Massey West Auckland: A Palimpsest

In Titirangi's wonderful "Gone West" bookshop today, I found an unexpected treasure: Gillian Ruffle's Massey West Auckland: A "Palimpsest". There's the new word her book has introduced to my lexicon (if I remember it):

I called this a "Palimpsest", but this is really abusing the term! Literally a palimpsest is an old manuscript that has been re-used for writing new messages after erasing earlier ones. Scholars have learnt how to decipher old messages that have been "written over" in this way, and I thought that I would like to view Massey in a similar fashion.

And then there is the way she has organised the book -- anchoring her research on her own property in Massey, she has gone back in time, to 1850, 1900, 1950 and 2000 to determine who would have owned the land, what it may have looked like, how to get there at each period, etc. Along the way, the book is festooned with maps, diagrams, tables of Crown Grantees and other relevant names and details.

I think I was very lucky to get my hands on this today. The only copy in the entirity of the 55 library system of Auckland Council is a reference only copy at Henderson Library. I couldn't find it at the National Library catalogue, and nothing at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. I certainly haven't seen this before.

So, if this has had limited publication, it's a real shame -- Massey West Auckland fills a gap in our knowledge of that part of Auckland, and is a real resource when it comes to research into the land ownership patterns and history of the area. Gillian Ruffles says this is a "work in progress". I hope someone comes along with funding, if she's still interested at this point, to continue such great work.

If you see the book, and can buy or borrow it, do so. Definitely worth a look.

National topographic maps online

Peter Hjorring emailed this link to Land Information New Zealand's collection of downloadable topographic maps.

31 regions covered, including the Chathams.

Thanks, Peter!

Tales from the Crypt

I've finally been able to get my hands on a copy of Matthew Gray's book Tales from the Crypt today (they were being sold today at the 125th anniversary commemoration function at Waikumete Cemetery). Based on his series of articles published weekly in the Western Leader, I found the book to be better than expected. Then again, the old trad in local history writing -- if you want folks to like the book, put their name in it -- probably has some effect on my judgement with regards to this publication. Seeing that Matthew Gray not only cited A Doctor in the Whau, he also cited Timespanner itself (two instances, the Castles of Waterview and Wesley Neal Spragg's memorial in the George Maxwell Memorial Cemetery). On top of that, he's also raised the subject of Clara Bethell's relocated headstone at MOTAT.

What I liked about the book is that he has taken time to source and reproduce photos of the deceased where possible, not just their headstones -- and has divided the book into sections, based on the cemeteries:

Bush Graves

George Maxwell Memorial Cemetery (Avondale)

Hobsonville Cemetery

Oratia Cemetery

St Ninian's Churchyard (Avondale -- actually, Matthew, this is a cemetery as well)

Swanson Cemetery

and Waikumete Cemetery

There are some errors (there are errors in every local history book published, somewhere, if you nit-pick enough), but -- I'm delighted I made the investment, finally got to briefly meet Matthew today, and ... yes, okay, okay, I'm quite thrilled to see this here blog, my pet project, cited as a resource. 

Heh. Thanks, Matthew. I enjoy your work, too.

Tsunami at Chatham Island, 1868

 Image from Wikipedia.

I probably missed this, when doing the post about tsanamis felt here in 1868 as a result of the 9.0 Arica earthquake, off the coast of Chile, because news got here to the mainland much later, via the schooner Rifleman. I'm reading an old Bateman's Contemporary Atlas of New Zealand (2003), and it referred to the devastating Chatham Island tsunami of 1868.

DUNEDIN, August 27.
The schooner Rifleman arrived at Port Chalmers this morning from the Chatham Islands, after a passage of six days, having left Waitangi on the morning of Friday, the 21st. She brings news of great disaster and loss to the inhabitants of the Chathams, who were suddenly awakened from their sleep by the water rushing into their dwellings, and were driven half-naked and trembling to the hills, while the receding waters carried away every relic of their property, and in one instance causing the loss of life. The following are the items as we received them.

Early on the morning of the 15th the Islands were visited with three immense earthquake waves, somewhat similar to those which visited the other islands of the colony on the same date, causing the almost total destruction of some of the settlements, and the loss of one life — a Maori. At the settlement of Tupanga, which was situated on the northern side of the island, the phenomenon was felt with greatest force. The settlement was entirely destroyed, and not a vestige left to indicate where once stood the habitations of natives — the whole place being covered with sand and piles of seaweed. The inhabitants, who were principally Maoris, narrowly escaped with their lives. They were roused from their slumbers by the first wave, which came rushing into their houses. They immediately fled in alarm to the bush, or sought safety on higher ground; but they had barely time to escape, before a second and larger wave came rolling after them, rapidly followed by a third, which completely destroyed and swept away the dwellings and everything they contained.

Captain Anderson's house, situate about four miles from Tupanga, was also swept away, the proprietor himself narrrowly escaping with his wife and children.

A Maori lost his life here while trying to save a boat; he was carried out to sea by the drawback, and drowned.

Further along the coast, facing south-westerly, Mr Hay, sheep farmer, lost his all. His house and other fixtures were carried to sea, leaving him without a shoe to his foot or a coat to cover his back.

At the settlement of Waitangi similar disasters occurred, and great loss was occasioned. Mr Beamish's accommodation house was wrenched from its piles, and a great quantity of Government stores and fencing were carried out to sea, together with some boats.

The beach presented a most disheartening spectacle after the phenomena had passed away. There was household property of all descriptions strewing the sands, intermixed with bags of flour and other stores, the whole being festooned with seaweed. How the people escaped is considered miraculous. On the eastern side of the island less damage was done — there being less to destroy. The only habitations destroyed were a few Maori huts. Some valuable boats belonging to the Rifleman, which was lying at Wangaroa at the time, fortunately escaped without accident; although in the same harbor some huge spars were carried away, and deposited high and dry on a flat on the opposite side of the harbor.

Wellington Independent, 29 August 1868

DETAILS OF THE EARTHQUAKE WAVE AT THE CHATHAM ISLANDS.

We published, some time ago, telegrams giving an account of the effects of the earthquake wave at the Chatham Islands. The Chatham Islands correspondent of the Hawkes Bay Herald has the following interesting account of the affair :—

On Friday, the 13th instant, the day was sunny and pleasant, with a very light breeze from the southwest, and during the day the sea was so low that rocks which had been usually submerged were high and dry. About one o'clock a.m. on Saturday morning, the first great wave rushed in with such force and terrific noise that the very fountains of the deep seemed broken up. This fortunately served as a premonitory warning, and without doubt prevented the loss of many lives. In ten minutes more, another wave, more terrible than the former, commenced its work of destruction, and, after a like interval, the third and list completed the catastrophe.

Indeed the full wrath of the ocean seemed to battle with the island, in fierce resolve to submerge it. Houses, pas, and bush in proximity with the shore were carried away and engulphed by the drawback; but in many instances human lives were preserved almost by a miracle. At Terake, on the western point of the island, stood the substantial dwelling of Thomas Osborne Hay, Esq, and the inmates, Mr. Hay and Mr. Amery (a gentleman who resided with him), had so narrow an escape that it seems a special intervention of Providence. On the approach of the first wave, Mr. Amery awoke and, feeling assured that a tidal wave was approaching, such as had been adverted to by a scientific writer, he at once aroused his friend Mr. Hay. The second wave was now gathering, and they had barely time to rush from the house, with what scanty clothing they could hastily snatch up when a vast breaker actually enveloped the mansion, and in another moment it was a mass of ruins; even of a massive stove chimney not one stone was left upon another. Half undressed, the late inmates hastened on to the rising ground and awaited the approach of a third wave, which came rolling in with most awful grandeur and thousandfold power, bearing down out buildings and stout old skeakes, which broke and cracked beneath its fury like snatchwood, and tending its weeds and waters high up the grazing land and into the bush, carrying away young cattle, and scattering the debris of the ruins far away amongst the weeds and bushes of an adjoining swamp. This, however, was the last great wave, and the work of destruction was over.

We regret to say that Mr. Hay has, in addition to the loss of a well-appointed establishment, had some bales of wool injured, and lost a considerable amount in cash; in fact, the inmates could save neither boot nor shoe— nothing, indeed, but the scanty clothing they had hastily put on. On the break of day, they pursued their way shoeless to the adjoining settlement of Waitangi West, five miles distant, to find Captain Anderson and his family enjoying a bivouac in the bush, and, like themselves, homeless. Captain Anderson and his family like Mr. Hay had been aroused by the first wave, but from the position of his dwelling the force of the sea passed obliquely by, and moreover it was elevated from the beach and surrounded by a stone wall. Hence, the work of destruction was less complete, and he was enabled to save the most valuable part of his furniture.

Here, we regret to say, an inoffensive and worthy old man, named Makare, lost his life in attempting to save Captain Andersons whaleboat, which had been washed away, some two miles distant, to Teraikopakipa Point. He was holding fast to the boat, when an unusual rush of water came in and carried him out. Being a good swimmer, the poor fellow contended fiercely with death but, getting amongst the kelp, he sank at once. The body was found this morning about half a mile from the spot.

Tupunga is destroyed, two European houses are demolished, and the Maori pa completely washed away. The condition of the poor Maoris is most pitiable— neatly all their clothing is gone, and they have lost from £200 to £300 in cash. Unfortunately, they had disposed of their cattle and every other available commodity, in order to raise a fund to pay their expenses to New Zealand; but all is gone, and they are destitute. The Rifleman is still at Whangaroa, and some fears were entertained regarding her safety, but beyond an extraordinary swell no danger was felt.

By a Maori, just arrived from Waitangi, we are informed that serious damage has been sustained there, and some houses destroyed, but no lives have been lost. Of this, however, we cannot give a succinct detail. The only remaining settlement from whence danger might be apprehended is Kaingaroa, but intelligence has reached from that quarter.

Without doubt, Tupuangi and the west point of the island were most severely visited. Indeed, so confident were the Maoris of a general deluge that, when driven from their pa, the whole body of them encamped on Maunganui, the most elevated spot on the island, about 700 feet above the sea-level.

Southern Cross, 16 September 1868

A plague of indecent postcards

In 1905 and 1906, court case reports appeared in both Australia and New Zealand  newspapers during what appeared to be a rash of incidents involving shopkeepers and their display, in their front windows, of “indecent” postcards. I found the following two reports by chance.

From the NZ Herald, 4 September 1906.

At the Police Court yesterday, before Mr C C Kettle, SM, Joshua Connolly [of Queen Street] was charged on four informations with selling indecent postcards, entitled, “It’s a Shame to take the Money”, and “Please help the Blind”. Sergeant Hendry conducted the prosecution, but the defendant was not represented by counsel.

Sergeant Murphy said that, in company with another police officer, he went to defendant’s shop and purchased the cards.

As the sale of the cards was admitted, Mr Kettle said the question was whether the cards were indecent.

Sergeant Hendry said the police had received complaints from the ladies of the YWCA, who had been very shocked and scandalised by the exhibition of the cards in the defendant’s window. Prosecutions had taken place in various provinces of the colony, and the remarks of the magistrates had been widely published in the press, so defendant must have noticed them.

Defendant said the cards were not indecent.

Mr Kettle: Could you get respectable women to come forward and say they are not indecent?

The defendant said he had them in his window for six months.

Mr Kettle: Of course, they are very mild to some of the cards you see about. Do you mean to tell me that any respectable woman would stand in the street in that position?

The Defendant: Oh, yes. You can see them like that every wet day. I would be very sorry to have the cards in my window if they were indecent.

Sergeant Hendry: These postcards are sold at 3d. There must be something spicy about them.

Mr Kettle: There must be an enormous profit. (To defendant) Where are the cards printed?

Defendant: I get them from Melbourne.

Mr Kettle reserved his decision, pending the hearing of charges against Barney Barripp.

Barney Barripp, for whom Mr Singer appeared, was charged on 12 informations with selling indecent postcards, entitled “After Dark,”, “An Australian Native Bare”, “Psyche”, “Reflections,” “The Early Bird Catches the Worm,” and “A Ballet Dancer.”

Constable Maher said he went to defendant’s shop and purchased some cards. He then asked defendant if he had any others, and defendant said, “Do you like suggestive ones?” He then purchased some.

Mr Singer (to witness): I suppose it was with hesitating mien and blushing face that you went into the shop?

Mr Kettle: Oh, don’t waste my time; get to business.

Mr Singer (to witness): Have you ever kissed a girl?

Witness: That is my business.

Do you consider it would be indecent?

No; it all depends on the circumstances.

Well, what indecent suggestion do you get from “After Dark”?

I would not like to say in open Court.

Mr Singer submitted that “Psyche” was a reproduction of a painting by one of the world’s most famous artists. Pictures by the best artists in New York, Paris and London were reproduced, and gave one an artistic education, and this ought to be encouraged. The cards were educative in an artistic way.

Mr Kettle: Yes, in their proper places.

Mr Singer contended that if the cards were indecent the statues in the Albert Park and the Museum were indecent. Postcards were the cheapest form of art education.

Mr Kettle: I question that you have to pay 3d each for them.

In referring to the “Ballet Dancer,” Mr Singer said it was seen at the theatre every week, and no one called it indecent. “Does Your Worship say the ‘Australian Native Bare’ is indecent?” and with regard to ‘The Early Bird’ the defendant does not remember selling it. In conclusion, Mr Singer drew His Worship’s attention to the fact that there had been no warning and no convictions against Barripp.

Mr Kettle said he was glad the police were taking steps to put this nuisance down. Shops were full of these cards. Connolly’s cards came well within the meaning of the Act, and as he had been convicted of similar offences he would fine him £5 of each of two charges. For the first offence the maximum penalty was £5 or three months, and for and subsequent convictions £10 or six months.

With regard to Barripp, Mr Singer had wisely left along “The Early Bird” card, which was most disgusting. “After Dark” and “The Early Bird” were both indecent, and the defendant would be fined £2 10s on each of the two charges. With regard to the other cards he would reserve his decision.

The question of costs was reserved till Mr Kettle gave his decision on the other cards.

Leave to appeal against the decision on the “After Dark” card was given [by] Mr Singer.

Mr Kettle said, in conclusion, that this was an offence which required to be put down by a firm hand. It was no use fiddling with it.

From the NZ Herald, 6 September 1906

At the Police Court yesterday Mr C C Kettle, SM, delivered his reserved judgement in the cases in which Barney Barripp, shopkeeper, was charged with selling indecent postcards.

In the course of his decision His Worship said that persons exhibiting or selling any picture or printed matter of an indecent, immoral or obscene nature, or which the Court was satisfied was intended to have an indecent, obscene, or immoral effect were liable, under the Offensive Publications Act, 1892, and the amending Act, to fine or imprisonment as therein mentioned. He had no hesitation in holding that the postcards “Reflections”, “Psyche” and “A ‘Bally’ Dancer” were clearly libidinous, and were calculated to have a pernicious influence, especially on the minds of boys and girls into whose hands they might fall. It was the duty of the Court to give full effect to the intention of the Legislature.

Convictions were recorded, and nominal fines of 5s imposed in each case. As the defendant had already been fined £5 and costs in respect of two other indecent cards sold by him. Mr Kettle intimated that if the exhibition and sale of such cards were continued, it might, perhaps, become necessary to impose heavier fines, or imprisonment.

Mr Singer reminded His Worship that he had given no decision on the “Australian Native Bare.”

Mr Kettle said that card was almost as bad as the others, and it was intended to have an indecent effect. On that information he would record a conviction also.

Mr Kettle allowed costs, £2 17s, in connection with the case.

Thanks to the NZ Truth, we have some idea of what these naughty cards were actually about.

"It's a shame to take the money."

It represented a small shoeblack attending to a swell tart's tootsie coverings ; her skirt and lingerie were drawn up to her knees and opening up a vast panorama, of naughtiness. Apparently that wicked shoeblack having gazed to his fill is supposed to ejaculate "It's a shame to take the money."

"Please help the "blind.”

This showed an individual labelled "blind" gazing in raptures on a lady attending her garter.

NZ Truth 8 September 1906

"An Australian Native Bare."

This is a pun on the words "native bear," and is absolutely nothing more offensive than a black blur in the shape of a human form, one hand of which is holding an iguana by the tail. It is ridiculous, pathetic, maddening to think that people can be found filthy-minded enough to see anything indecent or immoral in it, and a magistrate mad and old womanish enough to convict upon it. As well prosecute the man who sells and the mother who gives to her child one of those little undressed rubber dolls! There is no shading, no outline other than the curves of the black human-shaped blot.

"A Bally Dancer."

This is a crazy delineation in black and white of a ballet, dancer, high kicking. Only the two legs to the knee are visible out of a cloud of muslin lingerie, just as can be seen in flesh and blood any night on any stage, anywhere in the civilised world. Both these are from the pencil of that true artist and brilliant “black and white" man Souter, of Sydney, and have not a scintilla of evil suggestion about them that even the most debased mind could detect.

“Psyche”

A photograph copy of Psyche about to descend into the stream. This is pure art and carries no suggestion, except to the mentally diseased on sexual subjects. And magistrate Kettle convicted on these three examples. God help a country whose magistracy contains such men with such minds.

NZ Truth 13 October 1906

"After Dark", it seems, was just too terrible to describe.

The Truth, no fan of the police or of "wowsers", made the editor's feelings klnown about all this.

The subject of this tyranny of the few over the many is a wide one; it does not begin and end in an indecent prosecution on a false charge of indecency. 

That the police took action is not a matter for discussion. The average policeman, if he thought he could get a conviction to his credit, would prosecute his mother for wearing her boot heels over. Nobody believes that any sane policeman really considered the three pictures described are "indecent or immoral." The thing would be too ridiculous! No, the police were set on by a gang of crawling creatures who make a good thing out of the people under the pretence of piloting them to a Heaven that, if they are to be there too, no reasonable man wants to get to. No sooner did one weevilly wowser start the "good work" in one city than all his bitterly envious prototypes rushed to win fame similarly in their separate places of sojourn, and the police were forced into taking action or risk the snarling slanders of these atrocious beings, very few of whose lives will bear strict scrutiny, if the whole truth was known.

It is to be hoped that Magistrate Kettle, having become sane again, will stay so and that his only possible action— if we are not to be the butt of the whole world— in dismissing these idiotic "Psyche" charges, will bear fruit, and that it is the forerunner of other protests against the aggressive insolence of the pious, prurient-minded, pragmatical prigs who would fain rule us with a rod of iron and persecute us in the name of Christ.

NZ Truth 13 October 1906

The strange burial of Florence Lena Bell

Further to my previous post on the odd story around the first burial at Waikumete -- I asked my friend Margaret Edgcumbe for help in obtaining Florence's death registration. It does confirm that, according to what was documented back in 1886, she was the first burial indeed at Waikumete, but ... more questions seem to open up, even as solutions are found.

 

She died 16 March 1886, while living with her family on Mount Roskill Road. The confusion over her name (Lena? Sera?) is over that capital "L", flourished to look to the modern eye like an "S". But, everything verifies that Florence was "Lena", not "Sera", including the Auckland City Council's burial register for the Nonconformist interments from the time.

Her death at the age of 14 months was as a result of dystentry, as confirmed by Dr. Kenderdine on 16 March that year.

The registration clearly says that Florence was buried on the 18th of March, not the 19th (so according to this, today's the 125th anniversary of the first burial, not tomorrow when all the commemorations will take place). But -- when her father Edmund Bell informed the Council about the burial (see below), that register says 19 March. Six of one, half dozen of the other, as my mum would say (and I still do) ...

The minister at the funeral, Richard Barcham Shalders, is credited with founding both the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle (1855) and the YMCA in Auckland (1856). What is somewhat curious is that the witness to the burial taking place wasn't Florence's father, but someone named Peter Collins, a householder. Who was he? Someone who worked for the undertaker?

The signature for the undertaker looks like "Ro(?) Cranwell". There is a possibility that this is Robert Cranwell, a well-known cabinetmaker (one of the trades that, in those days, was part of the funerals field), and a partner in the firm of Garlick and Cranwell, furniture dealers, later Tonson Garlick Ltd after Cranwell's retirement.

From the NZ Herald, 12 September 1916:

The death of an old Auckland identity, in the person of Mr Robert Cranwell, took place at Cliffcot, Crescent Road, St Stephen's Avenue, Parnell, yesterday morning. Deceased, who was aged 81, had been living in retirement in Parnell for some time past, but previously he took an active part in affairs in Auckland and the Kaipara district, being very well known in both places.

He arrived in Auckland on the vessel Matilda Wattenbach over fifty years ago as a member of a Nonconformist party formed to settle at Port Albert, on the Kaipara Harbour. Mr Cranwell's family brought with them a spring cart -- the first imported into Auckland -- in which they had planned to drive to Port Albert. However, they found that the state of the roads necessitated travelling by bullock-waggon, which took six weeks to cover the distance from Auckland to the destination of the party.

After farming at Port Albert for some time, Mr Cranwell returned to Auckland, where he entered the furnishing trade, in which he was engaged for some twenty years, first as the head of Cranwell and Company, and later as a working partner of the firm of Garlick and Cranwell. He afterwards took an interest in fruit-growing and with two mothers established the Pomaria Estate at Henderson, which was one of the pioneer farms of the local fruit trade. 

Mr Cranwell was for some time a member of the Mount Eden Borough Council, and further evidence of his public spirit was his donation of a library to the people of Henderson.

Deceased is survived by three sons and two daughters, Messrs A H Cranwell, B F Cranwell and R B Cranwell, Medames H West and T Colebrook, besides grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

One of his grandchildren was world famous botanist Lucy Cranwell. His orchard at Henderson is today's Cranwell Park.

But ... why was the death registered so late, 65 days after Florence Lena Bell died? From what I understand of the regulations of the day, either the family or the undertaker had 31 days to register the death. Just another odd circumstance around this burial.

Here are the first 14 burials at Waikumete Cemetery, March-April 1886, as recorded in the burial registers (available on microfilm at the Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Central Library):

March 19 Florence Lena Bell (Nonconformist)
April 17 William Appleby Tye (Public)
April 17 William Long (Church of England)
April 18 Emma Eliza Wilson (Church of England)
April 18 Johanna Binning (Roman Catholic)
April 21 Essy Fuller (Church of England)
April 21 Maria Ruthe (Church of England)
April 21 John Taylor (Church of England)
April 22 Margaret Aitken (Presbyterian)
April 23 Reuben G Beacham (Public)
April 27 Violet Smith (Roman Catholic)
April 28 Sarah Violet Smith (Nonconformist)
April 28 Amelia Rastrick (Church of England)
April 29 William Richards (Church of England)

And here are the plot purchasers from the same period. Even considering that there were two public block interments, where plots weren't purchased by fees paid, this list doesn't match up with the list of the burials.

March 18 Edmund Bell
April 16 Charlotte Long
April 20 William Ruthe
April 21 Mary Jane Bright
April 21 W H Williams
April 21 John Aitken

When I get a chance, I'll do a full trawl through the papers and Council records from February to May 1886, to see just what on earth was going on at Waikumete back then -- what would cause that month's gap between the first burial, and then all the rest.

Update, 27 September 2011: Found this in the Auckland Star today, thanks to Papers Past:

The first burial took place yesterday in the new Cemetery, Waikomiti. It was an infant daughter of Mr Bell, architect. In the absence of the Rev. Thos. Spurgeon, Mr R. B. Shaldors officiated at the grave.

Auckland Star 19 March 1886

Crafty caution sign

Spotted last night at the Corban Estate in Henderson, where there are traffic-slowing humps along the widing drives through the complex: I think they've had craft groups through there recently, as I saw bits of knitting around trees down by St Michael's Church building, and this.

I haven't knitted for ages, but it looks like knit 1, purl 1 to me ...

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.