MR BENJAMIN LYONS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1930, Page 1

MR BENJAMIN LYONS

GOLD RUSH RECALLED. Looking surprisingly well for .the number of his years, AH Benjamin Lyons was looking forward yesterday (says Tuesday’s “Dominion”) to his ninety-third birthday, which occurs to-day. He was bom in London in 1837 and came out to New Zealand in 1860, after spending throe years in Victoria. He has had a long association with Stafford, and came to Wellington soon after the death of his wife last year. Air Lyons was a Iriend of the late Hon. R. J. Seddon, and the two families still retain their friendship. He well remembers the time when Mr Heddou entered politits. and made his first, political speech at Stafford. Mr Lyons came to New Zealand when the rush to the Otago diggings broke out. and was at the Dunstan and Gabriel's Gully. I‘rom Otago he went to Greymouth. and thence, in 1868. to Stafford, where ho stayed until last year, for mans years he was chairman and a member of the school committee. He interested himself in the Literary Institute. and was a prominent bulge member. He saw the business da\s lof Stafford, and watched its slow decline. His daughter and live sons are still alive. They are Airs Bomb, of Abel Smith Street, a member of the Wellington Early Settlers' Association: Mr D. Lyons, who for many years lias been record clerk i" Ike Defence Department. Wellington: Mr B. Lyons, of the Defence Department. Auckland; Air L. Lyons. accountant, Bank ’of Now Zealand. Stratford; Air C. Lyons, of the Bank of New Zealand. Timarii: and Air L. Lyons, of the Invercargill branch ol the same bank,