ARTHUR JOHN BIRDLING (1863-1962)
Was born 24 April 1863 in Birdling's Flat, Canterbury, the 6th of 8 children (7 sons) of William Birdling (1822-1902) from Marston-Bigot, Somersetshire, England & Jane Loveridge (1826-1900) from Netherbury, Dorsetshire, England (both died in Halswell, Canterbury).
* Arthur's father William was the 2nd of 10 children of Robert Bird (1799-) & Ann Ashman (1800-) William arrived into Wellington 1 May 1842 as a 20 year old on the 'London' - under the name Bird on passenger list. They changed the name to Birdling in NZ. His sister, Mary Bird aged 18 travelled with him. The doctor on board notes she had hysteria. Didn't say the outcome.
* Arthur's mother Jane was a daughter of John Loveridge (1797-1857) & Jane Gilham (1796-1894), who emigrated into New Plymouth on the 'Timandra' arriving 24 Feb 1842. They both died New Plymouth
* William & Jane married in Lyttelton on 8 Nov 1851
their children
1852 - 1945 William Birdling (+Elizabeth Lough)
1854 - 1904 Frederick George Birdling (+Papprill)
1856 - 1938 Emma Jane Birdling (+Rule)
1858 - 1902 George Ashmin Birdling (+Martha Lough)
1861 - 1902 Robert Henry Birdling (+Vogan)
1863 - 1962 Arthur John Birdling (+Callaghan)
1865 - 1939 Frank Gillam Birdling (+Douglas +Doherty)
1868 - 1961 Albert Edward Birdling (+Price +McRae)

Arthur married, in St John's Anglican Church, Latimer Square, Christchurch, to
EMILY AGNES CALLAGHAN (1868-1943)
Emily was born 1868 in Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, to Patrick Callaghan (1839-1907) & Emily Ware (1846-1920) from Ireland
Press, 1 March 1890 BIRDLING-CALLAGHAN - On February 20th, at St John's Church, Christchurch, by the Rev J. O'Bryan Hoare, Arthur John, fifther son of William Birdling, Lake View Station, to Emily Agnes, only daughter of P. Callaghan, Duvauchelle's Bay. No cards. No cake.

Arthur and Emily had 4 children:
. . 1 . .
1891 - 1916 Arthur John Ware 'Jackie' Birdling
Born 6 Nov 1890, Arthur served in WWI as Second Lieutenant 7/1195 with Canterbury Mounted Rifles, 6th Reinforcements. He enlisted from Halswell, Christchurch. He embarked from Wellington on 14 Aug 1915 for Egypt
Arthur was killed in action on 20 Sep 1916 aged 25
His parents were then living at Landsdowne, Halswell, Canterbury
His memorial is at Caterpillar Valley (NZ) Memorial
He was Mentioned In Despatches for showing great gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions and especially on the night of the 20th/21st Sep, 1916 in the attack on Goose Alley and Drop Alley, south east of Flers, when he received wounds which proved fatal
Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 6 Oct 1916 Lieutenant A. J. Birdling (Jackie) was the eldest son of Mr Arthur Birdling, Halswell. Lieutenant Birdling, who was 25 years of age, was educated at the Halswell Public school and afterwards at the Christchurch Boys High School. At the latter institution he took a keen interest in sport, gaining his cap in the first fifteen as a forward. He was a fine stamp of player. On leaving school, Lieut. Birdling took up farming life and also interested himself greatly in the Territorial movement. He volunteered with the Main Expeditionary Forces and was disappointed because the Defence Department finding him an apt officer kept him back for upwards of a year. He left New Zealand as a member of the Sixth (Mounted) Reinforcements. The flag at Halswell Public School was flown on Monday in memory of Lieut Birdling, whose parents are widely respected residents of the district. Their second son, Gerald is also at the front and was reported wounded some time ago. This is the second member of the Birdling family to give his life. Reg Birdling, son of F. G. Birdling, having been killed in action at Gallipoli in August, 1915. The Birdlings are a very old and esteemed Peninsula family. Jackie Birdling was a grandson of the late Mr Pat Callaghan of Akaroa.

. . 2 . .
1892 - 1981 Gerald Edward Birdling
Born 24 Oct 1892, Gerald served in WWI as Trooper 7/307 with Canterbury Mounted Rifles. He enlisted from Halswell. His parents were living in Halswell. He embarked from Lyttelton on 16 Oct 1914 for Egypt

. . 3 . .
1896 - 1984 Eileen Aita Birdling
Born 29 June 1896, Eileen married James Dickson Stewart (1889-1939) in 1920
. 1 of 6 children of Robert Erskine Stewart & Margaret Dickson

. . 4 . .
1902 - 1982 Huia 'William' Birdling
Born 2 Aug 1902, Huia married Eileen Mary Waites (1901-1942) in 1924
. only known child of Robert Waites & Annie Harris
He next married Iris Mona Murphy (1919-2007) in 1943
. daughter of James Murphy & Tryphena Harriet Giles
Huia was a mechanical engineer, a garage proprietor and assistant chief traffic inspector to the Christchurch City Council. His ashes were scattered on his mother's grave

DEATH of Arthur's maternal grandfather John
Taranaki Herald, 6 June 1857 LOVERIDGE On the 2nd inst., after a long illness, Mr John Loveridge, aged 59 years

MARRIAGE of Arthur's only sister Emma
Star, 3 Dec 1881 RULE-BIRDLING - Nov 24, at All Saints Church, Sumner, by the Rev G. J. Cholmondeley, James Gorthern, eldest son of the late James Rule, V.S., to Emma Jane, only daughter of William Birdling, of Duvauchelle's Bay, Akaroa

MARRIAGE of Arthur's brother William
Star, 29 March 1884 BIRDLING-LOUGH - March 26, at the Church of Holy Innocents, Amberley, by the Rev Henry Collins, William, eldest son of William Birdling Esq., Barryton, Akaroa, to Elizabeth Alice, eldest daughter of Henry Lough, Esq., junr., Sylvan Rise, Amberley.

DEATH of Arthur's maternal grandmother Jane
Taranaki Herald, 8 Nov 1894 LOVERIDGE There passed away on Wednesday evening a very old pioneer settler in the person of Mrs Jane Loveridge, who had attained the ripe age of 98. Mrs Loveridge, who was a native of Cornwall came out in one of the first ships to the settlement and experienced all the hardships and privations that are incidental to the early life of a new colony. Mrs Loveridge leaves behind four children - Mr W. Loveridge of Huirangi (William 1833-1923); Mr S. Loveridge of New Plymouth (Samuel 1840-1927); Mrs R. Cunningham of New Plymouth (Mary Ann 1830-1914) and Mrs Birdling of Lake Ellesmere district, Canterbury (Jane 1826-1900) and a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs Loveridge was a full grown girl at the time the famous battle of Waterloo was fought. She had a vivid recollection to the last of the excitement and patriotism that was aroused in England over the greatest battle of modern times.
NOTE another daughter, Ellen Loveridge (1836-1926) was omitted from the list. She married Walter Bishop in 1855 & had 17 children

Akaroa Mail, 22 Jan 1895 LAND BOARD - At last week's sitting of this Board, the Crown Lands Rangers reports were dealt with. Messrs F. G. Birdling, A. E. Birdling and A. J. Birdling tendered surrenders of their perpetual leases of certain lots in Blocks VII and VIII, Lake Ellesmere, on the ground that they could not comply with the conditions of residence and occupation.

MARRIAGE of Arthur's brother Albert
Lyttelton Times, 11 Oct 1898 BIRDLING-PRICE - Wednesday, Oct 5, at St John's Church, Christchurch, by Rev H. C. M. Watson, Albert Edward, youngest son of Mr William Birdling, Lansdowne, Halswell, to Louisa, youngest daughter of Mr Jos. Price, Kelvin Grove, Birdling's Flat.

DEATH of Arthur's mother Jane
Lyttelton Times, 20 March 1900 BIRDLING - March 20, at Lansdowne, Halswell, Jane, dearly beloved wife of William Birdling, Sen; aged seventy-four years. Deeply regretted

DEATH of Arthur's father William
Evening Star, 23 May 1902 A Christchurch message states that Mr William Birdling, eighty years of age, who arrived in Canterbury in the forties, died yesterday at Lansdowne. Mr Birdling was well known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He leaves a grown-up family.
OBITUARY - Mr William Birdling, who died at his residence at Lansdowne, at the ripe old age of 80 years on Thursday, was a very old and prominent colonist. He arrived in New Zealand in the ship London in 1842. He was born in Frome, Somersetshire, in 1822 and was brought up to farming pursuits. He was only twenty years og age when he decided to seek his fortune in the then little known colony of New Zealand. When he land in Wellington in 1842, the town consisted of only a few huts. By that time the Messrs Rhodes Brothers had established themselves in Canterbury. Mr Birdling, when he came to province, arranged with the late Mr Barnard Rhodes to look after his interests on Banks Peninsula. When he settled there, he and the late Mr George Rhodes, were the only inhabitants, with the exception of a few of the early whalers. He remained in this position for over ten years, but in 1852, having amassed a little money, he purchased the first portion of the fine estate which has been so long known as Birdling's Flat, near Little River. The are then acquired was small, but the property now runs into over 5000 acres. Ash he acquired more land he continued to make improvements, always working very hard to do so. Mr Birdling first resided in a wattle and dab structure, with a thatched roof, but afterwards erected a more pretentious structure. About 1877 he retired from the active management of the estate, which he handed over to his sons and for fourteen years he was engaged in farming at Duvauchelles Bay, subsequently removing to Shirley, where he remained for five years. In 1896 he bout the Lansdowne property, where he resided up to the time of his death. Although Mr Birdling never took any prominent part in public affairs, he was for years a member of the Little River Road Board. In spite of frequent appeals to contest a parliamentary seat, he found that the many calls on his time precluded his doing so. Mr Birdling was always well-known for his charitable disposition and many acts of kindness were done by him. In 1842 he married Miss Jane Loveridge, of New Plymouth and when she died in 1900, she left a family of seven sons and one daughter. Mr Birdling's remains will be interred in the family vault at Halswell this afternoon

DEATH of Arthur's brother Robert
Lyttelton Times, 7 Aug 1902 Mr Robert Henry Birdling, of Caton's Bay, fourth son of the late Mr W. Birdling, died at Christchurch yesterday from inflammation of the lungs
FUNERAL On Sunday, the remains of the late Robert Henry Birdling were buried at Little River. The cortege left Caton's Bay at two o'clock and was one of the largest funerals ever witnessed at Little River. There were mourners from nearly every Bay on the Peninsula and also from Tai Tapu, Lincoln, Halswell and Christchurch. The coffin was carried from the hearse by six young Maori and Messrs J. Archer, T. Nutt, G. Thomson and S. Harris were pall bearers. The natives were clad in mats and wore wreaths of evergreen on their heads. The service was conducted by the Rev J. de B. Galway in a most impressive manner. Mrs A, Harris, the organist, played the Dead March as the cortege left the church. Floral tributes were sent by Messrs H. A. and L. Matson, Aitken and Roberts, G. Tabart, Mrs Lewthwaite, Mrs Buchanan, Mrs Coop, Mr amd Mrs Johnson, Mr and Mrs Joblin, Mr and Mrs Price, Mr and Mrs J. Parkinson, Mr and Mrs Nutt, Mr and Mrs S. Harris, Messrs J. F. Buchanan, C. Deal, D. Murray and others.

DEATH of Arthur's brother George
Lyttelton Times, 16 Aug 1902 Mr George Ashmin Birdling, second son of the late Mr W. Birdling, ded at his residence, Fendalton, yesterday at the age of forty years.
FUNERAL The funeral of the late Mr George A. Birdling took place on Sunday, leaving his late residence at Fendalton for the Halswell Cemetery. The cortege was a very long one, Mr Burling being highly esteemed by all who knew him. Wreaths were sent by Mr and Mrs N. Henderson, jun., Mr and Mrs A. Lelievre and family, Mrs Price sen., Mr A. E. Price, Mr and Mrs H. Thompson, Mr and Mrs Lough, Mr J. Murray, Mr J. Buchanan, Mr H. Aitken, Mr and Mrs W. Anderson, Mr C. Dent and family, Mrs Lamont, Mr and Mrs J. Parkinson, Mr G. Tabart, Misses Cramptons, Misses Cuddon, Mr G. Robinson, Mrs W. Coop and family, Mr and Mrs parsons, Mr and Mrs J. Fox and family and others. The pall-bearers were Messrs J. Coop, C. Deal, G. Robinson, J. R. Hill, John Ferguson junr., Guy Tabart, John Murray, David Matson, J. F. Buchanan and W. T. parsons. Mr Birdling was the third son of the late William Birdling, of Lansdowne, Halswell.

Written c1903 Arthur John Birdling, fifth son of the late Mr William Birdling, founder of Birdling's Flat estate, was born at Birdling's Flat in 1863. He was educated at Akaroa, afterwards spent three years at the Agricultural College at Lincoln, and helped to manage the estate on Birdling's Flat until he settled at 'Lansdowne' in 1896. Like his late father, he is a well-known and successful breeder of stock Birdling's Flat, Canterbury named for the Birdling family, who were the first European Settlers to farm the area. William Birdling, the first member of the Birdling family to arrive in New Zealand built a house, Waikoko, in the area which was later to bear his name

DEATH of Arthur's brother Frederick
Press, 28 Sep 1904 BIRDLING - On September 27th at Glendovey road, Fendalton, Frederick, second son of the late William Birdling of Birdling's Flat; in his fifty-first year. A patient suffer at rest.

DEATH of Emily's Father
Lyttelton Times, 31 July 1907 Mr PATRICK CALLAGHAN On Sunday, 28 July, at His Lordhip's Hotel, Patrick Callaghan, formerly of Akaroa, Okain's Bay, Charleville, Ireland and Hectorville, South Australia, one of the best-known and most respected settlers on Banks Peninsula, formerly owner of the Onawe Estate, after a short illness. He succumbed to an attack of bronchitis and was interred at Linwood Cemetery yesterday, his remains being followed by a very large and representative gathering of settlers from all parts of the Peninsula and many other parts of Canterbury. He leaves a widow, a daughter of the late Mr Thomas Ware, of Okain's Bay and one daughter, Mrs Arthur Birdling, of Halswell. Mr Callaghan comes of an old South of Ireland family whose home is at Effin, near Charleville, County Limerick. He left home in the fifties to try his fortune in South Australia, where he found employment with Mr Thomas, father of Dr Thomas and Mr D. Thomas (Ashburton). The Otago diggings attracted him in 1860 and in 1862 he formed one of a gang of picked workmen secured by the late Mr Tom Hughes, a pioneer settler of Banks Peninsula, who required labour to enable himself and others to get their timber to market. Among those who were his comrades on that occasion were Messrs J. Duxborough, Stewart, Sagar, Tizzard, Whitfield and T. O'Connor, who survive him. They all went to work with a will and, as the work was profitable, they gradually became owners of property. Mr Callaghan secured land in Okain's Bay and subsequently, when the late Mr Birdling wished to dispose of the Onawe Peninsula at Ducauchelle's Bay, Mr Callaghan purchased it and made use of it as a grazing farm for cattle. From there for many years he supplied the Addington market with the best beef obtainable in Canterbury. Failing eyesight compelled him to relinquish his dealing and some years ago he sold the property and lived a retired life ever since. The funeral cortege yesterday was a large one and the Rev Father Kennedy of Akaroa, conducted the service at the grave.

Press, 24 Feb 1925 The Canterbury College Board of Governors yesterday accepted a donation of £200 presented by Mr and Mrs Arthur Birdling, of Halswell, for the establishment of a Memorial Prize at the Boys' High School, in "History of the British Empire, with special reference to foreign relations." The chairman of the High Schools and Hostels Committee, Mr Christopher Thomas Aschman, stated that the gift was a memorial to Jack Birdling, a son of the donors, an Old Boy of the School, who had been killed in France, history being his favourite subject. It was decided that a letter of appreciation and thanks be sent from the Board to Mr and Mrs Birdling and that the chairman of the committee confer with the headmaster and submit regulations to govern the award of the prize.

Press, 6 Feb 1926 Dissolution of Partnership. Notice is hereby given that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, THOMAS HEAD STOCKER of Christchurch, Garage Proprietor and HUIA WILLIAM BIRDLING, of Christchurch, Motor Mechanic, carrying on business at Durham street, Christchurch, under the style or firm of "The Central Service Motor Garage," has been dissolved by mutual consent as from the Thirtieth day of November, One thousand nine hundred and twenty-five. All accounts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said Thomas Head Stoker, who will continue to carry on the said business.

DEATH of Arthur's sister Emma
Manawatu Standard, 7 Oct 1938 At Wanganui The death occurred on Monday 3rd, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs W. J. Gillies, 55 Wicksteed street, Wanganui, of Mrs Emma Jane Rule, widow of the late Mr J. C. Rule and mother of Elsie, Ida and Mr Frank Rule, of Otaki. The late Mrs Rule, who was well-known and very highly respected, was among the frequent visitors to Otaki and while in this town (Horowhenua) made many friends. Some months ago (13 Jan 1937), while on a visit to Christchurch, she met with an accident, knocked down in Cashel Street but a car driven by Arthur William Monson, driver for Minsons Ltd., and was incapacitated for some considerable time with a broken leg. However, she returned north, breaking her journey at Otaki before proceeding to her home at Wanganui.

DEATH of Arthur's brother Frank
Press, 12 Jan 1940 OBITUARY The death occurred at his home "Waikoko", Birdling's Flat, recently of Mr Frank Gillam Birdling, in his seventy-fifth year. Born at Birdling's Flat in 1865 he was the sixth son of Mr William Birdling. He was educated at Mr Ferguson's Grammar School at Pigeon Bay and at the age of 17 took up farming on the Waikoko property, where he had remained ever since. Mr Birdling always took the keenest interest in all local matters and was a member of the first Wairewa County Council of the first Wairewa County Council elected in April 1910. He was also a member of the Sheep Farmer's Association, Canterbury Jockey Club, Christchurch Metropolitan Trotting Club, Canterbury Park Trotting Club, New Brighton Trotting Club, Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Peninsula Horse Show Association, banks Peninsula Collie Dog Club, Banks Peninsula Racing Club and the masonic Lodge. He was keenly interested also in the Banks Peninsula Agricultural and Pastoral Association, being a well-known breeder of fat stock.
In 1890 he married Miss Charlotte Elizabeth Douglas of Amberley, who predeceased him many years ago. There were three children, two sons and one daughter, one son, Mr Reginald Birdling, died in the Great War and Mrs McIntosh and Mr Walter Birdling (Whangarei) survive their father. There are six grandchildren. The funeral took place at the Little River cemetery and was largely attended. The services at the church and at the graveside were conducted by the Rev A. H. Barnett. The Masonic service was read by Mr D. Richards. Maori of the district also sang a hymn in Maori. The pallbearers were members of the Masonic Lodge. The chief mourners were Mrs F. McIntosh (daughter), Mr Walter Birdling (son). Messrs Arthur and Albert Birdling (brothers) and Valeska and Reginald McIntosh (grandchildren).

EMILY AGNES BIRDLING died 4 Aug 1943 in Totara Valley, near Pleasant Point, Timaru and buried Ruru Lawn cemetery
Last Will and Testament of Emily Agnes Birdling, 16 July 1943 (condensed for this journal), wife of Arthur John Birdling of Halswell in the Dominion of New Zealand, Sheepfarmer. I appoint my daughter Eileen Anita Stewart and Hans Kennedy of Christchurch, Schoolmaster (hereinafter called 'my Trustees') to be Executrix Executor and Trustees of this my Will . Should I die in any district in which a Crematorium is situated I direct my Trustees to have my body cremated and the ashes placed in an Urn which shall be allowed to remain at the Crematorium . I bequeath my Water Colours by 'Haley' to my daughter Eileen Anita Stewart and my sons Gerald Edward Birdling and Huia William Birdling as shall survive me . I bequeath to my said daughter Eileen Anita Stewart all my personal belongings, Jewellery, Doulton china, cases, Bavarian china dinner and afternoon tea sets, carved Walnut Hallstand, Grandfather's Clock and oil painting 'Susan and her Lover' and steel engraving 'Girl's Head', my wearing apparel, my oil paintings and the remainder of my Water Colours excepting those of 'A Cumberland Scene' and the 'Minstrel Boy' . I bequeath to my son Gerald Edward Birdling my water colour 'A Cumberland Scene' . I bequeath to my son Huia William Birdling my oil colour of a 'Minstrel Boy' . I give devise and bequeath all my real estate and the residue of my personal estate of whatsoever kind and nature and wheresoever situate unto my Trustees Upon Trust to pay my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, estate succession and other duties and upon further trust to divide the residue into five equal shares and to hold the same upon the following trusts namely: two of such shares for my daughter Eileen Anita Stewart, two shares for my son Gerald Edward Birdling and the remaining one share to my son Huia William Birdling and if any of them shall die in my lifetime leaving lawful issue and who shall live to attain the age of twenty one years, such issue shall stand in their parent's place and shall take equally between and amongst themselves . I declare that I am making no further provision for my son Huia William Birdling other than the one-fifth share in my residuary estate for the reason that he has already been assisted by me to an extent greater than the share he would have taken had he been included equally with my other children. Signed by the said Emily Agnes Birdling in the presence of A. McLauchlan, Clerk, St Georges Hospital, Christchurch & R. E. Booker, Solicitor
. NOTES .
* Daughter Eileen Stewart swore on oath in the Christchurch Supreme Court for Probate that her mother died at Totara Valley on or about the Fourth day of August 1943. This is where Eileen lived so it is supposed she was living with her daughter at time of death
* Hans Kennedy (1870-1957) was born at Cust, married Eleanor Jane Bates in 1903, married Elizabeth McDonald Roxburgh in 1920 and was a public school teacher living at 311 Montreal St., Christchurch
* The Stamp Duty, sealing fee on Probate or Letters of Administration payable to the Supreme Court, by her Solicitors Meares Williams Holmes & Booker, on 29 Aug 1944 was £2057 11s 4d (an equivalent in 2012 of $164,000)

DEATH of Arthur's brother William
Press, 25 June 1945 BIRDLING - On Monday, June 18, 1945, at New Plymouth, William, widower of the late Elizabeth Birdling and loved father of Ivy (Mrs N. Johnston, N.P.), and Leslie, Waitara; in his 93rd year. At Rest.

ARTHUR turns 89
Press, 24 April 1952 DESCENDANT OF PIONEERS Mr A. J. Birdling's 89th Birthday .. Mr Arthur J. Birdling, of 'Landsowne' Halswell, is the oldest surviving member of the family of a Canterbury pioneer settler, the late Mr William Birdling .. Mr Arthur Birdling has lived close to the land all his life. He was born in Waikoko Valley at Birdling's Flat (Banks Peninsula), the fifth son of a family of seven boys and one girl, was among the first students at Canterbury Agricultural College .. for 50 years he has lived at 'Lansdowne' on land once owned by his father .. in spite of his age, Mr Birdling is still wonderfully agile and until last year he attended his own vegetable garden. Every morning Miss Barbara Noble, who has looked after Mr Birdling since his wife died nine years ago, reads his newspaper to him .. Mr Birdling has two sons, Mr Gerald Birdling of Riccarton and Mr W. H. Birdling, assistant chief traffic inspector to the Christchurch City Council and one daughter, Mrs J. D. Stewart (Eileen Anita), of Totara Vally, Pleasant Point ..

Press, 23 April 1959 PIONEER'S SON 96 TOMORROW .. Friends have been calling on Mr Arthur Birdling of Lansdowne, Halswell, this week to congratulate him on his 96th birthday .. Miss B. Nobel, his housekeeper, said "We are never sure who will call - they just pop in" Mr Birdling is blind now and Miss Noble reads 'The Press' to him each day. "It is one of the pleasures he has now" she said.

DEATH of Arthur's Brother Albert
Press, 1 June 1961 Mr Albert Edward Birdling, a well-known Canterbury farmer and prize stock breeder, died recently. He was 92. Mr Birdling was the youngest son of a Canterbury pioneer settler, Mr William Birdling. Mr William Birdling arrived in New Zealand at the age of 20 with 10s in his pocket. When he died in 1902 he owned a number of North Canterbury farms.
Mr A. E. Birdling farmed one of his father's farms, lake View, all his life. Although Lake View is 3500 acres today, when it was first taken up by Mr William Birdling in 1952 it extended from Caton Bay, near Little River, to the present property at Birdling's Flat. Mr Birdling bred cattle and sheep extensively and his stock won many prizes at agricultural and pastoral association shows.
He received his early education from a tutor as did his other six brothers and sister. later he was sent to a private school at Akaroa with an older brother, Mr Arthur Birdling, who is still alive and aged 98. He also attended the Christchurch Boys High School. Mr Birdling was a keen athlete and at the age of 16 ran 100 years in 10 sec. He was a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club and the Banks Peninsula Racing Club for many years and was also one of the early members of the Little River Agricultural and pastoral Association. He is survived by his second wife, a son by the former marriage and a son and a daughter by the second marriage.
NOTE Albert 1st married Louisa Price (1872-1933). He next married Margaret Jane McRae (1909-1992), from Fremantle, in 1942.

ARTHUR turns 99
Press, 24 April 1962 NINETY-NINTH BIRTHDAY Mr A. J. Birdling of 'Lansdowne', Halswell, the oldest surviving member of a Canterbury pioneer family will celebrate his ninety-ninth birthday today. Mr Birdling was born in Waikoko Valley at Birdling's Flat, named after his father, William Birdling, who settled in New Zealand in 1842. Mr Birdling was amongst the first students at Lincoln College. In the first year 1881, there were only 56 students. Hen he gained his diploma, Mr Birdling took over his father's property at Hornby and after his father's death in 1902 took over his property, "Lansdowne." He still holds bout 43½ acres of the original 290 acres. His farming experience earned him a reputation as an authority on cattle and he judged the cattle sections at many agricultural and pastoral shows. For 65 years he regularly attended the Addington stock market.
Mr Birdling has been looked after by Miss Barbara Noble since the death of his wife 19 years ago. Although he cannot see well enough to read the newspaper himself in the mornings, he enjoys hearing items read to him.
Mr Birdling attributes his long life to hard work and adequate sleep, to drinking plenty of water and moderation in smoking. He has two sons, Mr G. Birdling of Riccarton and Mr W. H. Birdling, deputy chief superintendent (enforcement) of the city council's traffic department and one daughter, Mrs J. D. Stewart, of Totara Valley.

ARTHUR JOHN BIRDLING died 12 Oct 1962 in Lansdowne, Halswell, Canterbury aged 99.6 and buried St Mary's Anglican Church cemetery
Press, 12 Oct 1962 Mr Arthur John Birdling, the oldest member of a Canterbury pioneer family, died in Christchurch yesterday. He was 99. Mr Birdling was born in Waikoko Valley, at Birdling's Flat, in 1863, the youngest son of a Canterbury settler, Mr William Birdling. His father arrived in New Zealand in 1842 as a youth of 20. When he died in 1902 he had owned a number of North Canterbury properties and the family name had been given to a railway siding in the district where he first settled. Mr Arthur Birdling was among the first students at Lincoln College. He received his early education in his father's home, where a room was set aside as a schoolroom and the family of eight taught by a private tutor. He later attended private school in Akaroa. When he had gained his diploma at Linclon College. Mr Birdling took over his father's property at Hornby and after his father's death took over his property "Lansdowne." Halswell. His farming experience earned him a reputation as an authority on cattle and he judged the cattle sections at many agricultural and pastoral shows. For 65 years he regularly attended the Addington stock market.
In 1880 Mr Birdling married Miss Emily Callaghan, of Hornby and since her death 19 years ago he bad been cared for by Miss Barbara Noble. Mr Birdling is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Last Will and Testament of Arthur John Birdling, 10 July 1947 (condensed for this journal), of Halswell, in the Dominion of New Zealand, farmer . I appoint my son Gerald Edward Birdling and my daughter Eileen Anita Stewart as my executors and trustees . I give and bequeath to my trustworthy housekeeper Barbara Noble the sum of Four Hundred Pounds (equivalent 2012 to $16,112). I forgive all arrears of interest and interest accrued at my death owing to me by my son on the sum of One Thousand Pounds lent by me to him . I give devise bequeath and appoint all the rest residue and remainder of the real and personal estate to my trustees in equal parts (sworn under £16,000)
NOTE his housekeeper was Barbara Noble (1905-2002) who kept house for him at Lansdowne after Emily died in 1943. She was born in England, a daughter of William Edward Noble (1882-1964) & Sarah Coward (1882-1969). She is buried with her siblings in St Mary's Church cemetery, Halswell.

Press, 2 July 1970 FARM SOLD IN FAMILY FOR 110 YEARS. A farm at Birdling's Flat, which has been in the Birdling family for 110 years, was sold yesterday for £69,308 or £84 an acre (equivalent in June 2012 to $1,007,5000 / $1,221 an acrea). The property "Waikoko," on the Akaroa highway, 28 miles from Christchurch, was farmed by the late Mr S. W. Birdling (Stanley William 1891-1970) for 47 years. "Waikoko," is one of the best-known of the older Canterbury estates. Its history dates from the early forties, when a small area, where the old homestead stood, was bought by the late Mr William Birdling. The property of 837 acres, has a Government valuation of £48,420
($703,800). Bidding began at £66 an acre and rose by eight bids of £2 and two of £1 an acre. It carries 1450 sheep and 47 head of cattle. There is a four-bedroom, weatherboard bungalow, shearing shed, hay shed and cattle and sheep yards on the property. The property was offered on account of the trustees of the estate of S. W. Birdling. Th auctioneer was Mr G. may, of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association Ltd.
NOTE Stanley William Birdling was a grandson of William & Jane, son of Robert Henry Birdling & Margaret Vogan. Stanley married Stella May Goodwin in 1924


PHOTO
Arthur & Emily Birdling