JOHN BRYAN c1809 -1896


John Bryan, Ann Bryan and son Harry arrived in New Zealand on the Midlothian in 1851. They are recorded in the Rakaia Terrace Station journal of 1853-54 as casual employees of the Hall brothers. John Bryan was employed by John Hall from 1869 –1891 as a permanent employee for various duties, the last being Coachman.


John Bryan was the first proprietor of the ‘ferry’ at the Rakaia Gorge, known as the Upper Rakaia Ferry. He also had an accommodation house. Initially he crossed the river upstream from the bridges where he had a house. There was a flat landing area each side with a wire from bank to bank that the punt was attached to so animals, people and goods were transported across. The Ballad of Terrible Billy, published in Black Billy Tea by Joe Charles, recounts a story of the family. Terribly Billy’s swamp is on the Lake Coleridge Road to the west of the gorge.


On 20th May 1869 the Lyttelton Times had this advertisement:
FOR SALE : On account of ill health - John Bryan's ferry.
12 roomed licensed accommodation house, 3 roomed cottage, 2 boats
200 acres of reserved land on each side of the river, with Fences, Hurdles, Stables, Stockyards
Also 1200 acre sheep station, 700-900 sheep in excellent condition. Also 20 acres freehold,


From October 1869 John Bryan, then aged 60, is recorded in the station journal of Rakaia Terrace Station until he moves to Christchurch in 1891. Though he is not recorded as being responsible for the light harness horses, we understand this was also part of his job. There are references in letters to ‘driving Lady Hall’ and to his meeting the train (at Coalgate). After moving to  Christchurch he still received a pension of 10/- per week from the station. In the 1894/5 ledger his address is recorded as Eaton Cottage, Madras Street. Ann had died in 1896 and is buried in the Barbados Street Cemetery. A shearer in 1870 is Henry Bryan, the son named Harry in the early journal.


J H diary 1896
3 June: Received news of old Bryan’s death
5 June: Bryan’s funeral. Met coffin at Coalgate and thence to Church.
             Harry came with it and home to dinner.
28 October: At Hororata. To Church to see Bryan’s tombstone fixed.

John Bryan is buried in the graveyard at St John’s, Hororata.
His headstone records:                                              
                                            In memory of
                                           JOHN BRYAN,
                                         one of the earliest
                                       settlers in this district.
                                        Died 3rd June 1896,
                                           in his 88th year.





  

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