Pioneer Passes

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 180, 2 August 1938, Page 6

Pioneer Passes

The death at Nelson of Mr. L. R. Bryant removes a familiar figure iu Palmerston North and district until a few years ago, and a man who was associated with the pioneering days of the Manawatu. Born at Bristol, England, deceased came to New Zealand with his parents as a boy of five years of age. The family settled at Nelson where Mr. Bryant was later associated with the farming industry. In 1874 he contracted for public works and tho following year came to the North Island to follow the same pursuit. One of his first works was tho construction of the railway bridge across the Rangitikei river at Ivakariki. In 1876 he was joined by Mr. G. Stephenson, who is still residing in Palmerston North, and when the Kakariki bridge was finished, the two rode on horseback through to Gisborne where they erected another bridge. The trip through to the East Coast town took 5i days which was hard going for 250 miles. When tha* work was finished Mr. Bryant came back to Palmerston North to tender for the laying out of the Square which included levelling and fencing. Mr. Stephenson followed him back shortly afterwards to be associated in that work as well. Together they also con tracted all over the Manawatu fron. Otaki to Apiti. In 1881 the Kairangn block was cut up and both deceased and Mr. Stephenson bought sections but while the latter sold out subsequently and went back to contracting, Mr. Bryant kept on farming for many years in the Kairanga and then sold out to take up land r.t Fitzkerbert. During tho war he retired to live in Palmerston North.

Deceased was associated with local body work, being a foundation member of the first Drainage Board in tho Kairanga. lie was a member of the Kairanga County Council for many years and during that time occupied the position of chairman. He was also a borough councillor in Palmerston North for several years. He was an enthusiastic bowler, having been a member ot the Palmerston North Bowling Club and tho first president of the Northern Club.

Ho married a sister of Mr. Stephenson, Mrs. Bryant predeceasing him some 20 yoars ago. There were no children but he is survived by one brother and two sisters, all of whom reside in the Nelson district.