RHODES, ROBERT HEATON (1815-84) was born at Rotherham, Yorkshire, the third son of William Rhodes, of Epworth, Lincolnshire, and Plains House, the Levels, Yorkshire. He studied farming and surveying, and in 1837 sailed to New South Wales, where he managed the property belonging to his elder brother W. B. Rhodes (q.v.). In 1850 he came to New Zealand, and entered into partnership with his brothers W. B. and G., who were already settled in the country. The three held numerous runs in Canterbury under pasturage licence, including Akaroa, Purau, Kaituna, and Ahuriri on Banks Peninsula; and the Levels in south Canterbury. Robert made his home at Purau. In 1863, R. H. and G. Rhodes and Robert Wilkin purchased the St Leonards station in the Waiau district and acquired other property in Canterbury and Otago. Rhodes held land in the North Island (frequently in partnership with his youngest brother, Joseph). In his business dealings and his management of the various estates, he showed keen foresight, tireless energy and thrifty husbandry, which did much to consolidate the fortunes of the family. He had a good knowledge of stock, and was judge of cattle at the first show held in Christchurch (1853).

In 1866 Rhodes moved from Purau to Christchurch, where he built a house and named it Elmwood. The Levels was sold in 1865; but the other large runs were held until the seventies, when most of the partnership property was disposed of.

Rhodes was one of the founders of the New Zealand Shipping Co. and Kaiapoi Woollen Co. He was chairman of the Canterbury Meat Preserving Co., and one of the first churchwardens of the Merivale church. He took an early interest in the political affairs of Canterbury. He was elected to the first Provincial Council in 1853, and sat almost continuously (for Akaroa, 1853-61; Port Victoria 1861-62; Bays 1862 and 1866-74). He was in the provincial executive (1869-70) and acted as deputy-superintendent during the absence of Rolleston. Rhodes was M.H.R. for Akaroa (1871-74). He was a beneficent citizen, always generous to philanthropic movements. In memory of his brother George he donated the tower and peal of eight bells to Christchurch Cathedral, thus giving an impetus to the completion of the Cathedral.

Rhodes married (1858), Sophia Circuit, daughter of Robert Latter (Lyttelton). After his death (on 1 Jun 1884) his family built the Rhodes convalescent home to his memory.

A son, SIR ROBERT HEATON RHODES (1861-) was M.H.R. for Ellesmere (1899-1925) and M.L.C. (1926-). He was Postmaster-general (1912-15) and Minister of Defence (1920-26), and was created K.B.E. (1920) and K.C.V.O. (1927).

Family information from Sir Heaton Rhodes; Canterbury P.C. Proc; Woodhouse; Andersen; Lyttelton Times, 3 Jun 1884; The Press, 16 Aug 1930. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 118

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