‘His Early Years’



Much has been written about the life of the Honorable Charles Arthur Banks, CMG,

17th Lieut. Governor of British Columbia, CA.



This 1st Edition concentrates mainly on his early life and those influences inherent in the family surnamed - Banks.



The research was conducted whilst visiting the place of Charles’ birth: Thames, in the Coromandel, New Zealand. One wonders what influenced his parents, just newly weds, to consider sailing to this distant land in 1866, so remote from their comfortable and elegant life in Kensington, England.



The author walked the streets of Thames, visiting historical buildings, primary and high schools, churches, deserted gold mines, the hospital, the overgrown cemetery, surrounding hillsides and coastlines where Charles spent his formative years, searching for what it was that motivated Charles to pursue adventure, apply himself with such tenacity?



The Banks' family tree includes other high achievers and so hereditary factors most probably made a contribution to their accomplishments as well.



In searching the records of the School of Mines, reading old newspapers, perusing examination results, war records - all to the end of gaining an appreciation of those people and events that shaped the development of one so renowned, I concluded that here was a man driven by a passion and discipline to excel.



With consummate skill, the author follows Charles family's journey from England to New Zealand and then his travels to America, Canada, England, France, New Guinea, Bulolo, Africa and the Pacific.



We await the 2nd Edition with anticipation as the internet adds to its cornucopia of historical information.