• Octavius Mathias (1805 – 1864)

    Rev. Octavius Mathias – 1805 – 1864 Reverend Octavius Mathias no doubt knew that it was him behind Bishop Harper’s comment that some of the early clergymen of Canterbury just lacked the commitment. Educated at Cambridge, Octavius became a Chaplin in the Royal Navy. Taking a keen interest in New Zealand, he was one of …

  • Nurse Maude (1862-1935)

    Sybil Maude (1862 – 1935) was born to fulfill three future options: 1. Marry well 2. Become a Governess 3. Be a lady’s companion …Sybil did none of these! The eldest of a well-to-do-family, Sybil was born in Hagley Lodge – her birth certificate  listing the Maude family under the St Peter’s Parish, Riccarton Bush, …

  • JEANIE COLLIER, The First Woman To Own Her Own Land In New Zealand Died – 16th September 1861

    As Scottish born Jeanie Collier carefully made her way from her South Canterbury Raupo-roofed cottage, she was practically blind, if not completely.  Tight in her hand was her walking stick which helped her on the way.  But Jeanie wasn’t alone –  both her sister, Margaret, and nephew George, her caretakers, accompanied her and stopped with …

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