Karaka Vintage Day 2014 part 2

Karaka Vintage Day 2014 part 1

In which Timespanner visits Karaka (thanks to my good friend Trevor Pollard) and takes photographs of old stuff.

Not easy for the mounted police in the West

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

MYSTERY OF A POLICEMAN'S TROOP HORSE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Point Chevalier bus drivers' feud

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

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

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

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

Auckland Star 30 April 1921

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

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

 NZ Herald 8 March 1923

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

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

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

Auckland Star 15 June 1923

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

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

NZ Herald 21 December 1923

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

The Asylum in the news

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

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

NZ Herald 18 July 1879

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auckland Star 8 November 1884

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

NZ Herald 8 April 1892

An American locomotive in the Manawatu

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

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

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

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

Manawatu Standard 14 July 1909

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

The Hirere

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

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

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

Auckland Star 9 January 1930

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

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

The days of the Peregrine

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

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

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

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

Dunedin's Centennial Memorial

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

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

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

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

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

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