Roseanna and Arthur Ernest Pelvin

Rose was the third daughter of Valentine John* Humphris and mother Jessie Jack Rodger. She was b: 24 Feb 1884 at Papakaio, situated ten miles north-west of Oamaru. She attended the Papakaio school and at Waitaki North. She married 7th Jan 1903 at the Registrars Office, Waimate to Arthur Pelvin, a farmer of Redcliff. Marriage witnesses were Valentine John Humphris, the brides father and Arthur's brother, Alfred Pelvin, Blacksmith
 
Arthur was b: 02 Feb 1876  at Pelvins Rd., Otipua Creek, Timaru Downs, the youngest child of Richard and Elizabeth Pelvin. In August, 1880 he was admitted to the Claremont School at Timaru. The Pelvin family in May 1882 moved to Ikawai where  Arthur was a first day pupil at the Ikawai school. His father Richard Pelvin  named his farm Sobraon Farm after the Battle of Sabraon that he had fought in India and it was on the Middle road to Glenavy. The family returned to Timaru October 1885. Arthur was now in Std 3 when re- enrolled at Claremont and he passed Std 6 September 1888 when the family returned to Redcliff. "The Public School stands on part of a section of land on the main road to Glenavy. The building originally stood on the middle road at Redcliff, but was recently removed to the present site, three miles away. It is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for sixty pupils. There are forty-five names on the roll, and the average attendance for 1902 was forty. A residence of six rooms for the teacher, and a shelter-shed for the children, stand on the property." Ref Canterbury Cyclopedia
 
Arthur began  studying to become a pupil teacher however he joined his brother Alfred about 1890 working as a blacksmith at Studholme Junction.
 
A meeting was held June 1895 at Waitaki North to discuss the question of land for settlement. There was a good attendance and it was pointed out that if land were not opened up for settlement at Waitaki North, many of their young men would have to leave the district. It was suggested that 2000 or 3000 acres of land belonging to Mr Allan M'Lean would be suitable for the purpose. It was pointed out that if only 2000 or 3000 acres were required it could only be done with the consent of the owner, as under the Act, if an objection was raised by the owner, the whole estate would have to be compulsorily taken with the exception of 1003 acres but, whatever settlement was decided on, the settlers had to make an effort to be grouped together, as that was preferable when carrying on a dairying industry. It was resolved,  that the Government should acquire a suitable area of land close to Glenavy township, between the railway line and the sea, for the purpose of cutting it up into areas ranging from 60 to 200 acres and that the representative for the district should convey this resolution to Government where they were hopeful of obtaining favorable result. A motion by Mr Jas. Kennedy, seconded by Mr A. Pelvin, resolved that the Land Settlements Act be amended so that a portion of an estate can be taken for settlement and was decided that the Government be asked to alter the name of the Waitaki North railway station to Glenavy, a name given to the township in honor of the town of that name in Ireland that Mr Ballance had lived in. It was further resolved, that for the greater convenience of the settlers a siding and loading bank be provided.
 
The Glenavy area was a close-knit one -  people came together for support and entertainment. The bachelors of the Waihao district in March 1898 held their autumn ball. The weather was fine, the attendance large, and all the appointments complete. Arthur Pelvin supplied the music, and Fred Pelvin attended to the duties of M.C. and Mr Miller (Waimati) was caterer. The expression on all sides was that the "meeting in no way fell behind the high standard of its prodecessors."

In 1892 Arthur took over the Ikawai farm and his parents retired to 7 acres in the centre of Timaru Avenue Road. His father Richard died 1902 and his mother Elizabeth died in the flu epidemic in 1918 at her residence at Church St West.
 
1899 the spinsters' ball was held on the evening of the 29th September, and it proved quite the success anticipated. Though the young ladies made every preparation expecting a big crush, they could never have accommodated all had the roads not been heavy owing to the recent wet weather. As it was, the room was taxed to its utmost capacity. The men folk had to content themselves with dancing and walking about, or standing round, daring the intervals as there was not sufficient sitting room for the ladies. As many as 20 sets were on the floor at the same time, causing a great crush. The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and the fact of the music being supplied by Mr Arthur Pelvin (violin) and left nothing to be desired. About 18 couples took part in the grand march, under the conductorship of the popular Mr Fred Pelvin. At 9 p.m. Miss A. Smart, secretary of the spinsters committee, and her partner, Mr A. Davis, led off in the grand march, which was considerably marred owing to the want of room. For the same reason the dresses (many of them very pretty) could not be seen to any advantage, and it would be an utter impossibility to describe them in detail. About 12 an adjournment was made for refreshments, and the same performance was repeated at early dawn. Mr Meyers, of Oamaru, was the caterer for the refreshments, and supplied them in sufficient quantity, and of excellent quality. The spinsters are to be congratulated on the result of their efforts to entertain their friends, and are fully deserving of the many econiums passed on their liberality. The proceedings terminated about 4 a.m. with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne." It may not be out of place to mention here that a hall would be a great acquisition to Glenavy.
Rose Pelvin
 
The agricultural and pastoral district of Redcliff is in the north Waihao riding of the Waimate county, and in the electoral district of Waitaki, twelve miles and a half along the north bank of the Waitaki river from Glenavy. It is twenty-four miles from Hakataramea, and sixteen from Waimate. The post office at Redcliff is known officially as Ikawa, and was established in 1900; telephonic communication with Oamaru was established in the following year. There is a public school two miles from the post office, towards Glenavy, and, on the same route, three miles farther on, there is a creamery. Redcliff has a well-appointed hotel and a blacksmith's shop. The land is mostly flat, and extends from the river bank to the hills; and the district is intersected by three main roads, which are connected by numerous cross roads. A number of water-races pass through the various farms. The population of the village at the census of 1901 was set down at eighty-six; including the various homesteads, it can hardly be less than 200 for the district.
The Ikawa Post Office And Telephone Bureau at Redcliff date respectively from 1900 and 1901. Mails are received and despatched twice a week. Ref Canterbury Cyclopedia
 
Oamaru Mail: 2 May 1903:  BLACKSMITH'S BUSINESS AT GLENAVY FOR SALE AS A GOING CONCERN. MESSRS GUINNESS AND LECREN,  LIMITED, have received instructions from Mr A. E. Pelvin, of Glenavy, to sell by Public Auction, at their Waimate Sale Rooms, on SATURDAY, 9th MAY, at 2 p.m.:— HIS FREEHOLD PROPERTY, at Glenavy, containing 1 Acre, together with Large Blacksmith's Shop, Good 4-roomed House, Wooden Shed, etc., and the Purchaser will also have the Goodwill of his Valuable Business, together with Tools, etc., necessary for carrying on same. The Auctioneers can thoroughly recommend this to anyone requiring a Good Business, as the owner is only retiring on account of ill-health, and the shop is situated in the centre of a thriving and rapidly increasing district. GUINNESS AND LECREN, Ltd., Auctioneers.
 
North Otago Times: 12 May 1903: SALE OF PROPERTIES.Messrs Guinness and LeCren (Limited) report having hold an auction sale of town properties at Waimate on Saturday last, when they sold the following!: Lot 1, containing three sections at Glenavy, on account of Mr A. Pelvin, to Mr Mclnnerny, together with blacksmith's shop, etc., and house, at £285; and the same buyer purchased lot 2, 1/4 acre section adjoining, for £l8.

North Otago Times: 20 May 1903: Our Glenavy correspondent writes: At a public meeting, held in the schoolhouse, on Saturday night last, a strong committee was formed with a view of working up a farewell social to Mr A. E. Pelvin, who is about to leave Glenavy.
 
Oamaru Mail - Jun 2 1903: Our Glenavy correspondent writes: —A meeting of the Social Committee was held here last Saturday night. After some discussion, it was decided to hold the social which is being tendered to Mr A. E. Pelvin and family on Thursday night, 4th instant.
 
The farm at Redcliffs near Ikawai had been named after the battle of Sabroen which Arthur's father Richard had fought in India. (Today it is called "Riverslea" and is stocked with deer, cattle and sheep)
1914 - WW1 Surname: Pelvin Given Name: Arthur Ernest Category: Second Reserves; Last Address: Glenavy Occupation: Farmer
In 1918, Arthur bought his first car, a model "T" Ford and had the first phonograph in the Redcliff district
1920 -  Arthur sold the farm and moved to 147 Evans Street, Timaru. He wanted the family to have the best education available and he got a job at the local freezing works. The family attended the Waimaitai School followed by High school.
 
1925 - 1928; 132 Evans St., Timaru

1929 - Depression years. Arthur and Rosanna decided to go farming once again. They purchased a 296 acre farm at Totara Valley 22 miles away (through Pleasant Point) with dairying, sheep and grains.  He later leased a second one at Taiwai, south of Waimate of 500 acres and gave various family members employment.
1930 - 1943; Farming at Totara Valley, Raincliff near  Pleasant Point
 
New Zealand gradually climbed out of the Great Depression about 1937 and Arthur was able to trade in the old Model T for a brand new Ford V8.
 
It was War years and the sons were on active service. Arthur died 25/4/1943 aged 68 yrs and was buried at Timaru cemetery 28/4/1943. The farm had to be sold and Roseanna moved to 5 Kitchener Square in Timaru - homes were difficult to buy but this was large and empty and was purchased for £1300. Rose's life was busy -  a good garden and her skill at dressmaking was appreciated by the burgeoning numbers of grandchildren she clothed. She died on 27 Sep 1952 and was buried 29 Sep 1952 Timaru Cemetery.
 
Arthur and Rose's children:   

i. Ernest Pelvin b. 30 Jun 1903 in Waimate d. 12 Nov 1982 in Christchurch Bur. 16 Nov 1982 Timaru He mar. 1934 to Doris Margaret (Maggie) Kleemann b. 25 Apr 1904 in Stratford. Her father: Frederick Frae (Fritz) Kleemann, Mother: Georgina Barclay Smith. 1908 -

Ernie's first school was at Ikawai, Redcliffs Waimate where he was enrolled 5 Aug 1908 and left 9 Feb 1917 to attend  Timaru Boys High School.

1928 Residence: Bank Officer  110 Chester St, Christchurch East
1935 until his death he lived  at  32 Diamond Ave, Christchurch South,

Residence1981 32 Diamond Ave, Christchurch South, Canterbury, New Zealand

He died 12 Nov 1982 qged 79 yrs at Christchurch, Bur: Section LAWN; Block LC; Plot 111 on 16 Nov 1982 Timaru Cemetery, Canterbury, New Zealand

Dorrie d. 29 Jan 1991 in Cashmere View Hospital, Christchurch Crem: 07 Feb 1991; her ashes interred at Timaru Cemetery

ii. Walter Allan Pelvin b. 15 Oct 1908 in Waimate d. 28 Feb 1943 in Featherson, Wairarapa Bur. 02 Mar 1943 Geraldine Cemetery mar. 27 Apr 1938 in Wellington to Ivy Mary Josephine Willoughby b. 04 Jan 1910 in Geraldine Her father: James Alfred Willoughby; mother: Agnes Louise Page She died: 04 Dec 1991 in Auckland

iii. Herbert Valentine Pelvin b. 28 Oct 1910 in Waimate d. 12 Dec 1997 in Timaru Hospital Bur. 15 Dec 1997 Timaru Cemetery mar. 22 Oct 1938 in St Peters Anglican Church, Timaru to Alice Craig b. 23 Sep 1912 in Timaru Her father: William Craig Mother: Amy Annie Brett; Alice died 26 Aug 1963 in Timaru Burial: 28 Aug 1963 Timaru Cemetery

Herb was admitted 26 Oct 1915 as a new entrant at Ikawai School, Redcliffs school  and to Waimataitai School in 13 Feb 1920 with the family's move to Timaru.

 1935 Age: 25 Residence 198 Evans St, Timaru, occ. Clerk

1938 Marriage - PELVIN Herbert Valentine to CRAIG Alice on 22 Oct 1938  Timaru;  
Groom Father - PELVIN Arthur Ernest ; Mother HUMPHRIS Rose Anne ; Bride Father CRAIG William ; Mother BRETT Amy Annie ; Witnesses MCDOUGALL S P ;   LAURENSON

1940 Herbie Pelvin played the violin

1943 Age: 33 Military Serving in NZEF -

Evening Post, 12 Oct. 1944: PRISONERS OF WAR. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING. BELIEVED PRISONERS OF WAR: PELVIN Herbert V., Pte.  Mrs. A. Pelvin, care Mrs. W. Craig, 96 Evans Street, Timaru (w.) Ketemarae, R.D., Norraanby (sister). 

Taranaki Daily News 12 October 1944: PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING, believed prisoner of war; PELVIN Herbert V., Timaru

1946 Age: 36 Residence 7 Woodlands Rd, Timaru, Clerk
 
1978 Age: 68 Residence 7 Woodlands Rd, Timaru, Retired

2nd Wife of Herbert Valentine Pelvin was Muriel Alberta Constance Shadbolt b. 19 Dec 1921 in Akaroa. They mar. 14 Feb 1968 in Registrar's Office, Timaru

Herb died at Talbot Hospital 12 Aug 1997 aged 86 yrs at Timaru and was bur 15 Aug at Timaru Cem. Section LAWN; Block LB; Plot 283

iv. Mavis Anona Pelvin b. 19 Jun 1912 in Waimate d. 14 Dec 1988 in Public Hospital, Timaru On 17 Dec 1988 crem.  Salisbury Park Crematorium, Timaru.  Mavis mar. 27 Feb 1935 in St Alban's Church, Pleasant Point to Francis Henry* Guilford Born: 23 Apr 1900 in Waitohi Flat, Temuka His father: Francis (Frank) Charles Guilford Mother: Maria Cone Henry d. 17 Nov 1978 in Public Hospital, Timaru Crem. 21 Nov 1978 at Timaru

v. Ronald Leslie Pelvin Born: 04 Apr 1917 in Waimate Died: 16 Aug 2009 in Aroha Rest Home, Lower Hutt He mar. 23 Feb 1946 at Christchurch to Ellen O'Connell b. 22 Nov 1913 in Waimate  Her father: Bartholomew O'Connell; mother: Bridget Mellon She d. 14 Dec 1953 in Timaru and was bur. 16 Dec 1953 Timaru Cemetery

2nd Wife of Ronald Leslie Pelvin was mar: 20 Nov 1954 in Baptist Church, Timaru to Thelma Joyce Swain Born: 18 Jan 1931 (Div)

3rd Wife of Ronald Leslie Pelvin - Madelaine Crawford Ravenwood b. 28 Dec 1917 in Dunedin Mar. 04 Apr 1984 She d. 10 Feb 2010 in Lower Hutt

v. Rose Elizabeth Pelvin b. 18 Aug 1919 in Waimate mar. 14 Apr 1945 in Timaru to Trevor Lewis Oakley b. 17 Jun 1920 in Oak Grove, Allenton, Mid Canterbury His father: Arthur Lewis Oakley; mother: Ethel Mary Brannan

Trevor d. 01 Aug 1995 in Timaru Bur.  05 Aug 1995 Timaru Cemetery

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