RHODES, ARTHUR EDGAR GRAYENOR (1859-1922) was the third son of George Rhodes of the Levels. He was educated at Christ's College (1868-77) and at Jesus College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. and LL.B. 1880. In 1882 he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple, and two years later he commenced to practise law in Christchurch. In 1887 he was elected to represent Gladstone in Parliament, and in 1890 to represent Geraldine. He contested Pareora unsuccessfully in 1893 and 1896. Rhodes took a great interest in all forms of sport, and was president of the Canterbury Rugby Union and the Canterbury Rowing Association. In public life he was a member of the board of governors of Christ's College and of Canterbury College (some time chairman). He was a keen student of public finance, and was associated with many companies, being chairman of the New Zealand Shipping Co. and the Christchurch Press Co. and a director of the Waihi Goldmining Co. He was president also of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association and a knight of justice of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. In 1901 Rhodes was elected unopposed as mayor of Christchurch, in which capacity he entertained the Duke and Duchess of York. In 1917 he was decorated with the O.B.E. He married (1892) Rose, daughter of J. W. Moorhouse. His death occurred on 26 Dec 1922.

N.Z.P.D., 1887-93 and 9 Feb 1923; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Woodhouse (p); Christ's Coll. School List; The Press and Lyttelton Times, 27 Dec 1922 (p)

Reference: Volume 2, page 117

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