memoriesofarthurrutland
MEMORIES OF ARTHUR RUTLAND
Memories of Arthur Gould Rutland from his daughter:
"He was born in Fendleton, Christchurch. Moved to Cobden, West Coast, then to Tahunanui, firstly at Rui Street and then up the hill. Very interested in cars and motorbikes. He had an old shed behind a thick macrocarpa hedge at the bottom of their hill property. He kept his motorbike there. Do you want to know what sort of motorbikes? - Doublas, Matchless, Norton, Sunbeam, Harley Davidson, Royal Enfield, Aeriol, Chef, Indian Scout.... - He started in business in 1930's (Arthur left school at 14 to help support his parents!!) Did an aprenticeship and studied at night school and correspondance school. Walked or biked in from Tahuna. Once married, lived in Mount Street, then Tasman Street while their house was being built up at Iwa Road (cost £1100) He organised for the concrete paths to be laid - 1/2 acre section to break in. In the early days he belonged to a rowing club, harmonic society, church choir, luncheon club (?) engine reconditioning society, motor trade, 'Home Guard' during the war (his eldest daughter remembers him polishing the uniform buttons) - then he belonged to the Gideons, British and Foreign Bible Society, Nelson Philharmonic Orchestra.. Learnt singing, elecution, clarinet, was a Bretheron, became a Baptist. Was a Church Deacon.
Naturally he owned a variety of cars.. a 1914 Model T Ford, Chevrolet 4 (tourer), Chevrolet 6 cylinder (tourer), Model A Ford, Hupsmobile (!?), CHEV 6, Essex 6 & 4 cylinder, Austin 4 (Baby tourer), Morris Maxwell, Mercury, Triumph (TR2) sports car (Red!) Fiat, Alpha Romeo sports car (grey!).
Set up his own business in Bridge Street in an old building with a peaked roof.. black grease and ball bearings onthe floor. Trolleys for kids to skid around on and old clacky typewriters and stomps to bang!
Build a new garage over the road with 'A.G. Rutland Motor Specialist' displayed in concrete lettering on facade.
Acquired new machinery including a hugh 'Crankshaft grinder' and exhaust analysis machine with various dials.
He was always the gentleman and business man. He worked on the biblical maxim 'Owe no man anything'. Being a wearer of a hat - always, he never omited in touching it or removing it when he met a woman.
Ever loyal to his elderly mother, he visited her every Friday evening with her groceries and had tea with her. Did her lawns on Saturday and a drive on Sunday... Needless to say caused some friction to their marriage. Especially as the other nights of the week were taken up with meetings..
He was a man of routine - including route to work, garden and cleaning of car on Saturday. Suffered picnics and holidays as took a while to learn to relax.
Loved the Lord with his heart, mind and soul - yet- never felt worthy of gods unconditional love. Read his bible every night and 'Daily Light' with his breakfast, always stood or knelt to pray as honoring God amighty. Shared his faith with others. Supported missions generously (was a bit parsimonious re. material things).
He was shattered when Phyl died.. so much he regretted. Remarried his second wife in 1972.
Never did retire. Died in 1988 aged 85. He was a good man"
