Not easy for the mounted police in the West

Ah, the life of a mounted policeman in colonial West Auckland was a challenging one ... from NZ Herald 20 April 1895.

MYSTERY OF A POLICEMAN'S TROOP HORSE.

[BY AN HONORARY “MIMBAH AV THE FOORCE."]

Careless observers weakly imagine that a policeman's life is all "beer and skittles," but that's where they make the mistake. Let me the tale unfold—

I know not whether true it be, But I tell the tale as told to me. It is so good that it ought to be true. As for situations, unlooked-for developments, amusing misadventures, and innocently playing at cross-purposes, the story beats any Comedy of Errors that was ever written.

On Wednesday last information was received in Auckland that a young man named Charles Bowden had been found dead in the scrub near New Lynn, and Mounted Constable Ready was at once despatched to make investigations. As bad luck would have it, his horse stumbled on a stone outside Avondale, and he came a "cropper," prophetic of the disasters detailed in the sequel, for misfortunes never come singly but in battalions. Picking himself up —for constabulary duty must be done—he proceeded to the locality indicated, made his investigations, arranged with the coroner, and for his witnesses at the morrow's inquest, and rode back to Auckland for the night. So ended the first day.

On Thursday morning, he again went out to New Lynn, for the inquest, and put up his horse in a shed at the New Lynn Hostelry. While the inquest was going on, the Auckland police authorities received word of another young man being killed, a few miles past New Lynn, and mounted Constable Kelly was despatched, to make inquiries. On reaching New Lynn, the inquest on Bowden was just finishing, and Constable Ready was preparing to ride to Henderson, at the request of the coroner, Mr. Bollard, to inquire into the matter, not being aware that Constable Kelly had been sent out. The two constables met, explanations ensued, and it was arranged that Constable Kelly should return to town, and Constable Ready proceeded to carry out the instructions he had received from the coroner.

While the inquest was going on someone wanting to use the shed had shifted Constable Ready's horse from the shed to the stable without his knowledge, and when Constable Kelly arrived, the shed being then empty, he put his horse up there. In the dusk Constable Ready went, to the shed where he had put up his horse, and not noticing the change of horses, mounted Kelly's horse and rode off. If the gallant officer did not know the transposition of horses the horse knew the transposition of riders, and having a bit of blood in him, before a mile had been cast behind his hoofs, he performed the operation known as “two and carry one," and Ready made a clear circle in the air, and came down on his centre of gravity like a pile-driver—on Henderson road metal at that—seeing not only stars, but the whole stellar system.

Constable Kelly was just in the act of getting ready to go to Auckland, when a lad rode up to the hotel with the startling intelligence that a policeman had been killed up the road, and that Constable Ready was “dead to the world for ever." Kelly rushed round to the shed for his horse, but to his horror found the shed empty, and his horse spirited into thin air. So he ran up the road on foot, while a settler who had a buggy at the hotel door, also proceeded to the scene of the accident to bring in the body. On arrival, Ready, stunned and dazed, was being resuscitated on the roadside by a settler's wife, who had witnessed the accident. He was brought back to the hotel in the buggy—his (Kelly's) horse having disappeared—to obtain that rest and comfort which a guardroom can never afford.

In the meantime Kelly, in roaming round, found Ready's horse in the stable, and mounting, skirmished away to Henderson to find his own missing horse. At Henderson all the settlers could tell him was that in the twilight a horse thundered through the village, but when they got out of their homes, he was gone! Whether he had a rider or not, or was the "Flying Dutchman," they could not say. Going on to Swanson six miles further on Kelly heard, to his dismay, that the horse had gone through the settlement "very fresh, in good Cup time, with a lot in hand." As Kelly knew that "the bloomin' 'oss” was half-brother to Mangere, the steeplechaser, he came to the conclusion that it would go on to Helensville, and therefore made a strategic movement to the rear and fell back on his base --the New Lynn Hotel -- a sadder and a wiser man. So ended the second day.

On Friday Kelly was up betimes, visited the scene of the fatal accident to young Lodge, got his jury summoned, and then came to Avondale to open communication with Auckland. It being a holiday the Avondale bureau was shut, a 'bus not running, and it was evening before his note, by a late 'bus, explaining matters reached Sergeant Gamble, who was beginning to think there was going to be a third inquest at New Lynn. That officer, under orders from Inspector Hickson, proceeded in a buggy to the New Lynn Hotel, and brought in the injured Ready that night, and he was subsequently sent to the hospital for treatment, having objections, on principle, to sitting anywhere else than on a sofa. Kelly remained behind to attend to the inquest, as it was adjourned till next day. So ended the third day.

At ten o'clock on Thursday night a settler, riding from Big Muddy Creek to New Lynn, encountered, four miles from the hotel, a horse saddled and bridled, but riderless. It was travel-stained, exhausted, and seemed to have been through all the swamps in the country. After some trouble he captured it, and failing to find a rider, brought it on to New Lynn at midnight, where the people of the hostelry hailed it as the missing horse of Constable Ready (Kelly), as it appeared to be a bay, as well as the mud would permit of descrying it, and it was put into a paddock.

Early on Saturday morning Sergeant McMahon and Constable Lowry got the route for "the front" -- the New Lynn Hotel—the sergeant to take in the situation, and the constable to join in the pursuit of "that 'ere bloomin' "oss." No better selection than that of the worthy sergeant could have been made. He is a good judge of horse-flesh, generally has his "little bit" on, and scoops the pool. He opened up communication with Kelly, who was "holding the fort" at the New Lynn Hotel, attending to the inquest. Constable Lowry, pivotting on the hotel, swung his right heavily round to Hobsonville, and skirmished up to Swanson on foot in the dreary, drizzling rain, but no sign of “that horse,” and he therefore plunged into the Waitakerei ranges.

Some six miles in, he fell across a settler named Ashe, who had found Kelly's horse in a swamp, tangled up in the reins, and looking as if it wanted a square meal. He had given the horse oats, sent his boy roaming round fruitlessly to find the rider or owner, and, "not to put too fine a point upon it," there was £1 to pay. Lowry squared Ashe, the moot point of who was ultimately to pay the pound being left to a future date “without prejudice.” Lowry, in no way discouraged by the story of the record of the horse, mounted it, and ib was quick and lively, bub by performing the operation of “saw'rin' its bloomin' 'ad off” Lowry reached Auckland in safety.

In the meantime Kelly, the inquest over, was scouring the country for his horse, and as he went a la John Gilpin, the settlers came to the conclusion, as he rode across country, that he was after an escaped prisoner, or, at the least, a dangerous lunatic. He was sanguine of success, for the saddle and bridle were “the property of Her Majesty the Queen,” besides that horse had the “broad arrow,” as they said in the art jargon at the Art Exhibition, “judiciously placed.” In his journeyings he learned of Lowry's recovery of the horse, and he returned to Auckland, in very much the frame of mind of the Commissioners at the Treaty of Ghent, “pleased, but not proud.” So ended the fourth day.

Kelly's horse being recovered by Ashe, to whom does the mysterious bay in the paddock at the New Lynn Hotel belong, which was recognised by the people of the house as Ready's bay, and what has been the fate of its equally unknown rider, for the horse has never been claimed, so far as the police are aware. Counting the gains and losses of the campaign, when the police had again concentrated at Auckland, it was found that the police had got a new horse, saddle, and bridle, the horse “eating its head off” at New Lynn on the other hand a constable has been placed temporarily hors de combat, and a little bill run up at New Lynn for “accommodation for man and beast”—more particularly beast— as the unknown horse is “going through” the bin like a maize-crusher.

The air is now rather sultry at the police barracks, and the phraseology generally is assuming a vermilion hue. It would not be healthy for a civilian to mention New Lynn just now in the guard-room, or to make inquiries as to whether “that 'oss” had been recovered. Constable Ready has been in perils oft, and was in the famous march of General Roberts to Candahar, but he “draws the line” now—at Kelly's horse. When he gets his patch of sticking plaister off (the size of a dinner plate), the Star of India will be, as of yore, "Ready, aye, Ready!” …

The Point Chevalier bus drivers' feud

Travelling to or from Pt Chevalier Beach on the early 1920s could have meant you were suddenly in the midst of a rather fiery transport feud. 

Frederick John Williamson’s Pt Chevalier Bus Service began 21 December 1919, after the liquidation of the earlier Motor Bus Company. Percy Adelbert Lupton’s bus service to the beach began around the same time. By April 1921, Lupton had the first of a few clashes with his rival’s bus company -- a stoush which ended up in court. 

Trade rivalry in the motor bus transport run between Point Chevalier and the city was stated to be behind charges against Percy Lupton, of negligent driving of his bus, and of assault. Both Lupton and Lionel [Hector Bates] Kelly, the informant, admitted the rivalry, but claimed that it was a thing apart from the charges. Kelly stated that as he was driving his bus along the road, he was overtaken by Lupton's bus, which was rushed past his vehicle without the horn being sounded, and was then swerved so abruptly in front of him that in order to avoid damage to his machine by collision he had to turn sharply to the left, and struck a lamp post on the path. Lupton stated that he sounded his horn and did not cut across sharply in front of the other bus. He suggested that unskilful driving was the reason for Kelly's bus colliding with the lamp post. After considering the evidence on both sides, the magistrate fined defendant £3 and costs. 

The second charge, heard separately, was to the effect that some days after the incident of the lamp-post, Lupton assaulted Kelly by getting on his bus and striking him. Kelly testified to that effect, stating he tried to push Lupton away with his foot. Lupton's version was that after just avoiding an accident owing to Kelly stopping his bus sharply in front of his and in the track of his, he went merely to tell Kelly that sort of thing would have to cease, and he was kicked by Kelly. The magistrate informed Lupton that his action was provocative, when he might have taken other proceedings, and fined him 20/ and costs.

Auckland Star 30 April 1921

Percy Lupton was still carrying out his bus service to the beach, apparently having seen off his 1921 rival Kelly. On 29 January 1923, however, on the second day of a beach and queen carnival held by the Pt Chevalier Sailing Club over Anniversary Weekend, “numerous races and competitions, mock courts, baby shows, and castle building competitions for the children. Jazzing will be held on both nights. Admission will be free”, Lupton found that a number of other outside operators took advantage of the crowds attracted to the events. He lost his cool again. 

Percy Lupton, motor-bus proprietor, denied having committed mischief by wilfully damaging a motor-bus, the property of Horace Southgate, to the extent of £1 15s 10d. Defendant ran a regular service between the tram terminus and Point Chevalier, but on January 29, when a beach carnival was being held, other vehicles were plying for hire on that route. Evidence was given that complainant's bus had been left standing at the dead end of a road. Lupton backed his bus near to it, looked round, and then, giving his steering wheel a turn, deliberately backed into the other bus. It was stated that defendant resented any other bus drivers doing business at Point Chevalier. Defendant contended that plaintiff's bus was on the wrong side of the road and he did not see it. Defendant was fined £5 and costs, in default seven days' imprisonment.

 NZ Herald 8 March 1923

Then in May 1923, Lupton’s earliest rivalry for the route with Williamson came to a head – and yet another court hearing.

What was described as another episode in a feud of old-standing resulted in the appearance in the Police Court this morning of two bus-men, Frederick John Williamson, proprietor, of Point Chevalier, and Arthur Flynn, driver for a rival proprietor named Lupton, each being charged with the use of threatening behaviour in Great North Road on May 12. Williamson's story was that he left Point Chevalier beach for Grey Lynn with a few passengers at 6.35 p.m. Lupton's bus came along behind, and passed at a very fast rate of speed, cutting across the front of Williamson's bus, with the result that the last-named had to turn sharply to the left to avoid a collision. Flynn was the driver, and Williamson felt sure that this had been done deliberately. Later, words passed between the two and Flynn struck Williamson in the face. Flynn, witness asserted, was drunk—swearing, and in Williamson's opinion, was not in a fit state to drive a bus. The whole of the trouble arose out of Lupton's practice of running a special bus at 6.33 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, from Point Chevalier. Flynn declared that his bus had skidded and accidently cut in front of Williamson's bus, causing the last-named to pull up. It was Williamson's fault for driving too near the middle of the road. He denied having used obscene language, and denied likewise that he was drunk. He hit Williamson only when the last-named pushed him. "He said he would throw me away if I did not go away."

"There will be a fatality out there yet if this sort of thing continues," remarked Mr J E Wilson, SM. Flvnn was fined £2, and the information against Wllllamson was dismissed. The magistrate observed that there would be an end to the trouble if the parties were refused licenses.

Auckland Star 15 June 1923

 Lupton lost his licence, and was declared bankrupt in December 1923. 

The bankrupt's statement set out that he started a motor-bus service at Point Chevalier in 1919 with two Ford vehicles. One of these was damaged beyond repair in an accident at Waikumcte, and its loss was a severe blow to the business. Later he purchased two larger buses on the hire purchase system, but he was unable to maintain regular payments, and they were returned to the motor dealer. The failure of the business was attributed by bankrupt to lack of capital, competition and sickness.

NZ Herald 21 December 1923

Williamson nearly lost his licence as well in June 1923, but Auckland City Council’s decision was overturned by the courts in November.

The Asylum in the news

News about the Auckland Lunatic Asylum appeared regularly in the press from time to time. They do give us an insight into the 19th century institution.

Lunacy.—Elizabeth Blagrove, a little girl, 10 years old, was charged with being of unsound mind. On the medical testimony of Drs Honeyman and Wine she was sent to the Lunatic Asylum.

NZ Herald 18 July 1879

Elizabeth Minnie Blagrove died aged 14 in 1884, perhaps still in the Asylum. I'm going to try to find out more about her, if I can. Her father was Valentine Blagrove, a local Pt Chevalier character and entrepreneur from the 1860s-1870s.

THE MAYORS VISIT TO THE ASYLUM.
A former inmate of the Lunatic Asylum named Richard Marsh has been busying himself for some time past in making charges of ill-treatment, wanton brutality, etc, against the attendants of that institution. Several of his letters have appeared from time to time in the Star, and a number of gentlemen of position in the community have been the recipients of communications similar in substance. One of those missives came addressed to His Worship the Mayor.

The graveness of the complaints preferred in it is disclosed in the following excerpts: “The subject has been brought under the notice of Mr Thomas Macffarlane, who has the principal supervision of the Lunatic Asylum. It would appear, sir, as if when that gentleman has looked through the dining hall and other apartments of that institution, and examined the shirt buttons and seen that the boots are well-polished, that his duty is done … In my letter through the Star mention was made of the piercing SW west wind that sweeps the bleak yard from end to end without a break worth speaking of. When I was there the men would congregate in dozens for shelter in the urinal and closets … inoffensive men, at what is more dreadful to think of perhaps, men of intelligence, are compelled to herd with dangerous lunatics. I was on two occasions struck a heavy blow from behind when reading or writing, and on three other occasions had a boot flung at my head without provocation. I have seen a man assaulted by an attendant because of his refusal to dry his face upon a towel on which was to be seen human filth. I have many times seen men thrown on their backs on the hard asphalt pavement, and kicked and otherwise abused by several of the attendants, who it is only right to mention are very badly paid for their services—this low pay bringing only men of a very low grade. It is a common thing, if the order of a warder is not instantly obeyed, for two of them to get hold of the man, each by an ear, as I have seen two dogs take a pig; and he is walked off in this fashion between them." There was also a charge of minor importance. 

Upon receipt of this bill of indictment, the Mayor at once forwarded it on to Mr Thos. Macffarlane, Government visitor to the Asylum. This gentleman returned it with the request that His Worship would go out to inspect the institution for himself. He agreed to this, and on Thursday afternoon set out on his mission, accompanied by representatives of the daily papers. On arriving at the institution, he was met by Mr Thos. Macffarlane, the visiting justices, Messrs R. C. Barstow and A. K. Taylor, and the chief attendant, Mr Hardy, by whom he was courteously received. An inspection of the building was immediately commenced. 

Everything was found to be in apple-pie order, and in the best condition. The floors, walls, and bedding were scrupulously clean, cooling currents of fresh air pervaded all the wards and corridors, and the beds were all made and appeared to be well supplied with perfectly clean sheets, blankets, and quilts, while as regards furnishing there appeared to be no distinction whatever between the rooms of the attendants and the patients' wards. Lavatories and other conveniences were found attached to the various wards, and proved to be both clean and odourless. A number of the female patients were gathered in a well-lighted room on the basement floor; others were taking exercise in an enclosed court, while a third detachment were sewing or resting idly in a cheerful sitting room on the first floor. Others again of the female patients were subsequently discovered reclining or sitting about the grounds under the shade of trees. These were explained to be patients who had been engaged in housework during the morning, those who had been previously idle having, according to rule, relieved them for the afternoon. 

The visitors next proceeded to the male quarters, where the same order and cleanliness were everywhere noticeable. It would perhaps be desirable that the number of beds placed in each ward should be somewhat less, but until the accommodation is enlarged, this cannot be done. Here again lavatories and urinals were found in convenient places, while the patients' sitting-room contained such means of recreation as books, draughts, and a bagatelle table. The majority of the men were in the exercise yard, the larger number stalking or sauntering about singly with that strange unsociability which lunatics evince, and the others sitting, reclining, or leaning against the walls. Fijian Joe, of whose insanity the attendants have entertained a doubt ever since he was admitted, was squatted upon the ground, calmly smoking his pipe; Gschnell, the sinister-looking murderer of Mills, was doing some vigorous exercise; a Maori wife-killer was lazily blinking in the sun; while Dick Feltus, who was curled up in a corner, roused himself at the intrusion of visitors, and came over to inquire from the Mayor how much longer a sane man like himself was to be kept incarcerated there. The man who imagines that he has an organ secreted within his internal economy ground out a variety of tunes in honour of the visit, and the poet of the establishment presented for criticism the latest effort of his demented muse. This unavoidable association of homicidal and criminal lunatics generally with those of a harmless character is an objectionable feature, but until further accommodation is provided and the staff of attendants increased it cannot be obviated. 

The new Auxiliary Asylum, in which 60 patients, under the charge of Mr White are housed, was also visited. As a result of the inspection, all Mr Marsh's charges except that touching the unavoidable association of criminal with inoffensive lunatics in the exercise yard, were found to be without foundation. We are informed that since the removal of the night soil nuisance at Point Chevalier, the inmates of the Lunatic Asylum are allowed to visit the sea-side, where they remain for some time enjoying the salubrious air, a privilege which they highly appreciate. 

Auckland Star 8 November 1884

Two of the patients of the Avondale Asylum were encountered on Wednesday evening in Karangahape Road, marching with a handcart, by Sergeant Bernard and Constable Russell. As one of them had on the Asylum dress it was once concluded who they were, and in reply to questions one of them confirmed the suspicion by stating that he and his mate were off to Tamaki, and ware taking the cart with them. They were taken into custody, and soon afterwards intelligence was received from the Asylum that the two men had been sent out for milk, and had never returned. They had got hold of the handcart on the way into town. While passing through Archhill they had been identified by a former warder, Mr. Ness, who telephoned to the police station, and followed the lunatics. They were taken back to the Asylum the same evening.

NZ Herald 8 April 1892

An American locomotive in the Manawatu

April 1909. "An American Climax bush locomotive pictured on a bush tramway at Gamman's Mill, Ohakune, with a group of timber workers." 7-A6160, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

THE SAWMILLING INDUSTRY.
MESSRS GAMMAN AND CO'S MILL. AT OHAKUNE.

"All ready, Jim?"
"Yes Let her go."
A pull at the long bush cord connected with the siren of the hauler, half-a-mile away, an answering shriek, and with a gathering up of slack steel wire, a giant of the Ohakune bush starts on its journey to the sawmill. It is an eventful journey for a few minutes for, despite the power of the hauler, away back on the tramline intervening stumps and trees have to be negotiated and carefully cleared but with these once out of the way the hauler carries log and all before it, loose bush and saplings being pushed aside at the head of the log, itself weighing a few tons, as though they did not exist. Arrived at the bush skids, which serve as a platform from which the railway trucks are loaded, the log is placed in position on the trucks by powerful jacks, and is then, in company with a dozen more, hauled by their own Climax locomotive to the sawmill three-quarters of a mile away, where it is with but little loss of time converted into building timber of varying sizes. The above is a brief description of what happens several times a day at Messrs Gamman and Co.'s sawmill at Ohakune. Though they commenced work but a little over a year ago the firm has now one of the largest and most up-to-date mills in New Zealand. It is situated within a quarter of a mile of the railway station at Ohakune and with its expanse of bush yet to be felled promises to be one of the prime factors in the commercial success of the line township. …

Up to where the bushmen are at work an iron road has been laid, upon which the Company's 25-ton locomotive, Climax make, and specially constructed for logging purposes, draws its heavy loads with ease. The engine is similar to those used in America for the same purposes and was built by the makers to the Company's order … 

Manawatu Standard 14 July 1909

Some info on Climax locomotive engines here. According to Trainweb: "In all, seven Climax locomotives came to New Zealand, from 1884 until 1930, these being, one Class A and the remainder, Class B. Of these, it is remarkable that no less than five still remain, of which one, No.1203, built in 1913, is still in steam service at Shantytown."

The Hirere

An image from 10 December 1900. According to the library caption: "Showing the steamer Hirere (48 tons), built in 1896 by C. and W. Bailey at Auckland for the Clevedon Steam Navigation Company Limited of Auckland, being launched on 3 December 1896. She was later purchased by the Devonport Steam Ferry Company Limited and employed in the Auckland-Howick-Whitford run. Sold to McCallum Brothers Limited and converted into a tug. Register closed 1930. This photograph taken in the Southern Wairoa River." (7-A15642, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries).

The Hirere's story did not end there, however. Early in January 1930, she was sold to R Russell Ltd, and refitted as an oyster dredge for Bluff.

SMALL STEAMER SOLD.
HIRERE GOING TO BLUFF.
The small steamer Hirere, which has been engaged in various passenger services from Auckland to Gulf ports for many years, has been sold to a Bluff firm as a fishing boat. After a long spell of idleness, the Hirere was recently chartered by her owners, Messrs. McCallum Bros., to Captain J. Jackson, who inaugurated a service to Surfdale. This summer Captain Jackson hopes to purchase or charter another vessel to maintain the service. Carpenters are now working on the Hirere at Julian's Wall. Her new owners intend to fit her out as a fishing boat at Auckland before taking her down to Bluff.

Auckland Star 9 January 1930

The NZ Maritime Index notes that she was still in service in the Bluff fleet in 1966. According to a Rootsweb page, the original Hirere ended up in Northland, of all places, at Shipwreck Bay, "named with the sinking of ships including the 1863 paddle steamer Favourite built in Australia in 1863 of 59 tons, sank on 1st April 1870 after going ashore on Ahipara beach during a gale which is still visible in the low tide surf. Ahipara is located at the southern end of the 90 Mile Beach. Ahipara, just 14 kilometres south of Kaitaia. The remains lie in Shipwreck Bay south end of Ninety Mile Beach." 

Another Hirere is in service in Northland, built in 1969.

The days of the Peregrine

12 April 1967. "Showing the derelict steam ferry Peregrine at St Marys Bay." 

7-A3836, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries.

Built at the Customs Street yard of Charles Bailey Junior, the SS Peregrine was launched 22 January 1912. "Puriri was used for her frames, kauri for her planking and decks and the interiors of her spacious cabins were lined with cedar and kauri," according to David Balderston in his book The Harbour Ferries of Auckland. She was replaced as a Devonport ferry by the Toroa in 1925. She was inaugurated on a Waiheke service in 1943, but soon replaced by the Ngoiro.

The Harbour Bridge spelled the end of the Peregrine's service on the harbour. Quoting Balderston: "Her old engines were scrapped soon after she was laid up at the Beaumont Street yard, and her hulk remained there, rumour had it, awaiting a new diesel engine and a Kestrel type refit. Sadly, this never happened and she slowly rotted and rested at the wharf. In March 1981 she was towed into the reclamation at Westhaven and broken up."

Dunedin's Centennial Memorial

While in Dunedin last April, part of the bus tour we were on involved a stop at Signal Hill, and the Centennial Memorial there.

The main structure was erected in 1940, to commemorate the first European settlement in New Zealand. The two flanking bronze figures were cast in 1955 and added after that.

Designed by F W Shurrock and F C W Stab, the male figure is that of an old man, representing the Spirit of History, time past ...

... while the female figure is a young woman, spinning the Thread of Life, the future.

A stone there, "hewn from the rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands" was given as a centennial memorial token from Edinburgh to Dunedin in 1941.

It's an awesome view from this very special lookout.

Avondale School's Marble Roll of Honour

I’ve been interested in rolls of honour for some time, but up until recently have only ever photographed them. Since information has become more readily available from Archives New Zealand, coming up to the centenary of the First World War, I started looking deeper into a roll of honour in Pt Chevalier, and started finding the stories behind most of the names. Avondale has three WWI rolls of honour, as well as memorials to the fallen in our two cemeteries. Of these, only two are listed on the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph database at the time of writing (November 2013). These are: the St Jude’s honour tablet displayed in the church entrance (unveiled by Archdeacon MacMurray 21 August 1921, on dedicating a new font and baptistery), and the 1917 Oddfellows board, once displayed at the Oddfellows Hall at St Georges Road, but now hung in the entry foyer at the Avondale RSA on Layard Street. 

The Avondale School’s roll of honour (1919) seems to have been largely overlooked. The “marble roll”, as I’ve called it, is a marble slab displayed beside the RSA’s 25pr field gun in the garden on Layard Street: 

A very solemn function took place on Saturday afternoon in the Avondale Public School, when a memorial tablet in memory of old boys of the school who had given their lives in the great war of 1914-18 was unveiled. The tablet, which is of white marble, was presented by Mr J Binsted and was unveiled by Mrs Binsted. There was a very large attendance of parents and relatives. Mr H A V Bollard, Chairman of the school committee), who presided, said the district owed a deep debt of gratitude to the donor. Kipling's "Recessional" was beautifully sung by the children, under the conductorship of Mr. Gough. Mr. R B Nesbitt (chairman of the Road Board), Mr Darrow (headmaster), Mr J L Scott, and Mr. King (member of the Board of Education) also addressed the audience. The tablet, which was covered with the Union Jack, was unveiled by Mrs. Binsted while the children sang the beautiful hymn "Abide With Me." The tablet is nicely mounted in rimu in the design of the setting sun, by Mr H Spargo. The tablet is headed: "In memory of the brave boys who gave their lives in the great war, 1914-18."

Auckland Star, 22 December 1919

Originally there were 33 names on the plaque all in alphabetical order: two further names, J T Lilley and H W Cox were added later. The rimu board had gone by the time I came to know the board after the demolition of the old school buildings (1971-1972), while it was displayed in the window of what had once been the confectioner’s shop on Layard Street, part of the RSA clubrooms. Today, unfortunately, it has also been badly cracked. The names on the marble are mainly those who were former pupils of Avondale School, even if only for two of three years back in the 1890s as their families passed through from others places. Sometimes, though, there appear to be names from those families living in or near the area, whether on the school rolls or not. I’m still waiting for more of the military files held at Archives New Zealand to become available, as well as opportunity to do more research via Papers Past and the BDM records, but here are some of the stories behind the names. 

Here are the names on the marble roll, in order, along with what I’ve found so far on each man and his family: 

George Edmond Vernon Aimer 

 According to the early rolls for Avondale School, Vernon, Grace and Kenneth Aimer attended standards classes at Avondale School from March 1897 to June 1899, children of Edmund Baxter Aimer and Annie Elizabeth née Feek. The Aimers were living at the Hokianga in 1884, Dargaville c.1888, then Drury by 1895. They must have spent a couple of years here, before moving on to the city and Parnell. Vernon Aimer was a clerk for Cahill & Co from when he was around 14 years old. At the age of 16, he came into strife with a youthful indiscretion when he was found guilty of breaking and entering his employers’ premises in 1903, and served a 12 month sentence. From that low point though he bounced right back. 

AN AIRMAN'S DEATH 

LIEUT. G V AIMER 

A POPULAR AUCKLANDER 

Lieutenant George Vernon Aimer, a member of the Royal Flying Corps, who was accidentally killed whilst flying near London on June 22, was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs C B [sic] Aimer, of St. Stephen’s Avenue, Parnell. He was born in Hokianga in 1886, and was educated in Auckland. For a time he was employed in the Government Forestry Department at Rotorua, subsequently taking a position in Fiji. Shortly after returning to Auckland, in 1910, he entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand as correspondence clerk, a position he held for about five years. In August of last year he obtained extended leave of absence, and proceeded to England for health reasons. After a short time in hospital he offered his services to the War Office, but they were not accepted, owing to the state of his health. Lieutenant Aimer then studied aviation, and after qualifying for his pilot's certificate, was appointed an instructor at the London Provincial Aviation Co.'s School. Later he again offered his services to the military authorities, and was given a commission in the Royal Flying Corps. Since then he had been through a course of instruction in army work at Oxford, and it is believed was receiving further training at one of the War Office's aerodromes when he met with the unfortunate accident which resulted in his death. When in Auckland the late lieutenant was very popular in athletic circles, and had at different times, over a period of eight years, been a member of the St. George's Rowing Club, part of which time he was captain. A brother, Trooper Alexander Goven Aimer, left for the front with the thirteenth reinforcements. 

NZ Herald 24 June 1916

His brother Kenneth Aimer who also went to school here in the 1890s and served during the war went on to be come a well-known architect, and part of the partnership of Grierson, Aimer and Draffin who designed the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the 1920s.

Eric Henry Astley

Eric attended Avondale School’s standards classes June 1902 to June 1904, a son of John E Astley. He died at Gallipoli from wounds in June 1915.

William Norman Clarke Bishop
John Joseph Bishop

William Bishop was briefly at Avondale School, for about a month, at the end of 1910. His brother John has here a bit longer, 6 months in 1906. They were members of the Bishop family of Titirangi.

FIGHTING FAMILY.
THREE TITIRANGI BROTHERS.
Private W N C Bishop, who was killed in action on May 25, was the youngest of the three sons of Mr J J Bishop, of Dunvegan, Titirangi, all of whom volunteered for active service. Private Bishop. who was 21 years of age, was educated at the Titirangi and Avondale public at the Auckland Grammar School. As a lad of 17 he entered the service of the Postal Department in Wellington four years ago, and subsequently was transferred to Auckland. He enlisted on attaining his twentieth birthday, and left with the twenty-eighth reinforcements less than a year ago. His eldest brother Lieutenant J J Bishop, of the thirteenth reinforcements, was killed in action in October 1st whilst leading his men with great gallantry during the severe fighting in Flanders. Sergeant T A Bishop, the only surviving brother, who left with the twelfth reinforcements, has been serving on the western front for the past year.

NZ Herald 11 June 1918

John Henry Allen Bollard

Son of William Allen Bollard of Moray Place, Dunedin, and Harriet Bollard nee Sankey. He was presumed missing, later declared killed in action by shell fire in France in 1916. His mother Harriet died the year he was born, in 1893, and is buried at the George Maxwell Memorial Cemetery with the Bollards. William Allen Bollard (1869-1941) was a landscape artist, and third son of John Bollard of Avondale.

Ewen McLean Brookes

The Brookes family lived on New Windsor Road. Ewen attended the Standards classes at Avondale 1901-1906. When he signed up he was a clerk working for Winstones Ltd. He was killed in action October 1916.

Wallis John Burrow

He attended Avondale School’s standards classes in 1904. His parents John and Mary Burrow lived on New Windsor Road. Mary and three of her children are buried at St Ninians cemetery. Wallis was a cabinetmaker when he signed up in 1917. He died of wounds in January 1918.

Charles William Catton

The Catton family lived in the Avondale/Blockhouse Bay area from c.1900-1905. Charles was a farmhand working in Russell when he joined the army, and was killed in action September 1916.

Matthew Thomas Charles

Also known as Thomas Matthew Charles. Born in Tikorangi, Taranaki in 1892. Only very briefly at Avondale School during the standards classes in 1904, he went to a Catholic school after that. His father Thomas Charles lived in Victoria Road (now Victor Street) and Kitchener Road (Holly Street). Another cabinetmaker before he joined the army, working in Napier. He started out as a sapper with the field engineers, and was promoted to Lance Corporal 25 September 1915. Killed in action at Gallipoli, a week later.

Fred Albert Crum

Son of Albert Crum, owner and manager of the NZ Brick, Tile and Pottery Company at New Lynn. The family moved to New Lynn in 1905 from Ashburton, and Fred (born 1895) attended Avondale School from 1906-1908, when he went off to grammar school. When he signed up, he was working at the family business in New Lynn, as a brickmaker. He died of wounds in May 1917.

Leslie Rotorua Darrow

From The News 28 August 1915.

Another interesting letter has come to hand from Roto Darrow dated June 24th. He says: “Things are very quiet here at present, and here we are not adopting a progressive policy at all for the time being, but merely keeping the Turks up this end busy while the offensive goes on down below. Whe(n) they get them on the run down there, we will have our share again. “I had a very interesting trip round one of our posts, which is nearest the enemy’s lines. At one place we are within five feet of Turkish trenches and consequently had to keep our mouths shut. If they hear any talking at all, a bomb is the result. At this particular post all the trenches are very close, the distances ranging from five feet to forty yards. When we first took over these trenches you could not put a periscope or rifle up for a second without it being shot at, but now you can keep them up for hours. I think at first they had superiority over us in bomb throwing, but now I think we have them beaten. One kind of our trench mortars in particular is very deadly, and the Turks used to bolt when they heard the bomb coming down, yelling “Allah!” “We had rather a lively time the other day. The Turks landed a number of 80-inch cannon shells round the Brigade headquarters. While about half a dozen of us were examining a piece of one, another came along and landed about six feet away from us. We couldn’t flop down on the ground quickly enough. Luckily they were very old shells (I heard they were English shells bearing the date 1897) and consequently do not have a high explosive. “It is getting very hot here now and the flies have become unbearable. I thought they got pretty bad in Avondale at times, but here they almost stop you eating your meals. You can’t lie down during the day time for they pester the life out of you.”

Leslie Rotorua “Roto” Darrow was born in 1893. His brother was Harry Alexander Darrow, during the war Avondale School’s head master. Roto Darrow enlisted in 1914 at the school. He embarked 16 October 1914, headed for Suez and Egypt, and then on to Gallipoli. His last unit was the Headquarters of the New Zealand Infantry Brigade. He was killed in action 10 August 1915, aged 22. The folks back home at Avondale, reading his letter in The News, would have had no idea that he had died two and a half weeks earlier.

Bertram Charles Denyer

Another connection with Albert Crum’s brickworks at New Lynn — Bertram was a brickmaker when he enlisted in August 1914. The Denyers are a family that goes right back to the 1860s in terms of Avondale and New Lynn. He went missing at Gallipoli May 1915, and was later declared dead after a court of inquiry.

Reginald Philip Filleul

His father, Philip John Filleul, was a farmer on Rosebank from the 1890s (7 acres) and died 1919. His mother, Louisa Maud Mary Filleul, died 25 October 1914, aged 57. Both parents were buried at Rosebank. The Filleuls grew lemons — at the time the estate was sold after Philip Filleul’s death, there were around 100 commercial lemon trees on the property. Reginald was a farmer in his own right when he enlisted in 1916, at first with the Mounted Rifles. From October 1916 however, he was with the 2nd NZ Camel Company, and fought against the troops of the Ottoman Empire in the deserts of Suez and Palestine. He took part in the Battle of Beersheba in 1917, and died from his wounds at Abbassia in Egypt.

Stanley Fransham

His father Benjamin Harding Fransham was associated with Avondale from c.1892, and lived on Rosebank Road as at 1893. By 1906, he owned land just beyond the Victoria Hall, and also fronting much of Orchard Street. In 1902, there was a sad tragedy for the family.

Yesterday morning Mr T Gresham, city coroner, held an inquest at Avondale on the body of an infant girl named Ivy Victoria Fransham, the daughter of Mr Benjamin Fransham, market gardener. Mrs Fransham gave evidence that the child who was 8½ months old, had been given a plum by one of her sisters, and that the child had been accidentally choked by the stone. Witness extracted the stone from the baby’s throat, but by that time the child was quite dead. Dr de Clive Lowe also gave evidence, and said the cause of death was asphyxia, caused by the plum-stone getting into the upper air passage, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

 Auckland Star 10 February 1902

FRANSHAM BROTHERS.
Private Stanley Benjamin Fransham, who died of wounds on June 7, was the second son of Mr and Mrs Fransham, of Whitford, and was 20 years of age. He was born and educated at Avondale. Prior to his enlistment he was farming at Te Rore, Pirongia. Private Raymond Harden Fransham, admitted to hospital, June 10, suffering from slight gunshot wounds in the face, is the eldest son of Mr. Fransham, of Whitford. At the time of his enlistment he was engaged on his father's farm at Whitford. With his younger brother Stanley, he went into camp in May, 1916. On arrival in England both he and his brother joined the Machine Corps, and after four months' training they went to France. Private Fransham was born in Avondale 22 years ago.

NZ Herald 30 June 1917

Raymond Fransham survived, and died in 1969 at the age of 74.

William Ralston Ingram

Son of William and Annie Ingram. His name is included on the family headstone at St Ninians Cemetery, killed in action Passchendaele, 4 October 1917, aged 36.

John Hastie

The Hastie family were associated with Avondale from c.1901. George Hastie worked as a brickmaker at Avondale works c.1902. John Hastie attended Avondale School June 1900 to June 1904.

Possibly Thomas Hugh Kirk.

At the moment, he doesn’t seem to have direct connection with Avondale, having only arrived from England two years before he enlisted, but he was on the staff at Mt Eden School. Perhaps he was at Avondale at some point? He died when the transport Marquette was sunk in the Aegean Sea in 1915.

Possibly Donald Bennett Lane

Donald Lane was a former pupil at Avondale School.

Henry Frederick Lees

Henry Frederick Lees (Harry), son of John & Edith Lees, Brown St, Avondale. Died 1 Sept 1918 in France. Also on St Judes memorial.

James Parker McCrae

His mother Agnes Templeton McCrae lived Saint Georges Road, Avondale. He also appears on the Oddfellows Roll of Honour. Before he enlisted he worked as a leather worker. Died 6 May 1918.

Herman Cecil McDonald

His mother Mrs E. McDonald lived on Rosebank Road, Avondale. Before he enlisted, Herman worked as a mattressmaker. He embarked 25 Sept 1916 as part of the 17th Reinforcements Auckland Infantry Battalion, A Company, and died 30 March 1918, at the Somme.

Possibly Kenzie McLean

The marble roll has “R McLean”, but I can find no one so far matching that initial. However Kenzie McLean was a son of Alexander & Isabella McLean of Rosebank Road. Kenzie was killed in action on the Somme in July 1916.

Donald McLean

Son of William and Charlotte Jane McLean, Brown Street, Avondale. Died 6 October 1917, Ypres, Belgium.

Frederick Myers

Son of William Myers of Roberton Road, Avondale. He was a roading contractor before enlistment in 1917, and died 30 September 1918 in France, from wounds.

Possibly Frederick George Oxenham

Still waiting for more information.

Jonathan Oswald Porritt
Son of William and Sarah Ann Porritt. William Porritt was selling “Leicester socks and stockings” from Waterview in 1890. He came from Bradford in England. Around 1894 he shifted to New North Road in Mt Albert. When Jonathan enlisted in 1917, he was employed as a bridge builder with NZ Railways. He was with the 23rd Reinforcements New Zealand Field Artillery when he died Christmas Eve 1917, Ypres, Belgium.

Oliver Scott

Son of John Lyons Scott, the head teacher at Avondale School from 1882-1894. J L Scott was present at the unveiling of the marble plaque in 1919.

Private Oliver Scott, better known as Tommy Scott, killed in action, was a son of Mr J L Scott, a former headmaster of the Parnell school. He was educated at the Parnell school, the Auckland Grammar School, and the Auckland University College. He entered the Grammar School on a foundation scholarship, and matriculated in 1902. He passed the first section of the Bachelor of Commerce degree examination, but owing to failing health was not able to complete the examination. Afterwards he entered the employ of the AMP Society, and at the time of big enlistment occupied the position of cashier in the Auckland branch. The late Private Scott was a member of the University Hockey Club, and of the St. George's Rowing Club.

NZ Herald 25 June 1917

Stanley Edward Stewart

Attended Avondale School 1899-1900. His father was Thomas J B Stewart of Mt Albert. He was a seaman before enlistment; coincidentally, he died “of illness, at sea”, aged 28, on the way home in November 1919.

Clarence Victor Tarlin

Attended Avondale School from 1909-1911, “son of Clara Jacobson (formerly Tarlin), of Titirangi, Auckland, New Zealand, and the late Alfred Tarlin” according to Cenotaph. He died serving with the 16th Reinforcements Auckland Infantry Battalion, A Company, 22 Feb 1917, in France.

During their final leave, which was spent at their homes at Titirangi and surrounding districts, Lance-Corporal C B Tarlin and Privates F Shaw, E Williams, and J Kilgour, all members of the sixteenth reinforcements, were entertained at a largely-attended social evening and dance at Titirangi by Mr and Mrs J J Bishop. The dance was held in Shaw's Hall, whilst the supper, which was most tastefully laid out, was given in the tea kiosk. The toast of the guests was proposed by Mr H Wallace, and responded to by Lance-Corporal Tarlin. The toast, as well as that of “Our Absent Boys”, was enthusiastically honoured. The health of the host and hostess was proposed by Mr I E Williams, and acknowledged by Mr Bishop. The gathering was of a most successful character.

NZ Herald 18 August 1916

Corporal C V Tarlin, who died of wounds whilst a prisoner of war in Germany, enlisted from Titirangi. He was the son of the late Mr A J Tarlin and Mrs M F Jacobson, and was a grandson of the late Mrs E S Taylor. He went to the war when considerably under military age, and at the time of his death in February last was only 19 years and eight months old. He was at first reported missing, but after considerable lapse of time it was reported that he was a prisoner of war. Subsequently it was ascertained that he died of wounds shortly after his admission to the prison camp.

NZ Herald 30 June 1917

Corporal Clarence V Tarlin, died of wounds at Lemburg, Germany, was the son of the late Gunner A J Tarlin of Devonport and Mrs Jacobson of Titirangi. He was born in Auckland, and educated at the Auckland Grammar School. Prior to enlisting with the 16th Reinforcements he was in the employ of the Auckland City Council water works [at Titirangi].

Auckland Star 7 July 1917

Norman Edmund Vercoe

He was the son of Philip and Ann Vercoe of New Windsor Road. Norman was born in Blenheim. The family were at Kaihu before 1907, and Norman attended Avondale School 1907-1910. He served with the 16th Reinforcements Auckland Infantry Battalion, A Company, and survived the war, only to die 5 June 1919 after discharge from the NZEF from wounds inflicted or disease contracted while on active service. Buried Waikumete Cemetery.

Arthur Edwin Ward

At Avondale School 1897-1901. Father noted on school roll as Edgar William Ward. Enlisted from Grove Road, Edendale (Sandringham), Auckland Infantry Battalion. Died 8 August 1915, killed in action, at Gallipoli.

William Welch

The son of John and Jane Anne Welch, of 20 Livingstone St., Auckland, although John Welch was in Avondale from c.1887. William served at Gallipoli, but died 18 September 1916, at the Somme.

Robert John Willoughby

The son of William and Lillian S Willoughby, of Canal Rd., Avondale. The family came from Paeroa; Robert was in Avondale School only in 1908, then he went to work. He was a farmer before he enlisted.

Herbert Slade and Robert Willoughby (Mr. Matthews) were charged with having removed sign posts, the property of the Avondale Road Board. After evidence had been heard at length Slade was fined 10s ordered to pay all witnesses' expenses, amounting to 22s, and half the damage, 4s 6d. Willoughby was fined 10s, and was ordered to pay 4s 6d, half the damages incurred.

NZ Herald 12 November 1912

Robert died of wounds received in the Ploegsteert Wood, Flanders, 27 March 1917.

Gunner R J Willoughby (died of wounds) was well known in Avondale. On the outbreak of war he was put on guard duty at the fort, but later joined the 9th Reinforcements, being attached to the artillery. His parents reside at Canal Road. Avondale.

 Auckland Star 17 July 1917

Update 30 November 2013: From the comments below ...

Hi, Thank you for your most informative blog.
Robert Willoughby is my Great Uncle, and like my father I carry the name Robert also (though the name in our family is as old as the Willoughby family name).

Robert's younger brother Walter later married one Murial Dickey of New Windsor Road, who also lost two brothers to WWI (one at Gallipoli and the other from the effects of Mustard gas on the Western front) I 'm not sure whether any of the Dickey family attended Avondale Primary, I think they were home schooled.

Three generations of Willoughby's have attended Avondale Primary.
I had no idea the roll of Honour Tablet existed till now. Thank you for posting information about it, I shall have to visit and see it. You have made my day - thank you!

Thanks/regards

Alan R Willoughby
Glendene

The Dickey family arrived at Avondale after World War I, hence why the sons aren't on any Avondale rolls.

John Thomas (Tim) Lilley

His childhood guardian while at Avondale School was W Alfred Lilley of New Windsor Road. He is recorded as coming from Nelson Street, and Tim was only in Avondale School for Standard 4, in 1901. His father was John Thomas Lilley, a storekeeper at Henderson in the 1880s, who died at Onehunga’s Railway Terminus Hotel 13 June 1892. His mother was Alice Christina Lilley (remarried, became Mrs Greenway). He was also two years older than the school roll has noted, born in 1887 rather than 1889. Tim Lilley worked as a currier before enlistment with the 15th Reinforcements Auckland Infantry Battalion, A Company in 1916, and died of wounds on 25 August 1918 in France. He’s also on the Oddfellows roll of honour.

Herbert (Bert) William Cox

Herbert was grandson of John Samuel L Cox, rates collector, dog registrar and clerk for the Whau Highway District (later Avondale Road Board) from c.1877 to 1892. J S L Cox’s son James Thomas G Cox married Mary Alice Armstrong (from Park Farm, Maunu, Whangarei) in 1890. Herbert was born in Whangarei in 1891. He and his younger brother Fred Cox were in Waterview, possibly after the death of Mary Ann Cox, Herbert’s grandmother, to at least early 1898, but not in a standards class at Avondale School — in May 1898, the family went to the Waikato. By 1915, when Herbert enlisted, he had been living at the family’s home at Balmoral Road, Mt Eden since 1910, and was working as a clerk for the Auckland Education Board in Shortland Street. He had already served 4 years with the A Battery Field Artillery, reaching the rank of sergeant, under compulsory military training. He stood 5 feet, 11½ inches tall. By March 1916, he’d been promoted from gunner, to corporal, to sergeant, then 2nd Lieutenant with the 8th Reinforcements, Field Artillery. He died from wounds received in action in the field in France 23 September 1918.

Second-Lieutenant Herbert W Cox, reported killed in action on September 23, was the eldest son of Mr J T G Cox, inspector of schools, Balmoral Road, Mount Eden. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and the University College, and prior to enlisting he was engaged in the treasury of the Auckland Education Board. He left New Zealand with the eighth reinforcements, and was attached to the artillery. After serving a few months in Egypt he proceeded to France, where he obtained his commission. He was attached to the Fourth Howitzer Battery of the Third Brigade when he met his death. A brother, Lieutenant F G Cox, who lost the sight of an eye at the Somme, is expected to return in a draft due at an early date. 

NZ Herald 5 October 1918

Angelo Parigi -- an early Auckland waterman

Official Bay just to the left of Point Britomart in the centre. Copy of an oil painting by Samuel Stuart showing Auckland waterfront. Ref 4-509, Sir George Grey Special Collections

A descendant of one Angelo Parigi (also recorded as Paragee, Paragei and other variants) told me via email a few months ago that he was an early Auckland waterman, essentially a water taxi proprietor. The watermen were an important part of harbour operations in the early days before even the imposing Queen Street Wharf stretching out from the Commercial Bay reclamation. With mud and shallows between immigrant and cargo ships and the port itself, the boats of the watermen were one of the main ways of conveying items and people ashore.

To the Editor of the Southern Cross.
Sir, Will you be kind enough to insert this in your next publication, as we are of opinion that we labour under a grievance, which may be remedied if publicity be given to our complaint through the public press. What we complain of is that on the arrival of a vessel in this Port, the Harbour Master's Boat is generally tendered for the conveyance of Passengers and Luggage on shore, although at the same time there are a number of Watermen very often standing idle for want of a Fare. This we consider is tantamount to taking away in a great measure our means of livelihood. We think that it is the exclusive privilege of Watermen to take Passengers to and fro' in the Harbour, and that although at present no Local Act has been passed to protect them in their avocation, yet we are of opinion, they are protected by implication from any infringement on their rights. Perhaps (and we hope it to be the case) the Harbour Master is not aware of the use made of his Boat, at all events we think that should this meet his eye he will put a stop to a proceeding which we assure you, Mr. Editor, has been for some time a serious loss to us. In conclusion we beg to observe, that there are a number of us who endeavour to obtain a livelihood as Watermen (and in these somewhat dull times not a very lucrative one), therefore any encroachment on (what we conceive to be) our exclusive privileges must, you will perceive, be rather sensibly felt by ourselves and families. We remain yours &c. The Watermen. Auckland, October 1st, 1847. 

Southern Cross 9 October 1847

Angelo was originally from the island of Malta, from the Tarxien district. He must surely have been one of the first immigrants from that island to New Zealand, if not the first. His span of existence here in Auckland was brief, likely little more than seven years, and his death raises questions to this day for those who claim him on their family tree.

He was also one of the city’s earliest competitive rowers, taking part in the sport at the annual regattas, during the days of the first Waitemata Boating Club.

The earliest possible trace I’ve found of him goes back to early 1847, when the New Zealander reported on the anniversary regatta that had just taken place: “The last race was of wherries, three of which started, and the race was won by Mr Thatcher's Mirage, jun., rowed by Angelo.” (6 February)

If this was him, by the end of the year he seems to have broken away from rowing other men’s boats, and was in business for himself, setting up at the “water place” in Official Bay – the Wynyard Pier, where ships came to take water from the Wai Ariki spring piped to the jetty. The Fear Not (later spelled "Fear-nought") was one of his boats, right through to nearly the end. Oddly, he advertised that it was for sale – or, he may simply have passed the name onto another, later boat.

FOR SALE, THE 'FEAR NOT,' a Waterman's Boat, with Anchor and Cable, pair of Ash Paddles, Rudder and Yoke, and Spread-sail complete. She is about nine months old, copper-fastened and roughed, and is in excellent repair. Apply to Angelo Paragee. Auckland, Dec. 13, 1847.

New Zealander 15 Dec 1847

He was still in business early the following year.

NOTICE. THE Undersigned informs the inhabitants of Auckland that he has a WATERMAN'S BOAT ready at any hour, Day or Night, at the Watering Place, Official Bay. ANGELO PARAGEE. Auckland, 14th Jan. 

New Zealander 15 Jan 1848

It could be said that Angelo was a man who didn’t shy away from a contest. Here he set up a swimming or diving challenge (it isn’t known at present whether anyone took him up on it.)

CHALLENGE. Swimming and Diving. THE UNDERSIGNED hereby challenges any person in the Port of Auckland to take him up in a match of either Swimming or Diving, on Wednesday Next, the 31st Jan., for the sum of Five Pounds a side. The distance and particulars to be arranged between the parties. Angelo Paragee, Waterman, Official Bay. 

New Zealander 27 Jan 1849

Family sources state that he married Roseanne McMullen on 4 July 1849, a 16 year old daughter of one of the Fencibles who had arrived with her family on the Ann not long before and lived at Otahuhu. They married, apparently, at St Patricks cathedral. A year later, their 8 day old daughter Mary Ann died from a bowel complaint, 31 July 1850. The death registration reveals that Angelo was illiterate.

Next, we see him taking part in the 10th anniversary regatta in January 1850, his British Queen bearing a flag with a red cross on white background. (Southern Cross 29 Jan 1850) He won the race, pulling a pair of sculls, but objections were raised. (New Zealander 2 Feb 1850) He responded in what may have been true Angelo Parigi fashion – with a challenge.

CHALLENGE. A DISPUTE having arisen out of the Race at the Regatta, between the boats British Queen, Red Rover, and Talyho, The Undersigned, in whose favour the decision for the prize was given, hereby challenges the same boats, to be rowed by the same men, to a Rowing Match, to start from the Albert Buoy, round Brown's Island and back to the Buoy, for Twenty Pounds against Ten. Angelo Peragi, Owner of the British Queen. February 4, 1850. 

New Zealander 6 Feb 1850

Again, no word on what outcome there was, if any. The following year, he issued another challenge.

CHALLENGE. I, ANGELO PARAGEE, hereby Challenge any Boatman or Amateur Rower in the Port of Auckland to a single handed match with sculls, either in two equal boats, or in one boat to pull a certain distance in a given time, for any moderate stake not exceeding seven pounds a side.

New Zealander 1 Feb 1851

His second daughter Susan was born 29 November 1851. At the twelfth anniversary regatta (1852), in race eight, waterman’s boats pulling two oars for a prize of £5, The “Robert” (Angelo) won. He also came second in the 11th race. (New Zealander 31 Jan 1852) In the 1853 regatta – he won the eighth race with his waterman’s boat, two sculls, Susannah, prize £5 5s.

Southern Cross 1 Feb 1853

Another mystery from around this time, linked with Angelo because he was apparently associated, is the first “Waitemata Boat Club”, which appears to have been involved somehow with the early regattas.

Waitemata Boat Club. THOS. WESTON & CO will Sell by Auction, THIS DAY, at the Victoria Pier, Commercial Bay, on account of the Waitemata Boat Club,
The racing gig "ALPHABET," with Oars, &c.
The racing gig SYLPH," with Oars, Masts, Sail, &c.
These Boats are in first rate order for the Regatta.
Also, THE BOAT SHED, situate in Official Bay.
The above may be seen any time previous to the sale, on application to Mr. Angelo Paragee, Official Bay, or at the Victoria Pier at 1 o'clock on the Day of Sale.

Southern Cross 27 Jan 1854

The Alphabet was a raffle prize for a competition at the Exchange Hotel in December 1850, with proceeds going towards “the Regatta Fund”. (New Zealander 14 December 1850) It, along with Sylph (which was raced by the Waitemata Boat Club) took part in the 1851 regatta. (New Zealander 29 January 1851)

In the last year of his life, Angelo Parigi took part in the 1854 regatta, but lost the ninth race (waterman’s boats) in his “Fear-nought.” In September, someone seems to have been mucking about with his boat.

The boat "Fear-nought" having been taken away from the Wynyard Pier, after 9 o'clock, on Friday night last and on looking for it during the night, I found the said boat unmoored under the Pier, with a few potatoes in the bottom of it. Whoever can give information as to who took the boat away off its mooring will receive the above reward. Angelo Paragee, N.N. Three bundles were found at the end of the Pier, the same evening. Sept. 11, 1854.

Southern Cross 12 Sept 1854

A month and a half later, on 29 October 1854, Angelo Parigi died at the Colonial Hospital in Auckland. The cause of death was given in the registration as “Irritative fever, the result of a severe burn.” How Angelo received so severe a burn that it led to a fatal inflammation and infection of his tissues, something like gangrene and tetanus, is not yet known. He was buried in the Roman Catholic section of Symonds Street Cemetery. Angelo’s third daughter Margaret never saw her father, as she was born January 1855. Later, in June that year, a set of by-laws were put in place by the new Provincial Council governing the watermen, concerning licences, fees, carriage of persons and luggage.

There is a family story that Angelo was somewhere in South Auckland in mid October 1854, helping to clear land with some “colonel friends” when he was badly burned, to the extent that his fingers were burned off. The names Balneavis, Haultain and Nixon are mentioned. However, there are no reports in either the New Zealander or the Southern Cross of any incident so severe – and in colonial times, something so horrific as the loss of fingers in the fire would have attracted some attention. Was there a fire near where he lived on Eden Crescent? Did one of his boats catch fire? Again, the newspapers and the records remain silent.

Angelo’s name had slipped into forgotten history long before a new Waitemata Boat Club started up in 1862, with no reference to the first club by that name. The days of watermen were numbered as the wharves and jetties extended out into the harbour, ferries began to appear, and cutters and scows handled most of the old ship-to-shore trade.

Angelo Parigi’s story, though, is intriguing. His descendants and I would love to know more.