William Prudhoe

Prudhoe was born Sunderland, England. He received his education at a public school and then undertook an apprenticeship as a builder and mason. He married Anne (Annie) Adamson in 1855 and they had two boys in England; the second one (Joseph) born in Durham.[2][3] They emigrated on the Regina, arriving in Lyttelton on 4 December 1859.[2][4] The Prudhoes never returned to England.[5] They had one further child in New Zealand; Mary Evangaline was born in 1867.[6]

Prudhoe participated in one of the New Zealand gold rushes as a digger after his arrival.[7] Otherwise, was self-employed in Christchurch. He built many of the town's important buildings, including the first section of the Canterbury Museum (1870),[8] the Kaiapoi Borough School (1874),[9] Coker's Hotel in Manchester Street (1879),[10] the synagoge in Gloucester Street (1881),[11][12] and Bonnington's (or Bonnington House) in High Street (1883).[13] For many years, he was in a partnership with William Henry Cooper.[14]

Gravestone for William and Anne Prudhoe at Linwood Cemetery

Prudhoe was first elected onto Christchurch City Council for the North-west ward in September 1882[15] and remained a member until his election as mayor.[16][17] Prudhoe announced his intention to run for mayor and for a long time, it was expected that he was going to be returned unopposed. George Bonnington, another city councillor, received a petition to stand for election that he acceded to. Prudhoe won the election, held on 25 November 1891, by 604 votes to 544.[18] Prudhoe was installed as mayor on 16 December 1891.[19] He served for one term and did not stand for re-election in November 1892.[20] He was succeeded by Eden George, who was installed on 21 December 1892.[21]

Prudhoe was again elected onto Christchurch City Council in 1894 and remained a city councillor until 1901.[12] He was a member of the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board and was on the Hospital Board for five years.[16]

While still in England, he was a member of the Odd Fellows.[12] He was "Grand Master of the Orange Order for the Middle Island" (i.e. South Island).[16] He took a deep interest in the Canterbury Bowling Club in Salisbury Street.[12]

Prudhoe died on 29 April 1908 at his home in Montreal Street in the central city. He was buried at Linwood Cemetery two days later.[22] He was survived by his wife and their three children.[16] His wife died on 24 November 1909.[23] Their son Joseph died in 1930.[3][24] Their eldest son, William, died in 1934.[25] Their daughter, never having married, died in 1951.[26]