RECORD OF CITIZENSHIP

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1932, Page 12

RECORD OF CITIZENSHIP

FINE WELLINGTON FAMILY. » SERVICE IN WELLINGTON. A record of worthy citizenship is held by the family, consisting of Mr. W. H. Bennett and his two brothers, Mr. A. J. Bennet#, and Mr. Phil BSnnett, and sister, Mrs. T. Ralph, of 'Webb Street, who were all born in the- same house, which stood in the street known as Kumitoto, in Wellington’s early days, but now known as Bowen Street. Mrs. Ralph is, says the Dominion, the eldest of the four, and will complete her 82nd year in July, Mr. A. J. Bennett will celebrate his 80th birthday very soon, Mr. W. H. Bennett is six years younger, and the fourth, about four years younger, is the baby of the family. Their parents arrived in Nelson in 1848 and came across the. strait to Wellington to find it in ruins as a result of an earthquake of that year. They had but two daughters then, both born in 'England, and. both of whom have since died. The father was a wood turner by trade, and had his workshop at Clay Point, where the Bank of New Zealand now stands. He constructed the first footpath, making it possible to get round the point at high tide without having to scramble overthe rocks. The children were educated in. Wellington, and the eldest son, A. J. Bennett, went into the ironmongery trade. Retiring from his business, he became assistant to Mr. A. Compton, cabinetmaker and builder, and. was also secretary to the South Pacific Loan Company for many years. He became a member of the Hope of Wellington Tent of Rechabites in 1871, and celebrated his diamond jubilee as a member last year. He was secretary and treasurer of the association for 33 years. In later yeans he went in for philately aa a profession, and although he has eeasea to take an active interest in this he still keeps a private collection. He has made up several collections for people outside New Zealand, and. is at present compiling a valuable one for a phil:»telist in South Africa. The value of his collection runs well into four figures. He is an old member of th# Wellington Bowling Club, and has played in the veterans’ tournaments, from the beginning. It was while playing at Newton green some years ago that he met T. C. Powell, of Newtown club, who was born on the same day in the same year as Mr. Bennett. Councillor W. H. Bennett has been_ well known in public life for many years as a member of the city council and of the Wellington Technical College Board of Governors, having been chairman of the latter hoard for several years. He succeeded Mr. C. J. B. Norwood. as chairman of the Milk Committee, and retained that office to see the scheme develop and the new factory in Tory Street established. HJe retired from the building trade, a few years ago. He is also a member of the Wellington Bowling Club and past president. ,