James Potts

James Potts (08-12-1834  -  25-10-1879)

James Potts was Sarah Winfield Brown’s first husband.  He was born on 08-12-1834 in Christ Church, Spitalfields, Middlesex, England to John and Elizabeth Potts (nee Thompson).  John Potts was a basketmaker who at one stage employed seven men. They had many children, Valentine John, George, James, Henry, Charles, Alfred, Elizabeth, Jane Emma and Susanna.  John Potts had a will dated 20-11-1868 which mentioned his 9 children.  His personal estate was £85. For more information on this family please see the extensive website on the Potts family click here


James Potts appears in the G.R. MacDonald Dictionary of Canterbury Biographies.  James arrived at Lyttelton on the ship Glentanner on 03-10-1857 listed as a basketmaker from London, aged 23. He obviously worked for his father in England.  A report of the journey on the Glentanner was in the Lyttelton Times 07-10-1857.

The Glentanner left Gravesend on the 11th June, and had light and variable winds to the equator, which she crossed on the 20th July, 38 days out. Fortunately, she had pleasant winds from the line until she got into about 43 degs. south, off the Cape, which was made on the 18th August, when she experienced heavy weather. On the 20th occurred somedisagreeable squalls, one of which, a very heavy one from the S.W.,at7p.m. caught the ship on the lee. The vessel was thrown on her beam ends, when every effort was made to take in all sail. The mainmast head gave way, and also the mizen-topmast and jib-boom, which carried away the fore-top gallant mast and fore-topsail yard, fore-topsail, outer and inner and flying jibs, fore and main-top gallant sails, main-topmast stay sail, and cross-jack, and split nearly all the sails. When the masts went down theship lighted herself, but it was not until the following day she could be got before the wind,, and then she could only spread her foresail and fore-top-mast stay sail. By this accident Capt. Bruce had the misfortune to lose one able seaman, Augustus Silva, who was knocked off the mizen top-gallant yard. 


It sounds like a difficult journey out, but this didn't stop James trying to sponsor his future wife, Sarah Winfield Brown to sail out on the Gananoque in 1860.  In the end he didn't have to sponsor her as she became matron on the ship, her job being to keep the single women away from the single men and vice versa!  The matron never actually nursed the sick on board.  Being matron meant she got free passage out.  They married a month after Sarah arrived in New Zealand.  We are not sure how they met in England but it must have been a strong relationship to continue on once she arrived in New Zealand after three years being apart.  James's occupation was labourer.

On 18 August 1867 when his daughter was baptised, he was named as a Foreman of Government Works.  Sponsors were James and Sarah themselves and also Elizabeth Thompson.  Her relationship to the family is unknown.  James and Sarah had four children but none survived to maturity.  See the blog "The Meng children's Stepmother" for more information.

James became a Civil Engineer in New Zealand and was surveyor to the Waimakariri Board of Works.  How he rose to such a position after being a humble basketmaker we will never know. The Mayor and Councillors paid a visit to the embankments on December 1871.  They had a hearty meal, drank toasts and Harman presented Potts with a black marble clock which is still in the family today.  The article describes the place Mr and Mrs Potts were living.

"Before proceeding to notice the various points which came under our inspection, we will first notice what has been done at what may be called the homestead of the Board, viz., the ground in and around the Surveyor's residence, which is now in course of being ploughed up preparatory to being used as a nursery for the young trees used in the protective works. The cottage of the Surveyor has also been painted and the grounds neatly fenced, altogether presenting a trim appearance."  

The cottage which was probably owned the the Board of Conservators was 16 miles from town, which to my calculations puts it somewhere near the west part of West Melton, to the east part of Halkett, somewhere inbetween on what is now the Old West Coast Road, possibly near Range Road.

In the Press 07-10-1876 there was an ad for roading tenders and one was for near "the conservators' office (Potts' house)" on West Coast Road.

After James's death his wife Sarah Winfield Potts had to make a claim to transfer her deceased husbands sections into her name.  They were Rural Section 14152 which is now a rifle range for the NZ Army, just before Halkett area (more like West Melton area), RS 28130, 28146 and 28287.  It appears James owned land in the vicinity of the conservators' house.  According to the article from 1871 the conservators' house was 2 miles from the Waimakariri River, of course the flow of the Waimak is quite different from what it is today.  There is also a mention of Potts' Road in the papers of the time.  I have a feeling it may now be called Range Road which leads to the NZ Army Rifle Range, but this hasn't been proven.

Even though James had no children he was a member of the Halkett School Committee, as was Jabez Lord.  He was also chairman of the Halkett Church Committee in April 1873.  In May 1875 an addition was made to the Courtenay Church and a spire was added and the Bishop consecrated the Church and James was churchwarden at the time.  So James had a lot to do with the Halkett and Courtenay community.

In the Press dated 27-12-1875 there was a summary of the Courtenay Flower Show which was held on 17-12-1875 and had 300 to 400 people attend.  It listed the prize winners.  J. Potts won the following categories:  One specimen plant, in flower; one geranium; one petunia; six verbenas, varieties and twelve pods peas.  He received second prize for: six sweet williams; one calceolaria and three calceolarias.  He did quite well at the show.  Mrs Potts got second in the table bouquet and hand bouquet sections.  In the evening James Potts helped with entertainment so must have been fairly musical.

"An entertainment was held in the evening, when glees were sung by St Matthew's Choir, readings by Messrs Anson and Stedman, and vocal and instrumental; pieces by Mesdames Anson, Anderton, and Taylor, Messrs Potts and Turner. At its conclusion, dancing commenced, and was kept up with great spirit for some hours,when everyone went home, having spent a very happy day."

James was also treasurer for the 1878 Courtenay Horticultural Show in the Press 16-09-1878.  James again won quite a few prizes for flowers and vegetables.  He offered a 10 shilling prize for an arrangement of flowers. 

James Potts was chairman of the Halkett School Committee at the time of his death on 25-10-1879 at his home in Courtenay, aged a young 44.

 The Star 6 November 1879

Water Race Map for Courtenay 1881

The following image is courtesy of F. Wilson who took the photo after a visit to the Selwyn District Council.  It is a photo of a water race map from 1881 and shows who owned or ran the farms at the time in the Courtenay area.  Jabez Lord farmed Rural section 6705 and 7501 and also 6291 across from the St Matthew's Church, Courtenay.

Thomas and Sarah Ellen Anderton farmed rural section 9216 on the corner of what is now called Old West Coast Road and Intake Road.

Other names on the map are Orr, Henderson, Guiney, R. Tosswill, Roper, Turner, Whyte, A. Davis, McLennan and Smith.

The Social Life in Courtenay

I found two articles about the social life in Courtenay, Canterbury, New Zealand.  They also prove how closely connected Mrs Potts, Mrs Anderton and Mrs Lord were (see other blog posts on them).  The three ladies live in the Courtenay area, two of them on farms and Mrs Potts in a house in Courtenay while her husband worked on the Waimakariri River as a civil engineer.

The first article has Mrs Lord and Mrs Anderton involved in duets and is from the Press dated 20-10-1877

"I.O.G.T., Courtenay—The Providence Lodge celebrated its second anniversary on Thursday, 18th inst., by a very successful tea and public entertainment. The new Orange Hall was crowded to excess to hear a choice selection of songs, glees, and duets performed by Mesdames Pearce, Lord, Anderton, and Tetley, and Messrs Trickett, Pearce, Potts, and Coward with Mrs Hunson as pianist. The chair was ably filled by Mr W. Trumble, S.D.G.W.C.T. The lodge deputy, Mr W. Bashford, gave a short report of the Lodge, by which it appeared that twenty-three members had been added during the last three months. Mr H. Bennetts, G.W.C, gave an address upon temperance, and the audienco separated at a somewhat late hour."

The sisters Mary Ann Lord (nee Spencer) and Sarah Ellen Anderton (nee Spencer) must have been fairly good at singing to be entertaining a hall "crowded to excess."

The second article is from the Press dated 05-11-1885 and is also about the Providence Lodge, this time the 10 year anniversary.  Again Mrs Lord and Mrs Anderton performed duets.

"I.O.G.T., Providence Lodge, No. 103, Courtenay. —'lhe tenth anniversary of the above lodge was celebrated by a tea and concert on Friday, October 30th. The attendance, considering the favorable state of the weather, was rather small, but the Committee, through judicious management, were able to meet all expenses and leave a small credit balance. The tea was provided by Mr Batestone, of Kirwee, and the tables presided over by the Sisters of the lodge. The concert was opened by the members of the different lodges singing the opening Templar, ode, "Come friends and brethren, all unite;"  The chair was occupied by the L.D. Bro. G.T. Robertson. Although the musical part of the entertainment was all that could be desired, a want was felt in the absence of temperance speakers. The vocal part of the entertainment was contributed as follows:—Solos, Sister McNae and Miss A. McNae, Bro. White, Mr Pole and Mr G. T. White; duets, Mrs Lord and Mrs Anderton; readings, Mr Anson and Mr Pole. Mrs Anson presided at the piano, kindly lent by Mrs Brett. An address was delivered by the Rev H. B. Burnett, who, at the conclusion of the meeting, asked the members of the institution present for their assistance in making arrangements for a visit from Mr Matthew Burnett, who is giving lectures in the various centres throughout the colony. Bro. Jenkins replied that members would be happy to assist him in the work. After the customary votes of thanks had been passed, the meeting was. brought to a close by singing the National Anthem." 

In the Press dated 06-01-1890 there was an article about the Halkett and Courtenay Sunday Schools which sounds absolutely wonderful.  Dancing on the lawn in front of The Desert homestead (originally connected to the Desert Run), amazing food from country ladies of the district and the sounds of children laughing and playing.  I wish I had been there!  Twenty five year old Edwin Lord (listed as E. Lord), who was the son of Jabez and Mary Ann Lord, was mentioned, as well as Mrs Anderton.

"Courtenay.-—The annual treat in connection with the Halkett and Courtenay Sunday Schools was held on Friday afternoon, in the grounds adjoining The Desert (the homestead ot Mr H. Feutz). During the early part of the afternoon the children amused themselves by playing games. At five o'clock they formed a procession and marched, with the Sunday School banner in the van, to the lawn fronting the house, where they vers regaled with a repast provided by the ladies of the district. After tea Mr T. H. Anson, assisted by the Superintendents (Messrs W. Jenkins and E. Lord) of the two schools, distributed the prizes to the successful scholars.  Hearty cheers were then given for the teachers, Mr and Mrs Feutz, Mr Anson and the ladies.. Dancing on the lawn was indulged in with spirit for some time after which the visitors dispersed. Mesdames Feutz, Brett, Anderton, Davis,  Jenkins, Roper, Cox, Messrs Anson, Jenkins, Lord, and others assisting, are to be congratulated on having brought about one of the most enjoyable outings ever held in the district. The pleasures of the day were very largely added to by the hospitality of Mr and Mrs Feutz, which was accorded to all present." 

Sarah Ellen Anderton (nee Spencer)

The best article of all is entitled "A Holiday at Courtenay" and was in the Press dated 27-11-1877.  It is a very long article which talks about the trip in the train to Kirwee and then drive to the Courtenay district.  It explains the buildings there in 1877, and the sports day which included stalls, refreshments and lots of running races and other sports.  Many local people are named including Mrs Lord on the refreshments stall and Mrs Anderton and Mrs Potts on the other stalls.  Three ladies who knew each other well in the district. It sounds a lot of fun and just shows what a wonderful community they had there all those years ago.

A HOLIDAY AT COURTENAY.

A holiday in the country is to a man about town as refreshing as an oasis in the desert is to an Asiatic traveller, and demoralised indeed must be he who cannot spend a few hours happily amongst pastoral paddocks, picturesque hedge-rows, and singing skylarks, far away from that compromise between town and country which men call Christchurch. Times there are when one is apt, unreasonably perhaps, to think the attractions of Hagley Park, the gardens, and the Museum dull and hackneyed, beer-drinking an occupation which is stale and flat, and basking in the suave smiles of barmaids sadly unprofitable to the basker; and there are times when even the aesthetic glories of Cathedral square fail to charm. At such times when Cassius is aweary of the world, it will be well and wise for him to flee to the country for mental recuperation. Fresh air and a change of scene are your best physicians. For myself, I am an observer of the golden mean in all things, a staid, steady youth of puritanical principles and practice, and to mc such changes are never matters of necessity. Still it was with pleasure that I complied with a request to attend the annual sports at Courtenay on Friday, the 23rd inst., although the compliance entailed an early rise in the morning, a folly to which I have an hereditary dislike. When I reach the old railway station, at twenty minutes past six—ten minutes before the time of starting—the scene did not remind me of the terminus at Euston square, London, for a very good reason —I have never been there. The gathering crowds of people philosophical aspects, and the railway buildings looked their best in the genial sunlight—extremely commonplace. A start made, our company gave way to that sociability so characteristic of English speaking people, and the conversation, like the speed we were going at, became fast and furious. At least three remarks were made within the first half hour. One of these was quite poetical. A gentleman said—"Rain must come soon, or there'll be sorrow all round the heart of the country is panting for it." He is an auctioneer, and therefore by trade a dealer in poetic diction. An irreverent writer recently expressed some sneers at the speed of trains on the Canterbury railways. He must have strange notions of rapid travelling. On Friday morning the train went from Christchurch to Kirwee, a distance of twenty-one miles, in an hour and three-quarters— a rate which could scarcely be beaten by the oldest stock horse in the province. Besides, this pace enables passengers to amuse themselves by counting the sheep and poultry at the farms near the line as they pass along, a pleasure which railway travellers in other parts of the world are debarred from enjoying. But some people are never satisfied.

It had been raining for about a quarter of an hour before we reached Kirwee, and this circumstance, though it must have been consoling to the settlers, did not tend to enliven the appearance of the town. Kirwee is not noted for its crowded streets, neither was Christchurch thirty years ago. Half an hour's drive from Kirwee brings us to Courtenay, which consists of a schoolhouse, with teacher's residence attached, one cottage, a public library, a new building called the Orange Hall, a stockyard, and a cowshed. The country around consists of rich level lands, mostly laid down in grass, and browsed by sleek well-developed cattle and longwoolled sheep. Here and there the fields are embellished with rows and clumps of blue gums and other trees, but there is no native timber about. We are told that shearing is going on in the neighborhood, that Mr Holmes, of Bangor, is nearly finished, that Colonel Brett, of Kirwee, has just begun, and that Mr Tosswill, of Highfield, will begin in; a day or two.  The district is evidently not densely populous, the holdings being mostly large, but it is unmistakeably prosperous. Notwithstanding the rainfall there are a good many people hovering about the village, and the Orange Hall is the scene of considerable activity. Entering that august building, we find it tolerably well filled with ladies who are superintending the erection and decoration of stalls and the placing of refreshment tables. The reply given to the inevitable question is that the ladies of the neighborhood are getting up a bazaar for the purpose of raising funds to build a parsonage. They think it would not be unwise to hold it on the same day as the annual sports of the district. A church, situated some distance from the village, they already possess, and they thought that if they once had a parsonage erected they would be able to support a clergyman. Expecting to receive £250 from the Church Property Trust, and knowing that it will take £400 to build a parsonage, the object of the residents is to raise what they can of the balance by means of the bazaar. The stalls are not numerous—three only—but they are tastefully got up and are well supplied with articles useful and ornamental, and they are patronised in a manner which is gratifying to the holders. All the people who come to attend and witness the sports pay for their luncheon at the tables presided over by Mrs Robertson, Mrs Lord, and Mrs Bashford. The fancy goods' stall, kept by Mrs Tosswill and Mrs Hopkins, would do credit to any city bazaar. The other stalls are in charge of Mrs Goole, Mrs Anderton and Mrs Davies, Mrs Ansen, Mrs Potts, and Mrs Foster respectively. Throughout the day a good business is done, and in the evening the balance of the articles are sold by Mr Hawkes, of Christchurch.

About noon the rain clears off, and a beginning is made with the annual sports. Mr P. H. Ansen is president; Mr S. W. Tosswill, secretary. The committee are, inclusive of the two gentlemen just named, Messrs A. McNae, H. McNae, Kemp, E. Templar, and D. McBeath; judge, Mr E. C. Maxwell; starter, Mr H. V. Ansen.

The first event was a race for boys under sixteen; distance, 440 yards. There were three entries. Little Arthur Tosswill made the running very warm for Alf White, a boy nearly five years older than he, White winning by about two feet. For the running long leap there were three entries, but the tug of war lay between A. McBeath and J. Kemp, the former of whom won with a leap of 17ft 3in, Kemp clearing 16ft 9 1/2in. There were four competitors in the standing high jump, and so close was the contest between S. Simpson and R. Frame —both of whom cleared 4ft 1in that they tossed for first place, Frame winning the toss. There were five entries for the hop, step, and jump. A. McBeath won the first prize, with 35ft 7in; R. Frame second, with 34ft. 6in. Four entered as contestants in putting the stone, R. Frame winning the first prize with a pitch of 30ft 8in, A. McBeath second, distance 28ft 8in. The footrace for adults, 440 yards, was an exciting events, but the strife lay between F. Holland and J. Smyth, A. McBeath being nowhere. Holland won in 63 1/2sec, with Smyth running hard a length, or two behind him. S. W. Tosswill, H. McNae, and R. Frame entered for throwing the sledge hammer. Frame won first prize with a distance of 77ft; McNae second, distance 69ft 8in. The 100 yards open handicap caused much interest amongst the spectators. Five started; H. G. Tosswill, placed two yards from scratch, took the lead and kept it throughout, winning the first prize, a handsome silver cup, presented by Mr Sandstein, jeweller, Cashel street, Christ church; J. Kemp won second place. For the running high jump, for boys under sixteen, there were three entries, A. Tosswill, A. White, and R. Manson. The first, a lad of eleven, leapt very pluckily, but the others were too much for him. Manson won with a jump of 3ft. 7 1/2in. White took second place. The two miles walking race was by far the most interesting contest of the day. There were three entries, A. McNae, H. G. Tosswill, and J. Sawle. From the outset there was little apparent chance of either of the other two taking the first prize out of McNae's hands but towards the end a keen struggle took place between Tosswill and Sawle for second honors. Both walked well. At one time it looked as though both broke into a trot; but Tosswill came in second by several lengths. After the walk both complained of being jostled by each other. Sawle lodged a protest, which was allowed, and the committee awarded him second prize. Four entered for the half-mile race, for boys under eighteen years. After a spirited contest D. McBeath won the first, and B. Revelley the second prize. The running high jump was keenly contested, the top height cleared being 4ft. 10in. F. Holland and A. McBeath were so closely matched that instead of "holding out to tire each other down," they agreed to divide the prize money between them. For the one mile race, open to all, four started, J. Smith coming in first in the first lap, S. Simpson second. This order was kept up throughout except for a brief space, when A. McNae passed Simpson, but the race finished with Smith first, Simpson second. Time, 5min. 35secs. The 440 yards three-legged race created much amusement. Three pairs entered, H. McNae and A. McBeath, H. G. Tosswill and S. W. Tosswill, J. Kemp and A. McNae. The Tosswills took the lead at the offset and kept it throughout, winning easily, McBeath and H. McNae being second, Kemp and his partner conspicuously in the rearward. The 220 yards handicap called five competitors to the fore. S. Simpson with a start of five yards, and A. Robinson ditto, came in respectively first and second. The half-mile race (open) was won by S. W. Tosswill, J. Smith second. In the "three hops," J. Sawle won the first prize, the second was won by S. W. Tosswill. There were four entries for the married men's race, 220 yards. H. McClelland carried off the first, W. Simpson the second prize. The first prize for the race over eight flights of hurdles was won by F. Holland, the second by J. Simpson. The prizes were distributed in the evening by Mrs T. Anson, wife of the president. All those valued at less than £1 consisted of money, those valued at, and more than that, of handsome silver cups. Of these last were the 100 yards handicap, the mile race, the 220 yards handicap, and the two-miles walking race, the running high jump, the hurdle race, and the three-legged race.

In conclusion, it may be remarked that the sports were tolerably successful considering the size of the district. A little more method in the arrangements, which should be left to the management of a small committee, would be a tangible advantage; but the drawback alluded to is one which time and experience will remedy.

The Anderton Family

Thomas Andrew Anderton (21-02-1829  -  08-09-1896)

Thomas Andrew Anderton was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England on 21-02-1829 to parents George Anderton and Sarah Wilkinson.  He had brothers and sisters as follows:

Mary Ann Anderton (18-11-1830 - ?)

Martha Anderton (30-12-1832 - ?)

William Anderton (7-08-1834 - ?)

Jane Anderton (27-03-1836 - ?)

Thomas Anderton married Sarah Ellen Spencer in 1857 in Halifax, Yorkshire, England. 

Thomas and Sarah emigrated to New Zealand on the ship Metropolis, a ship of 1082 tons, commanded by Captain Kennery which sailed from London on 04-03-1863 and arrived at Lyttelton on 16-06-1863.  Thomas was named as a gardener from Yorkshire in the passenger list. 

Soon after arriving, Thomas and Sarah would have moved to the Courtenay area of Canterbury where Sarah's sister Mary Ann Lord (nee Spencer) already lived with her husband Jabez Lord.  The Andertons ended up living just down the road from each other.  The Andertons had a farm on West Coast Road (which is now the Old West Coast Road). 

The family story was that Thomas and Sarah had no children but there was an entry in the Press dated 30-05-1868 that said they had a daughter on 27-05-1868.  After over ten years marriage with no children, this child would have been much loved and adored and very special to them.  Not many people advertised their children's births in those days.  However this baby must not have survived for very long as there was never an Anderton child who grew to adulthood as far as we know.  There is no record of her birth on the Births, Deaths and Marriages website and no record of her death.  This may be because of a transcription of typing error in the records, or maybe she was never registered and died only a few days after birth and they were too heartbroken to register her.

The loss of their child would have been terrible.  Sarah Anderton's sister, Mary Ann Lord nee Spencer sent her son Edwin Lord to live with the Andertons.  We are not sure what age he was when he went there, but the family story was that he was pretty much brought up by the Andertons.  The Lord and Anderton families lived only  a few hundred metres down the road from each other on separate farms, so he wouldn't have been greatly missed as he wasn't far away.  The Lord family was big and Mary Ann Lord would have had enough on her plate already.

On 08-09-1869 the Board of Conservators met and Anderton was awarded 14 pounds for "ploughing for gorse plantations."  Little did the farmers know then that gorse would become one of the worst introduced plants in New Zealand, taking over the countryside and growing far more vigorously than back in Great Britain.

In the Press of 05-05-1873 Thomas Anderton made an objection to the electoral roll for Selwyn District as he had been incorrectly named as "Anderson".  His land was leasehold, not freehold at the time.

Jabez Lord and Thomas Anderton were both farmers and well involved in the Courtenay community.  They had a couple of roading tenders accepted that were advertised in the Press 14-07-1873.

The Courtenay Road Board met at White's Accommodation House on 04-05-1875 to discuss roading in the area and the West Coast Road contract had taken too long to be commenced by a man named McDowell, so the contract was passed on to the next local men, Lord and Anderton.  The article from The Press dated 07-05-1875 said that they were "now at work" on the contract, obviously being more consciencious than McDowell.

On 26-06-1875 a committee was chosen for the Courtenay Flower Show which consisted of Messrs Anderton and Lord as well as other men.  Messrs Anderton offered one of the special prizes.  In 1878 and 1889 this prize was 5 shillings for the best six kidney potatoes.

In the Press 21-10-1886 Thomas Anderton was chosen to judge best kept garden at the annual show:

"It was arranged that the annual show be held on Friday, 24th December. Resolved, that the Secretary endeavour to arrange for three judges for the show, and communicate with Mr Crooks with reference thereto. The date for judging the gardens was fixed for Saturday, 18th December, and Messrs McNae, Anderton, and Davis, were appointed judges for the same."  He was also appointed a judge for the gardens in 1878 and 1888.  In the Press of 17-12-1890 Thomas Anderton was listed as a committee member for the Courtenay Horticultural Society who were holding a flower show.  It seems that Thomas was very much into his gardening and the Horticultural Society which is understandable considering he was a gardener back in England.  He didn't however seem to enter any of the competitions, preferring to be on the committee instead.

On 05-04-1889 in The Press, Thomas Anderton was listed as sending sheep to the Kirwee saleyards for the monthly sale.  It seems that times were hard and a bit of a drought was hitting the Canterbury area:

"At the Kirwee Saleyards on Monday, April 1st, we held our monthly sale. Large entries of sheep were sent in, over 4000 yarded, but although there was a large attendance there were not many buyers present, and the majority of the sheep were purchased by dealers. Despite the heavy rains we have had, this part of the country looks very dry, and there is a scarcity of feed, and farmers do not care about burdening themselves with sheep that they cannot keep properly. Our entries were for Mr G. Spencer, H. W. Mac- Lelland, B. Hale, E. Guiney, W. McLellan, G. McCausland, J. O'Brien, Geo. Bedford, Geo. Seaton, T. Anderton, T. H. Anson, W. Round, R. Kemp, A. Calder, T. W. Johnson, H. J. Pearce, W. Finlay, E. Brown, and others our principal sales being 100 four-tooth wethers at 10s 6d; 556 crossbred ewes, 3s 4d, 260 crossbred lambs, 6s 6d; 761 first cross lambs, 6s, 461 merino ewes, 1s 9d, and 100 merino ewes, 4s; and a fair entry of timber and sundries at prices satisfactory to vendors."

On 11-09-1889 there was an article in the Press regarding the River Board for the Waimakariri.  It said, "Tenders were opened for the supply of 25 casks of cement, and half a ton No. 10 wire. That of W. Langdown and Co. (anchor brand) at 16s od per cask, and wire at £11 16a per ton was accepted. The tenders of W. Fellows and T. Anderton were accepted at 7  3/4d per cask for carting the cement."  It seems he did carting around the community in general.  His brother in law Jabez Lord was a wool carter, so maybe he got tips from him in the business.

Thomas Andrew Anderton passed away on 08-09-1896 aged 66 and is buried in St Matthew's Church Cemetery, Courtenay with his wife Sarah Ellen Anderton (nee Spencer) who died on 22-03-1912.

The Clipper Ship "Sebastopol"

I am currently writing a book entitled "The Clipper Ship Sebastopol - New Zealand Immigration Ship 1861-1863"  The blurb is as follows:

"The Sebastopol was a fine clipper ship that made two voyages from London, England to Lyttelton, New Zealand loaded with immigrants for the Provincial Government.  From voyages of cargo and Chinese passengers, to the suicide of a ships surgeon, the Sebastopol has an interesting past.  Extensive research has uncovered the ship's final demise after leaving New Zealand in 1863, which ended its short career. 

This is the first time the full story of the Sebastopol has been told, with the most accurate passenger lists available for the Sebastopol journeys."

THE BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Click here to purchase your own copy!

St Matthew's Courtenay

Here is a photo of St Matthew's Anglican Church, Courtenay, Canterbury, New Zealand for the 50 year jubilee in 1922.  This is the old church.  My ancestor Jabez Lord donated the land for the church in about 1871.  It was designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort in 1872 and consecrated in May 1875. It was demolished in 1937. 

An ad was placed in the Press on 14 November 1872 inviting Carpenters to place tenders for the building of the church. Tenders were to be addressed to Mr T.H. Anson, Esq., Courtenay who was a local farmer and the advertisement was place by J. Potts (James Potts), who was a local civil engineer who worked on the Waimakariri River.  Specifications, which would have been designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort, were available to be viewed at Mr Makeig's office on Hereford Street, Christchurch. This is probably the office of George A. Makeig who was a house and land agent based on Hereford Street.

The church was opened in May 1873, the contractors being Messrs Painter and Thompson.  An article in papers past outlines the first services.  Click here

The new church is a bit different with (if I remember rightly) a rough cast exterior. 

I found a blog which has photos of the gravestones if anyone is interested.  You can see the full pictures for a small fee.  Click here.  As well as a small  picture of the current church.

Canterbury Militia Photo

This photo is in our family photo collection.  It is a man in the Canterbury Militia Uniform, c 1860s as confirmed by a man who knew about military history in New Zealand.  A very old photo!  I am not sure if it is a family member or a family friend.  No one has written on the back of it which upsets me slightly.  The guy in the photo looks very proud to be in the Militia.  He has a 'C' on his cap for Canterbury and a good sturdy rifle next to him. 

The Canterbury Militia is mentioned in the Cyclopedia of New Zealand if you click  here 

And there is also a list of men from 1860 on the Christchurch City Libraries website which is useful for seeing if any members of your family were in the militia around that date.

The library website says that it was compulsory at first to be in the militia from about 1845.  The militia was mostly gone by 1869, hence why I think this photo is from around 1860s.  None of my family where in New Zealand before 1860.  Also the back of the photo has a very simple stamp on it, which was common in the 1860s.

 

I have wanted to get hold of records for later than 1860 but I don't think they exist, or if they do I haven't found them.  If anyone knows I would appreciate help on this.