DEATH OF BEN RUDD

Evening Star, Issue 20423, 3 March 1930, Page 9

DEATH OF BEN RUDD

PICTURESQUE FIGURE PASSES Popularlv known as the “ Hermit of Flatstaff.”" Mr Ben Buclcl died at the Dunedin Hospital yesterday morning. A picturesque figure for nearly fifty years, he lived on the mountain without human companionship of any kind, save for very occasional visits from the few who knew him. He was a man who preferred to be by himself, and. indeed,

resented the intrusion ol strangerk into his domain very strongly. This feeling was generally respected, but his long occupation Mr Rudd was continually subjected to annoyance from larrikins. The development of bis small farm near the top of Flagstaff exemplified his astoni-bine patience and perseverance. and made him the centre oi considerable interest from those who pnssed by. At tho time of his death Mi Rudd

was 76 years of age He came to the dominion as a very young man, and took up residence in the Is! a i kora i Valley where he followed the occupation of gardener, having served his apprenticeship in England. His ability in this direction was exceptional, and up to the time he left the Valley to take over a small farm near the top of Flngstnfi about forty wars asm he was one of the best-known gardeners in the city. Eleven years ago he sold his farm and came to the city as gardener for the late Mr Peter Dawson. He resided there for some eighteen months, but soon tired, of city life, and retired to Flagstaff again, where he pitched a tent

on the site of his more recent residence. Hero he lived a solitary existence until his last illness Fie was discovered last month in a very bad condition. Having been unable to look alter himself, ho had been without attention for a considerable period. The ambulance was summoned, but could not reach his isolated hut, and he had to be carried about a mile and a-halt before he could be conveyed to the hospital.