Even more on George Hemus

The above photo of the headstone for George Hemus and his second wife Margaret comes from David Hemus, a great-grandnephew of George Hemus, temperance worker here in Auckland in the late 1860s to early 1880s. Previous posts on George Hemus are here and here. David sent the image and information on George Hemus this morning, and has very kindly given me permission to publish both here. Thanks very much, David, for your info!

Hi,

My name is David Hemus and I live in San Diego, California. I recently came across your web site with the story of George Hemus. George was my great grand-uncle (I had to look that up), more simply, my great grandfather was Benjamin, George’s brother. I was asked by Fran Kell of Waikanae (who has done extensive research on the Hemus family) to see if I could find out more about George and his life after leaving New Zealand.

By way of background, my great grandfather Benjamin, left Birmingham before the rest of the family emigrated to NZ (aboard the Ironsides). He ended up in the US in Michigan as a farmer, married in 1871 and had several children.

George never settled in San Francisco; he went to Los Angeles. I’m sure not coincidentally my great grandfather packed up his family and went to Los Angeles in 1885. They settled within a few miles of each other in LA. George’s then wife Frances and their four children went on to Topeka, Kansas. George married Margaret Hampson on December 29, 1885 in Vernon California (just outside downtown Los Angeles) They worked at spreading the word but I haven’t been able to find a particular church where they preached. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1888. George died March 8, 1917 and was buried at Rosedale Cemetery just outside downtown LA. Margaret died October 24, 1925 and is buried alongside her husband. I’ve included a picture of their headstone (very impressive, approx 5’ high).

George’s four children were all quite successful. His oldest was his daughter Frances. She married and was widowed early. She remarried and ended up settling back in Los Angeles. In later years her mother also returned to LA and lived with her daughter and son in law. Her only child is Frank Butterworth who I believe was a Methodist Bishop in Hawaii (carrying on the family tradition) . George’s son George Harwood Hemus settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado and spent his entire career teaching at the Deaf and Blind School there. He also was an artist and illustrator. Their third child, Ernest became a lawyer and worked for the AT&SF Railroad. Their youngest son was Percy. He was an accomplished baritone and gave several concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York. He made many records and went into the theatre. When radio came along he stayed very busy, appearing in smaller parts in many programs. His biggest role in radio was on the Tom Mix Show, he played Tom’s sidekick “The Old Wrangler”.

This gives you a thumbnail of George’s life in the US. I have some questions that perhaps someone will be able to answer: Why Topeka, Kansas? Why did Frances settle with her kids in Topeka? You have to guess that she had some relatives there, but I’m not sure who that might be. I’m not totally convinced that George and Frances were ever officially divorced. His remarriage seemed awfully quick (it was official, I have a copy of the marriage certificate). And how were George and Margaret supporting themselves? As time went on they moved to a nice area of Los Angeles and stayed there till the end.

If you have any questions or clarifications please feel free to email me at mdhemus@cox.net

David Hemus

Percy Hemus, born in Auckland in 1878, appears to have a stub entry on the Internet Movie Database. There's an article from 1913 describing one of his recitals from the New York Times archive. A list of some of his recordings, and a photo, is on the Victor Discography site.


Further to this, here is something from the Weekly News of 6 January 1883 which I found recently -- a presentation made to George Hemus by his fellow temperance workers in Auckland when he was about to embark for England (apparently not in the best of health at the time).

PRESENTATION TO MR. G. HEMUS

At the meeting of the Band of Hope Union on Monday, in the Choral Hall, an address and a gold watch and chain (value £40) were presented to Mr. Hemus “upon the eve” of his departure for England, and in recognition of his valuable services in the temperance cause. The Rev. Alex. Reid occupied the chair, having on his right Mr. T. Spurgeon, having on his left Mr. J. Brame. There was a large assemblage present.

Mr. Brame, in making the presentation, said that a committee, composed of the whole of the temperance representatives of Auckland had been hastily called together for the purpose of enabling the friends to express their sense the services of Mr. Hemus. The draft of an address was prepared, and a token of remembrance was purchased for the occasion. He (Mr. Brame) felt it a privilege to be proud that he was deputed to represent the United Temperance Societies of Auckland in bearing testimony to the great value of the services rendered by the esteemed and honoured president of the Band of Hope Union. Those services were recognised not only in every part of the provincial district, but throughout the colony, and even beyond the colonies. He would take leave to read the address without further comment.

“To Mr. George Hemus: Dear Sir – The realization of the fact of your departure from Auckland and its consequences to our work as temperance reformers did not dawn upon us in time to arrange for anything like a public expression of the esteem in which you are held by all sections of the community, but a few of your co-workers and friends could not allow you to depart from our midst, even for a short time, without some slight acknowledgement of appreciation of your valuable service. No words of tongue or pen can adequately express our gratitude to you for the manner in which you have fulfilled your duties as a public and private citizen, and especially as a worker and brother in religious and temperance organizations of almost every description in this city. Indeed, sir, all who have the honour of acquaintance with you and your labours, fully endorse the sentiment expressed in one of the letters of regret at your departure, that you are “a workman needing not to be ashamed, and a brother beloved.” There is not in Auckland, a truly Christian movement that has not benefited by your labours, while the Sunday schools and Band of Hope have had your special attention. Your punctuality and faithful fulfillment of all engagements has been the theme of much praise on every hand, while the example thus set has been necessarily beneficial in very many ways. Knowing that you will not judge the depth of our gratitude, nor the extent of our appreciation of our worth by the value of any present that might be made, we do most respectfully request your acceptance of the accompanying small token of remembrance from temperance friends in Auckland. Earnestly trusting that your future may be as profitable to the cause of temperance as the past (that your tour may be one of pleasure, combined with success in the work you have undertaken), and sincerely hoping to see you soon amongst us again in renewed health, and with an extended knowledge of successful work in our various movements. We are, dear Sir, on behalf of your temperance friends in Auckland.”

Mr. Brame next presented Mr. Hemus with the gold watch and chain, amidst loud applause. The watch bore the inscription on the inner case, “Presented to Mr. George Hemus by the Friends of Temperance in Auckland, 1883.”

Mr. Hemus, in reply, said: “I was at a camp meeting the other day, when a man stood up in our “testimony meeting”, and looking about him said, “I think some other man must have got into this suit of clothes.” (Laughter). I am something like that man. I cannot think I understand this matter quite. If you are talking about “simple George Hemus”, I am afraid I have got into a fog. I do not know that there was anything in my work which needed any remark about me more than was due to my fellow-labourers. Although you have given me an address and a watch, I think that in weighing me you have made some mistake. You have put me into the wrong scale. In measuring me you have given me too much tape by half. But I do thank God it has been my privilege to have worked for temperance in Auckland for the last eighteen years. Yet I have done only what a humble worker could do. Looking back on the eighteen years I have worked here I feel there is much left undone that should not have been left undone. So far as my labours are concerned I fear that you have been looking at them through a magnifying glass; you have estimated my efforts at too high a price. We have had three great aids to the temperance cause. (1) The children, and where the children are, the parents will be, (2) the recognised voice of our labours by the general public, (3) prayer, for I believe our great success has been an answer to prayer. And if there is anything personal in this matter, and you want to know who has worked hardest and deserved best, you must not point to George Hemus, but to Brother McDermott, our secretary. (Cheers). If you had given this watch to him instead of me, it would have been in the right place. (Cheers.) I now say, God Bless the Temperance Cause.” (Cheers.)

The proceedings concluded with the Doxology and the Benediction, pronounced by the chairman.

By the way, as at 17 August 1883, George Hemus held 1000 shares in the Riversdale Manufacturing Company started up by John Buchanan at the Whau. I'll post up the list of shareholders and their shares a little later.

The Whau Bridges again

An update from here. The Western Leader published my wee letter.


I'll go back to my hole and quit being a pedantic old history buff, for now ...

No. 153 Blockhouse Bay Road

The house is nearing completion with restoration and renovation work underway by the new owners. It's almost always intrigued me, and I have wondered about its history all my life. I have to say, however, that its story remains inconclusive.

I had wondered whether this was associated with the McLiver clan, going by the name E. E. McLiver which I had on subdivision plans including this site dating back to the early 1920s. It took a while, especially as the Land Information volumes holding the deeds index pages for this part of Avondale are missing, long presumed lost -- however, the staff at the Auckland office of Land Information NZ were tremendously helpful, did one last special search for a set of application papers covering details about the site, and they struck gold.

Going back to Michael Wood's sale of land he had in turn purchased from Thomas Russell during the first "Greytown" sale here in Avondale. He sold much of it to David Nathan (who effectively bailed him out of financial trouble at the time.) By 1869, Nathan had sold this part (as well as the St Judes Street lots) to James Palmer.

In 1874, the government survey for the Kaipara line came through. Palmer's steep farmland was now not only cut up by the new line of road we now have as upper St Judes Street, but a railway line ran through it too. Palmer organised a resurvey of his land, called it "Greytown" as well (I look on it as more "Greytown II"), and sold the odd triangular and steepest part of the property between St Judes Street and Blockhouse Bay Road to Joseph Craig in 1879.

Now, that name may sound familiar to some readers of this post. It should -- Joseph Craig was the father of Joseph James Craig, the quarry owner, ship owner, and (from the 1890s) owner of the Hunt Brickworks, later Glenburn. His father was a forwarding agent, wholesale and retail, as well as a coal and firewood merchant, in Fort Street in the city. He lived at Symonds Street, however, and had a lot of land scattered all over Auckland at the time of his death. If the house at 153 Blockhouse Bay Road existed before 1885, it may simply have been built by a tenant of his. Chances are high that it wasn't there.

His sons Joseph James and Thomas John inherited his estate. After a flurry of bank transactions, a Mr. Malcolm sold the property in 1898 to Edmund Fitzgerald Moriarty.

Mr. Moriarty is a man of mystery (then again, a lot of the personalities in Avondale's past are exactly that -- mysterious. Part of the charm.) This was not the first of his purchases of pieces of the Palmer estate. In 1884, he bought a set of adjoining sections at the northern corner of the railway line and Crayford Street East -- and it is likely that he is the Mr. Moriarty who lost his six-roomed home to fire in September 1886. That Mr. Moriarty was described in the papers at the time as a warder at the Asylum.

How long he stuck around in Avondale after that is unknown, but he certainly still kept those corner sections, house or not. In 1897, he pops up again, this time as the publican of the Pahi Hotel. Both he and his wife Mary Agatha Moriarty appear on the electoral roll for Marsden (Pahi's electorate at the time). In September that year, the hotel burned down. When he died in 1911, he was described still as a hotelkeeper "late of Frankton Junction". It isn't very likely that he and his family lived in Avondale.

He had three daughters: Mary Agatha, Kathleen and Eileen Elizabeth. The family had a connection with a long-term settler in Avondale, Thomas O'Sullivan (who owned the south side of Crayford Street East, and land stretching back to Layard Street.) When O'Sullivan died in Ponsonby in 1910 (probably at the then-home of the Moriarty clan on Shelly Beach Road), Edmund and his wife inherited O'Sullivan's estate.

Although the Moriartys probably didn't live in Avondale after that 1886 fire -- they did give land to the Roman Catholic diocese in order that the first Catholic church in the district could be built, at Church Street (now Chalmers Street). See Jack Dragicevich's history. Staunch Roman Catholics, Edmund is buried beside his wife in the RC section at Waikumete Cemetery, with Thomas O'Sullivan just across the gap in the rows from them. Their daughter Mary was taught at St Mary's Convent in Ponsonby; Eileen Elizabeth went to St Benedict's school.

When Edmund died, his wife Mary inherited Edmund's by then substantial Avondale landholdings. When Mary died, Kathleen inherited, only to die the following year. The last heir was Eileen Elizabeth McLiver, married to solicitor Finlay Donald McLiver (his father was Finlay McLiver, Captain John McLiver's brother, and the one who narrowly avoided prosecution on charges of kidnapping and blackbirding on the South Seas in the early 1870s.) In 1931, Finlay Donald McLiver committed suicide by poisoning himself. Like a few others in his family line from Lachlan McLiver back in the 1860s, he suffered from a weak heart, and two weeks before his death had come down with a bout of influenza. Apart from that, he had no financial worries, so witnesses at the inquest were mystified as to why he took his own life. He and his father are buried at Waikaraka Cemetery.


The picture above shows part of the Blockhouse Bay Road property owned by Eileen Elizabeth McLiver as at 1927. It is possible that after her survey and subdivision, she possibly rented out the sites, while still retaining ownership. She finally sold the Avondale properties she inherited in 1933.

As for the house at No. 153 -- its age remains unknown, as do its original associations. It may have even been a dwelling shifted here from elsewhere. Whatever its true story may turn out to be, it is certainly an intriguing part of our local heritage.

False mail arrival reports in Auckland town

We have next to no comprehension in these days of household letterboxes and business post boxes, where mail is delivered for your convenience, just what it meant to get mail and the latest news from Home in the mid-Victorian era here in the colonies. It was a Big Thing, and of utmost importance for folk to be to be right there at the wharves when the mail ship came in, or joining the patient queues at the post office as the mail was doled out.

Little wonder some became a tad narky over the instances in the article below. This from the NZ Herald, 16 April 1875:

"An announcement appeared yesterday that the Naval Brigade would hold a garrison gun drill at the albert Barracks this evening. It would appear by the report of artillery last evening that the practice took place prematurely. This is not the first time that the Volunteers have played a trick upon the Auckland public in deceiving them regarding the arrival of the mail steamer. On the last occasion of a "garrison gun drill" the time was chosen when the mail steamer was due, and consequently on the report of the first gun everybody was under the impression that she had arrived in harbour.

"Cabs deserted the ranks for the wharf, and citizens wended their way thitherwards also, while the newspaper offices were shortly after beseiged for the latest news," until the repeated discharge of artillery convinced people that they had been hoaxed.

"The same thing occurred last evening, the Cyphrenes being due. The guns on the Albert Barrack reserve were fired at long intervals, giving persons the impression that she had arrived. Numbers vacated the theatres in consequence, and many whose business called them left their homes for the wharf in consequence of this false report. If the Volunteers have not the sense or good judgement to fire off these useless old guns on more appropriate occasions, the authorities should step in and prevent them in a very practical manner, namely, by refusing to serve out the Government ammunition, which is so uselessly and mischievously expended."

The Great Oakleigh Park Poultry Farm

For a while, in the first decade of the 20th century, the air close to the mouth of Oakley Creek (near the motorway) was probably full of feathers, the pungent stench of bird dung, and the sound of 15,000 birds at full voice.

A subdivision plan for Oakleigh Park in Waterview, DP 8380 from 3 February 1913, shows William Newell as the owner of Allotment 18 (30.2.5 acres) with H. D. Dyke as the occupier. This plan is associated with certificate of title NA 211/236, when Newell obtained formal title of Allotment 18 under application 5536. Eight years earlier in April 1905, he appears on the title for Allotment 17 (NA 61/124, around 51 acres), then held by Sophia Hoffman, although formal transfer of title didn’t take place until September 1907. It can be assumed therefore that Newell had associations with both allotments from c.1905 – which is when Dyke’s poultry farm makes its appearance. It is likely that Dyke was Newell’s tenant.

In November 1905, the chief Government poultry expert Mr. D. D. Hyde paid a visit to the Momohaki State Farm near Patea, and mentioned in the course of conversation with a reporter from the Hawera & Normanby Star [28 November 1905, p. 2] that “poultry farming on a large scale had recently been commenced at Oakleigh Park, near Auckland … The plant is in charge of a practical man, and while predicting success for the enterprise, Mr. Hyde says it gives an idea of the progress of the poultry industry.”

Mr. Hyde seemed quite taken with Dyke’s poultry farm. He had spoken about it to a reporter for the Otago Witness in Dunedin earlier that month [8 November 1905, p. 31]. “By the end of February,” Mr. Hyde said, “Mr. Dyke expects to rear 15,000 young birds.”

The Grey River Argus from Westland [5 April 1906, p. 2] waxed lyrical about Mr. H. V. Dyke, now of the firm Walker & Dyke, and his immense poultry farm, the largest in New Zealand, at 108 acres (I’m still wondering whether 20 acres dropped into the sea, or if the inflated acreage was just enthusiastic exaggeration.) Mr. Hyde, after promoting Dyke’s farm to the West Coasters, once again told those in Dunedin all about Oakleigh Park, the 11,700 birds raised, 6 500-egg capacity machines, and an expected output of no less that 20,000 chicks in the coming season. [25 April 1906, p. 31]

In June 1906, Government grader George Pounsford “stated that he had secured from Messrs Walker and Dyke of Oakleigh Park a pair of ducks similar to those exported by that firm, and which brought top prices on the London market.” [Hawera & Normanby Star, 26 June 1906] Mr. Hyde, once again, promoted Dyke & Walker’s operation in December 1906, stating that out of “no fewer that 16,700 head of fowls and ducks on their farm at Avondale,” 10,000 were purchased by an Auckland butchers firm. [Evening Post, 15 December 1906]

Eggs placed in cold storage in August 1905 for “Messrs Dyke Brothers” by the Department in Auckland, were reported in June 1908 as being “almost as fresh as when they were first put into cold store [Taranaki Herald, 1 June 1908]. In June-July 1908, F. E. A. Gordon of Petone and H .V. Dyke of Avondale took out patent no. 24388 for a poultry house. [Progress, 1 August 1908, p. 352]

Soon after this Hyde, Dyke’s greatest promoter, lost his job in a bureaucratic reshuffle. By World War I, the Waterview poultry farm appears to have faded away.

Day-by-day history blog

Our Great Southern Land is, by definition of the title alone, an Aussie blog and primarily concerning bits of Australian history. But, there are sprinkles of Kiwi stuff in there too as the author uses a "What happened today in history" theme. Highly entertaining and a fun read, as well!

My thanks and appreciation to my friend Marita who pointed this one out to me today.

Beginnings of the Northern Omnibus Company

An update to earlier post. It began in February 1883, with ...

"A public meeting was held on Thursday evening at the Mount Albert Public Hall to consider the advisability of establishing a locally-owned line of omnibuses on the road between Auckland and Avondale. There was an influential attendance, Mr. A. K. Taylor occupying the chair. The following rersolutions were carried: -- 1. That it is desirable to establish a locally-owned line of omnibuses on the road. 2. That the following be appointed a committee to co-operate with the gentlemen who may be appointed for Avondale district in establishing (if possible) a locally-owned line of omnibuses on the road -- viz, Messrs S. Stuart, R. Wayte, J. M. Alexander, W. G. Mitchell, J. H. Daubeny, and J. R. Randerson, and that it be be an instruction to the committee that until it be ascertained that an Omnibus Company will probably prove a remunerative concern, no further steps be taken in the registration of the said company, and that a further meeting of the public be called to lay the said information before them. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings."

(Weekly News, 24 February 1883.)

The company's prospectus was advertised in March that year, and two months later, the Northern Omnibus Company was inaugurated.

"The objects for which the Company is established are: the establishment and maintenance of omnibuses and other vehicles for carriage of passengers and merchandize between Auckland and New Lynn and between Auckland and such other Districts within a radius of ten miles from Auckland as may from time to time be determined by the Ditrectors and the doing of all such things as are incidental or conclusive to the attainment of the above objects."

Initial capital was set at £4000 in 4000 shares of £1 each. The initial shareholders were: Neilson Gordon Lennox, stationer, Auckland (50) Francis Quick, omnibus proprietor, Auckland (50) William LeGrande Mitchell, gentleman, Auckland (50) Thomas Faulder, gentleman, Auckland (20) Robert Garrett, tanner (50) John Bollard, farmer (50) Samuel Stuart, gentleman (25) (Thomas Faulder, by the way, was listed in the 1881 Newton Electoral Roll as a farmer living in the Arch Hill district, his farm named "West House Farm" at Richmond.) Initial directors were: James Macky Alexander, solicitor W L Mitchell J. Bollard W G Lennox Robert Charles Greenwood Charles Hesketh Charles Arthur Couch, builder

[Source: Archives New Zealand file, Northern Omnibus Company, BADZ/5181/43/273/1883/11]

The first annual meeting was held in December 1883 (Weekly News, 15 December 1883). Chairman of Directors was W. L. Mitchell.

"The directors have much pleasure in meeting the shareholders since the formation and working of the company, and in presenting their balance sheet, profit and loss account, etc., they beg to report that, although the accounts present a loss, it must be remembered that the company commenced operations during the worst period of the year, and have continued until the present time under adverse circumstances. The half-year now commenced will, especially during the next three or four months, produce larger receipts, and the directors anticipate that much of the loss will be recouped thereby. No allowance has been taken in the accounts for the value of their leasehold stables in town, which, if deducted from the balance of profit and loss, will leave that account showing an actual loss on the half-year of £103 7s 7d. "The directors have pleasure to report that the receipts have increased from £21 12s per week to £37 14s 9d, thus showing that the traffic is capable of expansion, and that the number of travellers is steadily on the increase, and although fares have been reduced, and the inducement of tickets per dozen offered, yet those concessions have not injuriously affected the earnings of the company, and the directors believe that, with still further encouragement to our travellers, the benefits of a well-established line of omnibuses will yet be more fully realised, and that within a reasonable time the company will have entered into a remunerative and profitable trade. "The traffic on the Great North Road has been of sufficient encouragement to warrant your directors in continuing it, its capacity has been tested, and the result is a satisfactory one. Economy in the management, and thorough efficiency in the service, are two essential points aimed at by your directors, and with these objects in view certain changes are being made, which the directors believe will effect a saving in our working account, and whilst introducing a new time table for the New North Road, and giving an increased service to the people, the extra running will be effected without any additional cost to the company. The directors think it as well to mention to shareholders that they have resolved upon abolishing Potter's stables at New Lynn, and retaining those at Mr. Lennox's property. This has been done with the object of centralising our plant, and of reducing expenditure. "Before closing this report, the directors desire to acknowledge the valuable services which Mr. Bollard has rendered as manager and principal organiser of the company, and the directors feel sure that his exertions in the interests of the company from the outset will be fully recognised by shareholders. The whole of the directors retire from office at this meeting, but are eligible for re-election. The auditor, Mr. John Milne, also retires, and is also eligible for re-election. Dated at Auckland, this 10th December, 1883. -- W. L. Mitchell, Chairman."

The retiring directors were: W. L. Mitchell, J. Buchanan, G. T. Hogg, R. Garrett, T. Faulder, F. Quick and S. Stuart. These were all re-elected, and Charles Hesketh elected as auditor without fee. Future annual meetings were set up for March, although the following year it all turned to custard (see previous post). Archives New Zealand's file extends down to 1904, interestingly enough. This is because the last document on the file is from the Government, asking the Northern Omnibus Company in 1904 whether they were still a company or not, as no reports had been filed for 20 years. The response, of course, was silence, and so the file was officially closed.

The prophet of sparkling wine in New Zealand

François Rayer, New Windsor’s viticulturalist, died in 1883 – tragically before his project’s goal could be realised. As the Weekly News put it (3 February 1883):

“Many of our readers will regret to learn that M. F. Rayer, the vigeron at Mount Albert, is at present very ill, and his medical advisers give little hope of recovery. Mr. Rayer is not an old man, between fifty and sixty years of age, but since he purchased the place at Mount Albert he has worked hard, early and late, and lived soberly, and it is feared that the privations thus undergone are telling upon him now. M. Rayer began without capital, and thus a great deal of heavy work fell to his lot, which would have lightened had he been able to employ a sufficient amount of capital in the undertaking. Many were looking anxiously to the result of Mr. Rayer’s efforts to grow the vine here for wine-making purposes, and should his present illness terminate fatally, it will have the effect of retarding the development of this promising industry. We learn that the patient is quite satisfied that his present illness is to end in death. A week or two ago he was brought into town to the residence of M. Garnier, where he could receive better attention and more comforts than at his place at Mount Albert.”

A week later, the Weekly News published a translation of a letter written by Rayer to the Neo-Zelandais paper:

“Having often been asked my opinion upon sparkling wines, especially champagne, and whether I shall be able to manufacture the same from grapes grown in my vineyard, I should feel obliged if you will kindly insert the following answer in your paper, for the benefit of my various interrogators, and the public generally. The consumption of sparkling wines by all nations shows a great development, and according to the best authorities in viniculture, the grapes especially used in the preparation of this class of wines can be grown in any kind of soil at all suitable for vine-growing; therefore, the manufacture of champagne can be generalised in any of these vine-growing countries.

“Of late years the progress in the manufacture of sparkling wine has been most remarkable. France has, up to the present time (thanks to her suitable soil, climate, taste, and the experience of her vignerons), had the happy privilege to produce and furnish to the whole world this specialty of wine. Since, therefore, after the above statement that sparkling wines can be prepared in all countries where the grapes can be grown, it is an incontestable fact that there is every chance of success here. Not only are we in nearly the same latitude as France, but we have not nearly so much to fear from hail, or the frosts of autumn and winter, which are so prejudicial to the vines in many vine-growing districts in that country. I can, therefore, without fear assure the people of this beautiful land that my vines will grow, and that I shall be able doubtless to furnish them with sparkling wines, made from the “grapes de Dinau”.

“As to the value of these wines, champagne is the glory of the vigeron as also the most esteemed wine in the highest ranks of society. The finest connoisseurs are supposed to be the English and Russians, the latter using it in their soups. Taken in this way it is considered a great help to digestion. It is always the favourite beverage of invalids and the fair sex. We can trace its delicate effects (taken in moderation) in stimulating the functions of the brain. It re-animates and predisposes the mind to generous and kindly thoughts of our fellow creatures. In the works of the poets, in the prose of Voltaire, in the songs of Béranger, it pleads warmly the cause of “La Belle France,” the country of its birth. Is it not also taken by all amateurs as the wine “par excellence” for dessert? In short, there is no other wine which we drink with more pleasure without feeling thirst, or which excites the mind to perform any arduous task, without undue agitation as champagne.

“In my vineyard at Mount Albert I shall be able to produce wines where qualities will be excellent, and agreeable to many; but to the true connoisseur there is no comparison between champagne and other wines. It is the wine of the refined and elegant of all civilised nations. For the vigeron of to-day, the sparkle, “the bouquet,” of these wines are none the less precious because aided in the manufacture by apparatus which science has perfected, with which, by experience and careful handling, he can produce an excellent article for the benefit of the public; and also to show the kind of industry the climate of New Zealand is capable of encouraging. I have no fear in saying that, as time advances, viniculture and sericulture will be extensive industries here. If they are not, it is due to no fault of the climate, but to the want of knowledge on the part of the population. The colony is young yet, and there are many dormant resources in her which will by and by be brought forward, and enrich her revenue far more than any of us at present can imagine.”

Hataitai, Wellington -- local history

You may wonder why I'm delighted to have found this site, Heritage Help, on the web just now. Well, I like finding NZ local history websites, and this one is of interest to me immediately for two reasons: it contains a bit of information on James Watkin Kinniburgh, Avondale's first Borough Mayor, and includes J. J. Boyd, building contractor, zoo entrepreneur and subject of my publication The Zoo War (wherein I do mention Hataitai, tram tunnel disputes, and how Boyd was backed up by Kinniburgh in a court case).

Another site I'll add to the lengthening list at the left.

Oddfellows Lodge: a false start in Avondale

This is from Heart of the Whau (2003):

Oddfellows Lodge: On 30 September 1903, the Avondale Oddfellows Lodge opened and started meeting in the Avondale Public Hall. This was to continue until 19 December 1927, when their new purpose-built hall was opened further along St Georges Road (now demolished). They only had to shift out once, in 1923 (moved back 20/7/1923) when the Public Hall was being shifted to its current site to make room for the new Town Hall. [Conversation with Mr W E Timmins, Secretary of Oddfellows Lodge, 4 May 2001]

Twenty years before 1903, however, they made an attempt to set up the Lodge in 1883. I found the following in the Weekly News, 26 May 1883:

"A public meeting was held in the Avondale Hall on Monday night (Mr. Bollard in the chair) for the purpose of starting a branch of the National Independent Order of Oddfellows in the Avondale district. After a few appropriate remarks from the Chairman, Mr. J. Moore, D. S. of the Pioneer Lodge, in a very clear manner, gave a short history of the order as it now exists in Auckland. This showed that it was in a very flourishing state. He requested the audience present to enrol their names so as to start a branch in the district. He was ably supported by Mr. Moulden, D.H. of Loyal United Brethren. There was a good attendance, and at the close about a dozen put down their names, so that a lodge will now be started in Avondale, and no doubt it will a great boon to the rapidly rising township. We wish it success."

A Whau River bridge predicted

On the subject of Whau Bridges and their number ... I've just found again a clipping from the Star of April 1887. I find it remarkable for two reasons -- the earliest printed appearance of the Rosebank Road in reference other than the Chisholm Estate sale, and that the writer more-or-less described the Ash Street extension which formed the Ash Street-Rata Street cross of the Whau River. Only that was built in the late 1970s, 90 years later.

Note how the river is called "Avondale River" instead of Whau -- at the time, the district had changed its name, but the river hadn't (and still hasn't). It gave cause for some confusion, however (I'll talk more about that when I post a bit later about the Auckland Brick and Tile Company). The proposed cemetery endangering Auckland's water supply might be that at St Luke's Anglican church in Mt Albert. There were issues at the time about the gunk seeping into the ground from the coffins contaminating the watershed leading to Western Springs. They grizzled about pig and poultry farmers, night soil depots and Chinese market gardeners up on Chinamen's Hill as well, for the same reason.

"Sir -- There seems to be an inclination to make a cemetery for every sect and so spread them close around Auckland to the utter disregard of sanitation and health. The commendable action of the Mayor in trying to stop the water supply of Auckland from being poisoned by a proposed cemetery in its very source, ought to meet with the warm approval of everyone. It may not be generally known the route to the Auckland Cemetery (Waikomiti) can be shortened by a superior road not less than three miles -- turning off the Great North Road at a point in Avondale named Victoria Road, crossing Rosebank Road, thence along Wharf Road to the Avondale River. By a bridge being erected here, which should not be very long or costly, you are at the cemetery in a straight line, and the grades are much easier. In fact, the greater portion of this new diversion is level road. This route would shorten the road equally to Waitakerei Falls and the North. By the New North Road from Auckland it would shorten about two and a half miles of distance. This result must cheapen the cost of burials, and thus make the new cemetery popular. -- Yours, etc.,

HEALTH."

New Windsor pines at Waikumete Cemetery, 1886

Captain Robert James of Mt Albert and New Windsor (see "Fruit from the Scoria") donated 60 pinus insignis (Monterey Pine, now pinus radiata) to Auckland City Council for the Waikumete Cemetery as shelter trees in 1886. This, from the Auckland Weekly News, 9 October:

"Endeavours are being made to improve the surroundings at the Waikomiti Cemetery. Captain James, of Mount Albert, has presented some five dozen pinus insignis to the Waikomiti Cemetery, which have been planted as shelter trees. The sextons are employed in their spare time planting and improving the ground, as also in keeping the trees in orderwhich are already planted there."

This isn't even mentioned in the history of the cemetery included with the cemetery's management plan, available online, where only a reference to West Auckland nurseryman William Levy is made (1885, contracted to plant "406 pines, macrocarpa, willows, bamboos, red gums and pampas grass in the gullies.") Captain James sold his Mt. Albert property had moved to New Windsor (well, the Avondale part of New Windsor) in 1881, so -- this is an interesting piece of Avondale arboricultural contribution to the setting up of our largest cemetery.

The pines aren't there anymore, unfortunately. If they weren't cut down over the course of the years, they may have been burnt up in fires.

The Archibald Bros. of Aickin's Point

Image from DP 192, Land Information of New Zealand records

J. T. Diamond in Once the Wilderness termed this part of the Whau River area "Aickin's Point". He also noted some oral history, unconfirmed by descendants of Dr. Thomas Aickin, that the doctor was also a brickmaker here.

What is known is that the point was sold by Dr. Aickin when he subdivided his farm, comprised of Allotment 9 and 10 of the Parish of Titirangi, on Rosebank Peninsula. Lot 17 of that sale went to Thomas Melville in December 1882, a Mt Albert gentleman. He kept the title for a considerable time, but finally sold it in December 1903 to the Archibald family: David, John, Ernest Alexander and Frank Herbert. Archibald Bros' pottery works was one of the first businesses to have a telephone connection in 1913. They were to remain the owners there, running the yard at the end of Avondale Road, until bought out by the Amalgamated Brick and Tile Company.

James Archibald took part in the search for Rev. David Hamilton in July 1873 and was involved with Whau/Avondale affairs. An A. Archibald was involved with the Northern Omnibus Company in the early 1880s. J. Archibald took part in Avondale sports in 1887. The brickworks was one of the stopping places of the Whau Canal investigation cruise in May 1903.

According to Diamond (p. 94, 2nd edition):

"James Archibald was another brickmaker who after a brief period of production in 1862 [there's record of a partnership between one Frank Jagger and a James Archibald which dissolved in 1866], started a yard in 1870 where bricks continued to be produced until 1926.

His yard was on a site bordering the Beaubank Reserve on the road of this name which turns off near the foot of Archibald Road. In 1909 his sons opened a pipe works on a promontory known as Dr. Aitken's [sic] on the opposite side of the Whau and downstream from their father's brickyard. Here, until it closed down in 1929, all sizes of glazed pipes were produced. One of the first motor vehicles in the district was that used by the Archibald Bros. to transport their products to Avondale Station."

Councillor Elizabeth Yates of Onehunga, 1899

Image from Wikipedia.

Elizabeth Yates is best known as the first female mayor of a borough anywhere in the British Empire, in 1893. Elected as Mayor of Onehunga, her period in office was stormy and ended in November 1894. However, in 1899 she came back, as councillor. From her biography on the DNZB site: "In September 1899 Elizabeth Yates made a triumphal return to the Onehunga Borough Council. She had lost none of her combativeness and was still forthright in expressing her opinions." The Auckland newspapers of the time must have thought all their Christmases had come at once. The following report comes from the NZ Herald, 3 October 1899.

LIVELY BOROUGH MEETING
ONEHUNGA’S LADY COUNCILLOR
MRS. YATES HAS THE FIRST AND LAST WORD.

When the town clerk was about to read the minutes at the ordinary meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council last night, Mrs. Yates said she would like to ask, be¬fore the business commenced, by whom the two new councillors had been installed. She wished it to be clearly understood she did not bring this forward with any ill-feeing but only that the Affairs of the Council might be conducted in a proper and businesslike-manner. There was only one way in which the installation of new councillors could be carried out, and that was by their making a declaration before the Mayor. This had not been done. She would like to know by whose authority the town clerk was empowered to receive declarations. The Mayor had no right to depute his authority to anyone. The two councillors were liable to a penalty of £50 for taking their seats at the Council in the manner in which they had done. Seeing that the two new councillors had made their declaration before the town clerk, she contended that that gentleman had usurped the prerogative of the Mayor in allowing them to do so.

On Mrs. Yates pausing for a reply, the Mayor asked: Have you any further remarks to make, Mrs. Yates?

Mrs. Yates: I want to know who installed you when you were elected to office. Did not your predecessor do so? I maintain it is your duty to first swear in each councillor, and then induct him in his seat.

The Mayor: Anything further, Mrs. Yates?

Mrs. Yates: I am waiting for a reply to my question, Your Worship.

The Mayor ruled that no discussion could take place on any question until the minutes had been read and asked the town clerk to read the minutes.

Mrs. Yates: Oh, but stop a minute, Your Worship. You can't burk discussion like that. I want to put things right at the start and I demand an answer.

The answer not being forthcoming, the town clerk proceeded to read the minutes.

Mrs. Yates (gesticulating and raising her voice): I protest against the minutes being read. By whom were the new members sworn in?

The town clerk proceeded to read the minutes and both he and Mrs. Yates kept raising their voices until they almost shouted. The former getting the best of it, Mrs. Yates suddenly ceased speaking, but remained on her feet until the town clerk had finished. When the town clerk sat down Mrs. Yates said: Now, Mr. Mayor, before these minutes are confirmed I would like to state that they were not written by the town clerk. I have three objections to those minutes being confirmed, and I wish to tell you that the Council must be unanimous in confirming the minutes.

The minutes were then put and confirmed

Mrs. Yates again jumped up and said: Mr. Mayor, I decidedly object to the way in which this vote is taken. Our standing orders say that the Councillors must vote either aye or no, whereas you have allowed them to a vote by a show of hands. Such a method is decidedly obsolete, and illegal, and that is why I declined to vote. Proceeding, Mrs. Yates again asked the Mayor if he was going to answer her question now the minutes were confirmed.

The Mayor, however, remained silent, and Mrs. Yates contented herself with the remark, "Very well, Mr. Mayor, I can only conclude that your answer is not as it should be.”

Subsequently, when the financial statement was read, Mrs. Yates asked what were the liabilities of the Council in the general account, and in the waterworks account.

The Mayor referred her to the treasurer who, he said, was most courteous.

Mrs. Yates: I want the information made public, and I hope the town clerk will supply it at the next meeting. She also wanted the petty cash book laid on the table, so that the Council could know where the money went to.

When the town clerk read out an account for £1 for a deed box, Mrs. Yates asked by whose authority the box had been ordered.

The Mayor: I ordered it, Mrs. Yates.

Mrs. Yates: Then I say you had no right to do so without the sanction of the Council. You have no power to spend even 5s, without the authority of the Council.

Subsequently Mrs. Yates took exception to the manner in which the various accounts were passed for payment. She said: I see you just move that this account be paid, Mr. Mayor, but nobody seconds your motion. Therefore you will have to pay the account yourself. (To Mr. Vause): I wonder if he will pay them himself.

Mr. Stoupe here interjected a remark, when he was called to order by the Mayor.

Mr. Stoupe (to the Mayor: I wish you would call her to order.

Mrs. Yates (to Mr. Stoupe): Who do you call her. I would like to know? Her, indeed. Don't say her. You must say Councillor Yates, and courteously at that. (Laughter)

The Mayor: I must ask you to address each other as councillor.

Mrs. Yates next objected to the Council advertising for tenders for the Iease of the old library building. She asked why the Council should put money into the pockets of the newspaper proprietors. An advertisement on the notice-board was quite sufficient.

Mr. Rowe reminded Mrs. Yates that they had all agreed in committee to lease the build¬ing in question, and they had received one tender as the reult of that agreement.

The last and final conflict of the evening took place on a motion of Mr. Rowe to call for tenders for water pipes.

Mrs. Yates said she was surprised to see a businessman like the mover wanting the Council to pass such a resolution without giving them some idea of the cost. He should have supplied a schedule of the cost of the proposed work and the income to be derived when the work was finished.

Mr. Rowe: The work was promised to be done long ago.

The Mayor (to Mr. Rowe): Please do not interrupt the speaker. It is bad manners.

Mrs. Yates: Oh, I don't mind being interrupted. We are not here for manners, but for business. Continuing, Mrs. Yates said: I am also surprised at you, Mr. Mayor, wanting to expend £400 or £500 just as your term of office is expiring. Do you think the present government would do such a thing on the eve of an election? I know they would not, and I should like to know who in the name of creation would. If you wanted to do this work you should have included it in the list of proposed new works when you took office. And fancy any man seconding such a resolution. When I move a resolution I can’t get it seconded and I am in the unfortunate position of having to ventilate the views of the ratepayers single-handed.

Mr. Stoupe: I seconded the motion with my eyes open and wish I could have my ears shut to this twaddle.

The Mayor: Oh, dear, how much more? Please do not let us have any altercations with other speakers.

Mr. Rowe: I can explain –

Mrs. Yates (to Mr. Rowe): Excuse me. The idea of you speaking again before the Council has discussed your motion! You can't do it.

Mr. Rowe: Mr. Mayor, can I make an explanation?

The Mayor: Certainly.

Mr. Rowe: I would suggest that further discussion on this matter stand over to enable me to bring up an estimate of the cost of the proposed work.

Mrs. Yates: There will be a difference of £110 between 3in. and 4in. pipes and you don’t know which size of pipes you want. It ought to stand over.

Mrs. Yates concluded by asking when the town clerk was going to present the balance-sheet. The Mayor said she could get a copy from the treasurer.

Mrs. Yates. Thank you, Your Worship.

Elizabeth Yates was defeated finally in 1901. Sadly, in 1909 she was admitted to Auckland Mental Hospital and died there in 1918. She is buried at St Peter's Church cemetery, just beside the main street of Onehunga, Onehunga Mall.

Avondale’s influenza hospital

In early November 1918, just as Aucklanders were looking forward to an end to hostilities as far as the First World War to end all wars was concerned, the influenza pandemic struck. The Avondale Jockey Club concluded their spring meeting on 6 November, the racing reporter for the NZ Herald noting that “the attendance was somewhat affected by the prevailing epidemic.” By the 10th of November, over 100 cases of this deadly form of influenza had been reported in the Avondale and New Lynn districts, with one death. The Health Department provided a “standard remedy” to be obtained from the New Lynn Town Board’s offices at that point.

On the 12th of November, the Jockey Club placed all its buildings and site, without reserve, at the disposal of Health authorities. (Judging by what was later reported, this was probably after a request from the local Road Board). Over the next five days, a makeshift hospital was set up on the racecourse. As at 17th of November there were 14 patients there, all reported to be making satisfactory progress. The Auckland Hospital Board sent out all necessary equipment, though at that stage they were unable to provide a doctor. The Board’s chairman, W. Wallace, declared his satisfaction with the set-up. A Nurse Curtis was placed in charge, according to the Star, “… and she also rules the visiting organisation in the district as far as Helensville. The nurse is assisted by a band of local helpers.” Among those helpers was a Miss Hume, and the headmaster of Avondale Primary School, Mr. Darrow, who both fell sick with the virus, but survived. Soon after, cases from New Lynn were also treated at Avondale’s temporary hospital.

On the 18th, it was noted that four deaths had occurred in the Avondale district over the preceding few days, but by the following day the situation seemed to be under control. The Avondale Road Board was recognised as the organisers of the district hospital, and now a Dr. Horsley was able to attend. “Residents and neighbours are attending to cases in private homes where it is not found possible to admit the patients to hospitals,” the Star reported. Eventually, the outbreak died out, and the Avondale hospital closed on 28th November, two weeks after the Jockey Club’s offer to use their site in the emergency.

Reg Combes, author of Pharmacy in New Zealand (1981), gives full recognition to local chemist Robert Allely as the organiser behind the hospital, although Allely’s name was never mentioned by either the Herald or the Star at the time of the outbreak. (The Star later reported on Allely's presentation, however.)

“At the height of the epidemic, Allely erected a tent hospital on the Avondale Racecourse … A Medical Officer of Health was despatched to inspect his makeshift hospital, set up in spite of regulations prohibiting such temporary quarters. But Robert Allely knew what he was about. The Medical Officer of Health unofficially congratulated him, and gratefully left him to carry on in his own way, which he was able to do with the help of his voluntary aides.”

It is Arthur Morrish’s News which has ensured that Allely’s part in the crisis wasn’t left out. On 22 January 1919, the Avondale Road Board staged a special presentation of an illuminated address, gold watch, chain and pendant, and a book with the names of 400 subscribers to Robert Allely. The Chairman, Robert Nesbitt, said that “the townspeople of Avondale would never forget that during that critical time Avondale was without the services of a medical man and Mr. Allely stepped into the breach and visited nearly 400 people without fee or reward. When it became necessary to establish a temporary hospital it was to Mr. Allely they looked for guidance and help and right well he served them.” The other voluntary workers who assisted at the hospital were also praised.

While officially Robert Allely’s name may have been left off history’s script – his contribution to the welfare of the people of Avondale has still not been forgotten.

When is a bridge not a bridge?

I think I must have been asleep when this question was answered ...

In yesterday's Western Leader, a brief article was published on the "Second Whau bridge proposal", where it was stated: "The Whau River already has one bridge, the north-western motorway at Te Atatu."

Oh. Okay ...

I emailed the letters editor of the paper this morning, something I do rarely these days.

Dear Sir,

Your brief article on Thursday 15 January was headed up "Second Whau Bridge Proposal" and states: "The Whau River already has one bridge, the north-western motorway at Te Atatu."

I can't see how the motorway causeway across the river is counted as a Whau River bridge, where the 1930s bridge at Great North Road and the 1970s bridge at Ash and Rata Streets are not. This would mean that the new proposal is for a fourth Whau Bridge crossing, surely, not a second.

Yours faithfully,

Lisa J. Truttman

Strictly speaking, the rail bridge at the confluence of the Whau and Avondale creeks is the first of four existing crossings of the river, bank to bank, but I'll stick with the three across the river proper.

Update: letter published.

Avondale Railway - 15 January

The two sets of track are now in place on the west side of Blockhouse Bay Road, between the bridge at Crayford Street at least. Proof of the pudding, as they say, is the train on the westward track.

The two temporary platforms at Trent and Tait Streets are shaping up.

Meanwhile, close to Crayford Street, a shot of the engine hauling the train in the top shot, and an Ontrack rail vehicle.

Soldier's Graves at Omapere, Northland

The Battle of Puketutu, from NZETC. Details of the battle at Omapere at the link.

I spotted this in the Auckland Star, 17 March 1890.

Soldiers' Graves at Omapara.

EXHUMATION OF BODIES.

On the 6th inst., while at Okaihau, I went to Omapara to see the graves of some of the soldiers killed daring Hone Hoke's war. The Government had directed the remains to be exhumed and interred in the Okaihau consecrated ground.

There is something very interesting and, at the same time, very humiliating in looking into the secrets of the grave after so long a time. These poor fellows had lain in their narrow beds for 45 years. One man had his front teeth knocked out by a bullet which had passed out through the back of his head. Another had had a bullet flattened on his jaw, a third had a bullet lying on his chest. All the clothes were gone, save iron badges, heels of boot, etc. Some badges bore the name of Gibraltar. Two or three buttons were of the 58th, and one of the 69th. One man had a stick of twist tobacco, in good preservation.

There were three large pack needles, a penny, a collection of brass tips to ramrods, a pipe, etc., etc. The bones were nearly rotten, and invaded by roots, and very incomplete. Most of the men were presumably young, wanting the wisdom teeth. One body was of a Maori, which had been wrapped in a blanket, the remains of which, as well as of three flax ties, were still visible ; this one was the only one whose hair still remained, and it was laid E. and W., whilst all the others were laid S.E. and N.W. There were 12 found in all.

I could not help thinking when I saw the little heap of half rotten bones piled like a heap [of] rubbish, and mixed up with their little belongings, that it would have been better to erect a small stone over the place (which is well suited for the purpose) recording their fate, and allow the poor fellows to remain undisturbed in their repose.

Signal box art

On the corner of New North Road and Blockhouse Bay Road, outside the Avondale Baptist Church (now called The Intersection), there is a decorated signal box.

The design is loosely based on a photograph which appeared in Challenge of the Whau of the Avondale Volunteer Fire Brigade, and is probably sited where it is because this signal box is close to the modern-day fire station. But the volunteer brigade were further down the road by the railway bridge, and the design looks more American to me than Kiwi.

Still it's eye-catching, may make people think about local history, and does no real harm being there. A series of such signal and telephone circuit box decorations has been done both here in Avondale and elsewhere in both Auckland and Waitakere Cities. The ones here were an Avondale Community Board initiative.

An update: the mural was removed over Easter, 2009. New post here.

Pt Chevalier History Group

Well, despite my quaky trepidations over the past couple of days, I fronted up today before a gathering of 25 at the Pt Chevalier Community Library, as we inaugurated the local history group. Who knows what will happen, or how long it will survive, but it's only newborn for today. I'm on the committee, as secretary and editor of the Pt Chevalier Times, the publication of which has apparently gone down a treat on the Point.

I'm really honoured to have been a part of the process. Padmini Raj from the library presented me with a bouquet of flowers (the photo at left). The flowers won't last, but at least for much longer, I'll have the photo to remind me.