Bennett Perry & Catherine Lethbridge
Bennett Perry Lethbridge - Photo sent by Lethbridge
descendant and researcher, John Jensen
Bennett Perry (Dick) Lethbridge (b: 9
Mar 1867 in Turakina to parents George Yates and Fanny Lethbridge; Occ:
farmer; d: 28 Oct 1929, Annbank, Turakina)
Dick mar: 16 May 1890 in Presbyterian
Church, Turakina to Catherine Duff Ross (b: 1867 dau of parents Rev. John
and Williamina Ross; she d: 09 Aug 1942 in Masterton, Crem. Karori Cem.
Wgtn)
Wanganui Chronicle: 30 Aug 1901;
President of the Turakina Cricket club
Wanganui Chronicle: 6 June
1902
Messrs. Gorton and Son, at the request of a. number of settlers,
will hold a stock sale in Mr. B. P. Lethbridge's Turakina yards (kindly
lent for the occasion). Settlers are asked to forward entries to Mr. 0.
McDonnell, Turakina. As there are no yards between Wanganui and Marton,
and there is a splendid scope of good grazing country between these two
points, there is every reason why sates in this centre should be very
successful, and it only remains with the settlers themselves to patronise
these yards to ensure successful sales.
Wanganui Herald: 21 Aug 1906: Messrs
Gilford Bros. of Sanson, have purchased about 600 acres of ''Ann Bank,"
Turakina, from Mr B. P. Lethbridge, and are about to build and take up
their residences on the section.
Community service: Dick is Vice
president of the Turakina Defence Rifle Club; member of the Wanganui
Agricultural assoc; member of the Patea-Wanganui Charitable Aids Board; on
committee Wanganui Hospital Board and Farmers Union; Wanganui Education
Board; Rangitikei County Council.
Press, 16 Aug 1907: N Z EXHIBITION
AWARDS MOTOR CARS.
The cars exhibited by Adams Limited were
awarded a special Gold Medal for the Collective Exhibit.
Humber Cars at the Exhibition were awarded Gold Medal, and the three cars
were purchased by:—Mr A. Sutcliffe, Marton; Mr B. P. Lethbridge, of
Turakina: and Mr H, 0. Dixon, of West Eyreton. Humbers are very reliable and cosy running cars, and
are specially suitable for doctors use or for touring. Ladies and
gentlemen are invited to call and inspect the Talbot and Humbers Cars now
in stock. Sole New Zealand Agents for Talbots and Humbers, Adams Limited,
late Adams Flier Cycle Co., 138-140 High street. Christchurch.
Wanganui Chronicle, 20 Nov 1907:
Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Lethbridge, joined Mr. C J Adams in his Talbot car.
It ran from Turakina to Wellington in 6 1/2 hours, and returned next
day, the whole journey being completed with no stop having to be made for
attention to the car.
Wanganui Chronicle, 6 Dec 1907:
SHOOTING. OPENING OF THE NEW RIFLE RANGE AT TURAKINA
In glorious
weather and under perfect shooting conditions, the Turakina Rifle Club
assembled in force on Wednesday afternoon, on the occasion of the opening
of their new range, which has been laid out on a site generously placed at
their disposal by Mr. B. P. Lethbridge, the president of the club. This
site is in a much more convenient position than the old one, and is within
five minutes walk of the main street, up the Turakina Valley road, and is
an ideal one, a range up to 900 yards being available. The Ceremony of
opening the range was gracefully performed by Mrs Lethbridge who fired the
first shot, registering a bullseye. The president then declared the range
open, and expressed hearty wishes for the prosperity of the club,
suggesting that the members should always endeavour to follow the good
example shown them by Mrs. Lethbridge in finding the bullseye. Captain T.
E. Kiernan then handled Mrs. Lethbridge a lady's dressing case, asking her
to accept same as a small tribute from the members of the club in
appreciation of their feelings for her interest and kindness. Mrs.
Lethbridge, who was quite taken, by surprise, expressed her sincere thanks
for the gift and kind thoughts intimated by same and trusted that the club
would enter upon a successful season, and assured them that their doings
would always be of great interest to her. The president and captain then
selected teams of nine a-side, and fired a match of ten shots a man at 500
yards, which resulted in a win for the president's team by 1 point. During
the match, afternoon tea, provided by Mrs. Lethbridge, was handed
round.
Wanganui Herald, 20 March 1913 At the
meeting of the Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid Board yesterday, Mr B.
P. Lethbridge, representing the Rangitikei County Council, tendered his
resignation owing to his proposed extended tour
abroad.
Wanganui Chronicle, 4 April 1913 left for
the "old country"
Manawatu Standard: 19 Jan 1914:
A letter from Mr B. P. Lethbridge, of Rangitikei, refers to woman's work
thus:"From Amsterdam we started for Berlin, a rather long journey, but the
country is most interesting. One sees ploughs drawn by cows working away
in the fields, and very often women working the teams. It seems to be
quite the proper thing to make your wife do the heavy work here. She digs
the potatoes and carries them in a crate on her back to the pit. She also
hoes the mangolds and does the farm work generally, and for a change looks
after the house between times. Then when she has finished this she works
at the railway station, filling trucks with coal and any other light job
she can find. Berlin is a great city. By far the best streets we have come
across in our travels, and the most beautiful parks we have seen. Since
coming to Austria we notice that the women still work in the fields and do
the road work as well, as we saw several breaking stones as we passed, and
some mixing cement, while others were digging in the streets. A place of
interest for every day in the week.
22 May 1914: Appointed by
Government to the Rangitikei Liscensing committee;
25 Nov 1915: Chairman of the
Rangitikei Council
16 Oct 1915: An advertisement of
special interest to land-seekers, by Messrs W. and G. Turnbull & Co.,
Ltd., and Messrs Gorton & Son, Ltd - the sale by auction at the
Turakina Town Hall on the 16th, of "Ann Bank" the well-known property
of Mr B. P. Lethbridge, situated alongside Turakina Railway Station and
the Turakina Creamery. The property is subdivided into sections of
suitable sizes for any class of farming, and a glance at the plan now
obtainable at any of the offices of the above firms will show that every
section is well provided with access by level and metalled road. A large
proportion of the estate is alluvial flat of the richest quality, well
adapted for dairying or fattening. The homestead contains one of the
finest laid-out grounds in Rangitikei, planted with all manner of native
and Oriental trees and shrubs. The whole estate speaks for itself, and an
inspection will convince anyone that here is a chance of procuring land
which is unequalled at the present time in New Zealand, both as regards
quality of soil and suitable terms. Mr N. G. Gorton, the popular salesman
of Gorton Son, Ltd., will conduct the sale. Visitors to Palmerston North
and Wanganui Shows will have an opportunity of attending this sale, as it
takes place on the Tuesday between those fixtures.
Wanganui Chronicle: 12 Dec 1916: BIG
LAND DEAL - Mr B. P. Lethbridge's fine property at Turakina, has been
disposed of through the agency of Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co.,
Wanganui, to O'Neill Bros. of Kakatihi, who propose utilising the farm for
fattening purposes. We understand the price paid for the property is in
the vicinity of £60,000. Mr Lethbridge retains the homestead, with about
90 acres.
Hawera & Normanby Star, 25 Feb
1919: At the Moa County Commission, Mr B. P. Lethbridge, chairman of the
Rangitikei County Council for five years, and a member for 11 years,
championed the cause of large counties. He said the area of his county was
between 1300 and 1400 square miles, with a valuation of £700,000 and a
revenue of £40,000, raised by an average rate of 1d. He favoured larger
counties because it would pay to employ a first-class engineer and a more
competent staff and have the best road plant possible. A small county
could not run this. The parochial element was not so strong in a larger
county. Their financial arrangements were easier, and the county could be
more economically managed. Roads, motor cars and telephones had to a large
extent done away with the need for small counties by spreading the
community of interest over a much larger area. One of the causes for
subdivision was the limit of £6000 made by the Government loans to local
bodies, but that was now done away with.
Manawatu Standard, 1 Oct 1919;
POLITICAL. Mr B. P. Lethbridge, chairman of the Rangitikei County Council,
has announced his candidature for the Rangitikei seat as a supporter of
tho Reform Party.
3 Nov 1919; Mr. B. P. Lethbridge, who
was contesting the Rangitikei seat as the Reform Party's candidate at the
general elections, has retired, and his successor in the Reform Party's
interests will be Major W. S. Glenn, M.C., the former All Black
footballer, and formerly of Manaia.
12 Nov 1919: Owing to ill-health, Mr
B. P. Lethbridge, Reform candidate for the Rangitikei electorate, has
retired from the contest, and is replaced by Mr W. S. Glenn, well-known up
and down the coast. Major Glenn (Military Cross) is not long back from
active service. He joined up with the Royal Artillery early in 1915, since
when until he was gassed in 1918, he was well in the thick of things. A
keen sport—one-time member of the All Black team of 1915 - 1906, an
energetic and successful farmer, Mr Glenn is one of the young men who
should come out into the arena, and he thoroughly enjoys a good run for
his money.
Wanganui Chronicle, 21 Nov 1919
CHILDREN'S HEALTH CAMP. Under the supervision of Dr Gunn, Medical Inspector of Schools a health camp for certain selected pupils of. the
local schools will be held at Turakina in the beautiful grounds of Mr B.
P. Lethbridge. The camp will commence on Tuesday next, and will continue
for about three weeks. Very complete arrangements have been made for the
care of the children, some 50 of whom will attend. Health camps for school
children have been held in England for some years past, but this is the
first of the kind to be held in the Dominion. It will be watched with
interest by parents and others. Parents will not be involved in any
expense in connection with the camp. There are, however, many people who
would no doubt be pleased to contribute vegetables, fruit, jam, etc., and
these will be gratefully received. They should be left at the Education
Board's Office, Avenue, by mid-day on Monday. (Photo
below at 1st health camp)
 Wanganui Chronicle, 27 Nov 1919:
At the annual and monthly meeting of the Rangitikei County Council,
the chairman (Mr B P Lethbridge) was confined to his bed through
illness. In his absence he was re-appointed chairman and all hoped
that that gentleman would be speedily restored to health and would come
back to again lead the Council as ably as he had done in the past. He now
had plenty of time to devote to the position, and had everything at his
fingers' ends, and the ratepayers should feel grateful for the
time Mr Lethbridge devoted to the interests in the Council
in the past. Carried unanimously.
N Z Herald: 31 Jan
1920: EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH CAMP FOR SCHOOL AT TURAKINA, NEAR WANGANUI.
The camp was established, during the Christmas
holidays, by Dr. Elizabeth Gunn, medical inspector of schools, with the
object of demonstrating that children suffering from
malnutrition could be brought to a normal state of health by open air
treatment and proper feeding. The Education Department supplied most of
the money required for the undertaking, the remainder being subscribed
privately. Fifty -five children under 12 years of age went into camp, and
in each case, material, physical improvement has been shown by the
inmates. The camp is on the-property of Mr. B P Lethbridge. The
illustrations show the camp in the sheltered home paddock and some of the
inmates.
8 May 1920: Mr B P Lethbridge
resumed his seat as Chairman of the Rangitikei Council after a lengthy
absence through ill health
Wanganui Herald: 23 Aug
1920:
HYDRO-ELECTRICITY RANGITIKEI SCHEME REPORT OP ENGINEERS. LOCAL
BODIES CONFER AT MARTON A proposal to generate power from the Rangitikei River was discussed at a conference of
representatives of local bodies from Rangitikei and Wanganui districts at
Marton on Saturday. The conference was presided over by Mr B, P.
Lethbridge, chairman of the Rangitikei County Council.
Evening Post, 14 June 1924: Mr.
and Mrs. B.P. Lethbridge (Rangitikei) had a pleasant voyage by the Mooltan
to England. They are travelling primarily on holiday, and the duration of
their stay will be fairly long. Mr Lethbridge expects to look into
business matters as well, in his.capacity as chairman of the Rangitikei
Power Board, and intends to inquire into the prospects for raising a loan
on this side. As representing his local branch of the Navy League, Mr.
Lethbridge has promised to attend the annual dinner, which always
takes place on 21st October. Since arriving in London the travellers have
bought a motor-car, and in this they intend to make a general tour of
Great Britain. The coming winter is to be spent on the Continent, and it
will be the middle of 1925 before they leave for New Zealand.
The
issue of Health stamps in New Zealand originated in 1926 from
a request by Mr E Nielsen of Norsewood, Hawkes Bay on behalf of his mother
that special Christmas seals be issued, as was the case in Denmark, to
raise funds for deserving health projects
Evening Post, 7 Sept 1925: Mr. and Mrs. B.P.Lethbridge
returned from Gt Britain
Evening Post, 10 Dec 1926: Turakina Health Camp:
In 1919 the School Hygiene Division of the Health Department started a
children's health camp, which has been steadily growing annually and
demonstrating the benefits conferred on sufferers from malnutrition. There
were 55 children in camp the first year, and there are 118 this year. The camp, which is under the supervision of Dr.
Elizabeth Gunn, school medical officer, is situated on the private grounds
of Mr.B.P.Lethbridge at Turakina. The children will return to their
homes at the end of next week.
DEATH: Oct 28, 1929: The late MR B
P Lethbridge of Anne Bank, Turakina, died at the age of 62 years.
He was the youngest son of the late Mr. G.Y.Lethbridge, and was born
at Anne Bank, where his father, one of the earliest pioneers, had carved a
home out of the wilderness. Mr.Lethbridge remained on the well-known
Turakina homestead, and took it over on the death of his father. He was a
well-known figure in this district, to which he had rendered much service.
He had been a member of the Rangitikei County Council, first as councillor
and then as chairman, of the Wanganui Hospital Board as member and later
as chairman, of the Rangitikei Patriotic Society; as chairman, and was
first chairman of the first Power Board at Wanganui . Ho was a keen
supporter of the children's health camp movement. About four years ago
Mr.Lethbridge went for a trip to tho Old Country, and since his
return had lived quietly, and took no active part in public affairs. He is
survived by his wife, one sister and two brothers, Messrs. H. Y. and
J.P Lethbridge, of Turakina. The late Mr. Frank
Lethbridge, for many years M.P. for Oroua, was also a brother.
Evening Post, 8 May 1937,
HEALTH
CAMPS : The Health
Camp movement in New Zealand remains a wonderful memorial not only to Dr.
Elizabeth Gunn, but also to Mr. Lethbridge.
Auckland Star, 5 Aug 1938:
LANDMARK BURNED: TURAKINA HOMESTEAD
The 15 roomed two-storey wooden
homestead of Mrs. B P Lethbridge;"Ann
Bank," Turakina, was totally destroyed by fire which broke out about 11
o'clock to-day. The homestead was one
of the landmarks of the district, and for many years New Zealand's first
health camps were held in its spacious-grounds, which were placed at the
disposal of Dr. Elizabeth Gunn by the late Mr. B P Lethbridge. This is the
second landmark in Turakina to suffer from fire this week, the other
building being the old Ben Nevis hotel, which was totally destroyed last
Sunday morning. Both buildings were about the same age and associated with
the early history of Turakina, which was formerly a live centre in the
days when stage coaches travelled between Wellington, Wanganui and
Taranaki. Mrs. Lethbridge was absent in Wanganui when the fire was
discovered by the gardener, and, although neighbours assisted him to save
some of the contents, most of the valuable paintings, silverware and
furnishings were lost. No attempts could be made to suppress the fire,
which was eating its way against a strong south-easterly wind. It took two
hours and a half to destroy the homestead. The buildings and contents
were insured by the Alliance Company for approximately £3000.
Evening Post 1 Sept 1938: GIFT TO COUNCIL
TREES, SHRUBS, AND PLANTS
WANGANUI, This Day.
A gift of trees, shrubs, and plants
worth several hundreds of pounds has been made by Mrs. B. P. Lethbridge,
Turakina, to the Wanganui City Council, and these have been transferred to
the Virginia Lake reserve. Mrs. Lethbridge's home was recently destroyed
by fire.
LETHBRIDGE, Catherine Duff.—On August
8..1942. at Masterton, widow of the late B. P. Lethbridge, of Turakina,
and eldest daughter of tine late Rev. John Ross, of Turakina. Private
cremation at, Karori., No flowers
LETHBRIDGE.—On August 8, 1942, at
Masterton,, Catherine Duff, beloved wife of the late Bennett Percy
Lethbridge, late of Turakina; Funeral is from Chapel, 27 Wingfield St.,. 2
p.m. Monday, and thence to Crematorium, Karori. |
