Bignell Arthur

Arthur was educated at Richmond, Surrey and emigrated to NZ with his brother Fred in 1876 at 15. 

Arthur Gorbell Bignell. Born 1861, married 1888. 3 sons, 2 daughters. Came to NZ when 15. Established in business as a builder and contractor; director of several leading local companies; connected with Masonic activities; takes great interest in education; has occupied office of Mayor; now chairman of Wanganui Harbour Board, Wanganui College Board of Governors, Gonville and Castlecliff Tramway Board, member of Wanganui-Rangitikei Power Board, executive of Harbours Association of NZ (Who’s Who)

In 1892, Oamaru Mail, “To let, five roomed house, near Waireka Junction, with capital fruit garden and small paddock attached. For particulars apply to A. Bignell, Waiareka Junction”.

In 1904 Arthur Bignell on the premises at Waiareka Junction has a notice to sell: “His Household Furniture, consisting of tables, chairs, iron bedsteads, dairy utensils, garden tools, one Alderney Cow, Two Store Pigs (nearly fat) about 3 tons of clover hay etc.

Arthur Bignell had a daughter, Florence Irene. Oldest daughter. She married Erid Wyndham Merewether, Khandallah, in 1915 (marriage notice Wanganui Herald).

Also, Arthur Noland Foye Bignell, eldest son of Arhur, married Patricia Mary, daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Bayly, New Plymouth (marriage notice Wannganui Herald)