Thomas Turnbull Robson (1858-1940) was born aboard the Indiana nineteen days before the emigrant ship arrived at Lyttelton. His home survives on Avonside Drive opposite Shirley (top). Barely surviving is his derelict Wool Scouring works in Gailbraith Avenue (bottom).
Between the house and factory was a large paddock where his son Frank (Francis Henry) bred Reta Peter, winner of the New Zealand Cup in 1920 and 1921. Today the paddock is known as Sullivan Park.
After Thomas Robson's death the Government bought his estate, renaming the area, which had previously been known as Riversleigh, as the Robson Housing Block. His name is commemorated by Robson Avenue.
See a satellite image of where these photographs were taken.
No comments:
Post a Comment