Eva Frances & Arthur Shellock

Eva Frances Benbow (b: 07 Oct 1891 in Temuka to James and Alice Harriett Benbow; d: 20 Dec 1976 in Christchurch; Bur: 22 Dec 1976 Rakaia Cem.) On Oct 12, 1896 she was admitted to the Rangitira Valley School; last day 9 Jan 1903 and attended the Temuka DHS.

On  23 Nov. 1905, in the Trinity College musical examinations,  the pupils of the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph were particularly successful in each grade, passing with great credit - Preparatory, Eva Benbow. On 28 Dec 1905, the pupils of St. Joseph's School entertained in the Volunteer Hall with drama and music to a large attendance of the parents and friends which reflected the greatest credit on the performers - the efforts of the children being fully appreciated (pianoforte trio, 5 pianos), Eva Benbow

Arthur Shellock was b: 11 Jun 1881 and d: 23 Jun 1940 in Rakaia Bur: 26 Jun 1940 Rakaia Cem.  Arthur's father, George Shellock was  b; in Essex in 1844. and went to sea at the early age of 12 and visited almost every part of the world. In 1865 he left England in the ship Tudor, and after five months on the water landed at Lyttelton. He was employed for a time by the late Mr Birdling, at Birdling's Flat. He met Diana Boyd while at Little River. In 1867 when age 25Y she immigrated from Kent as domestic servant on the Glenmark. Diana  mar: George Shellock on Mar. 4, 1869 at Christchurch and went to work with the first bridge-building gang on the Rakaia Bridge which took 5 yrs to construct, and had many exciting experiences with floods and in assisting travellers in difficulties.  They lived at first in a sod house, but later built a wooden one, which, when construction was completed was  removed to Rakaia, where George was porter at the railway station. He next became Rakaia's pound-keeper before taking up land at Mead beside the Rakaia river and farming there from abt. 1900 until he d: 1920 - Diana d: 1929 and they are bur; at the Rakaia Cem.

Arthur was the fifth child born of their family of four sons and three daughters - he served in the 8th Contingent; Boer South African War, 1899-1902 (farm hand from Ashburton)

On his return to NZ the Ashburton Guardian,  reported 9 Dec 1903 that brothers George, William and Arthur Shellock were the successful tenderers to the South Rakaia. Road Board for the sole right to cut grass seed from the roads.

1903: The ballot result for the Mead settlement sections: Div F; Sect 11; 83 acres, Rent =  5/-; Arthur Shellock

Ashburton Guardian, 19 May 1916: FIRES. BANKSIDE RESIDENCE  DESTROYED.
A mysterious fire occurred at Bankside some time on Tuesday night, when Mr Arthur Shellock's seven roomed residence was burnt to tho ground. Mr Shellock, who was living alone in the house, left on Tuesday evening at about 6.45 o'clock and went across the river to the Mead Settlement and stayed the night with his brother. Early in the morning the premises were, discovered to be a mass of smouldering ruins. Tho house was completely burned and none of the contents were saved. When Mr Shellock left on Tuesday evening, everything was in order and the origin of the fire is a complete mystery. The house was insured in the State Fire Office for £250, but the contents were uninsured and Mr Shellock is a heavy loser.

Press,  3 Apr 1915: At the meeting of the  Canterbury Land Board  The following transfers were approved Mead Settlement. 793 acre, 3 roods 2 poles—M. Duffy to A. Shellock

Eva Benbow and Arthur  mar: 20 Dec 1916 and supported community activities in their area

Press - 11 Oct 1923: FYVIE{ A very enjoyable social and dance was held on the occasion of the reopening of the Fyvie school, which has been closed for upwards of eighteen months. The proceeds were in aid of the school prize and picnic fund, aim a substantial sum was realised. The school was beautifully decorated with red, white, and blue ribbons, and evergreens, and the room was crowded with residents and visitors. The evening was spent in dancing and card playing. The following items were contributed:—Songs by Air Elliot; recitations by Miss Delamoor, Gwen Chapman, and Mr Taylor; also gramophone selections by Mr Elliot. The dance music was played by Miss M. Macdonald_. Miss McCoy, Eileen MncaWald, Mrs Shellock, Mr J. Neave, Mr Cornelius, and Mr B. Macdonald. The piano for the occasion was kindly lent by Mrs A. Shellock. The evening was brought to a close with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Press,  9 Feb. 1924: NOTICE TO LAND AGENTS. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that my farm, situated at Bankside, is withdrawn from Sale (Sgt.) ARTHUR SHELLOCK.

Press, 29 Jan. 1926: GRASS ABLAZE. MANY DESTRUCTIVE FIRES. HEAVY DAMAGE. FARMERS' BATTLE WITH FLAMES Thousands of pounds' worth of damage was caused yesterday afternoon by a destructive grass fire, which swept a large area of country north of the Rakaia river. Miles of fencing and hundreds of acres of grass were burned, tho latter loss being particularly un. fortunate for the farmers, In view of the feed shortage.
The land in this district is rather light, and the lack of moisture has caused the grass to become very dry, endangering farm buildings and other property. A fairly strong east wind made the work of fire-fighting most difficult, and the outbreak spread through the farms of Messrs A. Shellock, G. Sheat, W. J. Breading, and A. Murray. Mr Shellock was the heaviest loser, many acres of grass and hundreds of yards of fences on his holding being destroyed.

Press,  10 May 1926: At the monthly meeting of the Seiwyn County Council it was decided that a groyne be erected to protect the end of the Glentunnel bridge approach, also to form fifteen chains of road along Mr A. Shellock's frontage at Bankside

Arthur served on vestry of St Marks Church, Rakaia and on Rakaia School Committee

Press: 1 April 1939 Sale of Bankside  Farm (right)

Press,  25 Jun 1940 SHELLOCK; The Funeral of the late Arthur Shellock will leave our Chapel, Victoria street, Ashburton. To-day (Tuesday), June 25, at 1.30 p.m., for St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia, for a service, arriving at 2.30 p.m., and thence to the Rakaia Cemetery.

Ellesmere Guardian,  25 Oct 1940 Rakaia Athletic and Cycling Club: Mr Arthur Shellock,  had always been a keen supporter of athletics and of the sports club in particular. When living in the district, the late Mr Shellock had been regular in his attendance at meetings and had always been a willing helper on sports day. He moved a motion of sympathy with the president and with Mrs A. Shellock, in the passing of her husband. The motion was carried in silence, members standing as a mark of respect.

Arthur and Eva's children:

1 Malcolm Arthur Shellock b: 23 Oct 1917 Occ: Company Secretary/Accountant; JP; Sub Lieutenant RNZN NZD3152; d: 03 Feb 1996 in Hospital, Ngaio, Wellington; Bur: 08 Feb 1996 Crem Karori Cem) Mar: 1946 to Gwen Austen Porter Andrews (b: 13 Aug 1910 d: 2005 Father: Herbert Porter Andrews Mother: Ada Maude) Their daughter: