LATE MRS MATILDA TURNER
EARLY DAYS RECALLED
Further interesting particulars, in addition to those previously published in "The Mail” concerning the late Mrs Matilda E. Turner, the first pioneer settler of the Rai, have been made available. Born at Kawai, Auckland, eighty years ago, Mrs Turner saw great changes in the conditions of living. Her family, themselves pioneers, imbued hardship and privation known only to those brave ones who yesterday camped where the rearguard may rest to-day. While an infant the then Matilda McKenzie was hidden with her sisters in the bush to escape from troublesome Maoris. Her memory went back to the days of the Maori Wars, and to the massacre of the Trust boys when one boy shoulderedhiys young brother hoping to escape, but a Maori threw a tomahawk which killed the little boy. In 1870 she came from Auckland to Havelock to marry Charles Turner, architect and skilled draughtsman, from London. Mr and Mrs Turner resided in the Pelorus Valley, where Mrs Turner gave liberally all the service she could to her neighbours, helping them in sickness and trouble. Finally they settled in the. heart of the forest, since named Carluke. Mrs Turner cut logs with a pit saw to build their house, which, while not a thing of great beauty, constituted that joyous word “home” to those great hearted ones. There were no roads or bridges, and the only means of travelling were walking or riding and stores, when there was money to pay for them, were brought from Havelock, twenty miles away, by pack horse. For £1 a week Mr Turner walked over the hills to Canvastown fourteen miles away, to work on Dalton’s estate, while Mrs Turner and her four little ones managed as best they could. The bush abounded with pigeons, tuis. wild pigs and wild cattle, many falling to Mrs Turner’s gun. Fortunately for their children, Mrs Turner loved books and people, and did her utmost to give her children all the knowledge she could. Visitors to that one solitary home were indeed wonderful occasions, and Mr and Mrs Turner were renowned for their hospitality, their home indeed being “open house,” and their generous open handedness endearing them to all with whom they came in contact. One visitor, in particular, then a student at Nelson College, is now Bishop of Aotearoa, and great was Mrs Turner’s pleasure at meeting Bishop Bennett as he passed through Rai Valley last year. The Maoris held Mr and Mrs Turner in high respect, one, Charles Hippolite, wading and leading Mrs Turner’s horse through a swollen river to ensure her safety while going to help a neighbour in distress. In 1882 the making of the Nelson-Blenheim road was a great event in the lives of the Turners, and the arrival of the coach bringing a small mail bag was an unforgettable event, this being 13 years after their arrival at Carluke. Mr Turner predeceased Mrs Turner 18 years ago. Eleven years ago Mrs Turner had a very serious illness which left her a cripple, but those years were made very happy by her kind friends who remembered her kindness and generosity, and the gallant battle of her life for ever waving the flag of true Christianity. Mrs Turner leaves two daughters (Mrs C. N. Leov and Mrs A. Maule), and two sons (Messrs Wm. and Charles Turner). There are 23 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. The services at St. Marks Church, Rai Valley, and at the Cemetery, Nelson, were largely attended. Mrs Turner was borne to her last resting place by six grandsons, Messrs C. Maule, I. Turner, R. and C. L. Turner, and L. and C. Leov. -Nelson Evening Mail, 29/7/1930.
Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.
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