OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 259, 2 August 1928, Page 8

OBITUARY

MR. ARTHUR STEDMAN Dominion Special Service. • Auckland, August 1. A former well-known resident of Christchurch, Mr. Arthur Stedman, died on Sunday at Auckland, and was buried at Waikumete Cemetery. On February 1 of this year Mr. and Mrs. Stedman celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding. Deceased arrived at Auckland from London with his father, the late Dr. Stedman, in the ship Frenchman in 1860. They left Auckland for the South Island in a 20-ton cutter some time later, and had to call at Napier for provisions. There the doctor went ashore and shot some sheep. After being a month on the voyage the cutter reached Sumner and went up the Avon to the heart of Christchurch, where the father was the first medical man of London to settle. The late Mr. Arthur Stedman was one of the first pupils of Christ’s College, and was present at the laying of the founda-tion-stone of the Cathedral at Christchurch. He joined the staff of the Bank of New South Wales, and later was transferred to Wanganui, where he married Miss Anne Lomax, step-daughter of the late Hon. R. Pharazyn, M.L.C. Mr. Stedman started Rugby football in Wanganui, and was one of the founders of the rowing club there. At the age of 26 he went to Greymouth as manager of the branch of the bank, and afterwards was at Nelson, Timaru, Wanganui, Napier, and back again to Christchurch as manager. He was treasurer of the patriotic fund during the war, and during the time he was hon. treasurer of the Y.M.C.A. at Christchurch the sum of £190,190 was raised, although only £12,000 had been asked for.

Mr. Stedman resigned from the bank after 51 years’ service and came to Auckland to reside. For half a century he was an. active worker in the Anglican Church. He was a keen bowler and a liberal contributor to all kinds of sport. Following are the children: Messrs. A. L. Stedman and Nelson Stedman (Auckland), Gerald Stedman (Hawera), and Ralph Stedman (Nelson).