Restoration offers chance to remember

Descendants of Major Sir John Larkins Cheese Richardson gather with dignitaries and members of the Otago Military History Group after Saturday’s unveiling of the refurbished grave in the Northern Cemetery. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD

The remarkable life and achievements of Major Sir John Larkins Cheese Richardson (1810-75) were remembered at the unveiling of his refurbished grave in the Northern Cemetery.

Led by Maj Sir John’s great-great grandson Neil Macandrew, Saturday’s ceremony was attended by his descendants, dignitaries, and members of the Otago Military History Group, with Rev David Crook giving the blessing.

Mr Macandrew paid tribute to the Otago Military History Group, and its co-chairman Peter Trevathan, for their efforts in refurbishing the grave site and creating an information plaque highlighting Maj Sir John’s importance in the history of Dunedin and Otago.

Neil Macandrew, great-great grandson of Major Sir John Larkins Cheese Richards, and his granddaughter Sydney Morton (11), prepared to unveil an information plaque at his restored grave in the Northern Cemetery.

Maj Sir John Larkins Cheese Richards was the superintendent of Otago during the gold rushes of the 1860s, was a member of parliament (representing New Plymouth) and was appointed speaker in 1868, and knighted in 1874.

Active in social causes, and education in particular, he championed the admission of women to Otago University along with Miss Learmonth Dalrymple.

Born in Bengal, India, in 1810, and educated in England, he forged a successful military career in India, attaining the rank of major.

Gathered to remember their ancestor during Saturday’s unveiling are (from left) Richardson’s great-great grandson Neil Macandrew, great-great-great granddaughter Sheryl Morton, and great-great-great-great granddaughters Tait (16), Eve (14), and Sydney Morton (11).

"He was a respected and well-loved man in the community, so it’s really nice to have his grave looking good," he said.

Mr Macandrew also thanked Heritage Roses Otago for planting roses on the grave, and acknowledged the support given to the project by the University of Otago, Bunnings, and the Southern Heritage Trust.