However, Timaru
harbour was still undeveloped and not an easy port to get into. The
need for local runholders to get their wool to Lyttelton for export had
resulted in reasonably efficient landing services because transport overland was not a viable option before bridges
were built over the rivers. The
Huntress faced with foul weather, was forced bypass it's
destination of Timaru despite being in sight of the shore so our Benbow pioneers made landfall at
Lyttelton. Days passed while they waited for
their belongings to be unloaded and they could take a coastal
steamboat south and be landed by surfboats on a coast unlike the
beach of today. Ships were forced to anchor well out in the roadstead
and then small boats from the landing service brought the passengers and
cargo including animals, ashore.
Newly arrived
immigrants found work was plentiful, either on the well-established sheep
stations or in the growing township. However the shortage of
labour was unfortunately matched by a shortage of accommodation,
so often halls and public rooms were taken over as a matter of
necessity. Most ‘‘new chums’’ had work immediately at wages of £25 to £35
a year, which was considered good.
The Benbow family
spent a night in Timaru and left the following day by bullock wagon.
A team of bullocks pulling a dray could average about 15
km per day on the dirt road and they were able to make a stopover by
nightfall at the Arowhenua Inn at the river crossing.
The proprietor Mr Young pointed out the
best crossing route and he also operated a passenger ferry.
Temuka is believed to have
come into existence because of its proximity to this ford on the Temuka
and Opihi Rivers and was the only crossing place on the main
north-south route at this time.
 Almost all the forest in the Canterbury province had been cleared by Polynesian burning and only the Arowhenua Bush remained but the spring of 1859 was particularly dry throughout the South Island eastern districts and in October a fire swept through the Arowhenua Bush in South Canterbury destroying, among other things, £2,000 worth of sawn timber. Fires broke out everywhere, many thought to have been caused by sparks from bushworkers' billies. Just a few months before the Benbows arrived in January 1863, another accidental burn completed the devastation of the Arowhenua Bush, taking with it sawn timber, fencing and houses and settlers were lucky to escape with their lives. The land would have appeared very desolate to newcomers eyes as they arrived at Temuka where William was to work for John Hayhurst as their gardener and Mary as his housekeeper. In March 1864, son William Charles was born at Georgetown.
How elated the family must have been when William took possession on August 1864, of
20 acres on the south bank of Temuka in the Geraldine
district - the promised land had lived up to expectation after less than a years work.
(Property Qualification - Part 6,613, part
7,697, part 5,581, Waitohi. Kakahu Rd, not far from Edgan
corner, on the south bank of Temuka
Until their home was built they
were given shelter at a neighbouring farm. The sod hut made of straw and mud bricks was given
an iron roof instead of the more usual thatch which accounts for why
it remains today. The family moved in before there were doors were
fitted and with the shortage of glass, windows had wire mesh until
some was available.
The children walked 6 miles to a private
school at Arowhenua over bullock tracks and waded a couple of
creeks. Two more babies, Mary Caroline in 1866 and Lucy
Harriet, 1868 were born and busy years were spent clearing the land, a
priority was fencing and stocking with animals - pigs, a cow and essential
Clydesdale horses. Children were busy helping clear stones from paddocks
preparing for sowing the crops.
Timaru Herald, 3 Aug 1867:
GERALDINE ROAD BOARD: Received an application from Mr Benbow, asking
permission to take sods from the road opposite Mr Dyson's for a ditch and bank fence.
With open grassland and timber being
expensive William and other farmers built ditch-and-bank fences.
This was common in parts of the British Isles. These were a ditch
about 3 ft deep and 5 ft at top narrowing to 1ft a the bottom and with the
bank of piled soil, a 6 ft high barrier was formed to which gorse or
not only did their roots hold the bank but hedging added height.
In 1868 William took up
contracting offering his services to farmers to sow their cereal
crops using the first Suffolk drill in the district -
they either contacted their orders direct or were relayed through an
agent he employed in Temuka,
Garden seeds
germinated, and cuttings and fruit stones raised enough trees to replant
again and from the Benbow orchard, one of the first in the Rangitira
Valley, plants were sold as far away as Rangiora and Christchurch. Mary's
precious bulbs - her favourite, tulips in 6 shades, multiplied and Mary
went by horse and trap to Timaru to sell her flowers to a
florist.
 Timaru Court, 25 Sep
1869: As an assisted immigrant, William was paying back the passage money
by instalments. It was collected by an immigration officer
who had then to pass it on to Frederick LeCren, a Timaru
Merchant who was acting as agent for the Government. Except for
£1, the money paid by Benbow, Newell and Rogers failed to eventuate.
The officer was imprisoned and at the court trial that followed,
William Benbow gave evidence that he owed the Government £23 and he
had given the officer £12 on account and had received a receipt.
The others gave similar evidence outlining their situation and
each produced receipts backing this up - the officer was found guilty
of embezzlement. Timaru Herald, 9 Aug
1872, Roads Board: Messrs W. Benbow and J. Downs applied for small
repairs to be made to the road near their residences and this
was agreed to.
William expanded
his property by purchasing adjoining land stretching from the
Waitohi to Landgridges Road, by about 200 acres
 Timaru Herald, 6 May 1874: TEMUKA AND GERALDINE A
& P SHOW. DAIRY PRODUCE. (Judges — Messrs Gray, Wadsworth, and
Stubbs.) Section L. 56. Best 3 lbs fresh butter. First prize, Peter
Burke ; second, William Benbow ; Timaru Herald, 19 Mar
1875: TEMUKA AND GERALDINE A & P SHOW. DAIRY PRODUCE. For the best 3
lbs fresh butter, £1 ; second, 10s ; three entries. First prize, Mrs
Benbow; second ditto, Mrs Budd.
Timaru Herald, 25 Apr
1876: TEMUKA AND GERALDINE A & P SHOW. Dairy Produce: One of the,
principal features of the dairy produce show was the butter. Mrs
Benbow took the first prize with a sample that could hardly be beaten. Mrs
Benbow carried off this palm for ham, her exhibit having an excellent
flavour. Mr Wadsworth's ham that took second prize, was good, but it was
not up to Mrs Benbow's. The opinion was generally expressed that it would
be difficult to get English hams and bacon to surpass those at the show
yesterday.
DAIRY PRODUCE. For the best 3 lbs fresh butter. Two entries - First prize Mrs Benbow Class 3 Best side of bacon Two entries - 1 T Wadsworth 2 Mrs Benbow Class 4 - Best 2 hams - Two entries - 1 Mrs Benbow Poultry - For the best pen of three ducks - One entry. Ist prize; Mrs Benbow  Timaru Herald,
2 Nov 1876: DAIRY PRODUCE. [Judges - Messrs C. Green, B. Woolcombe, and H.
Belfield.] FRESH BUTTER. For the best 8 lbs— First prize, £2 2s ; Second
prize, £1 Is (14 entries). Mrs Benbow, 1 ;
Timaru Herald,
22 Mar 1877: TEMUKA AND GERALDINE A & P SHOW: In class 2, for the
best side of New Zealand cured bacon, the first prize was awarded to Mrs
Benbow. The same exhibitor also secured first prize for the best two New
Zealand cured hams.
Timaru Herald
28 Apr 1878 Auctioneers. JONAS AND HART. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. 100
HEAD DAIRY AND STORE CATTLE. JONAS AND HART Instructed by Mr Benbow, will
Sell by Public Auction, at his Farm, near Temuka, — 100 Head Dairy and
Store Cattle. Full Particulars, and date of sale, in future advertisement.
William ensures he has the finances ready in the bank for
his next move - building a substantial building to replace his sod home.
Timaru Herald, 12 Dec
1878: TO CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS. SEPARATE TENDERS are invited for
the ERECTION of a DWELLING HOUSE for Mr W. Benbow, Waitohi, in Wood and
Concrete. Plans and Specifications to be seen at Messrs Lyon and Harrop's
Store, Temuka. Tenders, endorsed, to be sent in not later than SATURDAY,
14th inst. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. W.
BENBOW, Waitohi
1881 - Electorate
Geraldine; Number 62; Surname BENBOW; Given Names William; Nature Of
Qualification - Freehold; Place Of Residence Waitohi; Occupation - Farmer;
For Property Qualification - Part 6,613, part 7,697, part 5,581,
Waitohi  Timaru Herald, 6 Jul
1878, ROAD BOARD: It was agreed to cut the Creek straight at
Langridge's bridge provided Mr Benbow permitted the cutting for about 30ft
through his land, The Clerk was instructed to write
asking permission to Mr
Benbow. Timaru Herald, 3 Sept
1878: Jury duty - W Benbow 1881 - Electorate
Geraldine; Number 62; Surname BENBOW; Given Names William; Nature Of
Qualification - Freehold; Place Of Residence Waitohi; Occupation - Farmer;
For Property Qualification - Part 6,613, part 7,697, part 5,581,
Waitohi
1882 - Return of the
Freeholder: William Benbow, Farmer Temuka, Geraldine County Area 253
acres, £3133
Timaru Herald, 9 June
1882: Geraldine Beagles - Hares - chase across Mr Benbows land.
Timaru Herald, 30 Oct
1882: On account of Mr Win. Benbow, 1 8-Horse Engine and Combine and
Elevators, by Robey, in good working order. Sale at 1 o'clock. K. F.
GRAY, 10-27 2927 Auctioneer. Morrison & J Dunlop GERALDINE.
Timaru Herald, 7 Oct
1882: Church of England Parish, TEMUKA. A special meeting of the
parishioners of this parish was held in St. Saviour's Church, Temuka, on
Tuesday evening, 3rd inst. The weather was very unfavourable, and the
attendance was small. The Incumbent occupied the chair, and announced that
he had appointed Mr S. D. Barker as Minister's Warden in place of Mr A.
Col, who had resigned on his leaving the district. The meeting then
proceeded to elect Vestrymen to fill vacancies which had occurred through
resignations, with the result that Mr Richard Austin and Mr William Smith
were elected unanimously. The Chairman spoke of the great loss sustained
by the parish and himself personally through being deprived of the
services of Mr Cox as Lay-reader and Churchwarden. Mr Benbow proposed, and
Mr Lee seconded — " That the parishioners desire to record their sense of
loss the parish has sustained through the departure of Mr Alfred Cox
from the district, and to express their heartfelt thanks for the very many
services he has so cheerfully rendered as Lay •reader and Churchwarden,
and in various other ways in connection with the church."
1883 - W Benbow -
notice to trespassers to desist
Timaru Herald, 26
June 1884: Election Notices TO ALFRED COX, ESQ. DEAR SIR —We the
undersigned Electors of the Geraldine Constituency, respect fully request
you to allow yourself to be Nominated for the ensuing election. We are
confident that your long residence in the district and colony, your
personal acquaintance with the leading politicians of the day and your
great political experience, combined with your services in the past, and
the high integrity of your character, eminently fit you for a
representative of this district, and we trust that should you consent to
stand, you will take an early opportunity of placing your views upon
current topics before us. (Among listed signatures: Wm
Benbow) Timaru Herald,
25 January 1886: Crop report
Timaru Herald, 19 May
1886: ST. SAVIOUR'S, TEMUKA. The first meeting of the newly-appointed
Vestry of St. Saviour's Church was held on Monday evening. There was a
good attendance, Messrs Finckney and Bayner (churchwardens), Benbow, Davy,
Eckford, Gaze, Langridge, Lee, Pilbrow and Talbot (vestrymen) being
present. 1891 Timaru
Herald, 18 Dec 1891: ANNIVERSARY DAY. Anniversary Day at Temuka
was spent in the usual manner. There were a number of picnics to the beach
and neighbouring bushes, and the Sunday Schools kept up their treats. The
children of St. Saviour's School assembled at about 9 o'clock at the new
school, and proceeded in wagons to " Hunnington," kindly placed at their
disposal by Mr DeRenzy, where they spent a very pleasant day. The
wagons were kindly lent by Messrs Aspinall, W. Hopkinson, and Benbow. The
Rev. T. A. Hamilton and Mr Robert Pinckney, the superintendent, were in
charge, and to their energy and zeal is mainly due the success of the
gathering.
 Timaru Herald, 7 Jan 1892: Waitohi water race opening 1894/95: ID 921 Rate
Book No. 29 : Valuation Roll Number 14
Occupier Benbow, Wm : Owner Occupier Address Temuka Property Description Pt 7697, 6613 Pt 7099 Pt 5581, 17812, 20174 Rating District Temuka Road Board Acres 420, Roods 0 Perches 0 - Value £ 4200 Original Note Book 2 Roll 1 Timaru Herald, 14
June 1895:AUCTIONEERS Canterbury Farmers' Association TATTERSALL'S SOUTH
CANTERBURY HORSE MARKET. SATURDAY, 15th JUNE, 1895.On account Messrs
Benbow and Moffat (Ashburton) — 6 Draught Mares & Geldings (any
trial).
Timaru Herald,
5 Sep 1895: Temuka Road Board - The following tenders were opened : —
Contract 27— Forming 67± chains of road on the Orari plains :— J. Hams,
£48 ; D. Duggan, £47 : J. Davis, £30 10s (accepted). Contract 28 —
Deepening drain on Rolleston's road :— H. Hailes, £9 ; Hamilton and
Morgan, £22 ; J. Roddick, £22 7s ; W. Benbow, £9 10s (accepted) ; Hans
Cain, £11 11s ; J. Simpson, £11. After passing accounts to the amount of
£95 9s 8d the meeting terminated.
Timaru Herald, 20
July 1897: THE TEMUKA PIONEERS. A meeting of the Temuka Pioneers' Memorial
Committee was held at the Town Board Office, Temuka, on Saturday
evening.' Present ; Messrs. Jas ; Blyth (in the chair), P. Coira, W.
Benbow, G. Levens, F Oliver, H. Goodeve, A. Clyne, E. Pilbrow (hon.
treasurer), and A. W. Gaze (hon. secretary).
Timaru Herald,
26 Jan 1897: AUCTIONEERS GUINNESS & LeCREN, have received
instructions to Sell by Public Auction, ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 28th,
1897. 2 1/4 ACRE SECTIONS, Ormsby Street, Arowhenua Township, Nos.
661 and 663, together with 3-roomed Cottage thereon, newly papered
throughout, Garden well-stocked with fruit trees, at present in the
occupation of Mr W. Benbow. Title: Crown Grant - Guinness and LeCren
 Timaru Herald, 20 Dec
1897: TEMUKA PIONEERS MEMORIAL. The memorial obelisk erected in
Victoria Park, Temuka, by the "old identities" of the district to
commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the early settlers, was
unveiled on Thursday afternoon by Mrs James Blyth, the second oldest lady
resident, Mrs Hornbrook, her one predecessor as a pioneer, having laid the
foundation stone. There was not a large attendance at the ceremony. In the
absence of Mr James Blyth, who was too ill to be present, Mr P. Coira
presided, and apologised for the absence of many pioneers who were away
from the district. The Rev. George Barclay was the orator for the day,
gave an interesting address. Mrs J Lynch unveiled the memorial, and Mr F.
W. Stubbs, the oldest identity present, then gave some reminiscences of
the early days of South Canterbury, and was followed by Messrs Levens
and Pilbrow, and others moved various votes of thanks. The obelisk
is of Timaru bluestone on three steps of the same material. It is 18
ft high, and was designed by Mr James Turnbull, architect, and worked and
erected by Mr W. H. Gain. On one of the basal stones is an inscription : —
" Erected by the pioneers interested in the Temuka district prior to the
flood of 1868, in commemoration of the 60th year of the reign of Her Most
Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria, June 22nd, 1897." At a lower level
appear the names of the committee, and on three sides of the obelisk are
inscribed the names of the pioneers whose names were sent in, with the
dates of their arrival, as follows, a record which will become more and
more interesting as the years roll by :- 1863— J. Benbow, W. Benbow,
A. J Grant, T. Hobson, J. Maze, I. L. Morris, R. Thew, R.
Turnbull.
November 14th 1898: The family and friends gather to celebrate the Golden Wedding of William and Mary Benbow.Mary died in 16th May 1899 aged 71 years and 11 months and 22nd July 1911 at the age of 81 years, William passed away. Probate Executor John Talbot Rangatira Flat, Temuka, Farmer and Elizabeth Brown Merchant, Temuka. Benbow Obituary Temuka Cemetery: Surname BENBOW MARY Address
WAITOHI Age at Death 71 Date of Interment 19/5/1899 Temuka Cemetery
Denomination ANGLICAN Section B Block Plot 527; Clergy Name REV FARLEY
Surname BENBOW Forenames
WILLIAM DECEASED PERSONS' ESTATES.
Evening Post, 1 Nov 1909, AMOUNTS CERTIFIED FOR STAMP DUTY. During the
month of October 214 estates of deceased persons were certified for stamp duty:
CHRISTCHURCH William Benbow ... £5838 |
