Arthur Bignell

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Arthur Bignell (1861-1945) was Mayor of Wanganui from 1904 - 1906, and a notable builder in Oamaru, the West Coast, Wanganui and the Rangitikei district.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Family & Emigration

Arthur Gorbell Bignell was born to George Bignell and Emily Eliza Bignell (nee Foy) in Ilford, London, in 1861.[1][2] He was educated at Richmond, Surrey, and emigrated to New Zealand with his brother Fred in 1876, at 15 years of age.[3]

[edit] Building

Bignell trained as a carpenter in Dunedin and took up work in the area.[4] He made a return trip to England in 1884 to assist the emigration of his parents and siblings to New Zealand, and upon returning won the contract to construct the Oamaru Railway Station.[5]

In 1888 Bignell and his firm moved to Greymouth on the West Coast, where he was contracted for the building of stations and bridge-work on the Midland Railway. The same year he married Florence Simpson, with whom he became father of five children: Arthur, Florence, Cecil, Winifred and Mostyn.[6] In 1891 he entered into partnership with Robert Russell, and in 1892 Russell and Bignell Ltd. moved to Wanganui where they won the contract for the construction of Wanganui Hospital. Russell and Bignell Ltd. went on to include within their firm the business and contracts of notable local builder Mr. James Tawse upon his retirement.[7]

[edit] Wanganui Mayoralty

Bignell was elected Mayor of Wanganui in 1904, a position he held for two years until 1906.[8] A street was named after him along the western bank of Wanganui River, just south of the town centre.

According to Wanganui’s ‘Familiar Faces 1907’;

“The Mayoralty of A.G.B. was characterized by uniform courtesy to the crew of Councillors over whom he presided, a clear grasp of all questions affecting the welfare of the people, and an ambition to act on the square with all and sundry. His good works are many, his friends numerous, and his enemies very scarce.”[9]

[edit] Other Affairs

As well as working as builder and Mayor, Bignell was involved in various other roles in the fledgling city of Wanganui. He served as Chairman of the Harbour Board, Chairman of Wanganui Collegiate School and Chairman of Gonville Town Board.[10] He was a member of the Patriotic Association, St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge and Wanganui Jockey club, a founding member of the local Rotary club,[11] and also a member of a local bowling club.[12]

Arthur Bignell died in Wanganui in 1945, aged 84.

[edit] Russell & Bignell Buildings

Notable Russell and Bignell buildings include:

  • Oamaru Railway Station
  • Original Wanganui Hospital (since demolished)
  • Flock House Homestead and McKelvie Flagpole[13]
  • Pukemarama Homestead[14]
  • The Grand Hotel, Wanganui[15]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Wanganui Museum Records: Arthur Bignell
  2. ^ Chesswas Family Tree: John Chesswas & Emily Bignell; 2003
  3. ^ Cyclopedia of NZ: Russell & Bignell; 1897
  4. ^ Cyclopedia of NZ: Russell & Bignell; 1897
  5. ^ Chesswas Family Tree: John Chesswas & Emily Bignell, 2003
  6. ^ Wanganui Museum Records: Arthur Bignell
  7. ^ Cyclopedia of NZ: James Aitken; 1897
  8. ^ Shadows of Time: Early Mayors of New Zealand: Wanganui
  9. ^ ‘Familiar Faces 1907'; 1907; Wanganui
  10. ^ Wanganui Museum Records: Arthur Bignell
  11. ^ Rotary Club of Wanganui: Club History
  12. ^ Cyclopedia of NZ: Russell & Bignell; 1897
  13. ^ New Zealand Historic Places Trust: Register of Historic Places: Flock House Homestead and McKelvie Flagpole
  14. ^ New Zealand Historic Places Trust: Register of Historic Places: Pukemarama Homestead
  15. ^ The Grand Hotel, Wanganui: Map and History