LATE LOCALS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1931, Page 6

LATE LOCALS

i On Tuesday, Sir Arthur Dudley Dobi son, who as surveyor, engineer, and explorer has done so much for the development of Canterbury and Christchurch celebrated his ninetieth birthday. Since a few years after his arrival in Canterbury, in the bargue Cressy one of the first four ships, Sir Arthur has taken an active part in the progress and welfare of the pro vince. Official recognition, of his work came toi him in the New Year honours of this year, when a Knighthood was conferred on him. In 1862, Sir Arthur, at the age of 21, secured the contract to survey an unknown Mock of land on the West Coast, extending southwards from the Grey river for a distance of about 75 miles. During one of fiis journeys from Christchurch to the West Coast he discovered Arthur’s Pass, which, bearing his name, serves as a tribute to' his skill and e ergy as a surveyor. In 1864 Sir Arthur completed his survey contract on the West Coast, and his work then took him to Collingwood, in the •provide'' of Nelso”. In 1869 he was appointed Drtrict Engineer on the West Coast goldfields. Soon afterwards lie went to We'tport to take charge of public works. There lie carried out important d velopment work, returning to Christchurch to help his father in 1878.