Edward (Ted) Stanley ELWORTHY [596]

  General Notes:

Elworthy Edward Stanley.
1913-1914. House School. Son of Arthur Stanley Elworthy, Pareora, Farmer, Four Peaks, Geraldine.
Christ's College School List 1850 - 1965

Ted farmed "Four Peaks" Geraldine for many years. He was a close friend of Harry Fenn of Maungati, they were both batchelors for many years.

A Tribute to Ted and Dendorah Elworthy:
Ted and Dendorah must be remembered for their generosity and hospitality, always willing to share their home for every occasion which required more space than was available at the school. Both shared a love of music and they arranged many memorable evenings using their grand piano. Some notable Christchurch performers were invited and this made it a learning experience for everyone. On recalling an occasion when Dendorah had listened to a violin being played rather badly, she commented "this is not a violin, it is a vile din!"

Their religious beliefs played a large role in their lives. Concern for religious education in schools was mutual - Ted taking the Catholics in the shelter-shed and Dendorah the others in the school! Dendorah's valuable involvement in the Woodbury United Churches Guild, St Anne's Guild and the Vestry was widely recognized.

She loved people and her work for the Women's Division of Federated Farmers was honoured with life membership. Besides her continued interest in the Te Moana - Four Peaks W.D.F.F., she was an active member of the Geraldine Branch and also Provincial President from 1952 - 1957. The combined branches of W.D.F.F. honoured her memory by placing a garden seat in the Geraldine township, erecting a plaque and planting trees up the Te Moana Gorge. One of her most endearing qualities was a remarkable ability to laugh at herself, and this gift is what she will be remembered for.

She was a tireless worker for Red Cross and when others were inclined to say "We haven't the time", she would reply "But my dears we have a whole week".

Dendorah's love of her garden and for having masses of flowers for her huge arrangements (always with white or yellow "to give it light") was legendary. She was frequently asked to provide massive floral arrangements to enhance any occasion.

Ted's love of reading made an impression on everyone who knew him. He delighted in weighty, non fiction books. The Country Library Service van came to the district with a selection of books from which residents chose to provide reading for the next three months. Those on duty choosing the books knew that it was an important to select suitable literature for Ted. He was a very intelligent man and used every occasion to further his knowledge. This included even reading at school picnics! One delightful memory of him is seeing him drive a mob of sheep down through the Gorge on horse-back while still deeply engrossed in his book.

A wonderful story which people take delight in remembering is when the Elworthy family went to picnic on their own ground at The Poplars - a lovely and popular picnic spot up the Te Moana Gorge. They spread out the rugs and then were rudely told by other picnickers "Shift - that spot is being saved for others they shifted!" - and no mention was made of the fact that the ground was indeed their own property! As Dendorah said, let them enjoy it - we can come another day
Ref: A History of Four Peaks, NZSOG 2007

  Research Notes:

The collator remembers visiting Ted & Denderah at Four Peaks the wonderful old trees on the place, Denderah's lovely garden and the delicious afternoon tea's

Death date from daughter Celia, 1 Dec 1986, confirmed by a card from daughter Julia dated 28 Dec 1986, acknowledging a letter of condolence from the collator.

  Other Records

1. Ted Elworthy: Letter, 2 Dec 1975, Four Peaks.
Letter to the researcher (ELF) re family details.

Ted & Harry Fenn were great friends and the researcher remembers well visits to Four Peaks with its drive lined with mighty sycamore trees.

Edward married Denderah Heaton RHODES [597] [MRIN: 176], daughter of Timaru Robert RHODES [31611] and Doris Spottiswoode CARGILL [31612], on 21 Nov 1935 in Hadlow Grange Timaru NZ. (Denderah Heaton RHODES [597] was born on 20 Oct 1911 in London., baptised on 15 Nov 1911 in St Mark Marylebone Westminster, died on 5 Jul 1975 in Geraldine N.Z. and was buried in Woodbury Geraldine.)