Biographical information provided by Raewyn Vogel for the He Tohu exhibition:
Ada (Elizabeth) Hardman born 1871 Waikaia, Southland, the 4th of 8 children by Margaret (nee Smith) born Edinburgh 1848 and James Richard Hardman born 30.12.1842 Launceston, Tasmania.
In 1892 Ada was one of a group of Waiaka spinsters who had organised a Leap Year Ball. This was 'news' and an article in the Otago Witness stated that in the reporter’s opinion, had there been a ballot taken, Miss Ada Hardman would have been the 'belle of the ball'.
Ada married Douglas Charles Stewart (Argyle Company, Mine Manager) in the Presbyterian Church in Waikaia in 1897. According to the newspaper report, the bride’s dress was white cashmere, trimmed with brocade, chiffon and orange blossoms. The long tulle veil was fastened with a wreath of orange blossoms and she carried a bouquet of white flowers. After the ceremony the couple celebrated at the bride’s parents residence and were 'sumptuously entertained….. The presents were numerous and valuable, including articles both useful and ornamental….'
Ada died 1933, aged 61 in Patarangi, Otago. Douglas died 1941 aged 70. They had 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls).
Click on sheet number to see the 1893 petition sheet this signature appeared on. Digital copies of the sheets supplied by Archives New Zealand.
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