Fooled by "the gypsy woman"

In Avondale's St Ninian's Cemtery lies the gravestone for Walter and Rachel Chishollm, a hard-working Methodist couple who were integral parts of every community they settled in. Sadly, though, in declining years they fell victim to a con.

Walter Chisholm was born in Southdean near Hawick c. 1833 in the Scottish Borders country the edlest son of James Chisholm and Janet Brown. James Chisholm was an agricultural labourer. By 1851, Walter was working on the estate of Henry Elliot of Westerhouses, Chester, as a molecatcher. Paying his own fare, he sailed from Liverpool for Melbourne in 1854, on the American clipper, The Red Jacket.

He worked in Victoria for the next 13 years, marrying Rachel Graham in 1863 at Carisbrooke, Wedderbourn, north-west of Ballarat, a gold-mining town. Rachel was originally from Ireland, and had arrived in Victoria in 1860 on assisted passage as a nurse. At the time of their marriage, Walter was employed as a mail contractor.

From Victoria, the Chisholms headed to Hokitika, staying there for over twenty years. living in Sale Street, working as an ironmonger's asstant by 1880. There Walter devoted time to the local Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school, as well as serving as Poor Steward and Chapel Society Steward. He may also have been secretary of the Independent Order of Rechabites 1877-81. He was actively against the licensing of hotels in the area, successfully opposing the granting of Henry Sharpe's license for the British Hotel in Tancred Street, September 1880. By 1883, he was a storeman, and by 1889 associated with the Hokitika Hardware Company. In that year he was a member of the Hokitika Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

In 1890, Walter and Rachel, with their son James left Hokitika for Mauriceville, near Masterton.

The many friends of Mr Walter Chisholm will be interested to learn that he has bought the business of a general storekeeper at Mauriceville, near Masterton, in the Wairarapa, Wellington Province. Writing to a friend in Hokitika Mr Chisholm says : — " I like this country very well, the weather is splendid. This district is very heavily timbered where not cleared and very hilly, but the land is splendid and the crops are grand; 10 bushels of wheat to the acre and very little trouble to preserve it. This is a very scattered place. Almost every settler has from 50 to 100 acres on the roadside and those behind these sections have generally from 160 to 400 acres. Those in the front were not allowed to take up large holdings. It is a special settlement on deferred payment. Sheep and cows are the chief products. We have a butter factory close by and there is only one very small store within two miles. I have only one man. We have to take out goods such a distance. On Monday the four wheeled express with two horses has about 16 miles round; on Wednesday, 32 miles; and Friday, 16 miles, and we have to go or somebody else would take our customers. As far as I can see yet, I will do very well. I pay 9s a week rent of store and dwelling and a four acre grass paddock, so that my expense is small. The railway station is two miles away, but we have a Post and Telegraph Office just across the road. We are about 80 miles from Wellington."

West Coast Times, 27 February 1890

In their new home, Walter and Rachel Chisholm made their mark. Walter was a local Methodist church Trustee, lay preacher and Sunday school superintendent, while Rachel appears to have used her nursing skills during an emergency in 1897 when, during a bush fire, a Mrs McGregor and her children were badly burned. The Hastwell Fire Relief Committee presented Rachel Chisholm with an album as a token of their appreciation for her work in March that year. By 1900, Walter was chairman of the Mauriceville West School Committee, and by 1902 he was a Justice of the Peace. But, he and Rachel were both becoming older, and in 1902 their age was used against them by a Serbian con artist posing as a fortune-teller.

At Masterton on Friday Mary Nicoli, commonly called "the gypsy woman," was charged with stealing £1 from Walter Chisholm, Mauriceville West, on November 20, and further with fortune telling at the same time and place. 

Mr Chisholm, an elderly, grey-haired man, who is a Justice of the Peace, stated that he was a storekeeper at Mauriceville West. On November 19 accused went to his shop, purchased some goods, and asked to see his hand. Witness showed his palm and the woman told him some very agreeable things. She said he was a very good man, would live long, and would be very rich, plenty of money coming over the sea (laughter). He charged her a shilling less for goods than he would have done, for telling him (laughter). 

The next day she visited his shop again, and this time went into the private room where he and his wife were. She asked for two sovereigns for two pound notes, and he changed one of the notes. Then she asked him to sit down on a chair near the fire. He did so, and she took a seat beside him on the floor, and asked for a tumbler of water which was supplied. She placed the glass on the hearth between them, and requested a pocket handkerchief, which was given. Taking some chemical stuff out of her pocket she tied it in the handkerchief, dipped it in the water, and then spread it over the top of the glass. Then she asked him to place a pound on the handkerchief. Witness demurred; and she then placed a pound note of her own underneath the glass. Eventually, on the advice of his wife, he also placed a note across the top of the glass. Accused then folded the two notes together and “wanted to touch my back to cure some imaginary disease. I said my back was all right (laughter), and then she wanted to touch my breast with the notes," said witness. 

Continuing, witness stated she put her hands under his wife's skirt. When she withdrew her bands she had some paper in them, but not the two notes. She quickly rolled the papers up and put them in the fire. Then she said she had burned her own note as well as his, and all disease was taken away, so he must give her another pound for the one she had lost. His wife went out of the shop, but was only away about a quarter of a minute, and when she returned accused left. Cross-examined, Chisholm said he had no intention of giving the woman the pound; he "kept his eye on it like a cat watching a mouse"; he did not ask for the note back; she did not tell witness "there was no fool like an old fool "; witness did not offer accused a pound if she would give him a kiss; witness (indignantly),- "my wife is a better looking woman than her." 

Mrs Chisholm corroborated her husband's evidence. Accused, she said, crumpled up what seemed to be the notes, mixed with some coffee, burnt them on a shovel, and held the fumes under the nose of witness's husband. Afterwards the woman bought some goods in the shop, and Mr Chisholm charged 3s or 4s less than the usual price. She was only out of the room a few seconds serving a child. Recalled, Mr. Chisholm said he sold the goods cheaply because accused said she wanted to sell some of them again, as she had a lot of young children to keep. 

The Magistrate (Mr James, S.M.) said the case came within the definition of larceny by trick. No one would believe that the notes were burned, and he should find accused guilty of larceny by trick. He could not understand how people, especially like Mr Chisholm, a Justice of the Peace, and apparently of some common sense, could be so foolish as to lend themselves to be cheated in this manner. It passed his comprehension altogether. "They bring these about by their own stupidity, and then come here and complain that they have been had," added Mr James. Accused was fined £5 and costs £1 13s.

Bush Advocate, 8 December 1902

The following year, Mary Nicoli was sentenced to £5 or three months imprisonment in New Plymouth, for obtaining money from Maoris under false pretences (Hawera & Normanby Star, 23 December 1903), and was accused of pretending to exercise witchcraft in Hastings by two Maori women, when Nioli promised to help them bear children. (Poverty Bay Herald, 7 May 1906)

James Chisholm took over the store at Mauriceville from 1905, while Walter and Rachel retired and came to live in Avondale, setting up their home in Elm Street. Once again, Walter took an active part in the Methodist Church, but sadly had a bad turn while on his way to the church on Rosebank Road and falling, passing away in 1910.

James, separated from his own family, came up to live with his aged mother, then remarried. He shifted to Ellerslie, taking Rachel along them, where he worked as a horse trainer. When Rachel died in 1921. she too was buried here at St Ninians Cemetery.

Sources: Audrey Barney, "Robert Chisholm of the Whau" Clan Chisholm Newsletter June 2007 (.pdf); Papers Past.

A miller's sad death: Thomas Hicks, 1878

Thomas Hicks (c. 1819-1878) came originally from Madron, in Cornwall, England, a miller by trade in his early days. He married Elizabeth Williams on 6 August 1842, his age listed as 33 on the certificate when he was actually ten years younger. It was probably a very necessary marriage – in November that year, their son Thomas was born. Thomas Hicks senior ran a drift mill in Sancreed down to 1859, when plans were made to emigrate to New Zealand. Hicks is reported in the inquest notes below to have suffered from asthma. It may well have been something much worse which ailed him – something called “flour mill lung”, a type of pneumoconiosis where the particles he breathed in while working with a mix of grain, millstones grinding away and sending silica into the air and flour dust led to his ill health. His son Thomas felt that his father had been a heavy drink for thirty years before death, and Hicks preferred alcohol as a medicine to seeing doctors, so – his trade back in the old country probably helped kill him in this one.

From July 1863, Thomas Hick senior was leasing 101 acres, Allotments 32 and 33 of the Parish of Titirangi, taking over Henry Hayr’s lease with Andrew Rooney for the farm which would later become Asylum land, site of the spring which, for a time, would bear Hicks’ name. Around 1964, he purchased four lots from Thomas Russell’s “Greytown” sale – which would later be taken by the railway department from 1877/78 as the site of the future railway station for the district – and one side of what is now Elm Street, including today’s Rosehill Lodge. In December 1864, he also had a crown grant of 137 acres near Awhitu peninsula (but this was only recorded by a grant document on 18 October 1877.)

He left what family historians Rie Fletcher and Joan Fortes (1982) refer as a “strange will” from 1871, leaving all his properties, including some in Wellesley Street in the city, to another son Robert, with only an allowance of 8/- to be paid to his wife Elizabeth. This was later amended so that Elizabeth could remain until the end of her own natural life, when they reverted to Robert. Perhaps, towards the end, with Elizabeth constantly reminding Thomas that his alcohol addiction was unsatisfactory (perhaps even attracting son Thomas’ disapproval as well), Thomas Hicks senior simply decided to leave everything to someone who he felt worthy. He's buried at the George Maxwell Memorial Cemtery, corner Rosebank Road and Orchard Street here in Avondale.

In a remarkable twist, it seems that a grand-daughter of his, Elizabeth Sarah Ann Davis, may have taken up with Thomas Ah Quoi after Quoi’s second divorce in 1892. The Fetcher/Fortes study lists Thomas Y (Yuck) Quoi as one of Elizabeth’s husbands, yet so far I’ve yet to find a reference to a formalised marriage  between them anywhere. It will be interesting if further info comes to light on that piece of the Hicks family story.

The following came from the NZ Herald, 18 September 1878.

A coroner’s inquisition into the circumstances of the death of Thomas Hicks, a settler at the Whau, whose death has already been recorded, was held yesterday at Mr Palmer’s Whau Hotel, before Dr. Philson, coroner, and a jury of whom Mr William Forsyth was foreman. The jury after being empanelled proceeded to view the body, and the following evidence was adduced.

Mr Pardy appeared to watch the case for the police.

Elizabeth Hicks, widow of the deceased, who was a farmer, deposed: His age was 59 years, and he had been suffering from asthma for many years. He had not been well for a length of time, and he had a cough. In his habits he ate very little and drank a great deal ever since Christmas. He was not well all last week, but he never said he was worse than usual. He did not complain of anything in particular. He generally came to the hotel, but two days he remained at home and sent for brandy and gin, which he drank. This was on Wednesday and Thursday, and he was not then in his proper senses. He complained that the front room was full of strange men, and would not allow witness to go in there. He never took his clothes off for three nights, and could not sleep. He came to the Whau Hotel on Friday morning, and returned in the middle of the forenoon. He said he had nothing to drink then, but some gin was fetched to him on Friday night. He went to bed in his clothes at about one o’clock on Saturday morning, but he did not lie long. At breakfast time, between 7 and 8 o’clock, he came out and took a better meal that day than he had done for the week before. He took a cup of tea and some bread and butter in the forenoon, and dinner, which he ate heartily between 12 and 1 o’clock, and at 4 he had tea and bread and butter again. At about 7 he came out of his room and smoked his pipe, and sent for a shilling’s worth of gin, and he drank about half the quantity. He then made an effort to get to bed. He would not have his clothes taken off. Deceased never spoke after that. Throughout the day his speech was very indistinct. He died about a-quarter-of-an-hour after he went to bed, shortly after 8 o’clock, on Saturday night. Throughout the day he could not use his fingers, but there was no convulsion at the time of his death. Witness did not approve of deceased taking spirits, but she dared not refuse to send for it when he wanted it, for he would have it. She had told the landlord of the hotel not to give him drink. She believed he died from being worn out from drink. During the last six months he had drank to excess. He came to the colony 18 years ago. No doctor visited him. He did not believe in doctors, and drink was his main remedy.

John Bollard, who was the first to see deceased after his death, was examined. He had known deceased about 12 years. His habits were intemperate. As near as witness could recollect, he had seen him alive for three or four days before his death, when he saw him in the hotel as witness passed the hotel. At 9 o’clock on Saturday night, Mrs Hicks came to witness’ house, and asked him to see her husband as he was very ill. He went immediately and found him dead in bed. He was undressed, except his trousers. His face then had a natural appearance but, in a few minutes after, it became purple. Witness then gave details of the account given by Mrs Hicks. Deceased had been suffering from asthma, but witness believed his death was accelerated by intemperance.

Thomas Hicks, son of the deceased, also gave evidence, corroborative of that already given. He last saw his father alive on Saturday morning. He had been sent for to Auckland by his mother on the previous night. Witness returned to town after breakfast, and did not see him again alive. He only heard of the death when he returned the same evening. He believed drink was the cause of death. He had been a heavy drinker for the last 30 years. He was asthmatical as well. Witness had never told the landlord of the hotel not to give him any drink, and no person had ever done so to his knowledge.

James Palmer, landlord of the Whau Hotel, was also examined. He knew deceased for about three-and-a-half months, during which he had been in the habit of coming to the hotel almost daily, but had not been there for four days before his death. He never took more than a nobbler at a time – sometimes rum, brandy or gin. He never knew deceased to call for a glass, but sometimes he drank from one to eight of those. He could not say he ever saw him drunk on the premises, but he had seen him pretty full, and had frequently refused to give him drink. No one ever cautioned witness not to give deceased drink.

The jury, after a considerable amount of deliberation, brought in a verdict that deceased had died from excessive drinking.

Why the Aurora came down: Auckland Council report issued

Photo taken 20 November 2010 from Victoria Street West.

Further to the earlier post, Aurora's End. A report now out, commissioned by Auckland Council, seems to have summed up the story behind the demolition of the Aurora Hotel last November. From the NZ Herald today:

Auckland Council's Building Control Manager Ian McCormick said the building had rotated and was constantly moving by up to 5 millimetres an hour towards the street before the demolition order was made. Large cracks had appeared in the building façade and windows were spontaneously breaking. He said an investigation by the council and three independent engineering consultancies, found that the collapse of the Palace Hotel was caused by its basement walls not being adequately supported during its renovation by the Chow Group. McCormick said the investigation showed that the building owners failed to do all that was necessary to ensure the building was being safely renovated, and that the owners' site engineers and architects should have recognised the building was being placed at risk. "The investigation shows the movement of the basement walls was due to a loss of lateral support caused by the removal of the timber floor, an over-excavation of the foundations and the removal of concrete basement floor designated to be retained in the approved plans. "It was this combination of factors that caused the building to collapse."

There's a link to the report here.

Considering matters of heritage at Auckland's Local Board level

Right now, the new Auckland Council would like submissions on the draft annual plans submitted by the 21 Local Boards, towards this year's Auckland Plan. I've been wondering whether I should put in a submission on my local Board's plan, that of Whau, on the subject of heritage.

Sitting here, I decided to undertake a possibly unscientific study/test of all 21 draft plans submitted by the Boards, as published on the Auckland Council website here.

The way the test was undertaken was that, in opening the files in my .pdf viewer, I clicked on the binoculars icon for keyword search in each document, and looked for "heritage" (without the quote marks.)

Here are the results.

Albert-Eden

3 references to heritage found:
• Compiling a list of built heritage features in the area
• Planning for a Bungalow Festival
• Undergrounding, curbing & resurfacing King Edward Ave & Burnley Tce

Devonport-Takapuna

3 references to heritage found:
• Acknowledging the challenge of retaining both natural and built heritage in the area
• Intends to oversee implementation of the North Shore Heritage Strategy
• Supports Devonport’s heritage character

Franklin

1 reference to heritage found:
• Focus on retaining the area’s heritage sites

Great Barrier

No references to heritage found.

Henderson-Massey

No references to heritage found.

Hibiscus & Bays

No references to heritage found.

Howick

1 reference to heritage found.
“We will work with local heritage experts to develop a heritage strategy.”

Kaipatiki

4 references to heritage found, including as a main heading.

• Area has a rich history
• Natural heritage
• Established heritage environment
• Main heading: Council’s Historic Heritage Strategy, Chelsea Sugar Works strategy

Mangere-Otahuhu

1 reference to heritage found.
• “Mangere-Otahuhu has a rich historic and cultural heritage”

Manurewa

No references to heritage found.

Maungakiekie-Tamaki

1 reference to heritage found.
• Natural & physical heritage

Orakei

1 reference to heritage found.
• “Work to better balance the protection of our heritage with the need to safeguard private property rights. The costs of heritage controls need to be recognised and reflected.”

Otara-Papatoetoe

2 references to heritage found:
• Develop an Otara-Papatoetoe heritage trail
• Establish a museum facility in Papatoetoe

Papakura

1 reference to heritage found.
• Promoting heritage

Puketapapa

No references to heritage found.

Rodney

No references to heritage found.


Upper Harbour

No references to heritage found.


Waiheke

No references to heritage found.


Waitakere Ranges
4 references to heritage found:
• All to do with Waitakere Ranges Heritage Protection Act

Waitemata

1 reference to heritage found.
• Protect both heritage and character housing


Whau

1 reference to heritage found.
• Heritage protection

I'm not going to rate these, although, as someone associated with historical societies, I must say Howick's entry was most welcome to see. They were the only ones who referred to "local heritage experts". None of the others did, yet the region is almost completely covered by historical societies and groups, each with specialised knowledge of their area. I'm not sure exactly what my local board, Whau, mean by "heritage protection", but as a phrase it probably covers enough to get by.

To be absolutely fair on those Boards who don't refer to heritage at all, let's take a look at the "Our Region" document, included in the full draft plan.

Our Region
14 references to heritage found (at least)
• Protecting geological features, landscapes, historic buildings, and cultural heritage.
• Maintaining regional cultural heritage database
• Parks Recreation and Heritage Forum
• Digitising heritage collections in libraries
• Auckland City’s Museums and art galleries, and their role in helping to celebrate the diversity of our cultural heritage. Art Gallery building is heritage-listed. By Museums, they refer to MOTAT, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Voyager NZ Maritime Museum and the Stardome Observatory.
• Parks, and “significant heritage features”, along with “heritage protection activity”.
• Planning & Policy: protection of natural and built heritage.
• Environmental management: protection of natural and built heritage
• Environmental Strategy: Tying in cultural heritage with conservation programmes
• Coastal management: protection of heritage features
• Main heading - Heritage Protection: working with heritage authorities and local iwi on a regional cultural heritage database, heritage outcomes under the Resource Management Act and existing district plans, surveying for cultural heritage sites, raising public awareness through talks, trails, signage etc. They intend, among other aims to “work in partnership with the regional community”.
• Waterfront Auckland: reference to cultural heritage, and a heritage tram service
• Regional Facilities Auckland: cultural heritage mentioned
• Libraries: digitisation and preservation of heritage items

So, overall, I can't really say that heritage has been left out in the cold. While finding it in the headings is a bit of a challenge, with various facets spread throughout the document, at least references are there, and they look promising. It would have been better, though, for more of the local boards to have recognised the large number of historical societies around who are keen to work in with them to help their areas, and the region, preserve our heritage.

The seamy world of the Auckland dance hall, 1925

From the Auckland Star, 3 June 1925.

So much criticism has been levelled lately at modern dancing and dancers that, were one to try and judge the true position from the variety of opinions of all the writers, one would be left in a hopeless maze, with but a very hazy idea of just what does go on in the different dance halls of the city. But, while the various expressions given by the writers have included references ranging from chewing-gum to "sagging at the knees", one note sounded loud through them all. It was a note that left one confident that something, whatever it was in these dance halls, was wrong.

In order to gain the truth about them, a "Star" representative made a round of the dance halls of Auckland. What is set down in the lines that follow is not founded on mere hear-say, nor is it a mutilation of the truth as a means of being sarcastic or facetious at the expense of those concerned. It is a direct chronicle of what the reporter actually saw from the inside of the halls he visited.

Most of the public dances he went to were in side streets, and the price of admission was never more than 1/6 for men, and 1/- for women; or, as it was set out on the placards hanging up outside, "Gents 1/6, Ladies 1/-". The girls who attended them were obviously from the industrial class, and the men were, too. The girls had their faces painted and powdered so extensively that it made them look ghastly in the electric lights. The majority of the men wore those peculiar suits, the coats of which are split for an extraordinary distance up the backs, and they blended these with shrieking collars, ties and shirts, always being careful to see that huge expanses of the last named garments were showing. The general effect was incongruous.

In each of the particular class of halls frequented by these people, the procedure was religiously the same. The girls, some of them of little more than school age, sat around the walls and, as soon as the music of the band struck up, the youths would approach them. Their mode of approach was, in itself, casual in the extreme. Both sexes seemed to treat each other with the utmost indifference and disrespect. A young man, carefully nipping the end off a half-finished cigarette, and even more carefully preserving the butt, would saunter up to any girl on whom his choice fell, and say: "got this kid" -- "What about this?" or something equally polite. If she was favourably inclined the girl might rise without so much as a word and place herself in the arms of the waiting partner. If she wasn't, she would reply, in equally polished terms, "Got it!" or "Not with you, thanks!" or just wag her head and look bored. Whereupon the young man would go back to the doorway whence he came, and say something to his friends about "that sheilah", after which he would try another.

Congregating about doorways was another notable characteristic of the dance halls. Any youths who arrived before starting time would press about the entrance, smoking and swearing or laughing. Their language was of a particularly "slangy" type, and frequently profane. After each dance, the girls were hurried back to their seats and the "gallants" would troop back to the doorway, where butts were resurrected, slang resumed, and eyes cast around the room, in an effort to choose the "sheilah" for the next "jarz." [sic]

There were times when they did not even take the girls back to their places, but left them stranded in the middle of the floors. But the girls didn't mind it. That's what they were used to, and it never occurred to them that they were not being treated like "perfect ladies."

As for the dancing, it is most difficult to describe it. Let it be said first that, despite the critics that hold the contrary view, the ordinary jazz step, even with a few trimmings, is not consistent with immorality or anything else repugnant. It is a pretty step to see, a delightful step to dance. But what one saw in those dance halls was not recognisable as "jazz" or anything approaching it. The only thing jazz about it was the band music. If the contortions -- the perfectly ridiculous, the suggestive, swaying movements that were executed by the habitués of the dance halls had ever had a faint semblance of the original jazz, it was so badly mutilated and hacked about as to be unrecognisable. In its place were steps and movements that could never have been the products of the minds of original and healthy men. There was close, vice-like hugging, stamping of feet, hops, skips and jumps, runs from one end of the hall to the other, youths and girls bending backward and forward, kicking their legs in the air -- half running, half jumping -- strange neurotic movements. It was unpleasant to witness. One can understand exaggeration in many things, but that was not exaggeration. What was not foolishness was indecent, and what was not indecent was suggestive -- if there is any line between the two. To add to the grotesqueness of the whole business, chewing gum was essentially a part of the evening's proceedings. All night long jaws worked, and it was nothing to see a couple dancing together, gripping one another closely, cheek to cheek, and mouths moving in strict unison.

It is easy to understand the influence that this lax atmosphere of cheap powder and smelly chewing gum, at the indifference of the sexes, and the suggestive and ridiculous dances has on those to whom this article refers.

As though to bear out the above statements, it is interesting to note that at their last meeting, a certain borough council committee reported as follows on the conduct of the dances held in the borough hall: "Your committee is not satisfied with the manner in which dances are being conducted in the hall, as the supervision appears to be lax, with the result that an undesirable element gains admission."

The question of drink at dances has been much in the limelight of late, and there is no doubt whatever that there is cause for complaint. The reporter saw not only drunken youths but half tipsy girls in the dance halls, but they were in the minority. And one thing seemed certain. The liquor was not obtained on the premises. It was brought in "on the hop" or in overcoat pockets, the men, no doubt, supplying the women. Yet, strangely enough, there was no sign of actual drinking in the main halls. In the case of the men, the drink was taken in the dressing rooms. It is difficult to say where the girls got it, but some of these people who did attend the dances were in a well advanced condition before they entered the halls. Admission should have been refused them.

At a cabaret, visited “officially”, it was different. The dancing could not be taken exception to, although one or two gifted youths did endeavour to represent gliding snakes to the best of their ability. There was a refined atmosphere, bred of evening dresses and dinner suits, and the air did not reek with sickening fumes. But there was liquor there on the night the reporter visited the place and that liquor was drunk openly, the bottles being left on the tables during the dances. Again the liquor was not supplied on the premises, but was brought in by the dancers and consumed equally by men and women. And again, it must be clearly understood that there were only a very few parties who had drink with them. It was not general.

One thing to be borne in mind about a cabaret. People go along in their own parties, and often quiet, reserved couples might be seated next to noisy, drinking crowds, but it is always possible for the one element to ignore the other.

There was no sign of drink in the small club dances that are usually held on Saturday nights, although it was stated that sometimes youths who had been drinking had tried to gain admission. The dancing was, of course, above reproach.

The strange dance the Star reporter noted wasn’t the famous Charleston – that seemed to arrive here in New Zealand a few months after the report, in October 1925. If any reader can identify what dance fashion trend those described in the article were following (and the clothes!), I’d appreciate it.

More on J J Boyd's Aramoho Zoo

I realised today that Papers Past have extended coverage of the Wanganui Chronicle to 1919 -- perfect when it comes to some trawling for references to Boyd's first zoo at Aramoho, north of Wanganui. You'll find my chapter on his zoo there in The Zoo War (2008), the text for that chapter currently up on Scribd.

This is the life and times of the Aramoho Zoo, started by Boyd in 1908. These articles date from three years into its period of existence.

7 January 1911

The lion cub born recently at the Aramoho Zoo; but which died a few days later, has been placed in the museum. It has been well mounted by Mr. H. W. Hesse, Curator.

18 January 1911

[Borough Council]

ARAMOHO ZOO.-From Mr J. J. Boyd, proprietor of the Aramoho Zoo, suggesting that the Council should form a footpath to the Zoo. or from the trams to the gate. He also thought the Council should arrange for the Harrison Band to play at the Zoo on occasions. Mr Boyd pointed out that he had established the zoo at great cost and had thereby made the trams profitable. As he had received the offer of a good opening in Auckland, he thought it would pay the Council to give him some encouragement to stay Wanganui—The Mayor thought the Council should do all it could to encourage Mr Boyd, and he moved that the Garrison Band and City Band be asked to give two concerts each before the winter. It was also decided to inform Mr Boyd that the footpath would be formed so soon as a standard survey was made.

20 January 1911

ARAMOHO ZOO

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

EVERY DAY. INCLUDING SUNDAY

Admission: Adults 1s; Children over 12, 6d,

Under twelve, 3d.

AFTERNOON TEA. 6d.

J J. BOYD.

11 February 1911

THE ARAMOHO ZOO.

Mr J. J. Boyd, the popular proprietor of the Aramoho Zoo, is never happier than when he is getting something new or making additions to his collection of animals, etc. Both from an educative and pleasurable point of view, the Aramoho Zoo is worth a visit. The leopards and the puma are very fine specimens, and the lions and bears have grown considerably since their arrival; recent additions are monkeys from the Cape, and Lemier's monkeys [lemurs] from Madagascar, all splendid specimens. Besides seeing the animals and birds, all kinds of amusements may be indulged in such as croquet, billiards, quoits, swing-boating—all free. The children are also catered for, Mr Boyd having recently erected a child's swingboat, which holds six small children and is perfectly safe. The tea kiosk is well arranged and afternoon tea is always obtainable, Sundays included. The number of stuffed birds, butterflies, curios, etc., from all parts of the world, which are ranged around the walls, are well worth a visit of inspection. Either the Glasgow or Dublin Street cars will take you to the Aramoho terminus, and then it is only two minutes' walk. 

 4 March 1911

29 March 1911

THE ZOO.—From Mr J. J. Bovd, stating .that as he intends to establish a Zoo at Auckland, he would sell the Aramoho Zoo to the Borough Council for £10,000. He wished an early reply for, in the event of the Council not buying the Zoo, he would remove it to Auckland.—lt was decided to inform Mr Boyd that the Council had no intention of purchasing the zoo.

10 May 1911

The Aramoho Zoo is not to be removed, as Mr. J. J. Boyd's son is coming to Wanganui to take charge of it while Mr. Boyd Snr. attends to the Onehunga Zoo. Local residents will be glad to hear that the Zoo is to be continued.

23 May 1911

Mr and Mrs J. J. Boyd, jun., and three sons have arrived from Wellington to take charge of the Aramoho Zoo … Mr and Mrs J. J. Boyd, Sen., and Miss Boyd left by the Main Trunk train on Monday for Auckland. Mr. Boyd is to superintend the erection of the buildings for the Onehunga Zoo.

10 June 1911

The other provincial towns of New Zealand must awake and be brisk, or Wanganui will assuredly leave them in the race. In Wanganui is good provision of the things lively and of interest: good company, good climate, good cheer, good amusement. There is even a zoo, and the zoo at Aramoho is not to be despised. There are macaws there that took me immediately into their confidence, and who occupy honourable rank among the pleasantest chaps I met in the little city by the big river.

2 August 1911

[Report from Wanganui Museum.]

The additions are two fallow deer from Makirikiri, and a wallaby from the Aramoho Zoo. The latest addition is a ring-tailed lemur (lemur catta) which died at Mr. Boyd's Zoo and which has been placed amongst the Primates.

22 November 1911

[Borough Council meeting report]

Zoo. —Messrs Longmore and Co., in whose hands Mr. J. J. Boyd has put the Aramoho Zoo for sale, wrote offering it to the Council for £5,000. Failing a sale the animals are to be removed and the land cut up.—Referred to the Finance Committee.

22 December 1911

THE PROBLEM OF THE HOLIDAY

VISIT THE ZOO

SPECIAL CARNIVAL FOR BOXING

DAY

REDUCED PRICES

It is always a problem with heads of families and others as to what to do on a holiday. Just now many of our readers are concerned, as to where and how they should spend Boxing Day. With parents it is a question of where are they to take the children so as to derive the greatest enjoyment at the minimum of expense. This year, however, a solution will be easily found. Judging from what Mr. J. J. Boyd announces is to take place at the Zoo on Tuesday, there should be only one rendezvous for young and old that day —the Aramoho Zoo. If it were only for the sake of seeing the birds and animals, the Zoo would be a desirable place to take the children. One never gets tired of watching the inhabitants of the cages; for there is always something novel and interesting about them. They are an education in themselves. But for Boxing Day however, besides there being a ridiculously low price for admission, a great programme for the amusement of the young folks has been prepared. As set out in another column, there will be clowns, Punch and Judy and other mirth makers, while there will be innumerable prizes for the children, and all manner of races, scrambles, bran tubs, etc. There is also a baby show, and a beauty show, which should attract a large of entries. Hot water will be supplied free.

22 December 1911

20 March 1912

The two Teddy Bears from the Zoo are funny, especially on a fine day like Thursday will be. Look out for them on the trapeze. Please take some peanuts for them.

22 October 1912

The cosmopolitan family at the Onehunga Zoo seems to be thriving (says the Auckland "Star"). Mr. Boyd has imported a very fine baboon from Africa. Three cub lions were born on Tuesday week, and are doing well. The two Malay bears, the young Nepaul [sic] tiger, and the Victoria crowned pigeons, which were imported from India a few weeks back, are also in good condition. Two schools from the country and one from the city visited the Zoo during the week, and the children were much interested in the new arrivals.

(This included here because the “Nepaul tiger” was mentioned later, at Aramoho Zoo.)

16 November 1912

TO Let Aramoho garden and Zoo. Rent low. Apply T. J. Boyd, Foster's Hotel.

22 July 1913

[Wanganui East Boy Scouts fundraising]

Mrs. V. Stroobant, of Aramoho Tea Gardens and Zoo, offered to organise an entertainment and dance in aid of the funds. This offer was cordially accepted.

13 December 1913

BARTON BROS. CIRCUS AND WILD AUSTRALIA.

Barton Bros. Circus proprietors, will arrive at Aramoho Tuesday, Dec. 16th. Location at the Zoo.

5 February 1914

The carcase of the lion which died at the Aramoho Zoo a few days ago has been treated by Mr. W. H. Hesse, curator of the Wanganui Museum. The animal was only about 18 months old when it died. It had a fine head, a magnificent set of teeth, and a beautiful coat. When ready for exhibition, the body of the lion will make a splendid acquisition to the Museum.

16 February 1914

ARRIVED and now on view, two beautiful lions, also other large animals, birds, monkeys, donkeys, tigers, bears, all alive. Aramoho Zoo

17 February 1914

[Report on preparations for Wanganui Carnival]

Aramoho Zoo. —Mr Robinson reported having interviewed the proprietress of the Aramoho Zoo, and that that lady had said the committee was welcome to the loan of anything in the Zoo. —It was decided to thank the proprietress for her kind offer.

26 February 1914

In a tent in the Avenue a remarkable freak of nature is being exhibited. It is a four-months' old calf with six and a-half feet. It is alive and well, and has come direct from the Aramoho Zoo. Much interest is being shown in the freak.

26 May 1914

WANTED— Old horses for the Aramoho Zoo.

1 June 1914

ON view, and all Alive —Lions, Tigers, Bears, Kangaroos, Lizards, Swans, Tortoises, Baboons, Monkeys. Peacocks, Jackasses. Donkeys, Oppossums. Variety of Birds. Aramoho Zoo.

28 August 1914

An unusual operation was performed at the Aramoho Zoo on Wednesday, when a fish-hook was extracted from the jaws of a lion. The fish hook had evidently found its way into the animal's mouth in a piece of meat. The lion was lassoed and tied down ,and then chloroformed. Professor Cowardine then entered the cage, and in a few minutes cut the hook out of the lion's jaw.

9 September 1914

[Wanganui Council] Building Inspector (Mr. T. M. Copeland) in his report to the Council for the month of August:—… He also inspected the Aramoho Zoo and found everything very satisfactory.

3 October 1914

THE ARAMOHO ZOO

The old Aramoho grounds are now wearing their best spring raiment, and are being visited by crowds. The public are perhaps not aware that there’s a good number of animals and birds at the zoo – lions, tigers, bears, kangaroos, monkeys etc. The Nepaul [sic] tiger is the only one of its kind in Australasia, and is a very fine specimen. Afternoon tea may always be procured on the grounds. Free swing boats are provided for the children, and altogether a most enjoyable and instructive time may be spent. The admission is only 6d and 3d, and trams run to within two hundred yards of the gate.

19 February 1915

A case of shocking cruelty to an animal was reported to us yesterday. It seems that a number of cattle were unloaded from a truck at the Aramoho railway yards on Wednesday. One beast was in a bad state, having been trampled on by others, and for 24 hours lay on the ground. Then came the crowning act, a carter yesterday afternoon putting a rope round the animal's carcase, and dragging it (still alive), along the roadway for some distance, when it was killed and the meat taken to the Aramoho Zoo. It is to be hoped the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will take action in the matter.

20 February 1915

A CORRECTION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l see in this morning's paper a case of fearful cruelty to an animal from the railway yards at Aramoho, and you distinctly say the meat was taken to the Aramoho Zoo. Please allow me to stoutly deny this, as not one grain of those animals was brought to our place. Hoping you will contradict the statement, as you have been most wrongly informed. —Yours, etc., (Mrs.) V. STROOBANT. Aramoho Zoo.

26 June 1915

WANTED Known.—Aramoho Zoo, new management. New animals just arrived. Now on view.

2 March 1916

WANTED Known.—The Aramoho Zoo to let, as a going concern; low rental to good tenant. Apply C. H. Burnett, Ridgway Street.

3 March 1916

Some excitement, and incidentally a little alarm, was occasioned at Aramoho on Wednesday by the escape from the Zoo of an old-man monkey. The animal, as it subsequently transpired, was tame enough, but its size and appearance were such as to suggest unpleasant possibilities, especially to any children who might arouse its wrath. There was, too, the danger of injury by shock in the event of any woman or child meeting the big and ugly brute unexpectedly. Consequently the chase for the vagrant was a serious business, and he was ultimately located among the upper branches of a tree, wherein he had stopped for a rest after his exciting scamper through gardens and over roofs. To the relief of the onlookers the big fellow submitted quietly to being roped by his keeper, by whom he was led back to captivity.

27 March 1916

Aramoho appears to be quite an exciting place to reside in. Recently a baboon escaped from the Zoo, and his example was followed last night by a brown bear. The animal wandered along the road towards the railway bridge. Here he was met by two men, homeward bound, and discussing the war. They possibly remembered the saying that "Two is company, and three is a crowd," and as far as they were concerned the bear soon had the road to himself. The news that the bear was out quickly spread, and for a time a state of mild siege reigned in the locality, despite a statement that the wanderer had a most benevolent disposition. Eventually the bear was induced to return to his home at the Zoo.

30 March 1916

We are informed that the carcase of the bear which escaped from the Aramoho Zoo, and which provided scope for big-game hunting on Sunday evening last, was allowed to lie until yesterday where it fell, beside the river bank. It is a pity that someone was not interested enough to arrange to take over the carcase for Museum purposes.

31 March 1916

A Malay bear at the Aramoho Zoo was deliberately poisoned yesterday … On hearing that the bear which escaped from the Aramoho Zoo on Sunday night had been shot, the hon. Curator of the Museum lost no time in securing the carcase. The carcase of the bear has been skinned, and will in due course be stuffed and placed among the many interesting exhibits at the Museum.

5 April 1916

ARAMOHO ZOO.

PROTEST FROM RESIDENTS

ITS REMOVAL URGED

At the meeting of the Borough Council last night a letter was received from the Aramoho Beautifying Society referring to the recent escape of wild animals from the Aramoho Zoo, and urging the Council to take the necessary steps to have the menagerie removed.

A petition signed by about two hundred Aramoho residents also urged action, and complained of alleged smells and the roaring of some of the animals, particularly during church hours. The Minister for Internal Affairs, who has been approached on the matter, wrote stating that the Council had power, under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1908, to make a by-law to deal with the matter. He also reminded them of a letter the Council wrote in 1910 urging that permission be granted for the establishment of the Zoo on the grounds that "it would be a great benefit to the town and district.''

The Mayor referred to the fact that the Onehunga Borough Council had passed a by-law to do away with the Onehunga Zoo, and the Supreme Court had upheld their action. The matter was now however, before the Appeal Court. The passing of a by-law would take time, and more animals might escape.

Referring to the complaints of noise, the Mayor thought that the residents themselves would have to take action in the civil court. There had been a complaint on a former occasion in regard to the bellowing of stock in the accommodation paddocks. However, the Council could move if public health or safety was concerned.

On the motion of the Mayor it was "decided to draw the attention of the police and the public health inspector to the alleged state of affairs at the Zoo, and to warn the proprietor that the Council would hold him responsible for any damage or danger that might occur.

5 May 1916

Re Aramoho Zoo— The Borough should purchase this property. The Zoo grounds offer a splendid opportunity for the Borough to acquire an open space and recreation ground for Aramoho. The grounds are nicely laid out and well planted with old and suitable trees, and contain a caretaker's house and such buildings as are required for a "Tea-house" and bandstand. The Zoo itself could be abandoned, if thought desirable. The present condition of affairs in this Zoo should not be allowed to continue. Have the Borough had any inspection made of the condition of the cages containing the animals? If so, when was the last inspection made previous to the animals escaping some few weeks ago? The escape of an adult chimpanzee and a medium-sized bear immediately alongside a public school ground may not be regarded by the Council as being a very serious matter, but when the three lions take a stroll round Aramoho one of these dark winter evenings, perhaps the residents may have something further, to say to those responsible in this matter.

23 May 1916

The defendant in a civil case heard at the Magistrate's Court yesterday said he was the lessee of the Aramoho Zoo. Under examination he said he paid 30s a week for the zoo, and the takings were about 25s weekly. He said he had also to provide the food for the animals, mentioning three horses and a cow in that respect. The defendant's evidence was suggestive of a speculation, as he expressed the opinion that in summer time the receipts might be considerably increased.

14 June 1916

Last night the Borough Council received a report from the engineer (Mr Staveley) on the Aramoho "Zoo". In consequence of the report it was decided to request the Proprietor to close the Zoo, and to remove the animals.

28 June 1916

In the appeal case, Boyd v. the Onehunga Borough Council, dealing with the right of the former to keep wild animals in the borough, the Appeal Count at Wellington unanimously held that clause 2 of the by-law was too wide and was therefore ultra vires and invalid, being couched in much wider language than the reason for passing the by-law expressed in the recital. Costs were allowed to the appellant in the Supreme Court and also in the Court of Appeal as on the highest scale and as from a distance. Further, a declaration was made that Clause 2 of the by-law was invalid. The decision is of interest to the Wanganui Borough Council, who have recently been discussing the removal of the Aramoho Zoo.

19 June 1919

FOR SALE. —Aramoho Tea Gardens. Terms or cash. Apply J. J. Boyd, onr., Royal Oak Zoo, Onehunga.

Lyttleton's Timeball Station to be demolished

Image from Wikipedia.

They've decided to demolish the badly damaged Timeball Station at Lyttleton.

The earthquake-damaged Timeball station in Lyttelton is to be demolished. The decision was made after the station was hit by 70km/hr winds and a series of strong aftershocks, after being damaged in last Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude quake. The station had already been damaged by last September's 7.1 earthquake. The station was built in 1876 and was one of only five remaining timeball stations in working order in the world until Tuesday's quake. Its flags were used to communicate shipping advice to the town and its ball slowly dropped to signal the time to ships in the harbour.

[Update: NZ Historic Places Trust in their news today refer to this as "dismantling", with hopefully reuse of the materials in a way to reflect the heritage aspects of the site. My fingers are crossed.]

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) confirmed today that the Timeball Station in Lyttelton is to be dismantled. One of 48 properties nationwide cared for by the NZHPT, Timeball Station is a Category I historic place and internationally significant because of its maritime history.

“This is an extremely difficult site. It was chosen as a building site over 135 years ago for the Timeball Station because of its elevated position, allowing ships to see it clearly from the harbour. That’s now working against us.
“The steep site means there’s no way to drive on and the potential to position a crane, below or above it is very limited. We are constrained not only by issues of access, but also by the risk of injury to any personnel who will need to be involved with this work. We are not prepared to put anyone’s life at risk.

“That said, if we can find a way to dismantle the Timeball Station that allows us to retain as much of the building’s materials as possible, we will do so. This site remains significant and we would hope that in future we can do justice to this important building.”

 Dating from 1876, according to the NZHPT registration info (online as at today's date).

The Lyttelton Timeball Station (1876) is one of a handful of timeball stations that have survived throughout the world, and the only original one still standing in New Zealand. The first timeball was dropped at Portsmouth in 1829. The Lyttelton Timeball was the third in New Zealand, the others being Wellington (1864) and Dunedin (1868). Timeball stations became an important part of many ports during the nineteenth century. Timeballs were constructed to drop at a known Greenwich time, so a ship's master could check the chronometer. Various forms of visual time signals such as timeballs became an important feature of ports worldwide.

The Lyttleton timeball station was erected by the Canterbury Provincial Council on a site visible from the Lyttleton heads and harbour. In 1873 the machinery and an astronomical clock were ordered from Britain. German firm Siemens Brothers supplied the timeball and its 'necessary apparatus', while the clock was provided by London-based Edward Dent and Co., noted as clockmakers for Big Ben. The castle-like building was designed by Canterbury Provincial architect Thomas Cane (1830-1905) and completed in mid-1876. It was built in local scoria with surrounds and quoins of Oamaru stone. It initially consisted of the octagonal tower that housed the timeball, and an adjoining three-storey building, which contained three residential rooms and two working rooms, the clock room and the lookout room. From late December 1876 the timeball was dropped every day at 1p.m., except when there were high winds. After May 1877 Alexander Joyce (1840-1927) became the first timeball keeper to be appointed at Lyttelton.

The timeball mechanism is fifteen metres high. The timeball consists of a hollow sphere made from a wooden frame covered with thin sheets of painted zinc. It measures one and a half metres in width and weighs over 100 kilograms. An Oregon pine mast is threaded through a hole in the ball's centre. The ball is hoisted by handwheel to the top of the mast and rests there on a catch. When the catch is pulled away the ball is released and drops down the mast. At a predetermined time the timeball was released. Ships in the harbour took their readings at the instant the timeball left the top of the mast. 

In 1877, the year after it was completed, the local harbour board paid the "Timeball keeper and signalman, Lyttleton" £234 per annum. (Christchurch Star 17 February 1877) That's about $32,846 today. The timeball, machinery and buildings were bugeted at £750 in 1874, or nearly $100,000. (Star, 5 June 1874) This was built right at the end of the Provincial Council period, so it is another building associated with that long-gone body of administrators, like the Canterbury Provincial Council chambers, which has been lost in the great February quake.

Update 1 July 2011: NZHPT have started a Facebook page on the dismantling, here.

Talk on NZ Brick Tile & Pottery Co of New Lynn, March 15

West Auckland Historical Society have asked me to give a talk at St Michael's Church, Corban Estate in Henderson, 15 March, on Albert Crum and his NZ Brick, Tile & Pottery Co in New Lynn, based on what I was able to research for this post. I offered to give it a bit of a promo for them, and they said yes.

Yet another inner city road upgrade

Auckland City Council, before the Super City took hold, decided on upgrading Lorne Street, just outside one of my favourite haunts in the world, the Auckland Central Library.Once the noisy, dusty job's finished, it'll probably look great. Perhaps more cheerful than this part of Lorne Street's looked for decades. I'm ever hopeful.

Yesterday, having a quick bite to eat on the seats outside, I spotted this on one of the boards blocking off the construction site from passersby.

I've seen tons of these orange "walk this way" signs, but not one with an added artistic element ...

The remains of a much-loved statue

Jayne sent an email heads-up today about the discovery of two time capsules under the fallen statue of John Robert Godley at Christchurch, part of Christchurch I'm glad I photographed back in 2007. According to Stuff.co.nz, yesterday:

Two time capsules were discovered in Cathedral Square under the plinth of a statute of John Robert Godley, damaged in the quake. One was a small glass capsule while the other was a large metal-like object. … The first task would be to stabilise the paper found in the half-smashed glass bottle.

Museum director Anthony Wright … said the time capsule smells a bit like blue cheese and two words could be made out: "by" and "erected". "People would love to know what's in it," said Wright.

The age of the time capsules is not known. There were several opportunities to put the capsules under the plinth of the John Robert Godley statue - one when it was first erected in 1867, or when it was returned to its original site in 1933, after being removed in 1918 to make way for a tram shelter and toilets, which were later demolished.

The statue to Godley, the founder of the Canterbury settlement, was first agreed to by the Canterbury Provincial Council in late 1862. This was the first publically commissioned statue in New Zealand. Thomas Woolner was approached by a committee in England to design it, cast in bronze, and it was well underway, to the delight of Cantabrians, by late 1863. The clay model was cast in early 1865, the casting superintended by Thomas’ brother Henry. The completed statue was loaded on board the Talbot in 1866, weighing nearly three tons, and arrived in August. It had to wait, however, for its first pedestal to be completed before the public could view it. It was finally unveiled on 6 August 1867 at Cathedral Square.

The Godley statue, erected in Christchurch, Canterbury, was unveiled on the 6th instant, the day wearing the appearance of a holiday, many of the shops being closed, and flags displayed from different housetops. …The statue (observes the Lyttelton Time) is that of a tall figure, slightly but strongly framed ; extremely erect, and remarkably expressive of dignity, energy, and decision. The forehead is bald; and the features of the face, as well the whole air of the effigy are the benignant heroic type. In gazing upon the lineaments we were reminded of that paradoxical judgment pronounced on Mr. Godley's character by Mr FitzGerald, when he said he thought he would have been a better man had he been a worse, or used words to that effect. It may have been so, looking at the great colonist as a member of ordinary society, but we have to look back on him as a leader of pioneers into a new land, where more than ordinary difficulties had to be overcome, and where it was his vocation, not only to overcome those which directly assailed himself, but to support others in their struggles, and preserve an ordinary march onwards to the conquest of such conditions of life as appertain to civilization. Surely in such a position too much virtue was hardly possible, even though it was tinctured with severity. Taking this work of combined veneration and art as a whole, it is not a mere embellishment to our city, it is an inspiration.

Evening Post 9 August 1867

The statue, and its position, was the site of meetings, rendezvous, band performances and generally formed a landmark in the city before the Anglican Cathedral fully took its form. A concrete wall was built around the statue in 1878, along with iron railings. In 1890, larrikins decorated the statue with a collar and tie.

A letter writer to the Otago Daily Times of 13 June 1894 didn’t think much of such commemorative works of public art.

I heard a reference to the statue of John Robert Godley in Christchurch as showing the uselessness of such a memorial. The example was a good one. How many of us have heard of John Robert Godley? How many are there who know his name, what he did, who he was ? His statue stands in the most prominent position in the city of Christchurch, and yet, one would be safe in saying that the vast bulk of the inhabitants of even that city itself know nothing whatever and think less of the man. A figure of a man stands in Cathedral square, unnoticed, unregarded, uncared for. That is all. What is a statue as a memorial? A mere nothing. If there be any art in it, and as a rule there is very little in New Zealand statues, the connoisseur may gaze upon it with some little interest for a few moments, but there is an end of it. The people pass by unheeding. There is nothing in it to appeal to them. They are never brought into contact with it. They are never compelled to think about it, and they never do.

The university students were quite fond of the statue, though. In 1903, it was found one morning in full academic robes after Diploma Day.

From Otago Witness, 26 August 1903

Proposals to move the statue for the first time began in 1904. In 1907, the Christchurch Council viewed plans for underground male and female loos at the back of Godley’s statue, and again suggestions were made to move it. The loos were installed in 1908, but the statue remained until 1918.

The Godley statue, which for more than fifty years has stood in the position facing the Christchurch Cathedral, was lowered on Friday last. The operation, was performed! at 5.30 a.m., the only spectator present being an enthusiastic photographer. The work of lowering the statue was .effected by placing a strong cable under the arms and across the shoulders, which gave a perfect balance. The approximate weight of the statue, which is of bronze, is 35cwt, and the height 9ft. 6in. A 3-ton derrick was used to effect the lowering from the pedestal to the ground, and with the necessary gear the figure was lifted and lowered with ease by one man. The statue is to be re-erected in a new position.

Poverty Bay Herald, 23 January 1918

The statue of John Robert Godley, which, for 50 years stood in the centre of Cathedral Square, Christchurch, has been placed in position in its new site on the northern grass plot of the Cathedral grounds. There was a small gathering to witness the ceremony of cementing the statue on its base. Before the statue was lowered into its bed of cement, a bottle was inserted in a small hollow under the statue. The bottle contained a parchment bearing the following statement in Indian ink —"This statue of John Robert Godley, executed by Thomas Woollier, R.A., was erected in the west side of Cathedral Square by the Provincial Government of Canterbury, and unveiled by the late Sir Charles Christopher Bowen, K.C.M.G., on August 6, 1867. It was moved to this site in March, 1918."

The statement was signed by the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, the Mayor (Mr H Holland); the Town Clerk, and the City Surveyor.

Colonist, 18 March 1918

Ah, but yes, this certainly was a restless statue. By the 1930s, the city wanted the statue’s new site for a war memorial.

Although the Christchurch Diocesan Synod has unanimously acceded to the request of the War Memorial Committee that the memorial should be placed on the site in the cathedral grounds which is now occupied by the Godley Statue, there is no intention to move the statue back to its original site in the centre of the Square for at least another six months (states the "Christchurch Times"). Councillor J. W. Beanland, chairman of the Works Committee of the City Council said yesterday that the council did not have any money available for carrying out the work in the present financial year, and he expected that the removal of the statue would cost about £200. It was intended to do the work in the next financial year.

Evening Post 26 October 1931

By 1933, it was back to its original spot.

Trees cut down and site prepared for the restoration of the statue. Evening Post, 22 April 1933

The descendants of John Robert Godley, who played such a conspicuous part in the foundation of Canterbury, are gratified that the Godley statue has been placed back in its original position in the middle of Cathedral Square, Christchurch. This was stated on Thursday by General Sir Alexander Godley, when speaking at a civic function in Christchurch, states the "Press”. The Canterbury pioneer was Sir Alexander's uncle. "I wish to thank the "Christchurch City Council and all those who were instrumental in having the statue replaced," Sir Alexander said. “'The present members of the family will be very glad to hear that I saw the statue standing in such suitable surroundings and in the place where they believed it should be.” Sir .Alexander said that he had been told at Home that the statue was regarded as a work of art, and one of which any city in the Empire could be proud. Sir Alexander mentioned an occasion when the statue was subject to slight vandalism. It was while he was in New Zealand inaugurating the territorial forces. There was considerable discussion on the proposal, and some ' persons who apparently disliked the idea of military training chalked on the foot of the statue, "To hell with Godley"

"But that was rather bad luck on my uncle," Sir Alexander said.

Evening Post 19 January 1935

Rather bad luck indeed for the statue, at the moment. The 22 February earthquake knocked it down from its pedestal, and knocked its block off for good measure. Hopefully the city will be able to restore a truly historic piece of public art. The current Mayor, Bob Parker, seems keen at this time to have it fully restored.

A self-administered death

Image from Wikipedia. Photo: Kevin King.

Whatever dread a person may at first feel to inhale a dose of chloroform nearly always vanishes with the first trial. … The objection that chloroform has produced and may again, produce, death, is by far the most valid, and one which demands the gravest consideration. It must be remembered, however, that when we hear from time to time about fatal cases, no mention is made of the thousands of instances in which chloroform is constantly giving with impunity and with the happiest results. … Although used most extensively to abate the pangs of maternity, there has not in these cases been a single death recorded when the agent was administered by a qualified medical man. It may, we think, be affirmed without exaggeration that every one who starts on a railway journal encounters an almost unequal risk; and the proportionate number of accidents which occur from sea-bathing and skating are annually greater. The danger, indeed, of inhaling chloroform is fractional, while the benefit it confers on humanity is incalculable. The science of anaesthetics is yet young. Further experience will probably still further diminish the slight risk which anaesthesia entails.— Household Words. (Colonist, 19 August 1859)

Dr Charles Henry Huxtable turned up in Thames in December 1879, taking over the practice of Dr Andrews there. There he was a member of the Court Pride of Parnell Ancient Order of Forresters. By January 1880 he was successfully applied to be on the staff of the Thames Goldfield Hospital.

As will be seen in our advertisement columns Dr Huxtable, late physician and house surgeon to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, has commenced the practice of his profession here. He has taken the premises lately in the occupation of Dr Gilbert, in Central Pollen-street, where he may be consulted after Jan. 26. Dr Huxtable has the highest testimonials and references, and will be a valuable addition to our staff of medicos. We have seen copies of some very high testimonials to Dr Huxtable, many of them from the hands of gentlemen at the head of their profession, such as Dr W. T. Gardner, physician to the Queen for Scotland and professor of medicine in the University of Glasgow, Dr A. Wood Smith, of the Glasgow Infirmary, and a number of others.

Thames Star, 24 January 1880

Then, he met with a nasty accident later that year.

We are very sorry indeed to hear that Dr Huxtable met with a very severe accident last night. His professional duties called him up the Hope Creek district, and in coming back down one of the hill paths his horse stumbled and threw him. He was quite alone and must have been insensible for some time from the effects of the fall, but after a time managed to catch his horse and reach his home. Of course attention was at once paid to his injuries which were principally about his head, and were very serious wounds. Dr Huxtable has since his arrival on the field been most attentive to his duties, and we are sure his many friends will hear with regret the accident that has befallen him.

Thames Star, 17 August 1880

In 1880, he married Ella Mary Ridings. The couple had a son, Noel Hastings Huxtable, in 1883.

Acceptance of Dr Huxtable was not universal, however.

(To the Editor of the Thames Star)

Sir,—l am sorry, for Dr Huxtable's sake, that my remarks should have drawn him out so fully. Some of us, perhaps, now and again, may feel inclined to put forth the petition, "save me from my friends;" but Dr Huxtable, judging from his letter in your issue of Saturday, ought slightly to modify the text, and constantly offer up the prayer, "Save me from myself!" I never read a letter so stamped with egotism and self-conceit. What a shining light we have had all this time on the Thames, hiding its brilliancy under a bushel! Why, according to his own showing, he has had opportunities and advantages such as fall to the lot of very few. He was House Surgeon to this institution, House Physician to that, and goodness knows what else besides. I don't know much about those things, but I can put two and two together, and by that process it puzzles one to know how Dr Huxtable can have held all those appointments, when I remember that he stated at the Prokoffi trial that he was only four years qualified, and when I find from his printed testimonials that he was in the colonies a few months after being qualified. But, then, perhaps they are not very strict in the old country, and give those appointments to unqualified men. Dr Huxtable is anxious to impress on us that he did not come to the Thames for experience. Again I say, I don't know much about those things, but I should have thought that in progressive sciences, like Medicine and Surgery, a man engaged in the practice of his profession must always consider himself a student, and be always adding to his stock of experience. And l am afraid that the young man who starts on his labours with the comfortable conviction that he has nothing to learn will come to grief on the quicksands of ignorance. But Dr Huxtable is not an ordinary man. Like Minerva, he was projected full-fledged on the world with a complete stock of every qualification. And certainly if his experience is on a par with his modesty, he is equal to any emergency, and does not do himself injustice when he says that he "did not come to the Thames for experience." I am glad to know that there is one medical man on the Thames who "minds his own business," but I am afraid he gives a very wide interpretation to that phrase, and translates it "making his own business at the expense of others."—I am, &c, Parent.

Thames Star 3 October 1881

Dr Huxtable signed himself as Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery, both qualifications earned in Glasgow in 1877. It seems, though, that he determined to quash any further thoughts as to his lack of qualification by returning to Glasgow, and gaining his doctorate in medicine in 1883. He came back to Thames by August that year, and registered under the Medical Practitioners Act. By December, though, he decided to leave Thames.

I’ve found nothing else about him, until his death at Hobson Street, in Auckland, 7 February 1886.

We very much regret to have to record the death of one of our most promising medical men, Dr C H Huxtable, physician and surgeon, who was found dead on the 7th February at seven a.m., in the parlour of his residence, Hobson-street, under the following circumstances:-

It appears that he was unable to sleep, and frequently found ease in inhaling chloroform. On February 6 he remarked to a friend whom he met that he felt ill, and must go home and lie down and see if he could obtain a couple of hours’ rest. He did so, and in the evening called on Dr Hooper between nine and ten o’clock, with whom he had a professional engagement for the following day. He told Dr Hooper he did not feel any better, and after sitting a short time he returned home.

During the evening he sent the servant girl to Mr Hudson’s, chemist. For an ounce bottle of chloroform, which she gave to Dr Huxtable on her return. He informed Mrs Huxtable that he could not get sleep, and would go down into the parlour with some pillows and try and sleep there. After having a smoke, he went to the room in question, Mrs Huxtable falling off to sleep.

On awaking on Feb 7, at seven o’clock in the morning, she went to call him and found him lying dead on the floor. She immediately sent for Dr Hooper, who resided two or three doors off, and after examining the body he stated that deceased must have been dead for some time, the body being quite cold. From appearances he had placed some chloroform, about half an ounce, and sponge in a small china bowl, and evidently during the inhalation had fallen over on his face with the bowl to his mouth, and not getting sufficient air to inhale with the chloroform had died in that position, being insensible.

An inquest was held at the Prince of Wales’ Hotel on February 8, before Dr Philson, District Coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr Walter Scott was the foreman. Mr E Cooper appointed to watch the proceedings on behalf of the deceased’s relatives. Dr Hooper gave evidence, and stated that in his opinion there was no doubt that death was caused by the inhalation of chloroform. Ella Mary Huxtable, widow of the deceased, also gave evidence and stated that the deceased used frequently to inhale chloroform when unable to sleep and always administered it himself by dropping it on a handkerchief and inhaling it. About a year ago he took an overdose, and Dr Wine was called in on that occasion. She had always tried to dissuade him from taking it. The witness deposed to the steps she took when informed of the occurrence.

After a brief deliberation, the jury returned the following verdict: - “Found dead on February 7, through inhaling an overdose of chloroform, taken to procure sleep.”

NZ Herald, 1 March 1886

He was buried in the Anglican section of the Symonds Street cemetery.

Was it that accident in August 1880, and resulting head injury, that sparked off Dr Huxtable’s chronic sleeplessness which led to his death? Probably no one will ever know.