John Holmes, died 1907, MHR Christchurch

[Lenore]

Hi Adele,

On the money again. I think I shall have to get you to do all my research. It has been at least a couple of years since I last hunted for Mrs George and son, and perhaps those things weren't on the net then - I'm very glad to have them now, so another big pat on the back.

Best wishes,

Lenore
(I'll sleep well tonight. )

[Johnzee]

Hi,

Was able to spend 15 minutes today in the records section of Canterbury Museum where there is much detail on the Lyttelton tunnel.

Found

John Holmes, surveyor of Huntly, Canada. b. 1828, d 22/9/79 buried in Riccarton, Christchurch
Eliza d. 2/11/1919, also buried in Riccarton, and these relatives presumably sons, nephews etc.

W. G. Holmes, farmer of Methven, Canterbury, buried in Methven

George, tunnel contractor. There is too much in the records (pages of them) for me to note the details, newspaper articles - digging and opening of the tunnel etc etc and there is probably many photographs in the collection.

There is also a Daniel Gordon Holmes and as noted in a previous submission Alexander died in Queenstown

John Holmes, the solicitor died 3/7/1907, probate of will 16/7/07 (a copy should be archives somewhere).
There were comments in one article about buying and selling of farms and money matters - financial problems in the family about 1890 (I think).

The marriage you mentioned, took place in St Peter's Melbourne - from a comment also in these records. But that was all that I saw re Australia. Could have missed much in my skimming.

AND

When discussing possible information sources with the Museum Librarian, the person next to me on the table piped up with " I'm a descendent of that family".

She gave me the name of an elderly aunt who lives in Ashburton in Canterbury - presumably one of the Methven farming family, who apparently knows all the family history. It so happens I'll be in Ashburton (only a few km from Methven) later this month visiting a distant relative of mine, and will try and track her down. He knows much about the farming families of the area.

Should you have any questions that I could help answer please do not hesitate to ask.

Cheers

Johnzee

[Lenore]

Hi Johnzee,

Glory be, now I'm being overwhelmed with kindness. I think I am just going to have to have a holiday in New Zealand and dig into those archives.

In the meantime, I'll think about your kind offer and contact you privately. I've spent so many years not being able to track any descendants that I can't quite get the hang of having one almost within my grasp. I can't thank you enough.

I'll get back to you shortly.

With thanks,

Lenore

[wittonlodge]

Hi,
I am researching the Homes family for mt husbands elderly Aunt and think we may have the same family. Would be interested in exchanging info.
Thanks
Wittonlodge