John Haselden (1855 - 1937)

Born 1855 in London, England, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Husband of Gertrude (Gilfillan) Haselden — married 13 Apr 1882 in Auckland, New Zealand

Died 2 Nov 1937 at about age 82 in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand

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Biography

John was born in 1855. He was the son of Charles Haselden and Maria Simpson Moore. He migrated to NZ with his parents and older brothers in 1860. He married Gertude Gilfillan in 1882 ^[1] He passed away in 1937 age 82 .^[2]

LOSS TO CHURCH VETERAN MINISTER CANON JOHN HASELDEN SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE "FATHER OF THE DIOCESE" After service at the Auckland Diocese for nearly 60 years Canon Jolin Haselden died at his residence, 67 Williamson Street, Epsom, yesterday. It was only a month ago that he announced that at the end of this year he would resign as Anglican chaplain to the Auckland Hospital, a position he had held for 12 years. Canon Haselden, who was in his 83rd year, was born in the West End of London and, with his parents and brothers, arrived at Auckland in 1860. The older brothers who accompanied him to New Zealand included Mr. C. J. A. Haselden, formerly Under-Secretary for Justice, Mr. F. H. Haselden, at one time member of Parliament for Patea, and Mr. W. R. Haselden. who became a Judge of the district Court. His father took up land at Te Arai, near Mangawai, but later was appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Strenuous Work The future canon was educated at Dr. Kidd's collegiate school and at Mr. Macrae's high school. He was awarded a Marsh Brown scholarship at St. John's College and entered up0n his studies under the Rev. Dr. John Kinder. In 1877 he was ordained and was appointed assistant minister of the parish of the Holy Sepulchre, which then extended to the West Coast and as far north as Helensville. With him a usual Sunday's work comprised five services, and from 15 to 35 miles of riding. In 1880 the Epiphany, Mount Albert and Avondale portions of St. Sepulchre's were cut off and created into a separate charge. Of this Mr. Haselden was made the first vicar. His knowledge of the life of the settler and his capabilities as a traveller in the hush led to his being asked by the synod to take charge of all the country districts in the diocese that were not in the cure of resident ministers. This appointment was originally for five years, but it extended to 12.

Wreck of the Wairarapa. In 1907 he became vicar of Onehunga, and he remained there until 1919, when he went to Mount Albert as vicar. This position he continued to occupy until January 1, 1925, when he was appointed Selwyn memorial chaplain to the Public Hospital. To this work he devoted the whole of his time. When only 38 years of age Mr. Haselden was elected by the sinod as one of the first canons in the diocese, in recognition of the valuable work he had done in the country districts. One of Canon Haselden's most striking services to the public was his work on Great Barrier Island at the time of the wreck of the Wairarapa in 1894. All through the harrowing period of the recovery of the bodies of the victims and the care of the survivors he was in residence at the island, burying the dead and co-operating with the police in seeing to the proper custody of the belongings of the victims. Bereaved families in all parts of the world received from him sympathetic letters telling all that was known of the fate of those who had perished at Miner's Head, and of the disposal of property. For this admirable work he received the thanks of the Union Steam Ship Company and the freedom of the vessels of its fleet, and he was publicly, thanked by the Diocesan Synod.

Link with Selwyn. Canon Haselden was the author of a "Diocesan Church History," and he also published "Sermons for Special Occasions," "Stories of New Zealand Bush Life and many articles on general subjects. On the occasion of the jubilee in 1927 of Canon Haselden's ordination Archbishop Averill said the fact that he was the sole remaining personal link with Bishop Selwyn entitled him to be justly called "the father of the diocese." Canon Haselden is survived by three daughters, the Misses Kathleen, Ella and Queenie Haselden, of Auckland. Mrs. Haselden, who was a daughter of the late Hon. J. A. Gilfillan, died four years ago. ^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ http://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/
   • NZ Marriage registration 1882/1241
2. ↑ http://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/
   • NZ Death registration 1937/15553.
3. ↑ New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22876, 3 November 1937