Hugh Murray-Aynsley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Murray-Aynsley
|
|
|---|---|
Hugh Murray-Aynsley
|
|
| Canterbury Provincial Council | |
| In office 6 February 1864 – 7 May 1866 |
|
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Lyttelton |
|
| In office 28 December 1875 – 15 August 1879 |
|
| Preceded by | Henry Richard Webb |
| Succeeded by | Harry Allwright |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 October 1828 Gloucestershire, England |
| Died | 22 February 1917 (aged 88) St Albans, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Resting place | Woolston Cemetery |
| Residence | Riverlaw (1862–1905) |
Hugh Percy Murray-Aynsley (born 8 October 1828 – died 22 February 1917) was an important person in Canterbury, New Zealand. He served as a Member of Parliament in the 1800s.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Hugh Murray-Aynsley was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1828. His father was John Murray-Aynsley. His family had connections to important people like the Duke of Atholl.
His grandfather, Charles Murray, added the surname Aynsley when he married Alicia Mitford. This is how the family name "Murray-Aynsley" came about.
Hugh was taught at home by a private tutor. This tutor later became a Bishop of Ely, a high-ranking church official.
Before moving to New Zealand, Murray-Aynsley managed a sugar farm. This farm was in Trinidad, a Caribbean island. He worked for his cousin, Sir William Miles.
In 1858, he traveled to Melbourne, Australia, on a ship called the Royal Bride. From there, he sailed to New Zealand. He arrived in Lyttelton on the ship Queen.
Life and Business Ventures in New Zealand
When he arrived in New Zealand, Murray-Aynsley became a manager. He was also the main partner for the Christchurch branch of Miles & Co. This company was a "stock and station agency." This means they helped farmers buy and sell livestock and supplies.
On 7 June 1859, he married Elizabeth Campbell.
In 1862, Murray-Aynsley bought a large property called Riverlaw. It was a rural estate near the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River in Christchurch. The land was first owned by Alexander Lean.
Between 1885 and 1892, Murray-Aynsley built a large two-story house on the Riverlaw property. He sold Riverlaw in 1905 to George John Smith. Smith later added a third story to the house.
Riverlaw was considered one of the most beautiful colonial homes in Christchurch. It was recognized as a heritage site in 1984. Sadly, the house was badly damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. It had to be taken down soon after.
Murray-Aynsley also bought the Mount Hutt Station. This was another large farm in the Canterbury foothills. He bought it from Alexander Lean as well.
In 1873, he helped start the New Zealand Shipping Company. This company was very important for trade. He served as one of its directors. Later, he became the chairman of the directors, a position he held until his death.
Political Career and Public Service
| New Zealand Parliament | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1875–1879 | 6th | Lyttelton | Independent | |
Hugh Murray-Aynsley was active in New Zealand politics. He was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council. This council helped govern the Canterbury region. He represented the Town of Lyttelton from 1864 to 1866.
He also served on the Canterbury Executive Council. This was a group of advisors to the provincial government. He was a member from 1862 to 1863.
From 1869 to 1872, he was the Deputy Superintendent. The Superintendent was like a governor for the province. Murray-Aynsley filled in for William Rolleston when Rolleston was away in Wellington for Parliament.
Murray-Aynsley was elected to the House of Representatives. This is the main law-making body of New Zealand. He represented the Lyttelton area. He served from 1875 until 1879. In 1879, he lost his seat to Harry Allwright, who was the Mayor of Lyttelton.
Some historical records might list him under the surname Aynsley only.
Death and Lasting Legacy
Hugh Murray-Aynsley passed away on 22 February 1917. He died at his home in St Albans, Christchurch. He was buried at Woolston Cemetery.
Several places in New Zealand are named after Murray-Aynsley. This helps remember his contributions.
- A part of the Port Hills near his old home is called Murray Aynsley Hill.
- Two roads along the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River were renamed. One road, from Opawa Bridge to Rapaki Track, became Aynsley Terrace. His home was at the end of this road.
- The next section of road upstream was renamed Riverlaw Terrace. This happened a few months after his death.
- Harold Street in Sydenham was built on land he owned. It was first known as Aynsleys Alley No 4, then Aynsley Street.
