Ferndale House, Mt Albert

The Mt Albert Historical Society had a function yesterday at Ferndale House, on New North Road in Mt Albert. I went along for a listen to the guest speaker (who talked about Sarah Elizabeth Jackson), and to look at the house.

Ferndale was built by the Garlick family, in two stages -- a small cottage in the 1860s, ("Fern Villa") and the enlarged version seen today in 1881. It was transferred to Mt Albert Borough Council after Mrs Garlick's death in 1947, and is used today for community meetings, private functions, with an early childhood centre at the rear.

Some of the interior features:

The house is also home to the Mt Albert Jubilee Wall Panels, designed by Joyce Ross and presented to Mt Albert City Council (all now part of Auckland City) in 1987. The embroidery and assembly were by a team of people: Valerie Candy, Faith Donovan, Diane Faull, Beth Jenner, Alice Hetherington, Noeleen Kealey, Veda McKay, Eileen Marsden, Ivy Marshall, Betty Rehn, Graham Ross, Joyce Ross, Margaret Woods, and Les Rehnm, over a total of 519 hours.

The first panel features Wairaka, one of those credited as the origin of the name Owairaka, the mountain after which the suburb is named.

The second panel shows the crest of Mt Albert City Council, absorbed into Auckland City in 1989 (just two years after this work was completed.)

The third shows, (from the bottom): Ferndale House, Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Alberton, and the former DSIR building.

And I also finally found a photo on one of the walls of the house which I was looking for back when I was putting together Wairaka's Waters: the pumphouse on the Asylum grounds which supplied water for Mt Albert until 1922.

If you get a chance to come by Mt Albert and see Ferndale House, I'd recommend it.

Weetbix controversy rolls on

Back in February 2009, I did a post: Who invented Weetbix? This was followed, after a lot of international sleuthing, by the sequel in September last year. 

Now ... the British version is to be banned in New Zealand due to accusations of trademark infringement.

A British culinary institution loved by expat Poms is disappearing from Kiwi shelves after a legal row over the name.
Supplies of Weetabix, long regarded as a staple of the British breakfast, are running out after Sanitarium wrote to the manufacturers saying it had New Zealand copyright on the terms Weetabix and Weet-Bix.
Sanitarium spokeswoman Kim Stirling said importing Weetabix to New Zealand was a trademark infringement on the company's brand.
"We're quite a big brand in New Zealand and they're quite a big brand in the UK. We feel it's quite an important thing just because we've built up the intellectual property [of Weet-Bix] here."

And ...

Sanitarium has been trading in New Zealand since 1900 and started making Weet-Bix in 1932.
Weetabix was introduced to Britain by two South Africans who formed the Weetabix Food Company in 1932. The company declined to comment.

Bennison Osborne has been fairly well established, via this blog, as the leading light behind both the Aussie-Kiwi and British versions of the wheat biscuit for brekkie -- and he wasn't South African, but Australian. Ah, well. I've talked about the weird way the story of brands gets twisted over time before now. Actually, I just buy the supermarket's in-house wheat biscuit brand these days, because it's cheaper.

Update 8 August 2011: John Baskerville Bagnall, Arthur Shannon's nephew, enters the feay in favour of his uncle as Wett-Bix originator with a lengthy page on the story, here.

There is utter confusion in a string of entries in Timespanner: A journey through Avondale, Auckland and NZ history. It reproduces an article said to be from the Auckland Sun, 21 December 1921 – note the date! The article has Weet-Bix as a New Zealand product, invented 2 or 3 years ago, i.e. 1918 or 1919. The truth is that the Auckland Sun was only published for a short period from 1927 to 1930, after which it was incorporated into the Auckland Star. So, the article in the Auckland Sun cannot have been published in 1921 and Weet-Bix was not a New Zealand creation.

I agree. I reckon I mis-recorded the date on the article copy as 1927, not 1921. The earliest Weet-bix competitions here in NZ seems to be from late 1926. But, for such a simple brekky food -- the story does seem to have a lot of convolutions. I hope Mr. Bagnall has updated that Wiki page and made corrections!

But why did the article I found refer to Weet-bix as a "New Zealand concern"? Ah, well, at least more information has been brought to light.

Conviviality and the flying fox at Upper Symonds Street

A traffic control box sits beside a telephone cables utility box on the verge beside the Upper Symonds Street carpark here in Auckland, at the junction with Mt Eden and New North Roads. (Paul, in comments below, has pointed out that this is another example of Doug Ford's work, from 2005)

From the main frontage with Symonds Street, the theme appears to be that of folks have a good time with drinks and music.

Bonus points for the artist painting the telephone cables tube to the side to match in with the mural.

But, interestingly, the back of the boxes, rather than be left in a solid color or unpainted, show scenes of the volcano peaks -- and a flying fox.

Something for the pedestrian, or those wandering around the carpark, to discover.

Australian "Signs of the Times"

Further to Preserving the signs in cyberspace post.

I had thought of this book when Sandy sent through the link she'd come across, and now A W Molloy has written in to tell me about Our Fading Past, regarding Melbourne's old signs. Cracker of a site -- thanks!

Which brings me back to the book up above.

Purchased in Borders in Melbourne, it was one of the first books I'd ever bought outside New Zealand, from a bookstore in another country (okay, I know Borders is an international chain, but -- hey). Signs of the Times by Geoff Hocking (2005) is one of my favourite books on the land across the Tasman, and is chock full of gorgeous images from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. I'd picked up a nasty bug while heading over to Australia back in '06 (people coughing, aircraft air conditioning, etc.), and was fairly crook most of the time I was over there, but reading the book and looking at the images helped get me through. (When I got back, the doc reckoned I had pneumonia or darn close to it. See, international travel can be a hazard, folks ...)

Anyway -- despite the fact that this is a New Zealand history blog, I just thought I'd put in a recommendation for this book, for all those who are fascinated by those old ad signs fading away. See if it's still around, or check out the libraries.

Scott's Emulsion Cod Liver Oil

Can't say this chap looks too happy. Not as happy perhaps as this other chap (maybe because Chap No. 2 got the colour gig). Carrying a whopping great cod home on the back, though, can't have been much fun.

Fortunately, I can say I've never had to have cod liver oil administered down my young throat 40 plus years ago. Others, though, have their memories, as per this blog entry. Get a bunch of local history enthusiasts together, and this is one of those "remember that?" triggers which starts one heck of a conversation.

Postcard of St Andrews Presbyterian, Auckland

Found at one of my favourite second-hand bookstore haunts, Ariel Books on Symonds Street -- a postcard showing St Andrews, probably dating from the 1930s, judging by the fact that the museum on the domain ius in the background.

The stone main church was built in 1847-1850, while the portico and tower were added in the 1880s. The building immediately behind has now gone, replaced by a carpark.

Waterloo Quadrant, Alten Road, Anzac Ave and Symonds Street intersection is a horrendously busy one at the best of times today. Back then, the photographer caught just one car in shot -- and no traffic lights. Still working out exactly how the image was taken, and where ...

Preserving the signs in cyberspace

Sandy sent an email yesterday (what would I do without you, Sandy?) about a site called Preserve, dedicated to fading typography on the walls around us. 

From the site:

"Preserve is on going project to produce a permanent visual record of hand painted building signage. Many of these are being erased from our cityscapes either being worn away by weather over time, covered as buildings have been repainted, disappearing as buildings are demolished or replaced with modern signage equivalents. This site will be updated regularly with my latest images from New Zealand and Australia and you are invited to contribute to this work also."

Sandy suggested I might want to submit some of the images I've taken and put up here over the time the blog's been going. I might do -- I'll see how I'm doing for time.

Here's three from earlier posts, anyway. And (update) a link sent through from Paul via the comments below: Tattered Bookmarks on the Sydney-Eye blog.

Rare Thoughts library blog

Just spotted Rare Thoughts this evening. Some interesting mini-articles there about upcoming attractions from the Sir George Grey Special Collections part of Auckland City Library.

Constable Crean is spoofed

Pity our local P.C. Plod in the early days. This from the Observer, 17 February 1900.

Constable Crean, of Avondale, finds his temper rather capsized by the enterprising efforts of certain jokers in that neighbourhood to find him employment in ferreting out mares' nests. A few weeks ago he spent a lot of time and took a lot of wear out of his number tens in travelling the district after a capsized boat and a drowned man, both of which proved to be purely bogus. But his leg was still more severely pulled on Saturday last over another alleged capsized boat, which this time was reported to be answerable for the drowning of three men. The constable spent Saturday night and Sunday forenoon over the matter before he arrived at the conclusion that it was only another Avondale fairy tale. If he lights on the jokers who have been working up business for him after this fashion, somebody's apple-cart is pretty sure to be capsized.

Horse Buses and bicycles don't mix on New North Road

This from the Auckland Star, 13 December 1882:

An accident, fortunately unattended by serious results, happened to Potter's 'bus this morning while passing Bowen's store, Mount Albert Road. The appearance of a bicyclist startled the horses, causing them to swerve so suddenly that the conveyance was capsized. Those on top escaped bruises by jumping clear of the 'bus as it fell. An inside passenger, Mrs. Foley, sustained severe contusions on the head and wrist, but other ladies and children inside escaped without serious injury. Mr. Potter has supplied us with the following statement concerning the accident:-- "A bicyclist met me near Bowen's bakery. The bicyclist, instead of going off the road, jumped off his machine right in front of my leader, causing the horses to shy and go over a bit of a bank, and the coach capsized. There were six or seven inside and eight outside passengers, several of whom were injured. Mrs. Foley received a severe shaking and was hurt, and was conveyed to her residence at New Lynn, where medical assistance was speedily obtained. Mrs Wilkie was also slightly hurt." The driver's arm, hip and shoulder were bruised, and several others got off with bruises and cuts.

The next day, the NZ Herald  added additional information that the bicyclist was a builder named Keye ...

...who, at the time was proceeding to Mount Albert, where he is at present erecting a house. On meeting the omnibus, instead of turning his bicycle off the road, he turned into the centre of the road, and there jumped from the bicycle right in front of the leader.

The names of other passengers who were hurt were given as: Mrs Wilkie, Miss Stevens, Miss Thompson, Mr Malcolm, Mr Ogg, Mr Johnston and Mr Patterson. The springs, body, and topseats of the coach were broken and smashed.

A land agent named John R Randerson fired off a letter to the Star which was published on the 14th.

To the Editor:
Sir, -- There is no doubt that the bicyclist was the cause of the Mount Albert 'bus accident (and I speak positively), as yesterday morning, in driving to town, being about 10 or 15 minutes ahead of Potters 'bus, I met a person on a bicycle, nearly opposite Kingsland Post-office, who was nearly the cause of an accident [by their] negligently turning, as if he intended me to go off the road to make room for him, and only turning towards the side of the road when very near my horse's head. The horse shied, and was nearly taking the buggy over the furze bushes on the side of the road. Now this bicyclist had just time to get to the scene of the accident, and there is no doubt as to the individual being the same. I think bicyclists should be answerable to law for accidents caused by their carelessness. They should get close to the side of the road on meeting any vehicles.

William Potter appears to have operated a horse-bus service, initially from a base in New Lynn (the Northern Omnibus Company included his site, and mentioned abolishing it  in December 1883), and then from Blake Street in Avondale (now St Judes) just down from the railway line from about 1884, when he purchased land from James Palmer. He owned that land until 1900. The earlier New Lynn site could have been alongside or close to that of the later Poudrette Factory, as Mr. Quick (noted 'bus proprietor in Auckland at the time) had land there.) At this stage, I have no further info on William Potter, or his 'bus service -- but, I'm still looking.

New Lynn trench station

The new trench station at New Lynn opened yesterday (but I was detoured into Waikumete Cemetery ...) .So, here's some images from Day Two.

From the Clark Street entrance. The station is still open to the sky, apart from road bridges. The rest, I expect, will be covered in soon enough.

 

  

Can't be that many train stations in New Zealand where signage bears the name of a past premier of the country -- Richard "King Dick" Seddon was known as Hetana to the Maori. The nearby Hetana Hamlet workmen's settlement was thus named after him, and then Hetana Street was named after the settlement. And now, we have the Hetana Exit from the New Lynn Train Station.

Part of Louise Purvis' artwork at the new station. More at the Auckland Trains blog.

New Lynn mural fading

This used to be a brilliant mural, visible as the trains pulled in to the second station site at New Lynn (the last above-ground one). Sad to say, when it was in its hey-day, I wasn't taking photos as much as I do now. The tagging is engulfing it -- here's just about the last two pieces left that are still visible.

A real New Lynn heritage artwork, it showed the story of the township. Here's hoping something comes along in its stead that's just as good, if not better. More heritage artwork, please!

Old sign, Chapel of Faith in the Oaks

Walking along (and ducking into the Waikumete Cemetery part of the way due to lack of footpath on the west side of Glenview Road) to get to the power control box mural today, I spotted this sign, which is probably on the endangered list. Thought I'd take a shot now, before it goes at some stage.

Sandy's cemetery photos

Sandy, one of Timespanner's frequent commenters (thanks, Sandy) put up a link to her photos of Waikumete Cemetery in a comment to the Chapel of Faith in the Oaks post. They are wonderful -- I thoroughly recommend a visit. Aussie readers will see some of the graves have Trans Tasman connections.

A couple of things: you'll see a photo there of the Powley-Scott grave. This has been recently cleaned up since Sandy's shot, by a group including Trevor Pollard of WAHS, who took me round the Chapel.

Sandy has also included a photo of the mass burials site of the 1918-1919 influenza victims.

Other collections in her cemeteries series are here.

Avondale Train Station update

I saw the start of the shelters going up yesterday. It's starting to look more like a train station, now.

Glen Eden on a box

Back in July last year, Phil Hanson sent me a clipping from the Western Leader about a mural completed by artist Mark Whyte, on a power control box outside Waikumete Cemetery. Well, Phil -- if you're still out there, I've finally gotten round to taking shots of that box. The first side shows Glen Eden Station, then Waikumete Cemetery, a train, graves, and finally the Chapel of Faith in the Oaks.

I reckon this is one of the finest pieces of control box art I've seen so far.

Another letter to the Western Leader

Yes, I wrote to the Western Leader because Matthew Gray keeps insisting on calling the George Maxwell Memorial Cemetery, "Orchard Street Cemetery".  Good that it's been published (today), but -- will Mr. Gray take notice, or is he just trying to shorthand the name for space and convenience?

I've discussed some of his research earlier, here and here.