Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/166

 principally managed by George, Robert Heaton managing those at Purau and about Christchurch. From the variety of their early training the three brothers formed an excellent business combination, and all their ventures proved successful. George died at Lyttelton in June, 1864, Robert arriving from a visit to England just in time to attend the funeral, which was also attended by William Barnard from Wellington. Robert Heaton Rhodes died in Christchurch in June, 1884. The brother George did not take an active part in public life. W. B. Rhodes, however, was a member of the first General Assembly held in Auckland in 1854, and was also a member of the Legislative Council; and Robert Heaton Rhodes represented Akaroa in the first Provincial Council of Canterbury, in 1853, holding the seat for ten years. He also represented Akaroa in the General Assembly in 1871-2-3. In the last-named year illness caused him to leave New Zealand, to which he returned in 1878. In social matters the brothers were most liberal, giving or selling on easy terms sites for schools, churches, and public schools, besides assisting with contributions. They were also at all times ready to help steady