John Studholme held the rank of Major in the Territorial Army and joined the Canterbury Mounted Rifles at Trentham camp as part of the Sixth Reinforcements in April, 1915. After reaching Gallipoli he became Commanding Officer after the evacuation of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart on October.
IN NEW ZEALAND.
DOMINION SOLDIERS.
MAJOR STUDHOLME'S NEW APPOINTMENT.
WELLINGTON, April 17.
General Godley mentions in a letter to the Minister of Defence that Dr. Buck, who went to the front as a member of the Medical Corps, has taken a combatant commission as second in command of the Maori Contingent. The officer commanding the Maoris is Major King, of the New Zealand Staff Corps. Major King, says General Godley, has spent a good deal of time in the Auckland district, knows the Maoris well, and is a very good officer. Lord Charles- Bentinck, who has been General Godley's military secretary, has gone to England. His place has been taken by Major J. Studholme, of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles. -Ashburton Guardian, 18/4/1916.
MINISTERS AT HOME.
VISIT TO THE FRONT.
INSPECTION OF TROOPS.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPODENTS] LONDON, Nov. 7.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Massey, and Sir Joseph Ward, accompanied by their private secretaries, returned to London on Saturday after spending a week in France, conducted by Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson. Crossing the channel on Monday they were met by Major Studholme, military secretary to General Godley, and Lieutenant F. G. Massey, adjutant to the 2nd Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade. The journey to the headquarters of the 2nd Anzac Corps, where they were the guests of General Godley, was made by motor, the route passing through the historical old town in which Lord French had his headquarters for the better part of two years. During most of the tour they were in the area now held by New Zealand troops, as they were anxious to see as much as possible of the men and the conditions under which they are fighting. Perhaps the most interesting incident of the tour was the presentation by General Sir H. C. C. Plumer, of medals Won by New Zealanders in the Somme fighting. On five separate occasions the visiting Ministers had an opportunity of addressing considerable bodies of our troops, and they took it in turn to speak to them, excepting on the last occasion, in the Y.M.C.A. at General Russell's headquarters, where they both spoke. They had many opportunities of meeting the men individually, and also of meeting New Zealanders serving in units of the British Army. On one day during the tour the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward lunched with the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Douglas Haig, who expressed himself delighted with the fighting qualities and general behaviour of the New Zealand troops. They afterwards inspected a depot of the Royal Flying Corps, and it was during this inspection that Mr. Massey, at his own request, made a flight in an aeroplane with an army pilot, an experience which Sir Joseph Ward enjoyed on his previous visit to England some years ago. At an earlier stage of the tour in the salient at Ypres, the visitors saw some British aeroplanes cross the German lines, and come into action with the German batteries. -NZ Herald, 13/12/1916.
The use of the word "Home" (always with a capital H) with reference to Britain is a common was a common one until the 1960s. Social columns would refer to someone "preparing for a journey Home" despite their not having left New Zealand before.
Major John Studholme, of Coldstream, Canterbury, who has just been awarded the D.S.O. for his services with the 'New Zealand Expeditionary Force, is a son of the late Mr. John Studholme, of Merivale, Christchurch. He is a New Zealander by birth, having been born in 1863. Educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, he went from there to Oxford University, where he took his M.A. degree. He was at one time lieutenant of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and later major in command of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles. He left with the 6th Reinforcements, in command. He was through the Gallipoli campaign and took part in the evacuation. On returning to Egypt he was for some time in command of the Zeitoun Camp, from there being given the appointment of Military Secretary of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. He went on from Egypt with General Sir A. Godley to Flanders, where he has been ever since. Major Studholme twice unsuccessfully contested the Ashburton seat for the House of Representatives in the interests of the Reform Party. He also took a keen interest in all local affairs, being a member of the City Council and many other local bodies. He was always keenly interested in educational matters, for a time being a member of the Canterbury Education Board, and also of the Lincoln Agricultural College. Major Studholme was also the means of instituting a Chair of Domestic Economy at the Otago University, the first of its kind at any university in New Zealand. Major Studholme is a brother of Mr. Joseph F. Studholme, of Ruanui, and of Mrs. William Barton, of Featherston. -Evening Post, 2/1/1917.
Major Studholme, D.S.O., who has been military secretary to General Godley, is gazetted assistant-adjutant-general. -NZ Herald, 4/4/1917.
SOLDIERS' DINNER
INTERESTING SPEECHES.
GENERAL GODLEY PRAISED. (excerpt)
Ashburton County returned soldiers and sisters were entertained at a complimentary dinner last evening by the Soldiers' Club patron, Mr John Grigg. The host presided over a very large gathering of over 300 soldiers, nurses, and friends.
Lieutenant-Colonel Studholme said all this was a very great change from a year or so ago. The N.Z.E.F. was back again, and the mere fact that they were in this good country and alive at all was sufficient reward for anything done. He referred to the hospitality of the Navy, and went on to refer to the fact that Canada had apparently turned down Lord Jellicoe's naval proposals and were closing the naval bases at Esqumiault and Halifax. He hoped New Zealand would make up its mind to bear its full share in the maintenance of the Imperial Navy. Colonel Studholme proceeded to eulogise the qualities of the British troops who had fought beside the New Zealand Division, in France — the Guards, the Scottish troops, and the cheerful Tommy. He said there was one reason why he was glad to speak to them on that occasion. They were lucky to serve under General Godley (cries of "No, no," and continued dissent) and Generals Russell and Richardson. (Applause.) They had been lucky in their leaders, and it seemed curious to him but somehow General Godley never had the full credit given him as he deserved. (Derisive interjections, and cries of "Make 'em run, Alec!") They were all agreed about Generals Russell, Chaytor, and Richardson. But, he asked, who was responsible for appointing these commanders? He gave proof that the judgment and credit belonged to General Godley. He went on to detail various qualities of General Godley, and how he had dealt with impartiality and on fixed principles in regard to appointments, promotions, and commissions. It was General Godley who, with tact and firmness, fought the battle of the N.Z.E.F. with the War Office and ensured its remaining a unit distinct from the Australians. The speaker added that he was three years under the direct command of the General, and he had never served under a better man. He did not know if they were acquainted with General Godley's farewell order to the N.Z.E.F., but he would ask the "Ashburton Mail" to publish it "in extenso," and he asked them all to read it. Another thing to read was Colonel Hugh Stewart's book on the campaign in France now in course of preparation, which was a living document of deepest interest. Colonel Studholme went on to speak of the qualities of the New Zealand soldier, and expressed the opinion that New Zealand was, destined to play a part out of all proportion to its size or population. It was a country well worth fighting for and working for. (Applause.) -Ashburton Guardian, 26/3/1920.
Post-war, John Studholme interested himself in agricultural matters, being closely associated with Lincoln Agricultural College, and also with his local Anglican church.
On Saturday, December 3rd, commencing at 2.30 p.m., the St. Peter's Upper Riccarton garden fete will be held in the beautiful grounds of Colonel Studholme's home, Middleton Grange, Upper Riccarton. Great preparations have been made for the fete, and in consequence the many attractive stalls will be stocked with goods to meet the needs of all, and in addition various games and side-shows will be held, and tea will be served on the lawn. -Press, 18/11/1927.
ST. PETER'S FETE.
The hundreds of visitors who attended St. Peter's Fete at Colonel Studholme's home, Middleton Grange, on Saturday had reason once more to be grateful to the pioneers of Canterbury, who in their wisdom had planted trees in suitable situations to provide shelter and add beauty to the landscape m the days of their grandchildren. And their labours have borne fruit abundantly at Middleton Grange, where a feature of the beautiful grounds, set in a frame of trees, is a grassy depression down whose sloping banks on Saturday happy children played exciting games and within whose sheltered confines many attractive stalls were arranged. Beyond the trim lawns, surrounded with more stalls and many tea-tables lay the gay gardens, and on the further outskirts a patient pony and a docile donkey carried dozens of children, wild with excitement, up and down the green paddocks. The music of Derry's Band added to the general air of festivity. Miss Laura Bowen, the very efficient secretary, and her large band of helpers deserve sincerest congratulations on the success of the fete, which was formally opened by Archbishop Julius in a characteristically cheery little speech. Colonel and Mrs John Studholme, by whose generosity the gathering was held amid such charming sylvan scenes, were hospitably zealous for the enjoyment of all the visitors and spent o busy time welcoming old friends, many of whom were former residents at Riccarton, the oldest Anglican parish in Christchurch.
The following were the stalls and stall-holders: — Tea stall, Miss Hayton, Mrs Hanson, Miss Budge, Mrs Southern, Mrs Barnett, Mrs E. Lovell-Smith, Miss E. Hayton, and Miss H. Freeman; Mothers' Union stall, Mrs Hodginson, Mrs Holmes, Mrs Joe Carlton, Mrs Purvis; work stall, Mrs York, Mrs Ward. Mrs Sandrey, Miss Kincaid, Mrs Moreland, Mrs Piper; produce, Miss Bowen, Mrs Kirkwood, Mrs Smith, Mrs Saul, Mrs H. Studholme, Miss Ballantyne, Miss Maude, Miss Laura Bowen; strawberries and cream, Misses Jean Ballantyne, Nancy Green, and Gwen Clarke; sweets, Mrs W. B. Clorkson. Miss Sandrey, and Mrs Jagger: variety, Mrs Allen and Mrs Palmer: books, Miss Gardiner, Miss Tippine, and Crusaders; games and competitions. Junior Boys' Bible Class (under Mr Allen); deck tennis and bumble puppy, Mr D. Studholme, Miss C. Bowen, Miss M. Studholme, Miss J. Gardner, and Miss J. St. John; bran pie, Mrs Crosse, Misses Badham Smith, find Elizabeth Morris; ice-creams, Mrs Waller and Mrs Scott; nail-driving competition, Mr Hanson: in charge of donkey rides, Mr Frank Neave. -Press, 5/12/1927.
GRAVES OF WAR DEAD
BRITAIN GIVES WINDOWS FOR CHAPEL
PILGRIMAGE TO ARRAS
(Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 11 a.m. LONDON, Sunday.
The whole Empire was represented at Arras, Colonel Studholme representing New Zealand, when the Secretary for War, Sir Tom Shaw, formally presented a set of six stained glass windows for the memorial chapel at the French National Cemetery, erected on a spur facing Vimy Ridge, on behalf of all the Governments and peoples of the Empire.
Thousands of the French were present. The chapel stands in the midst of 30,000 graves.
The windows commemorate the Empire dead, who fought on the same ground as their French comrades. It is intended as a tribute of gratitude for French assistance for Imperial war graves by generous grants of lands for cemeteries.
Mr. Shaw said this homage and sympathy came from the burning sun of India to the snows of Canada, from the sunny seas of the south, from Africa, and from the end of the globe, Australia and New Zealand. -Sun, 5/8/1929.
OBITUARY
COLONEL JOHN STUDHOLME.
ASHBURTON COUNTY PIONEER.
PUBLIC MAN AND SOLDIER.
Advice has been received from Christchurch of the death of Colonel John Studholme, C.B.E., D.S.O., aged 71. An early pioneer Of the Ashburton County, Colonel Studholme succeeded his father as owner of the Coldstream Estate at Hinds, and took a prominent part in local body work in the County. Of latter years he has lived in retirement in Christchurch.
Born at Hororata in February, 1863, Colonel Studholme was the eldest son of Mr John Studholme, of Morton House, Carlyle, England, who was one of the earliest pioneers, arriving in New Zealand in 1851. He was educated at Farnborough, England, Christ’s College, New Zealand, and at Christchurch, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1887 and M.A. in 1891. From 1888 to 1891 he was engaged in farming at Coldstream, 'and the years 1891 to 1895 were spent by him, chiefly in the North Island, assisting his father in connection .with his northern property. From 1895 to 1897 he was engaged partly in travelling and partly studying the conditions of life in East London, at the Oxford House.
In 1897 Mr Studholme married a daughter of the late Dr. Thomson, Archbishop of York, and there were three sons. Messrs John Studholme, who is studying law in England, Richard H. Studholme, a solicitor in England, and Derek S. Studholme, a sheepfarmer, at present at Coldstream. From 1897 he farmed the Coldstream Estate at Hinds, and after following pastoral pursuits for many years retired to live at “Middleton Grange,” Upper Riccarton, Christchurch.
A member of the Ashburton County Council for many years, the Colonel represented the Council and many other Ashburton local bodies at the conferences of local bodies convened by the Mackenzie Government to consider the Local Government Bill, 1912. He was president of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association for many years, and a delegate of the Association at many A. and F. conferences in New Zealand. The first president, he took a keen interest in the Ashburton County Racing Club, and was a member of the Board of Governors of the Ashburton Technical School. He held the office of chairman of the Coldstream Road Board for a considerable period, and was O.C. Ashburton Mounted Rifles. The Colonel was also interested in the Farmers’ Union, and in 1901 was president of the North Canterbury executive.
Always interested in education. Colonel Studholme studied agricultural education and home science in 1905 and 1908, travelling extensively in Canada, America and England for this purpose. In 1909 he initiated the chair of home science at the University of Otago. Studholme House, Dunedin, a department of the University, bears his name.
An Anglican by creed, he was a member of the Diocesan Synod, and at one time a member of the Diocesan Standing Committee, In 1908 he represented the Christchurch Anglican Synod and the Pan-Anglican Congress in London.
In 1902 and 1905 he unsuccessfully contested the Ashburton seat against the Seddon Government, The Colonel commenced his military career as a trooper in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry for three years. He was a lieutenant for a year, and later O.C. Ashburton Mounted Rifles, until 1907. He was a major and second-in-command of the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifles from 1907 till 1908. He served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War from March, 1915, to January, 1920, seeing service in Egypt, Gallipoli, France and Germany. He was awarded the D.S.O. at Gallipoli. He was appointed military secretary and later assistant-adjutant-general of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on General Sir Alexander Godley’s staff. He had the Order of C.B.E. conferred upon him in 1919. He was posted to the retired fist as lieutenant-colonel in 1922.
Colonel Studholme was a director of the New Zealand Shipping Company, Ltd., a member of the Board of Governors of Christ’s College, a past member of the Canterbury University College and Canterbury Agricultural College Boards of Governors. Taking a prominent part in the Bible-in-Schools League, he was Dominion treasurer at the time of his death.
The Colonel’s second wife was a daughter of the Hon. Sir Charles Bowen, private secretary to Mr John R. Godley, the founder of Canterbury. Colonel Studholme has published several books as follow: — “Some Records of the New Zealand E.F.” (1928), “The Work of the Church Among the White Settlers of New Zealand” (1908), “Religious Instruction in the State Primary Schools of Great Britain” (1930). -Ashburton Guardian, 26/5/1934.
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