Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Linton Mann was born on 27 September 1896 at Waimate, the oldest in the family of Herbert Edward and Christina Linton (née Smith) Mann. Linton was the family name of his maternal grandmother. Herbert and Christina married in 1895 at Waimate where Herbert was a grocer. A few years later he acquired the licence of the Studholme Junction Hotel. The family moved to Morgans Road, Timaru after the birth of their third child in March 1904, and Herbert took up farming. Linton who had started his schooling at Waimate, was admitted to Gleniti School in July 1904. At the start of 1909 he transferred to Timaru Main School, then to Waimataitai School in June 1910 when the family moved to Pages Road. In 1907 at Wai-iti School (as Gleniti was then known), he was awarded a special prize in arithmetic. The school children, teachers, and friends were favoured with a very nice afternoon for the breaking-up ceremony and the annual picnic of the school. “The picnic was held in the public recreation ground near the school, and a good lot of toys and useful articles were provided as prizes in a variety of sports and games for the pupils, . . . .” It was at Waimataitai in 1912 that Linton was successful in the Competency examinations. At the annual distribution of prizes at St Mary’s Sunday School, Timaru, in December 1908, L. Mann of Class VI boys received a prize.

Linton Mann, a shepherd of “Waimataitai”, Evans Street, Timaru, was drawn for the South Canterbury District in the Military Service ballot in December 1916. He enlisted and was medically examined at Timaru on 2 February 1917. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 129 pounds, and with a chest measurement of 30-33 inches, he had a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed. He had had no illnesses or diseases and was in good bodily and mental health. He did suffer from constipation and had no sign of vaccination. He was assessed fit, Class A. A shepherd at Pentland Hills, Waimate, single and of Church of England affiliation, he named his father as next-of-kin – Herbert Edward Mann, 149 Evans Street, Timaru. He was serving with the 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment. L. Mann was in the draft of South Canterbury men who left for Trentham on 20 February 1917. He was one of a dozen recruits who paraded at the Waimate Drillshed before entraining by the first express north. A large crowd gathered at the Railway Station to farewell the Waimate men who were going to the front. The Brass Band and some members of the Highland Pipe Band played the soldiers to the station.

Cr. Dash addressed the men and thanked them. “Men of the reinforcements — God bless you.” The Rev. Mr. Stockwell also spoke. “God is on our side, and you have a country worth fighting for. . . . God bless you and speed your safe return.”

Private L. Mann embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment of the 26th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington for Devonport, England per the “Willochra” on 9 June 1917 and disembarking at Devonport, England on 16 August 1917. He marched into Sling Sthen proceeded overseas to France on 26 October and marched into camp at Etaples. Ten days after joining his Battalion, he was detached to Brigade School, rejoining his Battalion a week later. He went to hospital, sick, on 5 December 1917. He had been wounded and was suffering from shell shock. His father received advice to this effect by cable. Private Mann was admitted, firstly to No. 3 New Zealand Field Ambulance, then to No. 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station. He was admitted to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Wisques, France on 7 December – nerves - now diagnosed as “Shell Shock W”. He was next admitted to the Canadian General Hospital at Etaples on 27 December. Discharged from the New Zealand Stationary Hospital to Base Depot in France, he embarked for England per the “Ville de Liege” on 31 December 1917 and was admitted to the Endell Street Military Hospital in London, still affected by the wounding and shell shock. On 9 January 1918 he was transferred to the Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch. Leaving Hornchurch on 7 March 1918, he went on leave, reporting to Codford on 22 March.

Linton Mann was admitted to No. 3 New Zealand General Hospital at Codford on 27 June 1918, suffering from influenza. Discharged to the NZ Command Depot on 4 July, he marched into the Discharge Depot at Torquay on 16 August. Drafts 199 and 200, which were expected in late December 1918, were bringing home 23 officers, two nurses, a clergyman, and 791 ranks, as well as a supplementary roll of 13 additional names. Among them was 47347 Private L. Mann, Timaru, who had embarked on 5 November 1918 in the UK per the “Ayrshire” (Draft 199). Linton and seven comrades were welcomed at Timaru on 26 December 1918 by Councillor Washer and taken to their homes by cars. On arrival home, he was granted sick leave from 27 December 1918 to 9 January 1919. He was ordered to report as an out-patient at Timaru Hospital on 10 January 1919 and would receive treatment until 6 February. His application for a War Pension resulted in 30 shillings for six months, then 20 shillings for six months. He was discharged on 25 March 1919, no longer physically fit for war service on account of illnesses contracted on Active Service (neurasthenia), and awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His intended address was “Waratah”, Albury. Linton did go to Albury as a shepherd.

On 12 November 1924 at Geraldine, Linton married Olive Margaret Campbell, who was well known in her position in the Mount Cook Tourist Department, being the first lady employed on their staff at Fairlie. Linton’s brother Herbert was best man. In early 1925 Linton and Olive were in Wellington where he was a confectioner. Before long they were away to Queenstown where he embarked on a very successful career in the hotel industry. As of December 1925, Mr H. Mann of Timaru was on a visit to Queenstown, being the guest of his son, Mr Linton Mann, manager of the “While Star” Hotel. About this time the licence of the Post Office Hotel, Queenstown, was transferred permanently to Linton Mann. A new licence for the White Star Hotel, Queenstown, was granted to Linton Mann in June 1926. Linton also got into golf while at Queenstown, his aggregate being the second best in the fourth round of a local competition in July 1926. In September he was into the semi-finals of another competition which he went on to win. His wife joined him on the golf course, accomplishing a hole in one in August 1927. At the annual meeting of the Queenstown Cricket Club in October 1926, Linton Mann was elected president. He was also into deerstalking, proceeding on an expedition to Greenstone in March 1927.

In September 1927 Mrs Linton motored from Queenstown, via Cromwell, to her hometown of Geraldine and back. At the same time, Mr Linton Mann, manager of the White Star Hotel, went to Dunedin and Timaru for two or three weeks. At the beginning of March 1928, it was reported that Mr Linton Mann who had undergone an operation for appendicitis at Cromwell Hospital was making good progress towards recovery. He was certainly back on deck by mid-May when he and Mrs Mann provided an excellent dinner for a big gathering of County Council representatives at Queenstown. On he visit to Geraldine and Timaru – “for a change” - in late October 1928, Mrs Linton took her young son. When the Queenstown Gun Club held a trophy match in May 1929, Linton Mann won second prize. In a party of eight shooters from Queenstown who attended the opening shoot of the Alexandra Gun Club in early August 1930, he was the spokesman for the visitors. The application for a renewal of the license of the White Star Hotel, Queenstown, by Linton Mann in June 1929, “was objected to by the committee on the ground that the kitchen attached to the hotel was too small. Mr Gilkinson, who appeared for the applicant, stated that it was the intention of the Mount Cook Motor Company, the owner of the hotel, to rebuild in the very near future. In view of this the company did not feel inclined to build a new kitchen, which was, in effect, what the Health Department demanded.” The health inspector gave evidence of the inadequacy of the kitchen, but the licence was renewed. Linton participated in a quail drive in November 1929, returning the highest score. At the Lake County show in March 1931, Mr Linton Mann won the cup in the amateur event for leaping horse over hurdles, the cup having been presented by himself and Angus Macdonald.

In August 1931, Mr and Mrs Linton Mann, of the White Star Hotel, Queenstown, were appointed by the Mt. Cook Tourist Co. to the management of Brent’s Bathgate House, Rotorua. “When the Mt. Cook Motor Co. purchased the Post Office Hotel, Queenstown (since re-named the White Star) close on six years ago Mr and Mrs Mann were selected to undertake the management, and since that time they have built up a business and earned a reputation that is known all over the Dominion and, indeed, much further afield. During their residence in Queenstown, too, they have set a fine example of citizenship, for besides giving their moral support to almost every organisation in the town, they have been active members of many of them, and have both shown their prowess in the field of sport. At Carnival time they threw themselves wholeheartedly into the programme of fixtures and did much to infect others with the Carnival spirit. In the best sense of the word Mr and Mrs Mann have proved themselves real sports, and their departure from Queenstown will be much regretted.” At the send-off function for Mr and Mrs Man, tributes were paid in multiple areas by so many townsfolk – successful business management; a very high standard of citizenship; the welfare of the community; the organisation and running of the summer carnivals; association with sports bodies; a real interest in acclimatisation matters. Mr Mann was presented with a solid leather travelling case, with the best wishes of the Queenstown people. Mr and Mrs Mann and little Malcolm were wished health and prosperity and a very pleasant gathering concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” And so, in mid-September 1931, Mr and Mrs Linton Mann departed from Queenstown for Timaru. But not two weeks later they were on their way to take over the management of the Pembroke Hotel, Lake Wanaka. “Mr and Mrs Linton Mann, who were appointed by the Mt. Cook Tourist Co. to the management of Brent’s Bathgate House, Rotorua, have since accepted the management of the Wanaka Hotel — a position which they take up on October 1.” Mr and Mrs Mann arrived in Pembroke on 28 September. The licence for the Wanaka Hotel, Pembroke, was duly transferred to Linton Mann. There, their proverbial hospitality continued. Before long he was club captain of the Wanaka Gun Club and was attaining a high standard in clay bird shooting. By October 1932 there was a growing collection of birds in the beautiful grounds of Wanaka Hotel, bird collecting being a special hobby of Linton Mann. He established aviaries and fine gardens. He also spent time fishing, successfully, at Makarora and in Lake Wanaka. Charged with keeping open and exposing liquor for sale on 10 February 1934, Linton Mann, licensee of Wanaka Hotel, pleaded guilty and was convicted and fined. Linton enjoyed success at the 1936 Upper Clutha show, this time third place with his labrador in the dog section. Mrs Mann was very successful with four placings in the flower section. The 1936 John McGlashan College prize list included the name of Master Malcolm Mann (primary school), son of Mr and Mrs Linton Mann (Pembroke) and grandson of Mrs H. E. Mann (Church Street, Timaru). He was first home in the cross-country run and qualified for a special sports prize, promising to develop into a real “sprinter”. His grandfather, Mr H. E. Mann, was a prominent athlete in his youth.

Mr and Mrs Linton Mann, who have relinquished the management of the Wanaka Hotel in October 1937, were farewelled by the people of Pembroke. They were presented with a wallet of notes from the public and a reading lamp from the staff of the Wanaka Hotel. After a brief stay at Makarora, they moved closer to home, the Royal Hotel at Waimate being transferred to Linton Mann in June 1938, and a publican’s licence being granted. He was soon involved in his new community, giving a trophy – a handsome clock – for the winner of the final event of the Canterbury championship dog trials. He also competed with success in the weekly shoots of the Waimate Miniature Rifle Club. In September 1939 he resigned from the Council of the Waimate Acclimatisation Society. 1940 found him at Geraldine, his wife’s hometown. At a meeting in August 1942, of the executive of the Geraldine Emergency Precautions Committee, it was decided that Mr Linton Mann be the Downs Controller and Mrs Linton Mann the Recorder Accommodation Unit.

“One of New Zealand’s rare white herons was seen in the Hae Hae Te Moana riverbed near Geraldine by Messrs Linton Mann and John Campbell. when they were out looking for ducks early on Friday morning. Mr Mann said that the bird was comparatively tame and they were able to get quite close to it. Mrs Andrew Lysaght, of Pleasant Valley, also reported having seen a white heron in a creek near her home on Friday.” [Timaru Herald, 11 May 1943.] In late April 1944, Linton Mann was approached to be a candidate for election to the Geraldine Borough Council. No election was required, and he duly became a borough councillor. In December following, he was on the committee to investigate the possibility of an air strip to serve the north end of the Geraldine County. He was also elected chairman of a special committee to inquire into mechanisation of the council’s plant. In February 1945, he was appointed to a deputation to meet the South Canterbury Hospital Board regarding the establishment of a district hospital at Geraldine. Linton Mann was a tomato grower at Geraldine in March 1945 when he gave evidence in a court concerning a low-flying aircraft. And in May, he was part of a committee which organised Geraldine celebrations of Victory in Europe, convening the arrangements for the children’s celebrations. He had a busy time in June, as chairman of the Borough Council’s Motor Camp Committee, planning and preparing the new camp as one of the finest in New Zealand. “A brown trout weighing a little more than 14½lb was caught this week by Mr Linton Mann, of Geraldine, in the Rangitata River near the mouth. Mr Mann was fishing with a silvery. The trout is believed to be the biggest caught in the Rangitata for some years. It was a perfect specimen, 29 inches long and 19 inches in girth.” This was nation-wide news in November 1948. Linton retired, or semi-retired, to Orton near Temuka in the 1940s, and there he and Olive lived until their respective deaths.

Linton Mann died on 30 March 1963, at Timaru, aged 66 years. His next-of-kin was his wife, Mrs O. M. Mann, Geraldine. He was buried at Timaru Cemetery where a services plaque marks his grave. He was survived by his wife, their son Malcolm, and his sister Mabel. Linton left a very detailed Will, bequeathing much to his wife and, after her death, some to his grandchildren. His son, Herberrt Malcom Mann and a Timaru solicitor were appointed executors and trustees. Olive Margaret Mann died on 9 July 1965 at Christchurch, but of Orton, and was buried with Linton at Timaru. Their son Malcolm was then living at Feilding. She was survived also by her brother Gilbert but predeceased by her sister Mabel and brother John. John William Campbell, of Geraldine, served in World War One, as did another brother, Herbert Malcolm Campbell, who was killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915. Linton’s father, Herbert Edward Mann, died in 1929 at Timaru and was buried in the local cemetery. Christina Linton Mann died in 1957 and was buried with Herbert. Also buried with them are their younger son, Herbert Mann (Bert), and their daughter, Annie Mabel Asher Mann, neither of whom married. Bert who was a fisherman an downed a small trawler, received serious lacerations to his leg on 8 May 1926 when he was carrying out repairs at Carey’s Bay near Dunedin. He died in 1936 and Annie in 1996.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [19 July 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ ref. AABK 18805 W5544 0077508) [04 August 2016]; Timaru Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [19 July 2014]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [19 July 2014]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [19 July 2014]; Timaru Herald, 21 December 1907, 22 December 1908, 25 January 1912, 20 February 1917, 10 January 1918, 28 December 1918, 10 May 1926, 17 May 1928, 3 June 1929, 9 November 1936, 8 & 20 June 1938, 1 June 1939, 30 September 1939, 5 August 1942, 11 May 1943, 29 April 1944, 16 & 29 May 1944, 1 & 18 December 1944, 19 February 1945, 4, 11 & 31 May 1945, 11 June 1945, 21 November 1945, Waimate Daily Advertiser, 19 & 20 February 1920, Star, 15 December 1916, Otago Daily Times, 10 January 1918, 14 December 1918, 7 December 1925, 22 July 1926, 18 September 1926, 25 October 1926, 25 August 1927, 23 May 1929, 8 June 1929, 21 November 1929, 21 March 1931, 17 & 28 September 1931, 19 October 1932, 15 December 1932, 16 June 1934, 9 March 1936, 20 November 1948, NZ Times, 12 December 1918, Dominion, 12 December 1918, Star, 13 November 1924, Temuka Leader, 15 November 1924, Lake Wakatip Mail, 8 December 1925, 15 June 1926, 29 March 1927, 30 October 1928, 11 August 1931, 8 & 29 September 1931, 15 December 1931, 15 December 1936, 12 October 1937, Lake County Press, 1 March 1928, Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 12 June 1929, 11 June 1930, 6 August 1930, 10 June 1931, 16 December 1931, 14 June 1933, 13 June 1934, 5 June 1935, 27 May 1936, 17 June 1936, 10 June 1937, Cromwell Argus, 11 April 1932, 12 March 1934, Press, 28 March 1945, 10 & 12 July 1965 (Papers Past) [18 August 2014; 31 October 2015; 28 August 2020; 28 September 2020; 04 October 2021; 11 & 12 January 2024]; Probate record (Archives NZ/FamilySearch) [28 September 2014]; Timaru Herald, 1 April 1963 (Timaru District Library) [11 January 2016]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [12 January 2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• MANN Linton - newspaper clippings (pdf, 153.7 KB updated 21-Jan-2024)

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