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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

[Templeton]

Templeton 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.

The Templeton Public School 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, page 719 with an average attendance of eighty-four. The members of the school committee are: Messrs Kissell (chairman), Benjamin, Maddison, Mangin, Witty, Davison, and Lucock (secretary).

Mr. David Sinclair, 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.

Templeton Hotel (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.

Mr. Robert T. Day, 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.

Standish and Preece, photo.M. R. T. Day.

Standish and Preece, photo.
M. R. T. Day.

Kissell, George Philip, 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.