The Star Wednesday September 29 1886 page 3
The death of Mr Michael Studholme, at the comparatively early age of fifty-three, which took place yesterday, has deprived New Zealand of another of those early pioneers who did so much to establish the reputation of the Colony as a home for the enterprising settler. Though not among the "Pilgrims," the Messrs Studholme - John, Michael and Paul - the sons of a gentleman farmer in Cumberland, came out to New Zealand some thirty-eight years ago, and soon took up a run at the Rakaia. Successful there they went further south, to Waimate, where John and Michael took up the station, the freehold of which they have since acquired - an estate which Lincoln delegates, after having visited and inspected the land throughout the Colonies, pronounced to be the very finest in New Zealand, if not in the Southern Hemisphere. So rich is a large portion of the land that it is said to be able to carry a bullock to the acre.
We have said that the brothers "soon took up a run." The phase hardly does justice to the work done by such pioneers as the Messrs Studholmes. When they undertook to look for country there was literally nothing for them to depend upon. The land before them was a perfect wildness of plain, swamp and mountain. Under and beyond the haze that met their eyes, as they took their first survey from the summit of the Port Hills, lay great stretches of unknown waste; treacherous, swift deep rivers of ice-cold water, the number of which no man could tell, barred the way; fuel was scarce, and the certainties of hardships and privations were many. In these comfortable days men travel smoothly along in express train, admiring the landscape, envying, as their eyes fall on fine houses among great trees, the pleasant lot of those who were so fortunate as to secure early a share of the unclaimed good things of the earth. Those who know the early struggles of the pioneer life, know that the proportion of the army of pioneers who settled down and endured to competence was exceedingly small. For them there was no comfortable inns, no pleasant carriages, no rails, no roads; swimming was their only bridge; sign of human life was none to cheers them on their lonely way. Their gifts were exceptional courage, exceptional strength, exceptional power of endurance. And when these were present they were useless without clear judgement, cautious prudence, great perseverance. Thus equipped, the brothers Studholme set forth into the wildness to find their run. Their first lodgement was at the Rakaia, but soon they went further south, eventually bringing up at Waimate. Between the two periods they travelled over the greater portion of the Middle Island, doing most of the distance on foot, observing with practised eye and surveying with car. The excellence of their judgement is attested by their final selection of the best stretch of country in the whole island. Their success came fast, and faster as the Colony grew, and in that they reaped the legitimate reward of their hardy enterprise, and long-headed belief in the future of the wilderness they so they so pluckily set out to conquer. A characteristic trait of the men is the care they always took of the old hut which they had put up for themselves on the first settling at the Waimate. In due course of time and prosperity a fine house was built, but the old hut was never demolished. It was, on the contrary, preserved and propped up in memory of the old times. In the later years, when the brothers divided the property, the Waimate fell to the share of the subject of this memoir, Michael, who had often been heard alluding to the old hut in terms of affectionate memory. "If the old whare could only speak," he used often to say, "she could tell many a good story, and give the details of many a deal."
In 1852 Michael found himself on the Ballarat goldfields in company with the late Mr Sefton Moorhouse, we believe. But with that exception (he returned in '53), all his Colonial life was spent at Waimate. Though not a prominent figure among the public men of the Colony, Mr Studholme took a keen interest in the public affairs of his own locality. As member and Chairman of the Road Board and County Council, he rendered services of no small moment to the Waimate district, for his mind was of that solid, practical turn which is peculiarly adapted to the task of a pioneer settlement. He was one of the oldest Justices of the Peace in the Canterbury district, and in his attention to the duties of that position was most assiduous.
It is, perhaps, as a successful breeder of stock, and a great lover of sport, that Mr Studholme will be best remembered. The breeding of prize stock was his hobby, and the animals from the Waimate Estate have figured largely in the prize lists of the Agricultural Shows of Canterbury. To him, it may fairly be claimed, is due much of the success which New Zealand wool has achieved in the Home markets, where the Waimate bell brand was well known and highly appreciated.
In the early days of the province Mr Studholme took a prominent part in sporting matters. He imported several thoroughbred horses, notably Sledmere and Caledon, the sires of many distinguished winners. His chief success on the turf were obtained through the agency Knottingley, whose brilliant performances fifteen or sixteen years ago will be remembered by many of our sporting readers. Of late years he confined his racing operations almost entirely to meetings in his own locality, and may be regarded as the father of the Waimate Steeplechases and the Hunt Club Meetings. The former has, from the first, been held on his estate, and the second arose out of the gatherings at Waimate. Throughout his life he was an ardent supporter of the turf, and held more than one official position in connection with the Canterbury Jockey Club, and for many years occupied the judge's box at Riccarton.
Blunt in manner, he was a generous and warm-hearted friend. Mr Studholme was severely injured many years ago by a fall from his horse, the animal rolling over him, and has never been quite the same man since. For the last few years he has been failing health, but until Monday last no serious danger was feared. On that day his illness took a sudden change for the worse, and yesterday morning he peacefully breathed his last. He leaves a widow and a family of ten, six sons and four daughters, to mourn his loss. The news of his death has saddened a large circle of friends.Otago Witness, 8 October 1886, Page 9
The largest funeral that ever occurred in Waimate took place on Thursday, when the mortal remains of Mr Studholme were consigned to their last resting place — the Waimate Cemetery. The whole of the places of business were closed, including the hotels, and during the melancholy proceedings the bell of the St. Augustine Church was tolled. The procession included 24 carriages, 30 horsemen, and the foot followers could not have numbered less than 600, being representative of many of the large towns of Otago and Canterbury. The coffin, of polished red pine and covered with wreaths, was | carried into the chancel of she church, where j the burial service was conducted by the Rev. C. Coates, the choir singing two appropriate hymns. The whole proceedings in the chapel were very impressive, and not a few wore the aspect of deep sympathy. About 1500 people collected in the cemetery, where the Rev. Charles Coates conducted a short service. The remains of the mourned gentleman having been consigned to the earth, the large company dispersed. It ought to be mentioned (says the Lyttelton Times) that the local volunteers (Waimate Rifles), under command of Lieutenant Capstick, in full military costume, formed part of the procession. This was out of deep respect for their captain who is a son of the late Mr Studholme.
South Canterbury NZGenWeb Project
Burkes Colonial Gentry page 171
John Studholme, of Merevale, CHCH, and Coldstream, Ashburton Co., sat as a
member of the HR for Kaiapoi from 1867 to 1874 and also for Gladstone from 1878
to 1882, b. in 1829; educated at Queen's College, Oxford. Married Lucy Ellen
Stykes, d/o Wm Moorehouse, Esq., of Knottingley, W.R. co. York, Eng.. Issue:
i. John b. 1863, educated at Christ's College, CHCH, and at Christ Church,
Oxford (B.A. 1887)
ii. William Paul b. 1864, educated at Christ's College, CHCH, and at
Magdalen College, oxford (B.A. 1886) and was called to the Bar at the Temple,
London, 1887.
iii. Joseph Francis b. 1866; educated at Christ's College, CHCH, and at Jeuses
College, Cambridge.
iv. Lucy Ellen b. 1869
v. Florence May b. 1872.
Canterbury Public Library Church Register Index
Nancy Janet WELLS & Edgar Channon STUDHOLME m. 20 April 1909 at St. Mary's Merivale
Ages: 42/ 26
Occupation: farmer/ gentlewoman
Born: Waimate/ Christchurch,
Parents: Michael & Effiegenia Maria Louisa Studholme nee Channon, (farmer) Waimate
Charles Alexander & Florence nee Lane
Witness: C. Des. Teschmaker, Kauroohill, Mahino.Otago Witness, 18 March 1903, Page 55
A cable message has been received in Wellington notifying the death in London of Mr John Studholme, a well-known South Canterbury pioneer. Mr Studholme came to New Zealand in 1851. He and his brother Michael were the second persons to journey overland from Christchurch to Dunedin, Mr Valpy having preceded them. In 1854, in company with Dr Menzies and Captain Bellairs, he set out to explore the Southland district, which had recently been, bought from the Natives by the Government. After a week's hard walking between the Mataura and the Oreti Rivers, the others decides to go no further, and Mr Studholme walked on, by himself an far as the Waiau. The only Europeans in Southland at this time were an old sealer called Jack Tiger, who lived at the Bluff, and Captains Stevens and Howell, at Jacob's River. In 1854, the brothers took up the Waimate run, and engaged in sawmilling operations. The deceased represented Timaru in the Canterbury Provincial Council and in the House of Representatives. He twice represented Kaiapoi and twice Gladstone, and was offered a seat in the Fox Ministry. He was a director in the New Zealand Shipping Company. He was married to a daughter of the late Mr Moorhouse, one of the superintendents of Canterbury. 7th March.The Times, Tuesday, May 29, 1934; pg. 9
Lieut.-Colonel John Studholme Service With The Anzacs - Obituary
Born on Feb. 10, 1863, he was the eldest son of Mr John Studholme, of Merivale, Christchurch, and Coldstream, Canterbury, NZ. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Christ College, Oxford, where he graduated, and returned to NZ and took up sheep faming. Always attracted to military life he took an active part in the NZ Volunteers and commanded the Ashburton Mounted Rifles. He served as second-in-command of the 8th South Canterbury Regiment, being promoted major in 1908. During the War he was A.A.G., NZEF, was awarded the D.S.O. in 1817 and made C.B.E. in 1919. In 1921 he went on the retired list of the NZ Force with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In addition to business and military affairs Lieut.-Colonel Studholme devoted much attention to local government. He was a member of the Ashburton County Council and other bodies. He also travelled extensively, giving special attention to education methods in America and elsewhere... His publications included a paper on "The Work of the Church Among the White Settlers," 1908 and "Some Records of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force," 1928. He married first Alexandra, daughter of the late Archbishop Thomson, of York and by her he had three sons: and second Katherine, daughter of the late Sir Charles Bowen.The Times, Thursday, May 31, 1934; pg. 19
His father, John Studholme, of Merevale, took a leading part in the pioneer development of NZ. He founded and endowed a school of home science in Otago and was actively interested in schools and colleges elsewhere, but it was the introduction of the Bible into the hither to wholly secular State schools of New Zealand that lay nearest his heart.The Times, Wednesday, Dec 08, 1926; pg. 1
STUDHOLME - On Dec. 1, in Paris, Lucy Ellen Sykes Studholme, widow of John Studholme, of Merevale, Christchurch, NZ, in her 89th year.The Times, Friday, May 17, 1946; pg. 1
Studholme - On May 14, 1946, at Middleton Grange, Christchurch, NZ, Katherine Georgina, wife of the late Col. John Studholme, of Coldstream, NZ, and second daughter of the late Sir Charles and Lady Bowen, aged 80.
The Times, Friday, May 03, 1963; pg. 17
Sir Richard Home Studholme, O.B.E., one of her Majesty's Lieutenants for the city of London, died yesterday in a London hospital at the age of 61. He became an Alderman in 1954 and was Sheriff in 1960-61. The son of Lieutenant-Colonel John Studholme, C.B.E., D.S.O., of Coldstream, and Middleton, NZ, be was born on November 7, 1901, and educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. He farmed in NZ from 1924- to 1926, and began to practise as a solicitor in 1929. During Second World War he served with the London Scottish and the Royal Artillery. He was made O.B.E. in 1945 and was knighted in the New Year Honours last year. In 1927 he married Alice Rosemary daughter of Dr. Cecil Wilson, Bishop of Melanesia. They had one son and one daughter.The Times, Wednesday, Jul 15, 1931; pg. 17
The marriage took place at St Andrews Episcopal Church, Fife, yesterday of Mr Derek Skene Studholme, third son of Lieutenant-Colonel John Studholme, of Middleton Grange, Christchurch, NZ, and the late Mrs Studholme, and Miss Elizabeth Janet (Betty), Crawford, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs C.J. Crawford, Wayside, St. Andrews...large guest list.