John Hall and family

Recollected by Beatrice Bruce, from her 1935 journal (John Hall's Great Grand daughter)

The young woman Luke Hobman married on 14 February 1863 was Ann Maria Hall. She was born in Dover, England, 17 February, 1844. 

Settling in New Zealand 1853

Nine year old Ann Marie arrived in New Zealand with her parents, John and Elizabeth (nee Freeman) Hall, and younger brother Robert, on the Northfleet from Suffolk England on 25 December, 1853. 

John Hall was a colourful character. Many aspects of his life and thoughts are revealed in his own and others writings. He wrote of his experiences 'On sea and land'  including China Sea voyages, but no copies remain in existence. 

What is quoted here, writes Beatrice, is taken from pamphlets written by John Hall himself. "Experiences of 30 years" (published 1885, printed by R Burrett, Molesworth Street, Wellington) and "Struggles of Life" (Part 2) published in 1888, printed by Edwards & Co, Brandon Street Wellington. Another, "Visions of 1887" was published later than 1890 also by Edwards & Co.

We have no mention of who John Hall's first wife was but there were no children. Elizabeth Lumley (nee Freeman) was John's second wife. Elizabeth had also been married before and had no children from this marriage. John and Elizabeth were married in Dover in 1843 and remained married until Elizabeth's death, in Greytown, New Zealand in 1879.

The Halls establish themselves in Greytown in 1856

In 1854, John Hall trekked over the Rimutakas to Greytown on foot as soon as land was opened up for ballot. He had worked hard, Elizabeth also, to earn money to purchase land. He became a member of the Small Farm Association. Elizabeth and children joined John two years later and they remained in Greytown for the rest of their lives. 

On Elizabeth's arrival in Greytown she started the first Sunday School in the Wairarapa and John Hall initiated an appeal for funds to build a school. In one day he had collected 23 pounds. The school was built in 1857 for 40 pounds. 

A little later, at the request of the Rev Ronaldson, he took over the mastership of the Papawai School. He and Elizabeth had charge of 17 boys who lived at the school. While there he was informed by Capt Thomas that he was entitled to 60 acres of land under the "Naval Military Settlers Act" and made his selection on the Moroa plain. 

He was unlucky. It was unprofitable land. He proved to be 'all at sea' in all his land dealings in Greytown. 

He was an honest man and expected everyone else to be. He found they were not. 

In 1868 John Hall established a Young Men's Improvement Society, with a good lending library. 

"The Failure of a Farmer" by Michael Turnbull (for the Schools Publication Branch - Dept of Education, 1955) is the story of John Hall's farming experiences.

Plan of The District of Greytown - J Halls allocation