Lincoln vineyards

Even though I've only been around a tiny bit over four-and-a-half decades, I do remember when Lincoln Road, coming off the North-Western motorway and heading towards Henderson, used to be verdantly abundant with vineyards and orchards. Not any more. The orchards and vinyards that survive are like odd remnants from another time, amidst the spread of retail mega-outlets, a couple of large funeral establishments, and all the et ceteras.

Seeing this just off Central Park Drive today was surprising.

I took a closer look.

"Collards" is still written on the corrugated iron roof, across faded red or brown paint, and below, bravely peeking from behind graffiti, "Estate Vineyards". Collards as a firm started in Henderson on the Great North Road in 1910, according to online sources, so -- they are one of the oldies as far as West Auckland winemakers are concerned. I don't know when they moved to Lincoln Road, but they moved out in 2008.

And the remnant's future?

It will make way for a Mitre 10 hardware store.  This notification sign for the resource consent application had been ripped away from wherever it had once been posted, probably by a similar stormy windswept day like today, and just dropped in the long grass.

It looks like the last vineyard left on Lincoln Road is Mazurans.

 

 

I wonder for how long?

Heritage burns

There's an article on the NZ Herald site tonight, a pall of smoke rising in a leaden sky thick with early summer rain, and a piece of 20th century Avondale has gone up in smoke.

The warehouse-type shops on Great North Road, around no. 2059, may be classed as an eyesore these days to some folk, but they are part of our local heritage. Well, they were ... there won't be much left of them now.

The site hasn't been a lucky one, in some ways. In the 1880s, the Northern Omnibus Company set up a stable there. It burned down in the 1890s. Charlie Pooley owned the rebuilt stable, and that burned after it was convertede to a motor garage and depot for the GOS bus company on 14 November 1924. The heat from that fire was so intense, it knocked out the only power and telephone lines linking West Auckland, the Kaipara and Northland with the rest of New Zealand.

 Image: NZ Graphic 21 April 1900

 

 Image: the stable as a motor garage, early 1920s.

And now, it's happened again, to Pooley's resurrected building from the 1930s, constructed by local contractor the late Ernie Croft.

 Image: 2004

The building served as a bus depot, a taxi depot, and shops from the 1930s to today, but they have seen better times than the present. Still -- a pity they will now be doomed.

Update: the morning after.

Mural in a Helensville paddock

A business trip to Helensville Museum yesterday saw me having a munch of corned beef sandwiches while sitting on a seat on the verandah outside the main building, sheltering from the rain. In doing so, I spotted and recognised the figures on the mural placed on the side of the Hec Nicolls memorial shed. I decided to traipse across the paddock for a closer look.

Yep. I was right -- John and Helen McLeod, the founding couple of Helensville in the early 1860s. John McLeod, with his then-partner Cyrus Haskell, was one of the lessees of Henderson's sawmill in West Auckland, from 1854 to 1860.

 

 Their names aren't mentioned on the plaque beside the mural, though. The plaque reads:

"He Hononga Hou"

A New Partnership

A historical depiction of two cultures

in Te Awaroa aka Helensville

Ngati Whatua ki Kaipara &

early European settlers

Artists: Daniel Tippett & Darrel Thompson

Organised by: Te Awaroa Youth Club

The mural has taken away much of the most striking aspect of the appearance in life of Nova Scotia-originating John McLeod unfortunately -- his gangly similarity to the President of the United States at that time, Abraham Lincoln. If you want to check that out, see this link and scroll down the right sidebar.

Awaroa, by the way, was apparently the original Maori name for the district, although there must have been considerable confusion at the time with the other Awaroa in the region, down from Drury. In August 1862, it was referred to as "the new Nova Scotian settlement" (Southern Cross, 6 August 1862). Alexander Unthank had a timber operation going at Kaukapakapa as at September 1862 (SC, 6 September), and the following month McLeod advertised his own mill, "at Kaipara". (SC, 18 October 1862) The mills were called the Kaipara Mills in December 1862, and McLeod's Mill the next month. The earliest instance I've found for a reference to Helensville is a letter by John McLeod to the Southern Cross dated 10 August 1863 (printed 13 August) -- only it was published then as "Helmsville". I have my doubts therefore about the story which has been put out before now, that John McLeod called the family home "Helen's Villa", the town's name coming from that. I think, perhaps, McLeod simply put the name out there for the settlement, named after his wife. Awaroa wasn't feasible because of duplication and confusion, and following on from Thomas Henderson's example probably wasn't contemplated (at the time, "Henderson's Mill" was also known as "Dundee Saw Mill".) "McLeodsville" may have seemed pretentious.

By September 1863, though, when McLeod advertised for workers for his mill, the address given was Helensville.

Newmarket traffic control box art

My friends Bill & Barbara Ellis sent this shot through this afternoon -- looks like the box is at the north-western corner of Mortimer Pass and Broadway. I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm in the neighbourhood.

Laurel Kerosene, and "Aussie" Ice Cream

Another find today at the Sunday Market -- a recipe book put out by Vacuum Oil under its Laurel kerosene brand, before Vacuum became Mobil. I have no idea as to date, but the booklet was printed in Wellington.

What intrigued me was this entry:

I asked two of my favourite West Islanders about this, Jayne from Our Great Southern Land, and Leechbabe from Stuff with Thing, why this particular recipe is an "Aussie" one. The answer's still uncertain, as one lead raised, the cornflour, seems to be fairly common in ice cream making (thanks, Jayne and Leechie for your help!)

Further suggestions as to the reason for the Aussieness of the recipe gratefully appreciated.

Update: The ice cream has been made at Jayne's place today. The results:

"Ok, ice cream isn't fully set yet but VERY yummy.
Has that decent 'real food' taste, no synthetic after-taste, if you know what I mean?
We'll be making this ice cream instead of buying any from now on."

 Cool. Glad my habit of gathering up old stuff at markets has helped trans-Tasman relations!

Further update (2 December 2009): Resulting post on Our Great Southern Land.

Another blog: I Love Retro Things

I stumbled across the I Love Retro Things blog just now -- and it looks like it will take me ages to go through all the great stuff there. Check it out, especially if the wet weather keeps up.

1950 Empire Games

A walk down to the Avondale Sunday Market this morning, and I find this: a 1950 Crown Lynn Empire Games commemorative beer mug. Thanks to a couple of small chips at the top, I got it for 1/3 the going Trade-Me rate.

 

According to another site, 10,000 of these were made. This was Auckland's first big post-war promo, eclipsed in the early 1950s only by the Queen's visit in 1953. The closing ceremony was held at Werstern Springs stadium -- and compared with such ceremonies these days. It's no wonder it isn't all that well remembered. This from the official programme, via Matapihi:

CLOSING CEREMONY

In their brevity and simplicity, the closing ceremonies of the 1950 British Empire Games will be typically British.

At the conclusion of the last Victory Ceremony at the Western Springs Stadium, all standard-bearers, flag-bearers and team-managers will take theirb places in alphabetical order of teams just off the cycling track and then march across the arena to the centre of the ground, assembling in a half-circle around a dais.

Each flag-bearer in turn will then return his country's flag to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, who will present same to the team-manager.

The Chairman of the British Empire Games Federation will then declare the 1950 British Empire Games closed.

A salute of four guns will be fired.

"Auld Lang Syne" will be played, the whole attendance being asked to join in the singing of same, and finally "God Save the King", during which all flags will be finally lowered.

Ah, the days before telly, and multi-national corporate sponsorship ...

Shipwrecks of New Zealand

It isn't often I get an email from an author asking if I'd be interested in a new book which has come out. When Lynton Diggle emailed me this afternoon, and it was to do with his book released last month, Shipwrecks of New Zealand, a companion (and extension) to the effective Bible of NZ shipwreck history, the 8th edition of New Zealand Shipwrecks which he co-authored...

... I'll just have to start swearing off the buying of history books further on into December, I suppose. This one looks like a must-have, with 130 pages, illustrated, covering another 86 wrecks in our history previously not recorded.

A Titirangi resident, Lynton Diggle (according to last night's Western Leader) filmed underwater sites while working for salvage companies in the 1980s. His career path began at 17 with scriptwriter training and later cameraman work for New Zealand Broadcasting, followed by a 25 year stint with the National Film Unit, specialising in underwater filming. He co-authored New Zealand Shipwrecks (2007) with his wife, Edith.

The Western Leader quoted him as saying, "There's lots of romance about wrecks." Too right, Lynton.

Price: $45.50 includes GST and postage throughout NZ)
Orders: Lynton Diggle, 3 Ngaio Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604
email: lynton.diggle@orcon.net.nz

Gypsy Fair at Craigavon Park, Blockhouse Bay

Some shots of the Gypsy Fair at Craigavon park today. Other folks' photos here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I bought a couple of second-hand NZ history books (natch), and this:

Queen Street Christmas

I'm not a fan of Christmas -- but images of the new Santa which has caused some stir are interesting enough. (Image below, and link, courtesy Peter Hjorring).

 

Last night, I thought I'd give taking shots of Smith & Caughey's display window a shot. The photos came out rather well, to my surprise.

 

 

Herons by the Park

The traffic control box beside Heron Park is another one of those difficult-to-photograph ones. Mainly because it's on the busy intersection of Great North and Blockhouse Bay Roads. There is always a risk of getting in the way of traffic taking an image of this piece of art.

Still, I'm glad it's there, and reminds people (hopefully!) that Heron Park on the Avondale-Waterview border is named after the bird, and not some Mr. Heron.

Update, 14 January 2011: On 5 December 2010, the box was replaced as part of an upgrade by a larger box, and the art is gone. See comments below.

Pt Chevalier Memories 1930s -1950s

Likely to be the first major publication about Pt Chevalier's past since A H Walker's Rangi-Mata-Rau in the 1960s, the book Pt Chevalier Memories 1930s-1950s was launched yesterday at the Pt Chevalier Community Library. Padmini Raj and her team, along with staff at Auckland City Libraries, have worked like trojans to put together not only a collection of 60 contributions, diagrams and photographs to create a reference volume using archival paper, but they've also gone that extra step further and made copies for public sale (233 pages, b/w, $20, contact the library, stocks are limited).

Padmini has also worked very hard to compile an index for the book, adding research value to what was already a trove of information. The library was packed yesterday afternoon -- I'd say that another volume may eventually be called for by the community, especially considering the photographs and info I'm receiving all the time for inclusion in the Point Chevalier Times for the local history group (which, by the way, gained new members yesterday, even though the function wasn't ours.)

It is great that our History Group there at "Point" has such a close association with the local library, over and above the fact that Padmini was the main encourager late last year. Auckland City Libraries, I find, have a very good awareness of both each area's heritage and the groups and societies enthusiastically promoting same. This has helped a great deal in continuing the boom in interest in things past in our region.

Devonport changes

This image, and the next two, are by courtesy of my dear friend Liz of Mad Bush Farm. Earlier this year I went on about the theft of the beautiful bronze horses of the fountain at Devonport's Windsor Reserve.

More images ...

 

Well, as at this month, the fountain is still in a fairly sorry, horse-less state.

Very sad to see. However, a resident there says that a replacement is in the pipeline. I'll keep an eye on it.

Meanwhile, with the demise of the Jackson's Muzeum in Devonport, I was wondering what would happen to the building there. Actually, I think it's improved. It was once the Post Office. Today, I reckon it looks great.

Below is another of Liz's shots (thanks, Liz!)

Here is the building now, transformed to a Salmond Reed design (which earned a heritage award). Now, it's restored to its original 1938 Art Deco features.

I even like the way they've paid attentiion to fine details.

Chelsea Sugar Refinery

Image from Wikipedia

I can see this view from a distance, across the Waitemata Harbour. Hard to miss the buildings which seem pink and stand out from the verdant green of the bush around it.

The Chelsea Sugar Refinery has been going since 1883. Its history is intimately tied up with that of Birkenhead.

Last Saturday, my friend Molly took me on a spontaneous vehicular tiki-tour of that part of Birkenhead -- so I got to see the refinery buildings and site close-up for the first time ever. These are the resulting (also spontaneous, quick-grab of the camera) photos.

 

Auckland Birthday Carnivals 1950-1961

Images courtesy Mrs. J. Jones.

I'm gathering up information on these events at the moment (contributions and memories from readers of this blog always appreciated), but here is what I know so far in summary.

In 1947, the Auckland Provincial Public Relations Office was inaugurated. The first challenge for the new organisation, linked with thye Auckland City Council and Chamber of Commerce, was the 1950 Empire Gamers held in Auckland. In conjunction with that event (held mainly at Eden Park but the closing event was at Western Springs), the first birthday carnival was organised.

In 1951, a second was held in January to early February at the Epsom Showgrounds -- then in 1952, it shifted to Western Springs Stadium and nearby open areas beside the old pumphouse. The following year, the PRO took out a 50 year lease with the City Council for the Western Springs Stadium and surrounds, and intended creating a sports and pleasure park, including conversionn of the pumphouse into a restuarant. Fortunately for those of us which like the pumphouse as it is today, the gem of MOTAT, the plans didn't go ahead. The carnival ruptured money in its declining years, and by the middle of 1961 the PRO pulled out of the lease, operning the way for MOTAT and the Western Springs Park we know today.

The image above is from the 1952 float parade at Western Springs. Below is the carnival grounds that year (this expanded rapidly in ensuing years).

I hope to write a more in-depth piece for the Point Chevalier Times soon.

 

The great wasp battle of Henderson, 1954

From the Auckland Star, 13 January 1954.

An estimated 10,000 wasps were brought down in a sharp engagement at Henderson yesterday afternoon. Two of our apiary instructors were damaged.

Equipped with a car-load of wasp-killing instruments, the instructors carried out the raid on a wasp colony's 5ft x 6ft nest on the Henderson farm of Mr. R. J. Hardie.

Fifteen people -- the Hardies, neighbours and friends -- watched as the instructors, Mr. E. Smellie and Mr. D. Roberts, prepared for action.

The instructors took off their coats, donned overalls and cloth arm protectors, pulled their socks up over their trouser cuffs, put on gauze head guards and rubber gloves. Then they ran up an extension ladder to the big nest hanging over 10ft high in a tawa tree. Mr Smellie mounted the ladder with a smoke bomb, placed it in the nest and got his first stings.

The smoke filled the nest and formed a film outside it to contain the wasps.

Next the wasps were treated to a tin of cyanide gas.

Some wasps fought their way out of the smoke-choked nest and attacked the instructors, swarmed round their heads, stinging through their clothing.

Spectators moved back as the wasps went on the warpath. They turned up the collars of their coats, covered their faces and hid behind trees.

Then the nest caught fire. The smoke bomb had ignited the papery walls of the nest -- though it wasn't supposed to. Wasps fell dead in a shower. After a few minutes the men slashed the nest with a spade and its burning pieces fell to the ground.

The wasps kept on fighting. They stung the instructors dozens of times, followed them wherever they went. They stung them through their shirts, even through their rubber gloves. Mr. Smellie's hand ballooned with the effect of the stinging.

Mr. Roberts, nonchalantly saying, "That one got me," was picking clinging wasps off his hands. The wasps were walking up his arms, their stingers working like sewing machines.

When it was all over -- when all that was left of the nest was burning wreckage at the bottom of the tree -- a swarm of wasps which had been out on patrol returned to find their home gone. That's when your photographer and reporter left.