Skinner, Arthur, 1874-1940 (Person)

SummaryConstable, athlete, farmer. Born 1874 at Fetternear, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, son of George Skinner and Elizabeth Horne. Emigrated to New Zealand in 1888. Joined the New Zealand Police in 1899, serving initially in Auckland.

Noted for life-saving rescues, became a physical training instructor, established the first police gymnasium. Married Winifred Leydon in Auckland, 1908; no issue. Posted to Tauranga in 1909, he remained there as head constable until his retirement in 1935. He participated in the policing of major industrial disputes (Waihī 1912, waterfront 1913–14, Huntly) and the armed raid on Rua Kēnana at Maungapōhatu in 1916.

Locally respected for community service and charity. Member of the Bay of Plenty Racing Club, the Tauranga Club and the Tauranga Orphans' Club. Won over 100 medals in hammer throwing, wrestling, and weight events in the Caledonian games. Died 1940 at Tauranga. Left bequests to St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tauranga, where a school prize cup was later endowed in his name. He owned a managed Jersey cattle farm and horses at Ōhauiti. He was one of several land buyers that contributed to the individualisation and fragmentation of Ngāi Te Ahi land in the early 1920sSourcesDictionary of New Zealand Biography (Te Ara)Bay of Plenty Times , 1935 October 1: A Life of ActionPolicemen in the Auckland Physical Cultural Group: ATL 1/1-003161-GPhotographs relating to the trial of Rua Kenana (page 10 and 12)Obituary in the Bay of Plenty Times 1940, 24 June (pg 4)Journal of the Tauranga Historical Society Number 48, page AR 16Bellamy, A.C. "Tauranga 1882 - 1982" (1982) (pages 157 & 158Oral History Notes of George Arthur and William Denniston, and Charles William Haua (Ams 524/21, pages 10-11)Mount Maunganui, A History of the Land and Early Settlers from 1864. by Bob Scott (page 278)Ohauiti 1878 to 1980, by Bob Scott (page 152)Mentions in "Ngāi Te Ahi Historical Report" regarding land lease and purchaseLetters from and to with Wai 215, A038 (a)

Photographs

Peace celebrations 1919

Arthur Skinner within photograph of Policemen in the Auckland Physical Cultural Group (1904). Alexander Turnbull Library record 1/1-003161-G (part).

Usage

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Personal Information

First Name(s)ArthurSurnameSkinnerDate of Birth3 January 1874Place of BirthAberdeenshire, ScotlandDate of Death20 June 1940Place of DeathTaurangaOccupationPolice OfficerFarmer

Whānau

MotherElizabeth HorneFatherGeorge Skinner

Partner

PartnerWinifred Leydon (1883-1963)Date Married3 June 1908Place of MarriageSt Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland

Settler Information

Date of Arrival1888

Relates To

Other Item(s)Folder titled "Arthur and Lewis Skinner"

Admin

AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | People

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Skinner, Arthur, 1874-1940 (Person)