The Town Of Tinwald 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.

The Tinwald And Longbeach 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.

Morrison, George William, 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.

Mitchell, photo. Mr. G. W. Morrison.

Gudsell, James, 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.

Mitchell, photo. Mr. J. Gudsell.

Robinson, Joseph, 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.

Mitchell, photo. Mr. J. Robinson.

Clothier, John Alfred 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.

Mitchell, photo.
Mr. J. A. Clothier.

Williams, Thomas, 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.

Mitchell, photo.
Mr. T. Williams.