairman of the Silverstream school committee. Mr. Foden has been connected
at Fairlie, was established in 1884 It is a modern brick building, and stands on a two-acre section, with a lawn and garden, surrounded by a plantation of trees. The hotel has thirty rooms, including a fine billiard room, three sitting rooms, and two dining rooms. It is a favourite resort for tourists on their way to Mount Cook, and visitors always receive every consideration from the proprietor and his wife. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly patronised this hotel on their way to and from Mount Cook.
Proprietor of the Gladstone Grand Hotel, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1849. He was educated at St. Patrick's Seminary, Tullow. County Carlow, and worked on his father's farm. At his father's death Mr. O'Toole took over the management of the property and managed it until he sailed for New Zealand in 1879 by the ship “Hawarden Castle.” He engaged in farm work and contract cropping at Waimate, and in 1886 took up 370 acres, 170 of which he purchased from the Government. Mr. O'Toole worked the property as an agricultural farm until he sold out, and took over the Gladstone Grand Hotel, in 1901. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1895, and was for some years a member of the Glenavy school committee, and also served on the Domain Board. Mr. O'Toole was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Nolan, of Marshallstown, County Kildare, Ireland.
(Hugh Kerr and Frank Frayne), Coach and Livery and Bait Stable Proprietors, Fairlie. This business was originally established by Mr. Thomas Shaw, and has greatly increased since it was taken over by the present proprietors in 1894. There are now two large stables with the sheds necessary for accommodating the numerous vehicles, which include four covered-in coaches, a drag, four waggonettes, single and double buggies, as well as gigs. The proprietors keep thirty horses, exclusive of two valuable stallions, which are set aside for stud purposes. Two years after acquiring the business the proprietors took over the contract for carrying the mails between Fairlie and Mount Cook. During the tourist season, from the 1st of November to the end of April, coaches are run to and from the Hermitage, at Mount Cook, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Senior Partner in the Fairlie Livery and Bait Stables, was born in 1885 in Lancaster, England, where he received his education. He was brought up to stable work, and on coming to Lyttelton in 1882, went to Rangiora, where he spent most
Farmer, Fairlie. Mr. Cross was born in 1876 at Christchurch, and was educated at the Boys' High School there, and at Akaroa, where he became a cadet on Mr. G. J. Black's estate. In 1895 he went to Fairlie, where, with his brother, he worked his father's farm for four years, and was afterwards, until going to South Africa with the Third New Zealand Contingent, buying stock for Mr. Acton-Adams. While in East London, Africa, Mr. Cross received the Royal Society's Medal for rescuing a comrade from drowning. From Africa he went to England for six months, and returned to New Zealand in 1901. Mr. Cross was among the seven selected from the Third Contingent to represent New Zealand at the coronation of King Edward VII. He returned to Fairlie in 1902.
Farm Manager, Fairlie. Mr. Cross was born in 1878, at Christchurch, where he received his education at the Boys' High School. On leaving school he went to Fairlie, and afterwards became manager of “Rivermead,” which was bought by his father in 1895. This farm, which comprises 440 acres, is situated about two miles from Fairlie. It runs about 600 sheep, and there are several well bred and valuable horses. Mr. Cross takes an interest in volunteering, and is sergeant in the Mackenzie Mounted Rifles.
Sheepfarmer, Fairlie. Mr. Herries was born in Nelson, in 1854, and received his education in Dunedin. He was brought up to shepherding on various stations in the district of Waitaki, and was for seven years on the Ohau Lake station, where he was head shepherd for some time. In 1887 he went to the North Island, but returned to Otago after two years and resumed his former occupation. Mr. Harries came to Canterbury in 1900, and took up his present holding of 2143 acres leasehold, upon which he runs a flock of 1600 half and three-quarter bred ewes. His lease takes in the sheep yards, dip, outbuildings, and substantial stone built woolshed of the old Three Springs station. Mr. Herries was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. William Mason, of Christchurch, and has one son.
Fairlie (A. L. Macpherson, Wycherley Grove, Staffordshire, England, proprietor). This estate comprises 1835 acres of freehold land, and is situated about seven miles from Fairlie, adjoining “Allandale” and “Trentham.” It was formerly part of Ashwick station, and in 1885 was purchased by the present proprietor. The land, which is nearly all cultivated and sown in grass, is well fenced and subdivided into nineteen paddocks, carrying a flock of 2300 breeding ewes. The homestead is prettily situated on a terrace with a fine plantation of shelter trees surrounding it, and with all the necessary station buildings adjoining.
Manager of “Melville Downs,” was born in 1848, in Dumfries-shire, Scotland, where he received his education and followed the life of a shepherd. He was employed on several large farms in Sutherlandshire, and in 1873 came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Dunfillan.” He was head shepherd for Mr. William Shand at the Taieri for two years, and afterwards was at Ohoura station, and Whale's back station as under manager for seven years. In 1885 Mr. Scott became manager for Captain Hayter at Rolesbury station, and four years later was appointed to his present position. In 1902 he acquired for himself 813 acres of Melville Downs, and his place is stocked with 800 breeding ewes and 200 hoggets. Mr. Scott was at one time a member of the Ashwick school committee, and has been a member of the Fairlie Farmers' Union, and a shareholder of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association since 1896. He was married, in 1877, to a daughter of the late Mr. Ronald McMillan, of Waitaki.
Farmer, Raincliff, Fairlie. Mr. Milne was born in Otago, and at an early age was brought to Canterbury by his parents, who took up a farm at Ashwick Flat. He received his education at the Fairlie school and was brought up to farming, and remained at home until his father left Ashwick Flat and took up a
Farmer, “Springvale,” Fairlie. Mr. Nixon was born in 1843, in County Down, Ireland, where he passed his early years on his father's farm. In 1864 he came to New Zealand in the ship “William Miles,” and during the succeeding year he passed six months on the Westland goldfields. On his return to Canterbury, he bought land and commenced farming, cropping and dairying. Mr. Nixon purchased the first portion of “Springvale,” in 1883, partly from the Crown and partly second hand, and he has gradually extended his area to 1600 acres, on which he carries on mixed farming, and fattens sheep for the export trade. The improvements at “Springvale” include a good dwellinghouse, necessary outbuildings, and a good garden and orchard, sheltered by two acres of plantation. Mr. Nixon has served as a member of the local school committee and of the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Currie, and has four sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Fairlie, Mr. Robinson was born in 1851, in Westmorland, England, where he was educated, and brought up on his father's farm. He came to Dunedin in 1879, and was working for some time on the Taieri. Then he came to Canterbury, and engaged in farm work at Peel Forest till 1880, when he went to Raincliff station, where he worked as a farm hand. He started cropping and contract farm work in 1896, and took a lease of 200 acres on Raincliff. In 1897 he took up 498 acres of leasehold land close to Fairlie, where he carried on sheepfarming and mixed farming. He is a member of the committee of the Mackenzie Agricultural Society. Mr. Robinson was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. James Gallen, of County Tyrone, Ireland, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Shinness Farm, Fairlie. Mr. Ross was born in Shinness, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and was brought up to shepherding. He worked for five years on the Shinness Farm and for eleven years on the Forest Farm, Ross-shire. Mr. Ross came to Lyttelton by the ship “Merope” in 1870, and went as shepherd on the Tekapo station for two years. He worked on several other runs, and was managing Richmond station for some time. He went to the North Island for two years; and on his return resumed the management of “Richmond” for sixteen years.
Fairlie, is the property of Messrs LeCren Brothers, and comprises 2600 acres. It was originally part of the Ashwick run and was purchased from the Crown in 1878 by Mr. F. LeCren, father of the present owners. The property is devoted to grazing purposes, is divided into fourteen paddocks with sixteen miles of substantial fencing, and carries 3500 sheep. The improvements consist of a good dwellinghouse, an orchard and garden, blacksmith's shop, sheep dip and yards, and two stables—one for heavy horses and one for light horses; and the homestead is sheltered by a wellgrown plantation. The proprietors have with great judgment planted a number of trees in every paddock to provide winter shelter and summer shade for the stock. With a view to keeping the pastures in a state of well ordered renewal, Messrs LeCren annually bring a considerable area of land under the plough, and put it down chiefly in rape and turnips. The grain grown on the estate is also consumed upon it.
the Senior Partner, was born in 1863 in Christchurch, and educated at Christchurch and Timaru, where he was in commercial life for five years, when he turned his attention to pastoral pursuits, which he followed for twelve years. In 1897 he went to reside at Strathallan. Mr. LeCren has always taken an active part in athletic sports. While he was at school he won three silver cups, besides many minor prizes, and since then he has won two silver cups.
the younger brother, was born in Timaru, and educated there and in Christchurch. He was for two years at the Agricultural College, Lincoln, and subsequently followed farming.
Farmer. “Punaroa,” Fairlie. Mr. Trotter was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1860, and came to Port Chalmers in 1867 with his father, who was engaged by the New Zealand Land Company to manage the Totara estate in the Oamaru district. He received his education at Palmerston South and was brought up to farming. At the time of the Kimberley gold rush he went to Australia, but returned to New Zealand, which he thinks is far superior to Australia. In 1897 Mr. Trotter bought 126 acres of the Eversley Farm, and two years later leased from the Government 496 acres, which he works as a sheep and agicultural farm. His property is well fenced and cultivated, and he has built a neat four roomed cottage with sun-dried bricks, of his own manufacture. He crops about 180 acres, and runs a flock of 600 half bred and cross bred ewes. Mr. Trotter is Immediate Past Master of Lodge Mackenzie, 93. New Zealand Constitution, with which he has been connected since 1894. He takes an active part in all local affairs, and is steward of the Mackenzie Agricultural Society, and president of the Mackenzie Jockey Club. Mr. Trotter was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. W. Brown, of Middlemarch, Otago, and has one son and three daughters.
Head Shepherd, Clayton, Fairlie. Mr. Farquhar was born in the Braes of Angus, in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1854. He came out to New Zealand in 1874 by the ship “Tweed,” and landed in Otago. After his arrival Mr. Farquhar followed station life at Benmore and the head of the Waitaki, and also in the Mackenzie Country. In 1880 he visited Cape Colony, where be joined the volunteers. He was in Baker's Horse during the trouble with the Basutos, and took part in a few skirmishes. In 1881 he returned to New Zealand, and resumed his usual employment. He was appointed to his present position in 1884. Mr. Farquhar has generally taken an active part in athletic sports, and has frequently competed at the Caledonian Society's sports, and carried away first prize for throwing the hammer. He was married, in 1893, to Miss Allan, of Pleasant Point, and has two sons and one daughter.
is a small township in the Fairlie riding of the Mackenzie county, distant seven miles from Fairlie, on the main road to Tekapo and Mount Cook. There is a small hotel to provide for the wants of travellers, but no church or store. A public school, with post and telephone office at the schoolmaster's residence, provides for the needs of settlers in these respects, and religious services are held in the school. The population of Silverstream was ninety-eight at the census of March, 1901.
was established in 1884. It is of wood and iron, on concrete foundations, and contains a class room and a porch. Fifty children can be accommodated; there are forty-three on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty-six. The land attached is ten acres in extent, half of which was presented by Messrs Kemble and Buchanan, of the Three Springs estate.
Master of Silverstream School, was born near Chicago, United States of America, in 1868. He was brought to the colony as a child by his parents, and had the charge of a small school at Rakaia for eleven years prior to his appointment to Silverstream in 1902. Mr. Pilkington was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Hadfield, of Christchurch, and has three sons.
Farmer, Glencoe Farm, Silverstream. Mr. Adamson was born in 1872, at Washdyke, near Timaru, and attended school at Albury and Fairlie. He was brought up to farming, and for eleven years worked on the Allandale station. He then took up 277 acres of leasehold land at Albury, and worked it as a sheep and agricultural farm. In 1900 Mr. Adamson leased his present farm of 322 acres, upon which he runs a flock of 300 sheep and also crops about 100 acres. At one time he owned a butchery business at Fairlie in conjunction with his brother-in-law, Mr. Milne, but abandoned it after eighteen months. He has been a member of the Fairlie Oddfellows' Lodge since 1888, and is also a member of the Farmers' Union, and the Mackenzie Agricultural Society. Mr. Adamson was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. James Milne, of Albury, and has one son and one daughter.
in the Fairlie riding of Mackenzie county, is on the way from Fairlie to Mount Cook, and is the last township on the route. It is picturesquely situated amongst mountain ranges, and stands at an elevation of 1780 feet above the level of the sea. From the top of the Pass—2500 feet above sea level—a grand view of the celebrated Mackenzie country is obtained, with the enclosing mountains on all sides. A few miles farther, at a higher elevation, Lake Tekapo bursts into sight in all the beauty of its broad waters. Burke's Pass township has a public school, a church, a blacksmith's shop, a store, a bi-weekly mail service by coach, and a telegraph station. It is fifty-two miles from Timaru, and thirteen from Fairlie, and is well planted with trees, amongst which nestle cosy cottages. The population numbers about 100.
is built of wood and iron, on concrete foundations. There are two convenient class rooms, with accommodation for seventy children. Thirty-seven names are on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty-four. The school dates from 1879, and is situated on a section of five acres of land. There is a fine plantation, which covers two acres.
in charge of Burke's Pass School, was born in Somerset, England, in 1860. He arrived in New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Blue Jacket,” when he was about four years old, and was educated in Canterbury. In 1900 he was appointed to his present school. Mr. Hayman was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr. A. Bunting, of Sefton, and has four sons and two daughters.
(Donald McMillan, proprietor), Burke's Pass. This hotel was established in 1866, and is situated twelve miles from Fairlie, the present terminus of the railway. The main route to the Mackenzie Country and Mount Cook is through Burke's Pass, and during the tourist season the mail coach with passengers, passes the hotel four times a week. The hotel contains twenty well furnished rooms, and there are chairs for forty persons in the well ventilated
the Proprietor, was born at Stornoway, in the Island of Lewis, in 1844, and in his early years he followed a seafaring life. He came to New Zealand in 1865 in the ship “Helenslea,” and followed pastoral pursuits. In 1867 he revisited Scotland and returned to the colony in 1869, when he again followed a pastoral life, chiefly in the Mackenzie Country. He took a second trip Home in 1881, and came back to the colony during the following year. Mr. McMillan was married, in 1875, to Miss McDowell, and they have five daughters and two sons. The eldest son, while still quite a boy, distinguished himself as a bagpipe player, and gained first prize in good company at Timaru.
(Mr. W. Grant, proprietor; Mr. Donald McRae, manager), Burke's Pass, Mackenzie Country. This property was originally taken up in 1856 by Messrs J. T. and H. Ford, and after changing hands several times it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1893. It contains 45,000 acres, of which 2500 acres are freehold, and carries 18,500 Merino and crossbred sheep. The improvements consist of good buildings, and one hundred miles of wire fencing, with plantations.
the Manager, was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, in 1868, and educated in his native county, and in Ross-shire. He came to New Zealand in 1887 in the s.s. “Tainui.” At first he followed station life at Benmore, and subsequently entered the service of Mr. Grant, who appointed him to his present position in 1895, Mr. McRae is an active member of the Caledonian Society and of the Collie Dog Club.
Runholder, Burke's Pass. Mr. Guthrie was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was articled in Edinburgh to the profession of the law. He found, however, that the closeness of the work was impairing his health, and he withdrew from his articles and travelled in Canada and the Malay Archipelago. Mr. Guthrie returned to Scotland and came out to New Zealand in 1876, in the ship “Corlic,” which brought only twelve passengers, who paid their way and received land grants from the Government. After travelling for some time in New Zealand and Australia. Mr. Guthrie came back to New Zealand and settled down to station life on “The Wolds,” in the Mackenzie Country. Four years later he received the management of Blamslie station, situated on the Opawa river, Albury. He subsequently entered the service of Mr. J. S. Rutherford as manager of the Mistake station of 80,000 acres, and held the position for ten years. In 1893 he took up his present run, which is known as “Airies,” on which he depastures a flock of about 4000 crossbred sheep. Mr. Guthrie is a member of the Mackenzie County Council and of the local school committee. He is also an active official of the Mackenzie Caledonian Society and of the Mackenzie Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is a Justice of the Peace for the colony. Mr. Guthrie was married, in 1880, to Miss Rolleston, and has seven sons and three daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Burke's Pass. Mr. McLeod was born at Bragar, Stornoway, Scotland, in 1859, and finished his education at the Glasgow Free Church Normal College, where he qualified as a teacher. After teaching in several schools in Lewis, he became headmaster of the Cross parish school when he was only nineteen years of age. In January, 1879, he arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Taranaki.” Since his arrival in the colony Mr. McLeod (preferring other pursuits to his profession) has
Sheepfarmer, Burke's Pass. Mr. McGregor was born in Banffshire, “Chariot of Fame,” in January, 1863, and im-Scotland, in 1840, and was brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton in the ship mediately on landing was engaged by Mr. Henry Ford to go as shepherd on the Gramplans run, Mackenzie Country, and he drove 3000 sheep there from Waimakariri. Mr. McGregor stayed at “The Grampians” for five years, and then had charge of Gray Hills and Whale's Back stations for several years. In 1874 he bought Glenmore station, consisting of 40,000 acres at Tekapo, and carried it on for sixteen years. Mr. McGregor then went to Burke's Pass, and bought his present property of 500 acres known as “Glenavon,” and carries on sheepfarming. He also owns eighty acres with his residence in the township. In 1902 he bought the Rona run of 1400 acres, which almost adjoins “Glenavon.” Mr. McGregor was for eight years a member of the Mount Cook Road Board, and in 1883 organised a petition for having the road district formed into the Mackenzie county. He succeeded in his undertaking, and acted as chairman for the county council for ten years. He had twenty miles to ride to meeting and yet he missed only three in the sixteen years of his connection with the road board and county council. Mr. McGregor has served on the local school committee, and was a promoter of the Burke's Pass Domain Board, of which he is chairman. He was for nine years a member of the Waitaki Licensing Committee, and for twenty years was secretary of the Tekapo Jockey Club. He has been a Justice of the Peace since 1882. The first trout turned into Lake Alexandrina were brought from Christchurch by Mr. McGregor. He was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. Stent, of Melbourne, and has six sons and three daughters.
Burke's Pass. This station is the property of Mr. A. R. Thomas. It was originally taken up in 1857, and was purchased by the present proprietor in 1897. It consists of 30,000 acres of freehold and leasehold land, of which 700 acres are cultivated and laid down in grass. There are 10,000 Merino sheep on the run, which is divided into four blocks, with a number of smaller sized paddocks. The homestead is situated 2000 feet above the level of the sea. It overlooks Burke's Pass and is sheltered by twenty acres of well-selected trees.
was born at Cardiff, South Wales, England, in 1869, and educated at Clifton and Bath. He came out to the colony in 1887 and entered the Agricultural College at Lincoln to learn farming. Mr. Thomas subsequently visited England, and on coming back to New Zealand he spent some time in the bush country of the North Island. He was married, in 1899, to Miss E. Murray, of Greenpark.
is in the Mackenzie county, and is one of the show places of the district. It is connected by coach with Fairlie, which is the terminus of the railway from Timaru. Fairlie is twenty-six miles from Lake Tekapo, and thirty-nine from Timaru. Lake Tekapo is on the way to Mount Cook, and is famed for its scenery. There are fish in the lake, and deer and native game in the district, which is taken up with sheep runs; but there is a hotel at the lake for the accommodation of tourists and travellers. One of the ridings of Mackenzie county is named Tekapo. It is the least populous in the county, and had at the census of March, 1901, a population of 152 souls.
Lake Tekapo. This estate is the property of Mr. L. G. D Acland. It was originally taken up by Messrs Dark Brothers in 1858, and named after the ship which brought them to Lyttelton, where they landed on the 3rd of October, 1857. After passing through various hands, the property was purchased by Mr. Acland in 1897. It consists of 60,000 acres and carries a well bred flock of Merino sheep. The improvements include five miles of fencing and the buildings required to work the place. Mr Acland's residence is charmingly situated; it overlooks the Tasman Valley and is sheltered by a healthy plantation of larch trees.
the Proprietor, was born in Christchurch in 1876. He is a son of the late Mr. T. Acland, of Christchurch. From the first he followed pastoral pursuits, and was a cadet on the Cracroft station. Mr. Acland went to South Africa as a member of the Canterbury troop of New Zealand Rough Riders, who left Christchurch on the 17th of February, 1900, for the purpose of taking part in the war with the Transvaal and Orange Free State Republics.
is the property of Mr. Emit Schlapfer. It was originally part of the Balmoral run, and was purchased by the present proprietor in 1895. “Tasman Downs” is a freehold property of 1500 acres, and is stocked with sheep of the Cheviot strain, and good crops of turnips, oats, and grass-seed are raised on the farm. The homestead is charmingly situated on the banks of a small lake in the centre of the property, and commands a fine view of Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook.
was born in Switzerland, in 1870, and followed farming during his early years. In 1885 he came out to New South Wales in the ship “Yarra,” and crossed to New Zealand in the “Rotomahana.” He settled with his brother on the Swiss settlement in the Auckland district for four years and then removed to South Canterbury. Mr. Schlapfer was married, in 1893, to Mis Badham, and has one daughter.
Lake Tekapo This station is the property of Mr. Andrew Cowan, and was originally taken up by Mr. John Hay in 1858. After being owned in turn by Messrs McPherson Brothers and Mr. Cox, it was purchased by the present proprietor in 1876. It comprises 27,000 acres and carries a good flock of Merino sheep.
was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, where he was educated and followed a pastoral life during his early years. He came to New Zealand in 1863 by the ship “David G. Fleming,” and settled at once in the Mackenzie Country, where he followed station life for a number of years. At that time the runs were being fenced, and a large number of men were employed by the runholders.
is at the foot of the Southern Alps on the way to Mount Cook. It is connected by a coach with Fairlie, fifty-six miles distant; distance from Timaru, ninety-six miles. The scenery at and about Lake Pukaki is characterised by true grandeur. There are deer in the district and fish in the lake, where ducks also abound. Lake Pukaki has a post office, which serves the Hermitage and the neighbouring sheep runs.
(J. Burnett and D. Munro, proprietors), Lake Pukaki. This station, now the property of Messrs Burnett and Munro, was originally taken up by Mr. Nicholls in 1859. It is the highest sheep station on the Tasman river, and the homestead is situated at an altitude of 2014 feet. The improvements consist of five miles of fencing and good buildings.
the Senior Partner, was born in Dunedin, in 1873, and followed a pastoral life during his early years.
the Junior Partner, was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1869, and came to New Zealand in 1880 in the ship “Canterbury.” He was educated at Palmerston South, and brought up to a pastoral life. Mr. Munro is a keen sportsman. He has been very successful in the show ring, and his colours have frequently been carried to the front on the racecourse.
(John McArthur, manager). This station was originally taken up by Mr. Gladstone in 1858, and after passing through the hands of various owners, became the property of Messrs McKenzies and McMillan. It comprises 65,000 acres.
the Manager, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, and brought up in the romantic valley of Glenlyon, in Perthshire, where he followed a pastoral life. He came out to New Zealand in 1873, and followed a station life for a time, but afterwards became proprietor of the Omarama Hotel. Having disposed of that business in 1879, he started butchering in Oamaru, but removed to the Mackenzie Country in 1882. He was subsequently appointed manager of “Glenmore.” He and Messrs McKenzie and McMillan purchased “Rhoborough Downs” in 1894, but Mr. McArthur sold his share to the present proprietors in 1895. “Rhoborough Downs” is still managed by Mr. McArthur, who took up Glenlyon station in 1898. “Glenlyon” comprises 124,000 acres, and carries a well bred flock of Merino sheep. As a property it is managed in the name of McArthur and Co.
In the early days of Canterbury, three pioneers, Messrs William Rhodes, Robert Rhodes, and George Rhodes, secured in partnership some land near the place where Lyttelton now stands. Subsequently Mr George Rhodes secured a large tract of country in the Levels district, and then the three brothers exchanged with the Canterbury Association their property at Lyttelton for a property of between 250 and 300 acres at Timaru. That happened about the year 1851 or 1852, and the property thus acquired, and then in a very wild and rugged state, now forms the very heart of Timaru. In 1856 Timaru consisted of only one accommodation house, and a woolshed, with a hotel on the beach. Prior to that time it had been a whaling station, and the old boiling-down pots were still on the beach in 1856. The early settlers who came overland had to suffer many hardships and to ford swift running rivers, and there were many cases of drowning. These sturdy pioneers were, however, men of the greatest self-reliance, as the privations they endured and the difficulties they overcame amply proved, and whenever a loafer or a bad character came into the small community he was tabooed and received short notice to quit.
In those days it was necessary to go with a pack horse to the Levels station to procure a sheep or half a sheep from Mr. Rhodes, and the supplies thus obtained were sufficient to maintain the few people then in Timaru with butcher's meat for a week or longer. Contrast this with what happens nowadays, when it is a common thing for a large steamer to enter the port and load up with 20,000 carcases of mutton at one time.
The land purchased at Timaru by the Messrs Rhodes was used by them for their sheep yards, woolsheds, etc. In 1856 Mr. E. H. Lough, the present town clerk, who was then in the employment of Mr. Rhodes, drew up a rough sketch of the proposed town, which was to have been called Rhodestown, and marked out the various streets, and named several of them after the Rhodes family. This sketch was afterwards followed, except in regard to a few necessary deviations, in the laying out of the town. At the foot of what is now Strathallan Street a forest of cabbage trees met the eye in those days, and a winding bullock track, constituted the road. One or two straggling houses and a few stores completed the township. Mr. Lough well remembers, when food was scarce, hunting wild pigs close to where the Post Office now stands.
Farming hardly began until well on in the sixties, and in 1864 the first wheat in South Canterbury was cut by Mr. E. Mc-Bratney. From this wheat Mr. Hayhurst made the first flour produced in South Canterbury. At that time bread was a shilling per four pound loaf, meat a shilling per pound, and the other necessaries of life were equally expensive.
In 1856 the land around Washdyke, near Timaru, was covered with shingle, and looked so unsuitable for cultivation that Mr. Rhodes refused to buy it. However, this shingle has since been removed, and the land is now cultivated successfully and yields good crops. The year 1863 was one of some importance to Timaru, for it was then that the telegraph line was carried through to connect Christchurch with Dunedin. Up to 1868 the town had no public buildings, except the Customhouse on the beach. In that year Timaru was proclaimed a borough on the petition of the residents. The late Mr. Samuel Hewlings was appointed first mayor, and Mr. Edwin Henry Lough, town clerk (an appointment still held by that sterling colonist), and there were also nine councillors.
Settlement on the fine agricultural land surrounding the town proceeded steadily, but for a considerable time the population in Timaru itself was small, and the buildings comparatively few in number. The main street, Stafford Street, was the only part of the town in which business places were erected, and these were built of wood. The water supply was very insufficient, although a large sum had been expended in an endeavour
In order to provide an efficient water supply the borough council accepted an offer from Messrs Fraser Bros., West Coast miners, to bring water by an open race and temporary fluming for a distance of over twenty miles from the river Pareora, on the condition of “no water, no payment.” The Messrs Fraser so far succeeded that water could be delivered in the low lying portions of the town. This result proved that an abundant supply could be obtained from Pareora. The borough council then raised a loan of £60,000 for a water supply on scientific lines. The late Mr. Henry Wrigg was engaged to carry out the scheme, but he died before its completion, and Messrs E. Dobson and Son, of Christ-church, were employed to complete the work. This they did with success, and Timaru rejoiced in an abundant supply of water for domestic purposes; and then, with the formation of a most efficient volunteer fire brigade, the risk from fire was reduced to a minimum. Since then the borough council has from time to time made permanent improvements in the race and delivery pipes. In this way the original supply has been almost doubled, and surplus water has long been used for motive power in connection with manufactures, etc. The annual income from this source now amounts to over £2000.
As already indicated, the growth of Timaru was somewhat slow, but a change came with the year 1874, when Sir Julius Vogel's public works and immigration scheme began to tell in that part of the colony. People came from all quarters, bought sections at absurdly high prices, and houses and shops sprang up in all directions. A reaction followed, and land and houses were afterwards disposed of at half what they cost a few years before.
Still, notwithstanding all the drawbacks with which it has had to contend, Timaru is to-day a fairly populous, substantially prosperous town. Indeed, in respect to its fine buildings, and its trade, it compares well with other towns of similar size in the colony. For this the community is in no small degree indebted to those energetic townsmen who have from time to time directed municipal affairs. Amongst those, who as mayors of the town, have helped in this work may be mentioned Messrs Cain, Cliff, Sutter, Jackson, Jones, Sherratt, Hill, J. J. Grandi, James S. Keith, and James Craigie. These gentlemen and their fellow councillors have wisely effected many needed improvements without burdening
The borough council has control of the Park and Otipua Domain at the south end of the town, and a fine stretch of sand at Caroline Bay on the north. The public edifices are fine commodious structures, and include the Government Buildings, Courthouse, Borough Council Offices, Mechanics' Institute, Timaru High School, and the public main and side schools, which accommodate nearly 2000 pupils. There are also many fine churches owned by the Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Congregational, Wesleyan and other religious bodies. The Roman Catholic Church, Convent, presbytery and Marist Brothers' School form a very attractive group of buildings, situated on the town belt, and have beautifully ornamental grounds.
The Timaru Hospital is equal to any other institution of its kind in the colony, in respect to its structure and its ornamental grounds. The interior arrangements, too, are very complete, and the institution is excellently managed, all with a view to the well-being of the patients.
Timaru is noteworthy for the magnificent views obtained from the higher ground in and about the town. Amongst the mountains to the west, the imperial Mount Cook is clearly visible. Then to the north sweeps the long stretch of the Canterbury Plains, and outward from the shore the South Pacific presents panoramic prospects, which vary with the weather and the seasons. Altogether, it is safe to say that, with its large surrounding tracts of fine agricultural land, Timaru will continue to increase in importance as a commercial centre and shipping port. At the census of March, 1901, the borough had a population of 6424, namely, 3135 males and 3289 females.
Member for Timaru in the House of Representatives, has continuously sat for the borough in Parliament since August, 1820. He has been Minister of Public Works in the Seddon Go-vernment since 1895. His portrait and a brief sketch of his life appear on page 1494 of the Wellington volume of this work. At the general election of the 25th of November, 1902, Mr. Hall-Jones had two opponents who, between them, polled 1742 votes. The number recorded in his favour was 3045.
sometime a Member of the House of Representatives, was born at Peterhead, Scotland, in 1819. On leaving school he joined the merchant service, and after six years rose to be mate. A year later he became master, and for twenty years traded to the West Indies, China, and Australia. Relinqulshing seafaring life in 1859, he came to Dunedin by the ship “Alpine,” from Glasgow. After being four years in business in Dunedin, Mr. Sutter removed to Timaru, where he opened a general store, tiber-yard, and commission agency. He retired in 1880, his general business being taken over by Mr. R. Bowie, the timber trade by Mr. J. Jackson, and the wine and spirit trade by Mr. R. R. Taylor. During his residence in Timaru, Mr. Sutter made two trips to the Old Country. He took an active interest for many years in all matters connected with the progress of the town and district. For four and a half years he was mayor of Timaru, and during that period the extensive waterworks system was successfully initiated and completed. He was one of the earliest members
. The Borough Council of Timaru is composed of a Mayor, elected annually, and twelve councillors elected for a period of two years two members for each ward. In 1868, on the petition of the residents, Timaru was proclaimed a borough. The late Mr. Samuel Hewlings was chosen first mayor, and Mr. Edwin Henry Lough was appointed town clerk. The regular meetings of the council are held on the second and fourth Monday in each month at the council offices, which are situated in a handsome two-storey building in George Street. The area of the borough is 1100 acres; total number of ratepayers 350, and estimated population 6500; the beautiful and extensive suburbs are included in Levels county, and have a population of 2000. There are 1250 dwellings in the borough, and the ratable properties number 1750, with a total annual value of £54,000. The authorised rates amount to 3s in the £, made up of a general rate of 1s, in addition to a special rate of one shilling, and a water rate of from two-and-ahalf per cent, to five per cent. The public debt consists at present of the waterworks loan of £60,000, and a drainage loan of £3784, a second drainage loan of £10,000, and an abattoir loan of £6500. The reservoir which supplies the town with water is situated at Landsborough. The council is continually effecting permanent improvements in the race and delivery pipes, and has almost doubled the quantity of the original water supply, enabling surplus water to be used for motive power, steam supplies, manufactures, etc.; the annual income from these sources being £3000. The late Mr. Henry Wrigg, C.E., was the engineer who first undertook the construction of the waterworks, but he died before completing the scheme, and Messrs E. Dobson and Son, of Christchurch, were employed, and very successfully carried out the work. The borough contributes £125 per annum towards the fire brigade. The council has control of the park, Otipua domain, at the south end of the town, and a fine stretch of land at the north end, the Caroline Bay sands and bathing ground. It recently acquired thirty acres of land on a high bluff overlooking the sea, near the Smithfield Freezing Works, and has erected abattoirs there at a cost of £6500. The volunteer Fire Brigade, which was started in 1868, has its quarters at the Council Chambers, in George Street. Members of the council for 1903: Mr J. Craigie, Mayor, and Messrs W. Priest, D. C. Turnbull, T. Hawkey, G. Sealey, E. K. Guinness, A. Oborn, J. Rothwell, J. Wallace, A. Davidson, T. L. Harvey, T. D. Young, and T. W. Satterthwaite, Mr. E. H. Lough is town clerk, Mr. A. Boswick, waterworks engineer, and Mr. T. Smith, sanitary inspector.
was elected a councillor of the borough of Timaru in August, 1901, and was returned as Mayor in May, 1902. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1851, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Glenmark” in 1867. After serving his apprenticeship in
who has represented the South-west Ward, on the Timaru Borough Council, since 1901, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1853. In 1872, he came to Lyttelton in the ship “Celestial Queen,” and settled in Timaru, where, in 1876, he commenced business as a carrier. Mr. Davidson was married in 1880, to a daughter of Mr. John Wyldie one of the Deal boatmen who came out to work the surf boats, and has three daughters and two sons surviving.
has been a member of the Timaru Borough Council since 1894, and represents the South-east Ward. He was born in 1853, in Cornwall. England, apprenticed to the boot trade, and arrived in Timaru, by the ship “Merope,” in 1875. Since about 1882 he has been in business at the southern end of Timaru. He served for a number of years on the South Timaru school committee, and was at one time chairman. Mr. Hawkey was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. W. Beswetherick, of St. Andrews, and has had six sons and seven daughters. One son and two daughters have died.
J.P., has represented the Northern Suburban Ward on the Timaru Borough Council since 1897. He was born in Egremont, Cumberland, England, in 1839. In 1873 he arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Sussex,” and shortly afterwards settled in Timaru, where he is in business as an ironmonger. Mr. Mills was married, in 1862, to a daughter of Mr. L. Corkhill, of Castletown, Isle of Man, and has one son and one daughter surviving. He has been a Justice of the Peace for many years.
has represented the Timaru North-west Ward in the Timaru Borough Council, since 1900. He was born at Glossop, Derbyshire, England, in 1848, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Victory” in 1863. He entered the employment of Mr. Reece in Christchurch, and was afterwards transferred to Timaru, and continued in Mr. Reece's employment for six years. In 1873, with Mr. Holdgate, he founded the firm of Priest and Holdgate, and this firm is still prominent as one of the leading ironmongery houses in South Canterbury. In the early days Mr. Priest served as a member of the volunteers. He has been connected with the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association for a long time, and holds the office of treasurer. He has also taken an active interest in connection with the Caledonian Society, and other local matters. Mr. Priest was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. B. Simpson, and has four sons and two daughters.
has continuously represented the South Suburban Ward in the Timaru Borough Council since 1896, and was returned unopposed at the election of 1901. Mr. Rothwell gained some valuable experience of electioneering as chairman of the Hon. W. Hall-Jones' election committee. He has long been associated with the Oddfellows, and is a Past Grand in the Timaru Lodge. Since 1895 he has represented the Oddfellows on the United Friendly Societies' Dispensary Board, and in 1900 he was elected the board's chairman. Mr. Rothwell is an exceptionally capable cricketer, and, prior to his emigration to New Zealand, he was associated with some of the most prominent English players in representative matches. He was born in Cheshire, England, in 1846, and educated at private schools, at Hollingworth, where he entered a cotton factory, and rose early to the position of overseer. He occupied this position till 1874, when he left England in the steam ship “Atrato” for New Zealand. After landing at Lyttelton, Mr. Rothwell was variously engaged, until he took up permanent employment with Mr. Jackson, timber and coal merchant, of Timaru. He takes an active interest in local politics, and was chairman of the election committee of the Hon. W. Hall-Jones. Mr. Rothwell was married, in 1873, to Miss Jacklin, of Lincolnshire, England.
was elected in 1901 to represent the North-west Ward in the Timaru Borough Council. He was born at Staffordtown, Westland, in 1871, and educated at the Timaru and Geraldine public schools, and was afterwards apprenticed to a well-known drapery firm in Timaru. He was afterwards for some time with the firm of Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., and was subsequently employed to manage a department at the headquarters of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association. Mr. Satterthwaite retained this position till 1895, when he was appointed travelling representative for the D.I.C. in South Canterbury. This appointment he still holds, in conjunction with the management of the Timaru branch of the Anglo-New Zealand Cycle Company. Mr. Satterthwaite is a prominent Druid; he has passed through the various chairs, and has for many years been auditor for the Timaru Lodge. He has also taken a great interest in athletics, and was for some years a member of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club, and of the Timaru Tourist Cycling Club. Mr. Satterthwaite was married, in 1896, to Miss M. Knight, daughter of Mr. J. C. Knight, an early Canterbury colonist, and has one son and one daughter.
who has represented the South-east Ward in the Timaru Borough Council since 1896, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1864. He was brought up as a gardener, and was employed for a time at Patsall Hall, the property of the Earl of Dartmouth, before coming to Lyttelton in 1873 by the ship “Peerless.” He found employment at Bluecliffs station near Timaru, and was afterwards for four years at Otipua station. In 1882 Mr. Sealey finally settled in Timaru, and began gardening on his own account. He has a valuable property of three-quarters of an acre in King Street, upon which his residence and several vineries stand, the stretch of glass being over 1000 square feet in extent. Mr. Sealey has served on the Timaru South school committee since the district was established in 1894, and was chairman for a year. He was for five years connected with the Timaru Rifles, and is attached to the local Lodge of
Town Clerk and Treasurer to the Borough of Timaru, was born in 1833, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “North Fleet” in 1854. He was for a while with Mr. Rhodes on the Levels station, near Timaru, and was engaged in various callings till 1864, when he was elected clerk to the Levels Road Board. In 1868 he was appointed to the position which he holds at the present time. Until recently he has acted as honorary secretary of the Timaru Floral Society, and began to serve it in that capacity at its formation, thirty years ago. Mr. Lough is married, and has three sons and three daughters.
formerly Borough Engineer at Timaru, is an Associated Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, and was born at Barrow-on-Guerney, Somersetshire, England, in 1862. He was brought to Lyttelton by his parents by the ship “Motoaka,” in 1868, and was educated principally at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was articled as a civil engineer, and served in the Victorian Railway Department from April, 1885, to March, 1891. Mr. Archer practised his profession in Ballarat for a time, and afterwards removed to Queen Street, Melbourne. In 1895 he became City Engineer in Christchurch, and held the position till 1900, when he was appointed Borough Engineer at Timaru. In May, 1890, Mr Archer became an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, London, and in January, 1891, he received a Government certificate in Victoria as a municipal surveyor. He became a member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers in 1895, and a fellow of the Sanitary Institute of London in 1899. Mr. Archer was married, in 1890, to a daughter of Judge Gaunt, of Melbourne, and has one son and one daughter.
formerly Mayor of Timaru, was born in Middlesex, England, in 1852. He was educated in London, and came to Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “British Empire” in 1864. In December of that year, he was apprenticed to a firm of coach-builders — Messrs Henry Wagstaff and Co., of Christchurch—and claims the distinction of being the first bound apprentice in Canterbury. After completing his indentures, he was for about twelve months with Messrs. Cobb and Co., and subsequently with Messrs. Barrett, Hudson and Moore, in whose service he continued for seven years. Coming to Timaru in 1879 under engagement to Mr. John Barrett, coachbuilder, he remained till that gentleman's retirement in 1890, when Mr. Grandi purchased the business. He was for many years a member of the Borough Council, and was elected mayor in 1896. He was a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, High School Board, and Licensing Committee, and has been provincial master in the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. Mr. Grandi is married, and has ten children.
who was Mayor of Timaru for the years 1893–4–5, and a Justice of the Peace, was born at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England, in 1832, served his apprenticeship to the engineering trade, and worked as a fitter for the Earl of Dudley. He landed at Lyttelton in 1859 from the ship “Zealandia.” Settling in Timaru, Mr. Hill was engaged in the timber trade for five years and during that period cut timber for most of the prominent buildings of Timaru at that time, including the first school and post office. On the Government taking over the landing service at the
who was Mayor of Timaru for four years in succession, is elsewhere referred to as a man of business.
sometime Mayor of Timaru, was born at Brighton, England, in April, 1839, and began to work on river steamboats in London at the age of thirteen. In February, 1860, he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Cashmere,” and spent a few years in Christchurch. He settled in Timaru in 1868, and began a furniture and crockery business, to which he afterwards added auctioneering. Mr. Jonas sold out on two occasions, but finally resumed his business after a tour of five years in. Canada, America, and other parts of the world. At the Melbourne Exhibition of 1888, he was one of the commissioners representing the New Zealand Government. Besides being Mayor of Timaru, Mr. Jonas served on the Borough Council for seventeen years, and was a member of the Harbour Board for sixteen years. He has always taken an interest in local societies and orders, and has been prominent in assisting in the formation of important local concerns. Mr. Jonas was married, in May, 1871, to a daughter of the late Mr. Philip Symondson, of London, and has five sons and three daughters.
lies deep down in the bight extending from the Waitaki river on the south to Banks' Peninsula on the north, and is fairly protected from southerly seas by the reefs which project from Patiti Point. It was in the very early days—days long prior to the advent of the white settlers—known and used by the Maoris as a halting place on the long harbourless eastern coast. There warlike Maoris from Dunedin and the south rested previous to resuming their tedious canoe journey northwards
Before any protective works were made, wrecks were very common at Timaru. Fortunately they were not often attended with loss of life, yet the services of the Rocket Brigade were frequently called into requisition. Between the sites of the present railway station and the Club Hotel, a fine coasting steamer was once washed up, but was afterwards successfully refloated. In 1882 the ships “City of Perth” and “Benvenue” broke adrift from their moorings, and were driven ashore a little to the north of Caroline Bay, where the “Benvenue” was completely wrecked, but the “City of Perth” was afterwards refloated. These wrecks occasioned a display of heroism by the townspeople, in commemoration of which the monument now near the Post Office was erected. At the time the vessels began to drift the crews were on shore, and Captain Mills, the harbourmaster, with a crew of boatmen, and two other boats containing the captain and crew of the “Benvenue,” went off to try to save the ship. It was found that nothing could be done, so they returned. In returning, a boat containing sailors was capsized; other boats then put off to rescue them, and these also were swamped. Finally, the local lifeboat was manned and made three trips, and, after being several times capsized by the enormous waves, succeeded in rescuing many of the struggling men. In this effort to save life Captain Mills and eight others, besides three of the sailors, perished. Happily such casualties are now things of the past.
was constituted under the Timaru Harbour Board Act, 1876, and came into active operation in 1877, when steps were at once taken to construct an artificial harbour. Competitive designs were invited, and that of Mr. John Goodall for a concrete breakwater was adopted. Mr. Goodall's designs, however, were modified and enlarged as the work proceeded. The first contract for a mole 300 feet long was let to Messrs Allan and Stumbles in 1878, and subsequent contracts to Messrs Jones and Peters, and to Messrs Palliser and Jones. The harbour, as now constructed, is enclosed on the south-east side by a concrete breakwater, which was begun in October, 1878, and finished in December, 1887, under the supervision of Mr. F. W. Marchant. The breakwater is 30 feet wide at the top, and has been run out from the beach in a north-east by north direction for 1250 feet; trending then to the north by a six chain curve, it is continued for a further 1028 feet, making a total length of 2278 feet, exclusive of 150 feet of approaches. The cost of this work has been £219,518. On the north-east side the harbour is enclosed by a rubble wall 2400 feet long, the end of which is piled. The space enclosed is fifty acres, and the total expenditure on account of the construction of the breakwater, north wall, and wharves has been £281,000. Authority has been given to proceed with the construction of a rubble mole from the bend of the present breakwater in a north-easterly and northerly direction, to form an outer harbour. The proposed length of this mole is 3000 feet, and in July, 1903, it had been formed for a length of 1800 feet. Its beneficial effects have already been felt in the reduced range of the harbour, allowing of such vessels as the “Delphic,” “Tongariro,” “Essex,” and others to lie at the wharves in perfect safety. The cost of this addition to the end of 1902 was £82,000. Wharfage sufficient for the present trade has been provided, and also steam cranes. The wharves are connected with the railway service, and are worked by the railway department with excellent despatch. The large steamers of the Shaw, Savill and Albion, New Zealand Shipping Company, Federal and other lines, visit the port regularly for cargoes of frozen meat, the wharves frequently being taxed to the utmost to supply berthage accommodation. To provide for this, the main wharf is being extended 100 feet and the wooden wharf 250 feet. The Harbour Board maintains a powerful suction dredge,
Chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, has, with slight intermissions, been a member of the Board since about the year 1882. He takes a keen interest in the welfare of the port, and spends a great deal of time in connection with the Board, of which he has been chairman since 1899. Mr. Evans is further referred to in connection with the Atlas Roller Flour Mills, of which he is the proprietor.
J.P., Member of the Timaru Harbour Board, is a native of Kincardineshire, Scotland. He was born in 1849, and from a comparatively early age devoted himself to farming and pastoral pursuits. Landing in Lyttelton by the “Mermaid” he found employment for a short time in the Rakaia Gorge, and in 1868 came to South Canterbury, where he entered the service of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company at their Levels estate. He remained in their employment as farm manager at the Levels, Totara Valley, and Cave stations for some years, and since 1890, has been general manager of the Pareora estate, a property of some 10,000 acres, near Timaru. In 1891, he was elected member of the Waimate County Council, and four years later one of the representatives of the county on the Timaru Harbour Board. Mr. Lyall has always taken a lively interest in the affairs of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which body he was elected chairman in 1897—a year which marked a great expansion in its operations Mr. Lyall is also a trustee of the Pareora Domain Board, and of the Waimate Hospital Board. He takes a great interest in the welfare of his district, and was instrumental in getting a school established at the Cave. Mr. Lyall is married and has seven children.
who represents the Makikihi riding of the Waimate county on the Timaru Harbour Board, is referred to more particularly in connection with Waimate, of which he was Mayor for a number of years.
J.P., Member of the Timaru Harbour Board, was born in 1843 at Newstead, near Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland, where he was educated and was engaged in the building trade with his father. Mr. Pringle arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid” on the 1st of January, 1866. After being two years in Timaru, he turned farmer and was for fourteen years engaged in pastoral pursuits in the South Canterbury district, eventually acquiring the “Roxburgh” farm of 1600 acres at Claremont, where he has since resided. Mr. Pringle, who has been a member of the Timaru Harbour Board since 1893, is also a member of the Canterbury Land Board and Land Purchase Board, the Caledonian Society, Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Society, South Canterbury Hunt Club, and Levels County Council. He is married, and has four children.
who has been a member of the Timaru Harbour Board since March, 1900, was born in Timaru in 1868. He was educated and brought up to mercantile life in his native place, and, in 1894, founded the firm of D. O. Turnbull and Co., grain and produce merchants. Mr. Turnbull was married, in 1897, to a daugter of Captain Thomas Roberts, of Scotland, and has two sons.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Timaru Harbour Board, was born at Stockport, England, in 1865. He came out to Port Chalmers in 1876 by the ship “Columbus,” and was brought up to mercantile life in Dunedin. After gaining experience in various parts of the colony, he was selected for his present position from thirty-three applicants, at the end of 1902. Mr. Bardsley, was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. T. Jefcoate, Inspector of Railways for Southland, and has one son and one daughter. He has always taken an active interest in matters of public importance and also in Oddfellowship.
A.M.I.C.E., Engineer to the Timaru Harbour Board, was born in Nelson, in 1862. He was articled to Mr. John Rochfort, engineer and surveyor, of Nelson, and passed an examination as authorised surveyor in 1884. Having passed his examination, he entered the Government service as Assistant Engineer on the East and West Coast railway surveys, and afterwards was appointed Assistant Engineer to the Westport Harbour Board, where he remained for three years. In 1889 Mr. Austin went to Brazil, where he was engaged principally in the laying out and construction of railways, and water works, in the interior of that country. Shortly after returning to New Zealand he was appointed to his present position in Timaru.
Harbourmaster and Pilot at Timaru, was born in London, and went to sea as a lad. At the age of twenty he took his master's certificate. He has been harbourmaster at Timaru since 1886. In 1856 Captain Clarkson married Miss Brighton, of Lyttelton, and has had seven sons and seven daughters; three sons and one daughter have died.
foreman blacksmith at the Timaru Harbour Board's engineering works, was born in Coupar-Angus, Perthshire, Scotland, on the 31st of March,
formerly a member of the Timaru Harbour Board, was born in Calcutta in 1852. He is second son of the late Mr. Frank Guinness, who died in 1892, and brother of Mr. A. R. Guinness, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is referred to on page 105 of the Wellington volume of the Cyclopedia of New Zealand. The subject of this notice, who was educated at Christ's College, Canterbury, engaged in pastoral pursuits and was sheep-farming in both Canterbury and Otago for a number of years. During this period he displayed much interest in sports and in promoting hunting in South Canterbury, and is a life member of the club. He has been president of the South Canterbury Jockey Club for years; and also represents the Canterbury County Clubs at the racing conferences Mr. Guinness was appointed auctioneer for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in Timaru and remained with that association for some eight years prior to 1891, when he entered into partnership with Mr. H. A. LeCren as general merchants, auctioneers, stock and station agents. He was elected a member of the Timaru Harbour Board in 1896. He has long been an active member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, on the committee of which he has been most useful, and was for some time president of that society. Mr. Guinness was married in 1884 to Miss Florence Annie Plaisted, daughter of Mr. John Plaisted, of Melbourne, and has four sons and one daughter.
sometime chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the year 1847. His parents were descendants of the old Acadians, celebrated in history, romance and poetry as the first white colonists of the country. After attending school in his native town, he worked for some years with his father, who was a farmer, and also an extensive dealer in timber. He then went to Montreal to prepare for the Christian ministry, but, owing to the state of his health he sailed for Scotland, where he passed a year in studying at Glasgow and Greenock. In 1871 he left Glasgow in the ship “Wild Deer.” bound for Otago, New Zealand. Soon after arriving in the colony he found employment at the Rangitata bridge, where his knowledge of timber obtained him a good position with his employers, who sent him repeatedly to the Waimate bush to select material for their contract. These opportunities, together with his previous experience in Nova Scotia, enabled him to see that an extensive trade in timber might be successfully established in the district. He therefore settled at Waimate at the end of 1871, and at once began bush work. His business grew rapidly, and previous to the disastrous fire which practically destroyed the Waimate bush in 1878, Mr. Hayes had fully 100 men in his service. The fire necessarily checked his operations for a time; still he not only continued to work the remainder of the Waimate bush, but established a sawmill at Woodlands, in Southland, and had timber yards at Ashburton and Timaru, as well as at Waimate. In this connection he employed a brigantine, built to his order by a Nova Scotia firm, and also a schooner, to carry timber from Southland for his Canterbury branches. Mr. Hayes afterwards sold his interests in the timber trade, bought land, and turned his attention to stock breeding and agriculture. At his home at “Centrewood,” in the Waimate district, he had 2000 acres of freehold and 14,000 acres of leasehold land; and at “Normanvale,” in the famous Hakataramea Valley, he had 3000 acres of freehold, and 1000 acres of leasehold. Mr. Hayes was a man of much energy and many interests, and had to find scope for his activities outside his extensive private business. He was a Freemason, an active member and liberal supporter of the Wesleyan church, a Justice of the Peace, a member of the Waimate borough
consists of seven members, namely, Messrs C. N. Orbell (chairman), Waimata-iti; W. Cunningham, Seadown; G. Butler, Point; —. —, Glen-iti; D. McLaren, Otipua; A. C. Pringle, Claremont; and R. Campbell Tengewai. The jurisdiction of the council extends over an area bounded on the north by the Opihi river, on the west by the Tengawai river, and Pareora and Cave roads, on the east by the sea, and on the south by the Pareora river. Roads made and unmade cover an area of 450 miles, and the ratable value of the district is £1,419,565, exclusive of Crown and Native lands; the annual income at March, 1902, was £8,500, and the loans on water-races amount to £3,750. There is an estimated population in the district of 5,500, with 1700 ratepayers, who contribute a rate of one penny in the pound. The council meets on the first Wednesday in each month at its offices, Church Street, Timaru. The council chambers, originally the printing office of the South Canterbury Times, were bought from Mr. E. G. Kerr in 1895. The building is of brick, two stories in height, with the council offices on the ground floor, and the next floor let to tenants.
Chairman of Levels County Council, was born in 1840 in Essex, England, where he was educated. He came in 1863 to Lyttelton by the ship “Metropolis,” and soon afterwards entered into farming pursuits in the Timaru district. Mr. Orbell is identified with the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, as manager of the Levels estate of 50,000 acres. He has always taken a great interest in the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he is a prominent member; he is also judge for the South Canterbury Jockey Club, and has been a member of the Geraldine County Council and of the Levels Road Board. Mr. Orbell was married in 1879 to Miss Fergusson, cousin of Sir James Fergusson, formerly Governor of New Zealand, and has five children.
who represents Pleasant Point on the Levels County Council, hails from Warwickshire, England, where he was born in 1837. Educated near Atherstone, he was brought up to coalmining, which he followed till 1863, when he came out by the ship “Lancashire Witch” to Timaru. A fortnight before leaving his native land, he was married to Miss Hall, of Atherstone. On arrival in the Colony he purchased some land at Timaru, where he resided for some years. Removing to Pleasant Point in 1874, he purchased a compact farm of 300 acres, which he has since occupied. When in Timaru he was for seven or eight years superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday School and has always taken a great interest in furthering the cause of that body. He was elected chairman of the local school committee soon after settling in the district, and resigned after ten years' service, when he took a trip to the Old Country in 1888. Mr. Butler has been a member of the Pleasant Point Domain and Cemetery Boards for many years. On the formation of the Levels County Council, he was elected to represent Pleasant Point riding. Mr. Butler has always been a most energetic worker for the advancement of the district, and his services are in constant demand in all social and denominational affairs. His family consists of two sons and four daughters, all of whom are grown up.
County Clerk and Treasurer of the Levels County, was born in 1868, in Kent, England, where he was educated. He arrived in Tasmania in 1888, studied as a surveyor, and after two years' pxeerience, came to New Zealand, where he joined the service of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company with which he continued until August, 1901, when he received his present appointment. Mr. Whitehead served at the Edendale, Totara, and Levels stations.
formerly member of Levels County Council, was born in Banffshire, Scotland, in 1842, and arrived at Lyttelton in 1863, by the ship “Ivanhoe.” After spending some three years in the country, he went to Timaru, where he established himself in business in 1871, and bought the well-known livery and bait stables in Stafford Street. On the Levels Road Board being merged into the Levels County Council, Mr. King was elected a member and sat in the council for four years. He is a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was formerly a very prominent member of the South Canterbury Jockey Club. Mr. King is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also a Forester. He owns two farms—one at Pareora and the other about two miles from Timaru, which are managed by his sons—and is known as a breeder of thoroughbred horses. Mr. King is further referred to in connection with his business at Timaru.
is in the Lands Office, Stafford Street, Timaru. The district extends from the Waitaki, to the Rakaia river, and has two battalions—mounted and infantry. The First Battalion, consists of the South Canterbury, Ashburton, Studholme, and Geraldine Mounted Rifles, and the Infantry comprises the Timaru City, Timaru, Ashburton, Temuka, Waimate and Geraldine Rifles, Timaru Port Guards, and Ashburton Guards. The Mounted Battalion is under the charge of Major Hayhurst of Temuka, and Captain-Adjutant Bruce Gillies, of Fairlie, and the officers of the infantry are Lieutenant-Colonels Moore and Jowsey, and Captain-Adjutant Foden. The infantry numbers 530 and the mounted men 370. Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Samuel Bailey, late of the Devon Regiment, is the officer commanding the subdistrict. Sergeant-Major Crespin, late of the 21st Lancers, is Staff Instructor for the mounted men, and Sergeant-Major Jones, late of the 94th Foot, is Staff Instructor of the infantry. Further information connected with volunteering in South Canterbury is given in the Military Section of this volume; pages 132–145.
(late Naval Artillery). Towards the end of the year 1884, when the disturbed state of European politics was causing an uneasy feeling throughout the colonies, public attention was directed to the almost defenceless state of the town and port of Timaru, and it was in some quarters considered that for its better protection a Naval Artillery corps should be formed. The O Battery of Artillery had been in existence for some years previous to this, armed with field guns of an obsolete type, and for garrison guns they had two twenty-four pounders, also very ancient (they were made in 1813). With such an armament Timaru was quite at the
became captain of the Timaru Port Guards, in 1900. He was born in Castlemaine, Victoria in 1865, and was educated partly at Ballarat and partly at the Timaru High School, his family having settled in the Timaru district in 1879. On completing his school course, Mr. Raymond had twelve years' experience as accountant in a lawyer's office. In 1895 he accepted the agency for the Royal Insurance Company, for South Canterbury, and has since conducted business as an accountant and insurance agent. He represents the China Traders' Marine Insurance Company, is secretary to the Pioneer Terminating Building Society, auditor to the South Canterbury Dairy Factory Company, and the liquidator of the Marlborough Gold Dredging Company. Captain Raymond became lieutenant of the Timaru Port Guards, in 1894, and on the retirement of Captain Thomas, he was promoted to the rank of captain. He was married, in 1901, to Miss Galloway, late matron of the Greymouth Hospital, and has one son.
dates back to about 1862, and the district was connected with the telegraph system of the colony in 1866, Christchurch having been connected with the Bluff by wire in May, 1865. The post office building was erected in 1881. It is of two stories, in brick and concrete, with a clock tower, and has ample accommodation for the postal and telegraphic work; also for other Government departments. The private boxes number 231, and the local telephone exchange has 174 subscribers. The Timaru postal district extends from the Rangitata to the Waitaki, and has, altogether, about sixty-one offices. The officers employed in connection with the office number thirty, and there are two postal deliveries in the borough every day.
Chief Postmaster at Timaru, was born and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland. He arrived in Victoria, in 1860, joined the Victorian Post and Telegraph Department in November, 1861, and in January, 1864, came to New Zealand under engagement to the Provincial Government of Southland, to operate the line of telegraph between the Bluff and Invercargill. Mr. Hutton held, in succession, the appointments of Chief Clerk, General Post Office, Wellington, and Chief Postmaster, Oamaru, before taking up his duties at Timaru, in 1897. He married a daughter of the late Mr. C. N. Campbell, of Invercargill, and has five sons and one daughter.
is a handsome building, in the Corinthian style of architecture, and was opened in August, 1902. It stands at the corner of Strathallan Street, Cane's Terrace and the railway and cost about £2000. In addition to the offices of the landing waiter, it contains a long-room and a capacious strong-room. Mr. C. S. Nixon, the Collector, succeeded Mr. A. Hart, in October, 1901.
Collector of Customs at the Port of Timaru, was born in 1855, at Wanganui. On leaving school he entered the customs department, and occupied various positions before his appointment to Timaru in 1901.
formerly Collector of Customs at Timaru, and Sub-Paymaster of Imperial Pensions, was born on the banks of the Tweed, near Melrose, Scotland, and was educated at the Grammar School there. Mr. Hart came to New Zealand in January, 1865, and in the same month joined the Customs at Lyttelton under Mr. Hamilton, then collector. He was removed to Timaru in 1867 as assistant to the late Mr. Cooper. The custom-house then stood on the cliff near the breakwater, but was afterwards removed to make room for the railway, temporary premises in Turnbull's auction rooms, Beswick Street, being occupied until the department was located in the Post Office buildings in 1880. Mr. Hart was successively officer-in-charge at Greymouth, Hokitika, and Oamaru; he was also for two years in the Dunedin office, and about the same period at Wellington, where he was acting-landing surveyor. On the retirement of Mr. Rich in April, 1892. Mr. Hart was appointed collector at Timaru, where Mr. C. S. Nixon is now (1903) in charge. Mr. Hart is connected with the Presbyterian church, has
. The Crown Lands Office is situated in Stafford Street, and is subordinate to the Christchurch district branch of the same department.
Crown Lands Ranger and Land Officer for the district of South Canterbury, was born in 1840, and came with his parents to New Zealand when a boy, arriving at Auckland by the ship “Victory” in 1851. He received his education in Onehunga, and on leaving school, served two years in a builder's office with a view to studying for an architect, but, changing his mind, he took an engagement in the Provincial Government office. In 1861 he went to Otago and entered into sheep-farming pursuits with Mr. F. D. Rich and on his own account until 1867, when he returned to Auckland and Joined in the “rush” to the Thames, where rich gold had been recently found, and was speculating for three years on different parts of the fields. In 1870, he was appointed manager of the Bay of Islands Coal Company's mines at Kawakawa. During his term of management he was successful in getting native coal used for the first time in the Union Company's steamers. He relinquished his position in 1878 to take the management of the Shag Point coal mine (of which he was part owner) in Otago, and was identified with that mine till 1890, when he lost his interest and went in for farming. In 1894 he was temporarily appointed in the Land Office in Invercargill, and after serving eighteen months in that town, was appointed to his present position in Timaru. It was through his influence that the Government were persuaded to use native coal on the railways in the South Island. He is a member of the Oddfellows lodge. He has been twice married, having lost his first wife in 1884, and has seven children, all by the first marriage.
District Surveyor for the South Canterbury Crown Lands Department, was born in London in 1855, and came with his parents to Auckland in 1860 by the ship “Nimrod.” He was educated privately in Invercargill, and for a time was in the employment of Mr. H. J. Gibbs, of Cargill, Gibbs and Co., merchants of Dunedin. Subsequently, he received a cadetship in the survey department under the Hon. G. F. Richardson, and was licensed to practise as a surveyor in 1877. He then joined the Government survey department, and is one of the first of the original staff that came to Canterbury on the re-organisation of the department by Mr. J. T. Thomson. He was engaged, at first, at Banks' Peninsula on sectional surveys, and has since done much triangulation and topographical surveying in the mountainous districts of Canterbury, during which period he has thoroughly explored Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. He was appointed to his present position in 1887. Mr. Brodrick is married to a daughter of the late Mr. Justin John Aylmer, formerly resident magistrate at Akaroa, and has four children.
which has its officer in Stafford Street, Timaru, was established on the 1st of August, 1902. The district extends south to the Waitaki river, and north to Ashburton, and is under the charge of a resident inspector.
Inspector of Machinery for the South Canterbury district, was born at Balloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, in 1858. He was educated at Springfield Academy, Helensburgh, and brought up as an engineer in the establishment of Messrs Denny and Co., Dumbarton. In 1882 he obtained his chief engineer's certificate at Glasgow. Mr. Williamson first went to sea in 1878, as fourth engineer in the service of the British India Steam Navigation Company, and in 1884 he joined the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand and became a chief engineer in its service in 1889. His last ship
extends from the Rangitata to the Waitaki river, and was constituted in 1892. For about twenty years previously it was a police district, with a resident inspector. The out-stations of the district are Waimate and Temuka, with two constables each, and Glenavy, Geraldine, Pleasant Point, and Fairlie, each with one constable in charge. The staff in the borough of Timaru consists of seven constables and one detective, in addition to the sergeant in charge. The police station is in North Street, where it has a site of one acre, and in addition to stabling, buildings of stone with slate roofs, for the constables, a residence of five rooms for the mounted man, and a house for the local officer in charge.
Sergeant in charge of Timaru Police Sub-District, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1852, and was brought up to the trade of a butcher. He came to Wellington, in 1875, by the ship “Waipa,” and has almost ever since been an officer of the police force. He was placed in charge of Timaru in October, 1901. Sergeant Warring was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Perry, of Auckland, and has six sons and two daughters.
His Majesty's Gaol, Timaru, was established in 1869, and occupies a position on the West Belt. Till 1890 it ranked as a third class prison, but since that year it has been a police gaol, for the detention of persons who are convicted for periods of a month or less, or for those who are awaiting trial. The building, which is of concrete with an iron roof, has accommodation for eleven males and five females. A glebe of three acres and a half is used as a garden, and is planted with ornamental and orchard trees.
Gaoler at Timaru, was born in 1857, in County Armagh, Ireland. He served in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and landed in Wellington in 1883. Mr. W. Weathered was appointed to his present position, in January, 1890, and is a member of the New Zealand police force, which he joined on his arrival in the colony. Mrs Weathered acts as matron at the gaol.
is adjacent to the wharves and is situated in the centre of the town. It ranks third in importance in the South Island, is one of the finest passenger stations in the Colony, and is a handsome building of wood, with slate roof. The general conveniences are very complete, and in the most approved style. The public lobby, stationmaster's office, luggage and parcel rooms, waiting and refreshment rooms are all well-appointed and of easy access. Sidings connect with the National Mortgage and Agency Company's stores, the Atlas, Bedford, and Timaru mills, Messrs. J. Mills and Co., Mr. J. Mee's stores, and with the Harbour Board offices. All the produce in the district passes through this station, and the traffic over the wharf lines is continuous. Apart from coastal and intercolonial steamers, the refrigerating vessels of the Union Steam Shipping Company, New Zealand Shipping Company, and Shire lines, call regularly at the port, and are loaded direct from the Smithfield meat freezing works. The supervision of this traffic is under the stationmaster. Branch lines connect with Fairlie, Mount Somers, and Waimate. The stationmaster, Mr. C. A. Marcus, is assisted by Mr. A. Morgan, chief clerk, Mr. A. Owen, wharf foreman, Mr. A. Kane, yard foreman, and Mr. Andrews, head porter, besides shunters, porters, and night watchmen, the entire staff numbering thirty-seven. Timaru's principal exports are frozen meat, wool, grain, and flour, and all the coal imported for the Waimate, Levels, Geraldine, and Mackenzie districts landed at the port, passes through this station. The telegraph office, which is under the supervision of the stationmaster, is conducted by two operators. Both passenger and goods departments are connected with the local telephone bureau.
Stationmaster, Timaru, was born in 1840 at Dusseldorff, on the Rhine, Germany, where he was educated. On the death of his father, he went to London for six years. Subsequently, after visiting a relative at Rio de Janeiro, he went to Queensland. In 1865, during the height of the gold-fever, Mr. Marens came to the West Coast of New Zealand. He entered the New Zealand railways department in 1874, and after two years was appointed stationmaster at Marton. He was transferred to Halcombe in 1878, and two years later to Wanganui, where he remained for sixteen years. Mr. Marcus took charge of the Timaru station in 1896. He was a delegate at the Insurance Conference in 1893 and was elected a member of the executive council of the Railway Officers Institute in 1895, and again in 1898. Mr. Marcus' services at Wanganui were highly appreciated by the public, and on his leaving that town, a complimentary banquet was tendered to him, on which occasion he was presented by his worship the mayor on behalf of the citizens, with a gold watch and chain, by the carters and expressmen with a silver coffee-pot, by the railway employees with a tea and coffee service, and by the members of the working men's club with an illuminated address.
Chief Clerk, Timaru Railway Station, was born in Lyttelton in 1867. He was educated at Christchurch, and at the age of twelve entered the railway service as a cadet in the accountant's office. When the head offices were removed to Wellington in 1880, he was transferred to the booking-office, where he remained for four years. He was then removed to Ashburton, where he filled the position of booking and parcels clerk, was transferred eighteen months later to Addington, and after six years, was placed in charge at Templeton. Six months afterwards he was appointed assistant relieving-officer, which position he held for fifteen months. He acted as correspondence clerk in the Christchurch goods department for three years, and in May, 1896, was promoted to be chief clerk at Timaru. Mr. Morgan is secretary of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Railway Officers' Institute,
Locomotive Foreman, Timaru Section of New Zealand Railways, was born at Upper Clapton, Hackney, London, in 1843. He served his apprenticeship at the East London waterworks, and remained there until 1866, when he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Mermaid.” Mr. Verdon went to the West Coast and tried his luck at goldmining for a time. He entered the New Zealand railway service in 1869, at Christchurch, under Mr. Dickenson, locomotive foreman of that yard, and worked as cleaner, fireman, and driver, taking the first train through from Christchurch to Dunedin. In 1880 he was promoted to his present charge in Timaru, and with the exception of brief changes to Oamaru and Auckland, has remained there ever since. Under his charge are twenty-five men, including eight drivers and an equal number of firemen. Mr. Verdon is married, and has five children.
Inspector for New Zealand railway bridges in South Canterbury, was born in the parish of Kirkmichael, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1843. He was educated in his native land, and brought up to the trade of a shipwright. Mr. Stewart arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Ivanhoe,” in 1863, and after some experience on the diggings, took part in the construction of the Rakaia bridge. For some years he was employed by Mr. White, a contractor for public works, and on leaving that gentleman's service in 1873, was presented with an inscribed silver watch. Mr. Stewart joined the maintenance branch of the railway department in Christchurch, in 1874, and was appointed a bridge inspector in 1880. His district extends from Springburn to Glenavy, including branch lines. He is a Scotch Freemason, but is not attached to any order in the colony, and he is a member of the local Druids' Lodge, No. 11. Mr. Stewart was married, in 1875, to a daughter of Mr. James Hepburn, sometime of Christchurch, and has four daughters and one son.
Inspector of Permanent Way on the South Canterbury Railways, was born in 1847, in Kent, England. He joined the London police in 1872, and came to Port Chalmers two years later by the ship “James Nicoll Fleming.” Mr. Worsley joined the railway service at Oamaru, and was appointed to his present position in 1886.
M.R.C.V.S. (London), Government Veterinary Surgeon for South Canterbury, Timaru, was appointed to his present position, in May, 1901, as successor to Mr. D. H. Reit. He was born in Northumberland, England, in 1868, and is a son of Mr. William Lilico, a well known estate manager in Northumberland. His early education was received at Belfast, Ireland, and he afterwards studied at the New Veterinary College, Edinburgh, where he took his diploma, in 1888. On graduating, he commenced to practice his profession at Berwick-on-Tweed. In 1890 Mr. Lilico left England for America, where, after conducting private practice in several centres, he was appointed Inspector for the Massachusetts' Board of Cattle Commissioners. He retained this post till 1899, when he came to New Zealand. Mr. Lilico went to South Africa as veterinary officer for the Fifth Contingent, and on returning in May, 1901, he was appointed to his present position.
was established in 1885. The functions of the Board are to administer hospital and charitable aid and out-door relief in South Canterbury, to board out children, supervise the old men's refuge, provide moneys for the maintenance of the Timaru and Waimate hospitals, to receive contributions from local bodies, and the Government subsidy of £ for £ for maintenance of the institution. Its total revenue for 1901–1902 was £8,106, the expenditure being £6,245. Members for 1902: Messrs F. R. Gillingham and G. Butler, elected by the Mackenzie and Levels County Councils; Messrs W. Coltman and P. Studholme, Waimate Borough Council and Waimate County Council; and Mr. James Craigie, Mayor of Timaru. The secretary and treasurer is Mr. Reuben Orwin.
Secretary and Treasurer of the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, was born in 1854 at Chatham, Kent, England, where he was educated at the national schools and served six years in the dockyards. Landing at Lyttelton in 1874 from the ship “Geraldine Paget,” he went to Dunedin, where he resided for seven years. Returning to Canterbury, he spent twelve months in the Cathedral City, then came to Timaru, where he commenced business as a general commission agent. In 1889, Mr. Orwin was appointed secretary and treasurer to the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He acts as district agent for the Australian Alliance Fire Insurance Company, of Hamburg, and the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. He is chairman of the Timaru Floral and Horticultural Society, and secretary of the United Friendly Societies' dispensary, Timaru.
This fine institution occupies an elevated position at the corner of High and Queen Streets, and is erected on a site comprising four acres of land, which originally formed part of the domain reserve. The building has been twice enlarged, and has a very pleasant and imposing appearance, the grounds being tastefully laid out and considered among the most beautiful of any connected with similar public institutions in the Colony. There is accommodation for sixty-six patients, the male ward containing twenty-two beds and the female ward twelve beds, besides two side wards. The steward, matron, nurses, and domestic servants occupy commodius quarters in the central portion of the building; the board and lecture rooms are also in the centre, the wards being on either side. At the rear of the block are the lavatories, operating-room, morgue, and workshops, with an extensive kitchen garden on the west side. Extensive additions have lately been made to provide quarters for the nurses and wards for fever patients.
B.Sc. M.B. C.M., F.R.C.S. (Ed.), Surgeon Superintendent of the Timaru Hospital. Dr Gabites was born in Christchurch in 1867. He was educated privately, and at the Timaru High School, and went to Edinburgh to study for his profession in 1888. He graduated B.Sc. in 1891, took his M.B. and C.M. diplomas in 1894, and in 1898, he took his F.R.C.S. For six months he was Resident Physician at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, and for three months Resident Surgeon at the Royal Maternity and Simpson Memorial Hospital; he was also for a year afterwards, Medical Superintendent of the Edinburgh Provident Dispensary, and during that period was Demonstrator in Anatomy at Surgeons' Hall, Edinburgh. Dr Gabites returned to New Zealand in 1899, and was appointed in October of that year to his present position at Timaru. Since taking up his duties, Dr Gabites has been absent for a year as Surgeon-Captain to the New Zealand Seventh Contingent in South Africa.
for twenty-three years Steward of the Timaru Hospital, was born in 1852 at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, and was educated at a private academy conducted by Dr. Greaves, and at the high school in that town. He joined the army and saw six years' active service in India with the 15th Hussars. In 1878 he purchased his discharge and returned to England, where he married, and shortly afterwards sailed for Port Chalmers in the ship “Otaki. Five weeks after his arrival in the Colony he received the appointment of steward of the Timaru Hospital, a position which he worthily filled till the 21st of July, 1903, when he and Mrs Jowsey resigned, in order to proceed to South Africa. The Board, in accepting the resignation, decided to place on record its appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. and Mrs Jowsey. Mr. Jowsey devoted a great deal of attention to the improvement and beautifying of the hospital grounds. As a Freemason he was a member of Lodge St. John, E.C. He is further referred to at pages 142–143, in the Military Section of this volume.
formerly Matron at the Timaru Hospital, was born at Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire, England. She rendered good service to the hospital by her careful attention to the comfort of the patients. Shortly after her appointment, she collected, mainly by her own exertions, the sum of £120, which was devoted to the purchase of invalid chairs and other articles for the use of patients.
at Timaru is under the control of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and was originally established as an Old Men's Home about 1895. The main building was used successively as a church, a school, and an immigration barracks, before being devoted to the purpose of a home. The
who has charge of the Timaru Benevolent Home, was born at Dalkeith, near Edinburgh, in 1843. He emigrated to South Australia, in 1884, and subsequently came to New Zealand. In 1874 Mr. Young settled in Dunedin, where he found employment for nine years in connection with the timber and coal trade. He then came to Timaru, where he had charge of the Athletic Grounds until November, 1892, when he received his present appointment. Mr. Young was married in December, 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Todhunter, of Liverpool, and has one son and two daughters.
Matron of the Timaru Benevolent Home, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where she was educated and brought up. She came out to New Zealand to be married in 1874, and has held her present position since November, 1892.
High Street, Timaru. Telephone 13. Amongst the many private hospitals in the Canterbury provincial district, that of Ettrick Bank at Timaru is unsurpassed for the pieturesqueness of its surroundings, and the salubrity of its situation. It occupies a fertile piece of land between High Street and the beach, and is completely concealed from the public gaze by the luxuriant native bush. A winding and gravelled path leads from High Street to the front entrance. The building is of two stories in brick and plaster, and is surrounded on three sides by a verandah. There is a large and neatly furnished dining room on the ground floor, as well as two general wards, and the servants' dining rooms; whilst the upper floor contains a number of suitably appointed bedrooms for patients, and an operating room. The Ettrick Bank Hospital was established by Nurses Morrison and Christian in 1899, and conducted by them till 1901, when Miss Morrison withdrew, leaving Nurse Christian sole owner of the institution. This lady is now assisted by a certificated nurse and a probationer, and under her care the hospital enjoys a wide patronage. All the medical practitioners in the district send patients to the institution.
Proprietress of the Ettrick Bank Hospital, has had a wide experience in her calling. She is a native of Christchurch, but was educated at the Dunedin High School. Miss Christian afterwards went to Australia, where she entered as a probationer at Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, and gained her diploma as a certificated nurse. On returning to New Zealand in 1898, she was appointed Head Nurse of the Greymouth Hospital, but shortly afterwards removed to the Public Hospital, Timaru, where she remained till 1899. In that year she associated herself with Nurse Morrison in establishing the Ettrick Bank Hospital, of which she is now sole owner.
This Board manages the affairs of the Timaru Boys' High School and the Timaru Girls' High School. Its members in 1903 were Mr. W. B. Howell, J.P. (chairman), the Ven. Archdeacon Harper, Rev. G. Barclay, J.P., Dr. H. C. Barclay, Mr. J. Talbot, J.P., Mr. R. H. Bowie, J.P., and Messrs B. R. McDonall, F. R. Smith, J. McCahon, and J. S. Gibson. Major J. H. Bamfield is the Board's secretary.
Timaru, is carried on under statutes passed by the Parliament of New Zealand in 1878 and 1882, and was opened in February, 1882, with Mr. A. L. Halkett Dawson, M.A., as its first rector. Until 1897 boys and girls were taught at the school, although they were kept apart except in the highest classes, in which they were taught together for the sake of convenience. In that year a large portion of the Building was destroyed by fire, and since then the Girls' High School has existed as a separate institution. Mr. Dawson was succeeded in 1889 by Mr. George Hogben, M.A., now Under-Secretary for Education and Inspector-General of Schools for New Zealand; and in 1899, Mr. G. A. Simmers, M.A., succeeded Mr. Hogben. The pupils of the school have done credit to the institution in public examinations and otherwise; the school has taken more than its share of junior scholarships of the University, and the final honour lists of the New Zealand University show many names of old Timaruvians. Others have done well at Edinburgh and elsewhere. The school is an imposing building of semi-classical style, standing on an eminence, in about eight acres of ground, south-west of the town. It has a football and cricket ground, fives-court, a carpenter's workshop, a library, a gymnasium and a physical and chemical laboratory. Languages are taught on the natural system, and in other subjects the teaching is based as far as possible, in the higher as well as in the lower classes, upon a direct use of the concrete. In all the science classes the work is practical, experiments and measurements being made by the pupils themselves. Simple surveying and drawing to scale are made the foundation of map drawing; pupils are taught to take the altitude of the sun at different seasons, and to find the latitude (roughly); and models and pictures are largely used in teaching other parts of geography, physical and descriptive. The Sloyd and carpentery work serve not only their special purposes, but are connected with the lessons on geometry and drawing. Again, in one of the bookkeeping classes the boys are divided into firms trading with one another, and write all the necessary forms and keep accounts of all transactions. It is found that not only is the treatment more natural, and the interest more easily sustained, but also that it is easier to make a real co-ordination between the several subjects of the school curriculum.
M.A., became Headmaster of the Timaru Boys' High School in 1899. He was born in Melbourne, Victoria, in 1858, and was educated in Otago, and trained as a teacher. Mr. Simmers graduated B.A. at the University of Otago, in 1887, when he was senior scholar in Natural Science, and took his M.A. degree in the following year, with first class honours in Physical Science. After holding appointments in public schools, Mr. Simmers was tutor in the Otago Training College for six years, and Headmaster of the Ashburton High School for five years, before removing to Timaru. He was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. W. Wallace, Dunedin, and has five sons and one daughter.
M.A., of the teaching staff of the Timaru Boys' High School, was born in Suffolk, England, in 1865. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1887, and his M.A., in 1898. Mr. Wing held an appointment at Newcastle High School, Staffordshire, and came out to Sydney in 1893. In 1898 he removed to New Zealand, and was for three years on the staff of the Nelson College, and took up his duties at Timaru in 1902. Mr. Wing was married in 1898, to a daughter of the late Mr. F. W. Single, of New South Wales.
Timaru, has existed as a separate institution since December, 1897; up till then boys and girls were taught as at one institution, though chiefly in separate classes. Miss M. J. McLean, M.A., was the first headmistress, and when, in 1900, she accepted the principalship of the Wellington Girls' High School, she was succeeded by Miss Barbara Watt, M.A., the present principal. The methods of the school have from the first been characterised by a thoroughness which has borne good fruit in the education of the pupils, many of whom have distinguished themselves at the University.
M.A., Headmistress of the Timaru Girls' High School, was born at Green Island, near Dunedin. She was educated at the Dunedin Girls' High School, and graduated B.A., at the University of Otago, in 1891; in the ensuing year, Miss Watt took her M.A. degree, with honours in mathematics. After holding a position for about four years at Nelson College, Miss Watt became first assistant at the Timaru Girls' High School in 1898, and was promoted to her present position in 1900.
Timaru. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus came to establish a house of their order in Timaru in 1880. Their society was founded in France in 1800 by the Venerable Mother Barat, and is consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of which they bear the name. Its members dedicate themselves to the education of young girls in boarding and day schools, and to the gratuitous instruction of the poorer classes. The system of education embraces a regular and graduated course of studies, which experience has proved to be capable of producing solid and lasting results. The Society of the Sacred Heart is widely spread in most of the countries of Europe, the French colonies, and North and South America. In 1880, His Grace the Archbishop of Wellington invited the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to establish a convent at Timaru, and accordingly they opened a boarding school and parochial school in one of the pleasantest and healthiest parts of the town. The convent is surrounded by extensive grounds, nine acres in extent, which command a beautiful view of the ocean and distant snowy mountains. There are also houses of the Sacred Heart in Sydney and Melbourne. The mother-house of the society is in Paris. The convent at Timaru is a large two-storied building in the Italio-Gothic style. Its main front is 121 feet long and 50 feet high. In the centre is the main entrance with a projecting portico, supported
Timaru. This Board has jurisdiction over and throughout the country lying between the Rangitata and Waitaki rivers, and has over seventy schools under its control. There are about 5000 names on the school rolls, with a total average attendance of 4500 scholars in the district; number of teachers, 155. The members of the Board for 1903 were Mr. W. B. Howell, J. P. (chairman), Rev. G. Barclay, J.P. (Waimate), Messrs John Talbot (Temuka), John Jackson (Timaru), S. Gillingham (Cricklewood), J. S. Rutherford (Albury), W. S. Maslin (Geraldine), D. McCaskill (Winchester), and J. Campbell (Fernhill, St. Andrews). Major J. H. Bamfield is secretary, Mr. James Gibson Gow, M.A., inspector of schools, and Mr. J. S. Turnbull, architect. The Board meets on the second Thursday in each month at its offices, Post Office Buildings, George Street, Timaru.
J.P., Chairman of the South Canterbury Board of Education, was born in 1842, in Devonshire, England; and educated at Marlborough College, Eastman's Naval School at Portsmouth and Camberwell Collegiate School, London. He spent four years in Green's merchant service, came to Lyttelton in the ship “Mirage” in 1864, and has resided in South Canterbury ever since his arrival. Until 1894 he was farming at Totara Valley, and since then he has resided in Timaru. In addition to being chairman of the South Canterbury Education Board, Mr. Howell has been a member of the Timaru High School Board of Governors since its inception, and has been its chairman for several years. He is also a member of the Waimate High School Board and a School Reserves Commissioner. Mr. Howell was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Dr B. Moorhouse, Shepherd's Bush, Canterbury, and has six daughters and three sons.
J.P. Secretary, South Canterbury Board of Education and Timaru High School Board of Governors, was born at Falmouth, Cornwall, in 1835. He was educated first at the Falmouth Grammar School, and subsequently as a private pupil, by the celebrated Greek scholar, Dr. Scrivener. In June, 1855, he passed out of Sandhurst for a direct commission in the army, and on the 1st of October following, was gazetted to an ensigncy in the 72nd (Duke of Albany's, now the Seaforth) Highlanders. After serving in Ireland, Scotland, Aldershot, the Channel Islands, and at Shorncliffe Camp, he sailed in the “Trafalgar” with the regiment in July, 1857, for India, landing at Bombay towards the end of the year. Proceeding thence up the Gulf of Cutch, the 72nd landed at Tankaria Bunda, marching through Guzerat to Ahmedabad, Nusserabad, Baroda, Ajmere, and Neemuch, where they joined General Roberts' force and marched to the siege of Kotah, a magnificently situated city on the right bank of the river Chumbul. After the capture of that place, the 72nd went in pursuit of Tantia Topi, first joined one field force, then another, dispersing the rebel hordes, fighting at the battle of the Bunass and in many skirmishes (Mutiny medal, with clasp, for Central India). Having obtained his promotion into the 1st Battalion of the 11th (North Devon) Regiment, he proceeded Home in January, 1859, to join the depôt at Fermoy. He passed through the School of Musketry at Hythe in 1861, obtaining a first-class certificate, and officiating subsequently as assistant-instructor to the 18th Depôt Battalion at Fermoy. In 1864, having joined the headquarters of his regiment, recently returned from Sydney, he sailed with it for India, and landed at Calcutta in December, 1864. Staying a short time at Dum Dum, en route to Fyzabad, the 11th halted at Cawnpore and marched thence to Lucknow, and on to Fyzabad, the old capital of the kingdom of Oude. Here he obtained the adjutancy of his regiment, which he retained for seven years and until he got his company. As a captain, he held the appointment of paymaster of the regiment for several periods, and was about to be appointed staff officer at Kussowlie, when he was invalided home. In 1878, after twenty-three years active service, he left the army with the rank of major, and came out to New Zealand in the “Waipa,” Captain Gorn, landing at Dunedin in December of that year. Settling at Christchurch, he entered into business under the style of Cameron, Bamfield and Co., but in 1883 was appointed secretary to the Board of Education for the district of South Canterbury, which position (as well as that of secretary to the Board of Governors of the Timaru High School) he still holds. As a Freemason, he is a past-master, having for two years filled the chair of W.M of Lodge “Light of Adjoodhia,” and subsequently for two years as W.M. of Lodge “Rock of Gwalior.” He is married, and has two surviving children, the eldest of whom is Mrs. Frederick Clissold.
M.A., Assistant Inspector and Assistant Secretary under the South Canterbury Education Board, was born in 1871, near Geraldine. He was educated at the Geraldine Flat School and at the Timaru High School, graduated B.A. at Canterbury College, in 1895, and took first class honours in mathematics, with his M.A. degree in 1896. Mr. Bell commenced teaching in 1887 at Waimataitai, and was afterwards at Waimate. Geraldine, Seadown, Oamaru, and Timaru South, before being appointed to his present positions in 1899. He was married, in 1899, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Byers, of Timaru.
M.A., Inspector of Schools for the South Canterbury Education Board, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1856, and was educated at Taylor's Institution, Crieff, where he afterwards served as a pupil-teacher. He spent two years at the Normal Training College of the Church of Scotland, where he was the most distinguished student of his year, and was the holder of a First Class Queen's Scholarship, which entitled him to attendance at the college with the privilege of taking classes at the University of Edinburgh. A prizeman of the University, he graduated at Edinburgh, where he took his M.A. degree. For eight years he was senior assistant in James Gillespie's schools, one of the great institutions managed by the Edinburgh Merchant Company. Mr. Gow came to New Zealand in December, 1885,
occupies the square block between Arthur, North, and established in the early seventies, and is built Theodocia Streets and Grey road. It was of Timaru stone. There are, in all, thirteen class rooms, which provide accommodation for 700 pupils. The number on the roll is over 700, and the average attendance about 650; including the headmaster the staff numbers fifteen teachers. The headmaster's residence occupies a commanding portion of the school playground, and borders on Arthur Street. It is a well built house of two stories, and contains about ten rooms.
M.A. (New Zealand University), Headmaster of the Timaru Main School, is a native of the Shetland Islands. He was born in 1861, landed in Dunedin in 1870, and was educated at the public schools and the Normal. He subsequently attended the University of Otago, and in 1888 graduated M.A. After holding several responsible posts in the Dunedin public schools, Mr. Johnson was appointed to his present position.
which was originally a side school, was established independently in 1895, and stands upon an acre of land at the corner of King and Queen Streets. The building, which is of brick and roofed with iron, contains three class rooms and two porches, with accommodation for 250 pupils. The number on the roll is about 230 and the average attendance about 200. The headmaster is assisted by two mistresses, and two pupil-teachers. A good playground surrounds the school, and there is a seven roomed residence, with a verandah, for the teacher in charge.
B.A., Headmaster of the Timaru South school, was born in 1863, at Waikouaiti, Otago, where he was educated and served his pupil-teachership. He afterwards studied at the Dunedin Training College, and graduated at the University of Otago, in 1886. Mr. Valentine was in charge of Pareora school for two years and a half, and afterwards was for a like period third assistant at the North East Valley school, Dunedin. He was first assistant at the Balciutha District High School for nearly eight years, until receiving his present appointment in September, 1899. He takes a general interest in athletics, and plays for the Timaru Cricket Club, and also is captain of the cadet corps in connection with the school. Mr. Valentine was married, in December, 1889, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Jefcoat, late of Pareora, and has two sons and two daughters.
was established in 1892. The school building is of concrete, brick, and iron, and contains eight class-rooms and four porches. There is accommodation for 350 pupils, there are 360 names on the roll, and the average attendance is 330. The master in charge is supported by four assistants, and three pupil teachers. There is a large playground with well-grown shelter trees, for the recreation of the children, and the school residence is on the property.
Headmaster of Waimataitai public school, was born in Scotland, and trained as a pupil teacher in Edinburgh. He became licensed to teach, and followed his profession for several years before coming out to the colonies in 1880. In 1881 he joined the service of the South Canterbury Board of Education, and has been in charge of the Waimataitai school since its establishment.
Assistant Master at the Waimataitai School, was born at Timaru, in 1872. He attended the main school and the High School of his native town, and finished at the Otago University. Mr. Collins was, in the first instance, appointed teacher at Waimatata, subsequently at Waimate, and became headmaster at Hilton in 1899. He holds a D3 certificate. Mr. Collins takes an active part in athletic sports, and has played more than once in the South Canterbury representative football team.
North Street, Timaru. This institute was established in 1861, and has from the first been maintained by private subscriptions. The building, which cost £2000, is erected on land granted by the Government for use as a library or Mechanics' Institute. The money to build with was borrowed, but was gradually reduced till the last penny was paid off in 1902. The building is of brick, two stories in height, and has a newsroom and library on the ground floor, and a convenient hall, which will hold 200 people, on the upper floor. There is also a residence for the librarian in the building. The library possesses 6000 volumes. Officers for 1903: Messrs W. Gunn (president), J. A. Johnson (vice-president), and a committee of twelve. Mrs Russell Goodman is librarian.
Church Street, Timaru. This church stands on an elevated site, and presents an impressive appearance. It is constructed of Timaru gray stone, lined with Oamaru stone, and is in the early English style of architecture. The nave, complete, cost £11,000, but the chancel and vestry are at present temporary in their character, and their completion awaits the accumulation of sufficient funds. A tower and spire, after the style of those of the Christchurch Cathedral, will form part of the completed building. The interior of the church, which provides seating accommodation for 800 worshippers, possesses many noteworthy features; the Scotch granite pillars, the highly artistic carved work, memorial brasses and stained glass windows giving it an appearance of dignity, solmenity and repose. The organ is one of Messrs Lewis and Co.'s English instruments. The church was opened and consecrated in 1886.
occupies a half acre allotment in Theodocia Street. It is built of brick, is two stories in height, and contains about a dozen well appointed rooms. Immediately in the rear of the vicarage is St. Mary's Sunday school room, which is a wooden building on a concrete foundation. It contains seating accommodation for about five hundred persons.
M.A. (Oxford), Archdeacon of Timaru and Westland, and Vicar of St. Mary's, Timaru, is the eldest son of the late Bishop Harper, Primate of New Zealand, and was born at Eton, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1833. He was educated at Eton, and afterwards at Merton College, Oxford, where, in 1856, he graduated B.A. Mr. Harper then commenced to study for the ministry, and was ordained in 1856. About the end of
which occupies a prominent position in Barnard Street, Timaru, is a handsome concrete building with gallery, having seating accommodation for 700 adults. Large congregations attend the services, which are held morning and evening every Sunday. There are three Sunday schools in connection with the church; one, held in the church itself, is attended by about 200 children and from twenty-five to thirty teachers. The other schools are held in the mission church, Sandytown, and at the Timaru South public school. A monthly service is held by the resident minister at Fairview public school, where there is also a small Sunday school.
B.A., who has had charge of the Timaru Trinity Church since May, 1902, was born in 1865, in County Tyrone, Ireland. He was educated at the Assembly's College, Belfast, and at Queen's College in the same city, and graduated B.A. at the Royal University of Ireland in 1886. Two years later Mr. Stinson succeeded his father, the Rev. John Stinson, as minister of Ballyonagrane church, County Tyrone, and he ministered there till 1901. In that year he came out to New Zealand, via Australia, and soon afterwards settled at Timaru. Mr. Stinson was married, in 1902, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Pringle, J.P., of Annagh House, County Tyrone, Ireland.
Timaru. This congregation was founded in March, 1902, when 170 members left Trinity Church for the purpose. The adherents number about 400 adults. Services were at first held in the theatre, Stafford Street. At the end of 1902, the congregation arranged to build a handsome church on a site at the corner of Elizabeth and Banks Streets, at an estimated cost of £5000, including the price of a pipe organ. The church is to hold 600 adults. A Sunday school connected with the congregation has already about 100 scholars in attendance.
the Minister in charge of Chalmers Congregation, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He studied at the Edinburgh University, and was licensed to preach in Aberdeenshire. In 1883 Mr. Jackson arrived in Australia, where he had charge at Tumut, New South Wales, for five years, and was subsequently for a like period at Berry in the same colony. After a trip Home, in 1893, he returned to Australia, and was ministering for six years at East Maitland. At the end of 1900 Mr. Jackson arrived in Dunedin, to supply for the Rev. Dr Waddell. He was called to Timaru, and has been in his present charge since May, 1902.
Timaru. The parish, of which this church is the chief place of worship, extends from Mount Cook on the west to the Pacific shore on the east, and constitutes one of the strongholds of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. The work now carried on in the district was begun by the well-known pioneer priest, Father Chataigner, who was succeeded by Father Goutenoir. Archdeacon Devoy was the next to hold the charge, and he, in his turn, was succeeded by Dean Foley, and Father Hurlin, who was the purchaser of the Priory. The Very Reverend Father Lavis, who held the incumbency for two years, was called to Wellington in 1898, and Father Tubman was appointed his successor. The church property consists of about sixteen acres, and accommodates the church, priory, convent, and other institutions representing different phases of the Church's work. The church itself is a somewhat antiquated building, but the convent, standing some distance to the rear, and surrounded by well laid out and neatly kept grounds, is a substantial two-storey brick building, one of the best in the colony devoted to its purpose. The priory is a two-storey building, in concrete, and contains ten or eleven commodious apartments, including a spacious billiard room. The Marist Brothers' House, also a two-storey brick building, occupies a site on the opposite side of the road, which intersects the property. The boys' and the girls' schools, two distinct institutions, are well attended by Catholic children from all parts of the parish.
who has been Parish Priest of Timaru since 1898, was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1856, and commenced his education at the local National School; he subsequently studied at St. Mary's College, Dundalk, and completed his education at private seminaries in England and Ireland. Father Tubman was ordained by Bishop Woodlock, of Longford, in 1886, and spent the two succeeding years as a professor, first in St. Mary's College, Dundalk, and latterly at the Catholic University School, Dublin. In 1888 he left his native land for New Zealand, and spent three years at Wellington as a master of St. Patrick's College. He went to Timaru, in 1891, to take up
Bank Street, Timaru, was the second centre of Methodist interest in Canterbury in the early days. Wesleyan services were first held in the district at Sandytown in 1863, and the first church organisation dates from 1865. The site of the church was given by the Messrs Rhodes, and a wooden building was opened in October, 1865. In March, 1868, the church was reopened, with a considerable enlargement. The present stone church, which has seating accommodation for from 450 to 500 persons, was completed, in 1875, and the old building was moved back for use as a school. A sum of £1270 was spent on the original stone building, which was enlarged in 1890, by the addition of twenty feet and a chancel of wood. A Sunday school, attended by 272 children, who are in charge of twenty-seven teachers and officers, is connected with the congregation. The parsonage stands in Butler Street on a valuable site of half an acre. It is a two-storey wood and iron building of seven rooms, and cost about £400 when it was built in 1867. In 1890 it was enlarged and re-constructed at an additional outlay of £800. The minister in charge at Timaru holds periodical services at Pareora, Fairview, Claremont, Kingsdown, and Springbrook.
formerly Minister in charge of Timaru Circuit, was born in 1851, at the Kopua Mission station, Waipa, in the Upper Waikato. He is the fifth son of the late Rev. George Buttle, and was educated at Woodhouse Grove, near Leeds, and at Wesley College, Auckland. For six years Mr. Buttle followed farming in the Waikato, where he first began to preach. After two years' training at the Three Kings, he entered the active ministry in 1878. He was stationed at Kumara one year, Balclutha two years, Mornington two years, Gore two years, Masterton, Ashburton, and Sydenham, respectively three years each, Mornington four years, the second term, and completed a full term of five years in 1903. He entered on the charge at Timaru in 1897. Mr. Buttle was ordained, in 1882, in Durham Street Church, Christchurch. He was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. William Harris, of Christchurch, and has one daughter and one son. [After the foregoing article had been written the Conference of 1903 placed Mr. Buttle in charge of the New Plymouth circuit, where he succeeded the Rev. S. J. Serpell, who succeeded him at Timaru.]
Timaru, is situated in Barnard Street, and was established about 1885. It stands on a quarter of an acre of land, is built of wood and iron, with a gallery, and seating accommodation for 400 persons. A Sunday school, attended by eighty children, and in charge of ten teachers, is held in the church. Services are held periodically at Gleniti and Washdyke.
Minister in charge of the Primitive Methodist Church in Timaru, was born in 1845, near Belfast, Ireland. He studied for the Methodist New Connection, and came to Auckland in 1865, by the ship “Dauntless.” In 1878 he entered the Wesleyan church as a Home Missionary, and afterwards became a minister of the Free Methodist Church. At a later date he had charge of the Presbyterian church at Ngaruawahia, and was appointed to his present charge at Timaru by the Primitive Methodist Conference in 1900. Mr. Buchanen was married, in 1864, to a daughter of Mr. V. Tolerton, of Moira, near Belfast, and has five sons and one daughter.
has been established in Timaru since 1883. The barracks, which are built of brick, stand in Stafford Street, and were completed in 1892. There is seating accommodation for 400 persons, and the corps have a capital band. Adjutant Alexander Neilson is officer-in-charge.
Timaru. President, Mr. J. Lillico; referee, Mr. W. Gunn; treasurer, Captain J. L. Gillies; secretary, Mr. C. S. Fraser. This is one of the most popular institutions in the district. Meetings are held on the 1st and 2nd of January in each year. Usually about 6000 persons attend the sports, and sometimes £250 is given away in prizes. The Society was established in 1875, and it has spent about £1,500 in improving its grounds, on a domain reserve at the south end of Timaru. The improvements include stand and booths, and one of the best bicycle tracks in New Zealand.
Referee of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society, is a well-known chemist and dental surgeon. He is a native of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and received his education there. He learnt his business as a chemist in the north of Scotland and in Edinburgh. Coming to Timaru in 1875, Mr. Gunn commenced business on his own account. In 1890 he went to America and studied dentistry, getting his diploma as Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pennsylvania. He gives his chief attention to his profession as a dentist, a qualified assistant being in charge of his chemist's business. Mr. Gunn has always taken a keen interest in sport, having been identified with the Caledonian Society almost since its inception, and was president for several years from 1896. He is also honorary treasurer of the South Canterbury Jockey Club.
Race meetings are held on the Club's course at Washdyke, four miles from Timaru, twice a year—in April and September. The members number 200, besides twenty life-members. The race-course is a Government Reserve of 197 acres, vested in trustees for the benefit of the club, and has special railway communication on to the ground. Officers for 1902: President, Mr. E. R. Guinness; vice-president, Mr. J. Mundell; stewards, Messrs W. A. Aldred, N. K. Cox, H. Geaney, W. Gunn, W. Harper, W. Lawson, W. S. Lindsay, H. Lowry, D. Mahoney, J. C. Park, R. S. Reid, A. Scott, J. Smith, T. Teschemaker, and C. E. Thomas. The honorary offices are: Mr. C. N. Orbell, judge; Mr. W. Gunn, treasurer; Mr. W. S. Lindsay, timekeeper; Dr. Reid, surgeon; and Mr. C. A. Jefferson, clerk of the course. Mr. G. P. Wood is secretary; Mr. J. B. Rutland, clerk of the scales; Mr. J. E. Henry, handicapper; Mr. W. Brinkman, handicapper for the trots, and Mr. C. O'Connor, starter.
Timaru. Patrons—Messrs R. H. Rhodes, A. E. G. Rhodes, and G. H. Rhodes. President, Mr. W. Hay; Honorary Treasurer, Mr. W. Priest; Secretary, Mr. G. P. Wood: 1902. Until 1897 this popular association held its annual meetings at the show grounds at the northern end of the town. Owing, however, to increased demand for space it was decided to purchase twenty-one acres at Waimaitaiti, where the present show grounds were erected and made ready for the show in October, 1897. The position is very advantageous, having railway communication direct to the grounds. This change proved to be highly beneficial, the attendance and entries in that year being a record in the history of the association. The number of annual members is 200. All the buildings on the show grounds have been constructed on the most modern plans. The success of the association is in no small measure due to the energy of the secretary, Mr. Gordon P. Wood, who devotes much of his time to its interests.
Secretary of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was born in Suffolk, England, in 1859, and came with his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Lancashire Witch” in July,
Teacher of Music, Assembly Rooms, Timaru. Mr. White is a son of the Rev. J. White, of Pleasant Point, and was born on the West Coast. When twelve years of age he was organist of the Richmond United Methodist Free Church, Christchurch. Subsequently he was organist at King Street Congregational Church, Dunedin, and afterwards for thirteen years at the North Presbyterian Church, Dunedin. Mr. White studied music under Mr. Corrick, of Christchurch, and Mr. Barth, of Dunedin. In January, 1899, he became organist and choirmaster at Trinity Church, Timaru, and he also conducts private classes and receives a large number of pupils.
Musician, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's Chambers, Stafford Street, Timaru. Private residence, Rossini Cottage, Kingsdown. Mr. Wood was born in Bramley, near Leeds, in 1838, where he received his education and was brought up to the woollen trade. Developing a taste for string music, he spent all his spare time in cultivating this talent. He removed to Guiseley, where he lived for twenty years. Mr. Wood was a pupil of the late Mr. James Thornton, a well-known and exceedingly popular musician. He spent some of his time as a music teacher, and on his leaving Guiseley, a benefit concert—conducted by Mr. Thornton—was given in his honour. After spending two seasons at Harrowgate, and one at Skegness, he came to New Zealand by the ship “Crusader” in 1883, and lived in Christchurch for some years, securing a good circle of pupils. Subsequently, he settled in Timaru. His seven children are all musical, and he is assisted in his profession by one of his daughters, who teaches both the viola and piano. Mr. Wood holds a class in his rooms every Wednesday evening, and also gives private tuition in various parts of South Canterbury, his connection being a wide one.
Teacher of Pianoforte, Singing and Harmony, formerly of Timaru. Mr. Wolf was born in London in 1859. His father, a Hungarian and a lover of music, intended him for a commercial career, which, however, he soon abandoned, and determined to devote himself entirely to music. Arriving in Wellington early in 1880, armed with first-class credentials and letters of introduction, he was at once retained by the late Mr. R. W. Cary, impresario, at Wellington, to train choruses and principals for an amateur performance of “H.M.S. Pinafore,” which drew crowded houses in the Theatre Royal for a whole week. Mr. Wolf was afterwards engaged by the Wellington Choral society as conductor. In 1881 he was appointed conductor of Cary's “Pirates of Penzance” opera company, and brought out quite a number of operas, some of the most important being the “Pirates of Penzance,” “Sorcerer,” “H.M.S. Pinafore,” “Maritana,” “Les Cloches de Corneville,” and “Bohemian Girl.” Mr. Wolf gained splendid notices from the press and public throughout the Colony for the manner in which he conducted these performances. In 1882, he was appointed conductor of the operas produced by Signor Morley at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, and was commissioned to conduct comic operas for the Industrial Exhibition of Christchurch in 1883. Later he held the appointment of conductor of the choral and orchestral society in Ashburton. In 1886, he took up his residence in Timaru, and settled there as a teacher of pianoforte, singing, and harmony, and was very successful with his pupils. He left Timaru at the end of 1902, to follow his profession in Dunedin. Mr. Wolf is further referred to as a volunteer officer, at page 143, in the Military Section of this volume.
(South Canterbury branch), Stafford Street, Timaru; Head Office, Dunedin. The Timaru branch of this well known company was established in February, 1900. The business is carried on in a brick building, with a large piano saloon, shop and office. Mr. J. H. Coombs is manager.
(E. G. Kerr, proprietor), Timaru. This is a daily morning journal of four pages, and thirty-two columns, about thirteen of which are devoted to reading matter. The news comprises a full service of interprovincial telegrams and of cable messages, received through the Press Association. Few papers outside the four chief cities of the colony have more influence than the “Herald,” which daily circulates 3100 copies. Its special area lies between Ashburton and Oamaru, and extends back into the Mackenzie Country. A four page supplement is issued every Saturday, and contains, in addition to plenty of general reading, a large amount of information for the benefit of farmers. Politically, the “Timaru Herald” is against the Seddon Government. The offices of the paper are in a two-storey brick building in Sophia Street, opposite the post office. The ground floor contains the business offices and the machinery department, and the upper floor is occupied by the editorial and literary staff, and the composing and linotype rooms. Three linotype machines are in regular use, and there is a full jobbing plant. Mr. G. G. Fitzgerald is the editor, and Mr. E. G. Kerr, junior, a son of the proprietor, is manager.
Proprietor of the “Timaru Herald,” was born in 1845, in Glasgow, Scotland. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Sebastopol,” in 1861,
was originally established as a morning journal, in October, 1899, but, by arrangement with the proprietor of the “South Canterbury Times,” it was changed, in September, 1901, to an evening publication. The “Post, which is a supporter of the Seddon Government, has four pages of eight columns each; and fourteen columns are devoted to reading matter. The premises in Stafford Street were built in 1900; they are of brick, and are two-stories in height. The offices and machine rooms are on the ground floor, and the editorial, composing and jobbing rooms in the second storey. Two linotype machines are in use. A weekly supplement is issued on Saturdays. The paper is owned by the Timaru Post Company, Limited, which was incorporated in 1899. The directors are Messrs J. Craigie (chairman,) R. H. Bowie, A. Beck, J. McNab, J. J. Grandi, C. H. Tripp and T. D. Young. There are about 700 shareholders.
Manager of the “Timaru Post,” was born in 1857, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Calypso” in 1876. He gained experience of the printing trade, and was afterwards in the service of J. Wilkie and Co., for whom he acted as manager until he took up his present position in 1901. Mr. Munro was married, in 1888, to a daughter of Mr. A. Risk, of Dunedin, and has three daughters.
Editor of the “Timaru Post,” was born in Lyttelton, in 1864. He was educated in Canterbury, and began his connection with newspapers in 1882, as a reader in the “Lyttelton Times” office, Christchurch. Latterly he was assistant sub-editor on the “Times,” and served as such until he was appointed to his present position on the “Timaru Post” in September, 1901. Mr. Newman was married, in 1887, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Fryer, of Oxford, and has two daughters and one son.
Timaru, is situated in North Street. The building, which is constructed of brick, was erected in 1877, and is most conveniently fitted up throughout. The court sits for disposal of civil business every Wednesday, criminal cases being taken on Fridays and Saturdays. Mr. C. A. Wray is the stipendiary magistrate, and Mr. Thomas Howley, clerk of the court. The Supreme Court, which is presided over by Mr. Justice Denniston, holds three sittings a year, in the months of February, June, and September.
Stipendiary Magistrate and Coroner at Timaru, and Sheriff for South Canterbury, is a son of the late Capt. L. H. Wray, R.N., and was born in October, 1840. He was educated at the Royal Naval School, New Cross, near London, joined the Indian Navy in Bombay in 1856, and served through the Persian war of 1856–1857, and afterwards in the Naval Brigade, Bengal, 1857–1859 (Indian Mutiny). On the abolition of the service, he became entitled to a pension, and went to China, where he gained experience in a legal office at Hong Kong. In 1864, Mr. Wray arrived in Auckland by the barque “Migrator.” He was engaged for a time in survey work under the Government, and, in conjunction with Messrs Percy Smith, Wilson, and George Williams, executed surveys of military settlements on the West Coast of the North Island. On the outbreak of the Titokowaru rebellion, in 1868, he joined the Colonial Forces under Colonels McDonnell and Whitmore, and served as a captain in the New Zealand Militia during the war on the West Coast. On the termination of hostilities he was appointed to the charge of confiscated lands on the West Coast by Sir Donald McLean, and afterwards was Commissioner of Crown Lands for the West Coast district, North Island. In 1877 Mr. Wray was appointed Resident Magistrate for Patea and Hawera, and was transferred to Timaru in 1888. He holds two war medals for services in India and New Zealand. Mr. Wray was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. George Williams, of Remuera, Auckland, and has had three sons and three daughters.
Clerk of the District Court and Magistrate's Court, Deputy-Sheriff and Returning-Officer, Clerk to the Licensing Committee, and Registrar of Electors, is the fourth son of the late Mr. P. C. Howley, ex-High Sheriff for the county of Sligo, and a J.P. for the counties of Mayo and Sligo, Ireland. He was born in Baleek Castle, County Mayo, in 1840, and was educated at Clongowes Wood College, in Ireland, and was admitted to practise as a solicitor in 1863. In the same year he left his native country for the antipodes, arriving at Auckland by the ship “Helvellyn.” He entered the Government service and was or some time in the Deeds Department in Auckland, and in 1866 went to Wellington, where he was for three years in the magistrate's court. He was appointed clerk of the court at Timaru in 1869, and has held that position to the present time. Mr. Howley was married in 1871 to a sister of Mr. J. W. White, Crown solicitor, of Timaru, and has two daughters.
M.A., LL.B., Barrister and Solicitor, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Hay is a son of the late Mr. John Hay, of “Barbarafield,” Temuka, one of the pioneer settlers of Canterbury, and was born in 1861. He was educated at the Oamaru Grammar School,
Barrister and Solicitor, George Street, Timaru. Mr. Knubley was born in Cumberland, England, on the 15th of November, 1851. He was educated at Marlborough College, articled to Messrs W. and S. Rix, Beccles, Suffolk, and was admitted as a solicitor in England in 1875. After filling a position as managing clerk for a short time, Mr. Knubley came to New Zealand in December, 1876. The next year he was admitted a barrister and solicitor in Christchurch, and founded his present business at Timaru, where he acts as solicitor to the Timaru High, School Board, and the Timaru Gas Company. Mr. Knubley has taken a prominent interest in out door sports, and was at one time a leading member of the local football club. He has held a seat on the committee of the South Canterbury Athletic Club for fifteen years, and is now vice-president. Mr. Knubley is a member of the golf club, vice-president of the cricket club, and chairman of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. He was married in August, 1876, to a daughter of Mr. E. M. Clissold, of Cheltenham, England, sometime of Christchurch, New Zealand, and has four sons and three daughters. The eldest son was a member of the Second New Zealand Contingent on service in South Africa.
B.A., LL.B., Barrister and Solicitor, Timaru. Mr. Moore was born in Nelson, in 1872. He was educated at Nelson College, and went into the Crown Solicitor's office in his native city in 1889. In 1892 he removed to Wellington, where he was in the office of Messrs Brown, Skerrets and Dean, and afterwards with Messrs Morrison and Atkinson; and he was managing clerk for Messrs Skerrett and Wylie for six years. Mr. Moore graduated B.A. in 1893, took his LL.B. degree three years later, and was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in March, 1897. As a volunteer he was first lieutenant in the Zealandia Rifles, and, on the retirement of Captain Gillies in August, 1902, he became captain of the Timaru City Rifles. Mr. Moore was married, in February, 1902, to Miss Clarise Hunt, a well known contralte singer of Nelson.
(Cecil Thomas Henry Perry, and William Edward Kinnerney), Barristers and Solicitors, Stafford Street, Timaru. Cable Code: Western Union Telegraphic Code (Universal Edition), 1901. Correspondents: London—Messrs Longbourne, Stevens and Powell, 23 Palmerston Buildings, Old Broad Street, E.C.; Melbourne—Messrs Malleson, England and Stewart, 46 Queen Street; Glasgow—Messrs T. and R. Stout, 178 St. Vincent Street. Messrs Perry, Perry and Kinnerney are solicitors at Timaru for the Bank of New Zealand, the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, the National Mortgage and Agency Company, Limited, the Timaru Borough Council, the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, the Timaru Harbour Board, the Education Board of the District of South Canterbury, the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, the New Zealand Flourmillers' Co-operative Association, Limited, Evans' Atlas Roller Flour and Oatmeal Milling Company (Evans and Co., Limited), the Timaru Mutual Provident Building Society, Terminating, and the South Canterbury Woollen Manufacturing Company. This firm dates from about 1865, when the late Mr. A. Perry commenced the practice. In 1873 Mr. C. T. H. Perry joined his brother under the style of Perry and Perry. This style was continued till 1891, when Mr. W. E. Kinnerney joined the firm, and the firm's name was then changed to Perry, Perry and Kinnerney.
Senior Partner, is a son of the late Mr. Arthur Perry, an English solicitor, who died in Tasmania. He was born in 1846, at Hobart, and was educated at the Hobart High School, articled in 1885 to Messrs Allport, Roberts and Allport, of Hobart, solicitors, and was admitted as a solicitor in his native city in 1870. In 1873 Mr. Perry joined his brother, the late Mr. A. Perry, in Timaru, and has since then been prominently connected with the district. Mr. Perry was married, in 1874, to a daughter of Mr. W. Ouimette, of Canada.
was born in Wexford, Ireland, in 1854; and in 1862 he came to New Zealand. He was educated at private schools at New Plymouth, articled to Messrs Perry and Perry, of Timaru, and admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1891, when he became a partner in the firm. For some years previously he had held the position of managing clerk in the office. Mr. Kinnerney was married, in 1879, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Gray, of Auckland, but in, 1835 he was left a widower with one daughter.
(Samuel Frederick Smithson and Samuel George Raymond), Barristers and Solicitors, Stafford Street, Timaru. (Branch office, Geraldine.) This legal firm dates from July, 1883, when it was established under the style of White and Smithson. In 1885 the firm became White, Smithson and Raymond, and since May, 1888, the business has been conducted by the present firm. Mr. Smithson is a Notary Public, and the partners act as solicitors to the Levels County Council, the Geraldine Road Board, the Timaru branch of the Government Advances to Settlers Office, the local branches of the Bank of New South Wales, the National Bank, the South Canterbury Dairy Company, Limited, the Timaru Milling Company, Limited, and the Pioneer Terminating Society.
Senior Partner in the firm of Smith son and Raymond, was born in 1857, in the County of Durham, England. He was educated at Richmond school, Perthshire, studied mining for eighteen months, entered Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1877, was admitted to the Inner Temple in 1878, and was called to the bar in January, 1882. In the same year he came out to Canterbury, and settled in Timaru. He served as a member of the Timaru Borough Council for a time, and was lieutenant in the C Battery for three years. Mr. Smithson has taken a general interest in local sports and pastimes. He was married, in 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. Yuille Wardrobe, of Aberdeen, Scotland, and has one son and one daughter.
Junior Partner in the firm of Smithson and Raymond, was born in Victoria, in 1862. He was educated at Grenville College, Ballarai, and came to Timaru in 1879; was admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1883, and two years later he became a partner in his firm. Mr. Raymond is a supporter of all local sports. He was married, in 1896, to a daughter of the Rev. J. R. Barklie, and has one daughter.
(Charles Howard Tripp and Francis Joseph Rolleston), Barristers and Solicitors, Stafford Street, Timaru. This firm was established in 1901. Messrs Tripp and Rolleston have branch offices at Geraldine, where they attend every Wednesday, and at Pairlie, where they attend on the first Monday in the month.
Barrister and Solicitor, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. White was born near Limerick, Ireland, in 1839, and was educated in Tasmania. He entered a solicitor's office in Hobart, and afterwards had
M.R.C.S.; L.R.C.P.; F.R.C.S., Physician and Surgeon, Barnard Street, Timaru.
L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., L.M., Physician and Surgeon, Barnard Street, Timaru. Dr Dryden was born at Plymouth, Devonshire, England, was educated and took his degree in the Old Land, and practised for some time in his native place. He arrived in New Zealand in 1892, and was stationed at Fairlie till 1899, when he removed to Timaru.
M.R.C.S., L.S.A., Physician and Surgeon, Church Street, Timaru.
L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., L.M., Physician and Surgeon, Elizabeth Street, Timaru. Dr Reid was born in 1856, in Dunedin, where he was educated. He studied at Edinburgh, and took his degrees in 1878. On returning to the colony at the end of 1879 he practised for over six years at Milton, Otago, and since 1886 has resided in Timaru. He holds the rank of Brigade-Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel of the South Canterbury Battalion. His volunteer career commenced as Surgeon-Captain of the Milton corps in 1880, and he gained his V.D. in January, 1901. Dr. Reid is medical officer for the Borough of Timaru, and Port Health Officer, and has served for sixteen years on the medical staff of the hospital. He was married, in 1879, to a daughter of the late Mr. Peter Conning, of Edinburgh, and has two sons and two daughters.
M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.S.A. (Lond.), Physician and Surgeon, Arthur Street, Timaru. Dr. Thomas is further referred to at page 144 of this volume.
(Proprietors, Messrs Neville Speechly and Bartram Percy Ginders). Head Office, Gloucester Street, Christchurch; Timaru Branch. Stafford Street, Timaru. This branch was established in October, 1901, under the management of Mr. B. P. Ginders, and is carried on in a two-storey brick building, facing Stafford Street. The waiting room is attractively furnished, and the surgery contains all the latest American and English appliances necessary for successful dentistry.
Manager of the Timaru Branch of the American Dental Company, gained his early knowledge of dentistry with Mr. A. Hoby, L.D.S., of Wellington, under whom he served his apprenticeship. He gained his diploma as qualified dentist in Dunedin, in 1890, and ten years later, after holding various responsible positions, he joined Mr. Speechly in forming the American Dental Company. Mr. Ginders is referred to at page 957 of the Wellington volume of this work.
M.D., D.D.S., Dental Surgeon, Stafford Street, Timaru. Telephone 66. Dr. Cox was born in Preston, Lancashire, England, in 1869, and is a son of Mr. Edwin Cox, L.D.S., dentist, of Auckland. He was educated at the King Edward VI. school in Birmingham and learnt deutistry from his father and in America, where he studied for three years. Dr. Cox attended Michigan University, where he obtained his diplomas, and afterwards studied for two years in England, He came out to New Zealand and began practice in Timaru in 1893. Dr. Cox, who takes a great interest in athletics, is president of the Colonial Football Club, vice-president of the Rugby Union, and is identified with nearly every club in the district. He has interested himself in promoting the improvement of Timaru, and is secretary of the Timaru Beautifying Society.
Surgeon Dentist, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Gresson was born in Christchurch, where he qualified for his profession. He established his present business at Timaru, in 1900.
Surgeon Dentist, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Gunn's dental surgery is situated in the same building as his chemist's and druggist's shop, which is referred to in another article.
Surgeon Dentist, Church Street, Timaru. Mr. Rowley was born and educated in Birmingham, England. As a youth he was placed with Dr. Dunn, of Dudley, and under him studied dentistry and minor surgery. Subsequently he became assistant to Drs Woodall and Proctor, of Wednesbury, and acted with them for several years. Mr. Rowley arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Mystery,” in 1858. He founded his dental practice in Timaru in 1887.
Surgeon Dentist, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Scott was born near Milton, Otago, in 1872, and qualified for his profession in Dunedin in 1837. After practising for a time at Waimate he removed to Timaru, where he has since resided. Mr. Scott was married, in 1900, to a daughter of Mr. T. Evans, of Waimate, and has one son.
Chemist and Druggist, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Gunn's premises are centrally situated in the main street. He keeps a full stock of all the requisites of the trade. Mr. Gunn personally is referred to in another article as referee of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society.
Chemist and Druggist, The Pharmacy, Timaru. Mr. Oddie was born at Chelmsford, England, and educated at the Friends' Boarding School, Penketh, Lancashire. He served a six years' apprenticeship with a well known firm of Liverpool chemists, and came out to New Zealand by the s.s. “Arawa,” in 1886, under engagement to the New Zealand Drug Company, of Dunedin. On deciding to go into the retail branch of the business once more, he passed the standard examination under the Pharmacy Board, and was registered as a pharmaceutical chemist in 1892. In 1895 he acquired his present business, which is stated to be the oldest in the district. The premises are centrally situated in the main street, in a two-storey building of brick. Mr. Oddie was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. John Don, of Dunedin, and has one son and one daughter.
has been represented in Timaru since October, 1876. Its local business is conducted in a two-storey stone and brick building, which was completed in 1885. Six officers are stationed at Timaru.
Manager of the Timaru branch of the Bank of New South Wales, was born, in 1849, at Rio de Janiero. In 1864 he arrived in New Zealand, and entered the service of the Bank in the following year. Mr. Tennent was appointed to his
has been represented in Timaru since 1867. The first building used by the bank was a small wooden one, which occupied the site of the office of the “Evening Post” in Stafford Street. Its present premises, which are in stone, and two stories in height, were completed in 1876. The staff of the Timaru branch consists of the manager and six officers.
Manager of the Union Bank at Timaru, was born in 1859, in India. He was educated in Nelson and Christchurch, and entered the service of the Union Bank in 1875. Mr. Wroughton was married, in April, 1891, to a daughter of the late Hon. A. de Bathe Brandon, of Wellington, and has one son and one daughter.
at Timaru is centrally situated in Stafford Street. It is a two-storey grey stone building, and contains, besides the banking premises, the manager's residence. Eight officers are employed in connection with the branch, which is one of the Bank's principal offices, outside the four centres, and has clients throughout the surrounding districts, and as far back as the Mackenzie Country. The Bank of New Zealand was one of the first banking institutions represented in South Canterbury.
has been manager of the Timaru branch of the Bank of New Zealand since September, 1902. He joined the service in 1875 at Picton, where he was stationed for eighteen months; he was also three years at Nelson, five years at Wellington, three years at Blenheim, and was manager at Reefton for three years. Mr. Green was transferred in 1830 to Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, which he left in 1894, to take charge at Gore, whence he moved to Blenheim in 1897. He was transferred to Oamaru in 1900 and to Timaru in 1902. Mr. Green was born in Victoria, and came to New Zealand when a youth.
has been represented at Timaru since 1875, and the building it occupies was erected about 1882. It contains a banking chamber, the manager's office, stationery and strong rooms, besides three room on the first floor used for residential purposes by some of the staff. The nearest branch of the same bank to the north, is at Christchurch, and to the south, at Oamaru. There are five on the staff, in addition to the manager.
Manager of the National Bank at Timaru, was born in Edinburgh, on the 27th of November, 1850. He was educated in his native city, and entered the service of the Royal Bank of Scotland at the age of seventeen. For four years afterwards he had experience in Edinburgh in a legal and chartered accountant's offices, where he practically qualified as an actuary, and then joined the staff of the Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London, and China, in London. In 1873 Mr. Hamilton came to New Zealand as a member of the staff of the National Bank sent out to open the bank in the colony. Before becoming manager at Napier he was for a time accountant in the inspector's office in Wellington, and subsequently in Christchurch. Later on he became assistant manager at Dunedin, and was afterwards in charge of the Nelson branch, until he received his present appointment in 1892. Since his residence in Timaru Mr. Hamilton has taken a warm interest in agricultural and pastoral matters, and was instrumental in starting the local golf club. He was married, in 1887, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Renwick, a sheepfarmer of the south of Scotland, and niece of the late Hon. Dr Renwick, M.L.C., a large runholder in Marlborough.
Timaru Branch, Stafford Street, with Mr. C. A. Jefferson as district manager. Head office, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Queen Street, Auckland.
District Manager for the New Zealand Insurance Company and for the Citizens' Life Assurance Society, at Timaru, was born in Ayr, Scotland, in 1859, was educated at Shrewsbury, England, and was for a short time in a mercantile office in London. He came to the Colony in 1879, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits in South Canterbury for some years. Mr. Jefferson joined the New Zealand Insurance Company in 1890, and was appointed local representative of the Citizens' Life Assurance Society in 1897. As an amateur cross-country rider he has won many races. He is a member of the South Canterbury Hunt Club, and handicapper for the South Canterbury Athletic Club, and also a leading member of the Timaru Cricket Club. Mr. Jefferson interests himself in private theatricals and musical matters, and has also acted as secretary of the Timaru Liedertafel.
is situated in the Post-office Buildings, Timaru. The business was originally conducted by the postal staff, but since the
Resident Agent for the Government Life Department in South Canterbury, was born at Wanganui, in 1867. He was educated at Wanganui College, and entered the Government service in his native place. After about six years there he was stationed for a year at Chrischurch, and received his present appointment in January, 1890. Mr. Wicksteed takes a keen interest in athletics, particularly in cricket and bowls. He has been secretary to the Timaru cricket club and the South Canterbury Cricket Association. Mr Wicksteed was married, in October, 1901, to a daughter of Mr. John Strachan, Commissioner of Crown Lands at Wellington.
(Andrew Allan and Ernest Alfred Le Cren), General Commission and Insurance Agents, The Arcade, Timaru. This business was founded in 1892, by the senior partner, who was joined by Mr. Le Cren in August, 1902. The firm is agent for the Victoria Insurance Company and the National Mutual Life Association. It conducts a general commission and financial agency, and undertakes the sale of property and estates.
founder of the firm of Allan and Le Cren, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1857. After finishing his education, he joined the Bank of Scotland, and came out to Melbourne in 1882. He served in the Union Bank of Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. Mr. Allan removed to Timaru in 1887, and five years later established his business. In 1883 he married a daughter of Mr. Robert Lyall, of Berwick, Scotland, and has two daughters and one son.
of the firm of Allan and Le Cren, was born in Timaru, in 1868. After attending school, he went through a two years' course of training at the Lincoln Agricultural College. For a year afterwards he was on a station in the Mackenzie Country. Mr. Le Cren then became one of the staff of the National Bank at Timaru, and served there, and at Christchurch, for a period of sixteen years. In 1897, he married a daughter of Mr. E. G. Kerr, proprietor of the “Timaru Herald,” and has one son and one daughter.
(W. F. Burnley and Alfred Manhire), Insurance Agents, 129 Stafford Street, Timaru. This firm was constituted in 1901. It has the South Canterbury canvassing agency for the National Mutual Life Association.
the Senior Partner, is a son of Mr. W. F. Burnley, an old West Indian plantation owner, now residing in Edinburgh, where Mr. Burnley was born in 1860. Mr. Burnley, junior, was educated at Harrow, and intended for the Army, but, preferring a colonial life, he came out to Port Chalmers in the ship “Westland,” in 1879. He lived as a cadet on the Blackmount station, Southland, for two years, and for another year
Licensed Land Broker and Financial Agent, Timaru. Mr. Bowker is one of the earliest settlers of Timaru. He is a native of Huntingdonshire, England, where he was born in 1842, was educated at Peterborough, Northamptonshire, served his apprenticeship to the drapery business at Hertford, and was afterwards employed in a similar occupation in King William Street and Pimlico, London. In 1863 he came by the ship “Zealandia” to Lyttelton, and was for a time employed at Dunstable House, Christchurch, then being transferred from Mr. David Clarkson to Mr. William Pratt. After an experience in mining, Mr. Bowker removed to Timaru in 1865, and managed the drapery branch of Messrs. Clarkson and Turnbull's large business for two years. Having erected premises on a section of land he had purchased on his arrival, he commenced business on his own account. He subsequently erected the block of buildings now occupied by himself, Messrs. Ballantyne and Co., Mr. T. Wagstaff, and Mr. W. Miller. Mr. Bowker acts as attorney for absentees, and has a business, which is conducted by a manager, under his own supervision. Keenly interested in the welfare of Timaru, he has identified himself with the milling industry. His residence, “The Pines,” College Road, Timaru, is a charming house, with twenty-five acres of land attached. Mr. Bowker also owns a farm at the Hook, and interests himself in its general cultivation.
Land, Estate and Commission Agent, Timaru. This business was established in the year 1876 by Mr. Charles Bowker, father of the present pro prietor, and has for the last twenty-five years been recognised as the leading land and estate business in Timaru. Mr. Bowker acts as chief agent in South Canterbury for the North Queensland Insurance Company, Limited (Fire and Marine), and undertakes, on account of clients, the purchase and sale of property and any agency business.
Estate Agent, Accountant and Auditor, Church Street, Timaru. Mr. Gray was born at Bowerswell, Perth, Scotland, in 1847, educated at Harrow, and came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Celaeno,” in 1866. After gaining some experience of station life at the Land Company's Pareora station, he obtained the management of Otipua station, which he held for three years before purchasing, in 1872, a share in Ashwick station, where he resided and managed till he sold out in 1886. He then visited the Old Country before beginning his present business in 1887. Mr. Gray was one of the founders of, and for some years a successful competitor at, the meetings of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club. He has exhibited with, and been a member of, the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association and has served on the Mount Cook Road Board, the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, and the South Canterbury Board of Education.
(E. R. Guinness, Managing Director), Auctioneers, Stock and Station Agents, Strathallan Street, Timaru. This firm dates from 1890, and the company was incorporated in 1901. The premises consist of a two-storey brick building, with offices and stores, and there is an extensive seed-dressing plant driven by water power. The Company carries on business as merchants and importers and exporters. Periodical auction sales are held in various parts of the district almost daily, Mr. Guinness acting as auctioneer.
Accountant, Auditor, Customhouse, Insurance and General Agent, Cain's Terrace, Timaru. Mr. Jackson was born in 1857, in Victoria, and was educated principally in Christchurch, having come to New Zealand when a child. He joined the late firm of Miles and Co. and continued in the service of the firm till its dissolution in 1895, when he founded his present business. He acts as agent for the Imperial Fire Insurance Company, and for Mr. Hughes' Patent Office. Mr. Jackson was one of the original members of the Timaru Artillery Volunteer Cadet Corps, whose services were accepted in 1871, and commanded the corps for some years. On its disbandment in 1881 he joined the C Battery, New Zealand Artillery. He was successively sergeant-major, lieutenant and captain, and commanded the battery for ten years until it was converted into a rifle company in 1897, when he was placed, at his own request, on the unattached list with the rank of captain.
General Commission Agent, The Arcade, Timaru. This business was established in 1882. Mr. Orwin is district agent for the Australian Alliance Fire Insurance Company, and local agent for the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. He is secretary and treasurer to the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and is further referred to in that connection.
Accountant and Insurance Agent, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Raymond is referred to in another article as Captain of the Timaru Port Guards.
Auctioneer and Grain Merchant, Beswick Street, Timaru. This business was established in 1892, and has offices and auction rooms in Beswick Street, where weekly sales are held. Monthly sales are held at Fairlie, and casual sales as may be required. Mr. Rutland was born at Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, in 1850, and was brought by his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Isabella Hercus” in the following year. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and was brought up to mercantile life in that city. For seventeen years he was with Mr. C. W. Turner, and in 1886 was appointed manager of the Timaru Milling Company's mill. A few years later, Mr. Rutland resigned his position, and commenced business on his own account. He acts as
Commission Agent, Stafford Street, Timaru. This well-known, flourishing business was established by Mr. Wood on his severing his connection with Messrs. Gracie, Maclean and Co., of Timaru, in 1892. He is district agent for the great firm of Messrs. Massey-Harris and Co., implement-makers and bicycle manufacturers, of Toronto, Canada. Mr. Wood holds a number of public positions, and is referred to elsewhere as secretary of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
was born at Nelson, his father being Mr. Alfred Saunders, whose name has figured prominently in the politics of New Zealand. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and entered a mercantile office, in which he remained for five years, afterwards entering into farming pursuits in Canterbury for upwards of ten years. On the formation of the Levels County Council, he was appointed clerk, treasurer and collector, and held the position for many years. Mr. Saunders is married, and has two children.
Artist and Photographer, and Importer of photographic-sundries, Stafford Street, Timaru. This is the most important business of its kind in South Canterbury, and was originally established by Mr. Ferrier in 1881 in Fife's Buildings, opposite the Theatre Royal. He afterwards removed to the Royal Arcade, but his business continuing to expand, he again made a change to his present more commodious premises. The shop is stocked with sundries for supplying amateurs, etc., and the studio, 40 feet × 15 feet, is admirably lighted. There are also well-furnished waiting and retiring rooms. Mr. Ferrier makes a specialty of landscape work, specimens of which were forwarded to the Melbourne Exhibition of 1880. He is a working member of the Canterbury Art Society. Mr. Ferrier is a native of Edinburgh and came to the Colony with his father, the late Mr. David Ferrier, in 1869. He went for a time to a stationery business, but gained experience in photography under the late Mr. John Gall, who had the leading business in Christchurch at that time. Before coming to Timaru in 1881, he was in business in Oamaru as a member of the firm of Ferrier and Rock.
(Robert Mahan, proprietor), Arcade, Timaru; head office, Oamaru. The Timaru studio was established in October, 1902. It is situated on the first floor of McKeown's building, and is thoroughly well equipped in every respect. The branch is in charge of Mr. Frederick Muir.
Baker, Confectioner and Caterer, Budd's Refreshment Rooms, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established in 1891, and is conducted in a two-storey brick building, which contains a large shop and refreshment room below, and three well appointed tea rooms on the upper floor. During the last few years the proprietor has had the catering for many very large functions, including the farewelling of Contingents and the welcoming of returned troopers, besides the banquets for the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Governor, and the Premier. He has also catered for balls, in connection with some of which provision had to be made for about 2000 persons. Mr. Budd was born in 1857 at Staines, Middlesex, England, where he was educated and brought up to business by his father. He came to Lyttelton, in 1882, by the ship “Oamaru,” and was employed by Mr. J. Freeman, of Christchurch. For three
Baker and Confectioner, Patent Continuous Bakery, Corner of Stafford and Cannon Streets, Timaru. This business, which dates from 1877, is conducted in brick buildings, comprising a two-storey shop and dwelling, and a large bakery. About two tons of flour are used weekly, and bread is delivered throughout the district by two carts. Mr. O'Dowd, proprietor, was born in 1838, in County Mayo, Ireland. He learned his trade in Liverpool, and landed at Melbourne, Victoria, in March, 1858. After four years' experience in the Castlemaine, Forest Creek, and other diggings, he came to Otago, where for a short time he was on the Dunstan, and was in business for a few years at Hyde. Mr. O'Dowd afterwards removed his business to McRae's Flat, and some years later went to the West Coast where he carried on business at Brighton, Greymouth, and Kumara, until settling in South Canterbury in 1877.
Baker and Confectioner, Prince of Wales Bakery, Church Street, Timaru. This bakery was founded in 1876, by Mr. Jonathan Derby, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1878. The buildings are of concrete and stand upon a freehold section of twenty-four perches in extent and comprise a double-fronted two-storey shop and dwelling. About five tons of flour are used weekly, and eight men, including carters, are regularly employed. Three carts deliver goods throughout the district, and the proprietor does a large bread trade, and supplies many of the local shops with bread. Mr. Young was born in 1841, in Germany, where he learned his trade. He had two years' experience in London before coming to Auckland in 1862 by the ship “African.” After a month there he went to Sydney, where he remained until 1864. In that year he settled in Christchurch for a short time, and was subsequently working on the West Coast. From 1868 to 1876 he was in business at the Thames, and finally settled at Timaru in 1878. Mr. Young was married, in 1871, to a Miss Putney, of Chelmsford, England. His wife died in 1830, leaving one son and two daughters.
Brewer, Timaru Brewery, Timaru. Mr. Hole was born in Somerset, England, in 1851. He served an apprenticeship as a carpenter and builder, and for many years was a master builder in the Old Country. In 1879, he came to New Zealand. After assisting in the building of the Timaru Post Office, Mr. Hole started in business in Timaru as a carpenter and builder. Ten years later he bought the Timaru Brewery from Messrs Annetts and Co., and with Mr. Annetts continued to conduct the business. In 1899 the firm was turned into a limited liability company, under the style of J. Hole and Co. This company supplies the various hotels throughout the South Canterbury district, and the business is increasing. Mr. Hole was a member of the Timaru Borough Council for ten years. He has also taken an active interest in the welfare and working of the Mechanics' Institute. Mr. Hole was a member of the Timaru High School Board for several years, but afterwards resigned in favour of Archdeacon Harper. He was married, in 1875, to a daughter of Mr. William Couch, of Wiltshire, England, and has a surviving family of one son and two daughters. Mr. Hole was Mayor of Timaru in 1900, and is at present (1903) a member of the Harbour Board.
Builder and Contractor, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Foster was born in Deal, Kent, England, in 1856, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton, when he was three years of age. He was educated in Timaru. His father, who was one of the Deal boatmen, came out to work the surfboats at Timaru, and died in 1900, at the age of seventy-six. His widow still survives. Mr. P. Foster was apprenticed to the building trade, and found employment as a journeyman in Timaru till 1882, when he went to Australia and worked in connection with buildings in Melbourne till 1894, when he returned to his native town, and established his present business. The premises in Stafford Street consist of a substantial brick workshop, standing on a quarter of an acre of freehold land. Mr. Foster has erected a good many buildings in the district, and had the contract for re-instating the High School's woodwork, which was destroyed by fire. He served for three years as a volunteer in the old battery of Artillery, and as a Freemason he is connected with Lodge Caledonian, N.Z.C. Mr. Foster was married, in January, 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Thornton, builder and contractor, Timaru, and has one son and three daughters.
Builder and Contractor, Timaru. Mr. Hall was born on the 1st of October, 1838, at Copenhagen, Denmark, and was brought up as a bricklayer and plasterer. He came out to Victoria in 1853, and was
Building Contractor, King Street, Timaru. Mr. Parks was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1841, and educated at the village of Benson. On leaving school he was apprenticed to the building trade, and, at the age of thirty-three, arrived in New Zealand. He was engaged as a carpenter at Christchurch until 1875, when he removed to Timaru. In 1901 he was elected to represent the South-west Ward in the Timaru Borough Council, having previously served a brief term as a member for the South-east Ward. Mr. Parks has always taken a considerable interest in matters connected with schools and churches. He was for some time a member of the South School committee, and is now (1903) a deacon in the Presbyterian church.
Builder and Contractor, Corner of North and Wilson Streets, Timaru; Yards, Bank Street. Mr. Palliser was born at Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire, England, in 1854. He learned his trade as a builder there, came out to New Zealand by the ship “Northumberland,” settled at Timaru, and at once founded his business as a builder. Among the many public and private buildings he has erected may be mentioned the Salvation Army Barracks, the Empire Hotel, Mrs O'Driscoll's residence, and Ellerton Grange, the residence of Mr. William Grant. He also erected the public school, post office, and Royal Hotel at Temuka, and the Winchester, Fairlie, and Pleasant Point Hotels. Before coming to New Zealand, Mr. Palliser was a volunteer life-boatman at Saltburn for fifteen years. He takes a great interest in sporting, fishing, and shooting, and has been for many years a member of the South Canterbury Fishing Club. When only fifteen years of age, he was successful in winning a gold watch and chain, in an angling competition. Mr. Palliser was married, in 1876, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Warwick, of Dewsbury, and has seven sons and five daughters.
Builder and Contractor, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established in 1890, and since that time some of the most important buildings in and around Timaru have been erected by Mr. Pringle, such as the Empire Hotel, and shops adjoining; Mr. William Grant's residence, the residence of the late Mr. Thomas Driscott, and many others. Mr. Pringle, who was born in Newstead, Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1847, was brought up to the building trade under his father. When twenty-four years of age, he went to America and remained in the States six years; he arrived in New Zealand in 1878, making Timaru his home. He is a member of the local Oddfellows lodge, is married, and has five children.
Builder and Contractor, Charles Street, Timaru. Mr. Tooth was born in February, 1854, in Warwick, England, and arrived in Timaru by the ship “Peeress” in 1874. For some years he worked as a carpenter and joiner, and in the early eighties spent about three years at his trade in Auckland. He returned to Timaru in 1885, and three years later founded his present business there. Among other large contracts, Mr. Tooth has erected a splendid building for the Farmers' Co-operative Association, and made the additions to the Timaru Hospital in 1902. He has also erected many residences in town and country.
Builder and Contractor, Maori Hill, Timaru. Mr. Wallace was born in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands, in 1854, and came to Lyttelton with his parents when he was six years of age. He was apprenticed in Timaru, and has found constant employment in connection with his trade since 1867. Before establishing business on his own account in 1892 he was employed chiefly as a joiner. His yard and workshop are situated at the back of his residence at Maori Hill, where he owns an acre of freehold land. Mr. Wallace has erected a large number of residences and cottages around the district within a radius of forty miles. In the early seventies he served for about three years in the first Artillery Corps. Mr. Wallace was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. Duncan Cameron, of Timaru, who was drowned while engaged in life boat rescue work. Mrs Wallace died in December, 1880, leaving two daughters. In 1883 Mr. Wallace was married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Cooper, of Muskham, Nottinghamshire, England, and has five sons and five daughters by this union.
(William Werry And William Henry Hunt), Builders and Contractors, Timaru. This business was established a good many years ago by Mr. Werry, who was joined by Mr. Hunt in 1895. The firm has done a great deal of work for the borough council in kerbing and channelling, and has erected many important buildings in town and country. Among these may be named the Farmers' Co-operative Building (brick and plaster work), the Pareora Buildings, the Arcade, Mr. William McKeown's buildings, and Messrs Thomson's Coronation Buildings. The firm has also completed contracts for extensive water-races in the North Island.
Founder of this firm, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1845, and learned his trade under his father, who was also a builder. In 1876 he came out to Nelson, by the ship “Caroline.” Shortly afterwards he removed to Timaru, and afterworking at his trade, commenced contracting with two partners under the style of Cooper, Werry, and Richards. He was interested in the erection of bridges in the Levels district, and was joined by his present partner in 1895. Mr. Werry was married, in 1870, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Harris, of Truro, Cornwall, and has two sons and two daughters.
Junior Partner in the firm of Werry and Hunt, builders and contractors, was born in 1854, in Devonshire, England. He was apprenticed as a bricklayer, and worked at his trade until coming to Lyttelton in the ship “St. Lawrence,” in 1874. He went to Timaru on his arrival, and has been a settler in the district ever since. His firm has erected a considerable number of prominent buildings in the district, and has carried out large contracts for water-races in the Wairarapa, North Island. Mr. Hunt was married, in 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Beswarick, of Cornwall, and has five sons and three daughters surviving.
Coach Builder and Wheelwright, Stafford, Turnbull, and Cliff Streets, Timaru. These large premises, which cover an area of a quarter of an acre, were erected by Mr. John Barrett in 1876, and with the business came into the possession of Mr. Grandi in 1890. The main building fronting Stafford Street is a two-storied brick structure with iron roof, and comprises show rooms and painters' shop, with the workshops at the back. Mr. Grandi has in use the latest and best machinery necessary for the trade, and imports all his material from England and America. He now (1902) also carries on farm implement making, and heavy work, in addition to coach building. In connection with this branch of his business, Mr. Grandi has secured the extensive premises and plant lately in use by Messrs Reid and Gray. He has a complete plant of the necessary machinery, and one of West's patent tyre-setters, for which he holds the sole right for South Canterbury. Mr. Grandi is elsewhere referred to as a former Mayor of Timaru.
Aerated Water, Cordial and Pickle Manufacturer, South Canterbury Aerated and Cordial Works, Le Cren's Terrace, Timaru. Private residence, Otipua Road.
Timaru. Directors: Messrs A. C. Thompson (chairman), W. B. Howell, R. H. Bowie, C. W. Isitt, J. H. Swainey, H. Sadler, J. Jackson, W. Wreford, and J. E. Hurdley; Secretary, Mr. E. B. Amyes; Manager, Mr. W. C. Dixon. This Company was incorporated in May, 1901, with a capital of £10,000 in £1 shares. A good proportion of the capital has been alloted. The factory stands on an acre and a half of land on Maori Hill, and has been at work since February, 1902. It has creameries in operation at Temuka, Albury, Pleasant Point, Fairlie, and St. Andrews. The building is of brick, with damp-proof walls and concrete floors throughout, and the department consists of separator and cream and butter rooms, and engine and boiler houses; the cool chambers are divided into two departments. There is a ten-horse power engine, and the separator has a capacity of 440 gallons per hour, and the large box churn a capacity of 600lbs. The boiler has a capacity of fourteen-horse power. The cream cooling vat is of the latest design by Topliss and Middleton, and there is a six-foot butter worker by the same firm. One of Anderson's butter printers, driven by belt power, is also employed. The factory is fitted with a primus pasteuriser, and a three-ton Hercules refrigerator. The Company, in addition to producing butter and supplying milk daily to a large number of customers by two delivery carts, sells its produce of butter locally, any surplus being exported.
Manager of the South Canterbury Dairy Company's Factory at Timaru, was born in Dunedin in 1870. He was educated in his native city, gained early experience as an accountant, and was afterwards trained as an engineer. Mr. Dixon was secretary and assistant for a year at the Le Bon's Bay butter factory, Banks' Peninsula, and for three years subsequently he performed the duties of manager and secretary. In 1898 he removed to Rangiwahia, near Feilding, Rangitikei, and had charge of the factory there for two years, when he left to take charge of the Tai Tapu factory, where he remained for a year. He has had charge of the factory at Timaru since its establishment, and directed the preliminary operations in connection with its construction. During Mr. Dixon's term at Rangiwahia, the butter from that factory scored the highest average for all graded butter at the Wellington cool stores, and in the following year the Tai Tapu company experienced a like result at the Lyttelton cool stores under his management—a record he bids fair to maintain in his present position. As a volunteer Mr. Dixon served for three years in the Dunedin City Guards.
Secretary to the South Canterbury Dairy Company, was, in conjunction with the chairman, Mr. A. C. Thompson, one of the prime movers in the establishment of the South Canterbury Dairy Company, Limited. He was born in Hereford, England, and as a boy arrived in Port Chalmers in 1862, by the ship “Bombay.” He was educated at Waikouaiti and Palmerston, and gained experience of farming, and of mercantile life in the Palmerston district. After two years in the North Island Mr. Amyes farmed for some years in the Selwyn district, and for four years afterwards near Palmerston. He settled in South Canterbury in 1888, and has been engaged in farming in several parts of the district. He is an enthusiast in regard to dairy factories, and there is every reason to expect that his Company will be very successful. As a volunteer he served in the Palmerston Rifles for two years. He was married, in 1881, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Oxley, of Waikouaiti, and has two sons and one daughter.
Timaru, Christchurch, and Basinghall Street, London. The South Canterbury house of the well-known firm of Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., of Christchurch, Timaru, and London, makes no pretence to any architectural features on the outside, but inside, with judicious alterations extending backwards, it is probably the most compact and conveniently arranged in the colony.
These are on the west side of Stafford Street South, and contain 18,000 feet of floor space, for general drapery, costumes, tailoring, etc. On the opposite side of the street is
with 7000 feet of floor space, making a total of 25,000 square feet wholly devoted to the display of goods.
These rooms are well arranged, and perfect provisions have been made for sanitation by the firm's architect, Mr. J. S. Turnbull, who has personally supervised the later additions to the premises. The firm has a compact
and the main warehouse, the annexe and the factory are connected in all the departments by private telephones. The firm gives constant employment to
and the nature of the business is such that each one has full employment each week and all the year round. The district of Canterbury that is covered by the operations of the firm's Timaru house extends southwards from the Rangitata to the Waitaki, and inland to the Mackenzie Country, and the representatives of the firm cover this ground twice yearly to its extreme points, and three times in the more central districts. The growth of the business of Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co., of Timaru, has kept pace with the development of the district. The larger operations of the firm's Christchurch house may seem to overshadow the Timaru business, but the progress of the two houses has been on somewhat different lines. Christchurch, with its large and compact population, appeals more to the imagination, but Timaru, with its population of about 6000, is the distributing centre of a growing and prosperous district entirely agricultural and pastoral, and the special supply has followed the demand, as trade necessarily follows the settlement of the land. A view of
is given in this article, and this, and the five views of the interior, give some idea of the arrangements of the premises. The principal departments are: drapery and household furnishings (illustrated) carpets and floor coverings; dresses and silks (illustrated), with costume-making and ladies' tailoring as a special study. The firm occasionally sends promising
with hosiery and gloves occupy a block in the centre of the premises, and are in the direct way to the principal showroom; a view showing the principal stairway to the showroom marks the position of the department. Approaching by the stairs, the principal showroom (illustrated) is found to be a handsome, well lighted apartment, stocked with the latest novelties. A second showroom, for underclothing and costumes, makes the approach to the private fitting rooms, of which there are four, and the workrooms for dressmaking, etc.
for tailoring, outfitting and mercery have a separate entrance, with fitting, measuring, cutting and workrooms, in which a large military business is carried on, the full
being a special department of the firm's Timaru house. On the opposite side of Stafford Street,
is conducted in the annexe of one of the showrooms, of which a view is here given. Here is stocked New Zealand made furniture from the steam factory of the firm in Christchurch, and also from the firm's local workshops, in Latter Street, Timaru.
has been kept fully employed on special orders, and the demand is always for well manufactured goods, of good design and taste. Generally, it may be said of Timaru, that the public want honest goods; and the experience of the Messrs Ballantyne in their own business has always been that the people of Canterbury prefer quality to “sweated” manufactures. The daily interchange between the Christchurch house of Messrs Ballantyne and the Timaru house is of great help to each, and enables the firm's customers to secure novelties from the firm's direct shipments to Christchurch or Timaru.
are in Basinghall Street, E.C., and a member of the firm, with a staff of buyers, controls the firm's English and Continental business. Both Timaru and Christchurch receive direct shipments by every mail steamer reaching the colony, and the firm pays very large sums in Customs duties. One marked feature of Messrs Ballantyne and Co.'s business is the large amount of post orders,
meeting the wants of the firm's customers in all parts of the colony. The connections of the firm extend to every district in New Zealand, and when once it secures an introduction, the client is rarely lost sight of. This arises from the very nature of the
and the extensive class of goods dealt with; mere lowness of price is of no value to the firm, and there is no pretence of selling under cost price. A tradition of the house is
All who know the value of true commerce will hope that these principles may continue, and that the mutual good feeling and the solidarity of the Ballantynes and their employees may grow firmer with each development of their business.
(manager, H. R. Asquith), corner of Stafford and George Streets, Timaru. This well known business was established in 1872, by Messrs Gabites and Plante. About 1890 Mr. Gabites took over the business on his own account, and since his death, in 1898, it has been conducted by a manager. There are boot, clothing, and general outfitting departments, and the firm is a large importer.
manager of the business, was born in 1868, in Christchurch, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to Messrs Cook and Crocker, and gained experience in London. For some time he was employed in Messrs Hordern Brothers' establishment, Pitt Street, Sydney, and afterwards became manager of a business on the Richmond river, New South Wales. In 1893 Mr. Asquith came back to Christchurch, and was for a short time in the employment of Messrs Ballantyne and Co., and for six years afterwards he managed the drapery business of Messrs Manchester Bros. and Goldsmith, in Waimate. In 1901 he accepted his present position at Timaru. For a year Mr. Asquith served as a member of the Sydenham Rifles in Christchurch. He has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, since 1888, and has passed all the chairs in the lodge and district, and has been Grand Master of the Lyttelton district. Mr. Asquith was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr. J. I'Anson, of Christchurch, and has two sons and two daughters.
(Hallenstein Bros. and Co.), J. M. South, manager, Timaru branch, Stafford Street; head office, Dunedin. This branch was opened in 1877, in a double fronted brick shop erected on freehold land. A large stock is always on hand.
Manager of the Timaru branch of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, was born in Christchurch, in 1869, and educated at Timaru. Having learned his business in the district, he gained experience under several firms and received his present appointment in March, 1899. Mr. South is a member of the Timaru Lodge of Druids. He was married, in August, 1901, to a daughter of the late Mr. G. Proctor, of Christchurch, and has one daughter.
Draper, trading as T. and J. Thomson, Stafford Street, Timaru. This firm was established in 1883 by Mr. T. Thomson and Mr. J. P. Thomson, the partnership being dissolved five years later. The fine new block of two-storey brick buildings was erected in 1902. The business premises include three double-fronted shops. About 70 per cent of the total goods sold are imported direct, and a large staff is employed by the firm.
the Proprietor, was born in 1855, at Dalkeith, near Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was educated. His father had owned a drapery establishment in that locality for over forty years, and the son had a thorough grounding in every branch of the business. In 1874 he came out to Port Chalmers by the ship “Invercargill,” and after a few years of station life he moved to Timaru and took a position as book-keeper in a drapery house, but started on his own account in 1883. Mr. Thomson served as a member of the Timaru Borough Council for three years, and has been identified with the Beautifying Association and other kindred associations for the advancement of Timaru. As a volunteer in the Old Country he was a member of the Glasgow Engineers, and was afterwards connected with the second Midlothian Regiment, and in the colony he attained to the rank of sergeant in the Timaru Rifles. Mr. Thomson likes social recreations and a good horse, but he is at the same time studiously attentive to business. He was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. S. Robinson, of Timaru, and has one daughter and one son.
House Furnisher, corner of Stafford and Woollcombe Streets, Timaru. Mr. Webster has conducted his business since 1887, and removed to his present premises in 1900. He occupies a two-storey brick building, with a large verandah. The ground floor is used as a show room, the storage rooms being on the concrete basement below. Mr. Webster was born near St. Andrews, Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1858, and was brought up as a gardener. In 1860 he landed at Port Chalmers in the ship “Henrietta,” and found employment for eighteen months in Dunedin as a gardener. For a year afterwards he worked at his calling in Oamaru, when he returned to Dunedin, and was employed by Mr. James Rattray for some time. Mr. Webster had mining experiences at Gabriel's Gully and the Dunstan, for two years and a half, and then returned to gardening, this time in Southland. He was gardener to the late Mr. B. Rhodes, and the late Hon. John Martin, in Wellington, and, about 1871 he removed to Timaru, where he conducted a grocery business, till 1887, when he commenced his present business. Mr. Webster was married, in 1872, to Miss Cullman, sister to Mr. F. Cullman, of Timaru. This lady died
Painter and Decorator, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established by Messrs Dickinson and Griffiths in 1892; and has been conducted by the present owner since 1901. The premises consist of a brick building of two stories, with a shop and work-room below, and writing and painting rooms upstairs. The proprietor has done a large amount of decorative work throughout the district, and, at the end of 1902, renovated the residence of Mr. Rhodes at “Claremont,” previous to the Governor, Lord Ranfurly, taking up his residence there. Mr. Griffiths was born at Hokitika, and was educated at Dunedin. He served an apprenticeship of five years in Timaru, and worked as a journeymen for Mr. G. G. Murdock, before joining the business which he now owns. He was a member of the old City Band for some years, and was also connected with the Garrison Band for eight years, during six of which he was secretary. In 1894 he visited Invercargill with his band, and was successful in gaining the second prize medal. Mr. Griffiths is a member of Court Southern Cross, Ancient Order of Foresters, and has passed the chairs including that of the D.C.R. As a Freemason he belongs to Lodge Caledonian, No. 16. Mr. Griffiths was married, in March, 1890, to a daughter of Mr. George Philpott, of Wellington, and has three sons.
Painter and Decorator, The Arcade, Timaru; private residence, Latter Street. Mr. Murdoch established his business in 1878. The premises consist of a convenient shop on the ground floor, where he has a large stock of paper-hangings, and other goods required in decorating. Mr. Murdoch has carried out contracts for a great many private and public residences in town and country, including the Trinity Presbyterian Church. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1845, and was educated and taught his trade in his native city. Mr. Murdoch arrived in Timaru, on the 1st of April, 1874, having transhipped from the ship “City of Glasgow” at Lyttelton. He was married, in 1868, in Scotland, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Allan, of Dundee, and has one son and four daughters.
Hairdresser, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established, in 1892, and is conducted in a wooden building of two stories, part of which is used as a residence. The saloon has three patent chairs, and is well appointed throughout. Mr. McClatchy was born in Timaru, in September, 1876, and began to learn his trade at the age of nine years. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, and as a Freemason is attached to Lodge Caledoman, No. 16, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. McClatchy was married, in January, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. George Latimer, of Timaru, and has two sons
George Street, Timaru. This hotel is situated opposite the railway station, and contains twenty-three rooms, including commercial and sample rooms, dining-room and parlours, exclusive of those used by the family.
formerly Proprietor of the Club Hotel, Timaru, is a son of the Rev. Richard Searle, of Hemel, Hempstead, Herts, England, where he was born in 1847. In early life he was valet to the late Lord Ashburton, and came to New Zealand in the ship “City of Dunedin,” in 1860. After an experience in hotel life in the Clarendon Hotel, Christchurch, and the Imperial Hotel, Dunedin, Mr. Searle entered the service of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand in Dunedin. There he remained till 1892, with an intermission of two years, which he spent in the Old Country. On resigning from the service of the Bank, Mr. Searle bought the Waterloo Hotel, Caversham, and kept it for four years. While there he had the honour of catering for a banquet given to Lora Onslow in the Garrison Hall, by the citizens of Dunedin. Since 1896, he has let this hotel. Subsequently he took over the Queen's Arms Hotel, Dunedin, and later the Empire Hotel and Railway Refreshment Rooms, Palmerston South. Mr. Searle took another trip to the Old Country in 1898, and returned the following year. He is a member of the Timaru Caledonian Lodge of Freemasons, and has been a member of the Order of Foresters. Mr. Searle was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Saffhill, of Uxbridge, Middlesex, England. In March, 1899, he took over the Club Hotel, Timaru, and afterwards owned the Wedderburn Hotel, Central Otago, and the Imperial Hotel, Princes Street, Dunedin.
(Henry Rothwell, proprietor), Stafford Street, Timaru. This hostelry, which is considered the handsomest building of its kind in Timaru, is situated within three minutes' walk of the railway station. On the ground floor are the bars, bar-parlour, commercial, dining, and billiard rooms, besides the kitchen and offices. Twenty-eight bedrooms and two bathrooms are on the first floor, and the entire premises
Timaru. This hotel is situated in Stafford Street South, about five minutes' walk from the Railway Station, or Post Office. The house is well built of stone and concrete, and contains twenty-three rooms, including a commercial room, dining-room, billiard-room, and bath-room. Hot and cold water is laid on throughout the house, which is also fitted throughout with electric bells.
proprietor of the Timaru Hotel, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, on the 10th day of May, 1873. In 1889 he came to Dunedin, via Australia, and had some experience in country life. He was employed for five years at the Levels station, for a year by Mr. William Grant, and for a year by Mr. A. Humphrey, of Seadown. On removing to Ashburton, Mr. Tobin was employed for three years at the Fairfield freezing works. He became proprietor of the Timaru Hotel in July, 1901. Mr. Tobin is a member of the Hibernian Benefit Society, of the Ashburton Working-men's Club, and of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, and the Timaru Trotting Club. He was married, on the 27th of June, 1901, to a daughter of Mr. J. Dennis Murphy, of High Bank, Rakaia, and has one son.
formerly Proprietor of the Timaru Hotel, was born in Cardigan, Wales, in 1853. He went to sea at an early age on his father's ship, a China tea clipper. After serving a four years' apprenticeship with the Shire line of Liverpool, he was successively second mate of the ship “Rutlandshire” and chief mate of the barque “Annie Gambles,” and the barquentine “Swallow.” In seafaring circles Captain Morgan was better known as having been master of the barquentine “Annie Bow,” and the barque “Ganymede.” He traded between London and New Zealand for the last ten years of his seafaring life, and retired from the sea in 1887. Having made a large number of friends in Timaru, he took over the Royal Hotel there, and remained in it for about three years. Subsequently he had the Commercial Hotel, Timaru, the Makikihi Hotel, Makikihi, and the Royal Hotel, Christchurch. In February, 1899, Captain Morgan returned to Timaru, and took over the Timaru Hotel, from which he retired about the middle of 1900. He was a member of the Timaru Caledonian Lodge of Freemasons, and also a member of the Druids' Lodge. Captain Morgan, who married a daughter of the late Mr. Alex. White, of Timaru, and had one son, died in January, 1902.
(no license), Corner of George Street and Cain's Terrace, near railway station, Timaru. This fine hotel consists of a three-storey brick building with basement, and contains about fifty lofty rooms. It is well furnished, and is very popular under the management of Mrs Werry.
South Canterbury branch (H. H. Denny, manager), George Street, near railway station, Timaru. Head office, Hereford Street, Christchurch. The Timaru branch of this business was established in 1902. The showroom is in a brick and iron building, with a concrete floor, and a full stock of implements and parts is maintained at the branch.
Manager of the South Canterbury branch of Cooper and Duncan, Limited, was born in 1865, in Tasmania. He carried on farming on his own account for about fifteen years, but, having leased his farm for five years, he came to New Zealand for a holiday, in April, 1901. After visiting various parts of the colony, he took up his present position at Timaru, in March, 1902. Mr. Denny was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. H. Weeks, of Tasmania.
(James Currie and Benjamin North), Plumbers and Gasfitters, Stafford Street, Timaru. This firm was established in 1893, and its business is conducted in a one-storey brick and plaster building containing a shop, office, and workshop. The firm keeps a full plant for the preparation of all kinds of sanitary and hot water appliances.
Senior Partner in the firm of Currie and North, was born in 1869, in County Tyrone, Ireland. In 1876 he accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Duke of Edinburgh,” and learned his trade under Mr. James Craigie, of Timaru. After four and a half years' experience in Melbourne, he established his present business in 1893. Mr. Currie served as a volunteer in the Melbourne Militia for two years and a half, and since his return to New Zealand has been connected with the Timaru Rifles. He is also a member of the local Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Currie was married, in 1895, to Miss Lawrie, of Dunedin, and has had four sons and two daughters. Both the daughters have died.
Junior Partner in the firm of Currie and North, was born in London, in 1872. He came to New Zealand in 1876, and learned his trade in Timaru. Mr. North has served as a volunteer in the
Engineer, Iron and Brass Founder, Maori Hill Foundry, Timaru. These works were established in 1872 by the late Mr. James Hatton, who died in March, 1892. The buildings are of iron and wood, and contain all the necessary machinery and plant. Mr. Hatton, the present proprietor, was born in Christchurch in 1884, learned his trade in Timaru, and afterwards gained experience in Melbourne. He worked with his father till the latter's death, and has since conducted the business on his own account. He manufactures iron work for verandahs, tomb-railings and also makes ranges and does repairs to all kinds of machinery. He has found a considerable amount of work in connection with local machinery, and has also cast fire bells both large and small. Since 1881 Mr. Hatton has been connected with the local Artillery Band, now known as the South Canterbury Battalion Band. He is a member of the Lodge of Druids, No. 11, and, as a Freemason, belongs to Lodge Caledonian No. 16.
Engineer and General Blacksmith, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established in 1872, by the firm of Oglivie and Byers, and was acquired by the present proprietor in November, 1898. The buildings, comprising large shops of wood and iron are erected on a section of half an acre of land. The plant is driven by an Otto gas engine of nine horse power, and includes punching, shearing, screwing, and drilling machinery, and three forges. Contracts for the erection of new iron work as well as repairs are undertaken; and verandah work is one of the specialties of the business. Mr. Palmer was born in Christchurch, on the 1st of November, 1858, served his apprenticeship at Southbridge, and afterwards gained further experience with the well-known firms, of Messrs Booth and Macdonald, and J. Anderson, of Christchurch. He was engaged in bridge construction with the latter firm and subsequently worked at Middlemarch and Hyde, in Central Otago, in connection with bridge building. During his time Mr. Palmer has erected about eighteen bridges in various parts of the South Island; he carried out a number of contracts in the Timaru district before acquiring his present business. As a Freemason he is connected with Lodge Caledonian, No. 16, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Palmer married, in 1887, a daughter of Mr. James Smeeton, a blacksmith, of Taieri, and has one son and one daughter.
Engineer, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established by Mr. Parr in 1892, in small premises on the other side of the street. The building now occupied stands on half an acre of land. It consists of a large brick shop, with a residence adjoining and was built in 1900. The machinery is propelled by a gas engine, and there are three lathes, two of them having fourteen feet, and the other twenty-one feet beds. The planing machine is 6 feet by 8 feet and there is a 36-inch vertical drill, and a 12-inch hand-shaper, besides a key seater, screwing, bolting and other machines. The business carried on is chiefly in connection with repairing all kinds of agricultural implements, as well as marine machinery. Mr. Parr was born near Timaru, in 1870, and was educated and taught his trade in the district. He is a member of the local Lodge of Oddfellows.
Agricultural Implement Manufacturers: South Canterbury Branch, Beswick Street, Timaru; Head office, Dunedin. The Timaru branch of this well known firm dates from 1887. The premises consist of a two-storey brick building, erected on a quarter of an acre of freehold land, with a frontage to Beswick Street, and a back entrance to the yard and store from Strathallan Street. The showroom contains a large assortment of the well known machinery manufactured by the firm.
(Manager, John Hancocks Smith), Farriers, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established in the early seventies by Mr. Cockroft, and was afterwards owned by Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Riley, and Mr. H. Cuthbertson, respectively. The present manager purchased the business on the 1st of September, 1885, and sold it to the present firm in 1899. The active partner in the business, Mr. R. C. Smith, the manager's eldest son, was killed at Rhenester Kopje, South Africa, on the 29th of December, 1899, while fighting for his country.
the Manager, was born at King's Winford, Staffordshire, England, on the 29th of September, 1849. His parents emigrated to Victoria in 1852, and he was apprenticed to a blacksmith at Ballarat, where he was afterwards in business with a partner for a number of years. Mr. Smith arrived at the Bluff in 1875, and found employment with Mr. Riley at Timaru. He was at Dunedin for a short time, and then found work again at Timaru for two years, until he became a member of the firm of Welsh and Smith, blacksmiths, of Pleasant Point. After eight years, Mr. Smith returned to Timaru, and bought from Mr. Cuthbertson the business he afterwards sold to his own son's firm. After a few months in business in Masterton he came back to Timaru to take the management of the Stafford Street business. He is expert in veterinary work, and is frequently consulted by local owners. Mr. Smith was married in Bendigo to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Robert Embleton,
(Charles Edward Donaldson, proprietor), corner of Bannard and Woollcombe Streets, Timaru. These works were established in March, 1901, by the present proprietor. The premises consist of a brick corner shop, with two large windows to the showroom, and a work shop, with all necessary appliances and machinery, behind. Mr. Donaldson builds the well known “Caledonia” cycle, which is made from genuine B.S.A. or other parts. He makes a specialty of repairs, and acts as agent for the Rover and Cleveland cycles. Mr. Donaldson was born in Christchurch, in 1877, and was educated in that city, where he partly learned his trade, his knowledge of which was completed in Timaru, to which he removed in 1896. Mr. Donaldson worked for Messrs C. W. Wood and Co. and was for some time foreman of their works, till he decided to commence business on his own account. During the time he has been in business he has earned for himself a name for honest work, and straightforward dealing, thereby gaining the confidence and custom of a large proportion of the cycling public of Timaru and surrounding district.
Cycle Dealer and Repairer. Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was originally established by the Massey Harris Company, and was run in conjunction with its implement business, but on the separation of the two branches, in 1900, Mr. Higgins, who was then in the Company's service in Timaru, took over the bicycle branch and the South Canterbury agency for the Company's Massey-Harris and Imperial bicycles, in addition to which he has the agency for Singer bicycles. The premises occupied consist of a showroom, office and workshop in a substantial brick building, and, besides carrying a large stock of bicycles and accessories, there is every facility for executing repairs. Mr. Higgins was born at Milton, Otago, in September, 1872. He worked for a number of years as a wheelwright, but left that occupation in 1898, to enter the Massey-Harris Company's service. Mr. Higgins has been a member of volunteers since 1891, when he joined the C Battery, New Zealand Artillery, in Timaru; after two years' service he resigned and joined the Timaru Rifles. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1895, and in the following year to that of colour sergeant, an office which he still holds. Mr. Higgins is a member of Court Southern Cross. Ancient Order of Foresters. He was married on Boxing Day, 1898, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Hosking, who was killed by a mining accident at Nenthorn, Reefton. Mr. Joseph Higgins—father of Mr. Higgins—lost his life in a precisely similar mining accident.
(Cecil Walkden Wood), Cycle and Motor Manufacturer, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business dates from 1894, and is conducted in the commodious premises which were erected for the purpose. The showroom is on the ground floor front, and the office and workrooms are behind. The departments consist of an engineer's shop, and an enamelling room, with oven; and the plant includes nickelling and copper-plating machinery, and every necessary appliance for carrying on the work of manufacturing and repairing cycles and motors. There are two flats on the premises, and these are both occupied with the various branches of the business.
Proprietor of the works, was born at Timaru, in March, 1874. He served for a time as a mechanical engineer at Lyttelton, and ultimately turned his attention to the cycle trade in Christchurch, where he gained his first experience. In 1894 he commenced business in Timaru. His establishment was the first of its kind in the borough, and the business has developed so steadily, that it is now quite a large concern. The firm imports extensively from England and America, and is also busily engaged in manufacturing motor cars, two of which are already to be seen running about the streets of Timaru. Mr. Wood is a Freemason, and is attached to Lodge St. John, English Constitution. He was married, in September, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Harris, Timaru, and has one son.
Bootmaker, Stafford Street, Timaru Mr Harrison is a son of Mr. Joseph Harrison, an early colonist of South Canterbury. He was born in Timaru in 1870, and was brought up in his native town. After an experience in a bookseller's shop he served an apprenticeship to his present trade, and then went to Melbourne, where he remained about four years. He then returned to Timaru, where he was in business on his own account for about eighteen months. Then he joined the police force in Auckland, but after a short experience there he resigned and returned to Timaru in 1897, when he established his present business. Mr. Harrison was a member of the Timaru Port Guards, and belongs to the Druids' Lodge. In 1899, he married a daughter of Mr. Thomas Gunter, mill owner, Birmingham, England.
Bootmaker, Timaru. Mr. Mair was born in 1843, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was educated and apprenticed to the boot trade. Coming to Lyttelton in 1861 by the ship “Chrysolite,” he worked for one year at his trade in Christchurch, and for two years at Lyttelton. He removed to Timaru in 1864, and after working at his trade for some years, took to farming. Afterwards he joined Mr. S. Anderson in a boot and shoe business, and ten years later purchased the retail part of the establishment. Mr. Mair was elected to the borough council in 1891, and was a town councillor for many years. He is a trustee of the Timaru Druids lodge, and was treasurer for seven years. As a member of the Masonic order, he is treasurer of Caledonian Lodge. He is also a member of the Caledonian Society. Mr. Mair was married in New Zealand, and has two children.
(Richard John Penrose and Edward James Penrose), Bootmakers end Importers, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was founded in 1880 by the late Mr. William Penrose. At that time, so unpretentious was the establishment, that the proprietor and a boy could easily manage all there was to be done. But Mr. Penrose soon proved that he possessed keen business capacity, and in a very short time trade showed a marked increase. After a few years the old premises in Stafford Street North were found inadequate, and Mr. Penrose decided to remove to more capacious quarters. As the result, a two-storey brick building was erected, and there the business was conducted for some years. The turnover continued steadily to increase until, in 1896, Mr. Penrose, through indifferent health, was compelled to give up an active part in the management. It was then that his two sons, Mr. R. J. Penrose and Mr. W. J. Penrose, took over the business. Both partners were young men with a thorough knowledge of the trade, having gone through the usual apprenticeship. Being good workmen, energetic and well known throughout the district, the increase in their trade turned their thoughts in the direction of securing premises in the centre of the town. It happened that about that time Mr. Durand was making extensive alterations in his row of shops, known as Durand's Buildings. The firm decided to secure premises in these desirable buildings, which are situated right in the busiest thoroughfare, and a seven years' lease was signed. This was a bold step to take, but time has fully justfied it. The wisdom of the venture is proved by the way in which the business is extending. The amount of trade is now very considerable. Some idea of the advance made in the last twenty years may be formed from the fact that in 1881 the stock was valued at £130, and its present value is over £2000.
Butcher, Church Street, Timaru. This business was established in 1887. The building in which is carried on stands on part of a freehold section of a quarter of an acre in extent, and comprises a large double-fronted shop with verandah, a small goods-house, and a residence below and above. Mr. Bracefield was born in 1857, in the Forest of Dean, England, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Captain Cook,” in 1863. Having learned his trade in Christchurch, he found employment until starting business in Timaru. Mr. Bracefield is a member of Court Southern Cross of the Ancient Order of Foresters. He was married, in January, 1878, to a daughter of Mr. John Hunt, of Rewa, North Island, and has five sons and three daughters.
: Head Office, 161 Hereford street Christchurch; South Canterbury Branch, Stafford Street, Timaru. This company has been represented in South Canterbury since 1893, when it bought the freezing works at Smith field. The local manager's office in Stafford Street is connected by telephone with the works, which at first were capable of dealing with only 800 sheep per day; they were then enlarged, so that 1500 could be dealt with daily, and in 1898 their capacity rose to 4000. At that time the Hercules machinery was installed, and the freezing done by what is known as the pipe system. Two seasons after that a further addition was made to the works, and the whole of the old freezing building was built in, in brick, thereby much reducing the fire risk, and generally improving the works. The capacity was raised to a point that enabled 6000 sheep to be dealt with per day, with storage room for 100,000 carcases. And even this was not found too large. Frequently the storage room has been fully taxed, and the company realist that it was obliged to make still further additions to the slaughterhouse, fat house, and killing room. These additions have been fully required, as the killing reached over 6000 per day in the season of 1903. When the second addition to the refrigerating capacity was made the company installed what is known as the Haslam converted dry-air system. The advantage of this system is that it freezes and holds the sheep in store without forming any snow in the building. The Christchurch Meat Company, which owns the Smithfield works, was started in 1889 with a capital of £50,000, and it exported 180,069 carcases of mutton and lamb. In 1893 it was asked to take over and run the South Canterbury Freezing Works. The capital was then increased to £75,000. The first year it put through the Timaru works 84,000 carcases, and the amount was doubled the next year. In 1894 Islington's output was 326,176, Smithfield's
Manager in South Canterbury for the Christchurch Meat Company, Limited, joined the company's staff at its inception in 1889, at Christchurch, and has been in charge of the business in South Canterbury since 1899.
Chief Engineer at the Smithfield Freezing Works, Timaru, was born at Staines, Surrey, England, in 1872. His technical education commenced in London, where he gained elementary and advanced certificates in the Science and Art Department in machine construction and drawing, applied mechanics and steam engine, mixed mathematics and practical plane and solid geometry. While studying he was apprenticed for two years to Messrs Appleby, Limited, East Greenwich, and completed his term of seven years with Messrs R. Moreland and Son, Limited, of London. He remained in the employment of the latter firm for two years after completing his term, and was engaged in the erection of several large plants in and around London. Mr. Clark was for two years draughtsman for Messrs Yates and Thom, engineers, of Blackburn, and afterwards for a like period Chief Engineer at Messrs Burroughs. Welcome and Co., of Dartford, Kent; and before coming to the colony, in 1901, he carried on business on his own account at Gravesend for two years. Mr. Clark entered the service of the Islington Freezing Works on the 17th of January, 1902, and was transferred to his present position at Smithfield in May of the same year, and introduced electric power at the Smithfield works. Mr. Clark was married in October, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. George Hawes, of Dartford, Kent, and has one son.
Buyer for the Timaru Freezing Works, was born in Edinburgh in 1846, and came to the Colony with his parents in 1849 by the ship “Mariner,” He received his primary education at Dunedin and Taieri, and was at Nelson College for three years. Mr. Bain was brought up to pastoral pursuits, and for some three years managed a property at Toko mairiro. He was afterwards in Southland and on several stations for the Assets Company. After the sale of the Arowhenua estate, his services were secured by the Christchurch Meat Company.
Smithfield Freezing Works, near Timaru. The subject of this notice was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1861, where he was educated, in early years followed farming pursuits. He came to Canterbury in 1878 in the ship “Waimate,” and settled in the Courtenay district for twelve years. For a number of years after the erection of the Islington freezing works he contracted for the handling of the meat, by which he gained a knowledge of the best breeds of sheep for export. He afterwards bought a farm of 300 acres at Annat, and produced lambs and mutton for export. His best results in lambs came from the Shropshire ram and crossbred ewes. Mr. Clements still owns his farm at Annat. He was married in 1888 to Miss Long, and has three daughters.
formerly Chief Engineer, Timaru Freezing Works, was born at Geelong, Victoria, in 1859, and came to New Zealand with his parents when three years of age. He was educated in Christchurch, and served his time as an engineer with Messrs. Anderson and Sons. On completing his indentures, he went to Wellington, to Messrs Cable and Co.'s Lion Foundry. Joining the Union Steamship Company, Mr. Croll was engineer on some of their vessels for four years, when he started the freezing machinery for the Haslem Company. He removed to Timaru in 1885, and on completion of the refrigerating works there, was appointed engineer. After taking charge, Mr. Croll has had to plan out all the additions rendered necessary
Butcher, Zealandia Butchery, corner of Sophia and Church Streets, Timaru. Mr. Geaney was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1854, and accompanied his father to Victoria when nine years of age. He served his time to his present trade in the sister Colony, remaining there for about ten years. He came to New Zealand in 1875, and two years afterwards went into partnership with Mr. T. Peacock, and established the present business, carrying on an extensive family and shipping trade, and, probably, the most considerable of its kind in South Canterbury. They conducted it until 1895, when Mr. Geaney bought out his partner's interest. He employs ten hands and keeps five carts and seven horses in constant work. The slaughter-yards, which are at Washdyke,
Butcher, corner of Stafford and Woollcombe Streets, Timaru. This business was bought in 1882 from Mr. Wedrell by Messrs Gilchrist and Tomlinson. Mr. Gilchrist took it over on his own account on the 1st of January, 1891. The premises consist of a two-storey stone building, comprising a shop, office and residence, and a large cellar on the basement. The slaughter-house is at Washdyke, and has twenty-two acres of freehold land attached to it. Mr Gilchrist was born in November, 1851, in Fifeshire, Scotland, and was educated in his native land. He came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Prospector,” and settled in South Canterbury. As a lad he was employed for six years by Mr. J. King, at Otipua station, where he gained his first experience as a butcher. Subsequently he was employed by Messrs Loddar and Green, and by Mr. E. Acton, of Timaru, who was one of the earliest to open a butchery in the borough. Mr. Gilchrist was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Briggs, and has five daughters and three sons.
Butchers, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established in 1895 by Mr. Scarf, son of Mr. W. Scarf, who had the first butcher's shop in Timaru. The slaughter-house is situated at Saltwater Creek. Mr. Cookson has been a resident of Timaru for close on nineteen years, and Mr. Scarf has followed the occupation of butcher for about the same period. Both partners are members of the Oddfellows lodge. Mr. Cookson attends chiefly to the buying of cattle, etc., and his partner superintends the shop and town trade.
Timaru, was formed in 1880 by the farmers of South Canterbury, and was reorganised in July, 1894. The Association has branch offices in London, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington, and a wide range of markets is, therefore, open to its shareholders. It stores grain, keeps full supplies of farmers' requisites, buys grain and grass seeds, cleans seeds and grain on behalf of growers, and effects insurances on grain, stores, stacks, homesteads, and outbuildings. The Association is agent for the Farmers' Co-operative Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and for the South British Insurance Company. It was formed to undertake the disposal of all produce grown by farmers, including the shipping of wool and grain to the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world; also, to procure for its members all supplies, station stores and other necessaries, which are required by a large farming community. The Association has a subscribed capital of £87,385, of which £43,570 has been paid up, and there is a reserve fund of £26,337. In addition to this, £7000 has been written off the freehold. The sales at the general stores amounted to £114,262 as for the year which ended on the 31st of July, 1902, and the gross turnover was £393,443. Up to the same date £69,000 had been paid in dividends and bonuses. The shareholders number 1830. The Association's stores in Heaton Street have storage capacity for 150,000 sacks. A two-storey building, with an entrance to the basement from Strathallan Street, and to the first floor from Beswick Street, has lately been constructed by the Association. Entering from Beswick Street, the offices are on the right hand side, and the grain sales department on the left, with the drapery, boots, and clothing, dressmaking, and tailoring divisions, right opposite the door. The showrooms are large and lofty, and admirably adapted for displaying the immense stock which is maintained, and between forty and fifty persons are employed in this branch. The basement of the building is devoted to the grocery, hardware, glass-ware, and saddlery departments, which have a turnover of from £80,000 to £90,000 a year. The grain stores, which are of brick and iron, are conveniently situated alongside the railway line, with which they are connected by a siding.
Manager of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., is a son of the late Mr J. H. Newman, of Nelson. He was born in London in 1860, and was educated at Chigwell Grammar School, adjacent to the old “Maypole Inn,” made famous by Dickens in “Barnaby Rudge.” For between four and five years Mr. Newman served as a clerk with Messrs H. R. Williams and Co., wine merchants, Lime Street, London. In 1880, he came to New Zealand, and at once received an appointment as bookkeeper with Messrs Manning and Co., brewers, Christchurch, with whom he remained two years. He then joined Messrs Kelsey Bros., of Christchurch, as accountant, and subsequently secured an appointment with Messrs Kaye and Carter. After being with this firm about a year, Mr. Newman was appointed its manager, and held the position until February, 1898, when he resigned to take the position of manager for Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., stock and station agents, Invercargill. In March, 1899, he resigned this latter appointment to take up the duties of his present position. Mr. Newman was vice-president of the Christchurch Savage Club, and one of the founders of the Christchurch Forensic Club. He was also for two years a lieutenant of the Christchurch Rifles. He was a member of the Liedertafel in Christchurch from its inception, and for many years was connected with the Christchurch Musical Union. While in Invercargill he helped to form a Liedertafel there. Mr. Newman has always taken a keen interest in music and an active interest in athletics, and was a member of the Canterbury Rowing Club and the United Cricket Club for several years. Since his arrival in Timaru he has identified himself with the athletic and social clubs in the town. He is a vice-president of the Timaru Rowing Club, vice-president of the Cycle Touring Club, president of the Timaru Liedertafel, and has been elected chairman of the Woolbrokers' Association.
Manager of the Drapery, Clothing and Boot Departments of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, at Timaru, was born in 1847, in Bristol, England, and educated in London. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “William Miles,” in 1860, and learned the drapery trade with Mr. Bethel Ware, whose business was conducted in High Street, on the site of the furniture shop at present (1903) occupied by Mr. White. For some years Mr. Smith was in the employment of Mr. Hobday, and
Salesman in the Hardware and Electro-plate department of the Canterbury Farmers' Association, was born in 1872, at Pareora. He was educated at the Dunedin and Timaru High Schools, and commenced his business life with an apprenticeship of four years to Messrs Lomas and Struthers, grocers, of Dunedin. In 1821 he entered the service of the Canterbury Farmers' Association, and has held his present position for some time; he is the oldest salesman in the Association. Mr. Rapsey is a member of Court Southern Cross of the Order of Foresters. He has taken a great interest in football and cricket, and is a supporter and follower of the South Canterbury hounds.
Chief Salesman of the Grocery Department of the Canterbury Farmers' Association stores at Timaru, was born at Deptford, Kent, England, in 1863, and came with his parents to Lyttelton in 1868. He was brought up in South Canterbury, and obtained some insight into mercantile life with Mr. J. Anderson, of Timaru. He went into business on his own account at Fairlie, and afterwards removed to Timaru. For six years afterwards he was in the Government employment, He has held his position in the Canterbury Farmers' Association since 1894. Mr. Jones is a member of Court Southern Cross Ancient Order of Foresters and of the St. John's Masonic Lodge. He has served as a member of the local volunteer fire brigade since 1886, and holds office as foreman of that body. Mr. Jones was married, in 1884, to a daughter of Mr. James Scott, pilot of Lyttelton, and has three sons and three daughters.
Chief Auctioneer for the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., Timaru, is a native of Ballyglenulla, County Antrim, Ireland. He was born in 1850, and for some years was employed on his father's stock farm. He landed in Dunedin in 1870 by the ship “James Nicol Fleming,” and came on to Canterbury, where he turned his attention to farming pursuits. When the railway line was opened he started, with Mr. Kennedy of Temuka, a line of coaches between Orari and Woodbury, via Geraldine. In 1875, Mr. Mundell took a trip to the Old Country, returning the following year. He ultimately bought out Mr. Kennedy's interest in the business, and also commenced business in Geraldine as live-stock auctioneer. In 1877 and subsequently, he erected large and extensive sale-yards there and at Temuka, and also started store-keeping at the former place. Owing to the rapid increase of the business and the wide extent of the district, he associated the Temuka and Timaru portion of the auction business with the National Mortgage and Agency Company. In 1892, he let his general store at Geraldine to the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd., and at the same time he arranged to run the auction business in connection with the association. This change in the business necessitated his removal from Geraldine, and taking up his residence in Timaru. He holds sales all over South Canterbury, the most important being held at Geraldine, Temuka, Tattersall's, and Studholme Junction yards. Mr. Mundell is a member of the Southern Star Lodge of Freemasons at Geraldine. He has always taken a keen interest in horse-flesh, and at one time was the owner of some of the best Clydesdale and thoroughbred sires in New Zealand. He still takes part in racing matters, being a member of the Geraldine and South Canterbury Jockey Clubs. He is also a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and South Canterbury and Temuka Caledonian Societies. Mr. Mundell was married in Ireland in 1875, and has five children.
Auctioneer to the Canterbury Farmers' Association, was born in 1867, in Christchurch, where he was educated. He is the second son of Mr. Joseph Jones, who was the first stationmaster in Christchurch, and for many years in Timaru. Mr. Jones entered the service of the Association in 1892, and took out a license as auctioneer in 1898. He was married, in 1902, to a daughter of Mr. T. Pringle, contractor, of Timaru.
Ledgerkeeper to the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, was born in Glasgow, in 1870. Part of his early life was spent on the borders of the famous river Tweed, quite close to the historical “Abbotsford,” associated with the name and the fame of Sir Walter Scott. He came to New Zealand in 1879 in the ship “Invercargill,” the first port of call of which was Port Chalmers. Mr. Wilson was educated and brought up to a mercantile life in Oamaru, where he was employed until he entered the service of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, in 1893, as invoice clerk. In 1898 he was promoted to the position of ledger-keeper. Mr. Wilson was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Morgan, of Timaru, and has one daughter.
Importer of Builders' and House Furnishing Ironmongery,
: South Canterbury branch, Stafford Street, Timaru; head office, Christchurch. The business of this branch is in charge of Mr. Hugh Lowry, manager and auctioneer. Auction sales are held periodically throughout the district.
: South Canterbury branch (M. White, man ager), Stafford Street, Timaru; head office, Wellington. The South Canterbury branch of this company was established in 1875, and conducts business in a two-storey brick building in Stafford Street. The ground floor is occupied by the public and private offices, and the machinery department is at the back. There is also a large grain store, close to the railway siding. Regular auction sales of stock and produce are periodically held throughout the district. The machinery department occupies a large space, and is approached by a passage from Stafford Street. It contains an extensive showroom, with a top-light. There are several large store sheds in the yard which has an entrance from George Street. The branch keeps a large stock of agricultural implements, machinery and plant, and dairy utensils, and represents the Walter A. Wood Company, and many other well known manufacturers.
Manager of the South Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, is an Irishman, and was born in the North of Ireland. He was educated in Fermanagh, and came to New Zealand in 1869. For a time Mr. White acted as secretary for the Timaru Landing and Shipping Company, under the late Mr. F. Le Cren. When that gentleman started the Timaru branch of the New Zealand Loan Company, in 1875, Mr. White became accountant, and held the position till the 1st of January, 1902, when he took up the duties of manager. Mr. White has always taken an intelligent interest in the development of the district, and was for several years president of the Timaru Mechanics' Institute. For some years he was churchwarden of St. Mary's, and has been secretary of the Timaru Bowling Club for some time.
Timaru, for thirteen years travelling representative and expert for the Walter A. Wood machinery, and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, in South Canterbury.
Grain, Wool, Tallow, Coal, and General Produce Merchant. Offices and stores, Strathallan Street, Timaru. This extensive business, so well known in South Canterbury, is conducted on a prominent site adjacent to the railway station and harbour. The premises, consisting of brick stores and offices, extend over an area of three and a-quarter acres, a private railway siding alongside the stores affording facilities for shipping direct into vessels at the wharves. Besides the wool and grain business, a very large trade is done in coal. Mr. Mee imports direct from Newcastle, and has heavy shipments from Westport and other localities in the Colony. He is the Timaru agent for the Springfield Coal and Potteries Company, and represents the Victoria Marine Insurance Company, Liverpool and Lonlon and Globe Fire Insurance Company, and acts as agent for Little's sheep dip. Mr. John Mee ranks almost as an old identity, having arrived in New Zealand in 1863 with his brother, Mr. George Mee, the well-known chemist of Wellington. Soon after his arrival, he joined the old firm of Miles and Co., of Christchurch, and was shortly afterwards appointed to represent them in Timaru, where he resided for over thirty years. On the company (Miles and Co.) going into liquidation, Mr. Mee took over their extensive stores with the wool, grain, and seed business, which he has since carried on upon his own account with marked success. He is well and favourably known to all farmers and business people of South Canterbury district, in which he has so long resided. Mr. Mee is an ardent supporter of all athletic pursuits, and though he is now over sixty years, he is still very active, and, in his leisure hours, dispels the cares of business with tennis, cycling, bowls, and boating.
(James Lillico, James Crosbie, and John Macrae, proprietors), Arthur and Bank Streets, Timaru. The business was originally established in 1885 by a local Limited Company, who built the commodious mill and commenced manufacturing work. Unfortunately, after a few months, probably in consequence of want of experience, the company went into liquidation, and the mortgagee entered into possession of the mill and plant. For some time the capitalist, into whose hands the mill had fallen, had the mill on his hands; but finally he leased the works to Messrs Atkinson Brothers, who worked the mill for about three years. The property was then idle for about a twelvemonth, and in 1892 it was purchased by the present proprietors in conjunction with three others. The purchasers were all practical men, who thoroughly understood every department of their business. They put the mill into working order, and bent their united energies towards making their work a success. The result has been that, since 1894, the mill has been fully employed night and day. The land upon which it stands comprises three quarters of an acre of freehold, and the three-storey brick building which contains the main portion of the machinery, occupies the whole frontage of Arthur Street, the entrance being from the corner of Bank Street. There are iron and wood annexes to the building, where the various preliminary processes in connection with woollen manufacture are conducted. The old machinery, which was in the mill when taken over by the proprietors, has all been removed, and the latest and most improved appliances have been imported to take its place. The entire produce of the works is sold to warehouses in New Zealand, and the goods are well known to be of a superior quality. Bannockburn and saddle tweeds, in all varieties, are among the products of the mill, and the proprietors also produce rugs, blankets, shirtings, flannels and hosiery yarns for knitting manufactures. About one hundred hands find regular employment, and the company pays away on an average about £8000 a year in wages. There can be little doubt that the company's success is due to the
Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established by the late Mr. H. M. West about the year 1882, and was acquired by the present proprietor a few years later. The premises consist of a brick building, which includes a shop and three store rooms. Mr. Allen is a grower and importer of seeds, and has gained a reputation for high class seeds. He was born in Timaru, and educated at the main school. For five years Mr. Allen served as a volunteer in the C Battery, and he is a member of the committee of the Floral and Horticultural Society.
Fruiterer and Confectioner, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business, which was established in 1887, is conducted on the ground floor of a stone building, containing a large shop and refreshment room. The proprietor imports fruit from Australia, and maintains a large variety of the various kinds in season. Mr. Hilton was born in Surrey, England, in May, 1864. He was educated in his native country, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Cardigan Castle,” in 1878. He was for about eight years with Mr. Amos, who had a leading fruiterer's and confectioner's business in Timaru; and when his employer sold out Mr Hilton commenced on his own account. He has taken an active part in the local volunteer fire brigade, of which he has been secretary since 1889. He is a member of the Oddfellows' Order, Manchester Unity, and as a Freemason is attached to Lodge St. John, English Constitution. Mr. Hilton was married, in 1886, to a daughter of Mr. W. Scarf of Timaru, and has two sons and six daughters.
Florist, Maori Hill, Timaru. Mr. Lewis was born in Herefordshire, England, in 1842, and when ten years of age began to gain his experience in horticulture in one of the best English nurseries. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Blue Jacket,” in 1866, and a few months afterwards, settled in Timaru. Having brought out an assortment of seeds, he at once commenced nursery work on leased land near the site of the present South Canterbury show ground. About three years afterwards, he established himself at Maori Hill, where he has altogether five acres of freehold, an acre and a half of which is entirely devoted to nursery work. Mr. Lewis has six glass houses, three being devoted to grape growing, and three to flowers. These houses contain about 4000 square feet of glass. Mr. Lewis was one of the originators of the Timaru Horticultural Society, over thirty years ago, and has taken an active part in its management since that time. He served in the C Battery for about six years, and has been a member of the Waimataitai school committee for a long time, and chairman of that body for two years. He was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. John Balls, of Annat, and has one son and one daughter.
Fruiterer and Confectioner, Stafford Street. Timaru. This business was established many years ago, and, since 1874, has been conducted in a two-story brick building, containing a shop and dwelling. The business was acquired by the present proprietor in 1895. Mr. Mackenzie was born in 1857 at Cashmere, Canterbury. He had experience in Sydney and Melbourne for two years, and settled in Timaru in 1877. Before acquiring his present business he was for some time engaged as a market gardener at Gleniti. As a Freemason Mr. Mackenzie is a Past Master of Lodge Caledonian No. 16, N.Z.C., and is attached to the American Order of Oddfellows, of which he is also a Past Master. Mr. Mackenzie
(Evans and Co., Ltd.), Timaru, and Crown Roller Flour Mills, Manor Place, Dunedin.
Managing Director, and originator of this well-established and successful business, resides in Timaru. He came over with the “rush” of Victorian diggers to Gabriel's Gully in 1861, and started storekeeping on the Otago goldfields. When the big “rush” to the West Coast took place in 1865, he was one of the passengers by the s.s. “City of Dunedin” (afterwards lost outside Wellington Heads), and established himself in business as a general merchant at Hokitika, remaining there over nine years. Getting tired of a goldfields' life, he decided to try an agricultural district, and chose Timaru as the most suitable locality for the grain trade. He carried on business as a grain merchant from 1875 till 1888, when he promoted the “Atlas” milling company. As managing director of the company, Mr. Evans supervises operations both at Timaru and Dunedin. He has for many years been a member of the Timaru Harbour Board, and is a director of the Timaru Gas Company. Mr. Evans is married, and has two sons and five daughters.
Manager at Timaru, who has been in the employment of the Company since its inception, is well known and much respected by the farmers of the district.
(John Jackson, proprietor), North Street. Timaru. These mills, which are among the oldest businesses in the district, were taken over by the present proprietor in 1890. The most up-to-date machinery in roller milling is used, and the capacity is equal to nine sacks per hour. The flour commands a ready sale throughout the colony.
Manager of the Belford Flour Mills, is a son of Mr. C. W. Turner, of Christchurch. He was born in that city, and was educated at Christ's College. Mr. Turner had experience of his trade in Queensland and in 1890 he came to Timaru, and took over the management of the Belford mills, which have since been under his care.
Wool and Grain Stores and Stevedores, Railway Siding, Hay Street, Timaru; Head Office, Port Chalmers. The Timaru branch of this firm is conducted in one of the largest blocks of buildings in the colony devoted to the storage of wool and grain. The capacity of the stores, which are mostly built of iron, is 200,000 sacks of grain and 12,000 bales of wool. The premises are used to show local wool for the wool sales, and contain complete dumping machinery The firm acts as receivers, samplers and shippers on account of the farmers, and an immense quantity of produce passes through the stores every year.
who became manager of Messrs Mill and Company's branch business at Timaru in 1890, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1856, and at the age of two years accompanied his parents to Port Chalmers in the ship “Strathfieldsaye.” He was brought up to farm work, and subsequently served four years as a surveyor and civil engineer, until entering the service of Messrs J. Mill and Company, at Port Chalmers, in 1879. Except for two years, when he was inspector of works for the Dunedin Harbour Board, Mr. Young has continued in the employment of the firm since that time. Mr. Young served as a member of the Timaru Borough Council for three years, and has been a member of the Harbour Board since 1899, and a director of the local Caledonian Society since 1897. He married, in 1885, Miss Howard, a niece of the late Mr. William Leatham, custodian of the Parliament Buildings, Wellington, and has two daughters and one son.
Grocer, Timaru Cash Store, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established about 1879, by Mr. C. Bowker, and was acquired by the present proprietor in 1900. The premises consist of a double-fronted shop with a verandah, in a two-storey brick and stone building. There is a crockery show-room behind the main shop, and at the back of the building there is a cart-shed, and a brick store, used for sorting oil and other goods. Four rooms above the shop are used for the storage of stock. Mr. Miller, the proprietor, was born in 1858, at Partick, near Glasgow, where he was educated. After serving his apprenticeship in that city, he came to Lyttelton in 1879 by the ship “Lady Jocelyn.” He settled in Christchurch, and afterwards gained experience in his trade at Rakaia and Ashburton, before coming to Timaru in 1887. Mr. Miller managed his present business for thirteen years before acquiring it. He is now a direct importer of crockery and glassware. As a Freemason, he is attached to Lodge Rakaia, and is also a member of the Orange and Druid Orders. Mr. Miller was married, in 1883, to a daughter of Mr. John Robb, of Doyleston, and has two sons and two daughters.
Tea Merchant and Commission Agent: Office, Church Street; Bacon Curing Works, Sophia Street, Timaru. Mr. Shaw is a native of Argyleshire, Scotland, and was born on the 23rd of November, 1844, at Carradale, Mull of Kintyre. He left his native place with his parents for Ayrshire and was brought up on the banks of Doon. On the 30th of November, 1864, Mr. Shaw left Scotland for New Zealand, in the ship “St. Vincent,” from Glasgow, and arrived at Port Chalmers on the 23rd of March, 1865, the anniversary day of the province of Otago. After a few years on the Otago goldfields. Mr. Shaw settled in Oamaru as a storekeeper and served as a volunteer in the No. 8 Company Oamaru Rifles, under Captain W. J. Steward, now Sir William Jukes Steward. Mr. Shaw was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Moir, Dunedin, and his family consists of two sons and one daughter. He left Oamaru some years ago for Timaru, to start business as a bacon curer, and has carried on the business ever since. Mr. Shaw cures bacon on a large scale for farmers and storekeepers. He has had a long experience in the business and is regarded as an expert, having acted as judge at a number of shows throughout New Zealand; and he holds a number of medals for his own exhibits. Mr. Shaw is secretary for the South Canterbury Burns Club, a member of the Caledonian Society, and an enthusiastic bowler.
(John King), Grocers and Provision Merchants, North and Stafford Streets, Timaru. This firm was established in 1889 by the present proprietor, who continued the business on his own account till 1891, when he was joined by Mr. George Tyrrell. This partnership existed till October, 1900, but since that time Mr. King alone has conducted the business. The North Street premises, where the business was commenced, consist of wood and iron buildings, including one shop and two residences, erected on freehold land. The Stafford Street branch of the business was opened in September, 1899, in a large stone building, originally used for horse sales, but now adapted to the needs of the trade. Behind the main shop, which is devoted to the grocery, there is a large glass and crockery show-room, and there are also a large storage room and two sample rooms behind these departments. The firm imports largely, and generally cultivates a cash trade.
Founder and Proprietor of the firm, was born in 1858, at West Salton, Haddingtonshire, Scotland, where he was educated and taught his trade. In November 1878, Mr. King arrived in Port Chalmers by the ship “Canterbury,” and found employment for the first year with Messrs Esther and Low. For two years afterwards he had charge of a branch at Shag Point for that firm. Mr. King commenced business at Otautau, Southland, but after three years sold out and removed to Timaru. He is a member of the local Druids' Lodge. Mr. King was married, in October, 1888, to a daughter of Mr. James McLaren, of Kirkland Hill, Halfway Bush, Dunedin, and has three sons and three daughters.
Mill Street, Timaru. Directors: Messrs J. King (chairman), J. Meikle, A. Martin, C. S. Howell, J. Airay, J. Brosnohan, and W. J. Hardy. Manager and Secretary, Mr. P. W. Eiby. This company's mill is said to be the largest in New Zealand. It stands on part of an acre-and-a-half of land. The main building, which is of brick, is six stories in height, and there are very large grain stores in connection with the establishment. There is a full roller and milling plant, with a capacity of twenty-five sacks per hour.
Manager and Secretary of the Timaru Milling Company, was born in 1854, in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he was educated and brought up to mercantile life. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1872 by the ship “Friedeburg,” and was in Christchurch till 1878, when he removed to Timaru. For five years prior to 1890 Mr. Eiby was connected with the Belford mills, and has held his present position since that year.
Head Miller at the Timaru Milling Company's Mill, was born at West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, on the 27th of September, 1857. He is the son of an ironmaster, but was brought up as a flourmiller, and gained his first experience in Staffordshire at Barlow's Bilston Flourmills, said to have been the first roller flour mills established in England. After eight years' experience, Mr. Hipkins came to Auckland by the “Ionic,” in 1884, with his father's family. He found employment at the Auckland Roller Mill (afterwards the Northern Roller Mill) and became foreman miller. Mr. Hipkins occupied that position till 1892, when he removed to Timaru to take charge of the largest mill in the colony, and the first roller mill in New Zealand. Since Mr. Hipkins took the management of the mill, it has been worked to an output of twenty-five sacks per hour. As a Freemason Mr. Hipkins is attached to Lodge Caledonian, New Zealand Constitution. He has been a member of the committee of the Timaru Mechanics' Institute, since 1895. Mr. Hipkins was married, in 1889, to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Woodward Williams, of H.M. Customs, Wellington, and has four sons.
Directors: Messrs J. G. Sutten (chairman), W. Evans, J. Jackson, E. G. Stericker, A. Hart, and G. Gabites. Manager, Mr. W. A. Courtes; Secretary, Mr. B. D. Hibbard. This company was incorporated in 1876. Its works and offices stand on an acre of land at the corner of Arthur and Perth Streets. There is a full gas plant, including nineteen retorts and three gas holders, with a capacity of 93,000 feet. About twenty-two miles of mains have been laid down, and there are about 600 consumers.
Manager of the Timaru Gas Company, was born in Victoria, where he gained his experience as a gas engineer. Mr. Courtes received his present appointment in 1892.
Secretary of the Timaru Gas Company, was born in London, in 1843 Correct date of birth is 1833
, Watchmakers and Jewellers, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was originally established by Mr. Bower in 1872, and ten years later he was joined in partnership by Mr. Ferguson.
is a native of Linlithgowshire, Scotland, and was brought up to his present business in his native town, Bathgate. He came to New Zealand in 1879 under engagement to Messrs. G. and T. Young, of Dunedin and Timaru, and remained with them until he went into business with Mr. Bower. In 1888 Mr. Bower retired, and since then Mr. Ferguson has carried on the business. Every branch of the trade is carried on on the premises, and the large stock of watches, clocks and jewellery is displayed to advantage. Mr Ferguson takes an active interest in sporting and athletic matters, and is a devoted angler.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Fraser was born in Dunedin in 1875, and after being educated there he served as an apprentice to Messrs G. and T. Young. He continued with this firm for ten years altogether, and spent the last three years at its Timaru branch. Mr. Fraser then removed to Invercar gill and accepted a position with Mr. J.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was founded in 1889, and is conducted in the Theatre Buildings, in a convenient shop on the ground floor, with a workroom upstairs, A general stock of watches, clocks and jewellery is maintained, but the special lines are New Zealand greenstone, kauri gum, and dressed flax goods. Mr. McNab, the proprietor, was born at Stirling, Scotland, in 1855. He was educated and brought up to his trade in his native place, and came out to New Zealand under engagement to Messrs G. and T. Young, of Dunedin; and for a number of years he was employed in the Timaru branch of the firm's business. In 1889 Mr. McNab revisited Scotland, and on his return, he began business on his own account. He joined the Timaru Rifles on the formation of the corps in 1885, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1902. Mr. McNab is a member of the local Lodge of Druids. He served for about two years as a member of the Timaru Borough Council, and was for three years on the main school committee, of which he was chairman for a year. Mr. McNab takes an active part in philanthropic work, and has been treasurer of the Trinity Presbyterian Church since 1891. At the first Mayoral election under the new Municipal Corporations Act, Mr. McNab unsuccessfully opposed Mr. C. N. Mackintosh; and, in standing for a seat on the Education Roard, he was defeated by Mr. T. C. Farnie. He was married, in 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Cuthbert, merchant, formerly of Glasgow, and has three daughters.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Millar has studied optical work for a number of years, and has special facilities for carefully carrying on his business. He was born in 1869, at Cambuslang, near Glasgow, Scotland, and was educated partly there, and partly in New Zealand, having arrived in Port Chalmers by the ship “Dunedin,” in 1876. He gained experience in his profession at Dunedin, Oamaru, and Timaru; and resided at Timaru for about thirteen years, before starting business in Dunedin. Mr. Millar is a thoroughly competent watchmaker, jeweller, electroplater, and gilder, and since 1896 has had charge of the post office clock at Timaru. His business is carried on in a brick building, containing a shop, sight-testing room and work room. He served as a volunteer for three years in the Dunedin Highland Rifles, and has been connected with the orders of Foresters, Oddfellows, and Knights of Labour respectively. Mr. Millar was married, in 1896, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Irwin, one of the early Timaru settlers, and has one son and one daughter.
Importers, Watchmakers and Jewellers, Stafford Street, Timaru; Head Office, Dunedin. The South Canterbury branch of this firm has been conducted in Timaru since 1878 on its present site. The building is of two stories, in brick, with a fine iron verandah, and the ship is fitted up with new and handsome cases of the most approved style, all filled with goods of every description. A workroom and an office are behind, and the first floor is used for storage purposes. Mr. William Martin is manager.
(Peter Stewart, proprietor), Beswick Street, Timaru. These stables, which rank among the best-fitted and ventilated in the colony, were established in the early days, and consist of a large brick building with thirty stalls and nine loose boxes, and standing room for a large number of vehicles. The ground floor measures 66 by 185 feet. The proprietor keeps ten horses, a number of drags, buggies, and other vehicles for hire. Mr. Stewart was born at Brookside, Canterbury, in 1877. He was educated and brought up on a farm, and has always shown a great interest in horses. As a volunteer he has served in the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Mr. Stewart was married, in September, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. B. R. Tooth, contractor, of Timaru, and has one daughter.
Junior, Carrier and Forwarding Agent, Woodland Road, Timaru. Mr. Ellis is the sixth child of Mr. Joseph Ellis, of Kingsdown, and established his business in 1895. The convenient residence and stables stand on a freehold section of two acres in extent. The proprietor keeps two large two-horse expresses, and five drays, which are worked by twelve teams of horses. Mr. Ellis was born in 1864, in Timaru, and was educated in the district, and brought up partly to country work and partly to the carrying trade. He served for ten years as a member of the Timaru Rifles, in which he held office as corporal, and afterwards as acting sergeant; and was a member of Court Southern Cross, Ancient Order of Foresters. Mr. Ellis was married, on the 12th of November, 1898, to the fifth daughter of Mr. Philip Dale, of Timaru, and has one son.
Livery and Bait Stable Proprietor, Horse Repository, Stafford Street, Timaru. These well known stables were established by Messrs Martelli and Garrow in 1868, when the first portion of the building was erected. Two years later the firm dissolved partnership, and Mr. Garrow, singly conducted the business for about a year, when he sold out to the present proprietor, who has carried it on since 1871. There are thirty stalls and five loose boxes, standing room for a very large number of vehicles, and waiting, harness and feed rooms. Mr. King keeps about a dozen traps and sixteen horses, and runs a coach to Gleniti three times daily. He served for about four years as a member of the Timaru Harbour Board, and was for two years on the Hospital Board. As a volunteer he was connected with the South Canterbury Cavalry for four years. He was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. P. Campbell, of Southbridge, and has five daughters and three sons. One of Mr. King's sons served in the New Zealand Second Contingent in South Africa, and was a member of the Coronation Contingent in 1902. Mr. King is further referred to as a former member of the Levels County Council.
Sawmiller, Coal and Timber Merchant, etc., Stafford Street, Timaru. Mr. Jackson was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1837, and received his education in that county, being brought up to farming pursuits. He came to New Zealand in 1863 by the ship “Victory,” landing at Timaru, and was for some years employed on a station. In 1867, he started as a timber merchant, and his business, under his able guidance, became one of the largest in the town. It includes sawmilling, a sash and door factory, and a coalyard. Mr. Jackson is agent for the Westport Cardiff Coal Company, Ltd., and for the Commercial Union Assurance Company, Ltd., of London. In 1890, Mr. Jackson united with two other gentlemen in buying the Belford flour mill, where the well-known brand of flour, “Golden Gem,” is produced. He now has the entire control of this important mill, his partners having retired from the concern. Mr. Jackson has served on the Timaru Borough Council for twenty-one years—seventeen years as councillor and four years as mayor. He was for many years a member of different school committees, and has for some time been a governor of the Timaru High School, and of the South Canterbury Education Board. He has also been a member of the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, of which he was chairman for some years; he is chairman of the Timaru Cemetery Board, and a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College.
Timber Merchant, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was established by the proprietor, in 1881. The land upon which the store and yards stand is centrally situated, and consists of a quarter of an acre on one side of the street, and half an acre on the opposite side. In addition to a large stock of timber, a general assortment of builders' ironware is kept. Mr. Murdoch was born in 1833, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was brought up as a mechanical engineer. He came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Pladda, and almost immediately settled in Invercargill. For a number of years he was with his brother, Mr. R. Murdoch, who has since emigrated to Buenos Ayres. During his residence of thirty-one years in Southland, Mr. Murdoch was prominent in connection with timber and flour milling. He had one of the first sawmills in the district, and at one time had as many as six mills working. He also founded one of the earliest flour mills in the district and worked it for about five years, when he sold it to Messrs Fleming, Gilkinson and Co. Mr. Murdoch finally sold the saw mills and timber trade to the New Zealand Pine Company, and removed to Dunedin, where he built a large mill, afterwards known as that of John Murdoch and Company. He also worked a sawmill at Stewart Island for about five years, and then sold it to Messrs Macallum and Co. For some years past Mr. Murdoch has lived at Timaru, where his business is managed by Mr. James Ord. Mr. Murdoch was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Findley, of Auchinleck, Ayrshire, Scotland, and has had five daughters and three sons. One son is dead.
Farmer, Maori Hill, Timaru. Mr. Beck was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1843, and was connected with dairy farming in the Old Country. He came out to New Zealand in 1876 in the ship “Wiltshire,' landed at Lyttelton, and went to Waitaki to take charge of a property there for a short period. He then entered into ploughing contracts with Messrs Fleming and Hedley for a couple of seasons, and for several succeeding years was engaged in similar work and in cropping. Mr. Beck afterwards started for himself, and took over a farm at the Otaio, where he remained for five or six years, when he went to Seadown, and took up another property, devoted to dairy garming. There he had a large milking stable, in which fifty cows were milked all the year round; there was also a creamery, where the cream separators and other appliances were worked by steam power. The output of butter averaged from 300 to 500 pounds per week, and was absorbed in the local markets. Mr. Beck was president of the New Zealand Draughts Association for 1899 and 1900, and he is a director of the “Morning Post,” a daily newspaper which was first published at Timaru on the 18th of November, 1899. In 1881 Mr. Beck married Miss
Farmer, “Steinberg,” Timaru, Mr. Cabot was born in Jersey, in the Channel Islands, on the 11th of October, 1814, and is a descendant of Sir John Cabot, the navigator, who was knighted by Henry the Eighth. He was a Professor of Languages in France for some years, and for three years subsequently was in Hanover, Germany, where he studied the German language. On returning to Jersey, he sold his property and came out to Australia, taking a position as a teacher in King's School, Parramatta, New South Wales. In 1852. Mr. Cabot came to Canterbury, and in 1854 removed to the Timaru district, where he has since had his home, except for four years when he resided in Christchurch. He purchased land at Mount Horrible Road, sometime called Cabot's Road, and during the time land values were inflated, he disposed of half of his land at £125 per acre. Mr. Cabot was married, in 1865, to a daughter of the late Colonel John Kunkel, of Prussia, who fought at Jena, Austrelitz, and Leipsic. He has a family of three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Landsborough. Mr. O'Boyle was born in 1829, at Cushandall, County Antrim, Ireland, and has farmed on his own account for fifty years. He arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Orari,” in 1878, and took up land in South Canterbury. Mr. O'Boyle's property consists of 297 acres of leasehold land, which he works as a mixed farm. He was married, in 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. McCann, of County Antrim, Ireland, and has had seven sons and seven daughters. One son is dead.
Threshing Machine and Traction Engine Proprietor, Le Cren and North Streets, Timaru. Mr. Campbell was born in 1833 in Caithness, Scotland, where he was brought up to farming, and afterwards worked as a stone mason at Wick, where he resided for four years. He then went to America, and was for five years building in the country districts. In 1862 he left America, and arrived in Wellington in the same year by the ship “Oliver Laing.” He went to Lyttelton in the “Mary Louisa,” and found employment at the Springs station, near Lincoln, then the property of Messrs Fitzgerald and Cox. After six years Mr. Campbell bought land at Woodbury, where he farmed for about fourteen years; at the end of which he leased his farm and removed to Timaru, to have his children educated. Mr. Campbell has always been fond of machinery, and now works a traction engine and threshing plant. He was one of the first to bring a traction engine into the district. Mr. Campbell was first married, in 1866, to Miss Berry, of London, who died in 1868, leaving one son. In 1872 Mr. Campbell married Miss Morrow, of Killinchy, Ireland, and has two sons and two daughters.
sometime of Timaru, was born in 1830, at Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland, and was brought up as a builder in his native county. He arrived in Victoria in 1854, and shortly afterwards was engaged in the building trade in Melbourne. In 1862 he came to the Otago goldfields, and some time later became a contractor in Dunedin. Mr. Allan carried out several large railway contracts, and finally settled in Timaru and entered into partnership with Mr. George Stumbles, under the style of Allan and Stumbles. The firm became contractors for the breakwater, and also had large railway contracts. Mr. Allan was connected with the Oddfellows' Order, which he had joined in Melbourne. He was married, in Melbourne, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Galletly, of Dunedin, and at his death in June, 1892, left two sons and three daughters.
who has been a resident in the Timaru district for thirty years, was born in 1828, in Shropshire, England, where he was apprenticed as a coach-builder. He came out to Victoria in 1860, and ten months later arrived in Christchurch, where he worked for a few years at his trade. Mr. Barratt became one of the founders of the well known firm of Moor and Co., in Victoria Street, Christchurch. He removed to Timaru in 1872 and established the large coach-building business which he conducted in Stafford Street for so many years. In 1890 he sold his interest, and has since then been living in retirement. Mr. Barratt is married, and has one daughter.
for many years manager of the Kingsdown estate comes of an old Wiltshire family. He was born in 1833, received a private education, and was trained to farming. Mr. Bristol came from England in the old clipper ship “Anglesea,” and after visiting a few friends in Australia, settled in New Zealand in 1863. He was for many years so closely and actively engaged in the management of “Kingsdown” that he had no time to spare to public affairs. He has, however, from the first been a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Society and of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society; and he took a prominent part in the institution of St. John's, the first Masonic Lodge in Timaru. Mr. Bristol was an enthusiastic cricketer in his native county of Wiltshire and captain of his club, and since setting in Timaru has always identified himself with the game. He has been continuously president of the Timaru Cricket Club, was one of the original promoters of the Amateur Athletic Club, and is a life member of the South Canterbury Jockey Club. Mr. Bristol was married, in 1867, to Miss Woods, a sister of Mrs George Rhodes, of the Levels station, but was left a widower in 1887.
of Crofton, Wai-iti Road, Timaru, is one of the early pioneers of South Canterbury, with which he has been identified from its earliest days. He was born in Yorkshire, in 1833, and left England for the Australian diggings in 1852, in the ship “Chandernagore. Mr. Buchanan went with the “rush” to Bendigo, and subsequently to New South Wales. He came to New Zealand in 1853, when he landed at Lyttelton, and travelled overland to Timaru. At that time the Pareora estate was taken up, and Mr. Buchanan worked there for three years. He then went into partnership with Mr Poingdestre, and took up the Bluecliffs run, now owned by Mr. Rhodes. This partnership was dissolved in 1859, when Mr. Buchanan sold his share, and went on a trip to England, where he was married. On returning to the colony with his young wife, he took up the Willow Bridge estate, on which he erected the first flour mill in Canterbury south of Timaru. He remained there till 1872, and subsequently bought a farm at Otaio, which he worked for a few years, when he retired from active life, and took up his residence in Timaru. Mr. Buchanan was a member of the first Waimate Road Board, and one of the first members of the Timaru school committee. He is also a member of the St. John's Lodge of Freemasons, Timaru. His family consists of six sons and two daughters.
who has resided in the Timaru district since 1863, was born in Sunderland, Durham, England, in 1837, and went to sea when only thirteen years old. At the age of nineteen he went to Victoria, where he had experience in quartz-reefing and alluvial goldmining. He came to Otago in 1861, and was for about six months at Tuapeka when he enjoyed a trip of a year's duration to the Old Land. On returning to Timaru Mr. Chapman was employed in connection with the surf-boat landing service owned by Messrs Cain and Le Cren, and was practically in charge of the service. He was one of the founders of the Loyal Timaru Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, No. 5508, and has been Grand Master of the order. Mr. Chapman was married at the end of 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Beckingham, merchant, of St. John Street Road, Islington, London, England, and has four sons and two daughters.
sometime of Timaru, was born in 1836, and at an early age came out to Victoria. He came to Wellington in 1855, and soon afterwards removed to Canterbury, where he occupied a position in the Postal Department at Christchurch and Lyttelton, and was for several years in business as a timber merchant in Christchurch. Mr. Le Cren went to Timaru in the sixties, and commenced on his own account as a merchant. He was associated with the late Captain Cain in connection with the Surf Boat Landing Service. When the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company opened its South Canterbury branch in Timaru Mr. Le Cren became manager, and held the position for over twenty-five years, only retiring in December, 1901, when his health became impaired. He had large interests in a sheep station at Simon's Pass, in the Mackenzie Country, and always took an interest in agricultural and pastoral associations. Mr. Le. Cren was married, in 1857, in Christchurch, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Mills, of Hobart, and at his death in April, 1902, left two daughters and six sons. One daughter had died previously.
was one of the pioneer settlers of Canterbury, and one of the first merchants of Timaru. He was born, in 1823, in Scotland, and came out to the colony in the “Barbara Gordon,” to act as agent for the first four ships which brought the Canterbury Pilgrims in 1850. He was subsequently for many years a member of the firm of Longdon and Le Cren, general merchants, in Lyttelton. Very early in the history of the settlement of Timaru, Mr. Le Cren sent the late Captain Cain with a small shipload of goods to open a store in the district. Captain Cain was in charge of this business till about 1856, when Mr. Le Cren removed to Timaru and took over the management. In 1867 the business was sold to Messrs Miles and Co., and Mr. Le Cren went to London, where he and Mr. George Gray Russell entered into business as colonial merchants. The business so established, with the New Zealand firm of Russell, Ritchie and Co., was subsequently disposed of to the National Mortgage and Agency Company. Mr. Le Cren then retired from business and settled in Timaru, where he built a handsome residence known as “Craighead,” which was his home till the time of his death in May, 1895. Mr. Le Cren was a member of the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, and of the Levels Road Board. He left three sons and four daughters.
Old Colonist, of Timaru, was born in Dhaun, on a tributary of the river Rhine, in Germany, in 1833. After being educated in his native place he went to London for five years. During the Crimean war he formed one of the crew of the ship “Republic of New York,” while she was engaged in carrying troops to Constantinople. When the war was over he shipped as steward on another vessel, which traded in the East Indies. In 1858 he came to Wellington in the ship “Oliver Laing,” as a passenger. After going round the North Island he removed to Lyttelton, whence he walked overland to Timaru, where he arrived early in 1859. At that time Timaru consisted of only a few shanties, a public house, and a gaol. Mr. Cullman engaged in bullock driving and carting timber from the Waimate Bush to Timaru, before any roads were formed. In 1861, he went to the Lyndhurst goldfields in the Mackenzie Country, but finding the field a failure, he returned to Timaru. Shortly afterwards he went to the Gabriel's Gully field, where he was more successful. He returned again to Timaru in 1868, started there as a baker and confectioner, and conducted his business until 1878, when he retired. For two years Mr. Cullman was a member of the Timaru Borough Council, and has been closely identified with the Oddfellows. Mr. Cullmann was married in New Zealand, and has two sons and three daughters.
was born in Cheshire, England. He was apprenticed as a cabinetmaker, carpenter, and joiner, and afterwards worked at Laird's shipyards at Birkenhead. In October, 1857, he arrived in Brisbane as carpenter's mate of the ship “Irene,” and came to New Zealand in 1859. For some time he was employed in building work at Lyttelton and throughout the district, and walked overland to Timaru in the year of his arrival. He was engaged in building work for a number of years in various parts of the Timaru district, whence he went to the Wairarapa, in the North Island, where he had over six years' experience in farming 4000 acres. Having sold out his interest, he returned to Timaru and devoted his attention to building, and held positions as clerk of works under the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works. In 1876 he became foreman of works to the Timaru Borough Council, and also performed the duties of building surveyor and inspector of nuisances till July, 1902. During his long period of service, Mr. Dale supervised the formation of most of the streets in Timaru, including kerbing and channeling, and many other branches of work. He was married, in June, 1864, to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert Warrington, of Glossop, Derbyshire, England, and has had seven daughters and three sons.
was born at Owston-Ferry-on-Trent, Lincolnshire, England, in 1829. He was educated in his native county, and was apprenticed to Mr. G. Bailey, draper, of Bawtrey. In 1852 he was attracted to the Australian gold diggings, and after undergoing numerous experiences, he returned Home in 1861, but in October of the following year he came out to New Zealand, by way of Panama, San Francisco, and British Columbia, in the “Alice Thorndyke.” Shortly afterwards he went to Melbourne, but returned to New Zealand at the time of the Dunstan rush. He became assistant to Mr D. Clarke, and was afterwards with Mr. Pratt, one of the earliest drapers of Christchurch. In 1869 Mr. Gabites was appointed to manage a drapery business for Mr. Clarkson, in Timaru, and afterwards became proprietor of the establishment, which he sold six years and a half later, for reasons connected with his health. Mr. Gabites was a member of the Timaru Borough Council when the waterworks scheme was initiated, and he served for a time in the No. 6 Christchurch Rifles. In 1865 he married Miss Duggan, of Christchurch, and has two sons. The eldest son is Dr G. E. Gabites, Surgeon Superintendent of the Timaru Hospital, and the youngest son is now (1903) studying dentistry at Edinburgh.
of Timaru, was born near Melton Mowbray, England, in 1833. He came out to Melbourne in 1851, was goldmining in the Ballarat district for ten years, and was a witness of the burning of Bentley's Hotel, and saw the fight at the Eureka Stockade in 1854. Mr. Gibson was well acquainted with Peter Lawlor, the leader of the insurgents, who was hidden in a tent within a few hundred yards of Mr. Gibson's tent, at a time when £500 was offered as a reward for his arrest. Mr. Gibson removed to Otago in 1861, and took part in the Hartley and Riley rush. With his friend, the late Mr. Colin McKenzie Gordon, he spent five years on the Otago goldfields, and then settled about 1866 in the Timaru district, where he carried on contracting and cropping until he retired about 1878. Mr. Gibson served as a borough councillor for about ten years, at the time when the Timaru waterworks scheme was formulated and carried out. At the first election of members to the Timaru Harbour Board Mr. Gibson was returned at the head of the poll. He retained his seat on the board for a number of years, but lost his popularity in consequence of his views on the shingle question, and for strongly advocating the purchase of the present suction dredge. Mr. Gibson is a life member of the High School Board of Governors, and was for many years a member of the Timaru Main School Committee. He, is also a Master Mason, and has been connected with St. John's Lodge since 1877. Mr. Gibson was married, in 1874; his wife died in June, 1902, leaving no family.
was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Victory” in 1862, when he was about twenty-four years of age. As a colonist he has resided chiefly in Christchurch. For many years he carried on the business of a hotelkeeper in Addington; and was subsequently postmaster at Linwood. Mr. Hansmann and his family have latterly resided at Timaru.
was born in 1842 in the country village of Thorner, in Yorkshire, England. Having lost his father, and his mother having to provide for herself and his younger brother and sister, he, when nine years of age, was adopted by a pitman and his wife, and started at once to work with him in one of the pits or mines belonging to the Farnley Iron Company, at Farnley, near Leeds. His adopted parents proved to be as good and kind to him as they were to their own children. The masters also, Mr. James Armitage and Mr. William Armitage, were two of the best employers of labour who ever lived, and they spent their time and large sums of money in building Sunday and night schools, recreation grounds, and a beautiful church. They each had a class at the Sunday school, and visited the night school once or twice each week. Thanks to their kindness and liberality, Mr. Kirk received a fair amount of education at the night school, and learned to read fairly well on Sundays, under the special charge and care of Mr. James Armitage. Living under good parents and working for good masters, his life was one of great regularity; and he worked ten hours a day in the pit, attending night school constantly, and never missed Sunday school until 1863, when he left England in the ship “Brother's Pride,” and landed in Lyttelton in December of that year. His first work in New Zealand was road making on Porter's Pass under Mr. J. Jebson, for whom he worked afterwards at the Sunnyside Asylum. Then he helped to erect the telegraph line from the Selwyn river to Arthur's Pass, and he also helped Mr. E. G. Wright to finish the Goldney's Saddle part of the West Coast road. After that Mr. Kirk took to brickmaking in Lyttelton, and while there he made the bricks for the vault of the late Mr. G. Rhodes, of Timaru. He then removed to Christchurch, and with the Messrs Austin opened brickworks on the Ferry Road, near to the site of the present Heathcote Road Board offices. They made bricks at Prebbleton for the house of the late Mr. J. S. Buxton. He and his partners then worked the brickworks of Mr. Joseph Bailey, builder, Christchurch, until his death, when they leased the works for four years. At that time the Provincial
was well known in the early days, in South Canterbury. He was born, in 1834, at Marchwell, Wales, England, and was educated at Eton and Cambridge. In 1856 he came out to Lyttelton with the Rev. J. C. Andrew, and continued with that gentleman till 1859, when he removed to a large run near Hakataramea, which he worked till about 1876. Mr. Luxmoore bought 397 acres near Timaru, in 1864, and settled on that property, where he resided, until his death in July, 1882. He served as a member of the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, of which he was chairman for a number of years. Mr. Luxmoore was always interested in the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was at one time its president. He married, in 1860, the youngest daughter of the late Rev. H. Fendall, of Timaru, and had one son, who died in infaney.
is the eldest son of the late Mr. George Marsh, of Hampshire, who came to the Colony in 1851 by the ship “Canterbury” (which foundered on her next voyage). The subject of this notice was born on the eve of the ship's sailing from England. Mr. Marsh, senior, settled at Fendalton, and at first was manager for the late Mr. S. Hewlings, government surveyor. He removed to Templeton, where he carried on farming for thirty years till his death, in 1887, his widow surviving him until 1893. Mr. G. D. Marsh assisted his father for some years, then spent some time in Christchurch, learning the blacksmith's trade. He removed in 1894 to South Canterbury, and now resides in Timaru. While at Templeton he took an active interest in local affairs, and was chairman and member of the Templeton and Lincoln Road Boards, member of Christchurch Fire Brigade, was a trooper in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and member of the Christchurch City Guards. He has been an Oddfellow for many years, and was a member of the Claremont school committee, while he was farming “Kingsborough” in that district. Mr. Marsh married a daughter of Mr. Charles Jeff, one of the Canterbury pilgrims, and has ten children.
was born in the North of Ireland, in 1840, and was apprenticed to the hat and cap manufacturing business in Belfast. He also had experience of country life on his father's farm, “Banview,” on the River Ban, and he was afterwards a clerk for some time, until coming out to Melbourne in April, 1861, by the ship “Shalmar.” He joined the volunteers in Melbourne, and enlisted under Colonel Pitt to serve in the Maori war in the Waikato. After two years' service, he went to the West Coast goldfields, and six months later walked overland to Canterbury, meeting with many experiences on the way. Mr. Millar was for ten years book-keeper and traveller for the sawmills conducted by Messrs Webb and Benny, at Geraldine and Woodbury. In 1875, he removed to Timaru, and was employed for seven years by Mr. J. Jackson. After two years' experience in Christchurch, he returned to Timaru, and in 1897 bought a coal and firewood yard. Mr. Millar conducted this business till 1902, when he sold his interest to Mr. Marsh. He was married in May, 1895, to Miss Orr, of County Donegal, Ireland, and has three sons and two daughters.
who has been over forty years in New Zealand, was born in Cheshire, England, in 1829. At the age of twenty-four, he left the Old Country for the Australian goldfields, and worked at Bendigo and Ballarat for four years. In 1857, he came to New Zealand and was appointed surveyor for Banks' Peninsula by the Provincial Government of Canterbury. Four years later he removed to Timaru, where he was district surveyor till 1877, when he sought a change of life, and started farming in Totara Valley, where he had bought 500 acres of Government land in its native state, at £2 per acre. This property he farmed successfully until 1898,
sometime of Timaru, was one of the pioneers of Canterbury, and came out in the ship “Royal Heart,” in 1849. He had a farm at Hallswell, and afterwards at Addington, where the Addington show grounds now stand. After some years he bought a farm, named “Meadowbank,” in Upper Otaio, and worked it with success. In later years Mr. Pigeon retired to his private residence, “Belfield,” at Waimataitai, near Timaru. He died in 1896, leaving a wife, one son and a daughter.
Old Colonist, J.P., Timaru. In the beginning of 1863, Mr. Stuart arrived in Dunedin from Moreton Bay, Queensland. During that year he visited Lake Wakatipu, and went to Milford Sound in 1865. He accompanied Mr. Thomas Pringle on the first photographic excursion made to the Franz Josef Glacier, and some of the views taken are to be seen in Von Haast's “Geology of Canterbury and Westland.” Mr. Stuart made a holiday exploring trip to the head waters of the Buller river, in Nelson, and to the head of the Wilberforce in Canterbury. He was a promoter of the Hokitika fire brigade and literary society, and a colour-sergeant of the Second Westland Rifles. For six years he was book-keeper for Messrs Anderson and Mowat, in Invercargill and Hokitika, until the firm relinquished business. He was legal manager of several quartz gold mining companies in the pioneering days of the Lyell, and had the carries quarters at the head of the navigable part of the Inangahua river. At the end of 1875 he removed from the Lyell to Timaru, where he has ever since been engaged in the grain trade and shipping agency business. He has been a Justice of the Peace and member of the licensing committee for many years, a member of the Board of Reviewers under the land tax, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is one of the original office-bearers of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society. Mr. Stuart is a recognised authority throughout the Colony on old-fashioned sports, especially wrestling, quoiting, leaping, jumping, putting the stone, throwing the hammer and tossing the caber. In June, 1891, Mr. Stuart publicly protested against the proposal of the Commissioners and Harbour Board to commence removing the shingle from the weatherside of the breakwater. He organised the opposition and advocated the benefits of the natural reclamation, got up petitions and public meetings, and did the self-imposed secretarial work of the party. He was chairman of the Harbour Board in 1893 and 1894, and considers that the “sheltered” breakwater is a good object lesson on his policy. Mr. Stuart is also the father of the Reclamation Bill, which gives the Board power to reclaim about 100 acres in Caroline Bay and seven acres in the inner harbour. In a Quixotic way he started a “working bee,” and the terrace at the background of the bay is the outcome of the work commenced by a few Timaru carriers on the 16th of June, 1897. The work was afterwards assisted by subscriptions, and Mr. George Stumbles acted as its honorary inspector.
was born at Cupar, Fyfe, Scotland, on the 31st of July. 1842, and went to sea before he was fourteen. After two years he ran away from the ship “Strathallan” at Port Chalmers, travelled to the Mackenzie Country, where he took what employment he could get, and gradually worked his way as far north as Auckland. There he joined the colonial sloop “Victoria,” during the Taranaki war of 1860–61, but left after fourteen months, and worked his way to Otago. He was for a time on the goldfields at Gabriel's Gully, Nokomai, Arrow, Shotover, and Cromwell, in Otago, and also visited the West Coast. Mr. Strachan abandoned the goldfields, however, and found employment in wire-fencing at the Level's station. In 1868 he went to Scotland as a steward, and on his return kept a store at Pleasant Point for about eight years. About five years later, Mr. Strachan took a contract for the erection of forty miles of rabbit fencing, in the Mackenzie Country. In 1892 he started the bathing machines, at Carofine Bay, which he still owns; and he afterwards established bathing machines at Sumner and New Brighton. Mr. Strachan was married, in 1868, to a Miss McLennan, of Ross-shire, Scotland, and has had five daughters and four sons. One son has died.
Wai-iti Read, Timaru, was born in India, in 1853, and, when four years of age, at the time of the Indian Mutiny, was sent to England to be educated. At the age of nineteen he went to Colorado, America, and was surveying in the Rocky Mountains for five years; at the end of which he returned to India, and was for twelve years tea planting in Assam. In 1888 Mr. Sterndale came to New Zealand, and for some time lived at Port Molyneaux, near Balclutha. He has been resident in Timaru since 1895. He served as a volunteer in India, and held rank as private, lieutenant, and captain in the Sebsagor Mounted Infantry for four years.
was born in England in August, 1839, and was educated at Clifton near Bristol. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Clontarf,” in January, 1859, and joined a relative on a run now known as Patoka station, about thirty miles from Napier. Two years later Mr. Sealy entered the survey department in Hawke's Bay, and after four years came to Canterbury, as district surveyor. He was first stationed in Ashburton and afterwards in North Canterbury. Since 1873 Mr. Sealy has been a resident of the Timaru district, where he has carried on extensive farming operations, and held at that time 2000 acres of land in the neighbourhood. He bought the Rockwood estate in the Tengawai district, and farmed it for about five years, and also acquired the Ellerslie estate, near Geraldine. During his term as district surveyor he did a good deal of exploration work in the Southern Alps, which, at that time had been visited only by Sir Julius (then Dr) Von Haast, who named Mount Sealy in his honour. Mr. Sealy took some of the first photographs of the Southern Alps, and a large assortment of these views, now (1903) nearly forty years old, has been preserved in excellent condition. Mr. Sealy travelled over the West Coast Road in 1868, when it was in course of construction, and a selection of the photographs he took were exhibited at the Vienna Exhibition, at which he was awarded the only gold medal for New Zealand photographs. He also presented a large number of views of glacial formation to the Royal Geographical Society. During his residence in the Ashburton district, Mr. Sealy made two expeditions to the Rangitata and Ashburton glaciers. Before leaving England, and during his residence in New Zealand, Mr. Sealy devoted his leisure to the study of Natural History, and has given special attention to the ornithology of Great Britain and New Zealand, and also to the investigation of tropical Lepidoptera. His collection of the largest and most brilliant examples of tropical butterflies from India, China, Japan, the islands of the Malay Archipelago, and South America, is probably the finest south of the Line. He has also formed wonderfully complete and well preserved collections of British, Australian, and New Zealand birds' eggs; the latter being probably the most complete collection extant of New Zealand species. Mr. Sealy was one of the early promoters of co-operation in South Canterbury, and has been a director, of the Farmers' Co-operative Association, on which he has occupied the position of vicechairman and member of the Finance Commitee for more than twenty years. He was married, in 1873, to a daughter of Mr. T. Sanderson, a well known North Canterbury runholder, and has five daughters and one son.
was born at Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, in 1837, and after some experience in mercantile life went to sea for six years. On landing at Port Chalmers, in 1858, he walked overland from Dunedin to Timaru, before any roads were formed and engaged in business for many years as a general storekeeper in Stafford Street. He was a member of the Timaru Borough Council from 1878 to 1882. Mr. Shepherd was married, in 1860, to Miss Irvine, of County Fermanagh, Ireland, and has had three sons and two daughters.
was one of the earliest and best known settlers of Timaru. He was born in 1816 in the parish of Pellerton, on the borders of Devon and Cornwall, England, where his father, the Rev. Henry Woollcombe, was rector. His father dying, he was brought up by his grandmother, Lady Louis, and when he was thirteen years of age he entered the Royal Navy as a midshipman on board the “Thunderer.” He was with his ship in the West Indies in 1830, and could recall the mourning for the death of George the Fourth and the rejoicings at the accession of William the Fourth. In 1839–42 he took part in the “Opium War” with China, and received a medal for his services. His naval career was closed in 1850, when he retired with a pension after seeing twenty-one years of service. For some time before his retirement he had been staff-lieutenant, at Plymouth, under his uncle, Admiral Sir John Louis. He was afterwards ranked as commander, and later still as post-captain. Mr. Woollcombe arrived in New Zealand in 1852, and entered into partnership with Messrs Lee, Mallock, and Lance in the New Zealand Wool Growing Company, which had a large property at Mount Parnassus. Five years later he settled at Timaru, where he had been preceded by only one or two pioneers, though even at that early period the outlying country was being rapidly taken up in sheep runs. Mr. Woollcombe, in the true colonial spirit, built a whare for himself with his own hands, and entered at once on the duties of the position to which he had been appointed—that of Government Agent at Timaru. In carrying on his official work he had to be by turn Resident Magistrate, Imigration Agent, Postmaster, Customs Officer, Harbourmaster, Beachmaster, Pilot, Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths, and Health
(Timaru Branch), Stafford Street, Timaru. Telephone 18. Agent for Timaru and district, Mr. W. J. Cotterill. All the large cargo and the principal mall and passenger boats of the New Zealand Shipping Company call at the port of Timaru. Owing to the extension of the refrigerating trade, the service has been greatly increased.
Agent for the New Zealand Shipping Company at Timaru, is a son of the late Canon Cotterill, formerly a master at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was born at the college, where also he was educated, afterwards entering the Christchurch office of the New Zealand Shipping Company, being stationed subsequently at Lyttelton and Wellington, respectively. In 1896 he was appointed to represent the company at Timaru. Mr. Cotterill has interested himself in football, and is well known as a referee, as being associated with the United Cricket Club in Christchurch, and as captain of the Timaru Club. He has played for Canterbury province in interprovincial matches for a number of years. Mr. Cotterill was married in 1892 to a daughter of the late Dr. Rouse, of Lyttelton.
Farmer, Wai-iti. Mr Seybe was born in Germany on the 4th of August, 1860. He was brought up to farming, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia,” in 1870, and settled in the Timaru district, and was at the Levels station for a few years. In 1898 he began to farm sixty-eight acres of land on the Wai-iti Road, where he has since resided. He still takes contracts for ploughing and agricultural work. Mr. Seybe was married on the 29th of November, 1883, to a daughter of Mr. S. Morgan, of Timaru, and has six sons and three daughters.
(Otipua), which as a settlement was established in 1879, is six miles from Timaru, on the road leading to Upper Pareora. The township is about the centre of the original Otipua estate, which comprised about 30,000 acres of land. This property, after being bought by the Government, was subdivided and thrown open for settlement, and some freehold land, owned by Mr G. G. Russell, was also disposed of in township sections. Beaconsfield has had a post office, named Otipua, for about twenty years. There are also blacksmiths' and carpenters' shops, and a pretty little ivy-covered church overlooks the settlement. The children of the district attend the Pareora public school, about two miles distant.
, which serves the Beaconsfield district, was established in 1882. It is conducted at the store of Mr. C. Chivers, where mails are received and despatched daily. There is also a telephone bureau.
Postmaster at Otipua Post Office, Beaconsfield, was born in Frome, Somersetshire, England, in 1836, and learned the trade of a cabinetmaker. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “Zealandia” in 1859, and has resided in the Timaru district since 1865. Mr. Chivers has been identified with the Beaconsfield district for a number of years, and has served on the public school committee. He was married in 1859, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Collins of Frome, Somersetshire, and has two sons and five daughters.
which was constituted in
Vicar of Beaconsfield and Kingsdown, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1854. He came to Auckland by the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” in 1874, and was for seven years stationed at Temuka before his appointment to Beacona-field in January, 1902. Mr. Farlie has 410 acres of land at St. Andrews, where he resides. He was married, in 1882, to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. W. I. Taylor, of Tamaki. This lady died in 1886, leaving two sons and one daughter. In 1891 Mr. Farlie married a daughter of Mr. F. L. Webster, of New Plymouth, and has two daughters by this union.
Blacksmith, Otipua. Mr. Hutton was the first colonist to settle in Beaconsfield. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1849, and was brought up by his father to the trade of a blacksmith and shipwright. He came to Port Chalmers in 1873 in the ship “Cartsburn.” For four years he resided in Dunedin, where for some time he was engaged in business for himself. He then settled at Beaconsfield, where he built his house and workshop, started as a blacksmith, and has ever since been successful in business. Mr. Hutton has been a member of the Order of Oddfellows, and was a member of the Beaconsfield school committee for many years. In 1873, he married Miss Marian Craig, of Ayrshire, and they have seven sons and three daughters. The eldest son is engaged in his father's business.
Farmer, Beaconsfield (Otipua). Mr. Anstey was born in Devonshire, England, in 1856, and brought up on his father's farm. He came out to Lyttelton in 1873, and for about three years found employment as a shearer and enginedriver. In 1881 he acquired a freehold of 182 acres at Pareora, and in November, 1889, leased an educational reserve of 417 acres in the Beaconsfield district, where he has since resided. Mr. Anstey also owns 156 acres of freehold at Coonoor, south-west of Timaru. He has taken an active interest in the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, of which he been a director for eight years. Mr. Anstey served for seven years on the Pareora school committee, and was chairman for three years of that time. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1897. Mr. Anstey was married in September, 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. P. Chamberlain, of Devonshire, and has three sons and one daughter.
of Otipua, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1828. He was educated in Dunfermline and Edinburgh, and was for many years a successful merchant in London. On arriving in New Zealand, in 1864, he established himself in Dunedin as a general merchant, and two years latter opened a branch in Timaru. In both places he soon had a large and very successful business. The Timaru branch was first carried on by Mr. Russell himself, but in a few years he was joined by Mr. Ritchie, his partner in the Dunedin firm, of Russell, Ritchie and Co. In 1878 the business was taken over by the National Mortgage and Agency Company, who now carry it on. The two establishments were largely connected with the wool, grain, and produce export shipping business, and Mr. Russell himself was
is the name of a riding in the Levels county, and also of a rural district about three miles from Timaru on the main road to Claremont. The district is partly residential and partly agricultural and pastoral; the land is undulating in its character. At the census of March, 1901, the village and its neighbourhood had a population of ninety-nine souls. Gleniti has a store and post office, a blacksmith's shop, and a public school, and daily coach communication with Timaru.
was established in 1896, at the store at the corner of Claremont and Selbie roads. There is a telephone bureau, and mails are received and despatched daily.
Postmaster at Gleuiti, was born in 1858, at Newstead, England, and came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Hydaspes,” in 1871. He worked as a ploughman in the Timaru district till 1888, when he acquired the local store at Gleniti. Mr. Simpson was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. I. Lack, of Norfolk, England, and has one son and four daughters.
at Gleniti was established in 1879. It is built of stone, roofed with iron, stands on two acres of land, contains two class rooms and two porches, and has accommodation for 120 pupils. The number on the roll is ninety-eight, and the average attendance is eighty-two. The master in charge is assisted by a mistress.
Master of the Gleniti Public School, was born in 1847, in Yorkshire, England. He was trained as a teacher, and came out to the colonies in 1875. After experience in Melbourne and Hobart, he came to Canterbury. He served over two years at Claremont, fourteen years at Woodbury, and has been master at Gleniti since 1897.
Farmer, Holly Farm, Gleniti Mr. Ellis works 100 acres of leasehold land. He was born at Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England, in 1858, and arrived at Lyttelton with his parents in the ship “Clontari” on the 6th of January, 1859. His father settled at Timaru, where he established an extensive carrying trade, in which the son, after leaving school, assisted him. In 1877 he took over his father's business, which he conducted till 1893, when he bought a large livery stable and plant in Beswick Street, Timaru. This large business was carried on by Mr. Ellis till the 31st of July, 1901. He was for a short time Sanitary Inspector for the Levels County Council, and is now devoting his attention to farming. While he was in Timaru Mr. Ellis, as a Freemason, was a member of Lodge Caledonia, and was also associated with the Druids and other public societies in the town. In his younger days he took a keen interest in cricket and other outdoor games. Mr. Ellis was married in Timaru, and has nine children.
Farmer, North Downs, Gleniti. Mr. Kelland was born in Devonshire, England, and was brought up for a farmer's life. Mr. Kelland came to New Zealand in 1865, with his parents. His farm is an admirable property of 384 acres. Mr. Kelland has also a farm at the Levels. He is an extensive breeder of stud sheep of English Leicester strain, and has been awarded numerous prizes at various shows. Mr. Kelland is a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has been a member of the committee for over ten years. He was married in Christchurch to Miss Squire, of Devonshire, and has two daughters and one son.
Farmer, “Rosebrook,” Gleniti. Mr. Pringle was born at Newstead, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland, on the 9th of January, 1836, and was educated at Melrose, where he was apprenticed to a stonemason. He also had experience in farming pursuits, and came to Lyttelton
Farmer, Otumarama, Gleniti. Mr. Robinson was born in England in 1860. He arrived at Port Chalmers in 1880, in the ship “Dumbritton,” and having gained experience in sheepfarming in Otago, farmed for eleven years near Tapanui. After a trip to England, he returned to New Zealand, in 1900, and acquired his present property. Mr. Robinson was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Hon. John Bathgate, of Dunedin, and has two sons and two daughters.
is an undulating farming district, seven miles from Timaru, on the road to Cave and Albury. The population in the vicinity of the main road was set down at 240, in the census return of March, 1901. Claremont takes its name from a well known sheep station, which has been worked for many years. It is situated in the Claremont riding of the Levels county. There is a local school, and a post office, which is in daily communication with Timaru.
was established about 1883, and is conducted at the Claremont schoolhouse, where mails are received and despatched daily by Mrs F. L. Black.
was established towards the end of the seventies, and for many years was the only school in an extensive district. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a classroom and porch, with accommodation for fifty pupils. There are thirty-six names on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty. Four acres of land are attached to the school, and there is a schoolhouse of five rooms on the property.
Teacher in charge of the Claremont school, was born in Timaru, and educated at the Timaru Main School, where she served a pupil-teachership of four years. She received her present appointment in April, 1895.
(George Heaton Rhodes, proprietor), Claremont. This property consists of about 4000 acres of freehold land, 1000 acres of which are let to tenants with the option of purchase. The land, which is hilly, carries about 4000 sheep all the year round, in addition to cattle and horses, required in connection with the station. All the ploughing is done by contract, and about 200 acres are sown in turnips every year.
who has been manager of the Claremont estate since April, 1896, was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in January, 1862. He came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Margaret Galbraith,” in December, 1886, and was for three years a shepherd at the Benmore station, Waitaki. For a few months afterwards Mr. Matheson was shepherd at Tarndale station, Hanmer Plains, and then took a position at Messrs Garrick and Cowlishaw's station, “The Brothers,” near Pleasant Point where he remained for about two years, and became manager towards the end of the time. He was then sheepdriving in the Temuka district for four years, until he became manager of the Claremont estate in 1896. Mr. Matheson was married, in 1890, to a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander McDonald, of Ross-shire, Scotland, and has two daughters.
Farmer, “The Whalebones,” Claremont. Mr. Fowler was born in November, 1843, at West Halton, Lincolnshire, England, and was brought up to country life. He came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Waitangi,” in 1876, and worked as a farm labourer for a few years at Claremont Hill. Since that time he has been farming in the district. In 1895 he removed to the “Whalebones,” where he owns 168 acres, and in addition, farms fifty acres further up the road. Mr. Fowler has served as a member of the local school committee for many years. He was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Martin, of Yorkshire, England. His wife died in 1871, leaving two sons. In 1875, Mr. Fowler was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Pashley, of Eashington, Yorkshire, but he was again left a widower in 1880, when his wife died, leaving one son and one daughter.
the property of the late Mr. Timaru Rhodes, is situated about five miles from Timaru, at Claremont. It contains 3000 acres, and Hadlow House is a very handsome building, standing within spacious grounds. The kennels of the South Canterbury Harriers were located on the property for some years, during three of which the late Mr. T. Rhodes acted as Master of the
Manager of the Hadlow Estate, was born at Ecclefechan, (Carlyle's birthplace), Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Arriving in New Zealand in 1874 by the ship “Margaret Galbraith,” Mr. Park entered into farming pursuits, principally cropping maiden land, and afterwards became a station manager. He was farm manager for Mr. T. Rhodes for seven years prior to that gentleman's death in 1894, and has continued in the management of the estate. Mr Park is steward of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, and also a member of the Hunt Club and Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Society. He was married in Christchurch to the second daughter of the late Mr. Alfred Cardale and has one daughter.
Farmer, “Glengummel,” Claremont. Mr. Robinson was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1857, and was brought up to country life. He arrived at Lyttelton, in the ship “Hurunui,” on the 6th of September, 1879, found employment at farm work in the Southbridge district, and afterwards was manager of a farm for Messrs Miles and Co., for eight years. He was employed at Mr. Page's farm at Gleniti, South Canterbury, for six years, and rose to the position of manager towards the end of that term. At Christmas, 1895, Mr. Robinson purchased his property at “Glengummel,” where he farms sixty-two acres of freehold, and also takes land for cropping by the season. He served as a member of the Claremont school committee for about two years, and is a member of the Yorkshire Society in Timaru. Mr. Robinson was married, in 1886, to a Miss Sinclair, of County Tyrone, Ireland, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Grange Farm,” Claremont. Mr. Selbie was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, and was brought up to farming. He came to Lyttelton in 1862 by the ship “Queen of the Mersey,” and was engaged by the late Sir Cracroft Wilson as a shepherd on his Rangitata station, where he remained for fourteen months. After visiting the Wakamarina diggings, in Marlborough, Mr. Selbie crossed the ranges and travelled to Kaiapoi, where he found employment at road making. He was afterwards engaged by Mr. William Gosling, senr., of Triple Stream, “Trevenna.” Later on, he commenced farming on Mr. John Hayhurst's estate, and subsequently bought 201 acres at Claremont, which he has farmed since. Mr. Selbie has been chairman of the Claremont School Committee for many years, and a member of committee since the school was opened on the 16th of July, 1877. He was married in the Colony, and has seven sons and two daughters.
was originally known as Seaview. It is a pleasant farming district with undulating country, about five miles from Timaru, on the Pareora road, and lies between Pareora and Claremont. The population of the settlement is set down at forty-nine, while Fairview road has an additional population of 104. Fairview has a post office and there is a public school in the district. The nearest telegraph office is in Timaru.
was established in the eighties. It has a glebe of four acres of land, on which there are some well grown shelter trees. The school building is of wood and iron, and contains a classroom and a porch, with accommodation for sixty children. There are thirty-six names on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty. The globe has a number of lower-beds which are kept by the children. There is a six-roomed house for the teacher in charge of the school.
Teacher in charge at Fairview, was born in Aberdeen. Scotland, and was educated and trained as a teacher in Edinburgh. In 1885 she arrived at Dunedin by the ship “Chili,” and held a position in the Dunedin Girls' High School. Mrs Ritchie was afterwards in charge at Upper
Farmer, Fairview Mr. Butchers was born in Kent, England, in 1840, and was brought up as a farmer. He came to Lyttelton by the ship “Canterbury” in 1864, and worked for about eighteen months on Longbeach station. Some time afterwards he was employed in the formation of the West Coast road. In 1872, Mr. Butchers commenced farming at Fairview, on eighty acres of land, which he has since increased to 106 acres. He has been a member, of the local school committee since its establishment. Mr. Butchers was married, in 1871, to a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Lawrence, of Pinner, near London, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Fairview. Mr. Elder was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1853, and brought up on his father's farm. He had experience for two years in a lawyer's office, and has since devoted his attention to farming. In 1880 he arrived in Lyttelton by the ship “Norfolk,” and was for four years on Clydevale station, Otago, the property of the New Zealand Land Company. For seven years subsequently he was agricultural manager of the Waihao Downs station. In 1899 Mr. Elder took up a grazing run of 4000 acres on the Hunter Range, on which he depastures about 3000 sheep. Owing to the educational needs of his family he removed from the run and bought land at Fairview, in the vicinity of the public school. In addition to his run, he now farms this property of 134 acres, for sixty-eight and a half acres of which he has a freehold title. Since 1898 Mr. Elder has been a member of the Fairview school committee, of which he is chairman, and he is also a member of the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Mr. Elder was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. A. McLean, of Waihao, and has a surviving family of two daughters and one son.
Farmer, Rosebank Farm, near Fairview. Mr. Hunter was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in October, 1853. He was brought up to country life in Linlithgowshire, came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Canterbury” in 1880, and found employment in farm work in the Totara Valley till 1896, when he purchased Rosebank Farm, which he has since worked. The property consists of 125 acres of freehold. Mr. Hunter is attached to the Pleasant Point Lodge of Oddfellows.
Farmer, “Kelland Barton,” Fairview. Mr. Kelland was born in Devonshire, England, and was brought up to farming pursuits. He left for New Zealand with his parents by the “Tutor” in 1865, and landed at Lyttelton. After staying a short time in Christchurch, he went to Timaru, where he worked on his father's farm for
Farmer, “Coonoor,” Fairview. Mr. McPhedran, whose father was a farmer, was born on the 23rd of January, 1833, at Inverary, the capital of Argyleshire, Scotland, and near the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. He went to sea early in life, and visited various parts of the world, including the colonies. On one occasion he suffered shipwreck, in the dead of winter, and on the south-west coast of Ireland, and all on board, except himself and another, found a watery grave. Weary and friendless, he travelled all the way to Dublin, whence he went to Glasgow. He then shipped for Sydney, New South Wales, but missed his vessel, which, owing to the state of the tide, sailed two hours earlier than the appointed time. The ship foundered, and all on board perished, except one man, who by clinging to a spar escaped to tell the tale. At the time of the Australian gold rush in the early fifties, he and all the crew deserted their vessel in Melbourne, but every one of the dserters was caught and put in irons, with the exception of Mr. McPhedran and his mate. Mr. McPhedran acquired large interests at Ballarat, and was among the first to put down deep shafts on that goldfield. Some years afterwards—in May, 1861—he removed to the Otago goldfields, and was very successful at Gabriel's Gully. While on an expedition in Central Otago he lost his way, and after wandering about for some time came out at the present site of Waitahuna. The spot selected for a camp proving to be rich in gold, he procured a prospecting claim, and did very well at mining in the district. Subsequently Mr. McPhedran went back to Ballarat, and made a great deal of money as a goldminer. He then returned to the Old Country, and after making three unsuccessful attempts—owing to illness in the family—to return to New Zealand, bought an estate in Scotland, about halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, with all minerals, and spent a great deal of money in boring the property, which was proved to contain coal and other minerals. Mr. McPhedran went to great expense, and opened up the mine, when he was unfortunate in having a law case decided against him, in reference to the legal title of all minerals; and after spending a fortune he sold his property at a quarter of its cost. Mr. McPhedran then returned to New Zealand, and acquired large tracts of land at Oxford and afterwards at Darfield, where he farmed till 1895. During his residence in the district Mr. McPhedran served for a number of years on the Oxford Road Board, and also held seats on the licensing committee and on the local school committee. In 1895 he acquired his present property of 400 acres freehold, at Fairview, where he has since resided. Mr. McPhedran was married at Geelong, on the 8th of July, 1862, to Miss Catherine Campbell, who died suddenly on the 12th of February, 1901, leaving seven sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Fairview. Mr. Squire was born in Devonshire, England, in February, 1846, and farmed for some years on his own account before coming to New Zealand. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1865 by the ship “Glenmark,” and settled in the Rangiora district, where he was farming for some time. In 1870 he returned to the Old Country, and some time later went to
Farmer, Fairview. Mr. Whittaker was born near Burnley, Lancashire, England, in 1860, and at the age of three years accompanied his parents to Timaru in the ship “Victory.” He was brought up by his father as a shoemaker, but, owing to his health, gave up that employment in 1880, and since 1882 he has been farming on his own account. For about six years Mr. Whittaker was contracting and cropping at Raincliffe, and now works 190 acres of freehold together with 320 acres of leasehold at Fairview. He served as a volunteer in C Battery at Timaru for four years, and has for some years been a member of the Fairview school committee. Mr. Whittaker was married, in November, 1834, to a daughter of Mr. William Alexander, of Timaru, and has two daughters.
is a settlement on the main road, about a mile to the south of Timaru. It has a hotel, a blacksmith's shop, and a tannery, but no school or church, the wants of the settlers in that respect being supplied by the borough, which is within easy walking distance. Saltwater Creek is in the Otipua riding of the Levels county.
(John Henry Gardner, proprietor), Saltwater Creek, Timaru. This hotel was established in the early seventies. It is a two-storey brick building, and contains eighteen rooms, including nine bedrooms, three sitting-rooms, and a dining room which will seat twenty guests There are convenient stables, containing four stalls and two loose boxes. Adjoining the hotel there are ninety-three acres of land, seventy-three of which are freehold.
Proprietor of the Sportsman's Arms, was born in Timaru in 1870. The Sportsman's Arms was owned by Mr. H. Gardner, senior, for about sixteen years, and was acquired by the present proprietor, in 1896. Mr. Gardner was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. A. Kennedy, of Cricklewood, and has two sons and one daughter.
(G. H. Lindstrom and Co., proprietors), South Road, Saltwater Creek. This tannery was worked for some years by Mr. Moss Jonas, until Mr. Lindstrom took over the business in 1900, in conjunction with a partner whose interest he acquired in April, 1902. There are several large buildings devoted to the various departments of the trade, and thirty-five tan pits are worked with wattle and oak bark. Two acres of leasehold and two acres of freehold are attached. The firm makes a specialty of producing saddler's leather, for which it has realised the highest prices, and proved the old motto, that “good leather sells itself.”
the proprietor of the Creek Tannery, was born in 1871, in Sweden. He served his apprenticeship in his native land, and gained experience of his trade in various parts of the world. After three years in Melbourne he came to Christchurch in 1895, and found employment at Messrs Bowron's tannery, and elsewhere. With his partner, Mr. Lindstrom bought the Creek Tannery from the Bank of New Zealand in 1900. The establishment had been closed for some years, and has since been put into thorough working order. Mr. Lindstrom was married, in 1896, to a daughter of the late Mr. McGarva of Christchurch, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Saltwater Creek, Timaru. Mr. Ivey was born in Cornwall, England, in 1848. His forefathers had for generations been farmers, born and bred; in fact, they were second to none in the West of England in the management of stock and the cultivation of land; and he himself has continued to exemplify in New Zealand the family's talent for enlightened agriculture. Mr. Ivey arrived in Lyttelton in 1878, and settled in the Timaru district until 1880. He then revisited England, where he remained four years, and again returned to Timaru in 1884. He worked for a colonial farmer for some time, and then began farming on his own account. His land is well looked after, and utilised to the utmost extent. Mr Ivey was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Hicks, farmer, Cornwall, England, and has a surviving family of six sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Saltwater Creek, Mr. Smith is a Yorkshireman and was born in 1850. He was educated in his native county and learned farming under his father. He came to Lyttelton by the “Mermaid,” landing on New Year's Day, 1866. After two years' employment as a stockrider near Christchurch, he removed to Timaru, where he worked in various capacities for Sir John Hall and others. He subsequently purchased a farm of 200 acres at Saltwater Creek and gradually brought it into prime condition; the property has since been increased to 450 acres. Mr. Smith's residence, which occupies a picturesque position, was built in 1894. He has long been a member of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, and is one of the committee; he is a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was a member of the Kingsdown School Committee for some years. Mr. Smith is married and has two children.
is said to have been named by a lover of the old song of “Robin Adair.” It was the first village settlement in New Zealand, and was established in October, 1883, while the late Hon. William Rolleston was Minister of Lands. The settlement is 510 acres in extent, including roads. It was surveyed into sections of from five to twenty-five acres, and sold on deferred payments, extending over ten years. The land was taken up by working men, and, after some hard struggling, the settlement has become prosperous. Adair is about five miles and a half from Timaru, and is bounded on the north by Fairview, on the south by Otipua, on the west by Claremont, and on the east by Kingsdown. It has a public school and a post office. Religious services are held in the school building.
dates from 1890, and is conducted at the residence of Mr. William Shephard. Mails are received and despatched on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Postmaster at Adair, was born at Glossop, Derbyshire, England, and was brought up to the grocery trade. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1863, in the ship “Captain Cook,” and found employment at his trade for some time. After some experience at the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast diggings, he settled at Timaru, where he began as a gardener and seed grower, and he has since supplied seeds and plants throughout the district. On the foundation of the Adair settlement, Mr. Shephard became one of the earliest selectors. He secured a fine section of over twenty-two acres, which he has since cultivated, and on a part of which his residence stands. He has taken a prominent interest in the welfare, of his district, and it was mainly due to his efforts that the local school was established, on the committee of which he served for five years, and acted also as its secretary. Mr. Shephard was married, in 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Dillon, of Ireland, and has two daughters.
was established in 1888. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a class room and two porches, with accommodation for eighty pupils. There are thirty names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-eight. The land attached to the school is five acres in extent, and contains a good playground.
Teacher in charge of the Adair School, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1859. He served his pupil-teachership in Christchurch, and had charge of several schools in Canterbury before taking up his duties at Adair in 1900.
Farmer, Adair. Mr. Sadler was born in 1854 in Suffolk, England, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Clontari,” with his parents, in the year 1859. He was brought up on his father's farm at Templeton. Later on he removed to South Canterbury, and started farming on a small scale near Timaru. In 1882 he selected twenty-four acres on the Adair settlement, and has since increased his area to forty-five acres, which he works as a dairy and mixed farm. For several years Mr. Sadler has been a member of the local school committee. He is also connected with the Order of Oddfellows in Timaru, and is a director of the Timaru Dairy Factory. Mr. Sadler was married, on the 23rd of July, 1879, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Kelk, of Rockwellgreen, Wellington, Somersetshire, England, and has five adopted children—three sons and two daughters.
is a small settlement situated between the main road passing south through Kingsdown, and the Timaru-Pareora road, which leads through Beaconsfield village. The district is devoted to sheep breeding and mixed farming, and is about four miles from Timaru. The country is undulating, and the settlers have a local school and a post office.
at Salisbury was established on the 28th of September, 1899, and is conducted at the school house, three miles and a half from Timaru. A mail is received and despatched daily.
was established in 1899, and stands on part of a section of two acres of land. The building is of wood and iron and contains a porch and a class room, with seating accommodation for fifty pupils. The number on the roll is twenty-eight, and the average attendance twenty-four. There are some well grown shelter trees on the property, and part of the playground is nicely laid out in flower beds, which are looked after by the children.
Teacher in charge, and post mistress at Salisbury, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and in 1876, when an infant, was brought by her parents to Lyttelton by the ship “Conflict.” The family settled in Timaru, where Miss Campbell served a four years' pupil-teachership at the Timaru Main School. She was for five years subsequently assistant mistress at Tomuka, and on the opening of the school at Salisbury she was appointed to her present position.
Farmer, “Huyton,” Salisbury. The subject of this notice was born at Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, in 1857, and was educated privately. Arriving in New Zealand in 1879, he shortly afterwards took up the “Cracroft” sheep station at Rangitata, where he lived for fifteen years. The property on which he resides was purchased in 1897, and its area is 300 acres. The residence, which is entirely of stone, is considered one of the finest in the district. While living at Rangitata, Mr. Goodwin was a member of the local road board.
Farmer, Salisbury. Mr. Parry was born in April, 1853, at the Hurst,
J.P., Farmer, “Sutton Farm,” Salisbury. Mr. Stericker was born in 1830, in Yorkshire, where his father was a large farmer, and was brought up as a tea-taster. He came to Lyttelton in 1853 by the ship “John Taylor,” and in 1857 entered into partnership with Mr. George Hall, brother of Sir John Hall. They took up a station in the Mackenzle country, which they subsequently sold. Mr. Stericker then bought his present property of 450 acres. He was a member of the old provincial council, and was captain of the first volunteer corps enrolled at Timaru, and was made a J.P. in 1860, when Sir George Grey was Governor. For years he was a member of the local agricultural society. As a Freemason, he belonged to Lodge Globe, Scarborough, England, and also to the first lodge in Christchurch, which was located in Hereford Street. Mr. Stericker was married in New Zealand, and has four children. Mrs Stericker died in 1887.
Farmer, Enfield, Salisbury. Mr. Talbot was born in Devonshire, England, in 1847, and educated and brought up in his native country. He came to Lyttelton in 1862, by the ship “Zealandia,” and for several years was in partnership with his brother, Mr. J. Talbot, until he commenced farming on his own account in the Selwyn district. About the year 1870 Mr. Talbot removed to South Canterbury and farmed for a number of years in the Kingsdown district. In 1882 he removed to Salisbury, where he now farms 1200 acres of freehold land. He has served as a member of the committee of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and has also been on the local school committee. Mr. Talbot was married, in 1878, to a daughter of Mr. Samuel McCullough, and has four sons and three daughters.
is a farming district in the Otipua riding of the Levels county. It lies between Saltwater Creek and Springbrook, near St. Andrews, and between the settlements of Salisbury, Adair and Beaconsfield and the sea coast. The land is undulating in character. Kingsdown has a public school, post office, and a growing population devoted to outdoor pursuits. The railway station, which is named Normanby, is nineteen feet above sea level. It is 104 miles from Christchurch, four miles from Timaru, and six from St. Andrews.
was established about 1881. There are thirteen acres of well planted land in connection with the school premises, and the school building, which is of wood and plaster, contains two class rooms and two porches. It has accommodation for seventy pupils; there are forty three on the roll, and the average attendance is forty-one. The master's residence adjoins the school.
Master of Kingsdown school, was born in Dunedin in 1864. He qualified as a teacher in Otago, and served at Waihemo, Invercargill, and at Springburn in the North Canterbury Education district, before being appointed to Kingsdown school in 1896. Mr. Stewart was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. T. Todd, of Waikiwi, Southland, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Kingsdown. Mr. Brookland was born in Devonshire, England, in 1852, and was brought up to farming. He came out in the ship “Northern Monarch,” in 1878, and landed in Lyttelton. For two years he worked on the Kingsdown estate, and then went to Pareora, and managed a farm for Mr. Bristol for a year. He then bought a house at Beaconsfield and worked in the district for two years, when he went into partnership with Mr. Abbott, and took up twenty-eight acres of Government land, which was increased to seventy-eight acres. The partnership was soon dissolved, and Mr. Brookland bought 153 acres at Kingsdown and leased 300 more. He has also since then leased a farm of 250 acres and another of 110 acres, both at Kingsdown, and works all the properties in conjunction. A year or two ago he imported a threshing mill, and bought a Haslem and Porter engine. His wheat averages sixty bushels per acre and
Farmer, “Carrick,” Kingsdown. This well-known settler is a native of County Down, Ireland, where he was born in 1840 and was brought up to farming. Mr. Campbell came to Lyttelton by the ship “Huntress” in 1863, and worked on farms in various capacities in the South Canterbury district, and afterwards bought a small property near Timaru. This he sold in 1869, and purchased his present home, “Carrick,” a farm of 553 acres. He has been a member of the Kingsdown School Committee, is associated with the South Canterbury Jockey Club, Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and is a member of the Orange lodge. He married Miss Rebecca Gibson, daughter of the late Mr. James Gibson, Timaru, in 1873, and they have twelve children. Mrs Campbell came from the Old Country with her parents in the ship “Strathallan,” which arrived in New Zealand in 1858.
Farmer, Kingsdown. Mr. Ellis was born at Dewsbury, Yorkshire England, on the 30th of June, 1829, and before coming to New Zealand, he followed the occupation of a brickmaker. He arrived at Lyttelton in the ship “Clontarf,” on the 6th of January, 1859. After a few months at Harewood Road, Papanui, he removed to the Timaru district, where he took up his own trade, and made the first bricks that were used in the district. He was a contractor for roadmaking for a good many years, but in 1876 he commenced farming, and has for some years worked 106 acres of freehold at Kingsdown as a dairy farm, under the name of Springfield dairy. About eighteen cows are milked, and the milk is delivered throughout Timaru and the surrounding district. Mr. Ellis was one of the first members of the Timaru Borough Council, and had previously served as a member of the town board. He assisted in the establishment of the Mechanics' Institute and was a member of the first committee. As a volunteer, he served in No. 7 Rifles, and also in the Artillery, and he was one of the promoters of the first Artillery Band, of which he became bandmaster. In the Order of Foresters Mr. Ellis was one of the foundation members of Court Southern Cross, 3123, and is a Past Chief Ranger. He has long been a member of St. John's Masonic Lodge, and was junior Grand Deacon at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the first Masonic Hall at Timaru. Mr. Ellis was married, on the 23rd of February, 1852, to a daughter of the late Mr. Godfrey Wentworth Goodall, of Dewsbury, Yorkshire, and has six sons, four daughters, and thirty-three grandchildren.
Farmer, “Dalmore,” Kingsdown. Mr. Munro was born at Alness, Ross-shire, Scotland, in August, 1843, and came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Jura” in 1861. He entered the service of Mr. Donald Reid, at the Taieri, where he held various positions from cowboy to storekeeper. Several years later, he bought a team of horses and a waggon, and during the gold-rush was carting between Dunedin, Dunstan, and Queenstown for about three years. Mr. Munro farmed for about ten years at Hampden, and was for two years contracting on the Kartigi section of New Zealand railways. He finally settled in the Kingsdown district in May, 1877. His farm, which consists of 200 acres of freehold land, has been brought to a good state of cultivation. Mr. Munro has owned stud horses for a good many years. He served for about fourteen years on the local school committee. In 1893 he visited the Old Country. Mr. Munro was married, on the 16th of April, 1869, to a daughter of the late Captain Ross, of Ross-shire, and has four sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Comp-stall.” Kingsdown. Mr. Simmons was born in 1848, in the North of Ireland, where he
is situated in the Lower Pareora riding of the Waimate county. The township is almost equidistant from the Pareora and Otaio rivers, which are crossed by bridges on the main south road, which passes through the settlement. There are three Government settlements in the vicinity of St. Andrews. Springbrook, sometimes called Pareora No. 1, was established in 1892, when 600 acres of land were subdivided into thirty sections of from ten to thirty acres each. This was the first settlement of its kind in the district. Otaio, another settlement close to the township, consists of 366 acres, and is subdivided into nine farms of from thirty-two to forty-nine acres. The third settlement, orginally known as Pareora No. 2, now takes the name of Lyalldale. The population of St. Andrews township was returned as 127 at the census of 1901, and the population of Springbrook settlement, only about two miles distant on the south bank of the Pareora river, as 120. There is a public school in St. Andrews, and another at Springbrook. There are three churches, one hotel, two stores, two smithies, a butcher's shop, a bakery, and other business premises in the township. A creamery erected by the South Canterbury Dairy Company, Limited, stands at a distance of three miles from St. Andrews on the Bluecliffs road. The business of the railway and postal departments is conducted at the railway station. Monthly sales of stock are held on the third Friday in each month, at the yards of the South Canterbury Saleyards Company. St. Andrews has a recreation reserve of twenty-two acres, on the
dates from about 1882. It has a long passenger platform, a goods shed, and sheep and cattle loading yards. Three trains pass daily each way, and both express trains stop at the station. Letters to local residents are delivered over the counter, and on Mondays and Wednesdays a mail cart leaves letters at settlers' homesteads for fully ten miles back from the township towards the hills.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at St. Andrews, was born at Southbridge, Canterbury, in 1874. He attended school in England, but returned to New Zealand in 1889. Mr. Bush was for eight years on the Napier section of railways, end was appointed to St. Andrews in 1901, after having been some time stationmaster at Te Aro, Wellington.
Ganger in charge of a section of seven miles of railway between Timaru and St. Andrews, was born in 1851, at Reaton, Yorkshire, England. He was brought up to farm work, and came out to Foxton. New Zealand, by the ship “La Hogue,” in 1873. Soon afterwards he commenced work on the Government railways, and laid the first fish-plate on the line near Palmerston North. In 1875 Mr. Dunnill was promoted to the position of ganger, and was stationed at Turakina for over six years. He then left the service to live in Wellington, where he found employment on the reclaimed land, but after six months rejoined the railway department, and in less than a year was appointed ganger at the Summit. After three years and nine months he was transferred to Kaitoke, where he remained for seven years; he received his present appointment in April, 1895. Mr. Dunnill was for a short time connected with Court Sir George Grey, A.O.F., in Wellington. He was married in October, 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Mitchell, of Sydney, and has had five sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter have died.
at St. Andrews was founded about the year 1872, and stands on a glebe of five acres, on the Bluecliffs road. The building, which was enlarged in 1895, is of brick with an iron roof, and contains two class rooms and two porches. It has room for 100 children and there are seventy names on the roll, with an average attendance of about sixty. There is a convenient playground, and a school residence of six rooms.
Headmaster of St. Andrews public school, was born at Bendigo, Victoria, in 1865. When a child he arrived in New Zealand with his parents, and was educated in Dunedin. Mr. Hawkes held positions under the South Canterbury Board of Education prior to his appointment at St. Andrews in 1899. He was married, in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Russell, of Seacliff, and has two daughters and one son.
of Otaio-with-Bluecliff extends from the sea to the hills between the south bank of Pareora and the north bank of the Makikihi rivers, and was constituted in 1880. There are two churches—one at St. Andrews and one at Esk Valley (Upper Otaio). The vicarage at St. Andrews is prettily situated in ornamental grounds on a glebe of ten acres.
St. Andrews, was built about 1887, and has since that date been enlarged. The building is of wood on concrete foundations, and has seats for about 120 persons. Services are held every Sunday, and a school with fifty scholars and six teachers, is held in the church on Sabbath afternoons.
Vicar of Otaio-with-Bluecliff, was born in Bath, England. In 1864 he came to Auckland by the ship “Avalanche,” studied
St. Andrews, became a separate charge in 1897 prior to which services were held by the minister stationed at Timaru. The present church was erected in 1900, on a site of half an acre, at a cost of £1100, exclusive of the land. Altogether the church has six acres in the township. The manse is a convenient seven roomed residence, and was built in 1898. The church is of wood and iron, and has seating accommodation for 200 adults. A Sunday school, with thirty children and four teachers, meets in the building. The minister holds services periodically also at Southburn, Upper and Lower Otaio, and Makikihi.
M.A., Minister of St. Andrews Presbyterian church, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1863, and took his degree at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. After some years of experience in other lands, Mr. Lawrie arrived in New Zealand, and was inducted at St. Andrews, in January, 1902. He married Miss Forbes, a Perthshire lady.
(Charles Wederell, proprietor), St. Andrews. Mr. Wederell was born in Essex, England, in 1838. He began life as a blacksmith. In 1857, he came out in the ship “Rose of Sharon,” and landed at Wellington. On coming to Lyttelton, he was engaged in the first harvesting season on the Heathcote, when sickles were used in reaping. After working for Mr. John Anderson for a time, he went to Rakaia, and was engaged in farm work for about fifteen months. Then he returned to Christchurch and assisted in forming the Papanui road. On the opening up of the Mackenzie Country he went there and worked for Mr. Stericker, and afterwards went bullock driving on the Lake Tekapo station, buying a team of bullocks from Mr. Stericker for £250. In 1864, he leased a farm at Milford from the late Mr. Hayhurst, and remained there for eight years. Then he bought an express business in Timaru, and conducted it for three years. He took over the Fairlie Hotel in 1875, and kept it until 1882. Two years later he became a butcher, and followed the business for a year. In 1885 he took over the Masonic Hotel at St. Andrews, and the genial disposition which has characterised him through life has made him a general favourite with the patrons of the house. Mr. Wederell is a member of the Timaru Caledonian Lodge of Freemasons. He has also been an Oddfellow and a Forester. At Fairlie he was chairman of the school committee for two years. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Maria Nelson, and has six sons and five daughters.
Boot and Shoemaker, and Cycle Repairer, St. Andrews. This business was established by the proprietor in 1897, but the premises were unfortunately burnt down in November, 1901. The present building is of wood and iron, and consists of a shop and residence, standing on a section of freehold land. Mr. Berry was born in 1872, in Timaru, where he learned his trade, of which he had further experience in Christchurch before establishing his present business. He served as a volunteer in C Battery, Timaru, for six years, and was in the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles for a year. He has been a member of the local school committee, and also its secretary. As a Forester Mr. Berry is attached to Court Progress, No. 6732, St. Andrews, of which he is P.C.R. He was married on the 1st of April, 1899, to a daughter of Mr. George Caygill, of Dunedin, and has one son and one daughter.
Butcher, Baker, Farmer, and Stock Dealer, St. Andrews. This business was established about the year 1872, and has been conducted by Mr. Besley since 1899. The building was erected on a freehold section in 1901, to replace the old premises, which were destroyed by fire. It is built of wood and iron, and consists of a shop and ten-roomed residence, with a brick bakehouse behind. Mr. Besley was born in Devonshire, England, in 1870, and worked on his father's farm, until coming out to New Zealand by the s.s. “Rimutaka” in December, 1889. For a time he was stationed in the Levels district, and after visiting the North Island, began farming at Beaconsfield in 1895. However, he sold his farm in 1899, and acquired his present business. Mr. Besley owns seventy acres of freehold on the beach, between the railway line and the sea, and has also about 150 acres of leasehold in other parts of the district. As a Freemason he is attached to Lodge St. John, E.C., and he is also a member of the local school committee. Mr. Besley is a stockdealer and exporter of frozen meat. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Grigg, of Beaconsfield, and has two daughters.
(Arthur William Dutson and Alexander Wilson), General Storekeepers, St. Andrews. This business was founded in 1880, and was conducted by the firm of Dutson, McClymont and Co. for twelve years before October, 1902, when the present partnership was constituted. The shop, which was enlarged about 1897, has a double front, and there are stores and stables at the back, and a five-roomed residence adjoining. The firm owns altogether about ten
was born in England, in 1863, served his time as a grocer, and came out to New Zealand in 1887. He was employed by Messrs Bruce Bros., at St. Andrews, and afterwards by Mr. Zander, who had purchased the business. In 1890 he joined Mr. McClymont, and the partnership subsisted till the present firm was constituted. Mr. Dutson takes an interest in local affairs, and in sporting and hunting, and was a volunteer in a mounted corps in England. He was married, on the 3rd of December, 1902, to a niece of Mr. Andrew Martin, of Otaio.
was born at Timaru, in April, 1874. After completing his school course he was trained to mercantile life in his native place. Mr. Wilson had experience for about five years in Ashburton, and was for a short time in charge of a business in Timaru. He joined Mr. Dutson at St. Andrews in 1902.
(James and David Young), General Storekeepers, St. Andrews. This business was founded in 1882 by Mr. Robert Forrest, and passed into the hands of Mr. James Young four years later. In 1893 it was sold to Mr. P. Keddie, and was acquired by Messrs J. Young and Son about the end of 1901. The premises, which were erected in 1888, consist of a substantial wood and iron building, with a corner shop and a detached residence. The firm maintains a large assorted stock of general merchandise.
Senior Partner, was born in 1835, in Haddingtonshire, East Lothian, Scotland. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, and found employment until coming to Port Chalmers by the ship “Cartsburn,” in 1874. After working at Timaru for a few years, he established himself as a blacksmith at St. Andrews in 1878. He carried on this business till 1887, when he disposed of it to his son Alexander, and joined his present firm. When Mr. Young came to St. Andrews, the township consisted of a small public house, and the stationmaster's residence. He has served as a member of the school committee, and has been on the local cemetery board since its inception, acting as chairman. Mr. Young was married, in 1858, to a daughter of Mr. William Strain, of Lanarkshire, Scotland. His wife died in 1897, leaving six sons and five daughters, of whom one daughter has died.
Junior Partner in his father's firm, was born in 1878, at St. Andrews, where he was educated. After some experience in business in his native place he was with his brother at Fairlie for some years, and was afterwards employed by Mr. Meehan, storekeeper, Makikihi, managing his branch store at Morven. He was married, in 1902, to a daughter of the late Mr. George Morton, J.P., of Morven.
Farmer, “Meadowbank,” St. Andrews. Mr. Bassett was born in 1861 in Downpatrick, Ireland, and was educated in his native land and in New Zealand, where he arrived in the ship “Blairgowrie” in 1875. Mr. Bassett was for two years engaged in business in Christchurch, and afterwards bought “Stormont,” which was originally part of the Woodstock run, in the View Hill district, North Canterbury. The property contains 1144 acres freehold, and 240 acres leasehold, and the permanent improvements include a fine dwelling-house of ten rooms, large and convenient outbuildings, garden and orchard sheltered by a well-grown plantation. It is fenced and subdivided with twenty-two miles of fencing, is well watered by natural springs and creeks and has produced good crops of turnips and rape. A large number of crossbred sheep and lambs are reared and fattened. Mr. Bassett afterwards bought “Meadowbank,” near St. Andrews, where he now resides. He was married in 1886 to Miss Gilchrist, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Thornybank Farm, St. Andrews, Mr. Forrest is the eldest son of the late Mr. Forrest, of Messrs Forrest and Geddes, who was an old and respected colonist of South Canterbury. Mr. James Forrest was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1861, and came to New Zealand with his family in the ship “Royal Stuart,” the same year. He was brought up in Waimate, and followed agriculture with his father. In 1883 he took up a farm at Waituna, near Waimate, where he remained for eleven years. He then bought a small farm at Studholme, and in 1899 took over his present property, which formerly belonged to his father. This farm comprises 320 acres, and Mr. Forrest works it in conjunction with his place at Studholme. The wheat crops average thirty bushels per acre, and the oats often yield sixty bushels. Mr. Forrest was married, in 1883, to Miss Alice Brinkmann, daughter of the late Mr. Brinkmann, of Waimate, and they have two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Fairview Farm, St. Andrews. Mr. Morris was born in Hampshire, England, in 1848,
Farmer, “Cloverlea,” St. Andrews. Mr. Savage was born at Ashford, near London, on the 14th of January, 1853, and accompanied his parents to Port Chalmers by the ship “Derwentwater” in 1881. The family settled at Dunedin, and Mr. Savage was brought up to a country life at Blueskin. Afterwards he had a small farm, and was contracting in the Oamaru district for about twenty-five years. Having sold out his property, in April, 1900, he acquired 247 acres, which he holds under a lease in perpetuity, at St. Andrews. Mr. Savage was a member of the Pukeuri school committee in the Oamaru district, and since removing to St. Andrews he has served on the Lyalldale school committee. He was married, in June, 1882, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. S. Baker, of Colchester, England, and has three daughters and one son.
J.P., Farmer, “Brompton,” St. Andrews. Mr. Stowell was born in Essex, England, in 1849. His early life was spent on farms in Essex and Hertfordshire. At the age of sixteen he went to work in a foundry at Maldon, where he stayed for twelve months. Thence he went to London, and was employed in the wholesale and retail fruit trade for nearly two years. He then was employed for over two years in the Model Dairy, South Kensington, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Ramsay,” landing at Lyttelton in June, 1870. Mr. Stowell worked on a farm at Rolleston for a short time, and then travelled through North Canterbury and the provinces of Nelson and Marlborough, and back to South Canterbury. In 1871, he was employed fencing on the Pareora estate. The following year he
Farmer, Tooley's Field, St. Andrews. Mr. Tooley was born in Norfolk, England, in 1846, and came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Nourmahal” in 1858. After spending three months in Dunedin he went to Oamaru, where for over six years he worked for the late Mr. Teschemacher, and he was then for thirty-one years shepherding for the New Zealand and Australian Land Company. In the early days Mr. Tooley had to hunt wild pigs for rations, and on one occasion one of his companions lost his life in the hunt and was devoured by the pigs. Mr. Tooley took up his present property in 1895, and he has also sixty acres in the Levels riding. He keeps a market garden and dairy factory, with which he supplies the local demand. Mr. Tooley has been a member of the St. Andrews school committee, and is sub-chief ranger of the St. Andrews Foresters' Lodge. In 1877 he married Miss M. A. Ely, who was born in England, and they have four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Charlecombe,” St. Andrews. “Charlecombe” is the new name of the old homestead of the Pareora estate, 600 acres of which has been acquired by Mr. Williams, under the perpetual lease system. Mr. Williams was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1843. At the age of fifteen he entered her Majesty's Indian Navy, and served for about three years. After a year in England he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Derwentwater,” in 1864. He had five years' experience as a cadet at Lake Colerdige, and was farming at Southbridge until May, 1901, when he sold out his property in that district and settled at “Charlecombe.” Mr. Williams was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. Edward James Lee, of Southbridge, and has four sons and four daughters.
Threshing and Traction Engine Proprietor, St. Andrews. Mr. Rae was born in January, 1875, at Geraldine, and was educated and brought up to country life at Woodbury. He had seven years' experience in a mill, and became a millowner on his own account at St. Andrews in 1900. Mr. Rae has a complete threshing and chaff-cutting plant, with a traction engine, and undertakes work throughout the district. He also farms forty-six acres of land, held under a lease in perpetuity. Mr. Rae was married, in 1901, to a daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Reid, of Geraldine, and has one son.
sometime of St. Andrews, was a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1837. He left the Old Country under engagement to the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, and arrived at Dunedin in 1864. Mr. Anderson filled the position of managing accountant to the company for New Zealand and Australia for four years, after which time he removed to Canterbury, and took up a farm at St. Andrews, where for six years, up to the date of his death in 1874, he was actively engaged in agriculture. Mr. Anderson was well known as a devoted Freemason. He left a widow, four sons and four daughters. His eldest son is the present Town Clerk of Linwood, one of the suburban boroughs of Christchurch.
was born on the borders of Scotland, in 1842. He studied as an engineer in Glasgow, and came out to New Zealand in 1875, under engagement to the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, in their chartered vessel, which brought out agricultural machines to Southland. Mr. Lawrie was engineer for the company for a time, and afterwards was proprietor of the Royal George Hotel in Dunedin. In 1877 he purchased 500 acres of land near Otaio, which he improved and farmed for some time, and where he erected a very fine residence. Ultimately he sold his property, and purchased thirteen acres at St. Andrews, where he resided till his death. Latterly Mr. Lawrie was the proprietor of three threshing mills, for which he found plenty of work in the district, and one of his mills is still being worked for his family. In the early days he supervised the steam ploughs which broke up the Edendale and Woodlands estates. He was very fond of sport, and was one of the first in Southland to follow coursing. Mr. Lawrie was married, in 1882, to a daughter of Mr. James Young, of St. Andrews, and had two sons.
was born in London, in 1822, and before coming to Nelson in 1848, he had some experience in a London bank. In 1849 he settled in Canterbury, and took up Mount Parnassus station at Amuri, in conjunction with Mr. Edward Jollie, after whom Jollie's Pass was named. Messrs Lee and Jollie discovered Hanmer Springs, and worked a large tract of sheep country for a number of years. In 1882 Mr. Lee settled on land at Southbridge, where he resided till his death in 1883. He was one of the first members of the Selwyn County Council, and held office as chairman till a comparatively short time before his death. Mr. Lee was married, in 1851, to a daughter of the Venerable Archdeacon Paul, of Christchurch, and left five sons and three daughters.
dates from 1895. The building is of wood and iron, contains a class room and a porch, and stands on part of a section of four acres of land. There are forty names on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty-two. A good playground surrounds the school, and there is a residence of six rooms.
Master at Springbrook School, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1860. He was trained as a teacher, and came to Port Chalmers by the s.s. “Victory” in 1884. Mr. Browne served at the Kingsdown school for nine years, before receiving his present appointment at Springbrook.
is a farming settlement in the Lower Pareora riding of the Waimate county. A number of years ago a good deal of land was subdivided into convenient farms, which were sold, and these are now occupied by thriving settlers. The settlement is about seven miles from St. Andrews, and there is a local school.
has been conducted since 1895 at the local public school. Daily mails are received and despatched by the teacher.
was established about 1892. The building contains a class room and a porch, with accommodation for from thirty-five to forty children. There are twenty-six names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-two. There are four acres of land attached to the school premises.
Teacher in charge at Southburn, was born at Pareora, and educated at the local school, where she served her pupil-teachership. She was for two years at Waituna Creek school, and afterwards four years at Kakahu Bush, before taking up her duties at Southburn in October, 1902.
Farmer, Upper Pareora, and “Moorhead,” Southburn. Mr. Caird was born in Scotland, on the 26th of June, 1843. His father was a farmer, but he himself learned the trade of a stone-cutter, in addition to gaining general experience of country life. In 1865 he arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Victory,” transhipped at Lyttelton, and landed at Timaru in a surf boat. He found employment in the Mackenzie Country for about two years, and subsequently at Ashwick station, Timaru. Then he removed to Holme station, Upper Pareora, and bought 250 acres of land. He has latterly purchased 1000 acres of freehold, which he calls “Moorhead,” in the Southburn district. He visited the Old Country in the year 1900. Mr. Caird served for about fourteen years on the Pareora school committee. He was married, in 1865, to a daughter of Mr. John Abercrombie, of Forfarshire, Scotland, and has four daughters and two sons.
Farmer, “Cross Hill,” Southburn. Mr. Higginbotham was born in 1859, in Glasgow, Scotland, and was educated at Rugby, St. Andrews, and at Brunswick, in Germany. He spent a year and a half in connection with cotton manufacturing and calico printing, his father and grandfather having been large manufacturers in Glasgow. In 1884, Mr. Higginbotham came to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Doric,” and after looking round for two years, purchased “Cross Hill,” which consists of 530 acres of freehold land. Mr. Higginbotham is a member of the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and since 1884, he has been a member of the South Canterbury Hunt Club, and has served as a member of committee for some years. He has also been successful in winning several trophies. Mr. Higginbotham is a member of the Timaru Amateur Athletic Club, Golf Club, etc.
Farmer, “The Braes,” Southburn. Mr. Kinross was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in July, 1859, and was brought up to farming. He served two years in an analytical laboratory in Stirling, and was afterwards for ten years on his father's farm in Kincarrdinshire. In 1885 he came out to Otago, via Melbourne, and after a short time in Dunedin removed to South Canterbury, where he was overseer on the Pareora estate until the property was sold. Mr. Kinross then took up his present property of 300 acres of freehold upon which he runs about 500 sheep. As a Forester he is a member of Court Progress, St. Andrews, of which he has passed the various chairs; and as a Freemason he is attached to Lodge Caledonia, E.C., Timaru. Mr. Kinross was married, in 1899, to a daughter of the late Mr. Berry, of England.
Farmer, Willow Tree Farm, Southburn. Mr. McMillan was born in Glenelg, Inverness-shire, Scotland, in 1863. He came to Port Chalmers with his parents in 1874 by the ship “Invercargill,” and was brought up as a shepherd in Otago, where he began to work for wages at the age of thirteen. After ten years in Otago he removed to South Canterbury, where he was employed as a shepherd for sixteen years, till taking up his present property in 1900. Mr. McMillan holds 355 acres of land under a lease in perpetuity, and depastures about 400 sheep. He was married, on the 13th of September, 1883, to a daughter of Mr. A. Hutchison, of Awamoko, Otago, and has five sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Southburn. Mr. Scott was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1843, and came to New Zealand, by the ship “British Empire,” in 1863. After his arrival he travelled through North Canterbury, and put up the first wire fence in the Mackenzie Country. He afterwards worked in the Timaru district for some years. In 1868, he bought a farm at Arowhenua, near Temuka, and worked it for twenty-one years. He then sold the property to Mr Gaffaney, and bought his present farm at Pareora, where he has since resided, and
Farmer, Southburn. Mr. Ward is the eldest son of the late Mr. Robert Ward, and was born in Timaru in 1859. He was brought up to country life by his father, with whom he worked till the latter's death, and afterwards worked for his mother till 1882. In that year Mr. Ward acquired his present farm of 187 acres, of freehold at Southburn. He has greatly improved his property, and has erected a homestead and outbuildings. Mr. Ward was a member of the local school committee for three years, and chairman for two years of that period. He was married, in 1884, to a daughter of Mr. Charles Chivers, postmaster, of Beaconsfield, and has two sons and four daughters.
is the name of a district noted in the early days for its fine pastoral qualities, and it is still largely devoted to sheepfarming, as well as to agriculture, although the settlers are much more numerous than in the purely pastoral period of the runholders. Pareora is situated partly in the Levels county, but is chiefly in the county of Waimate. On the northern side of the Pareora river there is a public school, and at the census of 1901 the population was returned as being thirty-nine. There are a number of settlers' homesteads, and a blacksmith's shop in the neighbourhood. The school is largely attended by the children of the Beaconsfield (Otipua) settlement. The northern side is connected with the southern side of the river by a substantial traffic bridge, and the district originally known as Pareora extends right out to the sea near St. Andrews, which was formerly included under the name. A great deal of the land has been cut up for close settlement, and there are public schools at Springbrook, near St. Andrews, Cannington, Southburn and Lyalldale. Cannington is a village settlement near the traffic bridge over the Pareora river on the main south road. The district is sometimes spoken of as Upper and Lower Pareora, which are ridings of Waimate county; and the settlers of the upper district are about ten miles from Timaru and St. Andrews, respectively. As a whole the district is well adapted to profitable farming, and consists of beautiful flats and numerous highlands. The population of Upper Pareora is 114, and of Lower Pareora, excluding the township of St. Andrews, 515.
has for a number of years been conducted at the residence of the local schoolmaster, by whom daily mails are received and despatched.
at Pareora was established on the 3rd of October, 1874. Of twenty acres of weil planted land attached to the school, eighteen are let to a tenant. The school building, which is of wood and iron, contains a class room and a porch. There is accommodation for eighty children; fifty-seven names are on the roll, and the average attendance is fifty-one. The teacher in charge is assisted by a mistress.
Teacher in charge of the Pareora school, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1867. He had considerable experience as a teacher before coming to Lyttelton by the s.s. “Rimutaka,” in 1895. Mr. Smith served for two years at Sutherlands before taking up his duties at Pareora in April, 1897. He was married, in 1897, to a daughter of the late Mr. F. Samms, of Sutherlands, and has two sons.
at Pareora is a small wood and iron building, which was erected in 1870. It has seating accommodation for 110 adults, and there is a Union Sunday school, for the benefit of all denominations, with an average attendance of sixty children, in charge of six teachers. Services are held twice each Sunday, and the minister of the Timaru circuit is in charge.
General Blacksmith, Farrier and Wheelwright, Upper Pareora. Mr. Henderson was born in the parish of Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in January, 1842, and learned his trade under his father. In October, 1868, Mr. Henderson arrived at Port Chalmers in the ship “Schleswig Bride” from the Clyde, and worked at his trade in Oamaru four years. Settling in the Timaru district, he worked for about two years for the late Mr. John Elder, and afterwards commenced business with a partner under the style of Parson and Henderson. After six years the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Henderson found employment as a reaper and binder expert, and as a journeyman, till 1898, when he settled at Upper Pareora. As a volunteer he served in the Oamaru Rifles for three years, and under Captain Steward, now Sir W. J. Steward. Mr. Henderson was married in June, 1868, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Jameson, of Reikliston, Edinburghshire, Scotland.
Farmer, Pareora. Mr. Campbell was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1842. Having acquired an experience in agriculture, he left the Old Country for Brisbane, Queensland, in 1864. He went inland, and for two years worked on the railways contracting, etc., but hearing good accounts of New Zealand, he came over to Hokitika, and after an experience on the goldfields, went overland to North Canterbury. For a short time he was engaged in contracting on Sir John Hall's station. He then went to Oamaru, where he was engaged for a year in contracting for the Oamaru Borough Council, and he also worked in the quarries at Cave Valley, near Oamaru. Later on he was engaged in farming on the Moeraki estate for three years. He then returned to Canterbury, and after cropping on the Levels estate for a year, he leased a Government reserve at Pareora. This he cultivated and cropped, and in 1886 he bought his present farm which comprises 450 acres of freehold and about 450 acres of leasehold land. His wheat crops average thirty bushels per acre, and oats fifty bushels. Mr. Campbell keeps crossbred and half-bred sheep. His residence, which is built of bluestone, is an ornamental structure. He has been a director of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association since it started and for eighteen years he has been a member of the Pareora school committee. He has been a member of the Levels Road Board, County Council, and the Timaru Charitable Aid Board, and for many years was a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Campbell, who is married, has four sons and four daughters. He is a Justice of the Peace.
Farmer, Alpine Farm, Pareora. Mr. Evans was born at Montgomery, North Wales, in 1843, and was brought up to farming on his father's farm. He came to Timaru in 1863 in the ship “Lancashire Witch.” For seven years he worked on Mr. Luxmore's farm, and afterwards purchased fifty acres of land at Pareora, which he sold five years later and purchased 500 acres, now known as “Alpine Farm.” He made a gratifying visit to the Old Country in 1885. Mr. Evans has been a member of the Pareora School Committee. He was married in New Zealand, and has nine children.
Farmer, Pareora. Mr. Grigg was born at St. Columb Major, Cornwall, England, on the 26th of May, 1837. He left Liverpool for Australia in the s.s. “Phoenix,” which arrived in Hobson's Bay, Victoria, after a passage of 127 days. The diggings at Golden Gully and Friar's Creek were visited, and he was afterwards at Moonlight Flat, Forest Creek and Castlemaine. In the latter part of 1856 he went to White Hill, Bendigo, and was at the diggings at Crooked and Snowy rivers in Gippsland in 1860. He left Gippsland in 1861 to visit Gabriel's Gully, Otago, but returned to Sydney in the latter part of the same year to attend the Lachlan “rush.” In 1862 he returned to New Zealand for the Dunstan “rush,” and followed goldmining in the colony till December, 1865, when he went to the Old Country in the ship “John Lane.” He was married in 1872, and left Liverpool in December for America in the “City of Antwerp.” Mr. Grigg was in Pennsylvania for three years, and then left for Virginia City, Nevada, where he was for two years engaged in silver mining in the Six-Mile canyon. He returned to England in the early part of 1877, in the latter part of which he left Plymouth for Timaru, in the s.s. “Opawa,” accompanied by his wife and two children. Lyttelton was
Pareora. This station is the property of the executors of the late Mr. Edward Elworthy, and was taken up originally as a run, about 1851, by Messrs Harris and Innes. In 1864 Mr. Elworthy purchased the interest of Mr. Harris and six months later that of Mr. Innes. He thus became sole proprietor of the station, which he immediately set about to improve by building, fencing, ploughing, and planting trees, there being only about twelve gum trees on the property at that time. Mr. Elworthy also turned his attention to the improvement of the sheep on the station, and for that purpose he established a stud flock of purebred imported Tasmanian Merinos. The descendants of these sheep have been successfully exhibited in many a show ring. The Merino stud flock at Holme station now numbers about 250 ewes. When long-woolled sheep came into favour Mr. Elworthy established a small flock of Lincolns, from which many, fine animals have been bred. Holme station now contains about 40,000 acres of freehold. Nearly all of it has been cultivated, and the balance has been surface sown with grass. The improvements, for extent and completeness, are equal to any in the colony.
was born in 1836 at Wellington, Somersetshire, England, and was educated at Wellington College. He left England in 1862 with the intention of settling in Queensland, but hearing good accounts of New Zealand, he came to this colony in 1864. During that year he settled at Holme station and resided there almost continuously until his death on the 23rd of January, 1899. While he devoted much attention to the improvement of his own property, Mr. Elworthy always took an intelligently active interest in public affairs. He was chairman of the Waimate County Council, a member of the Timaru Harbour Board, and of the South Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, in connection with which he often served as a judge. Mr. Elworthy took more than ordinary interest in the frozen meat trade, and had a great deal to do with the initiation of the South Cantebury freezing works. In 1866 Mr. Elworthy visited England and married Miss Shorrock, who bore him three sons and three daughters.
the eldest son, is now manager of Holme station. He was born in 1874, and was educated partly in England, and partly in the colony. On leaving college he settled at Holme station as his father's assistant in the management of the estate. Mr. Elworthy was married at the Christchurch Cathedral on the 13th of April, 1900, to Miss Ella Caroline Julius, third daughter of the Right Rev. Dr. Julius, Bishop of Christchurch.
Farmer, Pareora. Mr. Rapsey is the eldest son of the late Mr. James Rapsey, and was born in Alderney. Channel Islands, in 1859. Mr. Rapsey came out to New Zealand with his parents, and celebrated his third birthday on board ship. He was one of the first scholars in the Pareora school, and acquired his knowledge of farming on his father's farm. In 1890, he bought his present farm at Pareora; it comprises 150 acres of cultivated land, on which wheat has averaged thirty-four bushels per acre, and oats fifty-five bushels. Mr. Rapsey also runs a number of sheep. In temperance matters he has always taken an active interest, and is a local preacher for the Wesleyan Methodists. In 1895 he married a daughter of Mr. Chivers, of Beaconsfield, and has two daughters.
who was an Old Colonist of South Canterbury, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1830, and came out to New Zealand in 1863 in the ship “Echunga,” which landed at Timaru. He worked for four years on the Otipua station, and then bought a farm at Pareora, where he cultivated his property, and also carried on contracting for some years. Mr. Rapsey was the first to buy land and settle in the Pareora district. He was a member of the Pareora school committee. Mr. Rapsey died in 1896, leaving a widow, three sons and four daughters.
is about five miles from St. Andrews, and was originally known as Pareora No. 2 estate. It is in the Lower Pareora riding of the Waimate county, and had a populaton of 112 at the census of 1901. There is a postal delivery by mail cart twice a week throughout the district, which has a centrally situated public school. The land, which is subdivided into suitable farms, is held under leases in perpetuity from the Government.
was opened in October, 1901. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a class room and porch, with accommodation for forty pupils. There are twenty-seven names on the roll, and the average attendance is twenty-five. A glebe of ten acres of land is attached to the school premises.
Teacher in charge of Lyalladale Public School, was born in Ashburton. She was educated at Pleasant Point, and served a pupil-teachership at Upper Waitohi school. For about two years before taking charge at Lyalldale, at the opening of the school, Miss Jones was assistant mistress.
Farmer, Lyalldale. Mr. Dickson's property consists of 273 acres, held under a lease in perpetuity, and is part of the Pareora estate. Mr. Dickson was born in the Selwyn district, Canterbury, in 1870, and was brought up to an outdoor life. He was a member of the firm of Dickson Bros., contractors, Amberley, for about eighteen years, and came into possession of his propetry near St. Andrews in July, 1900. Mr. Dickson carries on mixed farming.
Farmer, “Lismartin,” Lyalldale. Mr. Harvey was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1861. He remained on his father's farm till he was seventeen, and in 1879 came out to Lyttelton by the ship “Waimate,” and found employment for a number of years in the Oamaru district. He was afterwards farming on leasehold land for seven years. Having sold out, Mr. Harvey went for a trip to the Old Country, and was absent for nine months. On his return he was shepherding near Gore for six years, but owing to the state of has wife's health he had to leave the district, and take a trip of about nine months duration in the North Island. He returned to Oamaru for a short time, and in April, 1900, finally settled on 245 acres, under a lease in perpetuity, at St. Andrews. Great improvements have been effected on the property, including fencing, ploughing, a residence, and out-buildings, Mr. Harvey was married, in October, 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Gilmour, of County Down. Ireland. Mrs Harvey died on the 3rd of April, 1902, a short time after her little daughter.
Farmer, “Tiro Moana,” Lyalldale, St. Andrews. Mr. Sidey was born in 1872, in Napier. He was educated there, and was brought up to country life in the Hawke's Bay district, where he found employment until he left for South Canterbury. In April, 1900, Mr. Sidey took up his present property of 360 acres, under a lease in perpetuity, and has erected a commodious residence, besides outbuildings, and he has also considerably improved the land. While in Napier he was for some time a member of the High School Cadets, and was attached to the Hastings Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Sidey was married in October, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. James Little, of Allandale, Waikari, and has one daughter and one son.
Farmer, “Tupuhi,” Lyalldale. Mr. Smithson was born in Christchurch, and educated there and at Leeston. He was brought up to country life, and farmed at Leeston on his own account from 1889 to 1899. Having sold his land there, he acquired his present property of “Tupuhi,” 603 acres, under a lease in perpetuity. During his residence at Leeston Mr. Smithson was for some time treasurer of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was secretary to the Leeston Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity.
sometimes called Upper Otaio, is in the Otaio riding of the Waimate county, on the road to Bluecliffs, and about five miles from St. Andrews. The district has a public school, and a church, and is largely devoted to sheepfarming. Esk Bank estate, which was in the neighbourhood, has been cut up and sold by its owners.
was established about 1878, under the name of Upper Otaio, but the name was changed in 1900. The building, which is prettily ornamented with climbing roses, was erected about 1878. It is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for sixty pupils. The number on the roll is fifty-nine. There is an average attendance of forty-eight, and the mistress-in-charge has one assistant. The land attached to the premises is two acres in extent, and there is a convenient playground, with shelter sheds, besides a comfortable five-roomed residence which stands in a well kept garden.
Esk Valley, was built in 1879 by the late Mr. Charles Meyer, the original owner of Bluecliff station. It is a handsome stone building with seating accommodation for fifty persons. Mr. Meyer presented the church and five acres of land to the parish. The church has some very fine stained glass windows, the gift of various donors. Part of the land is used as a cemetery. The church is in the parish of Otaio with Bluecliff.
Farmer, Fern Hill, Esk Valley. Mr. Campbell was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1849. Two of his brothers were doctors, and he was intended for the medical profession, but did not continue his studies. He came to New Zealand by the ship “Tudor,” in 1865, and settling at Ellesmere, was farming there for about thirteen years, until he removed to South Canterbury in 1879. Mr. Campbell settled on his property of 150 acres freehold at St. Andrews in 1890. He has served as a member of the Southbridge and Esk Valley school committees, and was elected a member of the South Canterbury Education Board in 1900, and has since been re-elected. At the general election of 1899 Mr. Campbell announced himself as a candidate for the Waitaki seat in order to insure a valid poll on the licensing question. Owing to illness he withdrew from the contest, but did so too late to prevent a contested election. At the election of 1902 he made an excellent fight for the seat, polling 1400 votes against the successful candidate's number, 1991. Mr. Campbell was married, in May, 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Hall, of Buckinghamshire, England, and has had three sons and two daughters; the eldest daughter is dead. His eldest son was a member of the Seventh New Zealand Contingent, and his youngest of the Eighth on service in South Africa, and both returned to the colony unharmed. The other son is an engineer on the Natal Government railways.
Farmer, “Brookfield.” Esk Valley. Mr. Copland was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1841, and was brought up to farming in the Old Country. He came out in the ship “Tudor” in 1865, and landed at Lyttelton. After working for a time at Christchuch and at Messrs Gould and Miles' farm, at Selwyn, he went to Bangor soon after Mr. Ward took it up, and remained there nine months. Then he went to Cheviot, and was on the Hon. W. Robinson's station for fifteen months. From Cheviot he went to Otago, and was at Clydevale for a short period. In 1869 he commenced contract ploughing on the Pareora station, and carried on the work for about twelve years, while working some land he bought and sold during that period. For instance, he bought a block of land at the Hook; ring-fenced it, cropped a portion of it, and then sold it. He then bought Howburn farm, near Bluecliffs; its area was then 250 acres, but it has been added to, and is now 450 acres. Mr. Copland lived there for two years after getting married. In 1878, he bought, in conjunction with Messrs Turnbull, Godby and Tosswill, a farm of 376 acres near St. Andrews. After some years he took over the farm on his own account, and in 1895 sold it to the Government. In 1880 he bought Brookfield farm of 355 acres, which has since been increased to 650 acres, and has lived there since 1880, working the two farms together. Mr. Copland grows wheat that averages about thirty bushels per acre, and oats averaging forty to forty-five bushels. He also grows a large quantity of turnips, and fattens a good many sheep for the export trade. Mr. Copland also owns, near Makikihi, 100 acres of swamp land which has been drained with Government assistance, and is now fit for cultivation. Mr. Copland is a member of the Timaru Caledonian Lodge of Freemasons, and for many years was a member of the Upper Otaio school committee, of which he was chairman for one year. He is also a member of the Wainono Drainage Board, and of the St. Andrews Saleyards Company. Mr. Copland married Miss London, of St. Andrews, in 1878, and has a family of eight sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Esklands, Esk Valley. Mr. Cross's property consists of 550 acres, on which he keeps about 900 sheep, chiefly of the English Leicester breed. Mr. Cross was born in Cornwall, England, in
Farmer, “Esk Bank,” Esk Valley, St. Andrews. Mr. Ryan was born in February, 1853, in Tipperary, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Egmont” in 1861. He was brought up in the Templeton and Prebbleton districts, and in 1876 commenced farming on his own account at Templeton. Having sold his property there in 1898, he removed to Rangitata and bought a farm at Glentui, which he sold a year later, and acquired “Esk Bank,” consisting of 875 acres of freehold. Mr. Ryan was married on the 29th of February, 1875, to a daughter of Mr. R. Lysaght, of Ashburton. His wife died on the 15th of January, 1876, leaving one son. Mr. Ryan afterwards married a daughter of the late Mr. James Williams, of County Wicklow, Ireland, and has six sons and two daughters by this union.
is the name of a small settlement, and also of a riding of the Waimate county; at the census of 1901 the riding had a population of 535. The settlement of Ecclestone is also about four miles from the Otaio railway station. Ecclestone estate consisted of 1245 acres, and was subdivided into four farms, varying in area from 215 to 444 acres. There are two other settlements, one known as Kohika, and another as Tavistock. The district has a public school, and the business of the post office is conducted at the local smithy. The flag station on the railway line stands eighteen feet above sea level, and is 114 miles distant from Christchurch, fourteen from Timaru, and four from St. Andrews. Otaio lies between the river of that name and the Makakihi river. The country generally is fertile and undulating, and is devoted chiefly to sheep-farming. Otaio is noted for the fineness of its climate.
was established about 1887. It is now conducted at the local smithy, but was for some years conducted at the railway station. Three mails are received and one mail despatched daily.
Postmaster at Otaio, was born in Timaru, in 1868. He has been in business at Otaio since 1894, and has acted as postmaster all the time.
was established in the early seventies, and is one of the oldest schools in the district. It stands on a glebe of two acres, and has room for fifty children; the number on the roll is thirty-two, and the average attendance, twenty-eight. There is a good play-ground, with well grown shelter trees, and the teacher's residence is two stories in height, and has six rooms.
Teacher in charge of Otaio Public School, was born in Timaru, and served her pupil-teachership at Waimataitai public school. She was at the Kapua school near Waimate, for four years and a half, and was appointed to Otaio in 1902.
Farmer, “Blythes-dale,” Otaio. Mr. Blytn was born in Scotland in 1839. He emigrated to Queensland in 1863 in the ship “Prince Consort, and after remaining there a few months came on to New Zealand. For about nine months he was shepherding on Ben Lomond station, Waitaki, but on the opening of the West Coast goldfields he went with the “rush,” and, like the majority, was unsuccessful. Mr. Blyth then went to the Otaio estate, where he was shepherding for nine years, and he afterwards worked for Mr. Michael Studholme for two years at Waimate. He subsequently went to live on his farm, which he had cought some years previously, and which was then in its native state. The whole of the farm has now been cultivated, and the wheat crops average thirty bushels per acre. Of late years Mr. Blyth has been letting his land for cropping. He has been a member of the Otaio school committee for the last eighteen
Farmer, Benalta Villa, Otaio. Mr. Hoskin was born in Victoria, in 1861, and was brought up to an outdoor life. In 1876 he accompanied his father, the late Mr. S. Hoskia, to Timaru, where they kept the accommodation house at Otaio Ferry for some years. Mr. S. A. Hoskin holds eleven acres of freehold, on part of which his pretty villa residence stands. He works his property as a dairy farm, and sends the milk to the creamery at St. Andrews. He also owns a cottage and two acres of land opposite the post office at Otaio. Mr. Hoskin served as a volunteer in the St. Andrews Mounted Rifles for a year, and was a member of the Foresters' Order in the early days. He was married in August, 1681, to a daughter of Mr. John Merry, of Hook, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Otaio. Mr. Johnson was born in Shropshire. England, in 1856, and farmed on his own account for thre years before coming to New Zealand. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Waitangi,” in 1880, and found employment at Picton under Mr. H. Redwood for three years, afterwards being for three years on the Kingsdown estate; then, after a short time at Pleasant Point, Mr. Johnson settled at Otaio, where he leases 217 acres from the Education Department, and carries on mixed farming. He was a member of the local school committee. Mr. Johnson married, in April, 1887, a daughter of Mr. Thomas Young, now of Wairangi, and has six sons and three daughters.
(R. Heaton Rhodes, proprietor), Otaio. This property consists of 217 acres of freehold land which is mostly devoted to sheep farming. It is under the care of a manager, who occupies the homestead.
Manager of “Langlands,” was born in June, 1860, at Woodend, Canterbury. He was brought up to country life in his native place, and removed to Otaio in 1884. For fourteen years he filled various positions under one employer, and was afterwards at Esk Bank station for ten years, until he was appointed manager of “Langlands.” As a Forester, Mr. Walton is a member of Court Progress, St. Andrews, has passed all the chairs, and was district chief ranger in 1902. He was married, in 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. Charles Hodgkinston, of Riccarton, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Teams Farm, Otaio. Mr. Martin, who was one of the first settlers in the Otaio district, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1834, and was brought up to farming in the Old Country. He arrived in Melbourne by the ship “Sea King,” in 1854, and was married in Geelong, in 1859, to Miss Isabella Thomson, of Fifeshire, Scotland. After seven years of experience on the goldfields in Victoria, he came to Otago, where the worked on the diggings till 1865. He and his brother, Mr. George Martin, then went to Otaio, and took up 100 acres of land. This he has successfully cultivated, and, year by year, has added to his farm, which now consists of 1500 acres of freehold. A dwellinghouse and a large number of outbuildings have been erected, and there is a well-kept garden in front of the house. Teams Farm is considered one of the best model farms in South Canterbury, and it reflects great credit on Mr. Martin's energy and ability. Mr. Martin has been a director of the Timaru Milling Company since its formation; he was chairman of the Otaio school committee for sixteen years; he has been an active member of the Timaru and Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, and Smithfield Freezing Works. Mr. and Mrs Martin have six sons and three daughters, and four of the family are married and settled in the district.
Hillside Farm, Otaio. Mr. Martin is the eldest son of Mr. Andrew Martin, an old colonist at Otaio. He was born in Geelong, in 1860, and came when a child with his parents to New Zealand. His practical knowledge of farming was acquired on his father's farm, and in 1887 he took over his present property, perty, which consists of 374 acres. Mr. Martin has devoted his attention entirely to his farm, and has taken no active part in public affairs, In 1885 he married a daughter of the late Mr. David Ogilvie, an old colonist of Otaio, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Otaio. Mr. Norrish was born at Thorverton, in Devonshire, England, in 1859, and workd on his mother's farm until coming to New Zealand, via Australia, per s.s. “Cephalonia,” in 1883. After some time in Canterbury he went to Taranaki, where he farmed for thirteen years, and also carried on a butchery business in connection therewith at Stratford and Midhurst. On selling out in 1897, he took a trip with his wife and family to the Old Country, and on his return journey spent some months in Natal, South Africa. Mr. Norrish settled in 1901 in the Otaio district, where he took up 400 acres of land under a lease in per-patuity and also bought the freehold of 260 acres of agricultural and pastoral land. He is chairman of the Kohika school committee,
Farmer, “Hilly View,” Otaio. Mr. Palmer was born in Devoushire in 1851, and followed farming until leaving for Lyttelton, where he arrived in August, 1878. He settled in South Canterbury, and after twelve months at Dunsandel removed to St. Andrews, where he was in business as a butcher for eight years. In 1889 Mr. Palmer leased 274 acres from the Education Department, and purchased the twenty acres of freehold on which his residence stands. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. Richard Brisley, of Margate, Kent, who came to Lyttelton in the ship “St. Leonards,” in 1873, and has two sons and three daughters.
is the name of one of the ridings of the Waimate county, and of a township on the main line of railway between Christchurch and Dunedin. The population of the entire riding at the census of 1901 was 632; that of the township and vicinity 112, to which should be added residents near the main road — namely, fifty-three. Makikihi has a railway station, which stands twenty-two feet above sea level, and is 113 miles from Dunedin, and seventeen from Timaru. The township also has a public school, a commodious hotel, two stores, and a blacksmith's shop. Divine service is held periodically in the school by visiting clergymen, and a Roman Catholic church was built in 1903. The Makikihi river runs to the sea to the northward of the township, and has bold sandstone terraces on its northern bank; to the southward, rich flats extend for miles. The Makikihi district includes a great deal of fine land, lying between the seaboard and the Hunter.
combined dates from 1879. Besides the usual accommodation for the public and the department, there is a private grain store on the station grounds. Three trains pass each way daily, and the express stops at the station. Mails are received and despatched four times a day. The sationmaster has one assistant.
Station-master and Postmaster at Makikihi, was born in Christchurch, in 1874. He entered the service in that city in 1889, and has been in charge at Makikihi since 1902.
which, was established in 1879, has a glebe of five acres of land. The building is of wood and iron, and was erected in 1882. It contains a class room and two porches, with accommodation for seventy pupils; there are fifty-three names on the roll, and the average attendance is fifty-one. The glebe is divided into a playground, a paddock for the children's horses, and a garden for the school-house, which is of six rooms. The teacher in charge has one assistant.
Master of Makikihi School, was born at Waitaki Plains, in 1869. He was educated at the Pukeuri school, near Oamaru, where he served a pupil-teachership of four years. After two years at the Normal Training College, Dunedin, he was stationed at Kaikori school, and was appointed to Makikihi in 1894. Mr. Goodall was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. B. Battersby, of Enfield, Oamaru.
was built in 1903 on a site of five acres, presented by Mr. Nicholas Quinn. It is a brick building, with accommodation for 200 worshippers, and cost £900. Services are conducted by the clergy in charge of the Waimate parish.
(John Thomas Bourne, proprietor), Makikihi.—This is a large two-storey building, and contains two commercial rooms, bar parlours, a billiard room, dining room, and eleven bedrooms, exclusive of the accommodation needed by the family. The domestic requirements are efficiently looked after by Mrs Bourne, who shares with her husband the esteem of the local residents and the travelling public.
Proprietor, is a son of the late Mr. William Bourne, an old colonist of Waimate. Mr. William Bourne came from Geelong to Dunedin in 1864, and engaged in carrying produce to the Otago goldfields. In 1875 he went to Waimate, and started contracting and cropping in the district, and also engaged in carting timber, from the Waimata bush to Timaru. He afterwards started in business in Waimate in a flour mill, which he conducted for some years. Meeting with reverses he returned to Victoria, where he died from a kick from a horse in February, 1890. He left a wife and a family of two sons. Mrs Bourne survived her husband four years. Mr. J. T. Bourne was born in Geelong in 1857, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits in the Waimate district for a number of years, and in March, 1897, he took over the Makikihi Hotel.
Farmer, Merrybrook, Makikihi. Mr. Bowker is a son of Mr. C. Bowker, of Timaru, and was born in 1882 in that place. He gained experience of country life in the Makikihi district, where he now farms 150 acres of leasehold land.
Highway Farm, Makikihi. Mr. Geddes was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1842. He came out to New Zealand in 1866 in the ship “William Davie,” and landed at Port Chalmers. His mother, brother, and sister also came out at the same time. Mr. Geddes and his brother worked in Shag Valley for twelve years, during which he took a trip to the Old Country, via America, and returned by direct ship. In 1879 he left Shag Valley and went to Makikihi, and after working there for two years he entered into partnership with Mr. Forrest and bought a farm near Bluecliffs. This proved to be too small for their requirements, and it was sold, and the present farm bought. This farm comprises 1100 acres of good land, on which wheat yields forty bushels to the acre, and oats over sixty bushels. On the death of Mr. Forrest, in 1895, Mr. Geddes took over the whole estate. In April, 1899, he married Miss Selina Forrest, a daughter of his former partner. Mr. Geddes has been a member of the Hook school committee.
Farmer, Makikihi. Mr. Mercer was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1838. He was brought up as an engineer, and worked as such in the Old Country for many years. In 1865 he came out to New Zealand in the ship “Victory.” For a short period Mr. Mercer was a warder in the Lyttelton Gaol, after which he went to Bluecliffs for about twelve months. A similar period was spent at the Cave. He then went to Timaru, and worked for a time on the surf boats. He was then engaged by Mr. Teschemacher on the Otaio estate, where he worked for two years, when he bought 35 acres from Mr. Teschemacher and started farming for himself. This land he subsequently sold, and purchased 133 acres on the north side of the Makikihi river, and 278 acres, where his homestead now stands. His wheat crops average about thirty bushels per acre, and oats about sixty bushels. Mr. Mercer has been a member of the Timaru Foresters' Court, and was a member of the Hunter school committee for seven years. In 1865 he married Miss Margaret Lush, of Larne, near Belfast, and they have seven sons and five daughters.
Flaxmiller, Threshing-mill Proprietor, and Farmer, Makikihi. Mr. Rodgers was born at Elephant Hill station, on the 20th of September, 1861. He was brought up to country life in South Canterbury, and commenced as a contractor and horse dealer in 1886. In 1899 he settled in Makikihi, where he works seventy acres of land, in addition to his flaxmill and threshing mill. He puts through about six tons of green flax daily. Mr. Rodgers was married, in 1889, to a daughter of Mr. John Gibson, farmer, Claremont, and has four sons and two daughters.
Farmer. “Cardale,” Makikihi. Mr. Shaw is the eldest son of Mr. David Shaw, of Geraldine, and was born in 1863, at Lake Tekapo. He gained his experience of country life on his father's farm at Geraldine, and in 1892 began to farm on his own account at Woodbury. Two years later he removed, to Rangitata Plains, where he worked land till 1900. In that year he settled at Makikihi, where he holds 420 acres of freehold, and 218 acres of leasehold land. Mr. Shaw served two years in the Geraldine Mounted Rifles. Since settling in the Makikihi district he has been a member of the Hunter library and school committees. Mr. Shaw devotes himself chiefly to sheep-farming, and uses the Smoko sheep-shearing machine, the first in the district, which is driven by a two-and-a-half horse-power oil engine.
sometime of Makikihi, was a native of Ireland. He came out to New Zealand in the early days with his parents, in the ship “Strathmore,” and landed at Timaru, where he worked with his father as a contractor, and was engaged in the formation of the main roads about Timaru. On his father's death he started farming in the Claremont district, where he remained about eighteen months. In 1876 he married Miss Chalmers, of Otaio. They afterwards took over the Saltwater Creek Hotel, which they relinquished in 1880, when Mr. Gibson bought a farm at Makikihi. He subsequently sold a portion of this to Mr. McGimpsey, and worked on the remainder until his death in 1886. Mrs Gibson then carried on the farm until she died on the 30th of June, 1899. Mr. Gibson left a family of three sons and two daughters.
was well known as a settler in the Makikihi district. He was born in 1837 in Leicestershire. England, and came out to Lyttelton in the ship “Joseph Fletcher.” For a time he served as a shepherd at Hunter's Hills, and subsequently became a carrier. As such he owned a bullock team, which he worked between Waimate, the Hook, and the back blocks for some years. For a time he worked his team also in Otago, between Oamaru and the Cardrona diggings. Finally, Mr. Rodgers settled at Makikihi, where he engaged in farming and contracting till his departure for England in 1900. Mr. Rodgers was married. in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. David Lundon, of Auckland. Mrs Rodgers died in 1887, leaving six sons and three daughters.
is a sheepfarming district in the Makikihi riding of the Waimate county towards the hills, at the back of the Hook and Makakihi districts. The land is mostly undulating, and is good for agriculture and sheepfarming purposes. There has been a public school in the district since about 1878, and a post office since 1883. A public hall and library were erected in 1902. Divine service is held periodically in the public school by the clergy of the Anglican and Presbyterian churches. The population of the district at the census of 1901 was 165.
at Hunter was established in the eighties. The business is conducted at the homestead of Mr. John Dodds, farmer, and mails are received and despatched twice a week.
dates from 1875. It has a classroom and a porch, with accommodation for forty-five children. There are twenty-five names on the roll. A two-storey residence and a public hall have been recently erected on the school land, which amounts to five acres in all.
Teacher in charge of the Hunter school, was appointed to the position in 1900.
Farmer, “Elmsthorpe,” Hunter. This estate comprises 675 acres of freehold, and is devoted to mixed farming. Mr. Wright was born at Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, England, in 1831, and brought up as a farmer. In 1852 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Samarang,” and was for some time farming at Lincoln Road, Christchurch. Afterwards he opened coalpits at the Malvern Hills, and worked them for about five years. He then returned to Lincoln Road, where he again engaged in farming, and was afterwards for a good many years at Lincoln. In 1882 Mr. Wright removed to the Hunter district, and purchased his present property. It was only partly improved, and had the boundary fence around it, but it is now many years since the property was brought into a high state of cultivation. Mr. Wright served on the Hunter school committee for many years, and was for a long time chairman of that body. He was also for a long time a member of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association. As a Freemason he joined the Order at Lincoln, but is at present unattached. Mr. Wright was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Murray, of Christchurch, and has four sons and two daughters surviving.
is in the Makikihi riding of the Waimate county. The population of the district is not strictly defined in the census return of 1901, but may be set down at from one to two hundred, including Hook bush, Hook road, Wellwood road, and other localities. There is a flag railway station which stands thirty-four feet above sea level, and is distant three miles from Studholme, and eleven from Timaru. There are some flaxmills in the district, which is devoted chiefly to sheepfarming and agriculture.
was established in the eighties. The building is of wood and iron and contains a class room and a porch, with accommodation for fifty children. There are forty-three names on the roll, and the average attendance is thirty-two. A five-roomed residence for the teacher adjoins the school, and the section is planted with well-grown shelter trees.
Teacher in charge of the Hook School, was born in Dunedin and studied at the Normal Training School in that city for two years. Miss Hawkes was in charge at Kapua for two years before taking up her duties at Hook in 1897.
Farmer, Springwell Farm, Hook. Mr. Bowker is the third son of Mr. Bowker, of Timaru. He was born at Timaru, in 1878, and received his education at the Timaru High School, and subsequently underwent a course of study at Lincoln College. In 1897 he bought his present farm, which he successfully cultivates. The property comprises over 500 acres of good agricultural land, which has yielded forty-seven bushels of wheat per acre, and ninety bushels of oats.
Farmer, Avoca Farm, Hook. Mr. Buckley was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1828, and came out to Melbourne in the ship “Broughton Hall,” in 1855. He joined the Victorian police force and became a sergeant, and after serving a few years in that capacity came to New Zealand, where he was appointed sergeant of police in Canterbury under the Provincial Government. In 1866 he was appointed Inspector of Police, and held that position for twenty-two years, when he and other inspectors were retired, the Government of the day considering that the police force was over-officered, and that the exigencies of the colony required retrenchment in the public service. Mr. Buckley then turned his attention to farming. He bought his present farm in 1872, and settled on it in 1892. It was then in its native state, and it has been brought under cultivation with good results. The average yield of wheat is forty bushels per acre. Mr. Buckley has been a member, and also chairman, of the Hook school committee for several years. He is a Freemason, but is at present not attached to any lodge. Mr. Buckley was married, in 1867, to Miss Walsh.
Farmer, Upper Hook. Mr. Burnett was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1836, and was brought up to pastoral pursuits. In 1862 he came out in the ship “Echunga,” and landed at Timaru. He went to the Mackenzie Country, and worked for the late Mr. John Hay for three years, and for a similar period he was engaged in shepherding at Orari. Then he went to Bluecliffs and worked for the late Mr. John Hayhurst. He afterwards managed a station in Shag Valley for Colonel Kitchener, father of Lord Kitchener, and subsequently leased 7000 acres in the same locality, There he remained three years, but was unsuccessful and lost all his money. He then had a varied career till 1896, when he took up his present farm. Mr. Burnett was married in the Old Country to Miss Barbara Gunn, a sister of Mr. Gordon Gunn. They have no family. Their vicissitudes have not changed their genial dispositions, for they are an ideally happy pair.
Farmer “The Triangle,” Hook; postal address, Hunter. Mr. Davis was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1850. He was brought up to country life, Came to Timaru by the ship “Peeress,” and has since been a South Canterbury settler. For a few years prior to 1894 he found employment in the Waimate district, and then he leased a farm at Waitaki. Seven years' later he took The Triangle property, which is 549 acres in extent, on a seven years' lease. Mr. Davis served as a member of the Waitaki water-race committee for a time, under the Waimate County Council. He was for some time a member of the Waimate Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Davis was married in December, 1870, to a daughter of Mr. Samuel Morgan, of Timaru, and has seven, sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Upper Hook. Mr. Dunn was the first white child christened in Wellington by Bishop Selwyn, and in that city he was born in 1840. His father, Mr. Henry William Dunn, came out to Wellington in the ship “Lady Nugent,” in 1840, as a jay reader for the first Church of England in Wellington. He had been educated for the church at Oxford, where he was a schoolmate of Dean Jacobs, of Christchurch. Prior to leaving England, he had bought land from the New Zealand Land Association, but on his arrival in Wellington the Maoris refused to let him have the land he had purchased in that way. He brought out the first horses, cattle, and farming implements to Wellington, and after his arrival he bought fifty acres of land at the Hutt and started a sawmill. However, through the capsizing of a boat, he and thirteen others were drowned during the first year of his residence in the colony; and he left a widow and one son, the subject of this sketch, who was born in a tent in Wellington, where the Union Bank now stands. In 1849, young Dunn came to Lyttelton in the brig “Bee,” and was brought up and educated there. He can remember the execution of two men who were the first to be hanged in Wellington for murder; one was a sailor named Long, and the other was a Maori. In 1854, when he was only fourteen years of age, young Dunn went to work on the farm of Mr. Robert Chapman at the Cust, and he afterwards worked for Mr. Fitzgerald, the first Superintendent of Canterbury. Later on he worked on Mr. Harman's station at Selwyn, and subsequently for Mr. Denne in the same district. He first passed through Waimate in 1858. For a while he worked a ferry boat across the Rakaia river. In 1858 he helped to drive the first mob of cattle from Christchurch to Dunedin. From 1864 to 1867, he was farming at Riccarton, and in 1869 he took over the Plough Inn, in which he remained for six years. He then removed to Waimate, where, after farming for himself for two years, he went into a store, at the time of the bush fire which occurred in 1878. Mr. Dunn then went to Ashburton and engaged in various occupations till 1890, when he returned to Waimate, and bought his present property of 250 acres freehold; he has also 160 acres leasehold. He crops a portion of his land, and has a number of sheep and cattle. Mr. Dunn has been a member of the Order of Foresters. In 1869 he married Mrs Giggs, formerly Miss Dilloway, who was a passenger in the “Charlotte Jane,” one of the first four ships, and he has one daughter and two step-daughters living.
Farmer, Hayfield Farm, Hook. Mr. Gunn is a son of the late Mr. John Gunn, of Christchurch. He was born in Caithness-shire Scotland, in 1858, and brought out by his parents in the ship “Cashmere” in 1859. His parents settled in Christchurch, where he was educated at the High School, and was afterwards brought up on his father's farm at Templeton. In 1879 he took up his present farm, which consists of 124 acres; and he has another farm of 310 acres, which is used chiefly for grazing. Mr. Gunn is a member of the Waituna school committee, and a member of the Foresters' Court, Waimate, In 1887 he married a daughter of Mr. Donald Gunn of the Hook, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer “Broad-field,” Hook. Mr. Medlicott was born in Shropshire, England, in 1826. He early gained experience of farming in his native place, and was farming on his own account for about ten years. In 1864 Mr. Medlicott came to Lyttelton, by the ship “William Miles.” He settled at Milford, near Temuka, where he farmed for seven years, when he removed to the Hook district, in which he became one of the first settlers. The flat on which his homestead is situated, was then covered with tussock and native growth. Mr. Medlicott has since increased his property to 430 acres of freehold. In the early days he was a member of the Temuka Road Board, and for a few years served on the Hook school committee. Mr. Medlicott was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Bill, of Shropshire. His wife died in 1893, leaving five sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Hook Creek Farm, Hook. This property consists of 335 acres of freehold, most of which is let to tenants. Mr. Merry was born at White-haven, Cumberland, England, in March, 1832, and came out with his parents to Australia, by the ship “Angelina,” in 1844. He was trained as a farmer in Australia, where he had various experiences also on the goldfields. In 1860 Mr. Merry came to New Zealand, and soon afterwards settled at Waitaki, where he was employed in ferry work and farm work. Having settled at the Upper Ferry, close to Hakataramea, he was the first to put a public ferry boat on the river, and for five years had an accommodation house. Subsequently he had bullock and horse teams at work between Waimate and Hakataramea, and was engaged mostly in carrying timber. In 1867 Mr. Merry settled in the Hook district, where he had bought 100 acres of land, which he subsequently increased in area. In the early days he served on the Waimate school committee, and at one time kept a general store and bakery. Mr. Merry was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert Smith, of Waimate, and has five sons and six daughters.
(Michael McGovern and William Johnston Hardie), Holm Farm, Hook. This property consists of 650 acres of freehold land, and the firm also owns 250 acres of freehold at Seafield, and works 300 acres of an educational reserve lying between Hook and Makikihi and the beach. Messrs McGovern and Hardie also own thirty-two acres at the Hook station.
one of the partners in the firm of McGovern and Hardie, was born in Leitrim, Ireland, and came out to Victoria in 1860 by the steamship “Great Britain.” In 1863 he visited Otago, but eighteen months afterwards returned to Australia, and came back to New Zealand in 1867. In the same year he and his partner met, and they established the present firm in 1868.
is referred to in another article as a member of the Waimate County Council.
Farmer, “Link-wood,” Hook. Mr. Rattray was born in 1844, at Bush of Crathie, on the banks of the Dee, on the estate of Invereauld, Aberdeen-shire, Scotland. His father, who was a tenant of Bush, was appointed in 1848 gamekeeper and deer-stalker on Glenfiddoch, Banffshire, to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and held the position for over thirty years. After leaving school young Rattray returned to his uncle, the late Mr. Donald McHardy, sheepfarmer, Glengairn, where he received careful training in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. He was afterwards in the employment of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon and the Duke of Cambridge, and was, later on, engaged as foreman to the late Mr. Charles Anderson Farland, one of the best farmers on the estate, and often had the honour of carrying off the premium for the best kept farm. Mr. Rattray subsequently started sheep and cattle dealing, at which he was fairly successful. On the 11th of December, 1869, he sailed from Glasgow in the ship “Jessie
Farmer, Hohenfeldt farm, Upper Hook. Mr. Ruddenklau was born in Rangiora in 1861, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. Ruddenklau, of Cust, where he was brought up to agriculture on his father's farm. Mr. Ruddenklau afterwards worked with his brothers on the Cust Downs. In 1884, he went to Rangitata Island to manage a farm there, the property of his uncle, and in 1887 took up 1250 acres, chiefly native country, at the Upper Hook. This property has all been cleared and cultivated. The average yield of wheat is from twenty-five to thirty bushels per acre, and of oats, from thirty to fifty bushels. Mr. Ruddenklau is a member of the Waimate Lodge of Freemasons, of the Waimate Agricultural Society, and of the Waimate Racing Club. In 1889 he married a daughter of Mr. Frank Slee, of West-port, and they have three sons and two daughters.
“Strathnoon” (John Miller, proprietor), Hook. This property consists of 356 acres of freehold land, which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Miller was born in Scotland, in 1833, and came out to Queensland in 1857. By trade he is a stonemason, and he followed that occupation in Queensland, and afterwards in New Zealand. For some time he resided at Otepopo, and afterwards at Kakanui in North Otago. In 1874 Mr Miller took up 550 acres of land, close to Four Peaks station, Geraldine, where he farmed for some time. He afterwards settled in the Hook district, where he had bought 200 acres of his present property, which he named “Strathnoon,” after Captain Macpherson's cottage in Geraldine. Mr. Miller has served as a member of the Waimate Road Board, and of the Waimate County Council, and has otherwise taken considerable interest in local matters.
Manager of “Strathnoon,” Hook, was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on the 22nd of June, 1860, and when seven years of age he accompanied his father, Mr. John Miller, to New Zealand. He went to school at Otepopo, and afterwards at Kakanui. From the first he engaged in country pursuits, and has had the management of “Strathnoon” since 1888. Previously to that year, Mr. Miller was for some time in business in Oamaru with his brother, under the style of J. and G. Miller, grain and produce merchants. Since residing in the Hook district he has served for a number of years on the local school committee, and for a dozen years as a member of the Waitaki licensing bench. He has also served for a number of years on the Waimate Caledonian Society, of which he was at one time president. Mr. Miller has held various offices in connection with the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and was elected president in 1902. He intended to contest the Waimate seat at the general election of 1902, but withdrew his candidature in favour of the sitting member. Mr. Miller is well known as a considerable dealer in sheep. He was married on the 20th of September, 1893, to a niece of Messrs W. and G. Newlands, late of Kakanui, and now of South Canterbury, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Lidgold,” Hook. Mr. Steffens was born in 1865 at Woodend, North Canterbury. He was brought up to agricultural and pastoral life. and worked with his father at Bennett's till 1892. In that year he bought his property in the Hook district. It was then partly improved, and has since been brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Steffens has served for some time as a member of the Hook school committee, of which he has been chairman since 1900. He is a member of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Steffens was married, in 1900, to a daughter of Mr. A. Davis, of Cranford Farm, Redcliff, and has one daughter.
sometime of Manymore Farm, Hook, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1847, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Star of England” in 1864. After a successful time on the goldfields Mr. Bell went to Temuka, where he was engaged cropping for eight years. He then went to Makikihi, and was engaged in the construction of the main line of railway, and was present when the Otago and Canterbury sections met and were joined on the Waitaki Plains. Mr. Bell bought 200 acres of Government land at the Hook, and started farming. His area was afterwards increased to 450 acres of freehold, and 820 acres of leasehold. When he first settled in the district no roads had been formed in it or trees planted, and the country was so rough that it was a great feat to go to Makikihi in one day. Mr. Bell kept about 2000 sheep, and his wheat crops averaged thirty bushels per acre. In 1897 he took a trip Home to visit his native place, and was present at the Jubilee celebrations in London. In 1879, he married Miss McKay, of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, who was a child passenger in the ship “Strathallan,” which came out in 1859, and they had five sons and two daughters. Mr. Bell died on the 13th of February, 1903.
sometime of Upper Hook, was born in 1840, in Caithnessshire, Scotland, and was early trained to pastoral pursuits. He came out in the ship “Royal Stuart” in 1861. For a year he worked on Mr. John Deans' station on the Malvern Hills, and then went to Lake Coleridge, where he was engaged in shepherding for about eighteen months. He then went to the Mackenzie Country with Messrs Dark Brothers, with whom he remained for two years. After this he went droving, and in that capacity travelled over the whole of Canterbury and Otago. He sometimes had to paddle across the Waitaki and other rivers in an open box, and make his horse swim behind. About 1879 he went to the Upper Hook and took up his farm, Gordon Bush, which he cleared, and used chiefly for grazing purposes. Mr. Gunn died in the year 1900.
sometime of Alford Farm, Hook, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1836, and was a passenger in the “Dover Castle,” which arrived
is an important junction on the main line of railway from Christchurch to Dunedin. The north and south express trains meet at this point, which for the time presents a busy appearance. The station is 106 miles from Dunedin, and 124 from Christchurch, and stands at an elevation of thirty-two feet above the level of the sea. It is also the junction of the Waimate-Waihao Downs branch line. Studholme is in the Deep Creek riding of the Waimate county, and the population is set down in the census returns of 1901 at 138. Besides a railway station and post office combined, Studholme has a hotel, a general store, a blacksmith's shop, a saddler's shop, a large grain store, and a creamery. The educational needs of the district are met by the Hannaton public school, about a mile distant, and at that point there is also a small Methodist church known as Nukuroa church. Studholme was named in compliment to the Messrs Studholme, who were prosperous and public-spirited pioneers in that part of South Canterbury. The land in the district is devoted to farming, and is of the best quality.
was established about 1879, and is on the main south line of railway between Christchurch and Dunedin, at the point of intersection by the Waimate branch. Nine trains pass through the station daily, and the post and telegraph office is combined with railway work. The building is of wood and iron and contains five rooms, including waiting rooms. There are grain and wool sheds, and a double passenger platform at the station. Studholme is also a water station; two wells of forty-four and fifty feet respectively have been sunk, and a two-and-a-half horse-power engine is employed to pump the water to supply the tanks, which have a capacity of 20,000 gallons. The staff consists of a stationmaster, cadet and porter, one ganger and three platelayers.
who acts as Stationmaster and Postmaster at Studholme, was born in 1868, at Lyttelton, and was educated at the borough school. He joined the Railway Department as a cadet at Lyttelton in March, 1883, and held every position up to that of stationmaster, at various places on the Auckland and Canterbury sections before taking up his duties at Studhohlme in October, 1900. As a Freemason Mr. Turner is a Past Master of Methven Lodge, No. 51, New Zealand Constitution. He was married, in 1891, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Hawarth, engineer of the Islington Freezing Works, and has one daughter.
Architect, Studholme. Mr. Hayman was born on the 24th of December, 1862, on the ship “Ivanhoe,” on her voyage to Melbourne, and was educated at Cust and Willowby, in Canterbury, New Zealand. He was brought up to country life at Ashburton, and was for some time afterwards in partnership with a brother. Having disposed of his interest, he became a Home Missionary in connection with the Methodist church. Subsequently he was connected with the Ashburton saleyards, and while so engaged he began to study as an architect. Mr. Hayman then settled at Studholme, to practise his profession. He has designed and supervised the erection of various buildings in the district. Mr. Hayman was married in 1892, to a daughter of Mr. B. Low, of Willowbridge, and has three sons.
was opened on the 26th of December, 1901. It is the property of the North Otago Dairy Company, Limited, and is built of wood and iron. The plant consists of a six-horse power engine and boilder and an Alpha Laval separator, capable of working 440 gallons of milk per hour. Owing to the large increase of milk the company had the creamery altered in the month of June, 1903, and fitted up with a pasteurizer, a skim milk machine, and all the latest machinery. In July, 1903, there were about forty-two suppliers, and during the season the manager, Mr. W. H. Black, put through 1200 gallons of milk daily.
Farmer, Studholme Junction. Mr. Cunningham was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. He was brought up to farming in the Old Country, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Taranaki,” in 1883. For twelve years he was engaged in agricultural work in the Ashburton and Rakaia districts, and was subsequently at Leeston, managing Birdlingbrook estate for the late Mr. H. J. Hall. He afterwards purchased Bangor Farm, which is near the Studholme railway station. It is all rich and good agricultural land, adapted for growing heavy root crops. His crops of wheat yield forty-five bushels per acre, and oats eighty-five bushels. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge at Rakaia. He is also a member of the Timaru Presbytery, and represented Waimate district at Dunedin in the union of the Otago and Canterbury churches in 1901.
(William Dunbar and Joseph Alexander Dunbar), Wainona Farm, Studholme Junction. The Messrs Dunbar are sons of Mr. David Dunbar, of Hampden, Otago. They accompanied their parents to New Zealand in 1871 in the ship “William Davie.” After residing in Dunedin for a short period they removed to Hampden, where Mr. Dunbar opened a store. In 1883, the sons started contracting and cropping at Waikakahi estate, and in 1896 they took up their present farm and another farm at Studholme. The wheat crops have yielded sixty-three bushels per acre on “Wainona,” and forty-five bushels on the other farm. Mr. William Dunbar was married, in 1888, to the only daughter of the late Mr. John McWilliam, of Hampden, and has one son and two daughters.
(James and Michael Frost), Farmers, Studholme. These brothers own 245 acres of freehold land, on which their homestead stands.
was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1840. He was brought up to country life, and came out to Victoria in June, 1863. After about three years on the Australian diggings, he came to New Zealand, and was for ten years at Maori Gully on the West Coast. He afterwards found employment at road work in Canterbury till 1888, when he settled in the Studholme district, on the land he now farms with his brother.
was born in 1850 in County Clare, Ireland, and came out to Victoria in 1866. He was afterwards on the West Coast of New Zealand and in Canterbury, before settling at Studholme with his brother in 1888. Mr. Frost was married, in November, 1885, to a daughter of the late Mr. Eugene Sullivan, of County Kerry, Ireland, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Opiro,” Studholme. Mr. Hayman was born in Somerset, England, in May, 1861. In 1863 he accompanied his parents in the ship “Ivanhoe to Melbourne, and shortly afterwards to Lyttelton. He was brought up in the Cust district. Mr. Hayman farmed in the Ashburton district from 1883 to 1897, when he bought 360 acres of the Willow Bridge estate, where he has since resided, and has erected a fine sixteen-roomed brick residence upon his property.
Farmer, “Turehua,” Studholme. Mr. Hunter was born at Kirkcaldie, Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1843. He was educated in his native place and brought up to an outdoor life. In 1861 he came out to Victoria, and about the end of the following year was attracted by the Otago gold diggings. After some years he settled in Oamaru, and for a year worked on Mr. E. Hassall's farm. For a short time Mr. Hunter was at the Wakamarino diggings in Marlborough, and again visited Queensland and Victoria. On his return to New Zealand, he had further experience on the goldfields, this time at the West Coast, but soon turned his attention to the timber business, and claims to have sawn the timber for one of the first houses erected on the Buller. Mr. Hunter worked as a waggoner for a number of years on the Leveis estate, and afterwards became the first cropper on that station. He was successively farming at Cave and Weedons, before settling on his present property of 400 acres freehold, in July, 1900. Mr. Hunter served for a year as a member of the Mackenzie County Council, and for three years was chairman of the Cave school committee. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. Peter Cousin, of Fifeshire, Scotland. His wife died in 1897, leaving two sons and one daughter, and in November, 1898, he married a daughter of the late Mr. John Gibson, of Glasgow. The second Mrs Hunter was for eighteen years mistress of the West Melton school.
Farmer, “Kenwyn,” Studholme. Mr. Mitchell, who is a son of the late Mr. Henry Mitchell, formerly of Parkside Hotel, Dunedin and latterly farmer, of Oamaru, was born in 1886, in Dunedin, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship in farming under his father, who in 1886 bought 750 acres of land for him, in the Studholme district, where he has since increased his holding to 1200 acres. Mr. Mitchell, like the rest of the family, has been a successful breeder of draught horses for many years, and has taken prizes at Waimate, Timaru, Oamaru, and Dunedin. He is also a well known breeder of stud Border Leicester sheep, and is the owner of a large threshing plant. As president of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association for seven years, he helped to raise it to its present prosperous state. He is now a director of the North Otago Dairy Factory, chairman of the Studholme Saleyards Company, and president of the Millowners' Association. Mr. Mitchell is chairman of the Wainono Drainage Board, of which he has been a member since 1899. He is very fond of deer-stalking, shooting and fishing, and many fine trophies of stags' heads are hung on the walls of his residence. Mr. Mitchell was married in August, 1891, to a daughter of Mr. F. Gaitt, of Waimate. His wife died in February, 1903, leaving three sons and two daughters.
is a prosperous town, thirty-three miles south-west by rail from Timaru. A branch railway, five miles in length, connects it at Studholme with the main line. The town is seven miles inland from the sea, and first came into prominence as the site of a large timber trade. Early in the eighties, however, a great fire destroyed all the bush on the level country near the town, and the timber trade is now confined to the cutting and export of firewood obtained in the surrounding hills and gullies. Strawberry culture was once carried on so extensively that about 200 persons were employed every season in connection with it. This industry is more restricted than it was some years ago, but the cultivation of raspberries is now going on apace, and the export is increasng every year. The town is the headquarters of an agricultural and pastoral society, horticultural society, a choral and orchestral society, a dramatic club, the Waimate County Farmers' Association, a racing club, a Caledonian society, and of cricket, football, golf, hockey, tennis and bowling clubs. The educational requirements of the district are provided for by the Waimate District High School, a public primary school, Roman Catholic schools for boys and girls, and private schools. Waimate also has five churches and a Salvation Army barracks, a public library and reading room, a hospital, two banks, Masonic and other lodges, four hotels and two newspapers. Saturday is a general sale and market day for the town and district, and there is a monthly sale of stock at the local saleyards. Waimate has a fine park of eighty acres, known as Knottingly Park, and formed out of the Domain reserve of 100 acres. The park has some fine plantations of ornamental trees, and a gardener has been appointed to systematically improve the property. A large oval ring has been fenced in and ornamented with flower beds, and there is an artificial lake, supplied with water pumped by a windmill. In Victoria Terrace the townspeople have planted an oak to commemorate the coronation of King Edward the Seventh, and the site has been handsomely fenced and planted with ornamental trees. Waimate takes its name from the original station of the Messrs Studholme, who built the first house in the district in the year 1854. This old building is a slab hut with thatched roof, and is still preserved by Mrs M. Sludholme, as a relic of the early days. It adjoins the beautiful residence at Waimate station homestead, and is almost entirely covered with a luxuriant growth of ivy. The Waimate district as a whole is noted for the extent and excellence of its agricultural land, and the purchase and settlement of the Waikakahi estate, 47,000 acres, under the Lands for Settlement Act, has given an impetus to the progress and prosperity of the whole community. At the census of March, 1901, the borough of Waimate had a population of 1359 persons; 662 males, and 697 females. The Waihao river is nine, and the Waitaki river fifteen miles distant from the town, and the district is enriched with some fine scenery.
has jurisdiction over an area of 649 acres, including the town belts. At the census of March, 1901, the borough had a population of 1359, but it is estimated that the immediate suburbs bring the total up to about 2000. There are 316 dwellings, 340 ratepayers, and 500 rateable properties in the borough. The unimproved value is assessed at £25,569, and on this there is a general rate of 4 3/4 in the £. There are over ten miles of formed streets and footpaths in the borough. The municipal offices at the corner of Queen street and Victoria Terrace were erected in 1898. The building is of brick, one storey in height, and contains the council chamber, the Town Clerk's offices, a committee room and lavatories. Waimate, as a borough, has no loans. Mr. C. Akhurst is Town Clerk and Treasurer.
was the first Mayor of Waimate. He was returned twice subsequently, and was again elected in 1901, 1902 and 1903. Mr. Manchester was born in Leicestershire, England, in 1833. He went to school in his native place, and was brought up to outdoor pursuits. In January, 1859, Mr. Manchester arrived in Timaru by the ship “Strathallan,” and passed a few years on a sheep station in South Canterbury. In 1863 he and his partners began business in Waimate, and they now have a large mercantile house. Mr. Manchester has been well known in the public life of the district, as he has served on the Waimate County Council, and on the road board that preceded it for over thirty years. He was chairman of these bodies for a considerable time, and was a member of the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works, the first local body in South Canterbury. He has for several years represented the southern side of the county of Waimate on the Timaru Harbour Board. Mr. Manchester has also been a member of the Timaru High School Board of Governors, and was a Governor of the Waimate School Board. He is one of the founders of the local Wesleyan church, and has held every office that a layman can hold in connection with that body; and besides being frequently a member of the New Zealand Conference, he has been a representative at the General Conference of Australasia. Mr. Manchester attended the Melbourne Conference of 1871, and had intended being on board the ill fated steamer “Tararua,” which was wrecked on the 29th of April, in 1881, while carrying representatives to the General Conference of that year; but at the last moment he was unable to go in the steamer. He was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Thomas Pain, of Queensland, and has two sons and two daughters.
has been a member of the Waimate Borough Council since 1883. He was born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1842, and arrived in Port Chalmers at the age of twenty, in the ship “Jura.” With his brother he commenced business in South Canterbury under the style of Cameron Brothers, and the firm has since been well known in the district. In 1882 Mr. Cameron married a daughter of the late Mr. Walter Allan, of Waimate, and Three Springs, and has four sons and two daughters.
who has been a member of the Waimate Borough Council since 1890, and was Mayor for two years, was born in Birmingham, England, in 1862. He was educated in Yorkshire, and learned the trade of a watchmaker under his father's tuition. In 1883 Mr. Coltman entered into business at Timaru, but removed to Waimate in 1888. Mr. Coltman served for about ten years as a member of the Waimate High School Board of Governors, and was for a number of years on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. In 1889 he married a daughter of Mr. A. Russell, of Temuka, and has four sons.
who has served as a member of the Waimate Borough Council since 1890, was born in the
who has been a member of the Waimate Borough Council since 1884, was born in 1859 at Pareora. He went to school at Waimate, where he was brought up to country life. Mr Jones is a farmer, and works 270 acres of freehold at Arno, and 321 acres at Waihaorunga. He served for several years on the Waimate licensing bench, and has also been a member of the hospital board and school committee. In 1884 Mr. Jones married a daughter of the late Mr. David Ogilvie, of Otaio, and has three daughters and one son.
was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in October, 1846, and at the age of sixteen commenced his career as a flour miller. About 1865 he went to America, where he gained experience in connection with his trade, but returned to Scotland in consequence of failure in his health. In 1875 Mr. Nicol came by the ship “Auckland” to Port Chalmers, New Zealand, where he returned to his trade as a flourmiller. He was employed in various parts of Otago, and started the Maniototo co-operative flour mill at Naseby, where he worked his mill until 1891, when he removed to Waimate, and founded the Empire roller flour mill. About three years later he was joined in partnership by Mr W. L. Scott. Mr. Nicol was Mayor of Waimate for two years, and has been a member of the Borough Council since 1894. He was married, in April, 1878, to a daughter of the late Captain Robert Andrews, and has four sons and three daughters.
has served on the Borough Council of Waimate since 1885, and was for two years Mayor. He was born in 1853 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was brought to Port Chalmers by his father in the ship “Sevilla,” in 1858. Mr. Sinclair learned the business of a watchmaker in Dunedin, where he afterwards commenced business in 1875. Three years later he arrived in Waimate, and has since carried on business in the borough. Mr. Sinclair is chairman of the Hospital Board, and has held numerous other positions in local public life. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of Mr. Alexander Stewart, of Auckland, and has four sons and one daughter.
was constituted in 1876, prior to which the district had been, for a good many years, under the control of the Waimate Road Board. The county extends from the Waitaki river in the south to the Pareora river in the north, and from the sea beach on the east, to the hills on the west. It has an area of 1343 square miles. At the census of March, 1901, the county had a population of 5653; namely, 3218 males and 2435 females. There are seven ridings in the county, five of which return one member—namely, Upper and Lower Pareora, Otaio, Makikihi and Hakataramea; the remaining ridings, Deep Creek and Waihao, return two members each. There are two water-race districts in the county—Lower Waihao and Lower Pareora, and these respectively have loans amounting to £6181 and £2000, on which separate rates are raised to pay interest and sinking fund. The total unimproved rateable value of the county amounts to £2,402,139, on which there is a rate of 7/8 of a penny in the £, which yields a revenue of £8,784. The revenue from licenses, dog tax, and Government subsidies amounts to £2,600, and the county's expenditure is about equal to its income. The bank balance of the county is always kept below the legal limit. The Waimate County Council has about 1000 miles of formed roads, which are mostly metalled, and on which, it is said, a sum of about one million pounds sterling has been expended. The large bridge over the Pareora river is maintained jointly by the Waimate and Levels County Councils. The Council's chambers are situated in Queen Street, Waimate, and were built in 1877. The building is of brick and concrete, and contains a hall for the Council's meetings, besides six large rooms, which are all used for county purposes. The site is one acre in extent. Members for 1902–3: Messrs R. H. Rhodes (chairman), A. S. Elworthy, G. Lyall, W. J. Hardie, A. Walker, P. Studholme, J. Morriss, J. Breen, and D. Macfarlane. Mr. C. E. Bremner, A.M.I.C.E., is engineer, and Mr. G. V. Cochrane, country clerk.
Chairman of the Waimate County Council, is the eldest surviving son of the late Mr. George Rhodes, of Timaru, who was the first to take up land in South Canterbury. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and Exeter College, Oxford, and married Jessy, daughter of the late C. R. Bidwill, one of the earliest settlers in the Wairarapa Valley. Mr. Rhodes has been chairman of the Waimate County Council since November, 1902, and has served as a member of the Council since about the year 1887. He represents the Otaio riding, and is the owner of the Bluecliffs estate, about ten miles from St. Andrews, towards the hills.
who is one of the representatives of the Waihao riding in the Waimate County Council, to which he was elected in 1902, was born near Lake Killarney, in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1849. He was brought up to country life in his native place, and came out to Port Chalmers by the ship “Zealandia” in 1874. For the first few years of his residence in the colony, he spent most of his time in agricultural work, and in road-contracting. In 1883 he settled on a farm at Island Stream, near Maheno, where he resided for some sixteen years, during which he did a great deal of cropping and contracting. In 1899 Mr. Breen settled on the Waikakahi estate, where he had acquired 462 acres under a lease in perpetuity. He has since leased 1130 acres of land at Redcliff, from the trustees of the late Mr. Mellish. Mr. Breen is a member of the local school committee, and has been a director of the North Otago Dairy Factory since September, 1901. He was married, in 1883, to a daughter of the late Mr. D. Slattery, of County Kerry, Ireland, and has three sons and two daughters.
has represented Upper Pareora riding on the Waimate County Council since 1899. He is a son of the late Mr. Edward Elworthy, proprietor of Holme station, who was for some years chairman of the county council. Further references to the late Mr. Elworthy, and Mr. A. S. Elworthy, will be found in connection with the article on Holme station.
who has held a seat on the Waimate County Council since 1881, and is the oldest continuous member of that body, represents the Makikihi riding. On the 3rd of July, 1863, he arrived in Port Chalmers from Midlothian, Scotland, by the ship “Matoaka,” which was lost on the following voyage. After some experience on the goldfields, Mr. Hardie went to Oamaru, and afterwards found employment for three years on the Totara station, and then in 1867 at Pareora station, South Canterbury. Two years later he started contracting and cropping with Mr. Michael McGovern, at Waihao, and Pareora. In conjunction with his partner he took up land in the Hook district in 1873, and has resided at Hook ever since. Mr. Hardie served for a time as a member of the South Canterbury Charitable Aid and Hospital
J.P., who has represented Lower Pareora riding of the Waimate county since 1891, is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Timaru Harbour Board.
who has represented the Waihaio riding on the Waimate County Council since 1902, was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1843. In 1864 he arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Ivanhoe,” and settled in Christchurch. He was attracted to the West Coast goldfields, but returned to Canterbury eighteen months later, and had several years' experience of station life under Mr. C. Dampier-Crossley. Mr. Morriss was farming at Temuka for eight years, and in April, 1881, bought 100 acres in the Waihao district, where he now owns 850 acres of freehold, and 313 acres of leasehold land. Mr. Morriss has served as a member of the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Board for several years, and has been chairman of that body since 1902. He was married at Lyttelton, in 1874, to a daughter of the late Mr. E. Scully, of County Galway, and has had three sons and three daughters. One son has died.
who has represented the Deep Creek Riding on the Waimate County Council since 1902, is the fourth son of the late Mr Michael Studholme. He was born at Waimate, in 1872 and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. After seven years' experience of mercantile life, he turned his attention to farming, and in 1897 settled at Studholme Junction. His property, “Wainono,” consists of 960 acres of freehold, and is devoted to mixed farming. Mr. Studholme has been a member of the local corps of Mounted Rifles since its inception in 1900. He was married, in 1900, to a daughter of Mr T. Hardy Johnston, of Christchurch, and has two daughters.
who has represented the Deep Creek riding on the the Waimate County Council since 1897, was born in York, England, in 1851. He was educated at Woolwich High School, and brought up to the business of a carpenter and joiner. As such he served his apprenticeship with his father, who was a builder and contractor in a large way of business at Woolwich, Kent. Mr. Walker came to Lyttelton in 1873 by the ship “Duke of Edinburgh.” After a year in Timaru he spent a few months in Waimate and was afterwards two years in Oamaru, and a few months on the West Coast, before returning to settle permanently in Waimate. In addition to carrying on business as a builder and architect, he farms forty acres on the main north road, where he resides; also seventy acres at Uretane, near Waimate. Since 1898 he has served on the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and from the same date has held a seat as one of the trustees of the Waimate Hospital. He is likewise one of the governors of the Waimate Technical School. For three years Mr. Walker was president of the local branch of the Shearers' and Labourers' Union, and vice-president of the executive of that body. As a Freemason he was initiated at Largs on the Clyde, Scotland, where he was employed for four years and a half as ships' joiner. For a short time before leaving for New Zealand Mr. Walker was president of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners at Greenock. He was one of the promoters of the first Liberal Association in Waimate, and for several years its president, and always strongly advocated the acquisition of land for settlements, conciliation and arbitration, cheap money and numerous other liberal measures, which have since been passed by the Seddon Government and become law. Mr. Walker was also one of the first to advocate the settlement of reserves in the district, and Hannaton and Norton are now two of the most prosperous settlements in the colony. Mr. Walker is a keen sportsman with dog and gun, and acknowledged to be one of the best anglers in the district. He also has one of the largest pigeon lofts in Waimate, and is president of the Waimate Homing Pigeon Club. Mr. Walker was married in December, 1878, to the eldest daughter of the late Benjamin Fox, one of Waimate's earliest settlers, and has two sons and three daughters surviving.
County Clerk, was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1856, and came out to Port Chalmers by the ship “Timaru” in 1878. He was bookkeeper at the Waihao Downs estate for about eight years, and was appointed to his present position in 1895. Mr. Cochrane holds various other public offices.
Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., who has been engineer to the Waimate County Council since May, 1900, is referred to at page 495 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia, as engineer to the county of Wairarapa North.
for many years a member of the Waimate County Council, was born in 1854 at Ballygibbon House, West Kildare, Ireland, and came of an old Irish family who trace their descent back to the year 1640. He was educated in the North of Ireland, and in Queen's County, and went to the United States as a boy for about a year, and at the age of twenty-two came to Lyttelton by the ship “Bebbington,” He acted as secretary for two and a half years to Mr. Douglas, of Waihao Downs Station, one of the finest properties in Waimate county. Mr. Jackson was appointed clerk to the Waimate County Council, and held the position for many years. During that period he also acted as secretary to the Waimate Hospital Board. He founded the Waitaki and Waimate Acclimatisation Societies, and was secretary to the Waimate Racing Club and Caledonian Society. In 1885 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Anne O'Brien, daughter of Mr. Michael O'Brien, one of the earliest South Canterbury settlers, and had one daughter and two sons. He died a few years ago.
was built in 1892, when it replaced the old wooden building which still adjoins it. The new building is of brick, and possesses a clock and clock-tower. The entrance lobby contains the posting boxes, and fifty-four private boxes. There is a public room for post and telegraph business, separate apartments for savings bank and money order business, an office for registration, and a large room for the general work of the establishment. The telephone exchange was inaugurated in 1903, and began with twenty subscribers. There are sub-post offices at Waihao Forks and Waihao Downs, and the
Postmaster and Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, at Waimate, was born in Dublin, in 1857, and arrived in Wellington by the ship “Avalanche” in 1876. He joined the Postal Department, and held various positions in the service prior to his appointment to Waimate in September, 1902. Mr. Macdermott was married, in 1867, to a daughter of Mr. John Dixon, of Maynooth, Ireland.
extends from Papakaio to Morven, and back to the hills, including Waihao Downs, Makikihi, Hook, and Hunter. The police station adjoins the courthouse in Sherman Street. The buildings, which are of wood and iron, comprise a residence, two cells, and a three-stalled stable, with a loose box. The offices are situated in the courthouse.
Constable in charge of Waimate Sub-district, was born at North East Harbour, Dunedin, Otago, in 1854. He joined the police in Wellington in 1879, and was stationed in various parts of the colony before being appointed to Waimate in 1902. Mr. Christie was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Captain A. G. Christopher, of Maitland, New South Wales, and has five sons and two daughters.
dates from 1880, when the branch connecting with Studholme Junction on the main line was opened for traffic. The building is of wood and iron, and contains a public office, a luggage room, a ticket lobby, a ladies' waiting room, and a lamp room, with engine and goods sheds, and an asphalt platform. Three trains arrive and depart on three days in the week, and four each way on the other three. The stationmaster is assisted by a cadet, and a porter, a driver, and a fireman, and two gangers and five platelayers reside in Waimate.
Stationmaster at Waimate, was born in 1865 in Hounslow, England. He arrived in New Zealand in 1880, via Melbourne, and joined the railway service in Christchurch. Mr. Campbell has been stationed in various parts of both islands, and was appointed to his present position in April, 1902. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Wylie, of Southbridge, and has two sons and one daughter.
consists of nine members, five of whom are elected by the local county council, two by the borough council, and two by the subscribers. Members for 1903; Messrs J. Sinclair (chairman), W. J. Hardie, P. Studholme, A. Walker, J. Breen, J. Morriss, R. Nicol, W. Coltman, and E. J. Atwill. Dr. H. C. Barclay is Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Mrs Chapman, Matron, and Mr. G. V. Cochrane, Secretary.
stands on sixteen acres of ground about a quarter of a mile outside the boundary of the borough, on the Waimate Gorge road. Ten acres of the land are freehold and six are held under a nominal rent from the Borough Council. The hospital, which can accommodate forty patients, is built in brick and concrete; and, besides two wings which contain the main wards, it has a fever ward, and several small rooms for the accommodation of patients. The grounds near the hospital are tastefully laid out in gardens, in which there is a picturesque little building, which is used as a smoking and reading room for convalescent patients. Dr. Barclay is Medical Superintendent, and the hospital is connected by telephone with his surgery in Waimate. The working staff resides on the premises, and consists of the Matron, three nurses, a wardsman, a housemaid, a cook, a laundress, and a gardener.
Matron of the Waimate Hospital, was born in Melbourne, and received a home education at Merry Creek, Coburg, Victoria, where she was brought up. In 1863 she became the wife of the late Mr William George Chapman, of Merry Creek. Mr. and Mrs Chapman were appointed Master and Matron of the Waimate Hospital in 1887 but six years later Mr. Chapman gave up his position owing to ill health, and was an invalid till the time of his death, in 1897. Mrs Chapman, however, has continued to act as Matron, and had full charge of the Hospital until 1893.
stands on a section of five acres, on which there is also a seven-roomed residence for the Rector. The school contains ten class rooms, besides porches, lavatories, and cloak rooms; and is regarded as such a complete building in every respect, that the High School at Hokitika has been built after the same design. There are nearly 500 names on the roll, and the average attendance is 430. The staff cosists of seven certificated teachers and five pupil-teachers. Three separate rooms are devoted to secondary work, and in 1903, eighty-nine of the pupils were taking work of that kind. The school has been successful in matriculation and civil service examinations. A capital playground and two fine tennis courts adjoin the school. Governors for 1903: Rev. G. Barclay (chairman), Messrs W. Coltman, G. Manchester, W. B. Howell, W. H. Beckett, and J. Sinclair, the Rev. A. S. Morrison, and Dr. H. C. Barclay. Mr. G. H. Graham is secretary.
B.A., Rector of the Waimate District High School, was born in 1865, at Lyttelton. He graduated B.A. at Canterbury College, and after having served a pupil-teachership became assistant at Lyttelton, and afterwards at Sydenham. For a number of years he was first assistant at the Normal School, Christchurch and also at Napier. In 1895 he was appointed headmaster of the Waimate District High School, with departments for instruction in all the usual primary subjects. When Mr. Pitcaithly was appointed only fourteen pupils were taking secondary work, but in 1903 the number had increased to eighty-nine. Mr. Pitcaithly was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Hildyard, of Lyttelton, and has one son and one daughter.
B.A., First Assistant of the Waimate District High School, was born at Caversham, Dunedin, in 1887. He was educated at the Dunedin High School, graduated B.A. at Canterbury College
of the Anglican church extends from the Hook river on the north to the Waitaki river on the south, and from the seaboard to the hills. It was constituted in 1870. In 1903 the southern portion of the district, from the Waihao to the Waitaki, was created a new parish. Services are held at Hunter, Makikihi, Waihao Downs, Morven and Glenavy, as well as at the parish church in Waimate. The contract for the construction of St. Augustine's church was signed in 1872, and the building was opened in 1873, and enlarged in 1883, by the addition of a lantern-tower. A handsome lych gate has been recently added, and there are some very fine stained glass windows in the church. The land occupied by the church and parsonage was presented by the late Mr. Michael Studholme, of Waimate. There is room in the church for 200 worshippers. A convenient Sunday school building, close by, was erected in 1897. It has accommodation for 200 children, and there are 130 names on the roll, and eleven teachers. The parsonage stands in St. Augustine Street, and was erected in 1874. It has a glebe of five acres of land.
Vicar of Waimate, is the second son of the late William Middleton Gibson, of Bristol, England, and was born in 1859. He was educated at the Bristol Grammar School, and at Didsbury College, and came to Wellington in 1882, by the ship “Norman McLeod.” Mr Gibson was ordained deacon in 1884 and priest in 1885. He was assistant curate at the Pro-Cathedral, Dunedin, for three years, then for a short time vicar at Fernside, near Rangiora, and then for three years at Akaroa. In 1892 he was appointed vicar of Cust, and four years later—on the 1st of June, 1896—entered on the charge of his present parish. Mr. Gibson was married, in 1884, to the youngest daughter of the late Captain S. C. Gibson, of London, and has two sons and one daughter.
Waimate, stands on a half-acre section at the corner of Sherman and Manse Streets. The building, which is of Gothic form and constructed of wood, will hold 250 worshippers, and was erected about the year 1876. Close to the church there is a Sunday school room, in brick. The school is attended by about 100 children. The manse is at the head of Manse Street, and is a roomy, two-storey building, with a glebe of five acres. Regular services are held twice each Sunday at Knox church, and regular country services in a number of school rooms in the large surrounding district.
M.A., Minister in charge of the Waimate district, is a son of the Rev. Donald Morrison, some time missionary of the Canadian Church, and was born in 1867 in the New Hebrides. He was educated at Auckland and Dunedin, and graduated M.A. with second class honours at the University of Otago. He also obtained the Senior Scholarship in Mental Science of the New Zealand University, as well as several theological scholarships. Having studied at the Theological Hall, Dunedin, he was ordained in May, 1894, and had charge at Hastings, Hawke's Bay, prior to his appointment to Waimate. Mr. Morrison was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. W. Anderson, of Dunedin, and has two sons and one daughter. Mrs Morrison is also a graduate of the University of Otago, and was also Senior Scholar in Mental Science.
was constituted a separate parish in 1880, and extends from the Otaio river on the north to the Waitaki river on the south. The parish is in charge of the Rev. Peter Regnault, S.M., who is assisted by the Rev. Paul Aubrey, S.M.
at Waimate dates from 1877, and the convent at the back of the church was erected in 1890. The church is a wooden building with seating accommodation for 200 worshippers, and the convent is under the care of six Sisters of St. Joseph, who conduct a school adjoining it. About 150 children attend this school, and there is room for 200. Music is taught and a good elementary education is given, and those who desire it are prepared for higher examinations. The present presbytery, which was erected to replace the old building in 1894, is a handsome two-storey brick and plaster building, and stands in front of the school, facing the main road. The church owns twenty-three acres of land, part of which is within the boundary of the borough.
S.M., Priest in charge of the Waimate parish, was born in 1856, in Brittany, France. He was educated there, and at Dublin, and was ordained in France in 1885. Father Regnault arrived in New Zealand early in 1886, and after being stationed at Timaru, and at Hokitika, was appointed priest in charge of Waimate at the beginning of 1889.
Waimate, grew out of the Methodist services held in the district in the youthful days of the settlement. In the early sixties Mr. George Manchester threw open his own house in High Street for services in connection with the church of his fathers. The first church in Waimate was erected, in 1866, at a cost of £110, and was a small wooden building in Queen Street, on a site near Messrs Cameron Bros.' butchery. This old building did duty for some years, and facilities were given to Presbyterians and Episcopalians alike, to hold services there before they had churches of their own. Later, it was used as a schoolroom, and a larger church was erected alongside, but both buildings were burnt down in April, 1886. Services were then held in a wooden building, which was originally erected by the Temperance Society in Shearman Street, and served as a Temperance Hall; it was bought by the church when the other building was destroyed, and is still used as a Sunday school. St. Paul's church was built in 1887, at a cost of £958, without the gallery, which has since been added. It has an acre and a half of land attached to it, with frontages to Glasgow and Shearman Streets. The church is a brick building, with an iron roof, and has seating accommodation for about 400 worshippers. The parsonage is a convenient brick building, with a garden and paddock attached, in Parsonage road. Services are held by the minister in charge at Nukuroa every Sunday, and at Waihaorunga periodically.
Minister in charge of St. Paul's Wesleyan Church, Waimate, was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1848. He was educated in Essex, and brought up to the trade of a wheelwright and coachbuilder, but commenced to study for the ministry at the age of twenty-one. He became a Home Missionary in the Primitive Methodist Church, and afterwards went through a course of private study with one of the ministers while continuing his missionary work. Mr. Tinsley was ordained in 1873, in England, and, shortly afterwards, left for Auckland, New Zealand, and was stationed there four years. After one year in Christchurch, he resigned the ministry of the Primitive Methodist church, and entered the Wesleyan ministry in January, 1879. Mr. Tinsley was stationed successively at Port Chalmers, Durham Street (Christchurch), Wanganui, Palmerston North, Lyttelton, Gore, Sydenham (Christchurch) and Temuka before being appointed to Waimate, in 1902. He was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Rev. John Moore, one of the early Primitive Methodist missionaries in England, and has a surviving family of three sons and one daughter.
Rhodes Street, Waimate, was erected in 1877; services had been held for two years previously in the Temperance Hall. The building, which is of brick, and has seating room for 200 persons, stands on a quarter of an acre of land. A Sunday school is held in the church, and the minister in charge preaches on alternate Sundays at Waimate and Oamaru, periodically at Morven and Nukuroa. The parsonage, a convenient seven-roomed house, built on a section of half an acre of land in Parsonage road, was erected in 1898.
Minister in charge of the Primitive Methodist church at Waimate, was for three years stationed at Geraldine before being appointed to Waimate in 1903. Mr. Sharp was born at Maidstone, Kent, England, on the 12th of May, 1849, and is the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Sharp. He was educated at private schools in his native place, entered the ministry in 1871, and left England for New Zealand in August, 1873, to accept the charge of the church on the Thames goldfields, where he remained eighteen months. Subsequently he was stationed at Christchurch, Ashburton, Geraldine, Timaru, Greendale (North Canterbury), Taranaki, Dunedin, and Invercargill, and in 1891 was appointed to Auckland. He was elected President of the Conference in 1893, and he has also acted as secretary on several occasions. Mr. Sharp takes an active interest in the cause of education and temperance. He joined the Order of Orangemen at the Thames in 1875, and has held the rank of Grand Chaplain of the South Island Grand Lodge.
at Waimate are situated in Queen Street and were built in 1901. The corps was established in 1885, but its first building was destroyed by fire. The present barracks are of brick, and have seating accommodation for 250 persons. The Sunday school is attended by thirty-five scholars, and there are five teachers. There are forty-three members in the Waimate corps, including officers.
in charge of the Waimate Corps, has been an officer of the Salvation Army since 1897, and has been a captain for four years. He has been stationed at Waimate since the end of 1902.
was established in 1881. It is managed by a general committee of twelve. The principal officers in 1903 were: Messrs N. M. Orbell, president, H. E. McGowan, vice-president. W. H. Beckett, honorary treasurer, and C. Akhurst, secretary. There are 140 members, and the Association is popular and well supported. The show ground is a section of ten acres on the Gorge road. It has been much improved, and has been recently again laid down in grass. There is a large dairy shed, stables with twelve stalls, and a secretarial office. Ornamental trees are planted on the margin of the ground, and a new ring and cattle yards are now (1903) being built. The annual show is held in November, and is attended by about 2500 persons. At the show of 1902, the entries numbered 710; the ordinary prizes amounted to £400, and there were special prizes amounting to £100, privately contributed. In the same year the Association sent a county exhibit to the Dunedin winter show. This was the first attempt from Waimate, and the Association was successful in gaining third place. In its second attempt, in June, 1903, the Association was still more successful, as it scored a decided win over the other competitors, and secured the coveted red ticket.
Secretary to the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Town Clerk, Secretary to the Waimate Domain Board, and Secretary to the Waimate Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, etc., etc., was born in England, in 1872. He was for six years and a half in the National Bank of New Zealand, and resigned to go to South Africa, where he held an important position in Johannesburg under the Anglo-French Exploration Company, and was secretary to eleven companies, comprising gold, silver and coal mining, land and financial companies; but was compelled, owing to ill-health, to return to his friends in New Zealand. Mr. Akhurst became Town Clerk at Waimate in August, 1900.
was established on the 28th of May, 1898, as a four page demy-quarto weekly, and was published free for three months. It was founded by Messrs Charles Augustus and Harold Wilson two youths of nineteen and seventeen, who were joined a year later by their brother, Mr. George Wilson. After six months “The Advertiser” was doubled in size, and issued a weekly penny paper. From this modest beginning it has grown to its present size of four pages ordinary news of seven columns each, and is now issued thrice a week. In politics, the paper is independent, and takes an active interest in social matters. Its first office was a small building of eight feet by ten feet in a back street; its present premises are in the main street, opposite the post office, and form part of a brick building of two stories. The plant consists of a double royal Wharfedale and a treadle machine, with a complete font of news type, and up-to-date accessories for jobbing work. The Messrs Wilson are sons of Mr Charles Wilson, contractor, of Waimate.
Senior Partner in the Waimate “Advertiser,” was born in Timaru, in August, 1877, and was educated at the Waimate District High School. He was at first a compositor on the Waimate “Times.” Mr. Wilson was a member of the Waimate Rifles, and was one of the Third New Zealand Contingent, sent to South Africa, but returned, invalided by enteric. He holds the teachers' diploma of the National Phonographic Society of England.
one of the partners in the Waimate “Advertiser,” was born in Timaru, in November, 1879, and was educated at the Waimate District High School, where he passed his examinations with great credit, served for four years as a pupil-teacher, and subsequntly matriculated and took his D certificate. He left this profession and was for some time on the staff of the Timaru “Post,” first as a proof reader, and afterwards as sub-editor; but returned to Waimate to share in the control of the “Advertiser.”
was born in 1881, at Timaru, and was educated at the Waimate District High School. He joined his brother and assisted in the foundation of the paper, on leaving school.
was established in 1873, under the name of the “Waitangi Tribune.” At the end of 1879 the Waimate Times Company was formed to take over the journal, and the name was changed to the Waimate Times. Major (now Sir William) Steward was largely interested in the business and became its manager, and afterwards sole proprietor. In 1886 he sold the paper to the Messrs Wilson, who in turn sold it to the present proprietor in 1887. The “Times” is a morning paper, Liberal in politics, and is issued on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. It is one of the original subscribers of the New Zealand Press Association. The paper is news size, and contains four pages of seven columns, and a two-page literary supplement is published with each issue. The plant is a Whariedale machine, and full news and jobbing plant. The office of the paper is in Queen Street.
Sole Proprietor of the “Waimate Times,” was born in 1856, in Edinburgh. He is a compositor by trade, and served his apprenticeship in his native city. In 1874 Mr. Smith came to Lyttelton by the ship “St. Lawrence” and settled in Christchurch, where he was for about four years employed on the staff of the “Lyttelton Times.” He went to Waimate, and purchased a paper named the “Waimate Star,” which, however, ceased publication after six months. Mr. Smith then became foreman of the Waimate Times Company, and held the position till the dissolution of the company. He was again on the staff of the “Lyttelton Times” for about a year before taking over the journal of which he is now sole proprietor. Mr. Smith has always taken an interest in local affairs, and has served as a member of the Waimate school committee for a number of years, and for four years was a member of the Timaru High School Board of Governors. He has been treasurer of the Waimate Public Library for several years past, and has been actively connected with the horticultural and other local societies. Mr. Smith has been an elder in the Presbyterian church since 1889, and Session Clerk since January, 1890. He has also been for many years superintendent of the Sunday school. As a Freemason he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Smith was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. William James, of Camborne, England.
Waimate, stands in Sherman Street. It is a substantial stone building, with ample accommodation, and was erected in 1879. There is a large court-room, besides separate rooms for the Magistrate and clerk, a public office, and two rooms which are used by the police department. Sittings for civil cases are held fortnightly by Major Keddell, S.M., and police cases are heard as required.
Clerk of the Magistrate's Court at Waimate, and of the Licensing Committee for Waitaki, Deputy Registrar of Old Age Pensions, Registrar of Electors, and Returning Officer of the Waitaki electorate, entered the public service in January, 1893, at the Ashburton Magistrate's Court. For a short time he was engaged in relieving work, and was appointed to his present position in March 1902.
Barrister and Solicitor, Queen Street, Waimate. Mr. Clement was born at Hull, Yorkshire, England, educated in his native land, and came to Port Chalmers in 1870. He studied for the profession in Oamaru, and was admitted in 1876, when he established his practice in Waimate. Mr. Clement was some years solicitor to the Waimate Borough Council.
M.D., Ch.B. (N.Z.), M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.), F.R.C.S. (Edin.)., Physician and Surgeon, Sherman Street, Waimate. Dr. Barclay is referred to at page 144 of this volume as captain of the Waimate Rifles.
M.B., C.M. (N.Z.), Physician and Surgeon, Waimate. Dr. Cruickshank was born at Palmerston South, and is a daughter of Mr. George Cruickshank. She was educated partly at Palmerston South High School, partly at Dunedin Giris' High School, and at Otago University. Conjointly with her twin-sister, she was dux of her school. She obtained her diploma in 1897. She and Dr. Emily Siedeberg were the first ladies in New Zealand to enter into medical practice. Dr. Siedeberg was the first lady to take the degree, and Dr. Cruickshank the first to go into practice. Directly after obtaining her diploma in 1897, she joined Dr. Barclay in practice at Waimate.
L.R.C.S., (Dublin) L.R.C.P., (Edin.). Physician and Surgeon, Queen Street, Waimate. Dr. Nicolls is a native of Longford, Ireland, was educated in Dublin, and walked the various Dublin hospitals, where he took his diploma. For same time he assisted his father, Dr. Archibald Nicolls, at Ballinalee, County Longford. He afterwards accepted an assistantship in Wales, where he remained for two years, when he became associated with Dr. Crofts, at Church Gresley, England. Dr. Nicolls came to New Zealand in 1885, and began the practice of his profession at Waimate, South Canterbury, where he remained about nine years. He then took charge of the Arrowtown Hospital for two years, and settled at Stratford in 1895. In 1901 Dr. Nicolls returned to Waimate, and resumed his old practice, after
Surgeon Dentist. Queen Street, Waimate. Mr. Kirkland was born in September, 1875, at Taieri, Otago, and was educated at the Dunedin High School. He studied for his profession with Messrs Myers and Co., of Dunedin, and became a registered dentist in 1896. He continued with the firm till 1900, when he commenced on his own account at Timaru, and since 1901 he has practised his profession at Waimate. Mr. Kirkland was married, in April, 1902, to a daughter of Mr. A. B. Smith, of “Monavale,” near Timaru.
Chemist and Druggist, Queen Street, Waimate. Mr Akhurst's business was established in the seventies, and has been conducted by himself as proprietor since 1891. Mr. Akhurst was born in Berkshire, England, in 1867, and arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Lurline” in 1881. He was apprenticed in Invercargill, served as an assistant in Napier and Christchurch, and was for two years dispenser at the Dunedin Hospital before he acquired his present business.
(William Gunn), Chemists and Druggists, Queen Street, Waimate; head office, Timaru. The Waimate branch of this firm was opened on the 3rd of March, 1902. The business is carried on in a brick building of one storey, which contains a shop, office, and residence.
Manager of the Waimate branch of Mr. Gunn's business, was born at Petane, in Hawke's Bay, in 1875. He was educated in Napier, and learned his business with Mr. J. S. Welsman, with whom he served four years. Afterwards he had four years' experience with Mr. G. W. Wilton, at Newtown and Cuba Street, Wellington. Mr. Fulton settled at Waimate in February, 1902. He has always taken a great interest in football and cricket, and was captain of the Waimate Cricket Club in 1903.
Waimate. This centrally situated building was erected in 1879, and contains, besides the front office and manager's room, nine rooms, which are occupied by the manager and his family. The building is of two stories, and is built of brick, faced over with cement. Three officers, besides the manager, constitute the staff. The next nearest branches of the Union Bank are at Oamaru in the south and at Timaru in the north.
Manager of the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, at Waimate, is the fifth son of the late Mr. W. J. Glasgow, of Nelson, and was born at Tavistock, Devonshire, England. He came out to New Zealand with his family about 1878, and was educated at the Nelson and Wellington Colleges. Mr. Glasgow entered the Union Bank in Nelson, in 1886, and in 1890 was transferred to Wellington, and after six years' service there was transferred to Christchurch. He was manager for two years at Lyttelton before taking up his duties at Waimate, in November, 1902. Mr. Glasgow has taken an interest in football, cycling and rowing, and was a member of the representative football team of Nelson, for some years. He married, in 1890, the daughter of the late Mr. William Pitt, solicitor, of Reefton, and has two sons and one daughter.
was established in 1870, and the two-storey building was erected in 1881. It stands on three-quarters of an acre fronting Queen Street, and contains the banking chamber, manager's office, strong and stationery rooms, and also the manager's residence. The nearest branch of the Bank of New Zealand is at Timaru in the north, and at Oamaru in the south.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Waimate, was born in Auckland, in 1851, and was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Parnell, and at St. John's College, Tamaki. He entered the head office of the Bank in Auckland in 1867, and steadily rose to the position of teller. He was then transferred to the Thames as accountant, and after five years became manager at Waipukurau. After nine months Mr. Hargreaves was sent by the bank to Wellington to supervise the business of Messrs E. W. Mills and Company. He was manager at Temuka and Akaroa, respectively, before receiving his present appointment at Waimate in 1900. Mr. Hargreaves was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. F. H. Drower, of Waipukurau, and has one son and one daughter.
Limited, Stock and Station Agents, etc., High Street and Sherman Street, Waimate; and Timaru. This business was founded by Mr. F. Rickman, in 1878, and was afterwards conducted by Messrs Barclay and Foot, who sold out to the firm of Guinness and LeCren in 1893. A new two-storey brick building, containing offices, a land sales room, and a grain and seed store, was erected on the firm's property, fronting High and Gregson Streets in 1903. Stock and produce sales are held every Saturday, land auctions and other important sales frequently, fortnightly stock sales at Studholme, and monthly stock sales in the Waimate saleyards.
one of the Proprietors, is manager of the firm's branch at Waimate. He was born in London, in 1871,
Photographic Artist, Waimate. Mr. Cox established his present business in Waimate in 1898, previous to which he had had twenty years' experience in connection with photography. He is a son of the late Mr. William Cox, an early colonist, of Rakaia. Mr. Cox makes a specialty of portraiture and enlargements.
J.P., Tent Manufacturer, Waimate. Mr. Atwill was born in Devonshire, in 1845. When he was fifteen years of age he joined Her Majesty's Navy, and served a three years' apprenticeship. He passed in gunnery and seamanship and gained a diploma in sailmaking, and was promoted from first-class boy to ordinary seaman. Seven months afterwards he was, for a meritorious act, made an able seaman. In this capacity he served three years and a half, during which he saw active service and was engaged in several encounters with Chinese pirates. In one of these he was wounded and invalided home. He then received an appointment as manager for large china-clay works in Devonshire, where he remained for about seven years. In 1874 he came to New Zealand in the ship “St. Lawrence.” After landing in the surf boats at Timaru he went to Waimate, where he was engaged in various undertakings for a number of years. In 1892 he started in business in Waimate as horse-cover, tent, and tarpaulin maker, and saddler, but subsequently sold out the saddlery portion of the business. He was appointed manager of the branch business of Messrs Priest and Holdgate in 1896, and has since carried on his own business in conjunction with his management. Mr. Atwill was made a Justice of the Peace in June, 1899. He has been connected with the Waimate Hospital Board for seventeen years, and has been a member of the Waimate school committee for some years; he has been secretary, and is now treasurer, of the Waimate Foresters' Court, and is a member of the St. Augustine Lodge of Freemasons. Mr. Atwill married a daughter of Mr. Goldsworthy, of Devonshire, in 1868, and he has a family of four sons and three daughters. When the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (now Prince and Princess of Wales) were in Christchurch in June, 1901, Mr. Atwill was, as a veteran sailor, invited by the Mayor of Christchurch to be present on the occasion. Mr. Atwill was presented to their Royal Highnesses, who, in the course of a pleasant conversation, said they were pleased to meet him, and glad that he enjoyed good health.
Undertaker and Builder, Sherman Street, Waimate. Mr. Philip was born in 1863, in Liverpool, England, where he was educated, and came to Lyttelton in 1879 by the ship “Rangitikei.” He settled in Waimate, and learned his trade with his uncle, the late Mr. James Philip, who built the local high school, the county council chambers, and various other prominent buildings. On the death of his uncle, in 1890, Mr. Philip established his present business. His premises stand on a freehold section of an acre and a quarter. He executes building contracts, has erected many buildings in the district, and has a complete undertaking plant. Mr. Philip served as a volunteer in the Dunedin Navals for a year, and was for six years in the Waimate Rifles. He has also been a member of the local borough council. He is a past master of the Masonic Order, and is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, No. 99, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Philip was married, in 1893, to a daughter of Mr. Richard Leng, of Dannevirke, and has two sons and two daughters.
Builder and Architect, Waimate. This business was founded in 1878 by the proprietor, who has designed and erected a large number of public and private buildings in and around Waimate. Mr. Walker is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Waimate County Council.
Painter and General Decorator, Queen Street, Waimate. Mr. Bishop was born in 1860, in Hampshire, England, where he was educated. In 1874 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Avalanche,” and settled at Waimate, where he learned his trade and worked as a journeyman. In 1884 Mr. Bishop established himself in business in Heaton Street, and in March, 1899, he removed to his present premises in Queen Street, where he has a large double-fronted shop, with a residence and storeroom behind. Since 1882 he has been a member of Court Foresters' Pride, Ancient Order of Foresters, Waimate. Mr. Bishop was married, in 1884, to a daughter of Mr. H. Fow, and has three sons and one daughter.
(William Cameron), General Drapers, Queen Street, Waimate. This business was established in 1882, by Mr. R. E. Boyd, who conducted it for about twenty years, when it was bought by Mr. Cameron. There is a double-fronted brick shop, with offices and workroom behind. The firm imports direct, and maintains a large and well assorted stock of boots, drapery, and clothing.
Proprietor, was born in 1842, in Kincardineshire, Scotland, and was educated in Aberdeenshire, where he served an apprenticeship to his trade. He was in business for six years before coming to Port Chalmers in February, 1875. After a year's experience at Caversham, Dunedin, Mr. Cameron removed to the Taieri, and conducted a soft goods business at Mosgiel for twenty-five years. He then sold out, and bought his present business at Waimate. During his residence at Mosgiel
(William Edgar Evans), Tailor and General Mercer, Waitangi Clothing Factory, Queen Street, Waimate. This business was founded in 1875 by Mr. Thomas Evans, father of the present proprietor. The one storey brick building contains the shop, fitting and cutting rooms, and four workrooms. A large stock of colonial and Continental goods is maintained.
Proprietor, was born in 1869, in Dunedin. He went to school at Waimate, learned his trade with his father and spent a year in England for the purpose of obtaining further knowledge of his trade. On his return to New Zealand in 1892, Mr. Evans became partner with his father, and five years later took over the business. He served as a volunteer for five years in the Waimate Rifles. He is attached to the local bowling club, and as a Freemason belongs to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Evans was married in Waimate, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Dailey, of Swannanoa. His wife died in 1901, leaving two daughters.
Tailor and Clothier, Queen Street, Waimate. This business dates from June, 1900, prior to which Mr. Hutt was in business for several years at Naseby, in Central Otago. He left the latter place with the intention of going to South Africa, but decided to remain in New Zealand, and founded his present business in Waimate. His premises consist of a substantial building in the main street, and contain a shop, a fitting room, and work rooms.
Tailor, Queen Street, Waimate. This business was founded by the proprietor in 1887, and the present premises were erected in 1897. The business is conducted in a two-storey brick building, with the cutting departments and workroom on the ground floor. The rest of the building is used as a residence. Thirteen hands are employed in connection with the establishment. Mr. Inkster is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Waimate Borough Council.
(Arthur Sevick Jones), Drapers and Clothiers, Coronation House, Queen Street, Waimate. This business was founded by the proprietor in 1893 in Victoria House, Queen Street. The present building, which has been used by the firm since 1902, is of two stories, and stands upon an eighth of an acre. The whole of the ground floor is lighted from the roof, and contains the Manchester department, and boots, and millinery departments. The show room, ladies' fitting room, and dressmakers' workroom are on the next floor. About twenty hands are employed, and regular shipments of American and English goods are imported. Mr. Jones is the third son of Mr. W. B. Jones, and was born in 1866, at Makikihi, and educated at Waimate, where he learned his trade. For seven years he served with the well-known firm of Manchester Bros. and Goldsmith, and became manager of their drapery department at the age of twenty-one.
General Draper, Clothier, Dressmaker and General Milliner. Queen Street, Waimate. Mr. Shackleton took over the drapery portion of the business of Messrs Shackleton and Grant in August, 1902, and removed to a two-storey brick building in Queen Street. The shop has two show windows with a verandah in front, and there are workrooms and fitting rooms at the back, with a residence above. The proprietor holds a large stock of general drapery, as well as boots and shoes. Mr. Shackleston was born in 1885 at the Waipori goldfields, and is said to have been the first boy born in that district. He went to school principally at Maheno, and learned his trade at Dunedin. After three years' experience at Messrs Fyfe and Cuming's, of that city, he removed to Pleasant Point, where he had charge of the drapery side of Mr. W. McKibbin's business. He then went to Waimate, and became assistant to Messrs Cameron Bros., and six months later, in partnership with Mr. Grant took over their business. Mr. Shackleton served as a volunteer for three years in the Otepopo Rifles, three years in the Dunedin Engineers, two years in the Timaru Artillery, and twelve years in the Waimate Rifles. He was for six years attached to the Loyal Heart of Friendship Lodge of Oddfellows, Waimate, of which he passed all the chairs, and was twice elected a delegate of his Lodge. Mr. Shackleton was married in January, 1896, to a daughter of the late Mr. Michael Tregoning, an old identity of Waimate, and has two sons and one daughter.
(Henry Middleton, proprietor), Sherman Street, Waimate. This well known hotel was established in 1876. The building, which is of wood and iron, is plastered throughout, and contains thirtyfour rooms. There are twenty-two bedrooms, seven sitting rooms, and a large commercial room. The dining room is well lighted and will seat forty guests. There are four fine sample rooms connected with the hotel. The land attached consists of half an acre.
Proprietor, was born in 1843, in Tipperary, Ireland, and was apprenticed as a blacksmith. He arrived at Lyttelton in 1861, and for a short time was employed at his trade in North Canterbury. Owing to an injury to his hand, however, he was compelled to give up his trade, and took over a hotel at Kaiapoi, which he conducted for about three years, when he sold his interest and became proprietor of the Royal Hotel at Waimate. Mr. Middleton has been a member of the Kaiapoi and Waimate Borough Councils. He is a Past Master of the Masonic Order, and is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Middleton was married, in 1862, to a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Maxwell, of Tipperary, Ireland. His wife died in 1893, leaving three sons and three daughters.
Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Paul Street, Waimate. This business was established in 1873, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1879. The buildings stand on half an acre of land, and contain a smithy and paint shop, with a pretty residence adjoining. Mr. Allan was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1841, and found employment at his trade until leaving for New Zealand. In 1862 he arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Lady Egidia,” and had two years' experience on the Otago goldfields. He was working in Dunedin for a time, and afterwards engaged in dairy farming, before acquiring his business in Waimate in 1879. Before leaving Scotland, Mr. Allan served for two years as a member of the Renfrew Rifles. Ever since his arrival in New Zealand, he has taken a great interest in the Presbyterian church, and now is an elder of the local church. He was one of the first directors of the Waimate Co-operative Society. Mr. Allan was married, on th 28th of October, 1865, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Seaton, who was member of Parliament for the Peninsula for many years. Mrs Allan was born in Scotland, and accompanied her parents to Port Chalmers in the ship “Philip Laing,” in 1848.
Engineer and Ironmonger, High Street, Waimate. Mr. Maindonald is the eldest son of Mr. John Maindonald, of Papanui, Christchurch, and was born on Kaiapoi Island in 1865. He was brought up on his father's farms at Kaiapoi, West Eyreton, and Oxford, but he studied engineering at Canterbury College, and served for a time in one or two engineering shops in Christchurch. At the age of twenty-one he owned a threshing mill, and worked it throughout North Canterbury, and conducted a farm at West Eyreton at the same time. While on a shooting expedition he was thrown from his horse and received concussion of the brain, but entirely recovered from the effects. In 1897 he took up Willowbrook Farm at Studholme Junction. He, however, sold that property and bought the old established engineering, blacksmithing, wheel wright and ironmongery business of the late Mr. Nicolas Wall, High Street, Waimate. Mr. Maindonald has imported the latest machinery and tools, and carries on the business in all its branches, with an ever increasing number of customers. In 1895, he married a daughter of Mr. Philip Welch, of Lincolnshire, England, and has two daughters.
Engineer and Blacksmith, Waitangi Iron Works, Corner of High Street and John Street, Waimate. This business was established in 1890. The premises are of iron and wood, and contain horseshoeing, engineering, and millwrighting departments, besides a store and office, with a residence at the back. The staff numbers ten, and experts are in charge of the various branches of the business. Mr. Wills, the proprietor, was born in 1866, at Temuka, and educated at Waimate. He learned his trade partly at Waimate, and partly at Kaipara, Auckland. After working as a journeyman for a number of years, he returned to Waimate and commenced business in partnership with Mr. G. W. Harding, under the style of Harding and Wills, and three years later he bought his partner's interest. Mr. Wills served for seven years as a member of the volunteer Fire Brigade, and is now an honorary member. He was president of the public library committee, and was secretary to the Caledonian Society in 1893. Mr. Wills was married, on the 29th of March, 1892, to the youngest daughter of Mr. John Presland, of Waimate, and has two sons surviving.
Plumber and Gasfitter, High street, Waimate. This business was founded in 1880, by Mr. Thomas Dugdale, and was acquired by Mr. Wilson in 1901. Three hands are employed and the proprietor undertakes the manufacture of tanks, baths, and all kinds of tinware. Mr. Wilson is a son of Mr. Robert Wilson, of Christchurch, and was born at Waimate in 1876. He served for eight years as an apprentice and journeyman with Messrs Hement Bros., of Christchurch, and after a year's employment by another firm, he purchased his present business at Waimate. He has executed good work on many important local buildings, including Coronation House, the Waimate Hospital, Molloy's Buildings, and the Waimate Hotel, where he has fitted up hot and cold water services and gas, as well as electric bells. Mr. Wilson served four years as a volunteer in the Imperial Rifles. Christchurch, and has been for two years a member of the Waimate Rifles. He is a member of St. Augustine Lodge, New Zealand Constitution, is attached to Court Foresters' Pride, Ancient Order of Foresters, and is also connected with the Waimate cricket and cycling clubs.
(Thomas Richard, Proprietor), Queen Street, Waimate. This business was established in September, 1898, by the present proprietor's son, the late Mr. John Richards, who perished in the disastrous fire of August, 1900. The building is of two stories, and contains a showroom, an office, a workshop and an enamelling room on the ground floor. The rest of the building is used as a residence. All appliances for building and repairing cycles and motor-cars are kept, and all kinds of machines are built to order on the premises from B.S.A. parts imported by the proprietor. A specially is made of the manufacture of motor cycles, at prices varying from £50 to £60.
Proprietor of the Fritz Cycle Works, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to Auckland in 1870, by the ship “Orari.” He went to the Waikato, and for three years was overseer on Sir James Fergusson's estate near Cambridge. In 1884 Mr. Richard came to Timaru and was farming for some time. He has had an interest in the Fritz Cycle Works since
(Charles Myers and Alfred Jones), Butchers, Queen Street, Waimate. This business was established about the year 1873, by Mr. John Molloy, and has been conducted by the present firm since 1898. The premises consist of a double-fronted brick shop and office, with small goods and store rooms behind. There are convenient stables at the back of the main building, and the slaughterhouse of the firm is on a leasehold section of thirty-three acres on the Junction Road.
one of the partners, is a son of Mr. W. B. Jones, who was a passenger to Timaru by the ship “Strathallan,” and afterwards a hotelkeeper at Makikihi. He was born at Makikihi, in 1862, went to school in his native place and at Timaru, and learned his business at Waimate. He then had fourteen years' experience in Australia, chiefly at Paramatta, and returned to Canterbury, in 1898. Mr. Jones is attached to the Loyal Heart of Friendship Lodge Independent Order of Oddfellows, in which he has passed the various chairs. He was married in July, 1898; to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Scheggia, of Paramatta, and has one son and one daughter.
General Merchants, Corner of High and Queen Streets, Waimate; branches at Morven and Waihao Downs. This well known firm was founded by Messrs J. and G. Manchester and S. W. Goldsmith, in 1863. It has been continuously conducted from the small beginning of that year to the large establishment of 1903. The premises in Waimate consist of a fine corner block of buildings, and the firm's departments include groceries, ironmongery, crockery, furniture, timber, produce and other lines. Mr. Goldsmith, one of the partners, died in 1895, and the present partners in the business are the two surviving founders, and the members of their families.
Junior Partner in this firm, was born on the borders of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire in 1838, and was brought up to country life. He came to Timaru by the ship “Strathallan” in 1859, and has resided in South Canterbury ever since. After about four years' experience on a sheep station, he settled in Waimate and in conjunction with his brother, Mr. John Manchester and Mr. S. W. Goldsmith, founded the large mercantile firm which has since carried on business in the district. Mr. Manchester has served as a member of the Waimate Borough Council and school committee, and for many years has been a member of the High School Board of Governors. He was one of the founders of the local Wesleyan Methodist church, the first church in the district, has held office as a trustee and local preacher, and is superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Manchester was married, in 1865, to a Miss Chapple, of London, and has four sons and one daughter.
Manager of the general store-keeping department of Messrs Manchester Brothers and Goldsmith's business at Waimate, was born in 1864, at Invercargill. He was educated there under Mr. A. McDonald, one of the earliest and most successful Southland teachers, and was brought up to mercantile life. In 1887 he settled at Waimate and entered the service of Messrs Manchester Brothers, in whose employment he has continued ever since, with only a few months' intermission. Mr. Taylor has served on the local school committee for six years, and was chairman for one year. He has long been connected with the Presbyterian church, and has taken a great interest in Sunday school work. He has passed through all the chairs of the Loyal Heart of Friendship Lodge of Oddfellows, and was for many years permanent secretary. As a Freemason Mr. Taylor is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution, of which he was Worshipful Master in 1903. He was married, in 1885, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Grant, of Stirlingshire, Scotland. His wife died in 1900, leaving four sons and three daughters.
has been represented in the Waimate district since 1895. The company holds stock sales at Studholme Junction, Waimate, and St. Andrews.
Agent at Waimate for the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1863. In 1884 he came out to New South Wales, and two years later began to work on a grazing run in Victoria, where he remained for ten years. Mr. Hynam then came to New Zealand, and settled in the Timaru district. He was sheepfarming at Temuka and Pleasant Point before becoming agent for the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association at Temuka, in 1898. In 1900 he accepted the entire charge of the stock department at Waimate. Mr. Hynam was married in December, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. W. Beeddell, of Opihi, Pleasant Point, and has two sons.
Queen Street, Waimate. Directors for 1903; Messrs A. Bitchener (chairman), W. Allan, J. O'Connor, J. Sullivan, A. Philip, A. Logan, J. Hiorns, H. E. McGowan, and T. Brown;
General Manager of the Waimate Co-operative Industrial Association, was born at Cass's Bay. Banks' Peninsula, 1860. He was educated at Geraldine and Temuka, and was brought up to a mercantile life. In 1895 he was engaged as the Association's first counter hand and in 1897 was promoted to his present position. He served as a volunteer in the Geraldine Rifles for four years. As a Freemason Mr. Dean is attached to Lodge St. Augustine. New Zealand Constitution. He was also a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge in Geraldine. Since sebitting in Waimate Mr. Dean has been a member of the. Borough Council for two years, and secretary of the Waimate school committee, and for five years he acted as secretary of the Waimate Public Library He is also a member of the Agricultural and Pastrol Association. In 1830 Mr. Dean married a daughter of the late Mr. John Alder, of Te Avete, Hawke's Bay, and bus one son.
who has been secretary of the Waimate Industrial and Co-operative Association since 1897, was born in 1859, in Longford, Ireland. He was brought up to mercantile business in the Home Country, and came to Port Chalmers by the s.s. “Aorangi,” in 1885. Shortly afterwards he settled in the Waimate district, and was storekeping on his own account prior to joining the staff of the co-operative association in 1895. Mr. Boyd was married, in 1887, and has one son and one daughter.
General Storekeeper Corner of High and Queen Streets, Waimate. This business was established in 1873 by Messrs Cameron Brothers, who conducted in till 1892. In that year it was taken over by Messrs Shackelton and Grant. This partnership existed till 1902, when Mr. Shackleton took over the drapery, and Mr. Grant the general storekeeping department. The building occupied by Mr. Grant is a wood and iron structure of one storey, with a verandah on two sides; and there is also a building for the storage of bulk goods. Goods are delivered to customers as far as the Waitaki and Makikihi rivers. Mr. Grant was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1864, and came to Lyttelton in 1875, by the ship “Soukar.” He was for ten months in a chemist's shop at Waimate, and afterwards with Messrs Gaitt and Reid, where he stayed for four years. After a short time with another firm he entered the service of Cameron Brothers, in whose employment he continued for seven years, before he bought the business. Mr. Grant served for twelve years as a volunteer in the Waimate Rifles, and held the rank of captain for three years. As a Freemason he was initiated in Lodge St. Augustine, S.C., of which he was at one time secretary. He is also secretary of Court Foresters' Pride. Ancient Order of Foresters, and has passed through all the chairs. Mr. Grant was married, in 1899, to a daughter of Mr. P. Cockburn, of Waimate, and has one daughter.
(Robert Nicol), Flour Millers, Empire Roller Flour Mill, Waimate. This mill was founded in 1891 by the senior partner, and was joined by Mr. W. L. Scott in 1894, a partnership which continued till the 15th of May, 1903. The building is of brick and iron, and stands upon an acre and a half freehold. The plant is up to date in every respect, and has a capacity of from three to four sacks per hour. There is a steam engine of twenty-five horse power. which will work up to forty-five horse power. The produce of the mill is sold locally, and the surplus exported from Timaru.
the Senior Partner, is referred to elsewhere as a member of the Waimate Borough Council.
for nine years Junior Partner in the firm of Nicol and Scott (now Nicol and Sons), flour-millers and grain merchants, Waimate, was born in Dunedin in 1860. He was educated at Milton, and on his father's death man-aged the farm for his mother for over three years. He intended entering station life, and with that object obtained employment on Gladbrook station for some time, but he changed his mind and removed to Invercargill, where he was in business as an auctioneer until he came to Waimate and joined Mr. Nicol, in 1894. Mr. Scott was secretary of the Waimate Horticultural Society and acted as secretary of the school committee. He was also president of the Waimate Bowling and Cycling Clubs, and at the last election for the Borough Council, he was returned at the top of the poll. Mr. Scott sold out his interest in the business to Mr. Nicol, and removed to Chritchurch, with the intention of joining the firm of Scott and Brown, eletrical engineers and contractors, 53 Manchester Street, Christchurch. Prior to leaving Waimate on the 24th of June, 1903, he was presented with a roll-top desk by the members of eight or nine public bodies and other friends, in recognition of his services to the community, and of the cordial goodwill prevailing between himself and the residents
Timber and Coal Merchant, Waimate. Mr. Adams was born in Devonshire, England, in 1854, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Columbus” in 1873. From Lyttelton he went by sea to Timaru, where he had to land in the surf boats. He then went to Waimate, where he received an engagement from the late Mr. Alpheus Hayes as carpenter and millwright, and worked with him until 1887, when Mr. Hayes relinquished the business. Mr. Adams then took it over, and has since carried it on very successfully. He is Acting-Master of the Waimate St. Augustine Lodge of Freemasons, a Past Chief Ranger of the Order of Foresters, vice-president of the Acclimatisation Society, a member of the Horticultural Society, and also a member of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Adams was married to Miss Benbow, of Redruth, Cornwall, in 1881, and they have four sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Hill Farm, Junction Road, Waimate. Mr. Bird is a son of the late Mr. George Bird, and was born in Northamptonshire, England, in September, 1867, and brought up to farming. He arrived at Lyttelton with his parents by the ship “Ballochmyle,” in 1874, and worked with his father till 1891, when he setted on his present property, Hill Farm, which consists of 100 acrea of freehold. Mr. Bird has served in the Studholme Mounted Rifles since 1900. He is a member of the Waimate Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, and also of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He is connected with St. Augustine's church at Waimate, and was for two years churchwarden, and for a number of years vestryman. Mr. Bird married a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Allan, of Waimate, and has had three sons, of whom one has died.
Farmer, Main South Road, Waimate. Mr. Brinkman was born in the Waimate district in 1871, and was brought up to country life by his father, the late Mr. H. H. Brinkman. Since his father's death, in 1894, Mr. Brinkman has farmed eighty-eight acres of freehold, which is beautifully situated on an elevated plateau overlooking Waimate. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. S. S. Rodgers, a well known settler of Makikihi, and has two sons and two daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Waimate. Mr. Brown was born in Waimate in 1885, and, having been brought up to country life, commenced farming on his own account in 1893. He works forty-eight acres at Waituna, and thirty-two acres at Deep Creek. Both properties are freehold. As a Forester Mr. Brown is a member of Court Foresters' Pride, Waimate, in which he has passed the chairs. He has been a prominent worker in the temperance cause, and became president of the Waimate No-License League in 1896. Since 1898 he has been an elder of the Presbyterian church, and is a director of the Waimate Co-operative Association.
Farmer, “Waituna,” Waimate. Mr. Herron was born in the North of Ireland, in 1857. He was trained to outdoor pursuits, and came out to Australia in 1882. After a year in Sydney, he removed to Canterbury, and was for about fifteen years in the Ashburton district. During that period Mr. Herron engaged in farming, and worked various pieces of land. In 1898 he removed to the Waimate district, and had a farm inland from the Gorge. He took up his property at Waimate in 1899. It consists of forty acres of leasehold, and the works it as a dairy farm, and supplies milk direct to consumers in Waimate. Mr. Herron was married, in 1885 to a daughter of Mr. David Brown, of the North of Ireland. Mrs Herron died in 1901, leaving two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Inglewood,” Waimate. Mr. LeCren is the
Farmer and Threshing-Mill Proprietor. Waimate. Mr. Manchester was born in 1869, in Waimate, and was educated in the district. He began on his own account as a farmer, in 1893, and works 205 acres of thoroughly improved land. Since 1900 he has been a member of the Studholme Mounted Rifles. In 1894 he married Miss Brown, of County Tyrone, Ireland, and has a surviving family of three daughters.
Farmer, Park Road, Waimate. Mr. Meyer was born in Hanover, in 1845. He was brought up as a carpenter in Germany, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Blue Jacket” in 1866. Mr. Meyer has erected a great many buildings in the Waimate district. In 1873 he bought seventy-three acres of land near Waimate from the Government, and settled on his property about 1889. Mr. Meyer married Miss Meyer, of Hanover, and has five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Greylands,” Oamaru Road, Waimate. Mr. Medlicott is the second son of Mr. S. Medlicott, of Waituna, and was born in Shropshire. England, in 1862. At the age of two years he came to Lyttelton with his father by the ship “William Miles.” He was brought up to country life in South Canterbury, and settled on his present farm in 1893. The property was then only partially improved, with a ring fence round it, but it has since been brought to a high state of cultivation, and a comfortable homestead has been erected. Mr. Medlicott is a member of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of Mr. Henry Richmond, Librarian of the Public Library, Oamaru, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, “Waimate Cliffs,” Waimate. Mr. McLean was born near Inverness, Scotland, in 1830. He was brought up to country life, and before leaving for New Zealand, worked two large farms in Inverness-shire for several years. He left Scotland in 1868, and two years later came to Lyttelton by the ship “Adamant.” After his arrival Mr McLean found employment at road work, and bought from the Government 400 acres of land lying between the original Waikakahi estate and the Waimate estate. He has resided on this property since 1873. Mr. McLean also owns 800 acres on the Waitaki river at Redcliff.
Sheepdealer, Waimate. Mr. McLennan was born in 1864 at Loch Carron, in Ross-shire, Scotland, and was brought up to sheepfarming at Drimgigha Farm, Argyleshire. He came to New Zealand in 1886, and in 1887 went to Waihao Downs station as head shepherd for Mr. John Douglas. This position he held till the beginning of 1898, when he bought a farm of 113 acres, a mile from Waimate, and started business on his own account as farmer and sheepdealer. Later in the same year he leased Pinewood farm, of 250 acres, about two miles from Waimate, and shortly afterwards was married to Miss Fulton, of Studholme Junction. Mr. McLennan is the principal sheepdealer in the district.
Farmer, “Oaklawn,” Junction Road, Waimate. Mr. Molloy was born in King's County, Ireland, in 1832. He was brought up to an outdoor life, and farmed on his own account till leaving for Lyttelton, New Zealand, by the ship “Glenmark.” After his arrival he was for some time employed at the Waimate station by the Messrs Studholme. Mr. Molloy afterwards carried on a butchery business at Waimate for twenty years, when he acquired his property of 168 acres of freehold land at Junction Road. The property has been greatly improved, and most of his plantation of ornamental trees was grown by Mr. Molloy from seed, planted by his own hand.
Sheepfarmer, “Ngahere,” Waimate. Mr. Studholme is the youngest son of the late Mr. Michael Studholme, a pioneer settler of Waimate, and was born in the district in 1877. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and after a goldmining experience of about six years in Australia, he returned to his native place in 1901, when he began sheepfarming. His property consists of 2700 acres of freehold, on which about 1500 ewes, and 100 head of cattle are depastured. Mr. Studholme is a member of the Studholme Mounted Rifles, in which he is corporal. As a Freemason, he is a member of Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution.
Farmer, Gorge Road, Waimiate, Mr. Warnock was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1838, and was brought up to a country life in his native land. He arrived at Port Chalmers by the ship “Southern Cross” in 1856, and was farming for about sixteen years at Green Island. He then removed to South Canterbury on account of his health, and after residing in Waimate for a time, farmed at Waihaorunga for about three
J.P., At present of Waimate, was the first permanent clergyman of the Presbyterian Church in South Canterbury. Mr. Barclay was born in Ireland about 1833 or 1836, and was educated, partly, at University College, London, and partly at other Home institutions. He received his theological training in the College of the English Presbyterian Church, and afterwards became a licentiate of the Presbytery of London. In January, 1865, he landed in Lyttelton, and, a short time after, he took up his abode in Timaru, his district extending from the Rangitata in the north to the Waitaki in the south, and east and west—as far as he could go across the island. Mr. Barclay had much rough work to do in the earlier days, when there were no roads, no bridges, no churches, and only a few widely-scattered accommodation houses; but with kind friends everywhere and hospitable private homes, he did not fare so badly. Somewhat bold, if not rash, as a rider and driver, a number of accidents necessarily befell him; and stumbling, restive and runaway horses, swollen rivers, dark nights, snowy gorges, icy sidings, and pathless wildernesses often brought him to grief. In 1872 it became necessary that others should share with him in his pastoral work, and he removed to Geraldine, where he remained for the balance of twenty-five years, when, fearing the loss of sight and other physical infirmities, he retired permanently from the active duties of the church. During his ministry, Mr. Barclay laid the foundations of all the Presbyterian parishes at present existing in South Canterbury—about half a dozen—was instrumental in erecting six or seven churches, in organising a similar number of individual congregations with allied institutions, and in securing for the denomination considerable church property. Mr. Barclay has occasionally taken an active part in politics, and has had pressing requisitions to allow himself to be nominated for a seat in Parliament. However, he has hitherto shrunk from what he calls “stumping the country,” and tying himself hand and foot to any leader, whether Liberal or Conservative. He has more than once returned to the Old Lands, and visited the more prominent countries and cities of Europe. As a student he has made excursions into the fields of law, language, history, political economy, etc., and he frequently lectures on topics involving some study of these and kindred subjects. Some years ago he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and he continues still to act in that capacity. Mr. Barclay is a member of the South Canterbury Education Board, and fills numerous other posts of an educational character. He was elected a member of the first South Canterbury Board, and, with the exception of one or two brief intervals, has ever since held his seat and has been, on one or two occasions, chairman. In fact, few men in New Zealand have done more solid work for the cause of education than Mr. Barclay. It was largely through his efforts, ably assisted by Mr. Belfield, now in England, and Mr. E. A. Chisholm, then manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Timaru, that the first public non-denominational school was opened in that town. He also assisted materially in the establishment of the District High Schools, now doing such good work at Waimate and Temuka. Mr. Barclay has from the first been a member of the Timaru High School Board, and he is at present chairman of the Waimate High School Board of Governors. Mr. Barclay is married, and has two sons alive. One is Mr. A. R. Barclay, B.A., LL.B., barrister and solicitor, Dunedin, Lecturer on Constitutional Law and History in the University of Otago, and elected in December, 1899, as one of the representatives of Dunedin in Parliament. The other surviving son is Dr. H. C. Barclay, M.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.R.C.P. (London), and F.R.C.S. (Edin.), and at present Surgeon-Superintendent of the Waimate Hospital. A third son, Mr. George Baker Barclay, now dead, was manager of the large business of Messrs Guinness and Le Cren, Waimate.
was born at Cransfield, Bedfordshire, England, in 1844, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” in January, 1875. After working in the Waimate district for three or four years, he commenced contracting, in which his son John joined him at a subsequent period. The business was carried on in connection with farming for a number of years on leased land. Atterwards he sold out his contracting plant, and bought a farm in the Hook district; where his son John, now resides. Mr. Bitchener served several years on the Waimate school committee, was chairman of the Waimate Co-operative Association for upwards of eleven years, and was two years on the Waimate Borough Council. As a Forester he passed through the chairs in Court Forestets' Pride, Waimate, and also the district chair. Mr. Bitchener married a daughter of Mr. T. Welch, of Stagsden, Bedfordshire, England. His wife died just previous to his leaving England, and left him with three children, of whom two are still alive; one son and one daughter, both of whom are married.
arrived in Port Chalmers by the ship “Strathfieldsay,” in 1858. He was born near Dalkeith, Scotland, and became a shepherd in the early days of his colonial experience at Goodwood, near Waikouaiti. Subsequently he took up a farm at Otepopo, and eleven years later sold out and removed to Waimate, where he has resided since 1878. For a number of years Mr. Bruce had the Grange Farm at Waituna, but disposed of it in 1900. He was at one time a member of the Otepopo Road Board. Mr. Bruce was married, in 1857, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Russell, of Edinburgh, and has two sons and four daughters.
of “The Wattles,” Waimate, was born in the United States of America in 1846. At an early age he went with his parents to England. The family resided in St. Peter's Square. Hammersmith, London, and young Clarke was educated at St. Mark's College, Chelsea. In 1859 he arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, by the barque “Acasta,” then commanded by Captain John Halliday, who was afterwards for forty years harbourmaster at Wellington. The young adventurer left the “Acasta” at Oamaru, and found employment with Mr. Griffiths, who was then overseer for the Messrs Lockhart, on the Hakataramea station. Mr. Griffiths was afterwards drowned while crossing the Waitaki river on horse-back. Mr. Clarke remained at Hakataramea for a year, and was then attracted to Otago by the reputed wealth of Gabriel's Gully. As a goldseeker, however, he had no success, and he then turned to other employment. For a year he worked with Mr. James Hepburn, of Goodwood. He then started to carry goods to the Dunstan with a bullock team. With the money thus earned Mr. Clarke bought some land in Canterbury. It is on this land that he now resides; it is within one mile of the Waimate post office, and is named Wattle Grove. At one time Mr. Clarke gave his attention to horse racing, and bred “Maid of the Mill.” the grand-dam of several prominent horses, such as “Vandyke,” “Vanilla,” and others. He himself often rode to the place of honour at the winning post. Latterly Mr. Clarke has devoted himself to his farm. He has, however, always spared time to do his full share of work as a citizen, and has been several times Mayor of Waimate. Mr. Clarke has also stood two or three times against Sir William Jukes Steward for the representation of Waitaki in the General Assembly. He is a lover of art and poetry, and has published verses which have attracted considerable attention in South Canterbury. Mr. Clarke was married, in 1870, at the residence of the late Mr. Michael Studholme, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Coffey, and has five sons and two daughters.
of Waimate, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1841, and was taught the trade of a tailor by his father. After being a short time in business on his own account, he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Ajmeer.” For the first five years after his arrival he worked at his trade in Dunedin, and was a cutter at Oamaru for two years. In 1875 Mr. Evans established a business in Queen Street, Waimate, which he afterwards conducted in partnership with his son, under the style of T. Evans and Son, until a few years ago when the son took over the business. Mr. Evans was for seventeen successive years a member of the Waimate Borough Council, and also served on the Waimate school committee. Before he left the Old Country he served a short time as a volunteer, and was for five years in the Waimate Rifles. As a Freemason he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution, and as an Oddfellow belongs to Hear: of Friendship Lodge, Manchester Unity, in which he has passed the chairs. Mr. Evans was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. Job Wainwright, of Saltney, Cheshire, and has two sons and two daughters surviving.
J.P., Old Colonist, was born in Castledermot, County Kildare, Ireland. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Himalaya” in 1867, and bought a farm near Waimate, and worked it for seven or eight years. Mr. Graham was then appointed Clerk of the Court at Waimate, and held the position for a considerable time. He was Mayor of the town for two years, and has been a member of several local boards and committees. In temperance matters he has always displayed an active interest. Mr. Graham made a trip to the Old Country in 1894, and re-visited the scenes of his youth. He was married in Ireland, and has one son in the North Island.
who died in February, 1895, was well known in South Canterbury. He was born in London, in 1823, and before coming to New Zealand worked for twenty-one years at Price's Patent Candle Works. In 1855 he came to Timaru by the ship “Strathallan,” and found employment as a storeman under the late Mr. H. LeCren. Subsequently, for some years, he had experience of station life at Otaio. In 1863 he and Messrs J. and G. Manchester, founded the firm of Manchester Brothers and Goldsmith, and Mr. Goldsmith was connected with the firm till his death. Mr. Goldsmith served for a number of years as a member of the South Canterbury Board of Education. He took a great interest in the young, and was superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday school for many years. In 1852 he married a daughter of the late Mr. William Day, of Deal. Mrs Goldsmith, who has ever taken a keen interest in the Methodist church, and engages in philanthropic and charitable work, still (1903) survives her husband.
was a member of one of the British regiments that landed in Auckland, in March, 1845. He was born in the city of Armagh, in 1818, and was the last of six brothers that enlisted in the 46th Regiment of Foot in 1837; two years later he was transferred to the 58th Regiment, with which he served in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand. Mr. McConnell was one of the 200 smartest men in the Regiment, who were selected for Heke's war, and very soon afterwards 136 out of the 200 were killed at the Bay of Islands, in an engagement with the Maoris. Mr. McConnell was discharged in 1849, in Auckland, and went to the Australian diggings. Subsquently he was at various diggings in New Zealand, and in 1862 volunteered for service in the Waikato at the time of the native troubles. He has been caretaker of Victoria Park, Waimate, since 1898. At the Queen's Jubilee he was granted a pension of nine-pence per day by the Imperial Government. Mr. McConnell holds two war medals.
sometime Proprietor of the Waimate estate, was born at Kingsmore, Cumberland, England, in 1833, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Labuan” in 1851. He and his brothes, Messrs John and Paul Studholme, took up their run at Waimate in 1854, and the estate was managed by them till 1878, when Mr. M. Studholme purchased his brothers' interest. The property included the fine land at Willowbridge, and a large area through the Gorge, in addition to that at Waimate. In the early days Mr. M. Studholme was chairman of the Waimate road board, and was afterwards a member of the county council. He took an active part in agricultural matters, and was also promment in connection with racing. In 1862 he visited England, and returned with stud sheep and horses. Mr. Studholme was married, in 1860, to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Channon, and, at his death, in 1886, left six sons and four daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter have died. Mrs Studholme still survives her husband.
which was established in February, 1902, stands on a glebe of about ten acres which formed part of the Waihaorunga homestead. There is a playground of about two acres, and the remainder of the glebe is used by the teacher. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains three rooms for the resident teacher, and a class room, which has accommodation for thirty-six children; the number on the roll is twenty-six, and the average attendance, twenty.
Teacher in charge at Waihaorunga, was born at Waimate in 1880. He was educated at the District High School in his native town served four years as a pupil-teacher at Waimate, and was appointed to the Waihaoruga school in April, 1903.
is a fine farming district in the hilly country at the back of Waimate and the Hook districts. It is in the Deep Creek riding of the Waimate county, and the population in 1901 was set down at ninety. Sheepfarming, agriculture and fruit growing are the main industries of the district. There is a public school, in which divine service is held periodically. The district is reached easily by various roads from Waimate and the Hook.
near Waimate. This school is under the control of the South Canterbury Board of Education. It was erected in 1881. The average attendance is about sixty.
Headmaster of the Waituna Creek School, is a son of the late Rev. John Menzies, who was Congregational minister at Lawrence. He was born in 1850, and came to New Zealand in 1868 in the ship “Schleswig Bride,” landing at Port Chalmers. After a year in Dunedin Mr. Menzies' family went to Lawrence, and Mr. Menzies, junior, secured an appointment in the Lawrence grammar school, where he remained six yeas, and was then appointed second master of the Dunedin High Street school. Two years later he entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand in Dunedin, where he remained for over four years. He then resumed teaching in the goldfield districts of Central Otago, and was subsequently appointed master of the Hook school, and later at Pleasant Valley. In 1891 he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Menzies was choirmaster at Knox Church, Waimate, for four years, and retired from the position owing to the partial loss of his voice. On his retirement he was presented with some silver plate as a token of esteem and a memento of his services. Mr. Menzies is a member, and also organist, of the Waimate St. Augustine Lodge of Freemasons. He is also a member of the Waimate Caledonian Society.
Farmer, “Rosefield,” Waituna. Rosefield Farm is a fine property of nearly 700 acres of freehold land and 260 acres below Studholme, adjoining the Waihac river. Mr. Meyer was born in 1843, in Hanover, where he was educated and brought up to country life. Afterwards he became a carpenter, and followed that calling for a few years. On removing to England, he had a year's experience in a sugar factory, and in 1863, landed at Timaru from the ship “Lancashire Witch.” Mr. Meyer worked at his trade in Timaru for a short time, and subsequently at Waimate for some years. Having decided to commence farming, he bought seventy acres, the first portion of his fine property at Waituna. Mr. Meyer breeds sheep and cattle, and grows grain on his land. He has for some years served as a member of the Waituna school committee. After forty yeas in New Zealand, Mr. and Mrs Meyer took a trip to their native land, and America, and returned to New Zealand after an absence of seven months. In 1870 Mr. Meyer married a daughter of the late John Krisle, of Hanover, and has had five sons and four daughters. One son and one daughter are dead.
sometime of Waituna Mains, Waituna, was a son of the late Mr. John Cochrane, an old colonist of Waimate, and came came with his father in the ship “Himalaya,” in 1867, landing at Lyttelton. Mr. Cochrane, senior, went to Waimate, and took up a farm near the embryo township, and worked it for many years. He took an active part in local matters, and was one of the promoters of the Waimate Presbyterian church Sir. Cochrane, junior, worked with his father for a number of years in farming and contratcting. In 1878, in conjunction with his brother, he took up Waituna Mains. The partnership was afterwards dissolved, and the farm was thereafter carried on by Mr. John Cochrane. The general average of crops was — wheat, twenty-five bushels; oats, fifty to sixty bushels per acre. Like his father, Mr. Cochrane took a prominent part in local affairs, and was chairman of the Waituna school committee, and treasurer of the Waimate Caledonian Society. Mr. Cochrane was County Valuer for the Waimate County Council, and had occupied a similar position under the New Zealand Govern ment. Mr. Cochrane was killed by a loaded dray falling on his chest in May, 1902.
is a flag station on the Studholme-Waimate-Waihao Downs branch of New Zealand railways. It stands at an elevation of 295 feet above sea level, and is thirty-seven miles from Timaru. The station is situated just through the beautiful Waimate Gorge, and serves the agricultural and sheepfarming district which surrounds it. A Government settlement known as Kapua adjoins the railway line. The station is four miles from Waimate, and four miles from the terminus of the line at Waihao Downs.
(North Otago Dairy Company, Limited, Proprietors), Arno. This creamery was opened in November, 1902, and in the season of 1903 there were fifteen suppliers, who delivered about 300 gallons of milk daily. The cream is forwarded to the head offices in Oamaru. The creamery stands on a freehold section of six acres, and has an Alpha de Laval separator, capable of treating 350 gallons of milk per hour, and driven by a three-horse power horizontal high pressure engine, supplied by a six-horse power boiler.
Manager of the Kapua Creamery, was born in Dunedin, in 1871, and attended school at Seacliff. He was for fifteen years in the Wellington district, where he gained experience of machinery before becoming manager at Arno for the North Otago Dairy Company, in 1902. While in Wellington Mr. Guild was a member of the Order of Druids. He was married in February, 1898, to a daughter of Mr. Scott Patterson, of Hawke's Bay, and has two daughters and one son.
Farmer, “Plympton,” Kapua, Arno, Mr. Gale was born in October, 1869, in Shropshire, England, and came out to Timaru in the ship “Carrisbrooke Castle,” in 1876. He went to school at Pleasant Valley, where he gained his first experience in country work. In 1894, he took up fortyfour acres of land held under a lease in perpetuity, in the Government settlement of Kapua, where he has built a convenient residence, and carries on dairy and mixed farming. Mr. Gale is a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge at Waimate. He was married, in 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Mills, of Devonshire, England, and has one daughter and three sons.
Farmer, “Netherleigh,” Arno. Mr. Innes-Jones is the fifth son of the Rev. Francis Innes-Jones, and was born in 1868 at Darley Abbey, Derbyshire, England, and accompanied his parents to Wellington by the ship “Northumberland,” in 1880. He went to England to be educated, and served for thirteen years under the Eastern Extension Cable Company in India, Singapore, Borneo, Java and West and North Australia. In 1897 he settled on his present property at “Netherleigh,” where he devotes his attention to sheepfarming. Mr. Innes-Jones is a member of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married on Christmas Day, 1898, to a daughter of Mr. C. W. Moss, of Greymouth, and has one son.
Junior, Farmer, Limestone Peak, Kapua, Arno. Mr. Manchester was born in 1867 in Waimate, and brought up to country life in the district. He has farmed on his own account since 1890; for seven years at Redcliff, and since 1897 at his present address. Mr. Manchester has 500 acres of land, and carries on mixed farming. He was married, in 1891, to a daughter of the late Mr. R. Dailey, of Swannanoa, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Arno. Mr. Price was born at Southsea, England, in 1842, and went to sea at the age of fifteen. In 1861 he arrived at Port Chalmers by the “City of Hobart,” and gained experience in goldmining on the Molyneux for about two years, and afterwards at the Wakamarina diggings. He was appointed gold-buyer for the Union Bank of Australia, by the late Mr. McTavish, Inspector of the Bank, and in 1863 he settled in Waimate. Mr. Price erected the first brick building in the district, and was one of the earliest to use limestone for building purposes. He had a flour mill at Waihao, and conducted a general store and timber business for many years. Among other properties, he farmed 3,500 acres at Waitaki, 1000 acres at the Gorges, and over 500 acres at Downlands; and he used to put in a square mile of wheat, and a square mile of turnips. Two of his farms are now leased, one of his sons has another, and he himself workes 500 acres at Arno. Mr. Price laid out new townships adjoining Waimate, and had a Building Society of his own. He served on the old Waimate Road Board, and was a member of the first park and cemetery committees, and, with the late Mr. Studholme laid out Knottingly Park and plantations. He also supervised the park for some years. When the railway was constructed through the Gorge, he gave the land required adjoining his property, and with others, contributed largely towards the difference in cost and valuation, when the Government took over the land. He has been a member of Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution, since its foundation, and was also prominent in connection with the establishment of the English church at Waimate, to which he presented a handsome limestone font. He was one of the early shareholders in the Freezing Works, and is largely interested in the Canterbury Farmers' Association. Mr. Price, who has travelled eight times round the world, is married, and has three sons and four daughters.
O.B., uncle of Mr. H. A. Innes-Jones, of “Netherleigh,” Arno, was known in New Zealand from 1837 to 1867, at the time of the Maori war, and was a native of Anglesey, North Wales. He served for nearly eight years at the Cape of Good Hope, in Canada about five years, four years in the West It was attached to the Osmanli Cavalry in 1855 and 1856, and served for ten years in New Zealand. For the Crimean campaign, General Jones received the fourth clasp of the Medjidje, together with the Turkish war medal, and for his services in New Zealand, the Maori war medal and his Companionship of the Bath. He died in October, 1902, at his residence. “Villamona,” Bordighera. Italy, at the age of eighty-six.
is a picturesque district on the Waimate-Waihao Downs branch line of railway, seven miles from Waimate, and two from the Waihao Downs station. It is a sheepfarming and agricultural district on both sides of the two branches of the Waihao. These branches reunite at this point, and bold terraces of limestone extend in all directions. The flag station, with its goods shed, and the local hotel constitute the township, and the homes of the settlers are on the surrounding flats, which extend from the terraces. The educational needs of the district are supplied by the public school at Waihao Downs. Waihao Forks railway station stands 236 feet above sea level.
is a small building ten yards from the local hotel. Mails are received and despatched daily. There has been a postal service in the district since the early eighties. The son of Mr. John Lawlor, the proprietor of the hotel, acts as postmaster.
Waihao, stands on a section of five acres of land, presented by Mr. Allan McLean, of Waikakahi, between Morven and Glenavy. It was built in 1897, in brick, and has accommodation for 150 or 200 worshippers. The building cost about £700. Services are held weekly by the clergy of Waimate parish.
Farmer, Waihoa Forks. Mr. Allen was born in 1842, at Helston, Cornwall, England, and is the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Allen of that place. He was educated at the Episcopalian school there, and followed farming pursuits until he left for New Zealand in the ship “Accrington,” which reached Lyttelton in September, 1883. Soon after his arrival he entered into carting contracts. In 1865 he went to the West Coast diggings, but returned to Canterbury shortly afterwards, and, in partnership with Mr. Gilbert, of Dunsandel, took up a block of land. In 1867 he bought 107 acres near Kaiapoi, and carried on dairy farming. Mr. Allen now farms 479 acres, under a lease in perpetuity, at Waihao Forks. His land is beautifully situated on the banks of the Waihao river. Mr. Allen was married, in 1877, to the daughter of Mr. Henry Symons, of Cornwall, England, and has a surviving family of five sons.
Sheepfarmer, “Chedglow,” Waihao Forks, Mr. Lane was born in Wiltshire, England, and passed his early years on his father's farm. In 1874 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Adamant,” and after landing at Nelson went on to Marlborough, where he passed two years. He was then a year in Otago, and came to Canterbury in 1877. Mr. Lane bought his present property in 1892. It consists of 400 acres of freehold and 3800 acres of leasehold land, and was originally part of the Waimate run. All the improvements on the property have been made by Mr. Lane. The dwellinghouse is finely situated and overlooks the road, and a tributary of the Waihao river, and is surrounded by a garden, orchard, and plantations. Mr. Lane has erected ten miles of fencing, and he keeps halfbred sheep on his property. He was married in 1892 to Miss Pelvin, and has two daughters.
Farmer, “Kororareka,” Waihao Forks. Mr. Mulcock was born at Flaxton, North Canterbury, in 1870, and passed his early years on his father's farm In 1896 he bought his present property, which consist of 750 acres. The land was then all in its native state, but most of it has now been brought under cultivation. Mr. Mulcock's wheat sometimes averages fifty bushels, oats seventy bushels, and rye forty-three bushels per acre. Turnips, too, grow
Farmer, Mount Harris, Waihao Forks. Mr. Orbell is the son of a well known Geraldine settler, and was born in 1864, at Waikouaiti. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and, having studied as an architect, followed his profession for several years in Dunedin. Afterwards he gained experience of statin life with his father at Waikouaiti, and bought his property of 1600 acres at Mount Harris in 1889. Mr. Orbell has been very successful in breeding Border Leicester sheep, with which he has taken many prizes at South Canterbury shows. He is a member of the committee of the Timaru and Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Associations. Mr. Orbell was married, in 1899, to a daughter of the late Mr. C. J. Sale, of Hokitika, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, “Glenlogan,” Waihao Forks. “Glenlogan” consists of over 200 acres of freehold. The owner is a son of the late Mr. Arthur Perry, of Timaru, and was born in that town in 1873. He was educated at Christ's College, Chrischurch, and privately, and was intended for the legal profession, but personally preferred a country life. Mr. Perry is a steward of the Waimate Racing Club, and as a Freemason he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution.
is the name of the well-known station, from which the district derives its name. It is in the North Waihao riding of the Waimate county, and in the electorate of Waitaki. The local railway station is the terminal point of the Studholme-Waimate-Waihao Downs branch, and is forty-one miles by rail from Oamaru, thirty-eight from Timaru, and nine from Waimate. The railway was completed to Waihao Downs about 1886, and the flag station stands at an elevation of 339 feet above sea level. The post office is conducted at the railway station, and has been in existence since 1897. There is a public school in the district, and also a church, which is the property of the owner of the Waihao Downs estate. Part of the estate was subdivided and disposed of for closer settlement about 1899. The district consists of rich agricultural and pastoral country, and may be described generally as rolling downs, which are noted for their fattening properties. Roads lead beyond the terminus of the railway to Waihaorunga, Elephant Hill, and Redcliff. At the census of 1901 the population was 297.
post office was established in 1897, and is conducted at the Waihao Downs station. Mails are received and despatched daily, and the proprietor of the station runs a mail coach to and from Waimate under contract with the department Mr. John Fleming Douglas asts as postmaster.
dates from November, 1901. It stands on part of a section of four acres of land, which was given to the Education Department by Mr. John Douglas, of Waihao Downs station, and is pleasantly situated on a hill overlooking the railway station, near the junction of three main roads. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains a class room and a porch, and was opened about March, 1902. It can accommodate forty-five pupils; there are forty-three names on the roll and the average attendance is thirty-five.
Teacher in charge of Waihao Downs school, was born at Waitaki in 1880. He was educated at the Waimate District High School, served his pupil-teachership at the public school, and was appointed to Waihao Downs at the time of its opening.
Engineer and General Smith, Waihao Downs. This business was established by Mr. Douglas, and was acquired by the present owner in 1899. The premises consist of a large iron shop; the proprietor's residence is not far away, and occupies an elevated position on part of a freehold of twenty acres of land. Mr. Mewburn was born in Dunedin, in 1885, and learned his trade at Ngapara and Georgetown, near Oamaru. In 1893 he started business at Port Chalmers, where he remained until removing to Waihao Downs. He was for some time a member of the Port Chalmers Naval Volunteers, and was also actively connected with the fire brigade and local band. As a Forester Mr. Mewburn is attached to Court Pride of Waimate. He was married, on the 7th of March, 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Barnes, of Dunedin, and has three daughters and one son.
General Merchants, (Head office,
Manager, was born at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, in 1879. He was educated in his native place and at Undercliff College, and learned the trade of an ironmonger. Mr. Sheppard came to New Zealand in 1895, and was for some time on his uncle's farm at Waimate. He was then employed by Messrs Wilkins and Field, of Wellington, where he continued until November, 1900, when he entered the service of Messrs Manchester Brothers and Goldsmith. He was associated with Mr. Nelson in opening the Morven branch, and in 1902 was entrusted with the opening of the branch at Waihao Downs. Mr. Sheppard belongs to the order of Foresters, and is attached to Court Foresters' Pride, Waimate.
Farmer, Elephant Hill, Waihao Downs. Mr. Borrie was born at Papakaio in 1866, and passed his early years on his father's property, where he gained experience of farming. He purchased his present property of 1000 acres in 1892. It consists chiefly of agricultural land, and is devoted to the production of grain and wool crops, and to the pasturage of Border Leicester sheep and their crosses. The homestead is situated on the banks of the river, and is well sheltered by plantations from the prevailing winds. Mr Borrie's brother, Mr. William Borrie, also has a property in the district. It was acquired in 1899, and it, too, is devoted to grain growing, and the pasturage of sheep.
Farmer, Waihao Downs. Mr. McKenzie was born at Port Chalmers, in 1872. He was brought up as a blacksmith, and was afterwards contracting at quarry work in the Port Chalmers district. In 1894, he opened a blacksmith's shop at Waihao Downs with his brother, but four years later he retired from the business, and acquired ninety acres of freehold land, which he has since farmed. Mr. McKenzie was married, in 1898, to a daughter of Mr. Mathew Tregoning, of Waimate and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Waihao Downs. Mr. Sides was born in Queen's County, Ireland, in 1862, and was brought up to a country life in his native land. He came to New Zealand in 1883, and found employment for a time at Styx, near Christchurch. He then went to Ohoka, and farmed 180 acres of leasehold land for thirteen years, and then bought his present property at Waihao Downs in 1900. Mr. Sides' land consists of 500 acres, and he has already made great improvements, and built a convenient homestead on it. While at Ohoka he was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance, and also of the local school committee, and is now on the Waihao Downs school committee. In 1890 he married a daughter of Mr. John Preece, formerly of Kaiapoi, but now (1903) of Harewood Road, Christchurch, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer Koropikopiko, Waihao Downs. Koropikopiko is the native name of Serpentine Valley, where Mr. Ward acquired a freehold of 586 acres in 1899. Mr. Ward's father, the late Mr. Joseph Ward, of Wairau, Nelson, settled in that district in 1842, and was a very well known settler and sheepfarmer. After being educated at the Marist Brothers' school, Nelson, Mr. Ward was employed on his father's station in Marlborough, and during spare time, acquired a practical knowledge of land surveying. In 1875 he commenced to practice as a land surveyor, and took several survey contracts under the supervision of the late Mr. Clark, Chief Government Surveyor at Blenheim. On removing to Dunedin in 1875, Mr. Ward was engaged by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company as surveyor, and held that position until the failure of the City of Glasgow Bank. He then returned to Marlborough and was employed on Government and private surveys. In 1881, he settled in Esk Street, Invercargill, and entered into the carrying trade, which he subsequently relinquished and took up some Government land near Riversdale, upon the deferred payment system. Nine years later he sold his interests, and bought a property, which he named “Verdlea,” near Gore. He was elected in 1890 as a member of the Southland County Council for the Oreti riding, was re-elected in 1893 and 1896, and was chosen chairman of the council in 1896. While at “Verdlea” Mr. Ward was president of the Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Society, a member of the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, the Mataura Licensing Committee, and Gore Jockey Club. In 1880 he married Agnes, daughter of the late Mr. Edward Bowes, of Riverslea. This lady died on the 20th of September, 1898, leaving one son and eight daughters. On the 6th of August, 1899, Mr. Ward married a daughter of the late Mr. E. Dunne, of Wellington, and of this union one daughter has been born.
Waihao Downs. This property was bought in the early eighties from Messrs Parker Bros., and consists of 2700 acres of splendid pastoral and agricultural country. It was originally much larger, but 7300 acres have been disposed of for purposes of closer settlement. About 15,000 Border Leicester sheep are depastured upon
of Waihao Downs Station, is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Douglas, who died at Mount Royal, Palmerston, on the 12th of August, 1903. He was born at Caversham, Dunedin, in 1864, and was educated at Oamaru, Dunedin, and in Scotland. On his return to New Zealand in 1887, he gave his attention to sheepfarming, and has managed the Waihao Downs estate since 1895. Mr. Douglas has served for five years as a member of the Waimate County Council, and for three years of that period was chairman. He has also served on the local hospital board, and is a member of the committee of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Douglas was married, in 1897, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Rankin of Waihao Downs, and has one son and two daughters surviving.
is a rich agricultural district, originally part of the Waimate estate owned by the Messrs Studholme, and sold by them in 1899. It is about three miles and a half south of Studholme, six from Waimate, and three from the seaside. When the land was sold to the present settlers, the top price was paid for one unimproved block, which brought £33 10s per acre. The soil of the district is, however, exceptionally fertile, and it is no uncommon thing for the farmers to obtain yields of seventy bushels of wheat per acre, and twenty tons of potatoes. The local railway station is 103 miles from Dunedin, and 127 from Christchurch. Willowbridge is in the Deep Creek riding of the Waimate county, and the population at the census of 1901 was set down at fifty-five. The Hannaton public school and Nukuroa Methodist church are within two or three miles of the settlement. The original willow bridge, from which the district takes its name, is still (1903) in existence.
(William Fletcher and Thomas Edwin Fletcher), Farmers, Willowbridge. These brothers hold 555 acres of some of the richest land in the Willowbridge district. They acquired 142 acres of their estate in 1896, and have since increased it to its present area. The land is said to have yielded 120 bushels of oats, and between eighty and ninety bushels of barley to the acre, in 1902.
was born in Devonshire, England, where he was educated and brought up to an outdoor life. He was employed on his father's property at Home for some time, and arrived at Port Chalmers by the s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1886. Mr. Fletcher was with Mr. John Grigg at Longbeach for about ten years, and with his brother settled at Willowbridge in 1893. He has spent four years in Canada, and has also travelled over the greater portion of England, yet he avers that in all his experience he never met with finer land than that at Willowbridge. Mr. Fletcher is attached to the Ashburton Ledge of Freemasons.
Farmer, Willowbridge. Mr. Hayman was born in 1838, at Ware, Somersetshire, England, and was brought up to country life. He arrived in Melbourne in May, 1861, by the ship “Ivanhoe,” and two years later crossed to New Zealand and settled in Canterbury. Mr. Hayman was farming in the Cust district for twelve years, and in Ashburton till 1897, when he settled at Willowbridge. While in the Asburton district he served for a good many years as a member of the Willowby school committee. Mr. Hayman was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Kingsbury, of Somersetshire, England. His wife died in 1891, leaving nine sons and seven daughters. In 1898 Mr. Hayman married the widow of the late Mr. Archibald Moore, of Ellesmere. Mrs Hayman had a family of three sons and three daughters by her former marriage. Her father, the late Mr. Edward James Cappell, of Nelson, came to New Zealand with his wife in 1852. Mrs Cappell, aged 88, was living with her daughter at Willowbridge at Christmas, 1902.
Farmer and Threshing Mill Proprietor, Willowbridge. Mr. Hayman was born in the Cust district, North Canterbury, in 1871, and was
Farmer, Willowbridge. Mr. Lindsay owns 158 acres of freehold in the rich farming district of Willowbridge. He was born in Christchurch in 1872, and is a son of Mr. David Lindsay, an old colonist. He was educated at Otaio, and was brought up to country life there, and at Makikihi. Till 1898 he worked with his father, and then took up his present farm. Mr. Lindsay has been attached to the Studholme Mounted Rifles since 1900. He takes an interest' in athletics, and excelled for many years in the jumping and weight-throwing competitions at Waimate, Timaru and Oamaru. He was beaten only once during eight or ten years in pole vaulting, and holds records for the pole jump at Waimate and Timaru. Mr. Lindsay likes shooting, and in 1902, he secured sixty-eight points out of a possible seventy, at 600 and 700 yards, at the South Canterbury Rifle meeting.
Farmer, Willowbridge. Mr. Oates was born in Cornwall, England, in 1854, and was brought up to engineering and mining. In 1876 he left England and went to California, where he was very successful at the gold mines. A year later he came to New Zealand, and was unfortunate, in speculations in the Thames district, where he lost his money. After farming for a short time at Ashley he went to Lyttelton, where he assisted in erecting the pumping machinery for the docks, and remained for a year. Then he went to Queensland and engaged in goldmining again for two years, and while there had a very narrow escape from death while working in a deep shaft. A fall of earth of many tons just grazed the ledge on which Mr. Oates was standing. From Queensland he went to the Zeehan silver mines in Tasmania, and a year later returned to New Zealand. After a chequered career he started farming at 117 acres. In 1886 he was married to Mrs Catherine Williams, of Cornwall, and they have a family of one son and one daughter.
Farmer. Willowbridge. Mr. Roberts was born in 1868, at Cust, where he attended school, and was brought up to country life. After working the home farm for a number of years with his brothers he acquired 104 acres of the Willowbridge Estate in 1896. He has been a member of the Studholme Mounted Rifles since 1900. Mr. Roberts is fond of outdoor sports.
Part of this estate was first owned by Mr Buchanan, and subsequently by Mr. Studholme, and was purchased by Mr. Addinell, of West Eyreton, at a sale. The estate comprises 800 acres of some of the richest land in Canterbury, and very heavy crops of roots and grain have been grown on it. A large mill dam, with weeping willows on its edge, is within a stone's throw of the house, and adds the charm of idyllic ideality to the place in summertime. Wild duck frequent the pond in great numbers.
Manager of Willowbridge Estate, was born at Eyrewood Farm, West Eyreton, in 1870. He is a nephew of Mr. Addinell, of West Eyreton, and was brought up on his uncle's farm. In 1890, he went to Willowbridge to manage the estate. Mr. McGowan is an elder of the Waimate Presbyterian Church, a member of the Waimate Lodge of Foresters, an honorary life member of the Studholme Mounted Rifles, a member of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a member of and successful prizewinner in the Waimate Horticultural and Floral Society. He was married, in 1893, to a daughter of the late Mr Cochrane, of Waimate, and has one son and one daughter.
at Hannaton was established in 1894 soon after the village settlement, from which it gets its name, was founded. It serves for the settlers of Willowbridge and Studholme, as well as for the settlement of Hannaton, which is known as Nukuroa by the Lands Department. The school building is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for a hundred children. There are seventy names on the roll, and the average attendance is sixty-three. The master is helped by an assistant mistress. A school-house of four rooms adjoins the main building, which stands on an elevated flat, and has a glebe of an acre and a half.
Master of Hannaton Public school was born at Milton, Otago, in 1871. He was educated at Balclutha, where he served his apprenticeship as a pupil-teacher, and was a year at the Normal Training College, Dunedin. Before removing to Canterbury, he was four years in charge at Gibbston, under the Southland Education Board, and has been at the Hannaton school since 1896. Mr. Walsh married a daughter of Mr. Peter Paxton, of Dunedin, and has one son.
stands on an elevated position in the settlement of Hannaton at Studholme. It was erected in 1899, is of wood and iron, and has seats for 150 adults. Services are held twice every Sunday by the minister at Waimate. The church stands on a quarter of an acre of land.
was formerly known as Waihao, and was originally part of the Waikakahi estate. It includes some splendid land on the south bank of the Waihao river, and a good deal of hilly and undulating country extending into the hills towards Arno and Waihao Forks. The township of Morven consists of two stores, a bakery, butchery, two smithies, a creamery, a public school, and a railway station and post office combined. The Roman Catholic church stands on the main road between Morven and Glenavy. At the census of 1901 the population of the district was 336. The railway station, which stands at an elevation of fifty-four feet above sea level, is 100 miles from Dunedin, and 131 from Christchurch. It may be stated that the Waikakahi estate comprised 47,830 acres, and was bounded on the east by the ocean, on the north by the Waihao, on the west by the Elephant Hill estate, and on the south by the Waitaki river. The district was originally taken up in 1854 as two runs by Messrs Alphonso Clifford and Samuel Stevens respectively, and the first freehold section on it was purchased by a man named Pike on the 26th of May, 1859. This section was afterwards sold to Mr. Harris, who after increasing the freehold to 4000 acres, sold the property in 1865 to Mr. John McLean. From that time Messrs George Buckley and John and Allan McLean kept on buying steadily until 1875, when nearly the whole of Waikikihi run became freehold. Mr. Buckley then sold out, leaving the McLeans in possession. In 1880 Mr. John McLean retired, and Mr. Allan McLean became sole proprietor. In November, 1898, the Government bought the estate in terms of the Land for Settlements Act, and it was thereupon subdivided into 130 farms, ranging from forty-five to 1473 acres, fourteen small grazing runs, and about forty acres for a township at the Waihao railway station. After certain reserves had been made, the land was all offered to the public in March, 1899, on lease in perpetuity, and every section was taken up by the right class of settlers, who at once set to work fencing, ploughing, building and tree-planting. In altitude the land of the settlement ranges from ten feet to 1100 feet above sea level. Forty thousand acres of the estate had been cultivated, and the balance surface sown, and the wheat crops had yielded from fifty to seventy bushels per acre, and oats 120 bushels. Latterly Mr. McLean had had about 8000 acres in crop every year; 4000 acres in grain, and 4000 acres in turnips. He had erected 200 miles of fencing on the estate, 140 miles in wire and sixty miles of gorse. The Waimate Acclimatisation Society has stocked the Waitaki and Waihao rivers with trout, and red deer are numerous on the ranges within reasonable distance. Morven, the name given, to the township at the Waihao railway station, connects the place with the Morven Hills sheep station, once owned in Otago by the Messrs McLean, and with their ancestral district in Scotland, the “woody Morven” and “Morven of hills,” famed in the poems of Ossian.
was known as the Waihao flag station for twenty years, but in consequence of the closer settlement of the Waikakahi estate a stationmaster was appointed in December, 1900. The buildings are of wood and iron, of the usual type, and the business of the post office, savings bank and money order department is conducted at the station, which has a passenger platform, goods shed, and cattle loading yard, and houses for the stationmaster, the local ganger, and two surfacemen.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at Morven, was born in 1873, at Amberley, where he was educated. He entered the railway service at Christchurch in April, 1890, as a cadet, and was afterwards stationed successively at Timaru, Ashburton, Leeston and Culverden. Mr. Milner was for nine years clerk at Lyttelton, and, after a short time on the relieving staff, was appointed to his present position, at Morven in September, 1902. He was married, in October, 1898, to a daughter of Mr, T. Bishop, engine-driver, of Lyttelton.
was established about 1872. The building is of wood and iron, with two class rooms and porches, and stands upon four acres of land, half of which is used as a grazing paddock for horses. There is a shelter-shed in the playground, and a teacher's house of five rooms adjoining. The staff consists of a master and assistant mistress, and the number of names on the roll is seventy-nine.
Master of the Morven Public School, was born in Dunedin, in 1879. He was educated in Dunedin, and at the Waimate High School, and served a pupil-teachership at the Waimate public school. Mr. Thomas had charge of the Waitaki Village Settlement school for three years, and was appointed to his present position in April, 1903. He had previously completed two terms as an out-student of Canterbury College, and passed the first section of his B.A. degree.
M.A., formerly Master of the Morven Public School, was born in Banffshire, Scotland, in 1835, and was educated at Keith, and at King's College, Aberdeen, where he graduated M.A., in 1859. After ten years' experience in England, he came out to Melbourne in 1859, and was teachering at the Scotch College there for one year. Mr. Scott then came to New Zealand, and had charge of the Hokitika Academy till 1875. In that year he became headmaster of the Timaru Main School, where he remained for ten years, when he took a two years' trip to England, Mr. Scott was appointed to Morven
was established in 1902, and stands on two acres, centrally situated off the main road. The building, which has accommodation for fifty pupils, was erected in 1902, and a residence was built for the master in the following year. The number on the roll is twenty-three, and the average attendance, twenty. Mr. Louis Phillipe Longuet was appointed master in 1903.
(North Otago Dairy Company, Limited), Morven. The creamery building is of wood and iron, with concrete floor, and stands on a section of three-quarters of an acre of land. The machinery consists of a foar-horse power stationary engine, with six-horse power boiler, and an Alpha-Laval separator, capable of treating 600 gallons of milk per hour. About 600 gallons are treated daily, and the cream is forwarded to Oamaru.
Manager of the Morven Creamery, was born at Oamaru in May, 1872. He was appointed to his present position when the creamery was opened in November, 1901, having previously had experience in the business. Mr. Craig was married, in 1902, to a daughter of the late Mr. A. White, of Maerewhenua, North Otago, and has one daughter.
Blacksmith, Morven. Mr. Wrathall was born in Yorkshire in 1852, and learned his trade with his father. He came out to Austraila in the ship “John Elder,” in 1881, but crossed to New Zealand in the course of a few weeks. In eighteen months, he returned to Australia, but soon came back to New Zealand with the intention of remaining in this Colony. He bought a business at Methven in 1884, and did a steady trade in horse-shoeing and in making and repairing farm implements, for settlers within a radius of fourteen miles. In the early days it took the Double Hill teams three days to come to Methven to be shod and to return. Mr. Wrathall, who is now in business at Morven, has often been solicited to take part in public affairs, but in that respect he has confined his attention to church matters. He was married, in 1890, to Miss Scott, and has two daughters.
General Merchants, Morven; head office, Waimate. The Morven branch of this business was opened in November, 1900, and the premises occupied stand on an acre of land opposite the railway station. The buildings are of wood and iron, and consist of a large double-fronted shop with a verandah, and a residence behind, and there is also a bulk store with timber racks. There are departments for groceries, drapery, ironmongery and crockery, farming requisites, building materials, and agricultural implements.
Manager of the Morven branch of the firm of Messrs Manchester Brothers and Goldsmith, was born in Oamaru, in 1875, and educated at the Waimate District High School. He joined the firm soon after leaving school, and when it was decided to open a branch at Morven, he became the manager, Mr. Nelson has served as a volunteer in the Waimate Rifles for nine years, and is a member of Court Foresters' Pride, Waimate, in which he has occupied the various chairs up to that of S.C.R. He is at present (1903) chairman of the Morven school committee.
General Storekeeper, Morven; head office, Makikihi. This branch of Mr. Meehan's business was established in 1898. There are three shops, and also a large store, in which there is a plant for grinding and crushing oats and wheat, driven by a five-horse power Crown Hornsby-Ackroyd oil engine. The ground floor of the store is of concrete, and on the next floor there is a spacious room of forty feet by twenty-five feet, for storage purposes.
Manager of the Morven branch of Mr. Meehan's business, was born at Clyde, Otago, in March, 1867. He had six years' experience with Mr. P. Keddie,
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Aitken was born at Naseby, Otago, in 1868, and was brought up to country life at Rangitata. He began to work at the age of sixteen, and took up 163 acres under a lease in perpetuity, at Morven, in April, 1899. Mr. Aiken was married, in October, 1895, to a daughter of Mr. Richard Coles, of Orari.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Barber was born in Yorkshire, England, in July, 1835, and was brought up to country life in his native place. In 1861 he came to Auckland by the ship “Northumberland,” and shortly afterwards removed to Otago, where he found employment on a station for five years. Mr. Barber came to South Canterbury in 1867, and was for several years engaged on Mr. Buckley's Waihao station. In 1880 he acquired eighty acres of freehold land from the Government, and began farming on his own account. In 1862, when there were neither roads nor bridges, and every river had to be forded, Mr. Barber drove sheep overland from Nelson to Black's estate at Manuherikia, over the Dunstan in Central Otago; and in the early days he was employed in carting for the diggings for a number of years. He was for several years a member of the Morven school committee. Mr. Barber was married, in November, 1866, to a daughter of the late Mr. Simon Aitchison, of Stirlingshire, Scotland, and has six daughters and one son.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Beer was born at Calme, Wiltshire, England, in 1857, and attended school in his native place. He had some experience in flour milling and afterwards turned his attention to farming, before coming to Port Chalmers by the ship “Christian McCausland,” in 1875. For two years he found employment in bush work in the Wakatipu district, and then returned to England, where he was for five years engaged in flour milling in partnership with his father, under the firm of Beer and Son. In 1881 he returned to New Zealand, and was twelve years miller for Messrs Wood Brothers, of Christchurch. In 1894 Mr. Beer became a partner in the firm of Collie Brothers, grain and produce merchants, Christchurch, and two years later, he sold his interest, and settled at Southbrook. In 1899 he took up 345 acres of the Waikakahi estate, under a lease in perpetuity. While a resident of Christchurch Mr. Beer served for six years as a member of the Heathcote Road Board, and is now chairman of the Waikakahi Settlers' Association. He is a member of the Farmers' Union, and was for a time chairman of the Morven branch. As a Forester he is a Past Chief Ranger of Court Star of Canterbury. Mr. Beer was married, in 1878, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Gough of Calme, Wiltshire, England, and has two sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Woodside,” Morven. Mr. Campbell was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, on the 21st of April, 1832. He passed his early years on his father's farm, which he subsequently held under lease. In 1862 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Pladda,” one of Peter Henderson's line. He purchased the first part of his present farm in 1876, when it was all in its native state. Since then it has been improved and added to, and now consists of 400 acres. The improvements include good buildings and fences, plantations, and a beautiful avenue up to the house. Mr. Campbell has served on the Waimate County Council, the school committee, and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Muir, a farmer's daughter, from the parish of Stewarton, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Crowe was born in County Galway, Ireland,
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Duke was born in County Sligo, Ireland, in 1842, and was brought up to country life by his father, who was a dairyman at Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. In 1874 he came to Lyttelton by the ship “Geraldine Paget,” and settled in Christchurch, where he afterwards had charge of the Spreydon racing stud, owned by Mr. Griffiths. For two years he was dairy farming at Richmond, and was subsequently following the same occupation at St. Albans and Avonside, and conducted a large milk business throughout Christchurch city and suburbs for twenty-three years. In 1898 Mr. Duke sold his business and settled in South Canterbury, where he had previously rented 494 acres of the Waikakahi estate, on which he erected a commodious residence. For eight years he was connected with the Canterbury Trotting Club, and was a member of the committee and one of the stewards for about six years. On retiring from the club, when he settled in South Canterbury, he was elected a life member, and presented with a gold medal in recognition of his services. Mr. Duke was married, in 1865, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Hearson, of Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, England, and has had one son and four daughters, of whom three daughters have died.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Gluyas was born at Helston, Cornwall, England, in 1851. He attended school in his native place, and was brought up to the saddlery trade by his father; three of his brothers also following the same calling. Mr. Gluyas worked at his trade in the midland counties, and afterwards at Penzance, where he was employed by Mr. Ash, proprietor of a leading establishment. In 1877 Mr. Gluyas came to Lyttelton, by the ship “Cardigan Castle,” and settled in Christchurch, where he worked for five years for Mr. Howell and others. In 1887 he removed to Longbeach station, as saddler for Mr. John Grigg; with whom other members of the family also found employment. Shortly after the opening of the Waikakahi estate Mr. Gluyas acquired 193 acres under a lease in perpetuity, and his sons at once settled on the property; the family have resided on the farm since 1901 and considerable improvements have been effected. As a volunteer Mr. Gluyas served in the 7th Duke of Cornwall corps for three years. One of his sons was saddler-sergeant to the 8th New Zealand Contingent in South Africa and returned, unscathed, to settle at Otanaki in the North Island. Mr. Gluyas was married, in 1875, to a daughter of Mr. Henry James Richards of Prussia Cove, Mount's Bay, Cornwall, and has three sons and one daughter.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Hay was born in the Orkney Islands in 1853, and was trained to the drapery trade. He came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Peter Denny,” and gained a general knowledge of farming in New Zealand and Australia. In 1889 Mr. Hay acquired a section of 260 acres on the Waikakahi estate, and resigned the position of farm overseer at Lincoln Agricultural College, in the following year, in order to settle on his land. He has built a fine homestead and out buildings, and has generally effected considerable improvements on his property. About the end of 1900 he bought 110 acres of freehold near Waimate, which he also works. Before acquiring his farm he had some land in the Lincoln district, which he sold. Mr. Hay has served as a member of the Morven and Lincoln school committees. Before leaving his native islands he was a member of the Kirkwall Volunteers for some time. Mr. Hay was a successful competitor in ploughing
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Huston was born in June, 1872, in South Australia, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1882. His education was completed at Southbridge, where he was brought up to country life, and afterwards farmed with his father and brothers. In 1899 Mr. Huston settled on his property of 110 3/4 acres, which he holds under a lease in perpetuity. He has erected a comfortable homestead, and made many improvements on his farm. Since 1900 he has been a member of the Waitaki church committee, Mr. Huston was married, in June, 1986, to a daughter of Mr. John Blackler, of Ashburton, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Green Hill Road, Morven, Mr. Lawlor was born in Timaru, in 1877, and was educated at Orari Bridge school. He was brought up to farming, and commenced on his own account on the opening of the Waikakahi settlement, in 1899. His farm, consists of 174 acres of beautiful undulating land, which he holds under a lease in perpetuity, and he carries on agriculture and sheepfarming. Mr. Lawlor has erected a substantial homestead and outbuildings on his property.
Farmer, “Lowlands,” Morven. Mr. Marshall is a son of Mr. S. Marshall, and was born in 1875, at Woodend North Canterbury. He began to farm at Woodend in 1894, and on the opening up of the Waikakahi estate he acquired 240 acres of land on the perpetual lease system. He has erected a comfortable homestead thereon, and has greatly improved the property generally. For two years Mr. Marshall served in the Studholme Mounted Rifles. He is attached to the Woodend Lodge of Oddfellows, in which he has passed through the chairs. Mr. Marshall was married in May, 1901, to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Richards, of Waimate. His wife died in October, 1902.
Farmer and General Blacksmith, Morven. Mr. McTaggart is a son of the late Duncan McTaggart, and was born in 1844, in Kintyre, Scotland. He served his time to the blacksmith trade at Uddingston by Glasgow, and came to Port Chalmers, by the ship “Elizabeth Fleming” in 1867. Mr. McTaggart worked as a blacksmith at Taieri, Waitahuna, and Lawrence, and removed to Waimate in 1877. He started on his own account as a general blacksmith in 1890, and nine years later took up land at Waikakahi, Morven, under a lease in perpetuity. The smith's shop is under the management of his son, John McTaggart. Mr. McTaggart, senior, has been a member of the Order of Foresters since 1869. He has gone through the chairs of Court Star of Tuapeka, Lawrence, and of Court Foresters' Pride, Waimate. He is a member of the Morven school committee. Mr. McTaggart was married, in 1873, to a daughter of the late Mr. Donald McPhail, of Clinton, and has four sons and three daughters.
who manages his father's blacksmith shop on Beach road, Morven, was born in 1875, at Lawrence. He learned his trade at Waimate, and has taken the management since his father settled at Morven. He has been a member of both the Waimate and the Studholme Mounted Rifles; and, as a member of the Masonic Order, is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution.
Farmer, Fairfield, Morven. Mr. McNaughton was born in the district of Ardnamurchan, Argyleshire, Scotland, on the 31st of December, 1831. He came to the colony by the ship “Bruce” in 1860, and was for ten years at the Morven Hills station with Mr. John McLean, afterwards of Redcastle, Oamaru. Mr. McNaughton began farming on his own account near Oamaru, in 1870, when he bought 140 acres of land. He now has 1376 acres at Waitaki and Morven, and he fattens a large number of sheep and lambs from time to time. As it is necessary to renew the pasturage, Mr. McNaughton has about 300 acres annually under cultivation. Mr. McNaughton has always
Farmer, “Hymnavady,” Morven. Mr. McAlister was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1859. He came to Lyttelton in the ship “City of Dunedin” in 1876, and has always followed an outdoor life. After his arrival he found employment in Courtenay for a year, and was afterwards in the Leeston district for four years. Mr. McAlister farmed at Longbeach for nineteen years, and, in April, 1899, he settled on 196 acres at Morven, under a lease in perpetuity. Mr. McAlister has been a member of the Morven school committee since 1901. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Allan, of County Armagh, Ireland. Mrs McAlister died in 1901, leaving four sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Seaview,” Moryen. Mr. Menzies was born at Campbelltown, Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1863, and followed farming from his boyhood. He came to New Zealand in 1885 in the ship “Himalaya,” and was shepherding for Mr. Gerard at Double Hill station, for five years. Thereafter he removed to Cheviot, where he was shepherding for other eight years. In 1899 he took up 325 acres on Waikakahi, and has built a good dwellinghouse, fenced and ploughed much of his land, and planted numerous trees. The homestead is pleasantly situated, and commands a good view of the plains between the Waitaki and Waihao rivers, and of the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Menzies was married, in 1895, to Miss Fraser, and has one son and one daughter.
Farmer, Green Hill Road, Morven. Mr. O'Connor was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1863. He arrived at Lyttelton in February, 1879, by the ship “Northern Monarch,” and worked in the Waimate district for nearly twenty years. About 1897 he began to farm on his own account near Waimate, and was afterwards at Studholme Junction. In 1899, Mr. O'Connor acquired property at Waikakahi settlement, where he holds 166 acres, under a lease in perpetuity. He was one of the founders of the Waikakahi school, and has held the position of chairman since the election of the first committee. Mr. O'Connor was a member of the Waimate Borough Council for about six years. In 1891 he married a daughter of the late Mr. William White, and has four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Morven, Mr. Robbins was born in Middlesex, England, and passed his early years in Surrey. In 1859 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Clontarf,” and was settled at Rangiora for seven years. He bought a section of Crown land at Ashburton in 1866, and remained there for thirty-two years. In 1899 he took up 241 acres on the Waikakahi estate. The land had all been cultivated, but Mr. Robbins has effected great improvements in building a good dwellinghouse, in ploughing and
Farmer, “Ocean View,” Broad Gully, Morven. Mr. Samuels was born in 1838, in London, where he was educated. He was brought up to the business of a contractor, and came out to Sydney in 1859. Two years later he crossed to New Zealand, and worked at his trade in Christchurch, until settling in the Morven district in 1899. His property consists of a grazing run of 916 acres, on which about 900 crossbred sheep are depastured, and in the season of 1903, 150 acres were in crop. In the early days he was a member of the Christchurch Volunteer Fire Brigade for several years. Mr. Samuels married a daughter of the late Mr. T. Carey, of Christchurch, and has a surviving family of two sons and six daughters.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Stewart was born in 1876, at Christchurch, and was educated there and at Orari and Pigeon Bay. He was brought up to country life, and afterwards gained experience in the Gisborne district. In 1899 he acquired, under a lease in perpetuity, 250 acres of land on the Waikakahi estate, and began to farm on his own account. At one time Mr. Stewart was connected with the Orari Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars. He was married in April, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. James Barker, an old settler in the Morven district.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Smith was one of the successful applicants at the ballot of the Waikakahi settlement. His section is in Block IV., Lower Waihao, and fronts the river. It contains about one hundred acres, and is classed with the cream of the settlement. The whole of Mr. Smith's section has been cropped, and yielded sixty bushels of wheat per acre on the first furrow. When in grass it carried as many as ten sheep to the acre. Mr. Smith has already built on his land, and has had it divided into five paddocks, and has planted trees for shelter and for fruit. He has also placed most of it under crop, and has taken great care in the selection of his seeds. Mr. Smith was born at Seaton, in the parish of Trennant, near Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1844, and was brought up to be a stonemason. He followed his trade at Home, and also in New Zealand on the public works till he began farming. Mr. Smith came to New Zealand in 1874 in the ship “Varuna,” and settled at Waimate, where he took an active part in organising the Aeelimatisation Society, of which he is an energetic member, and did much to stock the river with fish. He was married to Miss Linton, in 1868, and has five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Scott was born in Scotland in 1854, and was brought up to farming. He came out to Victoria in 1876, and five years later crossed to New Zealand, settled at Waihao, and worked for a good many years on the Waikakahi estate. Mr. Scott took up 250 acres of lease-hold land, and has since added 350 acres of freehold, which he farms. He served as a member of the local school committee for fourteen years, and, as a Freemason, is attached to St. Augustine Lodge, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Scott is also a member of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He married a daughter of the late Mr. John Atkinson, of County Antrim, Ireland, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Morven. Mr. Trezise was born near Helston, Cornwall, England, in 1859, and educated at Sythney Church, Tavistock. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Northern Monarch” in 1880, and settled at Makikihi, where he was employed as a platelayer on the railway for about seventeen years. On the opening of the Waikakahi settlement in 1899, Mr. Trezise acquired the 157 acres of land on which his comfortable homestead stands. He is a member of Court Pride of Waimate, Ancient Order of Foresters, and in the Masonic Order is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, New Zealand Constitution. For a good many years he was a member of the Makikihi school committee. Mr. Trezise was married, in July, 1881, to a daughter of Mr. Richard John Osborne, of St. Stevens village, Cornwall, and has four sons and four daughters.
J.P., sometime of Rigghousre, Morven, South Canterbury, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1831. His education was finished at the Glasgow High School, and in his early years he followed farming. Mr. Morton came to New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “Portland,” and as there was then a state of war between the colonists and the Maoris, he joined the volunteers, and was appointed aide-de-camp to Colonel Bailey. When peace was proclaimed, Mr. Morton removed to South Canterbury, where he engaged in contract work. He bought a farm from the Crown in 1876, and ways the second settler in the district. At first he had a freehold of 407 acres, but he afterwards added 145 acres of leasehold. The property is in a high state of cultivation, and is divided into nine paddocks, devoted to grazing, and there are very good buildings on the farm. Mr. Morton fattened sheep for the export trade, and preferred the progeny of crossbred ewes and Border Leicester rams. He served as a member of the Waimate County Council, and was president of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and a member of the local school committee. Mr. Morton was appointed to the Commission of the Peace in 1895. In 1876 he was married to Miss Campbell, and had five daughters and three sons. He died on the 3rd of February, 1900.
was opened in 1891. It has been enlarged lately and now stands on three acres of land on the main road between Glenavy and Redcliff. There are sixty names on the roll, and there is an average attendance of fifty. The teacher in charge is assisted by an infant mistress.
Master of the Waitaki Village Settlement Public School, was born at Weston, Oamaru, in 1880. He was educated at Seadown, and at the Timaru District High School; served his pupil-teachership at the former school, and was subsequently assistant master at the Waimate public school for three years, before his appointment to his present position in 1903. Mr. Clark won a Junior Scholarship and afterwards a Senior Scholarship under the South Canterbury Board of Education, and has gained many prizes.
was constituted in 1899, when the manse was built on the main road, between Glenavy and Morven. The land attached to the manse consists of thirty acres, and was presented to the church by Mr. Allan McLean, then proprietor of the Waikakahi estate. Practically, the parish covers the whole area of the old Waikakahi estate, and its boundaries are the Waitaki and the Waihao rivers. No church has as yet (1903) been erected in the district, but weekly services are held in the schoolrooms at Morven and Glenavy, and fortnightly at the Waitaki settlement and Redcliff schools.
formerly known as Waitaki, is situated in the Waihao riding of the Waimate county, about a mile to the northward of the fine bridge over the Waitaki river. This bridge is three-quarters of a mile in length. It is used for road traffic, and has a gate at each end, under the control of a caretaker. The township consists of a fine hotel, two stores, a blacksmith's shop, saddler's shop, a railway station and post office combined, a church and hall combined, a public school, and a police station. A monthly sale of stock is held at the sale-yards attached to the Glencoe Hotel, and is largely attended by settlers from the surrounding districts. The railway station, stands at an elevation of seventy-four feet above sea level, and is ninety-three miles from Dunedin and 138 from Christchurch. At the census of 1901 the population of the village was set down at ninety-eight. The flat land in the neighbourhood yields excellent pasturage, though it is covered somewhat thickly with large water-worn pebbles. Glenavy is a convenient resort for anglers, who visit the Waitaki river, which abounds in fine trout.
extends from Papakaio near Oamaru to the Waihao river. The station stands on a section of nineteen acres of land, not far from the north bank of the Waitaki. The residence is of wood and iron, and contains five rooms, and there is the usual look-up, and a good paddock for horses.
Constable in charge at Glenavy, was born in 1862, in County Waterford, Ireland. In 1887 he arrived in New Zealand, and, after filing various positions, was appointed to Glenavy in 1898, Mr. Gough was married, in 1888, to a daughter of Mr. J. McCarthy, of County Cork, and has two sons and one daughter.
combined is a wood and iron building of the usual description, with separate windows for the postal and ralway departments. Three trains pass through the station, north and south, daily, and Glenavy is a regular stopping place for the express. There is a large goods-shed, and also a cattle loading bunk. The staff consists of the stationmaster and a cadet. There is telephone connection between the station and the caretakers at each end of the Waitaki bridge, of which the stationmaster at Glenavy has charge.
Station-master and Postmaster at Glenavy, was born in 1869, in Marlborough, New Zealand. He joined the railway service in his native place in 1884, and was five years in charge at Coalgate, before his appointment to Glenavy in January, 1902. Mr. Hood was married, in 1899, to a daughter of Mr. D. Douglas, of Christchurch.
was established about the year 1887. It has a glebe of eight acres. The school building is of wood and iron, and contains a porch and a large class room, which is divided in the middle by a curtain. In the playground there is a shelter-shed for the children. The school residence has six rooms. About sixty children can be accommodated in the school. There are forty-six names on the roll, and the average attendance for the last quarter of 1902 was forty.
who is in charge of Glenavy school, was born in 1852, in Ayrshire, Scotland. In 1863 he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Arima” with his parents, and was educated in Otago, where he had a two years' course at the University. Mr. Stevens served at various schools in Otago and Canterbury, and was appointed to Glenavy in March, 1902. He was married, in 1885, to a daughter of Mr. James Thomson, of Timaru, and has a surviving family of three sons and one daughter.
(Ralph Porter, proprietor), Glenavy. This hotel was established in 1890 by the late Mr. John Henderson, and was bought from his widow by Mr. Porter in April, 1900. There are eight acres of freehold and seventy-eight acres of leasehold land attached to the hotel. The building is a wooden one and contains fifteen rooms—ten bedrooms and three sittingrooms, besides a dining room which will seat sixteen guests. There are convenient stables, with four stalls and four loose boxes, attached to the hotel, and there is plenty of paddock room for stock. Mr. Porter, who has taken a great interest in the district, has erected saleyards, second to none, at a cost of £800, and in these monthly sales are held; he has also constructed a large sheep dip for public use. The number of sheep dipped in the season of 1903 was 18,000, which shows that the dip is greatly appreciated by the settlers on the Waikakahi estate. The district around the hotel is noted for its fishing and shooting; and on the banks of the Waitaki, a few miles away, there are about two dozen huts which are regularly visited by anglers, from all parts of New Zealand, and also from England and Australia.
Proprietor of the Glencoe Hotel, was born at Longnewton, parish of Ancrum, Roxbroughshire, Scotland, in 1861. He was educated in his native county, and in Berwickshire, and was brought up to mercantile life. Mr. Porter came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Taranaki” in 1878, and settled in Dunedin. He was for eighteen, years in the employment of Messrs W. Wright and Co. in that city, and held the position of chief storeman for some time. He afterwards conducted the business on his own account. On the death of his brother-in-law, Mr. J. Henderson, he took over the management of the Glencoe Hotel, and shortly afterwards became the owner. Mr. Porter was attached to Court Foresters' Pride, of Leith, Dunedin, and as a Freemason be belongs to Lodge 931, English Constitution. In 1884 he married Miss Annie Henderson, a daughter of the late Mr. Allan Henderson, of Dunedin, and has two daughters.
Farmer, Pike's Point, Glenavy. Mr. Cochrane was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1853, and accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Himalaya' in 1866. The family settled in Waimate, where Mr. Cochrane was brought up to country life, and engaged in contracting for a number of years. He commenced farming on his own account at Waituna in 1880. Nine years later he left that district, and engaged in cropping on Mr. Teschemaker's land and on the Waikakahi estate till 1899, when he acquired his present farm, on which he conducts mixed farming. His land consists of 400 acres, and is held under a lease in perpetuity. Mr. Cochrane served for a number of years on the Waikakahi school committee and was chairman in 1886, and he has for a long time been a member of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Cochrane was married, in 1884, to a daughter of the late Mr. David Pollard, well known as proprietor of Pareora Accommodation House, and has five sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Tinui,” Glenavy. Mr. Dabinett was born in Somersetshire, England in 1849. He was brought to Port Chalmers, in 1855, by the ship “Isabella Hercus,” and his family settled at Warepa, to the south of the Molyneux river, where he was brought up to farming on his father's property. In 1874 Mr. Dabinett commenced
Farmer, “Willow Bank,” Glenavy. Mr. Dickson was born at St. Albans, Christchurch, in August, 1866, and was educated at the Selwyn public school. He was for a number of years in the Dunsandel district, and for some time was cropping and contracting on Mr. Westenra's property. Mr. Dickson afterwards farmed for eight years on his own account between Sefton and Ashley, before acquiring his present property of 478 acres of the Waikakahi estate, in 1899. He was connected with the Rangiora Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Dickson was married in June, 1894, to the daughter of Mr. Thomas Shaw, of Ashley, and has three daughters and one son.
Farmer, Glenavy. Mr. Fraser was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1843, and educated at Edinburgh. In his early years he followed the plough and did farm work generally. On the 3rd of June, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary Adair, who was born in Cambulslang, in 1852, and on the sixth day of the same month, the newly-married couple sailed from the Clyde in the ship “Canterbury,” for New Zealand, and landed in Lyttelton on the 1st of September, 1874. Mr. Fraser has been in Canterbury ever since. He followed the calling of a ploughman for eight years, during the last five of which he was head ploughman and working manager for Mr. J. A. Johnson, of Lauriston. Mr. Fraser then took up 300 acres of tussock land at Lyndhurst. He eventually became the purchaser, named the place “Bushy Bent,” and built a comfortable dwellinghouse and all necessasry outbuildings. Mr. Fraser has always been successful whenever he has exhibited his horses at local shows. In 1901 he left the Lyndhurst district and settled at Glenavy, where he holds 480 acres, under a lease in perpetuity, and has built a comfortable homestead.
Farmer, “Sea-field,” Glenavy. Mr. Harrison was born in Yorkshire, England, in November, 1832. He was brought up to country life by his uncle, and came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Dauntless.” Mr. Harrison settled in the Oamaru district, and was farming at Richmond till 1899, when he sold out, and took up 581 acres at Glenavy. He holds this land under a lease in perpetuity, and uses it as a sheep run. Mr. Harrison was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Neilson, of Scotland. Mrs Harrison died in 1887.
Sheepfarmer, “Willow Glen,” Glenavy. Mr. Maclean was born in 1857 in Argyleshire, Scotland, where his father had large farms, and in 1877 he landed at Auckland by the San Francisco steamer from America. He came to Otago and entered the service of Messre Dalgety and Company. Limited, at Morven Hills, where he afterwards became manager. Mr. Maclean worked the Lake Hawea station in Otago for ten years, and acquired his present property at the opening of the Waikakahi estate in 1899. His land consists of nearly 1200 acres, held under the perpetual lease system, and he runs, on an average, 2000 sheep. Before he left the Old Country Mr. Maclean served as a volunteer in the Argyll Battery of Highland Light Infantry.
Farmer, “Fairfield,” Glenavy. Mr. McCulloch was born in the parish of Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1848, and came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Nelson” in 1875. He settled at Maheno, near Oamaru, and engaged in farming till 1899, when he took up his present property of 610 acres, formerly a portion of the Waikakahi estate. Mr. McCulloch is an enthusiastic angler, and his total catch during the season of 1902 was 126. While at Maheno he was connected with the Presbyterian church, and was for some time a member of the committee. He was married, in 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr. Mathew Lamont, of Ayrshire. Scotland. His wife died in 1889, leaving two daughters. In 1894 Mr. McCulloch married a daughter of Mr. David Gibson, of Waianakarua, North Otago, and has four sons and one daughter by this union.
Farmer, Glenavy. Mr. Ross was born in Ross-shire. Scotland, in September, 1853, and came to Port Chalmers in January, 1871, by the ship “Agnes Muir.” He was for some time employed in connection with the landing service at Oamaru. In 1879 he commenced sheepfarming near Glenavy, and was afterwards contracting and cropping, till 1888, when he acquired his property of 506 acres of freehold, and 269 acres of leasehold, which is part of a plantation reserve. Mr. Ross has been a member of the Oamaru Harbour Board since 1898; for three years he represented the Waitaki riding on the Waimate County Council, and was for a like period on the Waimate Hospital Board. He was married, in February, 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. John Phair, of County Cavan, Ireland, and has had three sons and three daughters, of whom one daughter has died. Mrs
Farmer, “The Poplars,” Glenavy. Mr. Ross was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1854, and came out to Victoria with his parents in 1867. In 1875 he came to New Zealand and found employment in outdoor work at Rakaia for about two years. Mr. Ross took up land at Lauriston in September, 1877, and remained there until he settled at “The Poplars” in 1900. His property comprises 470 acres of leasehold land. During his residence at Lauriston Mr. Ross was for many years a member of the school committee. and only resigned his position on leaving. He was married, in 1880, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Fraser, of Learmonth, Victoria, and has a surviving family of four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Ryde Farm, Glenavy. Mr. Scott's property consists of 676 acres held under a lease in perpetuity, and was originally part of the Waikakahi estate. Mr. Scott was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in February, 1849, and went to school in his native place, where also he was brought up to country life by his father, who was a farmer. For a good few years before coming out to New Zealand, Mr. Scott engaged in farming on his own account at Henley-on-Thames. In December, 1898, he arrived with his family at Lyttelton by the s.s. “Ruahine,” and was successful in the following year in drawing the fine section on which he has made his home, and erected a substantial residence and out-buildings. About the end of 1902 Mr. Scott purchased 400 acres of freehold on the Waitaki river bed, and has named the property Meadowfield Farm. As a volunteer in England Mr. Scott served in the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars. He was a member of the Order of Druids, and was initiated as a Freemason in Dumbarton, Scotland Mr. Scott was married at Christmas, 1876, to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Allan, of Westerwood, Cumbernauld. Dumbarton, and has five sons. His eldest son was a member of the Seventh New Zealand South African Continent. He was wounded in the leg at the fight at Bothasberg, and returned to New Zealand in June, 1902. The third son was a member of the Tenth Contingent, and returned, unscathed, in July, 1902.
Glenavy. This is the property of Mr. C. D. Fleming, and was originally part of the Waikakahi estate. It comprises 1200 acres, and was purchased in 1899. Of the total area 820 acres have been brought under cultivation, and the balance has been surface-sown. The land has yielded as high as seventy bushels of wheat and ninety bushels of oats to the acre. It also yields heavy crops of turnips and rape, and the grass land carries as many as three sheep to the acre. The improvements are of a most extensive and substantial nature. and up to the time the estate was sold they served for the working of the whole property of 47,000 acres, carrying 80,000 sheep. The large woolshed has boardroom for twenty-eight shearers, and the other buildings and the yards are in keeping with the shed, where Mr. Fleming now shears and dips his neighbours' sheep. Mr. Fleming personally is a breeder of draught horses.
was born at Oamaru, where he was educated and was brought up to farming. In athletic competitions at Oamaru, Waimate, and Timaru, Mr. Fleming has put up records with the stone, and won many prizes in tossing the caber and throwing the hammer.
sometime of Glenavy, was well known in the district as proprietor of the Redcliff Hotel. He was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1820, was brought up as a shepherd, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Canterbury” in 1866. For a few years he was a shepherd at the Malvern hills, and was afterwards for eleven years in the employment of Mr. John McLean, of Redcastle. After a few months' experience on the Waitaki Plains, and a year at Merino Downs station, Mr. Cameron bought the Redcliff Hotel, which he conducted until his death in April, 1880. At the time when he settled at Redcliff there was only one house between that point and Glenavy, then known as Waitaki Ferry. Mr. Cameron was married, in
an agricultural and pastoral district in the north Waihao riding of the Waimate county, and in the electoral district of Waitaki, is twelve miles and a half along the north bank of the Waitaki river from Glenavy. It is twenty-four miles from Hakataramea, and sixteen from Waimate. The post office at Redcliff is known officially as Ikawa, and was established in 1900; telephonic communication with Oamaru was established in the following year. There is a public school two miles from the post office, towards Glenavy, and, on the same route, three miles farther on, there is a creamery. Redcliff has a well-appointed hotel and a blacksmith's shop. The land is mostly flat, and extends from the river bank to the hills; and the district is intersected by three main roads, which are connected by numerous cross roads. A number of water-races pass through the various farms. The population of the village at the census of 1901 was set down at eighty-six; including the various homesteads, it can hardly be less than 200 for the district.
at Redcliff date respectively from 1900 and 1901. Mails are received and despatched twice a week.
who has acted as postmaster since the opening of the office, was born in Dunedin, in 1870. He was married, in December, 1899, to a daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Morton, of Oamaru, and has two daughters.
stands on part of a section of land on the main road to Glenavy. The building originally stood on the middle road at Redcliff, but was recently removed to the present site, three miles away. It is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for sixty pupils. There are forty-five names on the roll, and the average attendance for 1902 was forty. A residence of six rooms for the teacher, and a shelter-shed for the children, stand on the property.
Master of Redcliff School, was born in 1854, at Clifton, near Bristol, England. He arrived at Port Chalmers, in 1871, and qualified as a teacher in Christchurch. Mr. Goodeve held several appointments in North Canterbury, and has been stationed at Redcliff since 1897. He was married, in 1875, to a daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Gundry, of Christchurch, and has seven daughters.
is owned by the North Otago Dairy Company Limited, and was opened in November, 1901. It occupies a central site of two acres at the junction of several roads, and is built of wood and iron. The machinery comprises a six-horse power Tangye engine, with a six-horse power boiler, and Alpha-Laval separator, capable of treating 440 gallons of milk per hour. There are twenty-eight suppliers, and about 600 gallons are put through daily. The oream is despatched to Oamaru by rail.
Manager of the Redcliff Creamery, was born in Gloucestershire, England. He came to Lyttelton in 1883 by the ship “Taranaki,” and settled in the Waitaki district. For a number of years he was in business as a storekeeper at Glenavy, and has had charge of the creamery since its formation. Mr. Smart was married, in 1873, to a daughter of Mr. J. Leverton, of Cornwall, England, and has a surviving family of one son and three daughters.
(Richard Wills, proprietor), Redcliff. This hotel, which dates back to the early seventies, is of wood and iron, and contains fourteen rooms, including eight bedrooms, and two sitting rooms, and a dining room which will seat twenty guests. The stable at the back of the hotel contains five stalls and a loose-box.
Proprietor of the Redcliff Hotel, was born in Waimate, in 1870. He is a blacksmith and farrier by trade, and in addition to conducting the hotel, he as the proprietor of the local smith's shop. He has been connected with the Waimate Rifles and band, and has also served in the Ashburton Guards. Mr. Wills is attached to Court Foresters' Pride, Waimate, in which he has passed the various chairs. He was married, in 1897, to a daughter of Mr. Robert Ross, of Redcliff, and has three daughters and one son.
is the name of a river, a riding and a township. It is the most inland riding of the Waimate county, and had a population of 323 at the census of March, 1901. The township, which is sometimes called Sandhurst, is on the north bank of the Waitaki river, which is crossed at that point by a combined railway and traffic bridge, divided into sections. The river Hakataramea flows into the Waitaki a short distance from the township. On both sides of the Waitaki there are narrow flats, on which stand the townships of Kurow and Hakataramea, the former on the Otago side, the latter on the Canterbury. Hakataramea possesses a public school, hall, hotel, a smithy, and a store, which has a post office and telephone bureau connecting with Oamaru. There are also a number of private residences occupied by sheepfarmers, whose runs are in the neighbouring mountains. The flag station is the terminus of the Oamaru-Duntroon-Hakataramea branch of the New Zealand railways. It stands 615 feet above sea level, is forty-three miles from Oamaru, and a mile from Kurow, and is served by a daily train. About one mile up the Hakataramea
was founded in the early eighties, and has always been conducted at the local store. It is in telephonic communication with Oamaru, and mails are received and despatched daily.
Postmaster at Hakataramea, was born in 1867, in Oamaru, where he was educated. He learned the trade of a stonemason from his father, and followed his calling for three years in his native district, and for two years in Melbourne. In 1887 he settled at Hakataramea, where, in conjunction with a brother, he founded the firm of J. and W. Barclay, general storekeepers. The style of the firm has since been altered, by the admission of another brother, to Barclay Bros., and the head office of the firm was removed to Kurow in 1896. Mr. Barclay has served as a member of the local school committee. He was married, in 1895, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Ross, of Hakataramea.
was founded in November, 1900. The site of this station is on the east bank of the Hakataramea river, about a mile from the township. There are twenty-six acres of land enclosed by fencing, and the buildings and hatchery are surrounded by a high boarded fence. There is a convenient residence and office for the manager and his staff, together with a hatching house, meat house, workshop, chaff house, stable, and sundry sheds. Fifteen ponds have been constructed, nine of which are in concrete. The establishment is maintained by the Government for the purpose of introducing the Atlantic and Pacific coast salmon into New Zealand. Regular shipments are received from America and young fish in various stages of development are to be seen in every pool. The stock in 1903 consisted of 30,000 yearlings, 10,000 eighteen-month smolts, and 10,000 two-year olds. In October, 1902, 10,000 two-year olds, and 9,000 yearlings, were liberated in the Hakataramea river.
Manager of the Hakataramea Experimental Station, was born at Warepa, near Balclutha, in 1882. He was educated at Masterton, and gained his experience in fish culture under his father, Mr. L. F. Ayson, Chief Inspector of Fisheries in New Zealand. For a short time Mr. Ayson had charge of the Masterton fish hatcheries, and was appointed to his present position in January, 1902. He is a member of the Waitaki Mounted Rifles.
dates from about 1889. It is pleasantly situated on a hill overlooking the valley of the Waitaki, with the township in the immediate foreground. The building is of wood and iron, and has one class room and a porch, with accommodation for forty pupils. The number on the roll is thirty-five, and the average attendance for 1902 was thirty. There is a good playground, with shelter sheds, and a five-roomed residence for the teacher in charge.
Headmaster of Hakataramea Public School, is of Scotch extraction, and was born in 1858. He arrived in the colony with his parents in the beginning of 1863, and was brought up in the Clutha district, where he served four years as pupil-teacher in Balclutha public school, and then as assistant teacher for one year. He was then appointed to the charge of Te Houka school, near Balclutha, and, after nearly six years of service in it, he attended the Normal Training College, Dunedin, for one year. On leaving the Training College, he became an officer on the relieving staff under the Otago Education Board, and after two years of that work, was appointed to the charge of Awamoko public school. In 1894 Mr. Renton entered the service of the South Canterbury Education Board, as master of the Pleasant Valley school, near Geraldine, where he remained three years. He was then transferred to Hakataramea Valley, and continued in charge there till June, 1901, when he entered on the duties of his present position.
Hakataramea, is a small building of wood with an iron roof, and stands on part of a section of one acre of land. The building, which cost £200, has accommodation for sixty worshippers. The Roman Catholic church also owns a section of three acres in another part of the district. Monthly services are held by the clergy resident in Waimate.
(Alfred William Simmons, proprietor), Hakataramea. This hotel was established in 1884. It is a two-storey wood and iron building with a balcony, and has sixteen rooms available for the public. There are eleven bedrooms, three sitting rooms, a large dining room with seats for thirty guests, and a billiard room, which contains a three-quarter table by Alcock. At the back of the building there are stables, with four stalls and two loose boxes. There is also a leasehold paddock of forty-eight acres attached to the hotel. The district has many attractions for sportsmen and tourists.
Proprietor of the Terminus Hotel, was born in London, in 1870. He accompanied his parents to Port Chalmers in the ship “Margaret Galbraith,” which arrived in 1874; was educated at the Normal School, Dunedin, and brought up to the drapery trade, which he followed for eight years. He acquired the Terminus Hotel on the 17th of March, 1902. As a volunteer, Mr. Simmons served two years in the Dunedin Navals, and as a Freemason, he is attached to Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning, New Zealand Constitution. Mr. Simmons was married, in 1900, to a daughter of Mr. Alexander Allen, of Dunedin.
(John, William, and Hugh Barclay), General Storekeepers, Hakataramea; head office, Kurow. The premises occupied by the firm consist of a wood and from building, with a double-fronted shop, and stand on half an acre of freehold land. Stabling accommodation is provided on a section of two acres not far away from the store, and there is also a commodious residence for the resident partner. The firm dates from 1887, and is further referred to in the Otago volume of this work, under Kurow.
Sheepfarmer, “Fettercairn,” Hakataramea. “Fettercairn” consists of 6000 acres held under the Crown as a grazing run, on which 3000 halfbred sheep are depastured. Mr. Delargy resides in the township. He was born at Kumara, Westland, in 1880, and accompanied his parents to the Hakataramea district at the age of three years. His school days were spent in Kurow, and at St. Patrick's College, Wellington. Mr. Delargy was brought up to sheepfarming by his father, and has been in business on his own account since 1899. He is a member of the Hakataramea school committee and also acts as secretary. Mr. Delargy is also secretary of the Hakataramea cemetery and racecourse trusts. He has taken a keen interest in sporting matters, and is treasurer of the Kurow Jockey Club.
Hakataramea. This station, formerly the property of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, is now owned by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company. It comprises 27,000 acres of freehold, in addition to leasehold, and the flock consists of Merino and Border Leicester sheep. The estate has 100 miles of fencing, of which seven miles are rabbit-proof. About 3000 acres have been cultivated, and a large area has been surface-sown. The homestead is situated 1900 feet
formerly manager of the Hakataramea Downs station, was born in South Australia in 1849, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. In his early years he followed a pastoral life; he joined the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's service in 1879 and was appointed manager of Hakataramea Downs in 1887. Under his care and keen observation the sheep on the property were greatly improved in various ways. Mr. James was married, in 1886, to Miss Scouller.
Sheepfarmer, Hakataramea. Mr McKenzie was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, in 1851, and was brought up as a shepherd. He came to Port Chalmers in the ship “Hydaspes” in 1872, and settled in the Hakataramea district, where he was shepherd at Station Peak for the first few years. For twenty years he served the well known firm of Robert Campbell and Sons, Limited, and was head shepherd for most of the time. For the last ten years Mr. McKenzie has worked a grazing run of 3000 acres, on which he keeps 1500 sheep. He has resided in the Hakataramea township since 1891, on a freehold of two and a quarter acres, where he has a convenient house surrounded with a pleasant garden. Mr. McKenzie has been for many years chairman of the local school committee, is chairman of the Hakataramea hall trust, and a trustee of the local cemetery and racecourse. He is also a prominent member of the committee of the Gaelic Society, and of the Waitaki Collie Dog Club. Mr. McKenzie was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. Kenneth Macdonald, of Ross-shire, Scotland, and has six sons and one daughter.
(Robert Campbell and Sons, Limited, proprietors), Hakataramea. This property consists of about 40,000 acres of freehold, and 6,700 acres of leasehold land. It extends along the north bank of the Waitaki river for about ten miles up to its junction with the Hakataramea, along the eastern bank of which it extends for thirty miles. About 30,000 halfbred sheep, and from four to five hundred head of cattle are depastured on the estate, and sufficient grain and turnips are grown for feeding purposes. The station buildings and offices are situated on the Waitaki river bank, about five miles below Hakataramea. Three miles further down the river there is a large woolshed, and the station's wool-scouring is also done at that point. There are four out-stations on the estate, and two woolsheds.
General Manager of Station Peak, and Inspector of Otekaike, Burwood, Buscott, Galloway and Benmore stations, has been with the company since 1901, prior to which he had, for five years, managed Mount Parker estate. Mr. Harris is a son of Archdeacon Harris, and was born in Christchurch in 1870, and was educated partly in New Zealand and partly in England. He has always followed a pastoral life, has had experience on several stations, and has exhibited stock at various shows. Mr. Harris was married, in 1902, to a daughter of Mr. William Campbell, chairman of Messrs Robert Campbell and Sons, Limited.
” Hakataramea. This is the property of Mr. Alexander McCaw, and was originally part of the Hakataramea run. It was bought by Mr. McCaw in 1895, and contains 1500 acres. The land is devoted chiefly to the rearing and fattening of lambs for the export trade, and for this purpose Mr. McCaw uses crossbred ewes and Border Leicester rams. Like other settlers in his part of the colony, Mr. McCaw finds it necessary to renew his artificial pastures pretty regularly, and in this process he has raised good crops of grain. The improvements consist of a good dwelling-house and the necessary outbuildings, which are sheltered by a well-grown plantation of ornamental and hardwood trees. The property is divided into ten paddocks.
is one of the few remaining Canterbury pilgrims who landed in Lyttelton by the ship “Sir George Seymour,” in 1850. He was born at Therfield, Hereford-
shire, England, on the 3rd of November, 1832. Like most of the early settlers, Mr. Barnes had to turn his hand to anything that offered. He was not long in finding his way to South Canterbury, and his first employment was in the bush, at cutting timber for the old woolshed at Levels for Messrs R. and G. Rhodes. Afterwards he went north and found employment for a time at Lyttelton, and was subsequently engaged in sawing at Akaroa. Mr. Barnes was afterwards at Waipara, North Canterbury, and in 1863 assisted in driving a mob of sheep from that district to Lake Wanaka, in Otago. The trip occupied eight weeks and four days. Mr. Barnes also had a short experience on the diggings at Sandy Point. He first settled in the Hakataramea and Kurow district in June, 1863, and since that time has had various experiences in connection with country work of all kinds. Since 1895 Mr. Barnes has been settled on a freehold
sometime of Hakatarames, was well known in the district as proprietor of the Ferry Hotel. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, on the 12th of August, 1836, and was teamed to engineering. In 1858 he came out to Lyttelton, by the ship “Cameo,” and for some time worked as a blacksmith in Christchurch, and afterwards drove, a bullock team on the Waitaki river. Mr. Ross had a blacksmithing business et Kurow for several years, before he crossed the river to the Hakataramea side, and erected the Ferry Hotel, which he conducted, in conjunction with a smithy, up to the time of his death in September, 1881. Mr. Ross was married, in 1863, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Forde, of the North of Ireland, and had two daughters and two sons, of whom one son has died. Mrs Ross survives her husband.
extends along the course of the river of that name for a distance of over forty miles above its confluence with the Waitaki. It is approached by a steeply graded road, over the saddle, from the Hakataramea township. The valley is good grazing and agricultural country, and the climate is noted for its dryness, purity and healthfulness. There is a public school centrally situated in the lower portion of the valley, where the settlers are most numerous; and there is a store a few miles higher up. The Hakataramea Valley is in the Hakataramea riding of the Waimate county, and in the electorate of Waitaki.
was established in September, 1884. It is constructed of wood and iron, and contains a class room and a porch, with accommodation for forty children; there are twenty-six on the roll, and the average attendance for 1902 was twenty-five. Ten acres of land are attached to the school, and a shelter-shed stands in the playground.
Teacher in charge of the Hakataramea Valley school, was born in Temuka, in 1880. He was educated at Geraldine, where he served his pupil-teachership, and was appointed to Hakataramea Valley in August, 1901.
Settler, Hakataramea, Valley. Mr. Dunstan was born on the 5th of March, 1850, in Cornwall, England, and is a stone cutter by trade. He arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Columbus” in 1872, and became shepherd on a station at Burke's Pass. He was then engaged in quarry work for some time before entering the service of the late Mr. Dalzell, on a property which is now part of the Hakataramea. station. Mr, Dunstan was shepherd there for a number of years, and afterwards held a similar position at Clarksfield, St. Andrews, Bluecliffs, and Otaio, successively, before settling at Hakataramea Valley. His property consists of thirty-five acres of freehold, on which his convenient residence stands, and he has been continuously employed on the Hakataramea station since 1892. Mr. Dunstan is at present in charge of the rabbit fence on the estate at Rocky Point. He was married, on the 23rd of
Settler, Hakataramea Valley. Mr. Emmett was born. in Devonshire, England, on the 8th of April, 1850, and was brought up to an outdoor life. He came to New Zealand by the ship “St. Lawrence” in 1874, and landed at Timaru in a surf-boat. Mr. Emmett settled in Waimate, and soon afterwards entered the service of the Waimate County Council, of which he is one of the oldest servants, as he has had charge of the roads in Hakataramea Valley since 1884. He was married, in 1872, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Dunn, of Cornwall, and has three daughters and two sons. Mrs Emmett was for about three years in the public school at Waimate, and subsequently had charge of the Hakataramea Valley school for six years.
Sheepfarmer, “Viewfield,” Hakataramea Valley. Mr. Milne was born in Morayshire, Scotland, in 1851, and was brought up to farming on his father's farm. He came to New Zealand in 1872, in the ship “City of Dunedin,” and settled in Timaru. In 1884 he purchased his present property of “Viewfield.” It comprises 576 acres of freehold, with 600 acres leasehold, and is devoted chiefly to the rearing and fattening of sheep for the export trade. Mr. Milne has a large number of sheep annually available for this purpose, and in breeding them he uses halfbred ewes and Border Leicester rams. In order to keep the pasture fully up to requirements, Mr. Milne annually cultivates a large portion, of the property, and puts it down in the first instance in turnips and rape to finish off the sheep. Mr. Milne has been a member of the Waimate County Council for many years, and also of the school committee, and he is pipe-major to the Waitaki Gaelic Society. He was married to Miss McKay, but is now a widower, with two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Eddistone,” Hakataramea Valley. Mr. McCully was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1852, and came to Lyttelton by the ship “Crusader,” at the age of twenty. For the first six months he was at Lincoln, and was then on the Peninsula, at Christchurch, and at Courtenay, successively, before going to Timaru in 1874. Mr. McCully was in the Orari district till the beginning of 1879, when he received the appointment of manager of Judge Ward's property at Hakataramea Valley, and he held that position till 1891. when the place was subdivided and sold. He then purchased 133 acres of the estate, which he has since farmed. For a number of years he has been chairman of the Hakataraea Valley school committee, and is one of the trustees of the local cemetery and racecourse, Mr. McCully was married, in 1881, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Batten, of Tasmania, and has five sons and four daughters.
(Norman Hayes, manager), Hakataramea Valley. This fine estate is owned by the trustees of the late Mr. Alpheus Hayes, and comprises 2842 acres of freehold, and 925 acres of leasehold land. From 3000 to 4000 head of crossbred sheep are run, and about 100 acres are sown down in cereals annually, besides a good many acres in turnips. Eighty bushels of oats, and fifty bushels of wheat per acre, have been reaped on the property.
Manager of “Norman Vale,” and one of the trustees, is the eldest son of the late Mr. Alpheus Hayes, of Waimate. He was born at Waimate in 1875, and was educated at the local public and high school. Mr. Hayes was brought up to sheepfarming by his father, and has resided at “Norman Vale” since June, 1896. For a time Mr. Hayes was a member of the Waimate Rifle Volunteers, and has also been a member of the Hakataramea Valley school committee. He was married in May, 1900, to a daughter of Mr. John Barclay, of Oamaru, and has one son.
Farmer, “Gilston Farm,” Hakataramea Valley. Gilthe climate is noted for its dryness, purity and 1000 acres held under lease as a grazing run. About 2000 crossbred sheep are kept on the estate. Mr. Wain is the third son of Mr. Job Wain, of Opoho, Dunedin, and was born in that city in April, 1877. He was educated in his native place, and afterwards at the Waitaki High School, Oamaru. In 1894 he settled in Hakataramea Valley, and four years later commenced farming on his own account. Mr. Wain joined the North Otago Mounted Rifles in 1899, and now holds the rank of sergeant. He has been a member of the Hakataramea school committee since 1899, and was secretary in 1903, and he is also vice-president of the Waitaki Collie Dog Club. Mr. Wain was married, in 1898, to a daughter of the late Mr. Christian Hille, of Kurow, and has two sons and two daughters.
is situated on the north bank of the Waitaki in very mountainous country. It is owned by the National Mortgage Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited, and managed by Mr. W.
Manager of Te Akatarawa station, was born on the 11th of May, 1857, in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, where he was educated, and passed his early years on his father's farm. In 1878 he arrived in Port Chalmers by the “Calliope,” and went immediately to one of Messrs Dalgety and Co.'s stations, where he stayed till he was appointed to the management of the Elephant Hills estate in the Waimate district. When that property was sold in 1900 to Mr. Mathias, Mr. Melville was transferred to the management of Three Springs station, Fairlie On the Government taking over the Three Springs estate, Mr. Melville became manager of “Te Akatarawa.” Mr. Melville is a widower, with three sons and one daughter.
Page 38. Mr. Rolleston died at his residence, Kapunatiki, near Temuka, on the 8th of February, 1903.
Page 84. Mr. Walker resigned his positions in the Seddon Government in June, 1903, and was shortly afterwards elected Speaker of the Legislative Council.
Pages 89–90. Mr. Collins was not returned at the general election of November, 1902.
Page 91. Mr. Russell was not re-elected at the general election of November, 1902.
Pages 95–107. Mr. Thomson died on the 13th September, 1903.
Page 97. Mr. Lewis stood for the Parliamentary representation of Courtenay, at the general election held on the 25th of November, 1902, when he polled 1535 votes, or 351 more than the next highest candidate.
. Page 100. Early in 1903 the Corporation of Christchurch became the Corporation of Greater Christchurch, by the inclusion of Sydenham, St. Albans and Linwood. The city, as now constituted, is divided into four wards; namely, Central Ward, Sydenham Ward, St. Albans Ward, and Linwood Ward. At the elections which took place on the 29th of April, 1903, the following members were elected. Central Ward: Councillors H. J. Beswick, W. H. Cooper, C. M. Gray, H. H. Loughnan, G. Payling, and H. B. Sorensen. Sydenham Ward: Councillors H. G. Ell, J. Forrester, J. Hadfield, and G. W. J. Parsons. St. Albans Ward: Councillors W. J. Neate and A. F. Carey. Linwood Ward: Councillors H. J. Otley and H. Pearce. [Mr. Ell having resigned his seat as one of the members for Sydenham Ward, a by-election ensued, and Mr. B. P. Manhire, at one time Mayor of Sydenham, was elected on the 3rd of September, 1903.]
Page 100. In April, 1900, Mr. Wigram was elected, unopposed, first Mayor of Greater Christchurch. He was also called to a seat in the Legislative Council in June, 1903.
Page 103. Mr. Stringer has now (1903) retired from the service of the Christchurch City Council.
Page 109. Mr. Rhodes was elected chairman of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, in succession to Mr. T. S. Weston, resigned.
Page 111. Mr. Lane died on the 3rd of February, 1903.
Pages 119–120. Mr. Wright died at his home, Windermere, near Ashburton, on the 12th of August, 1902.
Pages 118–119. Fresh elections to the Board took place in February, 1903, and the Board, as now constituted, consists of the following members; namely, George Laurenson, M.H.R., appointed by his Excellency the Governor; the Mayor of Lyttelton (W. Radcliffe), member ex-officio for one year; F. H. Barns, elected by the ratepayers of the borough of Lyttelton; F. Graham and G. J. Smith, elected by the ratepayers of the city of Christchurch; F. Waymouth, the ratepayers of St. Albans; J. Brown, the ratepayers of Sydenham; W. Rollitt, united boroughs of Linwood, Woolston and Sumner; Isaac Gibbs and A. Kaye, Canterbury Chamber of Commerce; James Gough and John Wolfe, the Selwyn County Council; D. Buddo, M.H.R., appointed by Government, Ashley County Council having failed to elect; John Lambie, elected by Ashburton County Council; James Hay, elected by Akaroa County Council. Mr. Albert Kaye is chairman of the Board.
Assoc. M. Inst., C.E., was appointed engineer to the Lyttelton Harbour Board in December, 1902.
Page 120. Captain McClatchie died on the 27th of July, 1903.
Page 121. Mr Kaye was elected chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, in succession to the late Mr. E. G. Wright.
Page 126. Mr. Westenra died on the 6th of April, 1903. His wife, a daughter of the Rev. W. Aylmer, sometime of Akaroa, died on the 25th of November, 1902.
Page 126. Mr. Dunlop was elected chairman of the Selwyn County Council, in succession to Mr. R Westenra.
Page 127. Mr. Davies died suddenly, whilst attending to his duties as the Selwyn County Council's water-race engineer, on the 24th of August, 1903.
Page 132. Colonel Webb is now (1903) Officer Commanding the Wellington Volunteer District.
Page 133. Captain Hobday retired from the service after the article about him had been printed.
Page 140. After his article was printed, Mr. Fisher resigned his position in the Civil Service, to become a member of the firm of Lake and Evans, Christchurch.
Pages 142–981. Colonel Jowsey became manager of the Canterbury Club, Christchurch, in August, 1903.
Page 146. Early in 1903 Mr. Kirton retired from the Civil Service, and the position of Chief Postmaster at Christchurch. He was succeeded by Mr. J. F. McBeth, formerly of Wanganui. Mr. McBeth's biography appears on page 1379 of the Wellington volume of this work, and his portrait at page 1380.
Page 147. The article at page 147 had been printed off before Mr. Humpries returned its proof. Mr. Humphries joined the Government Survey Department in Taranaki, in 1857; became Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands there on the retirement of Mr. C. D. Whitcombe; served as a volunteer in the Taranaki Rifles during the Maori war of 1860–61, and was engaged, whilst a volunteer, in making surveys and plans of the field of operations.
Page 163. Professor Bickerton does not now (1903) hold the Chair of Chemistry and Physics at Canterbury College.
Page 157. Miss Ewart was appointed Matron of the Timaru Hospital in August, 1903.
Pages 164–165. Mrs Macmillan Brown, the first woman to take the Master of Arts degree in the British dominions, died at Rotorua on the 22nd of February, 1903.
Dean Of Christchurch. Page 187. Early in 1903 the Rev. Charles Walter Carrington was appointed to succeed Dean Harper as Principal of College House, connected with Christ's College.
Page 188. Mr. Pollock resigned his positions in the diocese of Christchurch, in October, 1902.
Page 190. Mr. Averill was made a Canon of Christ-church Cathedral in November, 1902.
Page 190. Mr. Julius is now (1903) vicar of Waikari, North Canterbury.
Page 191. In August, 1903, Archdeacon Lingard gave notice of his resignation as Vicar of St. Luke's, Christchurch, on account of failing health, and with the intention of spending the remainder of his life in Kent, England; but died on the 20th of September.
Page 193. After the demise of Archdeacons G. J. Cholmondeley and B. W. Dudley, the archdeaconries of Christchurch and Rangiora were united under the name of Christchurch, with Mr. Scott as Archdeacon.
Page 193. Mr. Norris was appointed to the cure of Malvern in August, 1903.
Page 194. Mr. Williams was appointed, about the middle of 1903, to the cure of Prebbleton and Templeton in succession to the Rev. J. Blackburne, resigned, and was succeeded at
. Page 198. Owing to failing health, Dr. Elmslie resigned the pastorate of St. Paul's church in June, 1903. The Rev. T. Tait, of Brunswick, near Melbourne Australia, accepted a call to become Dr. Elmslie's suceessor.
Page 201. Miss Funston retired from the position of organist at the Roman Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Christ-church, to enter married life.
Page 202. Mr. G. R. Fleming has succeeded Miss Young as organist at St. Mary's, Manchester Street, Christchurch.
Page 203. Mr. Parsonson died on the 8th of September, 1903.
Page 221. After his article had been printed, Mr. Lyon resigned signed his office as Master of the Hounds to the Christchurch Hunt Club; and Mr. H. R. Parkinson, who had bought Mr. Lyon's resieence, was appointed to succeed Mr. Lyon as Master.
Page 228. Miss Bush left Christchurch in the middle of June, 1903, to study singing in England.
Page 231. Miss Lingard returned to Christchurch in August, 1903.
Page 243. Mr. Beetham retired from the position of Stipendiary Magistrate in Christchurch, in May, 1903, and was succeeded by Mr. W. R. Haselden, who is referred to at pages 331–475 and 564 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.
Page 247. Mr. Simth-Ansted died on the 20th of July, 1903.
Pages 247–248. Mr. Weston resigned his position as chairman of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College in November, 1902, and was succeeded by Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes.
Page 261. Mr. Blyth was promoted to the management of a branch bank in the North Island in August, 1903.
Page 271. The office-bearers for 1903–1904 are: President, Mr. W. D. Meares; vice-president, Mr. H. Quane; committee, Messrs E. C. Ashby, G. Anderson, E. C. Brown, W. Ballantyne, J. A. Frostick, I. Gibbs, A. Kaye, G. Lambie, R. E. McDougall, J. G. Moore, A. L. Parsons, H. G. Simms, F. Waymouth, H. Wood, and W. Wood.
Page 280. Mr. Harman died on the 26th of November, 1902.
Page 331. Mr. Bain resigned his position in the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association in August, 1903.
(George Gatonby Stead and George Joseph Fisher Palmer). Pages 344–345. Mr. Stead has retired from the firm, and the business is now (1903) carried on by Mr. Palmer.
Page 369. Mr. Peryman was elected chairman of the North Cantorbury Education Board, at the Board's meeting on the 26th of August, 1903.
Page 371. Mr. Studholme died in London on the 7th of March, 1903.
Page 374. Mr. Tisch died on the 12th of July, 1903.
(page 380), Linwood Borough Council (page (385) and St. Albans Borough Coungil (page 389). The boroughs over which these councils had jurisdiction became wards of Greater Christchurck in the early part of the year 1903.
formerly District Traffic Manager of the Christchurch Section of New Zealand Railways, was born in Ayrshire. Scotland, in 1846, and educated at the Glasgow High School, and brought up to mercantile life. He came to Port Chalmers in 1871 per ship “Willd Deer.” After engaging in farming pursuits for a time he joined the railway service in 1874 as clerk in the goods department in Dunedin under Mr. Conyers. Four years later Mr. Gaw was transferred to Christchurch as goods agent, where he continued till 1883, when he was appointed traffic manager at Invercargill, whence he was transterred to Dunedin in a similar position. He was appointed District Traffic Manager at Christ-church in 1890, and is now (1903) Traffic Superintendent at Dunedin.
was constituted by a special Act of Parliament in 1902. At present the district under its control comprises the city of Christ-church, the boroughs of Woolston, New Brighton, and Sumner, the road district of Spreydon, and portions of the road districts of Avon, Heathcote, Riccarton, and Halswell. Portions of other districts may be included by the Governor, if a majority of the ratepayers express a desire for inclusion. The Board consists of eight members, and there is a freehold, a rating, and a residential qualification for electors, but no distinction is made in respect to sex. The Board is empowered to levy rates, and also to borrow £250,000 in the first instance, and an additional £100,000, if it thinks fit. The consent of the ratepayers to raise the first-named sum has already been obtained. Mr. F. H. Chamberlain, the Board's engineer, has prepared a scheme for electrically working all the present tram lines, except the city and suburban, between Christchurch and New Brighton, and for extending them through the city and suburbs in various directions. For the present, the city and suburban line will be served with horses or steam. This scheme has been adopted by the Board, and arrangements are now (September, 1903) being made for carrying it out. The lines will be on the world's standard gauge, namely, 4 feet 8 1/2 inches, and the single-trolly system has been decided upon. A proposal has been made by residents of Riccarton and Sockburn to have an electric tram run into those districts. The first Board, consisting of the following members, was elected on the 22nd of January, 1903: Mr. W. Reece (chairman), the Hon. H. F. Wigram, and Messrs A. B. Morgan, H. Pearce, G. Scott, A. W. Beaven, G. G. Stead, and F. Waymouth. Mr. F. Thompson is secretary.
Builder, Dean Street, St. Albans. Mr. Maynard was born in Cornwall, England, in 1856, and was educated in the theory of mining under his father, who was an engineer. After spending some time mining in Austria, he came to New Zealand in 1879, and landed at Lyttelton. Mr. Maynard was for five years at Ormondville, Hawke's Bay, and during a part of his residence there he was a member of the local town board and also of the licensing bench. Subsequently he removed to Ashburton, where he carried on the business of a builder, and received a fair share of the trade of the district. He was chairman of the Hampstead Town Board for some years, and in 1898 he was elected a member of the
Mayor Lyttelton. Page 397. Mr. Grubb was succeeded at the election of April, 1903, by Mr. W. Radcliffe.
Page 400. Mr. Curtis in now (1903) an assistant inspector of Post Offices in the provincial district of Aucklan
Page 402. Mr. Coates was appointed to an honorary canonry in the Christchurch Cathedral, in the place of the canonry rendered vacant by the death of Canon Cotterill.
Page 428. Mr. Lynskey retired from the public service on the 30th of June, 1903, after forty-two years of service. He was succeeded at Kaiapoi and Rangiora by Mr. A. G. Ashby, formerly clerk of the court at Riverton, Southland.
Page 448. Mr. Blathwayt resigned the charge of the Maori Mission at Kaiapoi in January, 1903.
Page 464. Mr. Doull accepted a call about the middle of 1903 to the Presbyterian church at Otahuhu, Auckland, and was succeeded at Rangiora by the Rev. J. D. Steele, formerly of Otahuhu.
Page 461. Mr. Peters is now (1903) stationed at Ashburton, and the article at page 464 has been superseded by that at page 820.
Page 465. Mr. Tutton has retired from auctioneering, and the business formerly carried on by him is now in the hands of Messrs Conway Matson and Co.
Page 485. Mr. Allison died on the 11th of January, 1903.
Page 494. Mr. Fraser was transferred to the stationmastership at Lumsden, Southland, in April, 1903.
Page 506. Mr. Crowe died at East Oxford on the 5th of June, 1903.
Page 525. Mr. Vallance died on the 16th of April, 1903.
Page 534. Mr. Brodie left the Amberley district in September, 1903.
Page 543. Mr. Stanton died on the 7th of August, 1903.
Page 556. Mr. Nicol died on the 1st of May, 1903.
(Richard Purchase, Proprietor), Hurunui. Mr. Purchase is a native of Worcester, England, where he was born in 1856. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Marlborough” in 1878, and has had considerable experience in hotel management; four years at Kaiapoi, one year at Timaru, and for a time at Culverden. Mr. Purchase was married in 1883 to Miss Kemp, and has one son and three daughters.
Page 654. Mr. Blackburne now (September, 1903) resides at Woodville, Hawke's Bay.
sometime of “Riversdale,” Dunsandel, was born at Tiverton, Devonshire, England, and was brought up to agriculture on his father's farm. In 1853 he came to New Zealand in the sailing ship “Mermaid,” and landed at Lyttelton. For a year or two he farmed in conjunction with his brother, and was then farming on his own account for eighteen or twenty years, at Springston, where he had a property of 400 acres. Having sold his land at Springston, he bought 700 acres in the Dunsandel district, and gave the name of “Riversdale” to his estate. There he carried on mixed farming up to the time of his death, which took place on the 16th of November, 1902. Mr. Wright paid special attention to the breeding of English Leicesters, of which he had a stud flock, and won many prizes at the Christchurch, Leeston and Ashburton shows. His reputation as a breeder led to his being asked from time to time to serve as a judge of Leicester sheep at Timaru, Dunedin, and other places. He was a member of the Dunsandel Domain Board for many years, and took a great interest in the welfare of the district. In 1867 he married Miss Aiken, eldest daughter of Mr. George Aiken, of Nelson, and six sons and four daughters were born of the union. Four of the sons are now (1903) farming on their own account, three of them being married, and one is studying at St. John's College Auckland, in preparation for the ministry of the Church of England.
Stationmaster and Postmaster at Rakaia, was born in Invercargill, in 1864, and is the eldest son of the late Mr. Robert Cameron, a notice of whom appears in the Southland division of the Otago and Southland volume of this Cyclopedia. Mr. Cameron was educated at Winton, and entered the railway service in 1877, as cadet a Waipahi. Then he was stationmaster at Dipon, Makarewa, Otautau, Kingston, Riversdale, and Sawyer's Bay successively, and was transferred to Rakaia in 1900. He has been a member of the Railway Officers' Institute since its formation.
Page 930. The Government having bought this estate under the Land for Settlements Act, the subdivision of the property was taken in hand in August, 1903, when the settlement was re-named Rosewell.
Geraldine, is a fine brick building, erected in 1881, to replace an old wooden church built in 1864. There is seating accommodation for 280 persons, and the average attendance is 100. There is a surpliced choir, which is accompanied by a large American organ. The church has a fine oak lectern, erected to the memory of the late Rev. J. Preston, who was vicar of the parish for twenty-eight years. Services are held twice every Sunday at St. Mary's; also at St. Thomas', Woodbury, and St. Stephen's, Peel Forest, every Sunday, and at Mount Peel and Pleasant Valley, once a month.
B.A., vicar of St. Mary's, Geraldine, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1859, educated at Christ's Hospital, London, and came to New Zealand by the ship “Langston,” in 1875. He finished his course of studies at Canterbury College, where he gained his degree, and was ordained by Bishop Harper. Mr. Hamilton was first appointed curate at Sumner, near Christchurch. He subsequently spent eleven years at Leeston, and was appointed to All Saints', Hokitika, in 1894. From Hokitika he removed to Geraldine.
Page 971. Mr. Archer left Timaru for Melbourne on the 28th of August, 1903.
Page 1024. Mrs Luxmore died on the 9th of August, 1903, in her seventieth year.
son of Mr. A. Pigeon, was born at Addington in 1858, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was brought up to farming on his father's farm, and worked with his father on the Meadowbank estate. This estate he subsequently managed on the retirement of his father, and in 1898 sold it to Mr. Bassett. He then bought his beautiful residence, “Roslyn,” near Timaru, where he now lives. Mr. Pigeon also owns a threshing mill, which is worked chiefly throghout the St. Andrews district. In sporting and athletic matters he takes a keen interest. He is a member of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, and of several athletic clubs; and is the holder of several cups and trophies won in athletic contests. Mr. Pigeon is a great lover of birds and animals, and on his well-appointed grounds at “Roslyn” he has kangaroos, peacocks, pheasants, game birds, doves, etc.
Page 1041. Mr. Lawrie resigned his charge on the 22nd of April, 1903, on account of ill-health.
General Storekeeper, Queen Street, Waimate. Mr. Butcher's business was established in 1898, and is conducted in a single storey brick building, with a verandah. The shop has two show windows, and there are stables and a store behind it. Mr. Butcher, the proprietor, was born in 1864, in Waimate, where he attended school. On leaving school he became the first telegraph messenger in Waimate, and was so employed for three years. He then entered the service of Mr. L. Price, storekeeper, with whom he remained fifteen years, and was subsequently with his successor, Mr. F. Hughes, till the latter's death seven years later. As an Oddfellow Mr. Butcher has been a member of the Loyal Heart of Friendship Lodge since 1889. He was elected treasurer, and became secretary in 1893, and still holds the positions. He served for three years on the local school committee. In April, 1888, Mr. Butcher was married to a daughter of Mr. George Blackwell, of Waimate, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Willowbridge. Mr. Low was born in Essex, England, in 1840. He became a teacher, and was, afterwards, for some time engaged in mercantile life, before coming out to Lyttelton in the ship “Soukar,” in January, 1876. Mr. Low entered the service of the Education Board, in Christchurch, and was for twenty-one years teacher in charge of the Willowby public school. He retired from the service in September, 1897, and settled at Willowbridge, where he had acquired 113 1/2 acres of rich land. Mr. Low is an old Forester, and was a member of the Order in England, but is unattached in New Zealand. During his residence in the Ashburton district he acted as an auxiliary preacher in connection with the Methodist Church, and since removing to South Canterbury he has become a recognised local preacher. He was married, in 1867, to a daughter of the late Mr. B. Harris, of Burstead, Essex, and has four daughters and one son. Mr. Low's son, Mr. H. B. Low, B.A., is second master of the Hokitika High School. The youngest daughter holds the Master of Arts degree, and was for three years connected with the staff of the Christchurch Girls' High School, but is now married to Mr. Henry Dohrmann, of Studholme.
is situated fourteen miles from the township of Hakataramea, and is 1650 feet above the sea level. It is the property of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, which bought it in 1864. The property comprises 30,000 acres of freehold land, and 84,000 acres of leasehold. Of the total area 14,273 acres have been cultivated, and 1500 acres are annually in turnips. Young grass is always put down with rape, upon which a large number of sheep are fattened for the export trade. A Merino stud flock was established on the estate in 1864, with sheep of pure Tasmanian Gibson blood, and the members of the flock have always been successful wherever exhibited in the show-yard. The improvements on the estate include a good dwellinghouse, with a garden, an orchard, and a plantation. There are three woolsheds. The homestead one is built of stone, and it accommodates 2500 sheep, and has floor space for twenty-four shearers, and large storage for wool, etc. There are 180 miles of fencing on the property, and thirty-one miles are rabbit-proof. Early in the year 1900 the Hakataramea Downs estate was bought by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, and it and the Hakataramea Estate are now managed as one property.
In almost all instances, photographs for the following blocks came to hand too late to be worked into their positions with the articles to which they belong; but the connection is, in each case, established by means of the names of the persons concerned, and the pages on which their articles appear.
Page 55. The sentence referring to Ashburn Hall should not have been allowed to remain part of the text.
Page 122. Mr. C. Hood Williams. Through the inadvertent dropping of a letter in the process of making up, the surname appears, wrongly, as “William.”
Page 452. The photograph bearing the name of Mr. E. C. Pateman is not that gentleman's, but that of his father, Mr. E. J. Pateman.
Page 875. The Geraldine Town Board levies rates on a capital value of £52,000. This information came to hand too late for the article at page 875.
Page 587. Donald Macdonald. In the sixth line of Mr. Macdonald's article, part of the word “purchased” dropped out in the process of printing off.
Page 957. Harries, Edward Lifford. The surname should be spelt Harries throughout the article, and nowhere as Herries.
Page 1025. “Roslyn,” the residence of Mr. A. F. Pigeon, at Timaru, is wrongly inscribed as “Belfield,” Waimataitai. The block is reproduced, rightly, at page 1111.
Page 1024. Mr. Philip Bouvrie Luxmore. The middle name should have been spelt Bouverie.