Arthur Bothamley

Arthur was born in 1846 in Surrey, and then educated at Blackheath Propriety School, a school famous for its influence on football and rugby. In 1868 at the age of 22, he sailed to Melbourne, intending to return to England. Having crossed over to New Zealand on the way back, he decided to remain here. In 1871 he obtained employment in the Legislative Council Office.

The Legislative Council was the former upper house of parliament, from 1853 to 1951 when it was abolished. It was modelled on Brittain’s House of Lords, it was intended to act as a revising chamber, scrutinising and amending bills that were passed by the House of Representatives.It initially had members that were appointed by the governor-general; however the members were then appointed by the government of the day when it became less effective.

Arthur had multiple other interests, and was a keen Canoe enthusiast, Photographer and Artist. His work included travel to America as secretary of the Philadelphia Exhibition, sub-editing the transactions of the New Zealand Institute and Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as his roles supporting the Legislative Office as both Clerk-Assistant and the Clerk. He was also the Private Secretary to Premier Sir John Hall.

For 45 years he was the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, which was both an administrative and ceremonial role within the Legislative Assembly. Now days, it is a ceremonial role, the usher of the black rod continues to summon MPs to the chamber for the Throne Speech.

In 1924 he was awarded the Companion of the Imperial Service Order.Arthur married Elizabeth Poulson in 1876, and they had 7 children. Two of his sons Grafton and Charles both worked as Clerks in Parliament, and another son Robert had a close association with Porirua, marrying into the Gear family and living in Gear Homestead.

Church of England, 70 A