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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Mr. Edward Patten

Mr. Edward Patten 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.

Standish and Preece, photo. Mr. E. Patten.

Standish and Preece, photo.
Mr. E. Patten.