Recollections of Early Days at the Avondale Post Office

This was written by the late George Baird, a very dear friend and member of the Avondale-Waterview Historical Society who died earlier this year. I still miss him and his charming, welcoming smile. His widow gave me permission today to publish the following online. Second part is here.

Thank you very much, George. The photos are from his collection. Right is the man himself, on telegram duty, Avondale Racecourse on a Race Day.



I commenced work at the Avondale Post Office on 16 December 1936 as a messenger.

The Office was then situated in the old Hotel building on the corner of Great North Road and Wingate Street and occupied the whole of the ground floor. The Postmaster previously resided upstairs on the 1st floor, but at that time had a separate residence half a mile back along the Great North Road so the rooms upstairs were vacant.

A messenger wore a grey uniform and his mailroom duties consisted of receiving inward mail and making it available to the Postman for sorting and making up outward mail consisting of letters, registered articles, packets and parcels and dispatching them mainly by train but sometimes by tram to the C.P.O. in Auckland. Other duties consisted of assisting the messageboy in the delivery of telegrams which were numerous in those days, especially on race days, and relieving Postmen who may be on leave for whatever reason. In other words the Messenger was a “general dogsbody”. There was no such thing as domestic assistant in those days so the messageboy and messenger did all the sweeping, mopping of the office, back rooms, mailroom and toilets.

But no that was not all: there were those vacant rooms upstairs which periodically had to be swept and kept free of cobwebs. It was when sweeping upstairs we discovered a lose floorboard which when removed gave a wide clear view of the mailroom directly above the Postmen’s sorting cases. Is this where the P.M. previously used to keep an eye on his early morning sorting staff?

At the time I started work at Avondale the Postmaster was Mr. J. G. McGregor and his first assistant was George Shirley. Jim Doherty was a cadet counter staff and telegraphist. Head Postman was George Button and additional Postman over a period of time were Jack Dewar, Don Kerwan, Charles Butler, Eric Turner, Norman Rutherford and later Douglas Smith. Messageboys were Jack Holmes, Jim Mitchel and Warwick Brothers. However the total staff at that time was nine.

Above: The Post Office in the Old Hotel.
Left to Right: Jack Holmes (Message Boy, Charles Butler & Eric Turner (Postmen), George Button (Hed Postman, Acting Telegraphist), Jim Doherty (Telegraphist), J G McGregor (Postmaster), Bill Mitchell (Messageboy), Norm Rutherford (Postman).

Mail was delivered by Postmen twice a day with about nine tenths of the district receiving the second delivery in the afternoon. There were four postal “walks” basically known as Rosebank, Waterview, New Windsor and Avondale South. Of course it was all delivered on bicycle and some of those roads were unsealed and without footpaths.

There was still a clear class distinction between Clerical and Postal staff in the eyes of out Postmaster of the time. One way this was reflected was in the Christmas leave rosters. Some postal staff relieved in the office while office staff took their leave first and then the postal staff came into consideration with the messageboys coming last. If one complained the stick reply was that leave was a privilege which you should be pleased to be granted if and when possible!

Mail closing times coincided with Railway running timetables to give sufficient time to date stamp all letters and parcels, record any registered mail, make up a waybill, seal the bag or bags and get them up to the Avondale railway station and into the guard’s van of the passenger train from Henderson to the City. Those trains used to run on time and the slightest delay in getting a mail closing underway meant desperate efforts between the Post Office and the Railway Station for the person responsible. A mailbag across the handlebars of the pushbike and hell-for-leather up Crayford Street and across the railway tracks with the train under full throttle over the St Judes crossing was no piece-of-cake. The ignominy of missing the train and having to come back to ask the Postmaster to telegraph a special memo to the Auckland mailroom informing them which tram to meet was daunting and humiliating.

In time, in 1938, a new purpose-built Post Office was opened on the corner of Great North Road and Rosebank Road. The Postmaster was very proud of his new office with walk-in strongroom and a combination lock which gave him untold trouble to open at times. There was central heating from a coal-fired boiler, spacious mailroom and counter space and very adequate public area. We also now had a handcart to pull up the Rosebank Road hill to the railway station with the mail onboard.

Jim Doherty transferred elsewhere and additional telegraphists and counter staff in Les Lyons and Corban Ward joined the staff. I eventually had my designation changed to Postman.

Soon after the outbreak of war in September 1939, for reasons of economy the office was closed from 12 noon to 1 pm each day. Business was increasing and staffing becoming more difficult due to the demands of the armed forces. Female staff were beginning to be employed. At Avondale Rhoda Nesbit became the first Postwoman and later 2 sisters Pam and Jane Silver if my memory serves me correctly were employed on telegram delivery and counter work.

And then it was my turn to depart and join the Army for service overseas. I did return to the Avondale office in late 1945 and resumed in my old capacity as a Postman. However I soon transferred to the Engineering Branch for the remainder of my 40 years service.

At the time I left the Avondale Office the Postmaster was Mr. W C Main.

Additional notes:

From the days when the P.O. was in the Hotel building.

The Postmen wore blue uniforms, the messengers wore grey.
The door was right on the corner of the building, leading into the small office, public counter, ledgers etc.

The counter was very stable. One day a bloke rode into the P.O. door on a motorbike by accident, and just bounced off the counter. George Shirley was behind the counter at the time.

The Postmaster’s room was off the main entry in one direction. There was a side dor and passage linking straight through to a dor on Wingate Street.

The mailroom may have been the hotel’s dining room. In the centre were the sorting benches/racks – postmen stood on each side sorting letters. In the ceiling above was a decorated ceiling with round filigree work carved in wood. The loose floorboards in the upstairs bedrooms allowed for anyone to look straight through the ceiling decoration to the sorting racks below.

Postmaster McGregor was old fashioned, used to rule in his own manner, and didn’t get on with his staff. The Postmaster in those days ruled the “sub office” as his own little kingdom. The day he retired he walked through the office, handing his keys to George Shirley, and no one said good night to him. The new Postmaster WC Main was much younger, but still had the same attitude towards staff. He got a few nicknames because of his name.

McGregor used to set traps for people. There was a little canvas bag on the sorting counter to put in any lose stamps that had fallen off letters or parcels. One time he “planted” a trap for the message boy who was sweeping the floor after the postmen had gone out. The Postmaster came out, and asked him if he’d found any stamps. The boy pulled a stamp out of his fob pocket, produced it, and was accused of stealing it, and had the strips torn off him. He received a written notification from the Postmaster – “please explain” in writing. If you had more than 1 for the month, totalled up, might get fined 2/6 after being reported to the Chief Postmaster in Auckland.

The mail made up to go to town had to have a docket to go with it, description of any registered letters. George Baird forgot to include it one time and was fined. The mailbag was also sealed with a lead seal before delivery to the station.

The guard’s van on the train was on the front. One time George decided to sling the bag to get it on the train. He saw a gentleman in a wheelchair in the guard’s van – the bag landed in his lap. People in wheelchairs travelled in the guards van in those days.

George as postman/messenger also relieved the telegram messageboy in his lunch hour. The Telegraphist worked through to 6 pm. The Post Office closed at 5 pm, but the message boy and telegraphist stayed on until 6 pm, until the head office in town “released you”. Might have to wait for a telegram until after 6 pm sometimes. Might have to do delivery, on push bike, as far as White Swan Road in the evening.

Postmen and messengers alternated duties. Early duty possibly 8.30 am. Early/late duty alternated. The Senior telegraphist would relieve the Postmaster. Order of precedence: messageboy – messenger – postman/messenger – postman – mail sorter – supervisor. In smaller offices, postal staff relieved in the clerical office.

Telegraphists had multiple duties – served as counter clerk. Later on, when the office got bigger, the telegraphist acted as clerk. The Supervisor was the telegraphist as well as counter clerk, and was relief for the Postmaster.

George was 18 when he joined the Post Office. Just out of the Great Depression. PO was just starting to take on staff again. During the Depression men in their 20s were still just message boys, delivering telegrams. There was a vacancy for Postman at Avondale when George was 21. He was rated as a postman, but still worked as a postman/messenger. This was embarrassing for him, aged 21.

He had a good rapport with the customers who were inclined to offer him cups of tea. He had to resist that as the Postmaster would check you in. The last one in got a verbal rap for taking so long.

George wasn’t too fast at sorting. One man tried to help him out, but was shoed away by the Postmaster.

Afternoon delivery was shortened one – not to Avondale South, Rosebank etc.

George Button was senior postman. Had small delivery in the “Village” business centre. Lived up in Roberton Road, went home 20 minutes for lunch. Had to be back by 12 when the office shut. Had to answer the phone, manual exchange, dust Postmaster’s room and table. Postmaster would not allow him to ride his bike – he had to walk. When the Postmaster came back from his lunch, he came in, checked the dust, and said to Button, “You haven’t dusted the table.” “Haven’t had time,” was the reply. Postmaster would then go to the exchange and pick up the toll cards and count them. Button was a WWI veteran.

Warwick Rogers delivered telegrams. The Postmaster wanted full explanations as to why a delivery to Exler’s potteries took so long. “Couldn’t find Mr Exler, that’s why it took so long, the property is extensive.”
The Postmaster went up in a private car to see Exler. Rogers had already pre-warned Exler by phone. Rogers killed overseas in the airforce.

The Avondale South delivery was a very long one. Whitney St was a clay track. The delivery would go up Ridge Road, Halsey Drive (a metal cart road then), then Donovan St to Blockhouse Bay, then out to the other side (Taunton Tce, Heaphy St). Came back down Taylor St, Puketea, Matai, to bolttom. The delivery finished down there. It had the least mail – long spaces between customers.

The Waterview run carried a lot of mail. It included Avondale Heights and Roberton. The sorter for that had the most mail.

Used to have to maintain own bikes. A bike mechanic in Newmarket workshops – periodic repairs, replacement bikes. On the whole you maintained your bike. Changes of tyres, chain, pedals etc. Parts came from Newmarket – any spares available.

Ready for the Road.
George Baird, Charles Biutler (Postmen), George Button (Head Postman), Douglas Smith (Postman). At rear: An unknown messageboy, and George Shirley (Supervisor).

Backroads -- a Northland history blog

My dear friend for most of my life, author of the Mad Bush Farm blog, has launched another one -- this time, on Northland's history called Back Roads. Keep an eye on it folks -- there are lots of links between Auckland and Northland with regard to common heritage, even though we are "town and country".

Advertisements 1909

These come from the NZ Observer and the Evening Post.

Brown Barrett & Co have associations with Avondale and surrounding districts through the McKail Geddes family, but -- I chose this because it is a beautiful advertisement for its time. From the Observer, well-known for the quality of its artwork.

For a penny, you can stand at a fence in Hazard's gallery and take pot shots at horses, dogs, people ... the "running objects". Or, if you go by the illustration, who needs the shooting gallery when you can be the Lone Gunman behind the nearest fence? This is a troubling advertisement looking at it with today's eyes. Also from the Observer.

Any ideas what this advertisement is all about? Is E. Arnold selling (a) the pram or (b) clothing? Granted, he must have been well-known for his trade in Wellington back in 1909, but today -- I haven't a clue.

Anyone reading who would care to have a go at taking a pill called "Brown Peas"?

The Model-T Ford comes to New Zealand, and at £300 is immediately a luxury item. Especially when you were very lucky to be paid £1 per week wages.

This ad caught me by surprise. These days a "go-cart" is either a kid's box-cart used down a hill, or the motorised versions which roar around the track at the end of Rosebank Road. But, it seems, the etymology took a turn toward the field of baby-care. A bit of a check of articles from 1909 seem to indicate that what we know cas a pram and a "go-cart" were nearly synonyms, if not interchanged regularly. This snippet from the Evening Post in November 1908 illustrates this:

" ... a candidate for Wellington South slipped on the pavement while he was reaching over a low go-cart to kiss a baby. He hit his nose against one of the flag-stones, and left some blood there. He is applying for permission from the City Council, to remove the blood-stained stone, and put another in its place. He intends carrying the crimson-spangled monument around the district under his arm as a token of his devotedness to the district, and will subsequently put it in a glass case by the General Post Office for all to see."

This was chosen because, like the butterfly coffee ad at the top, this one is so well-drawn it caught my eye. The apricots tumbling from the large tin look just like apricots. A lovely effort in the days before photographic advertising.

A Gallagher connection

Image from NZ Observer and Free Lance, 17 January 1891, via Papers Past.

A very tragic story, which took place in the Taranaki district town of Waverley at Christmas in 1890 has, quite possibly, links with Avondale’s history.

Charles Gallagher, who lived in Thames, Te Aroha, New Plymouth and Waverley during his time in New Zealand, was born in County Donegal, Ireland. As a youth, his family seems to have made the journey across the Atlantic to the United States, where he and his brothers became involved in mining. He fought on the side of the Union during the American Civil War, and after the conflict became part owner, along with his two brothers, of some lucrative Nevada silver mines. They all became wealthy men.

Gallagher returned to Donegal and married Margaret Walker, and then emigrated to Australia. In Sydney, Mrs. Gallagher became unwell, so they journeyed further, to Te Aroha for the benefit of the baths. There, in 1886, they built a house close to the Domain, with water piped straight from the Domain’s supply. Gallagher also registered a mining claim, “Bonanza” (possibly after the Nevada mine “Great Bonanza”.) He was looking for silver once again, and is said to have specially imported expensive machinery to undertake the mining. He had brought £33,000 with him to the colony, a princely sum in those days, which was his share of the sale of the “Great Bonanza” in Nevada. Most of his assets were vested in his wife.

Things between Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher, however, were strained. Gallagher pointed a revolver at his wife during one argument at Te Aroha, according to her later testimony. He apparently became jealous of a friendship she had with Catholic Father Cassidy at St Joseph’s parsonage in New Plymouth. On 19th December 1888, the family travelled to New Plymouth for the break-up of St Patrick’s Boy’s School, and stayed at the parsonage. While there, Gallagher made threats to shoot Mrs. Gallagher, after an afternoon spent drinking and deep in a morose mood. He even went so far as to strike another priest, Father O’Donnell. Unfortunately for him, both Father Cassidy and Father O’Donnell were not above defending themselves with their fists. The police court judge just bound him over to keep the peace, on payment of sureties.

After this, the couple separated, Mary Gallagher going to live in Waverley and Wellington. Somehow, by Christmas 1890, they thought they might pull the marriage back together. This, as in turned out, was a tragic mistake. After one final argument in a hotel there where they were staying, Gallagher shot his wife dead, and then turned the rifle on himself, initially only wounding himself then, after reloading cartridges before horrified witnesses, shot himself twice more. He died hours later.

Why is all this connected with Avondale? I spotted the following paragraph today in the Taranaki Herald of 30 December 1890, via Papers Past, which led me to track through and discover the rest of this tale.

“It is not of course known who Gallagher spent the large sum acquired for his Nevada mining interest, but when he made the settlement on his wife, she only received £2000, that being all that remained of it. There was a rumour that he had come into a fortune of £3000 a year, but this Mr. Craig assures is unfounded. Gallagher’s two brothers are now in California, but one of them resided for some time at Avondale, where he acquired some property, which he still owns, but about two years ago he left Auckland for California with his wife to join his unmarried brother there.”

This sounds like Patrick Gallagher, the owner of Stoneleigh Estate which became, after his death in 1901 and sale to the Crown, the Methuen Hamlet. This would explain why John Bollard was the executor – in Patrick Gallagher’s absence from c.1888, Bollard may well have been his agent, leasing out the property. If Patrick Gallagher is one of the Gallagher Brothers of the Nevada “Great Bonanza” silver mine, this would also explain his grand ideas back in the early 1880s to have his Avondale farm become a brickyard. Ideas which, like those of his brother Charles, came to nought here in New Zealand.

About the wattle -- an interview with Mr. Gittos

The "W. Gittos" mentioned would have been instead either John Gittos or his brother Francis, the latter being the manager at the time of the firm's Richmond tanning works near Western Springs. Apart from that, this is a rare reported interview, originally from the Auckland Star, but repeated in the Te Aroha News. 29 October 1887.

Our representative waited upon Mr W Gittos, of the firm of Gittos and Son, the well-known tanners, who has always exhibited great interest in the introduction of the black wattle to New Zealand. Upon being informed that information was desired, he courteously offered to supply what data he could. "Did you supply the seed from which the bark now on exhibition at the Star Office was grown?" was the first question propounded.

"Yes; I handed it to one of our men who was engaged at the Avondale works, and he planted it on his land not far from the railway-station."

"What kind of land was it?"

"Oh, the usual clay bottom; not too good in quality."

"Then the black wattle would flourish all through Waikomiti?"

"Evidently it would, as the soil is somewhat alike. There's one thing about that bark that is worth taking notice of. It is not taken from the trunks of the trees, but merely from the branches. Of course when the trees are cut down better bark will be obtainable."

"Is that bark of good quality ?"

"Yes; I consider as regards the quality that for the size of the growth it is very good. It is generally the opinion in Australia that five years' growth is very good. I would make an allowance of two years for the difference in the climate, and say let the trees grow for seven years in New Zealand. It is not advisable to let them get too old, or else the bark loses some of its value by becoming as it were, exhausted. It's just the same as the difference between a young and an old man: one is much more vigorous than the other."

"What kind of soil suits best — dry or swampy?"

"Well, as it comes from Australia, I should say that the wattle requires a dry soil. I fancy that although it succeeds well on the clay, the wattle would do better on light sandy soils."

"Do the seeds germinate pretty easily?"

"In planting the wattle it is better to soak the seed for about two hours in hot water. Of course not hot enough to scald it but warm enough to soften, as the seed is very hard. The black wattle seed is black with a little white cap at one end."

"I suppose the seed can be easily obtained?"

"Oh, yes! You can get it from Australia for about 2s 6d per lb. As the seeds are small, a pound of them would cover a lot of ground. I should advise intending planters to get the seed from Adelaide, as the bark from there is the best in the colonies. Launceston, Tasmanian, and Victorian bark is all good for tanning, but we consider the Adelaide bark superior to the rest. That is why I advise getting Adelaide seed. If we get the best seed we ought then to get the best quality of bark. The seed ought to be bought for about 2s per lb in quantity."

"How would you plant wattle?"

"That all depends upon the land. If it is cleared fern land easy to plough, I should recommend planting the seed in drills 6 to 8 feet apart. It will grow without manure, and would therefore be suitable for waste lands. Of course the richer the land the better the crop and the larger the returns. It always pays, you know, to use manure. But at the present time, when there is so much said about utilising the waste lands of the colony, I should think that the wattle would be a good idea. It also does very well on land where the timber has already been cleared. I should say if the seeds were scattered amongst the ashes after the burn-off, it would be sufficient to cover them, and they would do all right. In Australia, where the wattle grows wild the soil is very light, and the trees just grow up from the seeds dropped from above. That is one point that must be remembered. Here we have the labour of clearing the land and planting the trees, while in Australia it grows wild."

"Do you think that in the case of such a difference it will pay to plant wattle?"

"Yes, I do. At present the best chopped Adelaide bark is worth £9 per ton. We like the chopped better than the ground, because we can more easily detect if it has been adulterated. Some people, you know, grind up the silver wattle bark with the black. It is not a good plan, though, for we soon detect it, and then buy no more from that place, and so they lose the trade altogether. Some time ago Mr Kelly, at Mount Eden, was cutting up his land for sale, and he felled a few black wattle trees which he had. He sent down a sample of the bark to our establishment, about 2 to 3 cwt. It was as good in quality as any bark from Auckland. Myrtle bark is also at times mixed with the wattle bark, but it's not so good, as it is only suitable for light tanning. As regards planting the wattle there is one feature in its favour. That is, there is such a largo demand for the bark that there is no fear of over-stocking the market. Why, our own works alone at Richmond, if in full work, would use about 300 tons a year. At £9 a ton that would make a nice sum. Besides this the black wattle bark is now largely used in England. The reason for this demand is that the supply of oak bark is rapidly decreasing. So that there would always be a good market for the bark. Large quantities of Australian bark are sent over every year now."

"Evidently this might develop an industry."

"I think it would do better by keeping the money in the colony and preventing us from having to import Australian bark."

"But don't you use New Zealand barks? I thought Tanekau bark was reckoned first-class for tanning?"

"We don't u»c any of the New Zealand barks now. The reason is that there is too much wood and not enough tannic acid in our native barks. Tanekau has too much turpentine in it to be of much use for tanning. Towai and black birch have been used, but they are also deficient in tannic acid. Another difficulty is that settlers do not take the trouble to supply the bark, except at times like these, when money is scarce. I have now in hand several letters from settlers asking us to buy bark."

"There seems to be very little doubt from what you say that the bark will pay to grow?"

"Well, I think that any gentleman who has capital sufficient to enable him to plant the black wattle and wait 6 or 7 years for the return will do well. To succeed properly it would be advisable to erect a mill for chopping or grinding the bark on the plantation. The mill is not very expensive, and its cost would be recouped by the cheaper transit of the produce. It would never do to merely tie the bark together in bundles, more especially if it was to be exported."

"Is it necessary to plant any shelter round the wattle plantations?"

"No. The black wattle does not require much shelter. I think that if settlers would only turn their attention to this tree they might utilise a lot of land that at present is lying idle."

Our representative having the information he desired, thanked Mr Gittos and retired.

The hotel with no “tea”

Avondale Hotel in the 1880s. From a print copy of a photo held at Special Collections, Auckland Public Libraries, ref. A3039.

The following comes from the Te Aroha News, 13 March 1886. The "Mr. Bayley" referred to is John Brayley, publican at Avondale from February 1884 to May 1886.

Complaints have frequently been received by the police from various travellers that the licensees of some country hotels, and also some that are situated in the city, are not particularly eager to carry out the provisions of the Licensing Act and supply victuals only to wayfarers when required. At length an opportunity arrived when action might be taken.

A gentleman named Daniel Shea Lawlor gave information at the police-station that he had been refused tea at the Avondale Hotel. The case was at once taken up, and on 9th April the licensee, Mr. John Bayley, appeared at the Police Court, and the case was heard before Messrs Moat and King, Justices. Mr. Cotter appeared for the defendant, and pleaded not guilty.

Sergeant Gamble stated that on the evening of the 19th of February a gentleman named Daniel Shea Lawlor went to defendant's hotel at Avondale, and having travelled from Henderson, he asked to be supplied with tea, meaning the evening meal. He was informed that it could not be provided, but afterwards was offered some bread and meat. As he did not wish to partake of liquors, the informant was compelled to go to a private house in the neighbourhood in order to obtain his tea. This of course, was a serious matter, as the licenses were really granted the hotels not for the purpose of selling intoxicants, but in order that travellers might be provided with accommodation. He might further state that numerous complaints had reached the police regarding the defendant having been previously guilty of similar offences.

Daniel Shea Lawlor deposed that on the 19th of February he arrived as a traveller at the Avondale Hotel about seven' o'clock in the evening. He saw Mr. Bayley, the landlord, and signified his intention of staying the night, and also having tea. This was refused, the licensee saying that he was then too late, but he offered bread and meat and beer. This witness refused, as he was just recovering from a severe illness, and his stomach was rather low. Witness further stated that he had reminded the landlord of his duties under the Act, but Mr. Bayley persistingly refused to supply tea. His manner was offensive, although his language was not offensive. Witness went to the stable where his horse was feeding in order to escape the abuse of the landlord, but Mr. Bayley followed him and demanded payment for the horse's feed before it had finished, and threatened to retain the saddle and bridle unless it was paid forthwith. He was therefore compelled to pay at once, and then retired to the house of a settler, where he obtained the tea that he required as a restorative.

In the morning he returned to the hotel and got his breakfast, but not until he had, in colonial parlance, "worked the crack" with the landlord. By Mr. Cotter: He had told Mr. Bollard that the place was extremely dirty. Had said that there was an island of dirt on the table when he had his breakfast at the hotel next morning. That was, of course, comparatively speaking. Mr. John Bollard stated that he considered the house was very well conducted. He had been on the Licensing Bench for the last 3 years, and they had never received a complaint against the house. Sergeant Gamble stated that another witness had been summoned, but had been unable to attend owing to ill-health.

Mr. Cotter contended that the case had broken down as the Act stipulated that the licensee of a hotel must provide "lodgings, meals, and accommodation," therefore the word "tea" was not mentioned. The other had all been offered to the informant, but he practically said: "All the world is naught to me unless I get my cup of tea." The Bench said that they considered the charge had not been sustained, and the case would therefore be dismissed. If the house was not properly conducted, then it was a case for the local Licensing Committee to deal with.

Personal Advertising: 1883

This from the Te Aroha News.

A gentleman in quest of a female partner requests us to insert the following adv't, which for minuteness and detailed particulars could not well be eclipsed.

He commences his grievance in the usual orthodox way with the eyecatching inscription "Wanted a wife " and proceeds as follows:—

"A gentleman residing at— — but at present on a visit to Te Aroha, is desirous of providing himself with the above domestic appurtenance. As regards age he is of the middle category and as to his appearance — well if not prepossessing he is not altogether unattractive. As to means, after the lapse of the present month be will be in receipt of at least £1200 a year. As to home and domestic surroundings these are of a nature conducive of the utmost earthly felicity.

Regarding the object of this want the lady applicant to ensure consideration must be of middle age, not flippant but dignified in her deportment, of temperate habits, of irreproachable virtue, appearance presentable, stature passable, and tongue controllable. Moreover she must have an inclination for music, vocal and instrumental, a knowledge of culinary science and a handy manipulator of the needle.

This want is bona fide and applications tor the post of Mrs— will receive earnest consideration. Applications with photos and particulars enclosed to be addressed to Te Aroha."

As we have our misgivings as to the advertiser's sincerity, or we might say his bona fide we refrain from publishing names, we only publish the foregoing in order to give the ladies a chance, leaving to themselves the task of discovering the wantor and satisfying if possible his many scruples.

Alexandra Redoubt, Tuakau

"This large redoubt, on the right bank of the Lower Waikato, was built in July, 1863, by a detachment of the 65th Regiment. The position, on a bold bluff about 300 feet above the river, was commanding and of great strategic importance. The redoubt is the best preserved of all the military posts built in 1863–64. The present entrance is from the roadway in the rear into the north-west flanking angle, where a monument erected by the Government bears the names of British soldiers who fell in the district."

More on the redoubt here.

Pukekohe East Presbyterian Church

"LOOKING DUE EAST from the higher part of Pukekohe Town one will see on the skyline, a mile and a half air-line distant, an isolated dot of white. In the late afternoon the speck of a building becomes a heliograph when the westering sun strikes flashes from its windows across the valley. This is the little Presbyterian church of Pukekohe East, a monument to-day to the pluckiest defence in the South Auckland War of 1863. Stockaded and occupied as a garrison-house by the settlers of the place, it was the scene of an attack by a strong war-party of Kingite Maoris, against whom it was held successfully by only seventeen men until reinforcements arrived."

Pukekohe East Church is another survivor from the turbulent period of the Waikato War. This one was the site of an attack in 1863. More of the story and background here.

"The Pukekohe East church, two miles from Pukekohe Railway-station by the road, stands in a commanding position on the eastern and highest rim of a saucer-shaped valley, the crater basin of an ancient volcano, about half a mile across at its greatest axis, east and west. The lower lip, facing Pukekohe Town, has been eroded through to the level of the old crater-floor, and a small stream, rising in the bushy slopes below the church and flowing through a swampy valley, issues from this break. "

The crater is massive, one of the largest I've seen. Far older than Auckland's relative spurts by comparison. When that one erupted, it would have been a monstrous clamour.



The Franklin district bus trip in January 2006 was supposed to be historical. It deviated toward the zoological when we historians spotted the emu collection just over the fence. Seemed surreal -- we were in a cemetery where folk had perished in time of war in this country, and over to the left were a few pieces of inquisitive Australia.

“In this encounter,” says Te Huia Raureti, “we lost, I think, more than forty men killed. Ngati-Pou suffered most; they had about thirty men killed. Most of the dead were carried off the field, but we had to leave them on the way, and some of the bodies were concealed in the hollows and the branch forks of large trees, among the wharawhara leaves, so that our enemies should not find them. We had no time to bury them. Of our party from up the river the killed included Te Warena, Wetere Whatahi, Moihi Whiowhio (of the Ngati-Matakore Tribe), and Matiu Tohitaka (Ngati-Rereahu). Te Raore Wai-haere, brother of Rewi Maniapoto, was wounded. My father, Raureti Paiaka, was wounded in the right arm.”

St Bride's Church, Mauku

"The Church of St. Bride's is of an eye-pleasing design that belongs to many of the churches planted by the pioneers, whose first care, after establishing their homes, was to set up a place of worship in their midst. Built of totara, its shingled roof dark with age, its spire lifting above the tree-tops, it stands picture-like on a green knoll in the midst of its little churchyard."

This is one of my favourite churches in the region. Have a read of the story behind this fortified church, the embrasures still visible on the outer walls of the building. This was built at the time of the Waikato War in the 1860s. If worst came to worst, the church was the last hope of safety for settlers caught up in the conflict if it came to their district.

Update 7 May 2011: NZHPT have included my photo (at top) on their register page for the church -- many thanks!

Grave of Sir Frederick Whitaker

Three more photos from St Stephen's Cemetery in April 2006, this time of what remains of the gravesite, gracefully crumbling, of Sir Frederick Whitaker (1812-1891). From the Cyclopedia of New Zealand:

When Auckland was chosen for the Capital in 1841, Mr. Whitaker removed to that city and remained a resident there until his death. In the following year he was appointed County Judge, a position which he held for two years, when that branch of the judicature was abolished.

In 1845 he was appointed senior member of the Legislative Council, and sat in the last council of Governor Fitzroy, and in the first of Governor Grey. When the insurrection of the natives in the North broke out he served in the New Zealand Militia, holding a major's commission, and was on military duty in Auckland when the Maoris threatened to annihilate the European settlers.

On the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act in 1852, he again came prominently before the public. He was elected a member of the Provincial Council, and sat in several sessions. Throughout the superintendency of General Wynyard he was Provincial Law Adviser, and a member of the Provincial Executive. In 1853 he received a seat in the Legislative Council, and in the following year attended the first session of the General Assembly. He became Attorney-General in 1855, and in the same year was appointed speaker of the Legislative Council. The latter position, however, he soon resigned to accept the Attorney-Generalship in the Bell-Sewell Ministry. This ministry lasted less than a fortnight, and the succeeding one, with Mr. Fox as Premier, was likewise ejected in the same space of time.

In consequence of these rapid changes, Mr. Whitaker soon became Attorney-General again—this time in the Stafford Ministry—which position he continued to hold until his colleagues were defeated, in 1861, on the question of Native affairs. He then resigned his seat in the Legislative Council, and commenced practice in Auckland in partnership with Mr. Thomas Russell. On the formation of the Fox Ministry, in 1863, he accepted the portfolios of Premier and Attorney-General, with a seat in the Legislative Council. At the end of the following year this ministry resigned, owing to a disagreement with the Governor, Sir George Grey, relative to the conduct of the Waikato War, and the treatment of the land of the hostile Maoris. Mr. Whitaker now retired from the Legislative Council.

In the following year he was elected Superintendent of Auckland, and returned to the House of Representatives as member for Parnell. In 1867 he retired from the Superintendency, and also from the General Assembly. For several years he engaged actively in the mining, timber, and pastoral industries, but returned to the political arena in 1876. On the resignation of Sir Julius Vogel he accepted the portfolio of Attorney-General in the Atkinson Ministry, and held this position (with the exception of a few months when he was Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs) until his government resigned in the following year. Soon afterwards he accepted the Attorney-Generalship in the Hall Ministry, with a seat in the Legislative Council, and when Sir John Hall was compelled to resign on account of ill-health, Mr. Whitaker rose to the head of the Government, in which position he continued until 1883. In the following year he received from Her Majesty the distinction of knighthood as a token of his services to the Colony.

When Major Atkinson returned to power in 1887, Sir Frederick again accepted his old portfolio of Attorney-General, and continued in this office until the resignation of his government in January, 1891. This closed his political career, and on the 4th of December, 1891, he died at his residence in Auckland.

The Wildfire mystery of the Hokianga, 1865

I took this photo of a gravestone in St Stephen's Cemetery, Judges Bay, in April 2006. Probably because I was taken with how different it looked from the usual grey blocks weathering with time. This looks just so crystal clear. Only this morning, when I looked at it again, did I realise how curious it really was.

The death recorded there that intrigued me was that of William Milner Tizard. A shipwreck at the Hokianga in 1863? (which is the date given on the stone) No -- the Wildfire was lost in a severe gale in March 1865. W. M. Tizard was indeed listed as the master of the schooner, wrecked 10 March, possibly somewhere near Waireia in the Hokianga Harbour. It had been built at Whangarei in 1862, and was 38 tons.

Trouble is -- William Milner Tizard appears to have outlived both his boat and his monument.

The Tizard family appear to have arrived in the course of two voyages to Auckland – 1854 on the Artemisia, and 1856 on the Ashmore. The father, William Henry Tizard, had three sons (as well as daughters): Henry William Rauson Tizard, Edward Fauconer Tizard, and William Milner Tizard. The brothers established a foundry at Mechanics Bay, employing a number of men, by 1856. (Southern Cross, 4 November 1856, p. 2) By 1858, they advertised that they were marine and general engineers, having worked at “Messrs George and Sir John Rennie’s, London". (Southern Cross, 21 September 1858, p. 4) That year, the brothers submitted a tender to the government for establishing an inter colonial steam boat service – this was declined. (Nelson Examiner, 23 June 1858, p. 3)

We are glad to see that our first Auckland-built steam boat has at last been fairly launched. She has not yet been brought into the neighbourhood of the wharf, and we must therefore defer saying anything more particular concerning her; but we hope in our next to be able to congratulate the spirited builders— Messrs. Tizard — on the addition which they have made to our steam fleet. (Southern Cross, 14 June 1859, p. 2)

Apparently, this Waitemata Steamer didn’t quite have the power the Provincial Council were looking for, and they pulled out of the contract.

At this point, the brothers turned to being mariners between 1860-1864. A schooner named Emma was owned jointly by brothers Edward F. and William M. Tizard, and had been destroyed at the Thames in October 1863 by order Captain Jenkins of the Miranda, lest she fell into the hands of rebellious Maori. (Southern Cross, 7 June 1865, p. 5) In 1863, William. M. Tizard was involved with a brickyard while living on the North Shore – in 1866, the year after the loss of the Wildfire, this yard was sold up (known as Tizard’s Point) and houses thereon up for rental. (Southern Cross, 18 July 1866)

The Wildfire left Auckland on 6 February with a ton of sugar, a cask of ale, 3 casks cider, a package of jewellery, a case of brandy, a case of drugs, 3 bags of flour, a case of slops, and 3 sundry packages. (Southern Cross, 7 February 1865, p. 4) Then, tragedy.

By the arrival of the S.S. Wonga Wonga yesterday morning, we learn that the schooner Wildfire has been wrecked on the coast, during her passage from Hokianga to this port. On the day previous to the sailing of the Wonga Wonga, a letter was sent on board to Captain Thompson, signed by Mr. Tizard (late master of the Wildfire) requesting him to report at Auckland the loss of the schooner Wildfire, at Wairua, near Wangarei Heads, during the recent heavy gale, and that all hands had been lost. The Wildfire sailed from Hokianga on Monday, the 6th instant, and was seen by the Kiwi off the North Cape during the heavy gales which prevailed on the 8th, 9th, and 10th. The Kiwi experienced the full force of the gales, and was almost driven, on shore. (Southern Cross, 27 March 1865, p. 4)

Somehow, wires may have become crossed. Tizard was alive, giving notes to the captain of the Wonga Wonga, yet he was presumed dead back in Auckland, although no bodies and not a lot of wreckage had been found. Death notices appeared.

Deaths.
In the schooner Wildfire (which sailed from Hokianga 6th March last, for Auckland, and is supposed to have foundered in the heavy gales immediately following), deeply regretted by Europeans and natives, William Milner Tizard, of Waima, Hokianga River, third son of the late William Henry Tizard, Esq , of the Audit Office, Somerset House, London, and grandson of the late Henry Hayes Tizard, Esq , of Weymouth. Dorset, England. (Southern Cross, 31 July 1865, p. 3, and repeated 31 August)

Meanwhile, more reports filtered in.

The schooner Kiwi, Captain Thompson, arrived in harbour yesterday morning from Hokianga … The cutter Maxwell was the only coasting vessel lying at Hokianga when she left. Also reporting the picking up of portions of the wreck of a cutter, and the galley of the lost schooner Wildfire. (Southern Cross, 1 August 1865, p. 4)

And then, William M. Tizard apparently returned from the dead.

Mr Tizard, formerly master of the cutter Wildfire, which was totally lost off Hokianga some months ago, returned to town yesterday in the cutter Maxwell, after a long and fruitless search for tidings of the lost vessel. (Southern Cross, 23 October 1865, p. 4)

No mention of "Hey, weren't you supposed to be dead? We put in a death notice for you!" Instead, he returned to the Hokianga on the Maxwell on 31 October 1865. (SC, 1 November) Nothing more is known about him.

By 1867, his brother Edward F. Tizard was working for the Customs Department.

Tizard Road in Birkenhead is said to be named after the family. From the Auckland Museum’s streets database:

“Tizard, Edward F., namesake. Edward F. Tizard was a decendent of the Huguenot family. The Huguenots had fled Provence to live in Plymouth. They were tea merchants increasing their profits by exchanging tea in the English Channel for French Brandy and smuggling it into the South Coast. Edward Tizard worked in the Custom's Office in Auckland, trading with the Hokianga district. He married Frances Brassey and lived on what became known as Tizard's Point, Birkenhead. Tizard appeared on the first Electoral Role for Birkenhead. Tizard moved to Thames where he worked as customs officer. His daughters, Hetty, Lucy and May, remained in Birkenhead with their grandmother where they later formed a small private school of six or seven Birkenhead children within the iron roof shanty behind their house.

Tizard, H., Captain, namesake. Captain H. Tizard was in charge of the small steamer, the Tui, during the 1870's.”

An update: it looks like that Captain H. Tizard may be the key. According to the Southern Cross:

We have not yet been able to obtain any further particulars with reference to the loss of the schooner Wildfire. We may state, however, that when she arrived at Hokianga Mr. Hayes Tizard, who took her down, left her there through ill health , and his brother Mr Wm. Milner Tizard then took charge and sailed as master. She had a crew of three sailors on board, but we are not aware if there were any passengers. (29 March 1865, p. 4)

So, it does look like William M. Tizard died in the stormy gales of March 1865. Hayes Tizard's ill-health saved his life.

If anyone can shed further light on this rather strange tale, I'd appreciate it.

Index to "Rugged Determination"

In 2007, I took it into my head, while on a trip to the South Island, to spend my early waking hours while in a backpackers in Christchurch and later a homestay at Pleasant Point compiling an index for the book on Swanson's history published three years earlier, Rugged Determination. Page by page reading and pulling out names and themes, on small school notebooks (I used two in the end).

Link to the index.

Heritage links

A couple of these were passed to me today by another historical researcher:

Finding New Zealand
From the site: " The object of this web site is twofold - firstly to provide the story of New Zealand previous to 1840,a period usually glossed over in standard history books; secondly to honour the memory of the early participants in the discovery, exploration, and settling of this country. New Zealanders today owe so much to the men and women named or acknowledged in these pages." If you like maps (as I do) you'll love this site. It includes a dictionary of NZ mapmakers, and maps from almost everywhere in the country.

Wings over Cambridge
This site, apart from references to Cambridge's links with the wartime air force, also provides information on RNZAF wartime air bases in New Zealand.

From my own collection, comes the Cambridge Museum site. The Cambridge Historical Society have been a great help to me in the past regarding research. Their site takes some going through, there's such a lot there.

Finally, while the Dictionary of New Zealand biography online gives you potted published histories on people in this country, their database is where those that haven't been published just yet reside. Searchable alphabetically, you can email them for information on up to 5 names at a time.

Draughts Champions of Auckland

My mum used to love draughts. I still have one or two versions of the game stuck up on a shelf in the spare room. Little did I realise, until this morning when I came upon another research detour in Papers Past, just how serious the game of jumping and crowning got in Auckland (and Avondale!) in the late 1880s.

There's bound to be more on this out there on the old newspapers film at the Auckland Library. Another one of those projects I'll get stuck into when I can. For now, here's what the Internet databases tell us.

It started with the establishment of an Auckland Draughts Club in Grubb's bakery and store, Karangahape Road.

Otago Witness, 25 March 1887, p. 29

A match took place at the Newton Rooms, Grubb’s Buildings, on Saturday 11th inst., between six representing Auckland and a like number doing battle on behalf of Ponsonby, the result being in favour of the latter, after a carefully contested match … A meeting subsequently took place to consider the advisability of forming a club. Mr. Holton was appointed chairman. It was decided that a club be formed, to be called the “Auckland Draughts Club," and the following officers were elected:—Mr. Henderson, president; Mr. Grubb, vice-president; Mr. Battersby, secretary and treasurer; Mr. Holton and the above to act as managing committee. Some 20 names were then handed in by intending members. The Auckland club is fortunate in having for its first president, the well-known and enthusiastic player, Mr. H. Henderson, who was one of the competitors in the Australasian Draughts Championship Tourney.

By late 1888, an Avondale team had formed, and were taking on the likes of Avondale South (Blockhouse Bay) and Waterview.

Te Aroha News, 31 October 1888, p. 3
A draughts match is to take place in Avondale, November 3rd, between 6 players from Avondale South and a like number in Avondale. It is surprising how the game of draughts has gone ahead in this district in the last six months, especially in Avondale South.

Te Aroha News, 12 December 1888, p. 3
DRAUGHTS.
AVONDALE v. WATERVIEW.
The above match took place at Waterview last Saturday, between six players from Avondale (under 20 years of age), and a like number at Waterview. The spirit that Waterview showed did not meet with the success it deserved, Avondale winning somewhat easily.

The players for Avondale were: G. Peck (Captain), H. Peck, E. Wilkins, A. Wickham, W. Aspinall, A. Stacey. For Waterview: J. Hill (Captain), T. Davy, H. Hull, C. Brooks, A. Sansom, T. Levers.

Te Aroha News, 13 March 1889, p. 6
DRAUGHTS ITEMS.
The return match Avondale v. Newton and Ponsonby is to be played at Avondale, in the Public Hall, this (Saturday) evening, play to commence at 7,30.

Otago Witness, 4 April 1889, p. 29
Avondale v. Newton and Ponsonby.— The result of this match— a return— was a win for the combined team by 15 games to 13, 4 drawn.

And then, Mr. Henderson apparently left Auckland, throwing the title of Champion out into the open. There were only two real contenders -- Charles Gunthorp of Ponsonby, versus George Wilson, from Avondale. They'd clashed, somewhat, in comments on results and guesses as to moves in international draughts games in the papers. Now, they were to meet across the chequered board. The whole of Auckland Province was enthralled (well, at least those who played draughts.)

Te Aroha News, 19 June 1889, p. 4
CHAMPIONSHIP OF AUCKLAND.
Mr. Charles Gunthorp has through the columns of the Star issued a challenge to Mr. G. Wilson, of Avondale, to play a match for a stake of £5 and the championship of Auckland. £1 has been deposited with the Draughts Editor, Star Office, by Mr. Gunthorp's backer. A meeting was held on Wednesday evening, at Mr. Grubb's, Newton, to arrange about the match for the championship of Auckland. Unfortunately it fell through. Mr. Wilson was willing to play for the deposit money, £1, but did not care to up a stake of £5. Mr. Gunthorp's backers agreed that Mr. Wilson should either play for the £5 stake or forfeit the championship. Mr. Wilson decided to adopt the latter course. This leaves Mr. Gunthorp champion of Auckland without a struggle,

Te Aroha News, 3 July 1889, p. 5
DRAUGHT ITEMS.
A private match is on the tapis between Messrs Gunthorp and Wilson. Arrangements will probably be completed by next week.

Te Aroha News, 10 August 1889, p. 3
The friendly match between George Wilson, of Avondale, and C. Gunthorp, of Newton, resulted in a victory for the former. His youthful opponent played well, but the older man manifested greater experience, and ultimately won. As Mr. Wilson ceded the championship of Auckland to Mr. Gunthorp rather than play a public match for a sum of money, it is to be hoped that some definite understanding will be arrived at to show which is really the champion. Although the ex-champion proved victorious ,on this occasion, Mr. Gunthorp's friends are still willing to back him to be successful in a series of 15 games. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Wilson's recent victory will encourage him to make a public struggle to regain the championship of Auckland.

Te Aroha News, 17 August 1889, p. 3
AUCKLAND CHAMPIONSHIP.
Mr. George Wilson, of Avondale, writes complaining that the report of the match between him and Mr. Gunthorp was one-sided, because it stated that he ceded the championship to Mr. Gunthorp rather than play a match for a sum of money. He also states that he does not claim any championship, although he has always been open to play a match with anyone. He contends that Mr. Gunthorp has no claim for the championship of Auckland, as he had never played for it. That is exactly what was suggested in last week's report. We pointed out that the honours were somewhat barren, and expressed the hope that as Mr. Wilson had won the private match there would be a public match for the championship. Mr. Wilson now states that he is willing to play a match with Mr. Gunthorp for the love and honour of the game of draughts, but not for money, as he does not believe in it being made a means of gambling. We thoroughly agree with Mr. Wilson in this matter, and have no doubt that Mr. Gunthorp will be quite ready to meet him again for the honour of the thing. Let it be understood that the match is for the championship and let the best man have that position.

Te Aroha News, 28 September 1889, p. 3
DRAUGHT ITEMS.
Championship of Auckland. — Under the heading "Who is the Champion of Auckland ?” "Amateur " writes at some length pointing out the necessity for the question being definitely settled. He refers to the formation of the original Draughts Club in Auckland by Mr. Henderson, of Ponsonby, who became first champion of this city, and states that when that gentleman went away there was no recognised champion, until Mr. Wilson, of Avondale, assumed the position after issuing challenges which were not accepted. Mr. Wilson next advertised that he was prepared to defend the position. After some time Mr. Gunthorpe challenged Mr. Wilson to play on the terms previously advertised, but that gentleman offered to play for £2 instead of £5 and the Championship. " Amateur” adds— " The gentleman (a lover of the game) who ' backed ' Mr. Gunthorpe for the Championship, declined to have it valued at so low a trophy as £4, but was still anxious to see a trial of their skill with each other, and offered to back the youth for £2 at a private match, but claimed that the Championship be played for, coupled with a trophy of £10, i.e., £5 from each side (according with the terms on which Mr. Wilson had claimed the Championship and published his determination to defend it against all comers). He virtually and absolutely (if not voluntarily) ceded the Championship, which Mr. Gunthorpe claimed by default of Mr. Wilson not accepting the terms of his own published challenge. Thus, Mr. Gunthorpe became the third champion draught player of Auckland."— ["Amateur" perhaps is not aware that a private match was subsequently played between Wilson and Gunthorpe which resulted in a victory for the former. Therefore granting that Gunthorpe has as much claim as Wilson to the title of "champion,'' still it is by no means definitely settled as to which is really the best draughts player. — Ed.]

I'm not sure what happened to Wilson, but later, by 1900, Gunthorp ended up in business in South Africa -- where draughts wasn't such a big thing.

Otago Witness, 14 November 1900, p. 56
C. Gunthorpe.— We have been shown by Mr. D. A. Brodie a letter from Mr. C. Gunthorpe, late of Auckland (of which province he was champion), and who is well known throughout New Zealand. His brother, Mr. H. Gunthorpe, is familiar in Dunedin athletic circles, and takes some interest in draughts also. Mr C. Gunthorpe wrote from Durban, and sent several mementoes of the war. At time of writing he was about to remove to Kokstad, in Cape Colony, there to open up business on his own account. He says the game of draughts in South Africa is a dead thing, and one could hardly meet a draughts player in the course of a year. He is, consequently, not in trim for a match.

St Ninians Cemetery -- no longer forgotten

An update from here.

To my great delight this evening, I see that Auckland City Council have updated their website -- and St Ninians Cemetery is now on their page:Auckland City Council Cemeteries. They say they have a link to the Auckland City Library's St Ninians burials list -- but not quite. I'd say that will happen soon.

My thanks to those Council staffers who have listened to me over the past seven months.

The Presbyterian Church in Avondale

The following is taken from "The Presbytery of Auckland", by W J Comrie,
A.H. and A.W. Reed, 1939. (It covers the history of the church down to 1885 only.)

Among the early settlers in the Whau district were several members of St. Andrew's congregation, but the distance was so great and the roads and the means of transport so poor that regular attendance at the central Church was not possible, and services were desired in their own neighbourhood.

The first of these of which there is a record were held in the dwelling house of Mr. James Comrie (later of Pukekohe), and were conducted by his brother, Rev. Wm. Comrie, of Auckland, who preached on 16th January and 6th February, 1859, from the texts John 3 :7 and Phil. 3 :13, 14. From that time a weekly service was aimed at, and, subject to a good many breaks owing to weather and other conditions, services were held there until the Church was built. Mr. McCall and other laymen from Auckland gave valuable assistance.

The Rev. D. Bruce, who had previously visited the district on week-days, preached on Sabbath afternoon, 3rd April, 1859, from the text Jeremiah 10 :23, and thereafter gave a monthly afternoon service until the settlement of the Rev. G Brown, as recorded under the heading of Onehunga.

Rev. Brown was born in Monyeux, Aberdeenshire, on 11th November 1830. He graduated M.A. in King’s College, Aberdeen, and studied Theology in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. In August 1859 he married a sister of the noted scientist, Dr. Ferrier, and shortly after they sailed by the Jura and reached Auckland Harbour on Sunday, 15th January, 1860 …

For some months he lived in Auckland and conducted services each Sabbath in Onehunga in the forenoon, in Whau in the afternoon, and in Hobson Street schoolroom in the evening. He travelled the whole round from place to place on foot, and there were then neither formed streets nor footpaths as in after years. It is said that he never missed a service and was seldom late for a meeting.

The little band of worshipers faced the question of a building and bravely set to work. There was at first difference of opinion as to the best position, but ere long, with general approval, the site on which the Church still stands was secured. Plans were prepared, a contract was let, and the erection of the building was begun on Monday, 14th November, 1859, without ceremony of any kind.

An entry in Mr. Comrie's diary may interest present-day students of the weather :-"Friday, 2nd December: Had a terrible wind and rain last night which drove the carpenters who were working at the church here for refuge." Mr. Brown conducted his first service in Whau on 26th February, 1860, and the Church building, while still unfinished, was used for worship by him on 11th March.

It was formally opened on 8th April, 1860, by Rev. John Macky, who preached from Psalm 45:11 to a congregation of over sixty hearers. It was opened free of debt. The quality of the timber used and the soundness of construction are evidenced by the building as it stands to-day. This was the first church building in that locality, and members of other churches assisted both in raising the building fund and by attendance, their preachers also taking a share in conducting the services.

There were in those days no metalled roads and no footpaths in the district, and one may sympathise with the minister, without sorely blaming the people, as he reads another entry in the diary before referred to :-"Very much thunder and rain for some days. Mr. Brown came out to preach but the people did not meet." Services were, however, conducted with a fair degree of regularity, and the attendance on the whole was good. For nearly five years Mr. Brown continued to give faithful service in the Whau and its outlying stations, in which the population was steadily increasing.

In November, 1864, the Rev. Andrew Anderson, a Cameronian minister from Scotland, applied to the Presbytery for admission, and on the favourable report of a committee, he was admitted on 4th January, 1865, and having received the right hand of fellowship he took his seat as a member of Presbytery. A Committee appointed to consider his sphere of labour reported on 22nd February, 1865 :-"That making Whau his headquarters he might arrange to hold divine service more or less regularly in the Manakau, Lamb’s Mill, and Helensville, in addition to Titirangi and Henderson and Macfarlane's Mill. That having communicated with parties in these districts, the Committee are of opinion that £200 might be raised without difficulty. But in the event of the sum falling short of that amount, they recommended that the deficit be made up from the Home Mission Fund."

The Presbytery adopted the report, and though there is no record either of a call from the district nor of any induction service, Mr. Anderson's name appears on the Presbytery records as Minister of Whau, and he was accepted by the people as such. He took up the work with vigour and visited and held services in and beyond the places named. More than once he called the attention of the Presbytery to the needs of the Kaipara districts. Mr Anderson was not strong physically, and on 24th October, 1866, he gave notice to the Presbytery of his intention to resign present arrangements, with a view to a new arrangement much more limited. A month later he presented a certificate from Dr. Aickin to the effect that he was unable, in consequence of ill-health, to overtake his work, and that entire rest for a few weeks was indispensable. The Revs. J. Hill and J. Wallis were appointed to arrange supply. To anticipate a little it may be stated that on 13th February, 1867, Mr. Anderson resigned his charge, and after giving temporary supply for a few months he left for the Homeland.

Whau had its full share of the difficulties and changes experienced by outlying and thinly populated districts. The Rev. A. Anderson, who was on sick leave at the end of 1866, resigned his charge on 13th February, 1867, but continued to supply until July , when he left for Scotland. A long vacancy followed during which services were supplied chiefly by laymen, Mr. R Sommerville taking a large share. When the Rev. D. Bruce returned from the Homeland there came with him the Rev. D. Sidey, who settled in Napier, and the Rev. D. Hamilton from Ireland, and they were welcomed by the Presbytery on 7th February, 1872.

After preaching in several vacant charges, Mr. Hamilton received a unanimous call from Whau, which he accepted, and he was inducted there on 21st May, 1872. Though the conditions were new and strange to him, he set himself strenuously to supply services from Whau to Riverhead and Manukau Heads. His ministry was proving very acceptable, but it was short.

On Wednesday, 9th July, 1873, he conducted a service at Huia and left the next day for Manukau Heads, which he did not reach. He was not missed until Sunday, and search was then made by large parties of men. The horse was soon found, but not the man until the 2Oth, when the body was found in a stream not far from the beach. It is supposed that having lost his way in the bush he left his horse and tried to follow the stream, into which he either fell and was drowned, or, as the Session minute states, died "from privation and exposure." The body was taken to St. Andrew's Church and an inquest held. A service was held in the church on the 23rd July , and in the presence of a very large gathering of people the body was laid to rest alongside the Whau Church. The Presbytery, in a lengthy resolution, expressed its esteem for their departed brother, and its sympathy with the sorrowing congregation and the relatives in Ireland.

Funds for a memorial were raised, and the tombstone, which still stands near the Whau Church, was erected commemorating "his goodness as a man and his devotedness as a minister." The last text from which he preached was Phil. 1, 21, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

The Rev. N. McCallum was appointed to give temporary supply, and as in the previous vacancy, services were given chiefly by laymen, Mr. Sommerville, who was then an elder of the congregation, taking a large share. In October, 1875, a call was given to Mr. Robert Sommerville, who, a few months previously, had been licensed by the Presbytery. It was signed by 109 persons and was supported by Messrs. John Lamb and John Buchanan.

On 12th January, 1876, it was accepted, and on 9th February the Presbytery met in Whau Church, when the Moderator , the Rev. R. F. Macnicol, preached from the text 2 Cor. 5, 14, and Mr. Sommerville was duly ordained and inducted. The Rev. G. Brown addressed the minister, and the Rev. D. Bruce the people. The Revs. J. Macky and T. Norrie were also present, and the Rev G. Morice was associated. The occasion is noteworthy because it was the first when a man from the local business circles had been trained and was ordained to the ministry , and because of the prominent place which Mr. Sommerville took in the life and work of the Church as the minister of two charges, Clerk of Presbytery, one of the Church Property Trustees, and as Moderator of the General Assembly in 1883.

After more than nine years' service, during part of which Mr. Sommerville's health was not good and riding became painful, a call to St. Peter's Church was accepted and the Whau Charge became vacant on 16th July, 1885.

The following comes from "Our First Century", the centenary booklet for the Avondale Presbyterian Church, 1960.)

1885-1887 Rev. Alexander McKenzie, M.A., B.D.: When Rev. Sommerville left Avondale, the Rev A. MacKenzie was appointed. His ministry seems to have been a stormy one, and at one stage the congregation even took the extreme measure of meeting for worship in the public school at the same hour as the minister officiated in the Church. The newspaper of the day commented that "If the trouble is not settled, the Presbyterian Church will lose one of its most flourishing suburban congregations." However, the difficulties were overcome and services resumed in the Church.

In 1887 Rev. MacKenzie left for Australia but returned some years later to live at Blockhouse Bay. He died in 1920 and is buried in the Church cemetery.

From "Heart of the Whau", 2003:

In April, 1887, Jessie Eva Hort Huxham MacKenzie died, and was buried in the small Presbyterian Church cemetary on St Georges Road, opposite the Public Hall. She was the wife of Reverend Alexander MacKenzie of the parish. This should have been all of the story – except that Rev. MacKenzie had inscribed on Jessie’s headstone, these days perched hard up against the back wall of the old church hall’s toilet/kitchen area (added later in the church’s history) the words as shown to the left.

With this, Rev. MacKenzie gave birth to a persistent Avondale legend that that featured in countless books and articles since, spawned part of an episode of a national television programme in 2001, Epitaph by Greenstone Pictures, and involved international enquiries between New Zealand and Denmark.

Enough has been written about the “Avondale Princess” for me not to go into detail here. I would recommend reading the chapter on Jessie and Alexander MacKenzie in Epitaph II. But it is worthy of note that Jessie’s headstone is still visited by the curious, drawn to the legend woven out of whole cloth by her husband from 19th century pseudo-genealogy. The mystique of the “Avondale Princess” will be with us for some time yet, hoax or no hoax.


From "Our First Century", 1960.)

1888-1893: Rev. C. Warboys. Little is recorded of his ministry except that after fulfilling the duties of his arduous parish for five years he left to become minister at Opotiki, and for three years the parish was again dependent on layman for supply.

1896-1910: Rev. Alexander McLean, B.D. Rev. McLean's ministry lasted 15 years, the longest of all. During that time his earnest preaching and faithful pastoral work resulted in a great increase in growth and spiritual power. His horse and trap were constantly on the road, carrying him to attend to the duties of his wide-spread preaching places, and on the Sabbath the church was crowded with earnest worshipers.

1910-1911: Mr J.D.C. Madill (Student): For a few months, while Knox College was in recess, a student (later Rev. J.D.C. Madill, M.A.) gave extremely acceptable supply and church members regretted that he could not remain longer.

Other ministries (including lay) at the Presbyterian Church:

1911-1912 Mr D. J Albert
1912-1916 Rev. W Marshall
1916-1920 Mr J Charteris
1920-1922 Rev. Angus McDonald, O.B.E.
1922-1924 Rev. George Paterson Campbell
1924 Mr R Ashton
1925-1929 Rev. F. A. Thompson
1930-1936 Rev. John Combes
1936-1941 Rev. C.H. Lowden, Rev. J. W. Smyth,
Mr. O Baragwanath, Mr J. M. Christie
1941-1949 Rev. L. J. Hodson
1949-1950 Rev. F. L. Smart
1950-1955 Rev. S. W. Campbell, M.A., B.D.
1955 Rev. W. Anderson
1955-1963 Rev. Stan. T Nicholls, B.A.
1964-1971 Rev. Keith Sellar

On 8 October 1972, the churches at St Ninians (the name for the church on St George's Rd from the 1930s), Victoria Hall on the corner of Orchard Street and Rosebank Road, Avondale Methodist Church on upper Rosebank Road, and Waterview Methodist on Great North Road agreed to become one parish after several years planning.

On Sunday, 18 August 1984, St Ninians Church was officially closed. The Great North Road frontage was sold to Mobil Oil, and the remainder on which the church and cemetary stands today was sold to Auckland City Council by 1989.

An update on the George Hemus saga

My thanks, again, to Margaret Edgcumbe who has ferreted out some more information on George Hemus. I quote from her email to me today:

1. George [note - Hemus] must have married Margaret Hampson, possibly in 1886. In the 1910 Census for California they were recorded, incorrectly (but it has been corrected), as "George and Margerit Hennes", "evangilists", born in England and with English parents, living in Los Angeles County, though regarding the "world" as their workplace, and having emigrated in 1883 and 1885 respectively. Married for 24 years. I think that their ages are incorrect (65), or rounded up, but that seems to have been the case more often than not with the American censuses.

2.The Hemuses are recorded on the voting rolls for Los Angeles County in 1916 and an address is given. Unfortunately, I gave the info to Janet and didn't keep a copy. [note - Janet is Janet Crawford, who has recently delivered a paper on Margaret Hampson.] Can't find out anything more about them, probably because of the frequent misspellings and maybe they were in the 'world' when they died.

3. George must have been dead by 1924 because that is when Brett in White Wings said that only two Hemus sons were still alive.

3. Solomon was a bootmaker in Birmingham before coming to NZ with Mary Ann and the 6 boys. He seems to have eluded every British census. Maybe it was against his religion.

4. Charles (b 1849?) was the photographer, and he married Gertrude Evangeline (Eva) Edger - a theosophist like her sisters. Henry/Harry, acording to Brett, was a civil servant or something. Have forgotten. Don't know anything about Alfred, Joseph and James Walter.

5. Frances must not have returned to NZ, and it is her children who feature in the American records as living in Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado. Bernard Keane, the brickmaker [note - known to have lived at the Whau], must have been born in Scotland according to the 1900 census for Colorado, and his wife was Irish born.