Robert Gardner

M, b. 9 January 1842, d. 29 May 1919
Robert Gardner|b. 9 Jan 1842\nd. 29 May 1919|p224.htm|Matthew Gardner|b. 5 May 1815\nd. 5 Oct 1852|p220.htm|Elizabeth Fairley|b. 2 Jun 1816\nd. 12 May 1898|p221.htm|Robert Gardner|b. 17 Aug 1791\nd. 19 Aug 1863|p50.htm|Ann Robertson|b. 16 Dec 1791\nd. 28 Oct 1871|p49.htm|John Fairley||p222.htm|Agnes Lindsay||p223.htm|
FatherMatthew Gardner b. 5 May 1815, d. 5 Oct 1852
MotherElizabeth Fairley b. 2 Jun 1816, d. 12 May 1898
RelationshipGreat-grandson of Matthew Gardner
ChartsDescendants of Matthew Gardner and Margaret Martin
Gardner Y-DNA
Birth*Robert Gardner was born on 9 January 1842 at Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland.1 
BaptismHe was baptized on 28 January 1842 at Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland.1 
(Son) CensusHe appeared on the census of 1861 as the son of Elizabeth Fairley at 11 Abbotsford Place, Tradeston, Govan (Glasgow), Lanarkshire, Scotland.2 
Occupation*Robert Gardner was employed by George Fairley as an ironmonger before November 1862 at Lanarkshire, Scotland.2 
OccupationRobert Gardner and his brother-in-law, Arthur Waite Iredale Bell opened an ironmonger store called Bell & Gardner in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia circa 1865. An adverisement in The (Rockhampton) Bulletin dated 07 January 1865 reads:

     DIRECT SHIPMENTS OF IRONMONGERY
     BELL & GARDNER have now made
     arrangements for having direct shipments
     of Ironmongery from Britain. The first is to
     land per "Elizabeth Anne Bright," consisting
     of-
          Bar and rod iron
          Axles blocks and boxes
          Bolts and nuts
          Horse shoes and nails
          Holloware
          Cutlery, &c, &c.

Sometime thereafter, they opened another ironmonger store in Maryborough, Queensland along with Charles R. Powell called Powell, Gardner & Belll. On 15 November 1875, the partnerships with Arthur Bell were disolved. Arthur Bell went on to operate the ironmonger store in Rockhampton under the name Arthur Bell & Co but soon declared bankruptcy. Charles Powell and Robert Gardner continued to operate the ironmonger store in Maryborough under the new name, Powell & Gardner. However, Robert Gardner left before the end of 1877 bound for new opportunities in New Zealand. It is not known whether Charles Powell continued to operate the ironmonger business in Maryborough after Robert Gardner's departure.3
This token is part of a collection held by Museum Victoria. A recent example of this token sold for $AUS 23,766 at auction (The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 January 2006).
Marriage*Robert Gardner married Kezia Mary Bell, daughter of Joseph William Bell and Georgina Ford, on 18 February 1868 at New Town, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.4 
OccupationOn 30 September 1876, Robert Gardner purchased an ironmonger business from E. W. Mills at Lambton Quay, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand,5. It operated as Robert Gardner & Co until it was subsequently sold to Maurice P. Cameron on 10 January 1889 with the business then operated as M. P. Cameron & Co (later Cameron & Christie).5,6,7
Cameron & Chrisitie was formerly Robert Gardner & Co before it was sold 10 January 1889.
OccupationThe following description is extracted from an article "Paiaka on the Manawatu River" on the Kete Horowhenua website.

Robert Gardner farmed at Paiaka from 1888 (having embarked in the flaxmilling industry in 1887 at Foxton). In the Manawatu Herald of 18 April 1889, there was a long article about the Paiaka Mill.

THE PAIAKA MILL
Mr Gardner's hemp mill is situated on the banks of the Manawatu River, about ten miles up above Foxton. It seems strange to believe that as far back as thirty or thirty five years ago, the very spot on which the mill now stands, was then a scene of bustling industry, and the whirr of the steam saw and flour mill sounded strange in the ears of the Native customers.

At that period Mr Thomas Kebbel did a large business with the Maories at this spot, as well as did Mr Cook, on the bank of the river just opposite. The Natives, we are told, were exceedingly industrious and grew great quantities of wheat and potatoes, which they brought from the further side of the Manawatu Gorge to this market.

The old mill buildings still stand, apparently as strong and sound as the day they were erected, ss does the old wharf, though it has suffered more from the effects of time. Close to the old mill buildings still stands the old retail shop, which could reveal some strange deaIs if it could only speak The old dwelling house is also standing.

When the native trade fell off, Mr Kebbell moved the flour mill to Te Aro at Wellington, and Mr Cook removed his store to Foxton. Thus for a time this busy spot became deserted, and excepting the use of the land for grazing, the scene lapsed into its native solitude.

This was broken into again about seven years ago, when the demand for timber arose, and again on the opposite side of the river the steam engine was requisitioned for turning the treesinto suitable building timber. On this trade becoming slack the plant was used for flax dressing, but after passing through two or three different hands, the most saleable portions were taken away, and peace and quietness allowed to reign.

Once again, owing to the push and enterprise of Mr Robert Gardner, the air resounds with the roll of the flax stripper and the thud of the scutcher, and the PAIAKA HEMP MILL stands firmly placed on the bank of river.

The design of the mill is very compact, and covers a space of 35 feet square, which is all roofed over with galvanised iron. In this, the main building, stands a new portable 12 horsepower engine, made by Marshall & Son, three of Cable's strippers, and the washing trough, also a blacksmith's shop. The strippers are raised some seven feet high and are placed adjacent to a large opening, through which the green flax, after being weighed, is placed into shoots at the right hand of the feeders. The engine is to the right of the strippers. To the left of the strippers is a long washing trough, which is placed off the ground at such a height that the men washing can conveniently reach it, and at such a slant as secure a regular rush of water. The washing trough has pins across it at regular distances, on which the hanks, being washed, are caught.

The water is obtained direct from the river by a californian pump, which is accommodated to the tide by a floating platform. The length of the pump is 28 feet. The water trough extends from the river to the strippers, and at this point a very steep fall is given to the box, and the water is thrown into a drain below the strippers, catching the most of the green bark of the leaf of the flax, which is thus carried off by a drain to the river. This saves a large amount of labor.

After washing, which is effected by a quick flow of water, and by being scraped down whilst the water is running over the fibre, with a wooden plane, the fibre is placed outside the building ready for the carts to carry to the bleaching grounds.

Across this road is the scutching and baling shed, a large wooden building 35 x 16 feet. The bales after being made up are carted to the old milk shed, and thence sent to the Kereru station on the Manawatu Railway Company's line. To save handling, Mr Gardner has erected a private ferry over the river, and the punt is large enough take dray and three horses. Mr Thompson, who has had to do with hemp for many years on the Nelson side, is the manager, and to whom Mr Gardner has submitted full control, and has expressed himself very well satisfied at having done so.

The buildings were erected by Messrs Bacon and Speirs, who have now started business in Foxton. Mr Kemp is the engineer. The mill bears the appearance of having been designed and erected by men who thoroughly understood their business.

On the road to Kereru station Mr Gardner has a large quantity of bush, and his drays load back with firewood. The distance of the back loading is not more than a mile and a half, so that the cost of the wood at the mill can easily be estimated.

Mr Kemp informed us that at the start they burnt coal and wood mixed, but he purposed only using wood, which, as coals cost landed at the mill thirty five shillings a ton, and he reckoned that from two cords to two cords and a half, would equal a ton of coal, a good saving would be effected.

Until the past week, only two strippers had been at work, and they had turned out ten tons of dressed fibre a week, but with the three strippers they expected to put out fifteen tons a week. Last Saturday morning the three strippers ran through 5½ tons of green flax in four hours. The whole of the stripping scutching, baling, and fielding is let by contract, as is also the cutting of the green flax.

At a short distance from the mill is the sleeping house, 32 x 23 feet, in which are fitted a row of bunks built up from the floor away from the walls, containing in one row, three tiers higb, twenty four bunks. There are a few small ones in one end of the room, and another tier of twenty four are to be built running parallel with the first lot. Down the centre will be a passage way over eight feet wide, and there is a four feet space between the bunks and the walls. There will be an American stove placed in this building for the winter. A few feet away is the dining room, which is 46 x 12 feet, to which is attached the kitchen and store room. The catering used to be let by contract, but as it has not proved satisfactory, Mr Gardner intends to find the food and cook.

There are five two horse teams now working at the mill, and two more were expected this week. The old dwellng is set apart for the use of Mr Gardner when he runs up, which he generally does once a week, and for the residence of his two sons, who are employed at the mill, and for Mr Beauchamp, the manager of the farm, and Mr Thompsom, the mill manager.

Here is kept ihe piano, which was sent up for the benefit ot tbe employees, and here also is kept the library, so that the interests of those employed by Mr Gardner are cared for. Mr Gardner has further expressed his desire to foster the amusements of his hands in every reasonable way, and a football club is now bang formed On Sunday evening service is held in the sitting room of the house, to which all axe invited, but none are forced to attend, and it is pleasing to learn that the room is generally filled.

There are between 35 and 40 hands employed at present, though the extra stripper will probably cause the number to be increased. Some of the married men are supplied with cottages that lie on Mr Gardner's property on the opposite side of the river, they having been erected during the time the sawmill was at work.

Mr Gardner's aim is to make his mill the most comfortable one in the district, believing by so doing, not only will he secure the best and steadiest hands, but that he will also succeed in identifying the interest of the employees with his, thus securing better work, and more light-heartedly done. We wish him every success.

1890s
In 1899 the Paiaka Estate (900 acres, large homestead, flaxmill and farm buildings) was put up for auction by Robert Gardner. It is not clear whether it sold because in February 1910 Robert Gardner was once again selling the Paiaka Estate (comprising 347 acres freehold and another 160 acres of leasehold, a new dwellinghouse, flax plant, woolshed etc.8,9,10,11,12
Inscription on reverse of original photograph reads: “PAIAKA about 1890s. the old wharf on right and Gardner’s house on far left. The Moutoa Estate Flax Headquarters are now on this site."

Paiaka settlement in the 1890s, looking from the Manawatu River. Gardner’s house is to the far left of the photograph and is partly obscured by a large weeping willow. The old wharf is in the centre of the photograph. This is now the site of Moutoa Estate Flax Scheme headquarters.

Photograph courtesy of the Foxton Historical Society.
OccupationHe was a government land valuer between 1897 and 1908 at Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.13 
(Witness) MarriageHe witnessed the marriage of Stanley Beauchamp and Marion McGregor Gardner on 28 February 1901 at Burnbrae, Tokomaru, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.14 
(Host) MarriageRobert Gardner hosted the wedding of Reginald Theodore Bell and Kassie Louise Gardner on 23 July 1902 at Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.15 
(Host) MarriageRobert Gardner hosted the wedding of Gilbert Heathfield Lloyd and Florence Elizabeth Gardner on 6 April 1903 at Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.16 
(Host) MarriageRobert Gardner hosted the wedding of Frederick George Beaven and Elizabeth Beatrice Gardner on 26 February 1908 at Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.17 
Event-Misc*While on sick leave in February 1912, Matthew Gardner visited his brother, Robert Gardner at Terrance End, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.18 
Residence*He lived circa 1914 at 315 Main Street East, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.19 
(Host) MarriageHe hosted the wedding of Charles Aleck Natusch and Georgina Isabel Gardner on 19 May 1914 at 315 Main Street East, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.19 
PhotoThe sons of Robert Gardner and Kezia Mary Bell (Robert Clifford Gardner, Douglas Herbert Gardner, John Elliot Lindsay Gardner, Duncan Eric Gardner, Arthur Oswald Gardner and Gilbert Matthew Gardner) were in this photograph taken before 1915 at Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.20
Photo*The daughters of Robert Gardner and Kezia Mary Bell (Georgina Isabel Gardner, Kassie Louise Gardner, Florence Elizabeth Gardner, Constance Agnes Gardner, Elizabeth Beatrice Gardner, Marion McGregor Gardner and Jessie Mabel Gardner) were in this photograph taken before 1915 at Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.21
Death*Robert Gardner died on 29 May 1919 at 591 Main Street, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand, at age 77.8,13 
Burial*He was buried on 31 May 1919 at Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand.8 

Family

Kezia Mary Bell b. 8 Jul 1849, d. 8 Aug 1940
Marriage*He married Kezia Mary Bell, daughter of Joseph William Bell and Georgina Ford, on 18 February 1868 at New Town, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.4 
Children
Last Edited11 Feb 2011

Citations:

  1. [S152] Greenock West Parish (Renfrewshire, Scotland), Old Parish Registers, OPR 564-3/6, p. 225 (written), Robert Gardner baptism (1842); digital image, ScotlandsPeople (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk : accessed 27 September 2010); citing O.P.R. Births 564/03 0060 0229 Greenock Old or West.

    Robert, son to Matthew Gardner, ironmonger, and Eliza Fairlie born 9th and baptized 28th January 1842

  2. [S206] 1861 census of Scotland, Lanarkshire, Govan (Glasgow) parish, Tradeston registration district, enumeration district (ED) 20, household schedule no. 17, p. 4 (printed), Elizabeth Gardner household; digital image, ScotlandsPeople (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk : accessed 08 October 2010); citing GRO Census 1861 564/09 020/00 004.
  3. [S492] "NOTICE," Rockhampton Bulletin, 07 December 1875, p. 1, col. 5; digital images, National Library of Australia, Trove (http://www.trove.nla.gov.au : accessed 16 January 2011).
  4. [S495] "MARRIAGES. GARDNER-BELL," The (Hobart) Mecury, 21 February 1868, p. 1, col. 1; digital images, National Library of Australia, Trove (http://www.trove.nla.gov.au : accessed 17 January 2011).

    MARRIAGES.

    GARDNER-BELL.- ON 18th February, at the Wesleyan Church, New Town, by the Rev. N. Bennett, Robert Gardner, Esq., of Rockhampton, Queensland, to Kassie Mary, third surviving daughter of J. W. Bell, Esq., Claremont, New Town, Tasmania.

  5. [S493] "PUBLIC NOTICE," The (Wellington) Evening Post, 30 September 1876, p. 2, col. 1; digital images, National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past (http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz : accessed 16 January 2011).
  6. [S494] "NOTICE," The (Wellington) Evening Post, 12 January 1889, p. 3, col. 3; digital images, National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past (http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz : accessed 16 January 2011).
  7. [S497] The Cyclopedia Company Limited, The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Wellington: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897), Wellington Provincial District, p. 687.
  8. [S284] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, death certificate 1919004207 (1919), Robert Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  9. [S423] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, marriage certificate 1925003850 (1925), John Elliot Lindsay Gardner-Nina Edith Coombs; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  10. [S508] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, death certificate 1949/26328 (1949), Marion McGregor Beauchamp; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  11. [S481] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, death certificate 1969029324 (1969), Duncan Eric Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  12. [S486] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, death certificate 1975048823 (1975), John Elliot Lindsay Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  13. [S496] "PERSONAL," The (Wellington) Evening Post, 02 June 1919, p. 6, col. 6; digital images, National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past (http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz : accessed 17 January 2011).

    PERSONAL

    Mr. Robert Gardner, of Terrace End, Palmerston North, who died last week at the advanced age of 77 years, was born at Greenock, Scotland, in 1842, and as a young man went out to Queensland, where he landed in 1862, going into business in Rockhampton.  He was associated with some of the earliest mining ventures in Australia, and was one of the pioneers of the sugar-planting industry in Queensland.  In 1876 he came to New Zealand, and was in the ironmongery business in Lambton quay, near the site of the Gresham Hotel.  For many years Mr. Gardner was on the directorate of the Petone Woollen Mills.  In 1887 he embarked in the flaxmilling industry, operating first at Foxton and later at Piaka (near Koputaroa).  He was appointed a member of the Flax Commission, and went through the Dominion twice in connection with improvements for the preparation of the fibre for market.  Mr. Gardner was also interested in farming pursuits, in which he embarked in 1888, first at Piaka and afterwards at Tokomaru, and more recently near Stratford.  He went to reside in Palmerston North first in 1885, and lived in College-street, and acted as Government Land Valuer from 1897 until he was superannuated in 1908.  After being away for a time, he returned to Palmerston North in 1902, and took up his residence at Terrace End, where he lived for the remainder of his life.  He took a very keen interest in anything that affected the welfare of the district, and until his health failed was an active member of the Philosophical Society.  He is survived by his widow and a family of five sons and seven daughters.


    PERSONAL

    Mr. Robert Gardner, of Terrace End, Palmerston North, who died last week at the advanced age of 77 years, was born at Greenock, Scotland, in 1842, and as a young man went out to Queensland, where he landed in 1862, going into business in Rockhampton.  He was associated with some of the earliest mining ventures in Australia, and was one of the pioneers of the sugar-planting industry in Queensland.  In 1876 he came to New Zealand, and was in the ironmongery business in Lambton quay, near the site of the Gresham Hotel.  For many years Mr. Gardner was on the directorate of the Petone Woollen Mills.  In 1887 he embarked in the flaxmilling industry, operating first at Foxton and later at Piaka (near Koputaroa).  He was appointed a member of the Flax Commission, and went through the Dominion twice in connection with improvements for the preparation of the fibre for market.  Mr. Gardner was also interested in farming pursuits, in which he embarked in 1888, first at Piaka and afterwards at Tokomaru, and more recently near Stratford.  He went to reside in Palmerston North first in 1885, and lived in College-street, and acted as Government Land Valuer from 1897 until he was superannuated in 1908.  After being away for a time, he returned to Palmerston North in 1902, and took up his residence at Terrace End, where he lived for the remainder of his life.  He took a very keen interest in anything that affected the welfare of the district, and until his health failed was an active member of the Philosophical Society.  He is survived by his widow and a family of five sons and seven daughters.

  14. [S507] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, marriage certificate 1901/6012 (1901), Stanley Beauchamp-Marion McGregor Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  15. [S503] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, marriage certificate 1902/3940 (1902), Reginald Theodore Bell-Kassie Louise Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  16. [S417] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, marriage certificate 1903000393 (1903), Gilbert Heathfield Lloyd-Florence Elizabeth Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  17. [S419] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, marriage certificate 1908001090 (1908), Frederick George Beaven-Elizabeth Beatrice Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  18. [S463] "Personal," Ashburton Guardian, 07 February 1912, p. 4, col. 7; digital images, National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past (http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz : accessed 14 December 2010).

    PERSONAL

    The Rev. Matthew Gardner, D.D., who is visiting the Dominion on sick leave, and is at present staying with his brother, Mr. Robert Gardner, Terrance End, Palmerston North, is one of the best known ministers of the Established Church of Scotland.  His great church, known as the Hyndlands Parish Church, Glasgow, is attended mainly by merchant princes of the Northern city, professors, and professional men.

  19. [S420] New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, marriage certificate 1914002887 (1914), Charles Aleck Natusch-Georgina Isabel Gardner; Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, Wellington.
  20. [S488] Robert & Kezia Mary Gardner sons, ca. 1915, privately held by Jan Natusch, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Auckland, New Zealand, 2011. The original photograph is owned by Jan Natusch's father, David Gardner Natusch. This scan was made from a copy owned by Jan Natusch.
  21. [S487] Robert & Kezia Mary Gardner daughters, ca. 1915, privately held by Jan Natusch, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Auckland, New Zealand, 2011. The original photograph is owned by Jan Natusch's father, David Gardner Natusch. This scan was made from a copy owned by Jan Natusch.
  22. [S465] Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General, birth certificate 1870/2227 (1870), Arthur Oswald Gardner; Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Brisbane.
  23. [S467] Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General, death certificate 1874/849 (1874), Ida Georgina Gardner; Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Brisbane.
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