Nelson's greatest benefactor honoured.

90 years after his death, the man considered Nelson’s greatest benefactor has been formally recognised for his contribution to the region.

Thomas Cawthron was one of only two inaugural inductees into the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce ‘Hall of Fame’, established to mark the Chamber’s 150th anniversary.

Thomas Cawthron was a major shipping broker, importer and exporter in the region in the mid to late 19th century, who for a period of thirty years controlled practically the whole of the maritime shipping from the Port of Nelson.

A shrewd and successful businessman, he was favoured with good fortune in all his business transactions and by the time of his retirement in the late 1880’s, he had amassed a considerable fortune, which he proceeded to share with his community.

Chamber President, Craig Dennis, says his business acumen and philanthropy made Thomas Cawthron an obvious choice to be a founding member of the Hall of Fame. But it is not just his past philanthropy which has earned him recognition, but also his legacy of giving which continues today. “He is without doubt Nelson’s greatest benefactor providing substantial sums for the building of the original Nelson Public Hospital, granite cathedral steps, and many other civic works.”

His greatest contribution, however, Craig Dennis believes, came after his death with the bequeathing of his estate to set up a research institute, through which “he has given back to the people of Nelson, wealth which far exceeded his own.”

Appropriately named the ‘Cawthron Institute’, he says its contribution to agricultural science has been immense. “The benefits too, to Nelson’s fruit industry, tomato production, fertiliser deficiencies in the Moutere Hills area, and many other scientific breakthroughs have brought international recognition.”

The Cawthron Institute Trust Board is committed to ensuring the Cawthron Institute remains an enduring monument to its founder’s memory, stimulating scientific research throughout the whole of New Zealand.

Chairman, Dr Oliver Sutherland, who accepted the award on Thomas Cawthron’s behalf,
says you could not help but admire the man. “Contrary to the general belief at the time, he was kind and generous, a successful businessman who, while careful with his money, helped many cases of hardship and distress. He was not one to chase the limelight or seek public adulation for his good deeds, which were many, especially in his latter years, when he so generously supported civic works. Those of us who work to fulfill his legacy believe this is one accolade he would have humbly accepted as recognition of the fondness he felt for this city and its people, and we are proud to do so on his behalf.”

The Cawthron Institute was also the recipient of an award. Its photograph of staff in front of the business was announced the Wall of Fame winner. The Wall of Fame is an attempt to revive this tradition as an enduring historic record of business in the region. Cawthron will receive a professionally framed copy of its photo.

Thomas Cawthron’s gifts to Nelson include:

• A site for the Anglican Sunday School in Toitoi Valley
• 15,000 pounds towards the cost of a new general hospital to match government’s contribution
• 1,000 pounds towards a new nurses’ home
• 2.500 acres of mainly forested country adjacent to Wooded Peak in the headwaters of the Maitai River, now named Cawthron Park
• The Cawthron organ in the School of Music and 2,000 pounds to pay off the debt on the building
• Money to the Nelson Institute for the purchase of the Lukins collection of Maori artefacts and 800 pound for showcases and fittings
• The magnificent flight of granite steps and platforms leading from Trafalgar Street to Nelson Cathedral
• The iron chains and pillars on the seafront at Wakefield Quay and Rocks Road as far as Tahunanui
• Purchase of Observatory Park on the Port Hills as the first step in the establishment of a solar observatory

The Cawthron Institute Trust Board continues Thomas Cawthron’s legacy of giving; in the past financial year channeling more than $130,000 to a variety of individuals, organisations and community projects, including:

• Funding of the new observatory at Clifton Terrace School and purchase of a new dome to house the Atkinson telescope
• Sponsored 11 year old Mitchell Chandler of Broadgreen Intermediate to attend the Tunza International Children’s Environment Conference in Norway
• Initiated the Cawthron Science Leader Award designed to enhance the leadership capacity within New Zealand’s science sector
• Principal sponsor of the Da Vinci Machines Exhibition at the Nelson Provincial Museum

For more information:

Judene Edgar
Board Secretary, Cawthron Institute Trust Board
Phone: 03 548 2319 ext. 390
Email: judene.edgar@clear.net.nz

Craig Dennis
President, Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 03 546 2856