Exploring the History of Becklands Place in Inglewood

Becklands Place, located at the southern end of Mahoe Street in Inglewood, New Zealand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 2008. The street is named after a grand homestead built in 1896 by Dr. Thomas Harcourt Ambrose Valintine. Originally from West Sussex, Valintine immigrated to New Zealand in 1890, intending to stay for just six months to improve his health but eventually made it his permanent home.

Valintine married Margaret Ellis McTaggart, the daughter of an English judge, shortly after arriving in New Zealand. The couple settled in Inglewood, where there was a pressing need for medical services due to a recent outbreak of diphtheria. The Valintines established their residence, named “Becklands,” on a sprawling 21 acres of land. The name “Becklands” is derived from the Old English term “beck,” which means a stream or brook, reflecting the area’s natural features.

A Legacy of Dedication and Service

The original Becklands homestead was a substantial property, featuring eight bedrooms and five fireplaces. It was strategically located to offer a comfortable living space for the family while also being close to the developing community. To reach the town, the Valintine family had to navigate a track through dense bush to Mountain Road.

In 1904, the family sold the property and briefly moved to Wellington before returning to Taranaki, where they settled in Lepperton. Following their departure, the homestead changed hands several times. Notable owners included butcher Henry Weston and farmer Francis Dudley Drake, who was known for breeding Brown Swiss cattle on the site.

Dr. Valintine’s medical career flourished in Inglewood, where he operated a private practice until his appointment as assistant Chief Health Officer in 1901. His dedication and clinical expertise ultimately led to his promotion to Director-General of Health in 1920. He served in the military during World War I, achieving the rank of Surgeon-Captain in the Hāwera Mounted Rifle Volunteers and was appointed as the Director of Military Hospitals.

In recognition of his service during the war, Valintine was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1919.

Personal Life and Commemoration

Following the untimely death of Margaret in 1910, Valintine remarried to Barbara Vickers, the teenage daughter of a local farmer. The couple had four children together. Valintine retired in 1930 and passed away at the age of 79, being interred next to his first wife in Lepperton Cemetery.

In 1973, Valintine’s contributions to the community were honored when Valintine Place in New Plymouth was named after him. His legacy continues to be celebrated, with the Taranaki Research Centre I Te Pua Wānanga o Taranaki at Puke Ariki maintaining records of local history, including Becklands Place.

For those interested in exploring the history of streets like Becklands Place, additional information can be found on the NPDC’s Puke Ariki website, which showcases hundreds of other street histories.