BANTON, Charles Hamilton

Biography:

Born 8 August 1880 in Lyttelton, Banton worked as a labourer for Charles Pooley of Manukau Road (Blockhouse Bay Road) before enlistment in October 1915, and lived in Taylor Street. His wife was Evelina nee Boswell (born Avondale 1882), and they had seven children before the war. He was discharged 13 December 1918. Died at Avondale 13 October 1947. (Military file)

The Boswell family lived near the Bantons at Taylor Street c.1903. A sister of Charles Banton married a member of the Ringrose family. Sarah Banton, Charles' mother, died at his home in January 1903. (NZH 29 January 1903)

"Disorderly Behaviour: Charles Banton appeared to answer charges of being disorderly in Great North Road, Avondale, and of assaulting Constable O'Grady on the same occasion while in the execution of his duty. Accused pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Black explained that the disorderly conduct consisted of Banton having stuck up a driver of a gig, asking him for the return of 2s 6d that he had lent him, and because the driver of the gig could not give it over, just then Banton snatched the reins away and took the bridle off the horse. Constable O'Grady, who was present, interfered, with the result that the accused hit him over the head with the bridle. Banton was fined 10s or in default 48 hours, on the first charge and £1, or in default seven days, on the second." (NZH 4 January 1904)

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