COLONISTS RETURNING HOME

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9089, 28 April 1890, Page 6

COLONISTS RETURNING HOME

MR AND MRS J. G. RUDDENKLAU.By the Doric, which leaves for England' on Thursday morning, Mr and Mrs J. G. Ruddenklau purpose paying a visit to the Old Country. The length of the visit will depend greatly upon .Mr Ruddeaklau’a ■ health, to restore which is the main-object of the trip. As Mr Ruddenklau has been before the public in many capacities, besides being an early settler, a few particulars respecting his Colonial career.may bo of interest. Mr Ruddenklau is a native of Hesse Cassel in Germany, where he was brought up to the trades of baker and confectioner. Like many other young Germans who saw 1 ' no scope for their abilities in that country/, he went to London, where he plied his calling and picked up a knowledge of the language. In 1856 he sailed for Canterbury, where he arrived in January, 1857, with Mrs Ruddenklau. Going up what is now Manchester street (then only a roadway j ust fenced off) in company with his father-in-law, he met a boy about nine years old, whom he asked if there was any work to be got. The lad, pointing to a field of wheat near the spot now occupied by Coker’s Hotel, replied that it was just going to be cut, and that hands were wanted tor the work. The lad is now known as Mr Major Cunningham. The new arrivals went across to the field, and were engaged to do the harvesting. From that time Mr Ruddenklau suceeded in getting constant employment, and as he judiciously saved most of his earnings, he was soon able to start in business at his own trade and on his own account. The site which he leased for the bakehouse and shop from Mr William Wilson, was that now occupied by Messrs Stratz and Jewell in High street. The business was carried on satisfactorily till 1860, when he opened the well-known city wine vaults, which occupied the site of the City Hotel. Here Mr and Mrs Ruddenklau gained a host of friends, and on his making application for a hotel license in 1563, it was granted without demur. The license took effect on the day on which all Canterbury met to honour the celebration of the marriage of the Prince of Wales, viz,, July 9, 18G3, and the circumstance is commemorated by a picture of the procession, as it filed past the City wine vaults (as they were still called). Always active in any work for the benefit of the citizens, and liberal in assisting charities or other good works, Mr and Mrs Ruddenklau succeeded well in the hotel. He retired from business in 1870. When asked to represent the burgesses in the City Council Mr Ruddenklau consented, and was returned at the annual election in 1864. From that time till 1881—with a short interval—he was a useful and zealous member, and assisted in making many substantial improvements to the city. He was several times asked to become a candidate for the mayoral chair, but did not consent till 1881, when he was elected to that honourable position. In that capacity he served the citizens so well that, at the close of his first term of office, an influential requisition was presented to him, asking him to accept the position again. He consented, and the citizens, in addition to re-electing him unopposed, made him a very handsome presentation on the occasion of his reinsLallatio.n on.. Nov. 23, 1883. Mrs Ruddenklau was also made the recipient of a token of esteem. These presentations were mementos alike of personal respect and of the Intercolonial Exhibition, held under the auspices of Messrs Joubert and Twopeny. It goes without saying that the-duties'of Mayorof the City were, by this Exhibition, rendered more onerous and expensive than under ordinary circumstances. Not only did Me Ruddenklau succeed in carrying out these duties well, but the munificent manner in which he extended his hospitality was a theme of general comment. Visitors from all parts went away full of admiration for his kindness and geniality. On his retiring from the mayoralty at the end of his second term, general congratulations fell on him. This was Mr Enddenklau’s last public office, but he has always since shown an interest in the affairs of the city, though not taking an active part in its management. Of late Mr Ruddenklau has suffered considerably from a rheumatic affliction, which necessitates his taking a long sea voyage, and it is for that purpose that he is returning Home. During all these years Mrs Ruddenklau has been an able helpmate to him, and many a one in Canterbury has occasion to be thankful that they knew the worthy couple, as not alone in charity have Mr and Mrs Ruddenklau done much, but they have helped many to make a start in life.

Mr W. F. Warner, one of their oldest friends, who managed the business of tho Golden Age Hotel while Mr Kuddenklau owned it, accompanies them Home, as he is anxious to see his old friend placed in good quarters at Home and introduced to the best medical talent in London. As soon as this is done Mr Warner will return to the Colony. The citizens of Christchurch and all who are acquainted with Mr Ruddenklau will join with us in wishing Mr and Mrs Euddenklau ion voyage and an early return in fully restored health to the land of their adoption.