Hocken Digital Collections

University of Otago, Geology Department : Papers belonging or relating to Professor William Benson

Details

Reference NumberARC-0598CreatorUniversity of Otago, Geology DepartmentDescriptionThe collection contains biographical papers, correspondence (some with eminent international geologists) and draft manuscripts particularly relating to 'The Geology and Petrology of the Dunedin District, New Zealand, and its environment'. Also included are notebooks, a clippings album, sketch books, miscellaneous maps and papers, and photographs.
Only a small part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyProfessor William Noel Benson was born near London 26 December 1885. After graduating in 1907 with a first-class honours in geology, he studied both at Cambridge and in Australia.
In 1916, Noel Benson was appointed to the Chair of Geology at the University of Otago. At first he worked as part of the School of Mines, but in 1926 set up the Geology Department. His research began with the publication of a review of New Zealand geology in 1921. Studies of New Zealand's place in the Pacific followed. Over thirty years he built up a detailed geological map of the greater Dunedin area, based on his own and his students' observations, showing especially results of the extensive volcanic activity which had shaped the area.
Benson was awarded many academic honours and retired in 1949. With his wife Gertrude Helen Rawson, whom he married in 1923, he made a final overseas trip in 1954. Noel Benson died on 20 August 1957.

Photograph

W.N. Benson

W.N. Benson and his wife on their wedding day

W.N. Benson engaged in field work

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsGeologistsGeologyUniversity of Otago - Staff, Council and GraduatesUniversities and collegesUniversities and colleges - Faculty

CollectionUniversity of Otago

Digital Collections

Hocken Digital Collections

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University of Otago, Geology Department : Papers belonging or relating to Professor William Benson

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