Matthew Barnett (bookmaker)

Matthew Barnett
Matthew Barnett in his 40s
Born	6 June 1859 Avoca, Victoria
Died	28 January 1935(1935-01-28) (aged 75) Wharetiki, Christchurch
Resting place	Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch
Occupation	bookmaker
Known for	Philanthropy
Spouse	Mary Barnett (née Whelan)
Children	six
Relatives	Arthur Barnett (brother)

Matthew Frank Barnett (6 June 1859 – 28 January 1935), also known as Mat Barnett, was a bookmaker and philanthropist from Christchurch, New Zealand. In his retirement, he became well known in lawn bowls. He donated the statue of James Cook in Victoria Square to the city. His family dwelling, Wharetiki House, was a prominent landmark on Colombo Street in the Christchurch Central City until its demolition in July 2011, following a demolition order by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.