CYCLOPEDIA OF NZ 1897

Wellington Province

UPPER HUTT:

BENGE, David

Page 843

Benge, David, who is said to have been one of the earliest settler in Upper Hutt, was born in Mardingbeach, Kent, England. Arriving in Wellington in 1841 by the ship `Catherine Stewart Forbes', Mr Benge at once set to work to clear land at Taita, continuing till the great flood in the Hutt Valley washed away all his belongings. HE then removed to Mungaroa, where, with his sons, he acquired an interest in, and ultimately bought, the Mungaroa sawmill, which they worked for a great many years. In 1875 Mr Benge died, and his widow succumbed two years later, leaving six sons - Messrs. John, David and Samuel - now farmers at Mungaroa, Edward - a retired farmer at Upper Hutt, Reuben - a sawmiller at Carterton, and Benjamin - a farmer at Ashurst. The sawmill was worked by the sons till 1888, when it was sold. Mr Benge senr, like most of the early settlers, saw active service in the militia, during the first few years in the Hutt Valley.

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