Foxton's "perfect young giants": Wilfred and Ruby Westwood

The Westwoods, c. 1908

Updated 3 March 2014

On spotting this card on TradeMe, I was intrigued. Years ago, I had an interest in the side show performers of the 19th and 20th century. That two of these performers were New Zealanders inspired me to buy the card.

Sideshow exhibits have long been a staple of this country’s A&P shows. The one held at Wanganui Racecourse on Thursday 22 November 1900 was no exception. The Sash & Door band performed; those who correctly guessed the weight of a bullock stood to win a £13 Singer sewing machine; and Max Kresseig of Wellington visited, “patentee of the well known ice-chest”, showing two of his patented products to the admiring crowds. But there was another exhibit there making a debut showing, the start of a career which spanned at least four countries and the same number of decades. In a furnished marquee on the racecourse, Thomas Westwood introduced his children: three-year-old Wilfred weighing 7 stone, and his older sister Ruby (seven years), nearly 4 ½ feet in height, and weighing 13 stone 5lb. The other five Westwood children were all normal sizes and weights for their age; Thomas and his wife Sarah were certainly not out of the ordinary, either. Perhaps this intrigued the showgoers that late spring in 1900 as much as the sight of larger-than-normal children looking back at them.

The Westwoods were not the first such extraordinary children to be seen by curious audiences in New Zealand. Brisbane-born William Abernethy, “the original and world renowned Australian Giant Youth,” aka the “Australia Fat Boy,” achieved a height of 4' 10¼'' by the time he was 9 years old, and measured 16'' around the arm, 49'' around the waist, 34'' around the thigh and 20.5'' around the knee. The Colonist, reporting in 1858 on one of his Australian appearances described him as bearing “all the appearance of being in good health, and manages to walk and move about without the least difficulty.” After an English tour in 1860, he arrived in New Zealand in 1864 at the age of 15 years, standing 5' 8'' and weighing a whopping 25 stone. After that, he returned to Australia, and relative obscurity, living until 1904 having “lost flesh” as the newspapers put it, dropping his weight to 15 stone.

Following on from Abernethy, the Snell family in the late 1880s to early 1890s may have served as something of a model for the later appearances by the Westwoods. Billed as “the Australian Juvenile Giant Family”, “the Bunyip Giant Family”, and “the Gippsland Giants,” the Snells offered the amazed Australasian public not just one extraordinary child, but three from their total brood of five. Apparently approached by a Melbourne waxworks entrepreneur in 1886 who offered to take the children on tour, their father William decided to make the exhibiting of his children a family concern instead. Clara (b.1873), Tom (b.1879) and Anna (b.1881) journeyed with the rest of their family to England in 1888 where they were examined by doctors who testified as to the children’s general robust health. “Mr and Mrs Snell are about middle height, and of ordinary dimensions, rather inclining to be slight. Miss Clara who is intelligent and well-informed, lifts two cwt of flour with ease. The three children have been subjects of interest to the Australian medical profession. Several private exhibitions of them to medical practitioners and students alone, in various parts of the southern colonies, have been given.” [Bush Advocate, 14 August 1888].

They then returned to this region where they toured New Zealand, and the various country and town shows, from 1889-1890. At 15 years old, Clara weighed 28 stone, 5lbs; Tom (10) was 14 stone, 12 lbs; and Anna (8) was 12 stone 2 lbs.

As soon as Tom turned 21, he left the family sideshow business, lost most of his weight, and died in 1949 aged 72. His sisters Clara and Anna never quite lost their weight, though they both married and lived relatively normal lives. They predeceased their brother, Clara dying in 1914, and Anna in 1930. [“The Legendary Giants of Gippsland”]

These “giant” children appear to have suddenly started their otherwise normal growth patterns early, possibly as the result of medical conditions such as that of precocious puberty, rather than a form of true giantism. Their height never seemed to exceed that of slightly above average once they reached their early 20s – but their weight ballooned. The combination, up to the early teens, of taller-than-normal children with greater strength and overall size, had Victorian and Edwardian New Zealanders wondering.

The Westwood's story began as so many other New Zealand immigrant stories begin. In October 1864, Edward and Elizabeth Westwood arrived on the Columbus in Auckland. By 1869, Edward Westwood was working at Grahamstown, now part of Thames township. His son Thomas, born just before the family left Staffordshire, found his own niche in Foxton.

There, he worked at the Manawatu Cash Store, run by Christian Honore, by 1890. Three years before that, in Feilding, he married Sarah Lisette Bly.

The couple were to have seven children. The oldest, John William (Jack) , was born in 1887. Next came George Edward Bertram (Bert)  in 1889, Elizabeth Eva in 1891, Thomas Henry in 1892, Ruby May in 1893, Wilfred Edgar in 1897 and Loyis Lisette in 1900.

Thomas Westwood senior took over Honore's store in Foxton, operating it in partnership with Phillip Hennessey from 1894 until their partnership dissolved in the middle of 1899. From October to November 1900, Westwood was part of an auctioneering business. He became a Foxton Borough Councillor in October 1894, appointed Circuit Steward for the Manawatu Primitive Methodist Church in June 1898.

Then, in late 1900, the story of the Westwood family changed.

According to one report (Otago Witness 19 December 1900), a year or so before representatives from the Fitzgerald Brothers Circus made a "managerial offer" of £1000, plus expenses, to take two of the Westwood children to show at the 1900 Paris Exposition. The two who had apparently caught the eyes of the experienced circus showmen were Ruby (aged 6 in 1899) and Wilfred (aged just 2 years then).

Otago Witness 19 December 1900

These two remarkable children were born at Foxton (Manawatu district, N.I.), 104 miles from Wellington. The boy, Wilfrid, is three years of age, 7st in weight, chest measurement of 40in, and calf 14in. In Foxton he is known to everyone as Dick Seddon. The girl, Ruby, is seven years of age, 4ft 5½ in height, and a fortnight back, when a Witness representative visited them at Hawera, topped the scale at 13st 5lb. The children display extraordinary intelligence for their age, are perfect in every degree, the picture of good health never having had a day's illness. There is nothing out of the ordinary about their parents, who are both natives of England. The father, Mr Thomas Westwood, is 37 years of age, 5ft 7in in height, and weighs 13st while the mother is 33, and weighs but 6st 4lb. Mr and Mrs Westwood have resided for 25 years in Foxton, where seven years ago the former was principal of a firm who were agents for the Otago Witness. Mr Westwood is an ex-councillor of the Foxton borough, where he was also an aspirant for mayoral honours against the present popular town clerk, Mr Alf Fraser. Amongst managerial offers was one of £1000 and expenses from Messrs Fitzgerald Bros., of circus fame, to take the children to the Paris Exhibition. Dunedin people will have an opportunity of seeing these remarkable children early next month.

(OW 19.12.1900) 

Whether the circus story is true or not -- something was obviously decided within the family, gifted as they were with two children who stood out from the crowd and could lead to profits from the crowds who were bound to want to look at them for themselves, and marvel.

Thomas Westwood proceeded to sell the family chattels and prepared to hit the road, displaying the Giant Children of Foxton.

The children, who are to be on view at the Wanganui Show, were born in Foxton, in the County of Manawatu, and are said to be more than usually intelligent. Ruby is seven years of age, and heavier than her father, and Wilfred is a bright little fellow of three years, and heavier than his mother. The family are starting on a world-wide tour, and this will be the only opportunity of seeing them. The father refused an offer of £1000 to visit the Paris Exhibition about 12 months since. Ruby is younger and heavier, than the biggest girl in the world according to the Strand Magazine of last year. The children are both heavier than the Australian Giants that visited New Zealand (a) few years ago. The parents are well known and respected residents of Foxton. Their name is Westwood.

(Wanganui Chronicle 19.11.1900)

By the side of the main entrance gate was a large marquee, in which were exhibited the two largest children in the world … Judging by the large numbers visiting the tent. Mr Westwood should be well satisfied with the patronage bestowed. 

(Wanganui Herald 22.11.1900)

Fat Children.—" One half the world do not know how the other half live." Mr Billens informs us he photographed the two fat children to the order of their father, Mr Westwood, after the Palmerston Show. Since that time Mr Billens has received orders from Mr Westwood for one thousand cabinets. Eight hundred have already been delivered and most of them sold. The other two hundred go on in a few days to the Christchurch Exhibition. 

(Manawatu Herald 11.12.1900) 

GIANTS. Mr T. Westwood, proud parent of the two abnormally fat children known as the New Zealand Giants, has just returned from a successful visit to Southern towns. Good business was done with the children everywhere they were exhibited. At Dunedin, Mr Westwood attended with the children by invitation, before the Medical Conference. The children were examined by several doctors and pronounced perfectly healthy, while their growth was described as quite natural. Mr Westwood intends leaving for Australia with the children at an early date. 

(Manawatu Herald 15.2.1901)

Sometime around March 1901, the Westwoods reached Australia, starting a family involvement with the Australian sideshows which would last nearly three decades.

Yesterday afternoon, at the invitation of Mr. W. Lamour, a number of medical, gentlemen and press representatives visited 121, Bathurst street, where two giant children, recent arrivals from New Zealand, were on view, says the Sydney 'Daily Telegraph' of Tuesday. The youngsters are claimed to be the largest children for their age in the world, and they certainly look it. The eldest (Ruby) is only 7 years of age, and boasts the fact of being almost twice as heavy as her mother, turn the scale at exactly 13 st., while her brother (Wilfred), a festive young fellow of three years of age, ''tips-the beam'' at 7 st. Both children are physically very healthy, and have capital appetites, for fruit especially. They are natives of Foxton, in the North Island, and were exhibited for the first time in Christchurch. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Westwood, are hardly of average size; indeed, although Mr. Westwood was once alderman of Foxton, he apparently had not the same qualification for the position in respect of girth that his infant son can boast of. 

(The Adelaide Register, 5.4.1901)

By August, though, they had returned to their native shores.

Auckland Weekly News 22 August 1901, ref AWNS-19010822-12-2, Sir George Grey Special Collections, 

Auckland Library

Next Friday evening there will be a novel exhibition, when two most wonderful children will be shown by their parents—Wilfrid, a boy of four years of age, weighs 8st, being one stone heavier than his mother, chest measurement 35½ inches and 3ft 9½ in high, a modern young Sandow; Ruby, 8 years of age, weighs 15st—3st heavier than her father, chest measurement 47in and 4ft 6½ in high, They are the children of Mr Thomas Westwood, who when a boy lived in Grahamstown with his parents, but left here some years ago, and has since resided in Foxton, the West coast of this Island, where these wonderful children were born. In the cities of Dunedin and Sydney the Medical Association at a conference examined the children, and declared them to be perfectly healthy, but of stupendous growth. They are not ordinary fat children, but perfect young giants, being fairly active for their great size, and of remarkable intelligence for their age. The children are described as being two pleasant faced children of tremendous growth. The parents are now returning home from Sydney, but are visiting the Thames to see their friends and renew acquaintances of years ago. The exhibition opens on Friday night. 

(Thames Star 21 August 1901)

Auckland Weekly News 22 August 1901, ref AWNS-19010822-12-3, Sir George Grey Special Collections, 

Auckland Library

For a while, the family settled down and returned to Foxton, with Thomas Westwood becoming Mayor of the borough in October 1903. But two years later, they were back on the road.

(Christchurch) Star 8 December 1906

The famous Westwood family, from Foxton, arrived in Gisborne this morning and will give an exhibition at the Theatre Royal this evening. The family include Wilfred, aged eight years, and weighing 16st 5lb; Ruby, aged eight years, 15st 10lb, the father and mother, and another son. Wilfred is claimed to be not only the biggest boy in the world, but the largest child who has ever lived to that age. The children are said to be exceedingly active for their weight. The parents are of ordinary stature and physique, as are also their other seven children.

(Poverty Bay Herald 21.10.1905)

On Saturday morning Ruby Westwood one of the giant children who has been on exhibition at Nelson during the past week, had a narrow escape from drowning. She was bathing in the Maitai River when she overbalanced herself, and failed to regain her feet. The timely arrival of her father who pulled her out saved her from her perilous position.

(Marlborough Express 7 February 1906)

Are the two Westwood little children of Foxton going to be shown at the Christchurch Exhibition? Why? Well, little Ray is thirteen years of age and weighs 16st 4lb, and little Wilfred is nine years old and weighs 18st 6lb. Both ride bicycles. Sheer cruelty I call it.

(NZ Free Lance 29.9.1906)

Nevertheless, the children did indeed get some of the limelight at Christchurch's 1906 Exhibition.

THE GIANT FAMILY. The two New Zealand giant children, Ruby and Wilfred Westwood, who are housed near "The Pike" at the Exhibition, continue to attract the attention and wonder of visitors. Despite the fact that they are the largest children in the world, they are wonderfully active and intelligent. Though nineteen stone, Wilfred rides a bicycle and Ruby plays the piano. The other members of the family, who are normal in size, are also present, and the contrast between sisters and brothers is the amazement of visitors from all parts of the world.

 (Press 20.12.1906)

In 1907, the Westwoods travelled to England, and became a sensation both there, and in a Parisian magazine called L'Illustration. The four images below come from the 27 July 1907 edition.

Ruby and Wilfred with their mother

A game of football.

NEW ZEALAND CHILDREN ARE WONDER OF ENGLAND Special Cable to The Herald. BIRMINGHAM, Aug. 24.— Ruby and Wilfred Westwood, two children who have just arrived from New Zealand to visit relatives in Birmingham, are perhaps the heaviest youngsters In the world. Ruby, although only 13 years old. Is five feet two Inches tall and weighs 245 pounds. Wilfred is 11 years old and weighs 254 pounds. He is an inch taller than his sister. His weight is greater than the combined weight of both his parents. In spite of their extraordinary size the children are in excellent health, and their mother says that neither has been ill even for a day. They play with children of their own age, and, while not marvels of agility, they seem to get along well enough.

(Los Angeles Herald, 25.8.1907)

Wilfred standing in the doorway of a "marchand de bonbons", or a confectioner.

Wilfred and Ruby playing with children of their own age.

According to a number of London papers (writes a London correspondent) New Zealand has, put up another record, for that colony is credited with possessing the "biggest children in the world." These two children are now in England on a visit. They are accompanied by their parents, and the whole family are now at Wednesbury, the native town of Mr Westwood. Portraits of these children, Ruby West wood, aged 13, and Wilfrid "Westwood, aged 11, are given in nearly all the London newspapers, some of the pictures showing these two playing with children of their own age, but of normal proportions. The girl is credited with a weight of 17st 7lb, and the boy with 20st 4lb. The former is 5ft 2½in in height, and the latter 6ft 3in. 

(Marlborough Express 31.8.1907) 

The family travelled around England and even visited Dublin. The Westwood family history describes them using a caravan, and exhibiting the children at circuses.

Then, in March 1910, the family headed for Canada, then America.

[Advertisement for Spring Carnival & Fair, El Centro 10 to 15 April 1911]. “The Westwood Twins, only 15 years old, weighing 911 pounds, come direct from Fonbour, New Zealand. Don’t miss seeing them.”

(Imperial Valley Press – California, USA – 1 April 1911)

The family history relates that Thomas Westwood was said to have bought a section in either San Francisco or near Hollywood, and made a children's film -- which wasn't successful. Soon after, he became bankrupt.

Tragedy struck in 1912 with the death of Ruby.

News reached Auckland by the San Francisco mail of the death of Ruby Westwood. She and her brother Wilfred were the two biggest children ever born in New Zealand, perhaps the biggest in the world. At the age of eight, Ruby weighed 14st. She grew proportionately, and at the time of her death, when she was about 19, she weighed over 20st. Her brother Wilfred is several years younger, and now weighs about 30 stone. These two ''giants" were born in Foxton, and resided up to the time of the Christchurch Exhibition, in Auckland. Since that time they have been travelling at Home and in America. The cause of death was blood-poisoning, contracted by a thorn in the finger by picking flowers. Nothing serious was anticipated from the scratch, but shortly afterwards it was found necessary to amputate the finger. This was of no avail as the poison spread and the unfortunate girl died within an hour of being admitted into the San Francisco Hospital.

(Thames Star 22.11.1912)

Now, what happened to the family from 1912 until 1917 isn't all that clear. The family history says that there is information handed down that the surviving children left Thomas and Sarah behind in the States, returning home to New Zealand in 1915. The parents eventually followed after working off the bad debts, but they were penniless.

However, Wilfred seems to have re-invented himself -- as the "Wonder Boy" glass blower. The legend around him from advertisements in later newspapers and promotional reports is that he learned how to do show glass blowing in the States, worked with Barnum & Bailey and Foley-Burk circuses, and even exhibited at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition at San Francisco. How much is truth and how much is side-show hokum, is anyone's guess until more information comes to light. But, he did journey around both New Zealand and across to Australia with his act.

Hawera & Normanby Times 30 June 1917

An industrial novelty will be at the show this year, namely, an exhibition of fancy glass blowing by Master Westwood, a young New Zealander lately returned from America. This will be his first appearance in New Zealand. Visitors should see this new art. Master Wilfred is only 17 years of age, and weighs 23 stone. A visit to this show should be well worth while. Location, side-show section.

(Hawera & Normanby Times 30.6.1917)

WONDER BOY GLASS BLOWER 

It is announced that a novelty to be seen at the Show this year will be a massive youth who, although only 17 years old, weighs 26st 8lb. He has just landed from America where, it is announced, he appeared at all the principal State Fairs and also at the San Francisco Exhibition. He is an expert fancy glass blower, and will spin, weave or blow any article that is possible to make from glass. The location will be in the side show section opposite the Ferris wheel.

(Brisbane Courier, 11.8.1917)

The call of our sailors and soldiers was heartily responded to last evening at Albert-square. The competitions were largely patronised and afforded much excitement and amusement. The side shows provided an unending source of interest. The novelty glass-blower, a youth of 17 years of age, but a man of 30st. in weight, besides being of abnormal growth, is a master of the glass-blower's art.

(Brisbane Courier, 17.8.1917)

Wairarapa Daily Times 18 February 1918

"THE WONDER BOY." 

 AT MASTERTON SHOW, 

Evidently one of the best shows that have ever visited Masterton is ''The Wonder Boy” (glass blower and manufacturer), who will be showing both show days at the Solway grounds. This boy has just arrived from the Dannevirke show, and was viewed there by many thousands of satisfied patrons, and was pronounced by the press and public of that town to be the most marvellous boy of the present time. He was able to blow, spin and weave glass before the eyes of the people, proving this to be no fake side-show, but a clever and educative exhibition. This show is doubly interesting in the fact of the boy's abnormal size, he being 26 stone 8lbs. and his age only 17 years. He is a New Zealander, born in Foxton, of which town his father was Mayor a few years ago. The "Wonder Boy” left New Zealand at the age of seven, went to America, and there learnt the art of glass-blowing, and on his return 2 years ago toured New Zealand until a couple of months ago, when he was engaged by that eminent doctor of Auckland, Dr De Clive Lowe, blowing medical glasses. Owing to the severe eyestrain of such delicate work, he had to give it up, and is now on a tour of the world again. This show will be the "Wonder Boy's" last appearance in New Zealand, as he leaves in a couple of weeks for America, via Australia. This is certainly a show that everybody who attends the grounds should visit and should take the children, as it will be a real education for them.

(Wairarapa Daily Times 18 February 1918)

THE WONDER BOY GLASS BLOWER
Quite a new departure in the show business o the show ground this year will be the glass manufacturing exhibition given by "The Wonder Boy Glass Manufacturer” as advertised in another column. The boy is able to spin, weave, blow and manufacture glassware from raw glass tubing. The demonstration is quite different from the usual sideshow. It is an exhibition that should appeal to school teachers for the education of their pupils from the practical point of view, and is also a valuable object lesson for adults. The boy is particularly interesting. He is a New Zealander, having been born at Foxton, and is said to be the largest boy on earth. He is eighteen years of age, and weighs 27 stone 8lb, a truly excellent specimen of a New Zealander. At the age of six his father had him taken to America. He was educated in the art of glass manufacturing, which, owing to his abnormal size, was the only calling suited for him. After nine years' tuition he returned last year to Auckland, and was specially engaged by the eminent physician, Dr. De Clive Lowe, in manufacturing glass medical instruments; but owing to severe eye-strain resulting from such intricate work he was forced to give the work up, and is now touring the agricultural shows of New Zealand before he returns to America in a few months' time. The people of Nelson are urged not to miss this opportunity of viewing the glass manufacturing exhibition.

(Colonist 17.2.1919)

WONDER BOY GLASS BLOWER AND MANUFACTURER. 

The Wonder Boy will appear at the Hawera Winter Show this year for the last time, as he is leaving shortly for America, and those who have not had the opportunity of seeing his demonstrations of fancy glass work should not fail to do so. The feature of his show this time will be spinning glass. Have you ever seen glass finer than the hair of your head? This is made on a spinning wheel which revolves at the rate of 1000 per minute. This spun glass can be used for book markers, and every lady is to be presented free of charge with one of these souvenirs. Since the last visit of the Wonder Boy to Hawera he has been engaged in making medical glass instruments for the eminent physician of Auckland, Dr De Clive Lowe. His exhibition is a truly novel one, and should not be missed by one and all. The show is well worth a visit.

(Hawera & Normanby Times 30.6.1919)

WONDER BOY GLASS MANUFACTURER.
A new departure in the Hawera Show this year will be the glass manufacturing exhibition given by the "Wonder Boy" glass manufacturer, as advertised. The boy is able to spin, weave, blow, and manufacture glassware from raw glass tubing. The demonstration is quite different from the usual side show. It is an exhibition that should appeal to school teachers for the education of their pupils from the practical point of view. One of the features of his exhibition will be spinning glass. This is made on a spinning wheel which revolves at the rate of 1000 revolutions per minute. This spun glass can be used for book markers. The boy was educated in the art of glass manufacturing for America. The people of Hawera should not miss the opportunity of viewing the glass manufacturing exhibition. A prize of £1 is for the boy or girl who writes the best essay on the "Glass Blowing."

(Hawera & Normanby Times 6.7.1920)

From 1924, Wilfred joined forces with his oldest brother Jack to form Westwood Brothers Enterprises.

Auckland Star 23 October 1924

WESTWOOD BROS.,
the glass blowers, are old friends. They have been showing here the last six years. They told me the Rockhampton people have always treated them well. They did not treat me too well last year, as the boy caught me with a lung tester. He is on drinks he will not do it this time. They are in their old stand, and right next Bradley's snakes. They will be found under the sign "Wonder Boy Glass Blower.” 

 (Morning Bulletin – Rockhampton, QLD – 25.6.1924)

I had a chat with the Westwood glass blower boys; they told me Rockhampton had treated them better than ever. I remarked that they would be in for a rest, but there is no rest in their business, as they are constantly making up stock. 

(Morning Bulletin – Rockhampton, QLD – 30.6.1924) 

AT THE SHOW. 

WONDER BOY GLASS BLOWER. 

The Wonder Boy Glass Blower is the name borne for years by Wilfred E. Westwood, whose birth place was Foxton, N.Z. Mr Westwood has appeared throughout the world in his unique exhibitions of glass-blowing, For several years he was with the Barnum-Bailey and Foley-Burk circus in America, but he returned to Australia giving exhibitions of his art at principal shows. The Wonder Boy will demonstrate practically everything that can be made of glass from the raw material to the finished article. Souvenirs that will be seen made will be beautiful birds of paradise, large vases, kangaroos, sailing ships with outspreading sails, wine glasses, animals and blowing glass to a thickness of two-tenth thousandths of an inch. A large model of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the latest achievement of the Wonder Boy. This bridge con(sists?) of one hundred and fifty miles of (?) glass and took him nine weeks to build. It is a most unique piece of (?) in the history of glass-blowing … 

(Townsville Daily Bulletin, 6.7.1925)

The new firm took in an added attraction in 1925: Australian Mae Kingsley, said to be the only female exhibition glass blower in the world.

Evening Post 16 July 1927

The "Wonder Girl Glass Blower" is the name which is given to Miss Mae Kingsley on account of her knowledge and natural aptitude in the art of glass blowing. Westwood Bros. Enterprises have secured the services of Miss Kingsley for a limited tour of Australia, and she will be seen at the forthcoming Royal National Show in unique exhibitions of her art, in conjunction with the Wonder Boy Glass Blower. It is just six years since Miss Kingsley left her home in Sydney to commence her studies in technical glass blowing most of her time being spent in the laboratories of Belgian and French glass manufacturers.

(Brisbane Courier 6.8.1925)

Glass Blowing-Girl's Unique Art. One of the most educational exhibitions to be seen at the Royal National Show this week is the demonstration of glass blowing, given by Miss Mae Kingsley, who is claimed to be the world's only girl glass blower. Miss Kingsley is a perfect artist in spinning and blowing ornamental glass work; who will make animals and birds, ships, bulbs, glasses, vases, &c. while you wait. With her spinning wheel she will spin glass like the finest silk, which can be made into neck ties, watch chains, &c. While this is going on Mr. W. E. Westwood will give an interesting history of the origination of glass, which dates back as far as 2000 years B.C., and in some respects is a lost art. The large model of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which contains over 150 miles of spun glass, and is the work of this talented Australian girl, will be on exhibition in her large marquee at the Show. Visitors should see Australia's little marvel at work.

(Brisbane Courier, 11.8.1926)

THE GIRL GLASS BLOWER. 

The Westwood Bros. claim for this interesting lady, that she is the only lady glass blower in the world. This may be so, but the fact remains she is the cleverest at the business we have had here, not even excluding Will. Westwood himself. Among all the beautiful articles she makes, zoological, botanical, and others, the glass dress takes pride of place. When one thinks of the fine work in the making, it is wonderful. The glass is spun as fine as a silken thread. It is made from glass rods, heated and drawn out on a wheel revolving rapidly. The colouring is done by using different metallic oxides; chromium gives a green shade; manganese shades from pink to purple; copper from reds to blacks; other oxides give blues, black, and ruby colours. It is over 4000 years since the Phoenicians first discovered how to make glass. All down through the years glass-blowing has not lost its interest. In its most perfect state the operation can be seen at Wellwood Bros. tent in the Show Grounds. Talking to the bronze haired little lady, she said:-"The dress I have just completed seems to me it was all a day dream, but after such tedious and tiresome work, I am pleased to know my day dream was not a myth."

(Morning Bulletin – Rockhampton, QLD – 23.6.1927)

More than ordinary interest will be taken in the unique exhibition of glass blowing presented by Westwood Bros. at the Royal National Show this year. It is astounding to see perfect models of kangaroos, walking sticks, birds of paradise, snakes, ships, ornamental vases, native animals and birds take shape as if by magic from the end of a blow under the delicate touch of this talented Australian artist. Some astounding achievements have been made by the glass blowers since their last visit to Brisbane -- among them is the beautiful ladies evening dress made entirely of glass by Miss Mae Kingsley, and the working models of steam engines which is another astounding achievement. The glass dress and steam engines, which will be in full operation, will be on exhibition in conjunction with this astounding demonstration. Visitors should make it a point of seeing this talented Australian artist at work.

(Brisbane Courier, 9.8.1927)

GIRL GLASS BLOWER. Miss Mae Kingsley, the girl glass blower, will appear at the Hobart regatta next Tuesday. She takes the molten glass from her specially constructed furnace, and blows It into all sorts of articles, such as birds of paradise, old-Dutch smoking pipes, and glass hair. Miss Kingsley is assisted by Mr. W. E. Westwood, and as each article is made the manufacture will be explained.

(The Mercury – Hobart, Tas – 28.1.1928)

GIRL GLASS BLOWER. 

Miss May Kingsley, who astounded visitors to last year's Royal National Show with her marvellous exhibitions of glass blowing, has returned to Brisbane for this year's Show. Referred to as the Wonder Girl Glass Blower, Miss Kingsley and party have just returned from a tour of Africa, where they travelled thousands of miles by motor caravan, and gave countless demonstrations of their art. They are making another tour of the Commonwealth prior to departure for England, via South America. Miss Kingsley, who is assisted in her demonstrations by Mr. W. Westwood, an accomplished artist, will interest her audiences with the manufacture of all manner of glass novelties and the processes will be explained at full length.

(Brisbane Courier, 6.8.1932)

By 1934, though, Wilfred was on his own again. I haven't found any further reports as yet about his exhibitions beyond that year.

WONDER GLASS BLOWER. 

One well worthy of the patronage of all sections of the community is the Wonder Glass Blower, Mr. W. Westwood, Mr. Westwood, who has not visited the Cairns show ground for two years, and who only recently returned from South America, gives the lie direct to those who contend that the manipulation of glass cannot be made interesting. He shows in a series of dexterous movements just how easy - or apparently easy - it is to weave glass tubes into perfect simile of swans, kangaroos, sailing ships and every other imaginable shape. His display is not only interesting it is definitely instructive and enlightening, as he shows by his remarks as he works that he is familiar with the whole history of glass since it was first discovered over 2000 years ago. 

(Cairns Post 19.7.1934) 

Wilfred Westwood, the Wonder Boy, died 28 September 1939 in Auckland as the result of a motor accident. He was living in Sandringham at the time, and died intestate. He is buried at Waikaraka Cemetery.  

I'm sure there'll be updates as more information comes in.

Source (aside from Papers Past, Trove, and  the California Newspaper Digital Collection): the  Westwood Family History, by Lynley Lessels Yates.

The close of NZ's last tram route

Another postcard, via TradeMe.

The Fiducia Tram No. 257 is part of MOTAT's fleet at Western Springs.

Gum, refuge and liquor: the Don Buck's Camp years

Auckland Weekly News, 31 August 1900, Ref 7-A2866, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library

Don Buck, aka Francisco Rodrigues Figuiera (c.1869-1917) is one of West Auckland's most prominent legends from real life.

The Black Bridge is on the Great North Road, about a mile from Swanson railway station, and at the foot of what used to be called Don Buck's Hill, well known to gumdiggers and anyone bound Helensville-wards.

Just on the left-hand side of the bridge, looking north, there is some rising ground, gorse-covered, with a few old pines round a deserted house. A few years ago that house was a busy store, and the knoll was encircled with the queerest imaginable collection of sack shanties and whares. In a semicircle they stretched round the store, all under the eagle eye of Don Buck.

His real name was something very different —one of those characteristic Portuguese names ending in "eirara"— but we never knew him as anything but Don Buck, "Don" for short, "and among friends" as Falstaff says. He was born in Madeira, and in his younger days went to South Africa where he made some money, and then, happening to hear of the gumdigging in New Zealand, something of its bohemian character appealed to this rolling stone of a "Portugee." Not that Don ever handled spear and spade as far as I know; his forte was running a store and financing the wild crew that then followed the elusive gum. Wild they were with a vengeance. All gone to their account many years ago. To-day you won't find more than a handful of the real old fashioned digger anywhere. There is still a sod-shack or two between Riverhead and Kumeu—land that was once thick with the failures of the towns and the thirsty men and women who found it difficult to keep out of the lock-up when they drifted within sight of the lights of the city.

The matter-of-fact methodical Dalmatian has revolutionised the gum digging, robbing it of its wild bohemianism. When a colony of sober, stalwart foreigners will dig deliberately a six-foot face through a swamp, clearing it of every particle of gum, there isn't much room for the casual spear and spade lonehander, whose only ambition was to get enough to keep the tucker box full and give him a surplus for an occasional hilarious burst in town —which invariably wound up in Mount Eden.

A Rough Mob.

When Don first settled near Swanson on what was known far and wide as "Don Buck's Camp" I can't say, but when I first knew the outfit he had firmly established himself there as storekeeper and uncrowned king of as rough a mob as you could muster in the whole province. It was naturally a floating population, but generally there was a score or so of subjects, male and female. Anyone down-and-out used to make for the camp, and whatever Don's failings he never turned a man or woman away, so long as they played the game. They say there is honour among thieves, and there certainly was a certain kind of it in that strenuous little kingdom.

Don was tall, good-looking, with a deep voice, handy with his fists, always had some "shooting irons" about the house, and he was held in considerable respect, so that in all the broil*, battle and sudden death that shook the camp, none of them ever swept nearer than the front steps of the throne. The carousals and the fights used to afford his Majesty a certain amount of amusement, but were never allowed to invade the sacred territory of the palace. His friends could have as much fire-water as they liked, in fact Don used to do a bit in that line himself, and many a keg of whisky used to arrive in the three-horsed trap he drove from the railway station, but they were not allowed to drink about the store.

Oddly enough, living in that little kingdom of inebriates, real hard drinkers, who did not get merely drunk, but mad drunk, Don never touched a drop himself. He had failings, but drink was not one of them.

Whenever a down-and-out arrived at the camp, it might be from some other field, but it was more often from gaol, the procedure was always the same; Don would furnish him with an axe and some sacks. With the axe the newcomer would go down to the bush-clad creek and cut some poles, and with these and the sacks he would build himself a sack shanty, making one more in the large semi-circle. Then Don would come to light with a week's stores, spade and spear, and then he would keep his protege under surveillance. If the newcomer turned up regularly with his gum, Don would know he was playing the game, and he would be admitted to the freedom of the camp.

Fire-Water.

Although he had no objection to turning an honest penny out of the whisky he brought out from town, Don would often give his subjects a bit of good advice. When pressed for a "couple of bob for a booze," he would say, "That's no good to you, lad; I'll give you some stores, and it will be better for you to get out on the field after gum."

Close as a miser in some ways, he was generous in others, and it was characteristic of Don that he would think less of giving some of the ladies of his realm a half crown than he would of giving a man sixpence.

In addition to the whisky there was an even more potent factor in the frequent carousals that got the camp such a notorious name, and led to many visits from the police, and that was the local wine which had a kick like a mule, and was responsible for all sorts of wild doings when the camp "saw red." The chief purveyor of this potent stuff t was a single chap who was not impervious to blandishments. The procedure was to send over one of the ladies, who s would negotiate for a certain amount of wine, and while this was going on other emissaries from the camp would find the keys of the cellar and hand out the deadly stuff in quantities. Much of the wine was new, and therein lay its potency.

Drunken Orgies.

Bacchanalian and fearful were the scenes enacted at the camp on wine days. The ordinary jollification of a gum diggers' community is sometimes colossal, but at Don Buck's they went a bit too far. One man was hacked to death with an axe, another couple disfigured each other with the jagged ends of broken wine bottles, and one man got so completely drunk that he fell face down in the fire, and was suffocated where he lay.

There were other minor failings which made the camp the worry of the police. Many of the "subjects" were notorious gaol birds, and it was common knowledge among those who gathered there that some of the property that was exchanged had not been acquired through the usual channels. Don Buck did not mind dealing in this stuff as long as he knew before hand whether it had been obtained on the square or was "crooked." If you wanted to deal with Don you had to make a clean breast of it to him; once you deceived him he would never trust you again. He had a large and varied acquaintance in town, and apparently had no difficulty in getting rid of any of the stuff he purchased from his queer people.

Don Pines Away.

Visits of the police were common at the camp, and some of the mounted men used to tell queer tales of the goings on they were sent to investigate.

Eventually things got so bad that the police had to clear out the whole nest of frail folks. It was after the affair of the drunken man who fell in the fire and was burned to death that the end came. Once deprived of his subjects Don seemed to lose all zest for life. First he got a cold, then dropsy set in, and at the comparatively early age of 56, or perhaps less, he passed away.

A careful man, he from time to time bought up for a mere song whole tracts of the cheap gum land, and at his death he left an estate worth several thousand pounds Where it went I don't know. Search was made for Portuguese relations of Don's, but without effect, though I have heard that some years afterwards a brother was located in sunny Madeira.

Notorious he undoubtedly was, but Don had his good qualities, and even to this day you will find old "gummies" have a good word to say for the big masterful "Portugee."

(by "Vagabond", Auckland Star 10.8.1926)

"Don Buck" purchased two large areas of land in the early years of the 20th century -- 157 acres of part of Lot 6A, Parish of Waipareira in 1902, beside the Huruhuru Creek (NA 109/147), and 150 acres, Lot 15 in the same parish in 1904, fronting Swanson Road and including today's intersection with Don Buck Road. (DI 9A.774) While he was active as a merchant in the Henderson-Swanson area from c.1898, the camp may not have existed until 1902.

To the Editor.—Sir—l was summoned as a witness in the case Queen v. Sullivan in the Supreme Court last week. On the summons it stated that if I did not attend I was liable to a fine of £100. I left my shop unattended, paid my railway fare (two shillings and eight pence) and lost the whole of Monday in attendance at the court. I was not called as a witness, as I was told the case was dismissed, and when I applied for my expenses I was told I should get nothing. Now, Mr Editor, is this correct or am I entitled to any recompense for lost time and expenses incurred? If not it is time that the law was altered so that a person cannot be dragged away from his business against his wish and receive nothing to recoup him for his expenses and loss of time.—l am. etc.. Don Buck, gum buyer and storekeeper, near Henderson. 

(AS 28.11.1898)

Don Buck was fined 5/ and 7/ costs for driving without lights after sunset on the Great North-road … 

(AS 5.6.1903)

The local authority, the Waitemata County Council, began to get complaints about the gum diggers camp almost immediately.

Sanitation at Henderson. Dr. Makgill submitted the following report to the Waitemata County Council this morning concerning sanitary arrangements at "D. Buck's Camp," Henderson:—"No privy accommodation exists here, and as the huts, though of the most primitive description, are leased as dwellings, they come under section 46, Public Health Act. Probably two privies would prove sufficient for the group, including the store. The present lack of accommodation is offensive, and tends to endanger the purity of the water in the creek, which is used for domestic purposes. I recommend therefore that the Council take action to compel the owner to provide privies."—lt was reported that the owner had been officially requested to remedy the defects. 

(AS 4.9.1903)

And, despite the fact of a letter supposedly written by Don Buck in 1898 being published in the Auckland Star (see above) -- he was apparently not truly bi-lingual. At least, not where it mattered.

KAURI GUM DEALER FINED. The first local prosecution of a kauri gum dealer for neglecting to keep a record of his transactions was heard by Mr H. W. Brabant, S.M., this morning, the defendant being Francisco R. Figuiera. a Swanson dealer familiarly known as "Don Buck." The case was conducted by Sub-Inspector Black.

Mr A. Blair, who defended, said his client was guilty, but being a Spaniard and not well up in English, did not keen a record which was sufficient to comply with the requirements of the Act. He only bought gum from men who worked on his land and were practically his servants. Defendant was now being taught how to keep the book in English.

Sub-Inspector Black said that six months ago Figuiera was warned by the police that it was necessary to keep the record, or he would he prosecuted. His Worship remarked that had the licensing authority known of his inability to keep a book, he might not have secured a license. He imposed a 5/ fine, and reserved his decision as to whether he had power to endorse Figuiera's current license for an offence which occurred during the currency of last year's license. 

(AS 25.1.1904)

NOTICE. That it is my intention to apply to the Waitemata County Council, at a meeting to be held on 8th March, 1907, for permission to Erect a Swing Gate across Waitakerei-rd., near the junction of the North-rd, and Waitakerei-rd. 

F. R. FIGUEIRA 

(AS 2.3.1907)

Francisco Rodregney Fugueiro Cabo, alias "Don Buck," was on the list charged with purchasing kauri gum from one James Dowrick, on two occasions, at Henderson, without being the holder of a kauri gum license. Sergeant Hendry explained that with the consent of defendant's counsel, Mr. Lundon, an adjournment would be asked for until Friday. This was agreed to by the magistrate. 

(AS 2.12.1907)

From 1908, Don Buck proceeded in selling off his lands and assets. The days of vast profits from gum were over in West Auckland, and he was under increasing pressure from those critical of his set-up.

FOR SALE, about 60 Pigs and Sows.— Apply Don Buck. Henderson. 

(AS 19.1.1910)

FOR SALE, Hundreds of Acres, between Henderson and Swanson, in lots to suit purchasers. All good level country. Some improved, some otherwise. —Apply Don Buck, Henderson. 

(AS 19.1.1910)

FOR SALE, 5 to 300 Acres; good stream runs through property, full winter and summer; all fenced.—F R Figueira, Henderson. 

(AS 12.10.1910)

GREEN FLAX.—100 Tons for Sale, delivered to Henderson station.—Apply Don Buck, Henderson.

47 PIGS—For Sale, 7 Breeding Sows, 3 Boars and 50 Young Pigs, all first-class. Apply Don Buck, Henderson. 

(AS 8.7.1911)

By 1912, the camp was infamous for "Chain Lightning" -- a mixture favoured by the inhabitants of Don Buck's shanty huts, which was especially shocking in the midst of the rise of temperance feeling in Auckland.

About three miles out of Henderson is a spot which has earned for itself the special regard of the police. It is a place of periodical sensations, being the centre of a comparatively small but exceedingly choice population of gum diggers and their consorts, with a free admixture of the reckless spirits in whom are to be found the lawless tendencies that in the "roaring forties" made the camps of California noted. Don Buck's Camp, thus constituted, is in its isolation allowed latitude in the conduct of its society which could not be countenanced in other than an Ishmaelite community, and though regular surprise visits by the police keep the spirit of anarchy within reasonable bounds there is now and again an outburst which calls for swift and summary punishment.

Such an outbreak of lawlessness occurred on Thursday, and evidences of it met the eye of Constable Waugh, of Avondale, when he made one of his periodic visits yesterday. The unnatural silence of a whare awoke suspicion and the constable investigated, to find an old man named George Fry lying unconscious and in a pool of blood on the floor. His head was cut and bleeding in numerous places and in such a way that the damage suggested that Fry had been beaten with a bottle. Venturing further afield, the constable came across a stalwart Maori lying on the ground bleeding from a couple of wounds in the side of the neck. Obviously the Maori’s explanation that he had fallen down and hurt himself was insufficient and aroused the suspicion that he had reason to say little about the affair. Still further investigation, in which information was grudgingly given, enabled the constable to piece together the story of how the state of affairs had come about.

It appeared that the Maori, who is well known variously as "Maori Jack," Jack Denny, and Uru, had come to blows with another man of the camp, when Fry interfered and, it is alleged, struck Maori Jack with a tomahawk. The big native thereupon turned on the old man with a bottle and, it is stated, beat him unmercifully about the head. Constable Fry placed the Maori under arrest, and later had both him and Pry conveyed to the Auckland Hospital. George Fry is a man 60 years of age, and his head injuries are such that his condition is reported to be critical.

The place which is the scene of the episode is on a wide stretch of country owned by Don Buck, who one time carried on a store out Henderson way, but is now farming. Patches of the land were once fairly rich in gum, and when a man came along who, for reasons of his own, preferred to make a precarious living on the gumfields, away from the eye of the world, the storekeeper was willing to provide them with a spade, a spear and outfit, to enable them to dig gum on his land. Of course, the provisions came from his store, and he was willing to trade them for gum. In this way became established what is known as Don Buck's camp, and the men and women who took up seclusion there consisted in great part of a pariah class.

The years went on, the field became less prolific of gum, the store closed down, but the camp has remained, its personnel ever-changing. Though the decrease of the gum has made the conditions of work hard, the place is yet by many considered a place of refuge, and their pleasures are as strenuous as their work. It is in such places that one hears of the pleasures of methylated spirits. From a prominent police officer it is learnt that this spirit is much favoured for [illegible] purposes by the hard-bitten drinkers. The proper blend, it is stated, is one bottle of methylated spirits to four of whisky, making five quarts of "chain lightning," which is the dope aimed it. Another variety is a mixture of the local wine and methylated spirits, while the women who have cultivated a fine taste in such matters prepare for themselves a soothing night-cap from sweetened tea brewed strong, and the inevitable methylated. The wonder is not that those who indulge in such gentle concoctions occasionally kick over the traces but that they should have the life left to kick at all. 

(AS 6.1.1912)

The public has heard something recently of the home-grown wine that is the staple beverage of Don Buck's camp, near Henderson, and an authentic instance was related at the inquest on Tuesday of how a man got drunk on a glass of the drink. It might be mentioned that the real article is a dark, heavy liquid resembling port, with a pleasant fruity flavour. It, however, takes some considerable time for proper stomachic assimilation, and when a fresh supply is imbibed on top of the previous days' potations, the fumy effects of the combination are said to be decidedly exhilarating. It is the custom of the aforesaid camp community to drink this un-mellowed wine daily, and in gulps of half a pint a measure, after the style of beer drinking. When it is considered that, in addition, many of the imbibers with the excitement of methylated spirits for the sake of adding a bite, the mental and physical effects of wine-pest in the camp may be imagined. 

(AS 21.11.1912)

Buck's Camp, situated midway between Henderson and Swanson and already notorious in regard to several previous tragedies, during the past week-end was the scene of a drunken orgy, culminating in the death of a man named Harry Whiteside. Evidence given at the inquest showed that there had been drinking, dancing, and fighting, in which three men and two women participated, that all the men were supposed to have left the whare in which the carouse took place, but that next morning Whiteside was found lying on the floor dead. Medical evidence went to show that although deceased might have been injured by a blow, the injuries were not sufficient to cause death, and that death had been caused by suffocation, probably through the man falling on his face while drunk. The jury returned a verdict accordingly.

(AS 23.11.1912)

 Now, the Waitemata County brought in Dr. Makgill, the District Health Officer, in response to increasing complaints about the camp.

The District Health Officer forwarded for the consideration, of the Waitemata County Council a report by Inspector Grieve regarding what is known as "Don Buck's Camp.''

The Inspector reports having visited Don Buck's Camp, or to give the proper name of the owner, Francisco Rodergues Figuerra. The report states that this man owns a block of land midway between Henderson and Swanson. He lives in a fairly well-built wood and iron house on his property. Scattered round the main building are a number of huts, and the remains of several which have apparently collapsed. They vary in size from about 12 by 12 to 8 by 8. Six of these huts are riddled with toredo holes. They have neither lining nor windows. There are three other sod huts with sacks for roof covering. At the time of the inspector's visit the whole camp was deserted and all huts locked up. The whole of the shanties present a very squalid appearance. Mr Grieve added: "I met the owner on the road after making my inspection, and he argued that these huts were no worse than many that could be found elsewhere on the gumfields. This has to be admitted, but I think there should be a distinction between what any one man in poor circumstances might erect for his own shelter and these places erected by a man who can apparently afford something better, and let for his profit."

In forwarding a certificate of condemnation of six wooden huts and three sod and sacking whares the District Health Officer, Dr Makgill, stated: "As they are continuously inhabited, it is quite reasonable to treat them as buildings intended for human habitation, and demand a higher standard of sanitation than one would for a temporary bushman’s or gumdigger's whare."

The Council agreed to serve notice on the owner in accordance with the Act. 

(AS 18.1.1913)

DON BUCK'S CAMP. To the Editor, Sir.—

At last this notorious camp has aroused the attention of the authorities to a sense of their duty to the people living in that district, and also the insanitary conditions and steps are being adopted to remove some of the evils which have existed for many years. The country people have protested against magistrates sending these undesirables to pollute and endanger the safety of the district, but without avail whatever. The magistrates who sent that class of persons to the country would object themselves to live amongst them; but when they have the option of going to gaol or country, they did not consider for one moment the respectable and law abiding people whom they were going to jeopardise. But, so long as this class of people were removed from the streets of the city they were satisfied. It is unfair and unjust that country places should have to submit to this state of things.

Now, sir, I resided about a mile from Buck's Camp seven years ago, and I had occasionally to go to Henderson on business, but one of the residents entreated me not to pass by Buck's Camp, because it was not safe to do so, as someone had been stuck up a short time and that some of the worst class of both sexes were there. I always went down the line for safety. While at Henderson I saw some of the most vile women who once paraded Auckland streets. I also met them in other localities. The out-districts were over-run with this class of women. Could not the Government devise some better means of getting rid of this class of people from the city. Not by sending to gaol for a period, but to an island of reformation, there to work out their liberty by their own reformed actions while there to justify them being restored to the society they forfeited by their evil doings. It would be well if many of the males were treated in like manner, and by humane power and influence would possibly reform them. The gaol, as a rule, does not reform, but hardens the nature of many, and they go back to liberty to commit the same deeds or worse. Justice should be tempered with mercy in many instances, not imprisonment and fines, too often resorted to by judge and magistrate. —I am. etc., R B 

 (AS 23.1.1913) 

Not all of Don Buck's land had been sold by the time he died in 1917. The Public Trustee settled his estate and arranged for sales into the 1920s. At that point, real life increasingly became legend.

 Auckland Star 21 August 1922

A view from the mill

As mentioned in my posts on Partington's Mill, while the Auckland landmark stood, it proved a magnet for photographers keen to capture scenic vistas of the surrounding area on film. This shot is one of them, taken looking generally eastward towards the Domain and the hospital.

According to the Auckland Library photographers database, William Thompson Wilson died in 1917 (aged only 34), and did quite a bit of photography around the time of the 1913-1914 Auckland Exhibition, so this gives me a rough period for the postcard.

I wondered what view shaft was used for the image. My rough estimate is in these overlays (using aerial images from 1940 and 2008, from the Auckland Council website. With Partington's Mill as the yellow spot (the more recent photo is, of course, an approximation of the now vanished structure's site), the dotted lines are an indication of total view, and the solid lines appear to be the view Wilson actually used for the postcard.

The houses in the foreground are either under the motorway these days, or replaced by modern buildings, as for Grafton Road leading up to the hospital site.

The hospital buildings in Wilson's image are quite clear, for being just a detail part of the whole ...

... while the Domain itself looks quite empty. Not for long, though. The hospital expanded from this point on, and the trees grew. By 1940, this view had gone. Today, it's unrecognisable.

Colour on Godley Road

Visiting part of Green Bay a week ago -- I came upon this box mural at the corner of Godley Road and Taupo Street.

Digital New Zealand Yearbooks

I've just found the collection of New Zealand Yearbooks digitised and available online from Statistics New Zealand. There's another link I need to find a place for.

Protecting our national treasures

Interesting article pointed out to me by Jayne at Our Great Southern Land (thanks, Jayne!)

"In a room full of treasures out the back of Te Papa, Shane James holds up one that almost got away.

It's a curious-looking but strangely beautiful wooden funnel,intricately carved with Maori-looking patterns, that was on the brink of being auctioned in Melbourne in 2009, when it was seized by Australian authorities and returned to New Zealand because it is "taonga" – a treasure. 

"James is kaitiaki (guardian) of the Maori collection at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and the object he's holding reverently, white gloves and all, looks just like a korere, the traditional Maori feeding funnel used so tohunga and other high-ranked men could be fed without touching their food.

"Except it's not a korere. It wasn't even made in New Zealand. It's a brilliant fake, made in the 1920s by a notorious English furniture maker, fraudster and occasional thief called James Little. 

"Yet when the Ministry of Culture and Heritage learnt of the Melbourne auction, they swooped just the same. Even as a fake, the funnel comes under schedule 4, category 9 of the Protected Objects Act (1975). It tells "important stories about the international market in fake Maori objects" and so on. It's our fake and we're holding on to it, thank you very much."

Much more at the link.

The Ah Chee family in the 20th century

An update from Chan Dar Chee and his family business, revisited.

Avondale market gardens

From 1905, Avondale market gardener William Knight appears to have had issues with regard to Ah Chee’s Avondale business. On Sunday 12 February, he watched workers at Ah Chee’s gardens tending the crops and harvesting. Obviously incensed, he wrote the following letter to the Auckland Star, published 14 February.

“Sir,—Will you kindly allow me to refer to the closing sentence of your sub-leader on "Alien Immigration" 'in Thursday's "Star," which says: "But the tendency of such movements of population is always the same, and if we wish to escape the attendant evils we must look to it that our workers shall not be subjected to unfair competition at the hands of aliens content with a lower wage or a lower standard of comfort., be they Oriental or European." Now, sir, this is the very state of things that exists at the present time in the market gardening in and around Auckland. On what is commonly known as the Avondale Flat, or North Avondale, there are now a large number of Chinese working. The long hours which they work, the low wages they get, the insanitary conditions under which they live, and their being allowed to work on Sunday as on any other day places them in a position that it is almost impossible tor the European to successfully compete with. Quite a number of white people have been replaced by Chinese. In one instance recently a Chinese gardener was advertised for, a white man being discharged, and a Chinese taken on in his place, and some others are thinking of doing likewise. Now, sir, these long hours, low wages, insanitary conditions, and Sunday labour enable growers who have the advantage of them to secure the contracts for the supply of vegetables to the many steamboats that are constantly leaving Auckland and Onehunga and in other ways undersell us. Our sons, as they grow up, are compelled to leave the home and district and seek work elsewhere, while Chinese come and take their places: and they are bold enough to say that we cannot stop them from working on Sundays because they have to supply the boats. —I am, etc, W. KNIGHT, Avondale.”

In March that year, he appeared as a witness for the prosecution at a police court hearing where ten Chinese gardeners at Ah Chee’s property were charged with “following their calling within the public view” on Sunday, 12 February. Their names, as reported at the first hearing on 22 February, were given as Ah Lee, George Duck, Ah Sun, Hing Yong, Kam Wah, Ah Ping, Ling, George Ling, William J Linton, and Alfred W Linton, Knight testified that he’d seen them “pulling and hoeing vegetables on Sundays” many times. W J Napier, defending the gardeners, raised an interesting point.

“Mr. Napier submitted that the defendants, who were employed by a contractor named Ah Chee, only pulled and bagged vegetables on Sundays which were required early on Monday mornings. It was impossible to deliver them in time on Mondays unless this was done, as Ah Chee undertook to supply a large number of steamers leaving at that time. He contended that merely pulling and bagging vegetables was not following their ordinary calling, which was that of hoeing and manuring the vegetables, and that it could be regarded as a work of necessity. He called Ah Chee to produce vouchers, showing that on the morning following the particular Sunday he had to supply fresh vegetables to seven of the Northern Steamship Company's steamers. The practice now complained of had gone on without question for twenty years.

“Mr. McCarthy, S.M., who heard the case, decided that Mr. Napier's contention was correct. He remarked that on the score of health vegetables must generally be freshly pulled, and it was a necessity that people in hotels and on steamers should be fed. Taking all the facts into consideration he found that the Chinese came within the exception allowed by the Act, and he dismissed the information.” 

(Star, 2 March 1905)

But, the campaign against the Chinese working on Sundays at Avondale campaign didn’t stop there. Eight of Ah Chee’s workers appeared at the Police Court in November 1907 to answer charges. Mr Napier, once again defending, told the court that Ah Chee “had something like 50 contracts to fill every Monday morning to various steamers and clubs”, so the men had to work on Sunday to pull the vegetables fresh from the ground. The men were also charged for tending and weeding the potato crop, in clear view of a country road on a Sunday – in this case, Rosebank Road. The second charge was dismissed by the magistrate at the end of November, who viewed that the law allowed for the work of tending the potatoes seeing as the weather had been extremely wet, and that weekend was the first fine break in quite some days. But, the magistrate disagreed with his colleague’s 1905 decision, and ruled that the vegetables for the steamers and hotels should have been pulled up out of the ground on Monday, instead of Sunday, so declaring that the workers had broken the law, the Police Offenses Act 1884. They were fined 5/- with costs, each. (Star, 4 and 30 November, 1907)

The newspapers periodically reported more cases of Chinese working down Rosebank Road on Sundays – and being fined – who may or may not have been connected with Ah Chee’s Avondale gardens.

In 1920, however, it appears the workers went on strike for better pay – and took the train to most likely Ah Chee’s store in the city to express their views.

"Hoolahi whampoa mukka hilo, mo tenksch!" At least it sounded like that, and there was a good deal more of the same sort of thing from the band of Chinamen (all in their best bib and tucker, clean boots, and collars, with no sign of the market garden about them), that invaded Auckland yesterday by train from Avondale, the home of the early cabbage and giant turnip. Various surmises were for this Celestial irruption, from the finale to a social "dust-up" in suburban tiding circles to a fete day in connection with one of other of the two bodies politic into which the Flowery Land is at present divided.

“When the voluble party reached the Auckland railway station it made for the premises of a well-known Chinese firm, and later the deputation emerged with the ghost of a smile flickering round its various features. It turns out that there was nothing political or of a festive nature connected with the visit. The Celestials were merely in the fashion. They were on strike. Hanging up the hoe, and placing the long-handled shovel in the corner they bought second-class return tickets, and seeking out the "boss" explained that they wanted more pay, and until the matter was settled the lettuces and cauliflowers had to look after themselves. There was no question of hours, so fortunately the dispute was not double-barrelled —that bug-bear of the Court and Council. After a full explanation of the position the terms of the agriculturists were granted, and it is stated they now draw from £2 to £2 5/ a week, have quarters free, and food thrown in.

“This makes the third time the gardeners have been out, and about the only thing left that will not strike must be the Japanese wooden matches now on the market. The Chinamen don't bother about registering under the Arbitration Act, but have their unions nevertheless; probably all the stronger because they are more or less secret. The Chinaman has always had a predilection for the secret society, and adopts the same procedure in his labour agitations. He doesn't worry the Press with reports of his meetings or pass resolutions demanding the intervention of the Minister of Labour, but achieves his object all the same. Anyhow for the present peace once more reigns in the potato rows at Avondale, and John is this morning once more hoeing into it again with very nearly a grin on his inscrutable "dial." 

(Star 16 March 1920)

Mechanic’s Bay market garden

In January 1916, the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board were approached by a deputation from the Northern Union Football League regarding the hospital land at Mechanic’s bay, at that time leased by Ah Chee for his market gardens.

“The chairman of the Board (Mr Coyle) said the land in question was at present leased to Mr Ah Chee. The lease would expire next June, but Mr Ah Chee had an option of renewal for another fourteen years by paying 5 per cent upon the capital value of the property. Some two or three years ago the value was fixed at £5,000, but now it would be more than that amount.

“Mr E H Potter said he was glad the club wished to get this site for a sports ground. It was an ideal property for such a purpose.

“Mr Wallace said the club was out to encourage clean sport. It was the Board's duty to do all it could to help the club. Mr G. Knight said all of them were in sympathy with the deputation in the request made, but the ground was leased at the present time, and that might be renewed. At this stage the Board went into committee, and upon resuming, it was announced that the question had been referred to the Finance Committee to report.” (Star, 26 January)

The Board decided to offer a 15 year lease to the Club for the ground in May 1916 (Star, 5 May), and Ah Chee called for a conference on site that August “to deal with several matters in connection with the taking over of the property.” (Star 31 August) In July 1917, Ah Chee applied to the Board for an extension of his lease, clearly not about to part with his first gardens just yet. The Board referred the application to the League Club. (Star, 26 July)

The end of Ah Chee's first Auckland market garden, and the foundation of much of his business portfolio, came in 1920.

Auckland Rugby League hae now acquired the playing ground for which it has been negotiating for some considerable time. Last evening the Auckland Hospital Board granted the League the lease of the land now occupied by a Chinese gardener. The property, six acres in area, is situated in Stanley Street, immediately adjoining the Domain, and the rental, on renewable Glasgow lease, has been fixed at £140 a year for the first four years, and £320 a year for the balance of the first twenty-one years.

(Star 22 September 1920)

The end of Ah Chee's garden, the beginnings of Carlaw Park. Images 7-A13262 and 7-A13263 joined together, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library

Poll Tax evaders

Ah Chee’s tobacco farm at Mangere belonged in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the firm was back at Mangere, this time with a more conventional market garden. Two Chinese labourers were arrested there, apparently after having been smuggled into the country in April 1919. Ah Chee Bros. denied knowledge of them. (Star, 26 April) By May, the case had expanded, after the two labourers were fined £10 “for landing in New Zealand, for evading the poll tax.” Now, the defendant before the Police Court was Ah Chee’s nephew Sai Louie.

“The offence went back to the night of March 15 last, when two young Chinese were landed from the steamer Atua at Chelsea, and brought over to Auckland on the ferry boat by the bo’sun. On landing, the guide took them across the dark locality abutting from the wharf to Little Queen Street, and to near the rear of the promises of Ah Chee. There Sai Louie met them, and when the bo’sun departed they were driven by motor to the ginger factory in Rutland Street, and later taken to the gardens at Mangere, where they had remained until discovered by the police. They had been paid no wages.

“Sai Louie's connection with the matter dated from the time the Atua's mail was landed, when he received a letter. Defendant had told the police that he met the two men in Queen Street, and he merely gave them a job. That was on April 26. After that defendant gave several conflicting statements to the Customs Department. On April 30 he admitted he had done wrong. He said that prior to the Atua's arrival he had no knowledge that the two men were coming to New Zealand, but from the mail that day, he had received a letter requesting him to look after them, which he had done. On May 5 defendant informed a Customs official that he told the two Chinese that they had better return to the Atua, go back to Fiji, and go to school until they could pass the education test and pay the poll-tax. They replied that they could not do this as the Atua was returning to Sydney, where they would be certain to be found as the officials made a strict search there. They also said that if they went back, the bo’sun, from fear of being caught, might throw them overboard at night. They would rather jump from the wharf than go on board again.

“He then took them to the ginger factory, and to the gardens after deciding to give them work. He gave them £10 to buy clothes with. He had nothing to do with ringing-up a relative in Ah Chee's store when the storeman said two men were waiting outside for him at the back of the building. He went out and saw the bo’sun of the Atua, who beckoned him over. He asked the men what they wanted, and then the bo’sun departed. He wrote to Sang On Tie, a big merchant in Fiji, warning him of the seriousness of the offence of smuggling men, and telling him not to do it again as it would ruin his (defendant's) good name in New Zealand, where he had been for 25 years. Besides that, the Chinese here might get jealous of him and get him into trouble. He informed the officials also that he had several times intended to tell the truth, but was afraid. He knew he had done wrong, and intended to ask only for leniency.

“He knew of two other Chinese smuggled in, and he would endeavour to locale them, and advise the officials. He had not received any money for helping the Chinese. Mr. Mays added that defendant, on May 3, again altered his story, saying he did not see the Chinese the night they arrived, but the day alter, and that he intended to plead guilty, but his solicitor later said he was foolish to do so, as he thought he would be able to get him off if he did not know the two Chinese were coming to New Zealand, and if he did not receive part of the £91 paid by the man in Suva. He intimated his intention to plead guilty to aiding and abetting, but not deliberately.” 

(Star 6 May)

Sang On Tie in Suva was a businessman with whom the Ah Chee family had business connections. Eventually, Sai Louie was fined a total of £48 12/-. (Star 9 May)

Marine Store (scrap metal) business

Ah Chee was still engaged in accepting scrap metal at his marine store in 1908. In January 1909, he was caught up in a police case against Gustav Solomon, accused of stealing copper cable from the Ponsonby tram barn run by the Auckland Electric Tramway Company. Ah Chee was approached by Soloman to buy the cable in August 1908, with Solomon telling Ah Chee that he had a contract with the tramway company to take their waste copper. Ah Chee bought several lots from Solomon, and in turn off-loaded to another firm. Solomon was convicted. (Star 13 January 1909)

The family fruit and vege business

Ah Chee apparently had premises on Manukau Road, Parnell as at 1906.

A fire broke out in a stable at the rear of Ah Chee's premises, Manukau-road, about ten o'clock last night. The Parnell Fire Brigade were quickly on the spot, however, and reduced the flames before much damage had been done. The extent of the damage to the stable did not exceed £5. 

(Star 7/6/1906)

In August 1913, Ah Chee’s flagship store at 11 Lower Queen Street was up for a 6-year lease, the firm apparently having moved out. (Star, 25 August) The business appears to have moved to a new Queen Street address. By December 1914, the business became known as Ah Chee Bros. (Star, 10 December). The main shop’s lease was advertised by William Ah Chee again in 1917.

Queen Street, from Quay Street looking toward Customs Street. The Ah Chee family business was on the right side, where today's Downtown shopping mall exists today. Postcard (c.1911) from my collection.

Somewhat ironically, considering the protests from Europeans previously faced by Ah Chee and his fellow Chinese businessmen, Ah Chee was elected to a committee of a fruitsellers association in March 1914 which protested against fruit auctioneers who had signed application papers for Hindu hawkers to obtain licenses. They also called for a rescinding of a Council by-law that fruit sold in the shops had to be covered against dust and flies. (Star 20 March 1914) The firm was fined £1 and costs for a breach of the by-law in May 1915, and again in December that year (20/- and 7/- costs). Clement Ah Chee seems to have been sole Chinese member of the Fruitseller’s Association in 1916.

The Ah Chee family’s fungus business from the 19th century had a slight sideline by 1919: they advertised for mushrooms, “fresh picked”, “highest prices given”. (Star, 17 April 1919)

“The premises in Queen Street in which All Chee started business some forty years ago was a much less imposing building than the fine shop opposite the G.P.O. which is now his headquarters. Two or three assistants were then able to cope with the business that now employs about one hundred hands. Mr. Ah Chee claims that he is the largest fruit and vegetable trader in Auckland, if not in New Zealand. He transacts a large retail business, a big wholesale trade, and carries on an extensive shipping connection: while the fresh vegetables and fruit that appear on the tables of many hotels, boarding houses, and public institutions come from the gardens owned by Ah Chee.

“He grows the greater part of his huge supplies in his own gardens, which cover some two hundred acres through the suburbs. These gardens supply his shop daily with immense quantities of fruit and vegetables, ensuring the freshest goods. The local markets supply him with such produce as does not come within his scope, while every Island boat that comes to Auckland brings great cargoes of oranges, bananas, and pineapples for his store. Australia also yields some of her choicest fruits to his market.

“An interesting side-line, within Ah Chee's scope, is the gathering and the export of fungus. This vegetable matter, to be found in decaying forests throughout the country, has more honour outside New Zealand than within it; it is highly valued in China as an article of food. Although great quantities of this toothsome dainty are exported to China every year, the supply does not cope with the demand, and Ah Chee is anxious to buy as much as he can. He claims, further, that he exports as much as 80 per cent of the total fungus export of New Zealand every year. His prices, too, are well-known amongst many Maoris in the North Auckland peninsula, who say that he pays more for his supplies than any other merchant with whom he has dealings. Farmers and settlers, too, do not disdain to pack up and send to Ah Chee any fungus that they may run across in their travels.” 

(Star, 18 December 1920)

From 17 March 1921, Ah Chee & Co took over the lease, at an annual rental of £325, of part of the Auckland City Market site at Sturdee Street, after Turners & Growers surrendered their lease over the site back to the City Council. (Public notice, Star, 1 October 1921)

November 1922 is the first sighting or advertising for an Ah Chee fruit and vegetable store at Newmarket “at Railway Entrance, Broadway”. (Star, 28 November)

During the 1923 Auckland Summer festival at Calliope Dock, Clem Ah Chee provided a “special Chinese junk” upon which “a Chinese orchestra will be stationed to render ‘romantic’ music, and which heads the procession across.” (Star, 19 March 1923)

In August 1923, 688 acres of land at Marua near Whangarei owned by William Ah Chee and Ivan Black from Matamata was sold at mortgagee auction. (Star, 3 August 1923)

The Ah Chee family take to motoring

The first report showing that members of the Ah Chee family had shifted from 19th century to 20th century means of personal transportation came in November 1913 when William Ah Chee was fined 10/- and costs “for motoring round the Queen and Customs Streets corner at more than a walking pace.” (Star, 3 November) He was fined in April 1916 10/- and 7/- costs “for leaving his motor car unattended in Queen Street for more than quarter of an hour.” (Star, 4 April) In October that year, it was Clement’s turn before the bench, caught in a police speed trap along New North Road along with 30 other motorists on an Avondale race day, he was convicted of travelling at up to 42 mph, and fined £2 and 7/- costs. (Star, 11 October 1916)

William Ah Chee appeared again before the court in January 1918 for not sounding his horn on approaching the corner of Queen and Customs Streets (Star, 17 January).

Ah Chee Bros. entered a Hudson motor car in the 1921 New Zealand Motor Cup race at Muriwai Beach (Star, 1 March). William Ah Chee won a stock car race at Muriwai 5 March 1921, and Clem Ah Chee came third out of four in the cup race. For the races at Muriwai in February 1922, the Ah Chee brothers used a Cadillac as well as a Hudson. The Ah Chees made several appearances at Muriwai during the 1920s.

Meanwhile, William Ah Chee’s traffic violations continued.

“William Ah Chee, the well-known Chinese merchant, pleaded not guilty at the City Court this morning when charged with two breaches of the traffic regulations—having permitted a cut out to be used in the motor car he was driving along Manukau Road on the 7th inst., and with driving his car in a manner dangerous to the public. As this was by no means the first time that Ah Chee had been prosecuted for offence against the traffic regulations, considerable interest was manifested in his case. The defendant did not employ a solicitor, but argued his own case.

“The evidence of police witnesses state that the car was making noise like an aeroplane, and that he was driving at a speed approximating 40 miles an hour.

“Defendant denied the cut out, there was no unreasonable noise, and declared that his speed had not exceeded 25 miles an hour.

“The Magistrate convicted on the first charge and ordered defendant to pay 15/- costs of prosecution. On the charge of dangerous driving a conviction was also recorded, and Ah Chee was fined £5, with 15/ costs, and £1 10/- witnesses' expenses.” 

(Star, 26 April 1922)