A view of Mechanics Bay, 1850

Detail from SO 676, crown copyright, LINZ records

A while ago, while looking through Land Information New Zealand's online collection of old survey plans (I think I was searching for old plans for Western Springs at the time), SO 676 came up out of the sequences. Nothing whatsoever to do with Western Springs -- this is a survey plan prepared for the registration of hospital endowment land in the vicinity of Auckland, 1850

Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 5th September, 1850.
HOSPITAL RESERVED LANDS.
The Trustees of the Hospital Reserves, being empowered to lease the undermentioned allotments or parcels of Land for any term not exceeding twenty-one years, are willing to treat for the disposal of the same on reasonable terms. Persons desirous of renting the said allotments, or any of them, are requested to make application, in writing, addressed to the Trustees of the Hospital Reserved Lands, at this Office. A. Sinclair, Colonial Secretary.

New Zealander, 17 September 1850, p. 4

This particular detail from the plan (above) shows section 31, just over half an acre at "Shipwright's Yard, Mechanic's Bay". Thanks to the hospital reserve leasing, I can fairly confidently date the plan to 1850. It shows, though, much more than a few lines drawn across what was then a muddy beach area.

In 1850, there was a grocers shop at the foot of what is today Parnell Rise, and a large stable building right in the path of the future road. These appear to have been the Government Stables, until at least 1852. This was all, of course, before George Leech's hotel, called variously "Shipwright's Arms" (1856), "Victory of Sebastopol" (1857) and eventually "Swan Hotel" from 1859.

The Strand itself is shown as a narrow carriageway, heading over a small bridge over the Waipapa Stream.

Once it crossed the Waipapa, The Strand began to wend its way up the steep cliffs, skirting the worst of the slope until it met  Parnell Road on the other side of the point.

There is another alteration of a similar kind required at Mechanics Bay immediately adjoining the town. Here there, is a sharp turn at the bottom of an elevated ground — this turn is within a few yards of a cliff of 20 to 30 feet, overhanging the sea beach, and if this alteration is not made, it will cause the death of the first person whose horse happens to run off with him. It is not simply awkward and objectionable, but is, positively, highly dangerous. 

 William Brown, letter to the editor of the Southern Cross dated 9 March 1849, published 10 March

Today, The Strand has been realigned and starts further along, but a fragment, coming off Parnell Rise as it once did, is now called Shipwright Lane.

The shipwright it relates to could have been George Darroch, whose business flourished at Mechanics Bay around 1847, or Henry Niccol (The latter name is an update addition to this post [made 29 June 2011] after information received by Peter Haynes, from the Darroch family of descendants. Henry Niccols appears at Mechanics Bay by March 1849 according to advertisements in the New Zealander. Did Darroch have a brief period at Mechanics Bay, then sell to Niccols?) By the early 1850s, however, Darroch had moved to Mahurangi. Having the hospital endowment land so close to his shed probably didn't help.

Update (30 June 2011): This information from an email from Peter Haynes:

Hi Lisa,

The last advertisements by George Darroch at Mechanics Bay available in paperspast are in mid-1947, whereas Niccol is advertising boats for sale there in the early 1850s, the period covered by the estimate of the plans you found. I've attached an example.

I checked the history written by my cousin (which is very unreliable and full of errors) and it refers to George Darroch plying his trade on what is now Victoria Street at some point.

My own history is not much help. It notes that, "The Darrochs initially settled in Auckland, where George commenced building small craft on the Auckland waterfront, now the central business district. In 1843 the family was listed in the Police Census as living in a wooden house on West Queen St, which was the first street off Queen St below Wyndham Street. In 1844 they were listed as living in a
raupo house in Freemans Bay. George is listed in the 1844 Jury List as Ship Carpenter of Albert Street, presumably his place of business. In 1845 the family are listed in the Police Census as tenants of the Colonial Government, living in a wooden house in Mechanics Bay." (I'll change that I think, as they probably just moved around a lot in 1844. Who knows?)

The Darrochs moved to Mahurangi West in 1852 after purchasing property there, and then to Marriage Bay near Scotts Landing at Mahurangi East, where vestiges of the yard can still be seen in the beach. But some developers bought the property a few years back, and the remaining home mysteriously burnt down, as so many empty houses that stand in the way of developers' profits are wont to do.

Cheers  Peter

The Strand was laid out for wheeled transport up to the developing suburb of Parnell -- but in 1850, Parnell Rise was accessible from Mechanics Bay by a long set of steps (right) cut into the steep slope. That must have been a real gut-buster, before the road was formed. Another road headed south, between the Waipapa and the slope.

I'll stick my neck out and say that the draughtsman for the survey office plan was Charles Heaphy, going by the detail applied to the shading of the topography of the cliff face, and that "by 1847, struggling to make a living, he left for Auckland to take up a job as a draughtsman in the Survey Office of the colonial government. He later became Chief Surveyor." (NZ history online). So, he was there at the right time, in the right position, and at the right place ... there's a sketch of his, showing early Mechanic's Bay, at Sir George Grey Special Collections:

Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, ref.4-5181

This sketch is signed by Heaphy, with the library dating it to the period 1850-1859. I think it's at the earlier end of that range. There's the small wooden bridge on The Strand, before the road veers north and up over a slight rise, past Darroch's shipyard. The top of the shed on the beach can just been seen. The cows graze in that other road which headed south, beside the Waipapa Stream. The timber sawing at the left could well have been for Darroch's timber boats. Out of view, to the right, would have been those steps, and also out of sight, to the left, the future site of Leech's hotel.

In 1855, the bridge was replaced and the start of Parnell Rise, replacing those steps, dates from later that decade.

(Update 18 May 2011: a correction -- the old Strand met up with the end of Parnell Road, not as far as St Georges Bay. Thanks to David Hirtzell and his adeptness with Google Earth and overlays, who emailed an overlay to me tonight. Cheers! )

Guest post: A visit to Rotoroa Island

The following is an email sent to me by fellow historian, friend of mine for many years, curator of Alberton and leading light for both Mt Albert Historical Society and Parnell Heritage ... Rendell McIntosh. He has very kindly given permission for me to republish it here.

Hello all

Jillian and I were recently invited to the opening of a new sculpture by Chris Booth at Rotoroa Island. 

If NZHPT/anyone ever wants to see how a historical venue/restoration/replanting programme can be instigated with private benefactors for a suitable cause (Salvation Army) then make time for a visit to this place. It is simply outstanding. It was only opened to the public in March. The Plowright family have generously provided millions to ensure the island will stay protected/fund raiser for the Salvation Army for the next 99 years. The Information Centre has been designed to look like an old woolshed. The display/use of modern technology inside, showing what it was like for recovering alcoholics, is wonderful. 

The pathway leading up to the Info centre has iron sheets alongside and the numbers 1-12 on them. Most people would just think it is decorative but in fact it reflects the 12 steps to recover from alcoholism. Some buildings have been retained/restored eg old goal while the main accommodation block was demolished. All pine trees have been cut down/used as mulch for the 400,000 native plants that have been planted by a gang from the SI. The little graveyard with 19 memorials has been carefully looked after. The directional signs are exceptional. The facilities are great for anyone paying a landing fee eg changing shed/free limited time shower at Ladies Bay. 

The new sculpture by Chris is simply amazing – three “fingers” of rocks placed one on top of another and reaching out towards the adjoining sea channel/each finger weighs four tonnes. Some companies have been taking staff over there and they volunteer to assist with the restoration prog. Some houses will be built on a lease basis later on where people can stay but at the moment there is no where to stay. You just have to pay the $66pp on the 360 Discovery ferry for a 45 min trip and have a memorable excursion from downtown Auckland. Its very easy to look around and walk right around the island with enough time before the afternoon ferry returns to downtown.

Uncertain what NZHPT/HD familiarisation/staff meetings/staff volunteering/showing heritage folk from overseas around excursions are planned in the future but keep this destination in mind. It really is a showcase in showing that with suitable funds/imagination/artistic flair/enthusiasm/cause they can all be combined for a remarkable outcome. Many people in NZHPT/DOC will love what has been achieved by private individuals in helping a heritage site promote its past and plan for the future. And of course there is a McIntosh connection – Charles Hunter McIntosh owned the island in 1841. (No relation)   He sold it to William Ruthe who sold it to the Salvation Army in 1911. There was a pic of the Parnell Rescue Home Officers there in 1912.    

Try and visit – it is very inspiring and a wonderful outcome for the Salvation Army.

Rendell 

A change of mural

Back in September last year, I posted pictures of a mural at MOTAT (above). Well, now it's changed.

A wall of photos and text about general technology and transport stuff has replaced the cartoons.

Queen Street Wharf. Imagine this as effectively "party central" for the Rugby World Cup ...

When the electric trams came to Auckland.

I think the captions said that these were of King's Wharf power station, on the Auckland waterfront.

Arapuni Dam.

Horahora hydro-electric station.

The last of the series.

Tractors in the rain

Image: John Deere tractor ad, from MOTAT sign

Well, it was a wet day, and I was standing in the rain at MOTAT when I spotted these, but -- don't worry, the tractors are sheltered. I was the one dripping, and juggling to keep the camera relatively dry.

John Deere Model B tractor. According to MOTAT's sign, this was the best selling 2-cylinder tractor produced by that company, designed for smaller farms. This one was imported here by Brown and Dureau in 1937, used in Coatesville, then went to Glenbrook where it worked for 15 years before reaching MOTAT in 1967.

Image:  "Holt 75 model gasoline-powered Caterpillar tractor used early in World War I as an artillery tractor ", from Wikipedia.

The Caterpillar Company, according to the signs, "was formed in 1925 by a merger of the Holt Manufacturing Company and C L Best Tractor Company." In turn, the Holt Manufacturing Company, Wiki says, stemmed from a company called Stockton Wheel Service, dating from the 1880s, which fabricated wheels, as in carts and wagons, while C L Best came from Daniel Best's manufacturing company in the 1870s, initially turning out grain cleaners and combine harvesters. The trademark name Caterpillar came from Holt, in 1911. The company Caterpillar Inc. is still going strong.

Above is a Caterpillar 22 tractor, originally purchased by a Urenui farmer in Taranaki in 1935. It pulled a set of giant discs over 7000 acres during its working life, preparing the land for planting in pasture, along with general farm work, and dragging logs from a forest. Over 15,000 of these machines were manufactured between 1934 and 1939.

Caterpillar Thirty tractor.  The colour scheme for the Holt Manufacturing Company, according to MOTAT, was grey and red, but this was replaced (too drab) to the "Caterpillar yellow" associated with work done by the machines on highways worldwide. This one, although it was originally the Best 30, has been restored by MOTAT to the grey and red livery. Only 18 Caterpillar Thirties were imported into the country between 1925 and 1928.

The Caterpillar Thirty after restoration, 1979, from the MOTAT sign.

The 1863 Parnell tornado

 

An Oklahoma, USA, tornado. Image from Wikipedia.

My thanks to everyone who contacted me last week, expressing some concern at the coincidence of a silence of posts here on the blog, at the same time as a tornado struck parts of the Auckland region. Fortunately, the winds stayed clear both of where I was that day (central city) and where I live (Avondale).

But, finding again the reports of an earlier tornado which gave a hard time to the settlers in 1863, I thought it timely to put them up here.

PARNELL TAKEN BY STORM.

A most extraordinary whirlwind swept through Parnell yesterday, rooting up and destroying everything in its course; and it is indeed wonderful and providential that we have not to record fatal or other accidents of a more serious nature than have occurred.

Up to three o'clock in the afternoon the weather was fine, when the wind suddenly changed to about north-west, and brought both wind and rain. A few minutes before 4 o'clock a very heavy shower fell, during which there were some flashes of lightning and a slight clap of thunder. The heavy rain had driven everyone almost within doors; and to this providential circumstance must be attributed the absence of further personal casualties than we shall presently record. The approach of the whirlwind, which came from the direction of Shoal Bay, was so sudden that it was hardly noticed until its destroying force was felt in the main thoroughfare of Parnell.

Like a huge irregular column of smoke varying in its density and diameter, it entered Parnell near the bottom of the main road leading to Auckland, and the first house it struck was that of Mr. Gilbert, the carpenter, a small cottage on the west side of the road, the chimney of which was instantly demolished, level with the roof, beside other damage being done. It then crossed to the other side of the road, and struck Mr George's butcher's shop, and the Rutland store, doing great damage to both buildings. Part of the verhandah of the latter was blown away, and subsequently found in the Domain ; and the front of the shop was knocked in, and the bottles, usually exhibited in a grocer's shop, and the window-glass, fell in one complete state of smash into the road-way.

The course taken by the whirlwind seemed to be a zig-zag one; for at one time it covered the buildings abutting on the street, and at another it flew along at the rear of them, carrying destruction with it. In the neighbourhood of it the air was literally filled with broken pieces of timber, planks and portions of roofs bodily raised up and carried a great distance. Mr. Johnson of the Windsor Castle is one of the greatest sufferers. The whirlwind passed close at the rear of his Hotel, unroofing a large building used for kitchens and bedrooms, and destroying property both inside and outside of considerable value. Five barrels of beer were stove in, and of course destroyed, and the contents of the yard, and the out-buildings all suffered more or less. Still keeping at the rear of the shops it swept over the back premises of Mr. Canning, baker, and Mr Eley, butcher, destroying the bakehouse of the former and the back premises of the latter, and making havoc with everything it passed over. These and other buildings in tho neighbourhood are the property of Mr. Johnson, of the Windsor Castle, who estimates his loss at about £800. It would be impossible to particularise all the damage that was done by the whirlwind as it swept onwards; chimneys, closets, and fowl-houses were here and there lifted up and carried away in pieces, or bodily, no one knew where; gates were lifted off their hinges, or driven in by stray masses of timber, with the force of a battering ram; and here and there the roofs of dwelling-houses fell into the rooms, and smashing all beneath them.

The verandah of Mr. George, butcher's shop, was carriod 300 or 400 yards up the street, and obligingly left at the gate of Major Matson's ; and a policeman who was standing under it at the time was lifted up, and thrown down, and rolled about on the ground, and bruised, and otherwise most unmercifully treated. The next place where the damage was most perceptible was where two dwelling houses stood, one on each side of Mr. Dillon Bell's, the farthest of which is owned by Mr. Craig. The damage to the roofs and other portions of both these buildings was very great; but singularly enough the whirlwind left Mr. Bell's house intact, excepting that the gate was lifted from its hinges and a portion of the verandah blown down.

On reaching the site of Mr. Hunter's building establishment, which consisted of a very large wooden building on the top of Parnell road, a scene of destruction was presented which almost beggars description. One mass of broken timbers extending over an area of perhaps a quarter of an acre, was all that remained to the view of the casual observer. The way in which this building was demolished was peculiar, the destroying element having, it would appear, entered through the doors, and exploded inside, blowing the building to pieces, levelling the greater portion to the ground, and carrying numerous large and small fragments of the timber in every direction with an irresistible force. One large piece of timber was hurled against the entrance gate of Mr. Lusk's house, which it smashed in, and the roof of one of the apartments fell through; there being fortunately no one in it at the time. Another large mass of timber fell through the roof of the Bishop's library. The galvanised iron blockhouse recently erected on the top of the hill was swept bodily, the greater portion of it being deposited in Mr. Hay's paddock a quarter of a mile off, and sheets of the galvanised iron were found near at hand, twisted in all conceivable shapes, and even torn to shreds in some instances. When the storm first came on, a number of little children, who had been playing about in the neighbourhood, took shelter under the lee of the block-house, and when it was carried away, a piece of the timber or other material struck one of the children, a little girl, and broke her arm. Luckily, all the churches escaped, with the exception of some slight damage done to the Roman Catholic place of worship, close at the back of which the whirlwind passed.

After sweeping the blockhouse clean away, it took the direction of the Tamaki; and there is no knowing, at present, what damage it may not have done after leaving Auckland. There were several persons who received wounds and bruises, but fortunately no lives were lost. A young lad had his leg broken; a Mr. Soales was very seriously cut about the face by some falling timber; and another person received a scalp wound ; but no doubt there have been other casualties though not very serious, or we should have heard of them. All the above occurred within the space of a few minutes, and the people then began to look about to see the extent of the damage, many thinking, no doubt, that theirs had been the most severe. The street was strewed with timbers, and the broken shop fronts and unroofed and demolished buildings presented a pitiable appearance, considering the loss that must fall upon the sufferers.

Mr. Hunter's (the builder) loss must amount to as much as £1000; although a portion of the machinery was got out without much injury; and the total value of property destroyed during the brief space of five minutes is, it is said, about £5,000. In the evening large numbers of persons from Auckland visited Parnell to see the ruins, and it was a general subject of wonder that so few persons had been injured. But the effects of the whirlwind were not confined to the land.

Two or three vessels in the harbor narrowly escaped being sunk. The captain of the Tyburnia happened to be standing on the poop deck of his vessel at the time, and saw the whirlwind approaching. It struck the vessel on the broadside, and passed between the fore and main masts, shaking them violently. The whirlwind then passed on between the stern of the Ganges and the bows of the Owen Glendower, upsetting the punt belonging to the former, and giving the latter a severe shaking. It afterwards came in contact with the Derwent Hunter, and for a moment that vessel was in imminent danger of being capsized as she was struck with great force on the broadside. The cutter Petrel, from Wangarei, had just dropped her anchor, when the whirlwind struck her, tearing away her sails, and knocking overboard one of the men on deck, named Henry Smith. A boat was immediately put out and the man who held on to a cask, which was also knocked overboard, was saved. There were other casualties in the harbour, but none of them, we believe, were of a serious nature.

It is not at all improbable that the whirlwind, which was in the shape of a circling cloud, and was seen clearly by many persons in Auckland, was highly charged with electricity, and that this may have increased the extraordinary force and destructiveness of it.

Southern Cross 5 November 1863

Collision at New Lynn, 1913

Edited and updated 26 March 2015

These images come from photographs held by Heather White, grand daughter of Albert Crum, who operated the NZ Brick, Tile and Pottery Works at New Lynn from 1905 to 1929.  Apart from the one above, they appear to show the aftermath of an almost forgotten train collision in May 1913 in the vicinity of the Rewarewa stream railway bridge between New Lynn station and Titirangi Road. The above image probably shows the Whau River bridge, which has been replaced by a modern version, due to the double-tracking of the Western Line.

TRAINS COLLIDE
TERRIFIC IMPACT ON NEW LYNN BRIDGE
PASSENGERS' MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM DEATH
TWO CARRIAGES TELESCOPED
DANGER SIGNALS OBSCURED BY FOG
A passenger train from Henderson (thirteen miles from Auckland) and a train from Auckland collided on the railway bridge at New Lynn at 6.50 this morning. Two carriages were telescoped, and both engines were badly damaged.

The facts, so far as they have been ascertained, indicate that the signals were obscured by heavy fog, and were not visible until the train was right upon them. The driver of the Henderson train on observing the danger signal promptly applied the brakes, with the result that the passengers were thrown out of their seats.

The rails were very greasy on the steep grade, and covered with frost, and the train kept on at a good speed until it crashed into the train from Auckland. The latter had gone up the line to sidetrack, and before it could return the collision occurred on the middle of the New Lynn bridge. The engines collided head on, both being badly broken, up. The first carriage of the Henderson train was not damaged, but the next two were completely telescoped, and crumpled up like a concertina. Both carriages left the railway lines, and were hanging over the side of the bridge. The next two carriages had their windows broken. The rearmost carriages escaped. As showing the force of the impact, the buffers for almost the whole length of the other train were driven into one another.

There were nearly 100 passengers on the Henderson train and a few workmen on the other. About nine passengers sustained slight injuries, cuts, and bruises. Hurst Stone, a resident of Oratia, was very badly injured, and has been conveyed to the hospital. A railway employee named Thomas and a fireman on one of the engines were also very badly hurt.

Evening Post 28 May 1913

The most serious injuries in the railway collision at New Lynn on Wednesday morning were received by Mr E. H. Stone, of Waikumete, whose chest was crushed when the two cars were telescoped. His condition showed some improvement to-day, but he is not yet out of danger. Of the score of passengers who suffered material injury in the collision nearly all are now feeling the effects of the shock. There is no anxiety regarding the condition of any of them, except Stone.

An enquiry, with a view to ascertaining the cause of the accident, will be held by the Department of Railways. The date has not yet been fixed. Following the usual custom of the Department the enquiry will not be public.

The wreckage of the two carriages telescoped by the collision was loaded into wagons yesterday, and carried into Newmarket workshops. Any parts that are not damaged will be sorted from the debris and utilised, and the remnants will be relegated to the waste pile. Some damage was done to the other six carriages of the train, and they and the two locomotives have been sent to Newmarket for repairs. The injury to the track was remarkably small. Half a dozen sleepers oh the bridge were broken, and in one place the rails were slightly bent.

Evening Post 30 May 1913

A deputation from the New Lynn and Henderson districts waited upon the Hon. W. H. Herries, Minister for Railways, this afternoon, with a request that a public enquiry should be held into the circumstances of the recent accident at New Lynn. They especially asked for a Magisterial enquiry, and Mr. Handley presented a petition signed by over 70 people, comprising practically the whole of the passengers on the train which met with the accident. The Minister said that there would have to be a Departmental enquiry first. One of the victims of the accident was unfortunately very ill, and it might be necessary for art inquest to be held, and that in itself would be a public enquiry. If he got well— and the Minister hoped he would— then it would be time for considering the question of a public enquiry. No good, however, would be served by duplicated enquires. He knew of no objection to a public enquiry, but could not at present give a definite promise.

Evening Post 5 June 1913

The New Lynn Collision.
Replying to Mr Bradney, the Hon. W. H. Herries said that both the engineer of the Kaipara train and the tablet porter at New Lynn had been dismissed as a consequence of the recent New Lynn railway accident.

Ashburton Guardian 1 August 1913

NEW LYNN DISASTER
ENQUIRY BY RAILWAY COMMITTEE.
The enquiry by the Railway Committee of the House of Representatives into the New Lynn railway accident opened to-day. The enquiry was decided upon as the result of a petition from the residents of New Lynn and its surroundings asking for a Parliamentary investigation into the causes leading to the accident. In addition to the members of the Committee, Messrs. T. Ronayne and R. W. McVilly were present.

J. F. McDermott, ex-railway employee, who was stationed at New Lynn from to December, 1911, during which 'he was in charge of the station part of the time, expressed the opinion that the yarding and engine watering accommodation were at the time of the accident quite inadequate. He also contended that the lack of shunting facilities for trains going north was a source of serious danger if trains were crossing there. In the case of the two trains in question only six minutes were allowed for the actual crossing of the trains, including all incidental work. Witness contended that the Department knew of the various disabilities, yet failed to remedy them. He declared also that home signals only existed at New Lynn, while a bad curve increased the difficulties. As to the fog signalling regulations he had not seen any fog signalling done or instructed during his 4½ years' service. These regulations he regarded as a dead letter. A fog signalman was only appointed at New Lynn two months after the accident.

Replying to Mr. Veitch, witness expressed the opinion that railway examinations are not sufficiently thorough.

O Grandison, a builder resident at New Lynn, expressed the opinion that the practice of shunting trains from sidings on to the main line after the signalling of an approaching train from Henderson was a dangerous one. He had been told, however, that it was necessary in order to keep the time-table. Four passenger trains crossed at New Lynn daily . This, with shunting operations during the day, made the station a dangerous one for passengers. The tablet porter at the station had too much to do, and the accident which had happened had been expected by people in the district. Witness declared that the public had lost confidence in the Department, and felt unsafe in travelling from New Lynn. There was just as much chance of an accident there now as before the collision.

H Green, labourer, also gave evidence. The committee adjourned until 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

Evening Post 9 September 1913

NEW LYNN ENQUIRY
"'ACCOMMODATION UTTERLY, INADEQUATE."
When the committee set up to enquire into the railway accident at New Lynn to-day, A. Margin, manager of the New Lynn brickworks, pointed out that during the last six years the traffic had increased there enormously. The whole of the different brickworks' output went through New Lynn while, with other goods, the amount handled there would be several hundred tons daily. Sometimes a goods train overlapped the siding on to the main line at both ends, and generally the accommodation and facilities were utterly inadequate.

The system at the station was also imperfect for the public safety. The officials, he contended, had on several occasions had the danger of accident pointed out to them, but had always ignored the warnings. The witness added that the revenue of the station was over £15,000 yearly. The congested state of the traffic there, with the lack of proper station facilities, had put a premium on the possibility of accidents. An island platform. he claimed, was badly needed and had long been sought by residents.

Mr. McVilly: How would a stationmaster have prevented the accident?

Witness : Because he would have exercised greater discipline.

Evening Post 10 September 1913

NEW LYNN COLLISION

REPORT OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

DRIVER'S ERROR OF JUDGMENT

The Railway Committee appointed by the House of Representatives reported on the New Lynn accident today:-

That, there was a slight fog in the morning, when the collision occurred, but not sufficient to warrant the use of the fog signals. That the porter was not to blame. That driver Corich was guilty of an error of judgment in not slowing down early enough to avoid passing the danger signal. That railway facilities at New Lynn are sufficient to carry out the work with safety. The committee recommends that Porter Mortimer be exonerated; that driver Corich, owing to his youth, and not being of ripe experience, be retained in the service at lower capacity for a time.

Thames Star 24 October 1913

Two quick stops in Waihi

In April, on the way to Tauranga, just when I thought that the trip along the Paeroa to Tauranga road would involve me passing by tantalising bits of heritage stuff without a hope of a photo -- the bus stopped at Waihi to either drop someone off or pick someone up. And of all places for an Intercity bus stop ... the 1904 relocated Cornish Pumphouse, part of the Martha Mine setup. Yes, these shots were taken through the bus' window, but short of me getting that chance of stopping all along that wonderful bit of highway at all the cool places, this'll do. Check out the link for all the trouble they went to to conserve and preserve this example of our goldmining heritage. A gorgeous photo here, as well.

On the way back with my friends, we stopped at the Waihi station of the Goldfields Railway.

Rail reached Waihi in 1905, and it was the end of that particular line until 1928. It remained in service until 1979 -- after the Kaimai Tunnel opened. Everything changed.  The Waikino to Waihi portion of the track is all that remains.

Bill told me these were jigger sheds, with short rails leading from them. I did a bit of greyscale tinkering.

Last shot in Waihi for 2011. Baggage carts like these always remind me of peas, pie an' pud, enjoyed with a steaming cuppa as rain softly fell one dark night on a railway enthusiasts' excursion at Helensville station on the way home from Whangarei, when a baggage cart was just about the only available seat, and it was a heck of a good seat at that.

Halyday's other building

This week, I went looking for Jasons secondhand bookstore, which has moved from its former site on Lorne Street to O'Connell Street. While wandering around a bit in the Chancery Street area, I spotted the building in the centre of the above shot. Thinking how beautiful the lines looked -- and how odd that it was different storeys -- I photographed it, and thought I'd have a bit of a Tim espanner look at its past.

Jasons turned out to be across the road from the building. It was told that it had been a nightclub at one stage, and had caught fire. But, even though badly damaged, the owners pulled off a good restoration. Now, there's retail on the ground floor ... and I think (according to Google) a gay and lesbian bar.

But, as I found out -- that isn't all there is to 15-21 O'Connell Street, just up from Vulcan Lane.

This area is part of Lot 5, Section 4 of the City of Auckland as sold by the Crown in 1842 -- a long section that went to Moses Joseph, the only Jewish merchant to buy land at that sale, according to Lazarus Morris Goldman in his history of Jews in New Zealand (1958). Between 1842 and 1864, Joseph's purchase was sliced up, Vulcan Lane and O'Connell Street cut through the property, and it became part of the generally residential, run-down working class area of Chancery leading down towards Auckland's first beating heart of commerce, Shortland Street.

Around 1850-1851, Auckland gained from Otago one James Halyday who set up his furniture-making, undertaking and upholstery business in Princes Street, up on the hill.

 Image: New Zealander 15 March 1851

Not long after, he'd secured a site on Shortland Street, but had a bit of bad luck.

FIRES.
On Saturday night about 11 o'clock, the inhabitants of the centre of the town were startled by the cry of " Fire !" proceeding from Chancery street. The Fire Brigade were upon the spot within five minutes with their engines; their services however, were not required, the fire being extinguished by some of the neighbours. On Sunday evening, about 9 o'clock, the cry of " Fire," was again raised in Shortland-street; a quantity of shavings in Mr Halyday's workshop, situated at the back of the premises, having taken fire, it blazed for a few minutes on account of the light material, but was happily subdued without the engines being brought into play. A sufficiency of praise cannot be given to the newly formed Fire Brigade, who were on the spot with their engines in working order, in a very short space of time after the cry was raised. As usual, immediately on the sounding of the fire bugle, the engine of Her Majesty's 58th regiment, on each occasion, was despatched to the scene of conflagration.

Southern Cross 27 March 1855

Fifty Pounds Reward,;
WHEREAS I have reason to believe that my' back premises were maliciously set fire to on Sunday night last. I hereby offer the above reward to any person who will give such information to the Inspector of Police as will lead to the detection and conviction of the Incendiary. James Halyday, Cabinetmaker- March 23, 1855.

Southern Cross 27 March 1855

He was a determined man, this James Halyday. He soon rebuilt, and was back in business, not even letting his hearing disability get in the way.

After the petty jury had been called Mr. Halyday applied to his honor to be exempted from serving, on the ground of deafness. His Honor replied that the proper time for making this objection would have been on the preparation of the jury lists by the clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court; but that either the prisoner or the Crown might, on the jury being empanelled, object to him on this ground.

Southern Cross 4 December 1855

He was selling perambulators and venetian blinds from his Shortland Street store, warehouse and showrooms by 1862. Then, later that year, he saw an opportunity for extending his business' capacity: building a brick furniture factory in O'Connell Street.

Tenders for the erection of a building in O'Connel-street, will be received until noon of this day, by Mr. James Halyday, Shortland-street.

Southern Cross 6 December 1862

But Halyday ran foul of the local building regulations, dissuading folk from building in wood due to fire risk.

Breach or the Building Act.
James Halyday, of Shortland-street of the Building Act. James Halyday, of Shortland-street, was charged by Mr. Warner, with a breach of the 14th clause of the Auckland Building Act, 1858, by commencing to build without giving 24 hours’ notice to the appointed inspector, under this Act. Mr. Halyday admitted the offence, and was mulcted in the fine of 40s. and costs. 

 Southern Cross 24 December 1862

BREACH OF THE BUILDING ACT.
James Halyday, upholsterer. Shortland-street, was charged, on the information of Horatio Nelson Warner, Inspector of Buildings, that although served with a notice as required by the 7th clause of the "Auckland Building Act, 1858," he had not complied with the same, but still continued to carry on the building alluded to in the said notice, and contrary to the provisions of the said "Auckland Building Act, 1858" ...

Horatio Nelson Warner deposed - I am the complainant in this matter. I am the person appointed by the Superintendent as inspector of buildings, under the Building Act, 1858. I received this letter (produced) from Mr. Halyday notifying his intention to build. Subsequently to that Mr. Halyday proceeded to erect a building in O'Connell-street of which I now complain, as not being in accordance with the Building Act. I produce the Building Act ...

In consequence of Mr. Halyday proceeding with this building, I served him personally with the notice on the 24th of January, in Queen-street.

Notice read as follows :—

" I do hereby give you notice that the building now in progress under your orders, situated in O'Connell-street, is not conformable to the 23rd clause of the Building Act 1858, in the portion thereof undermentioned. The entire frame is constructed of wood and you are hereby required within 48 hours from the date hereof to amend the same.

Dated this 24th day of January, 1863, at the hour of 10 o'clock a.m.
H. N. Warner, Inspector of Buildings."


The building I complain of is not in accordance with the 23rd clause. The whole of the frame is constructed of wood; the only exceptions in the clause for wood, are windows, skylights, and doors. I believe the building I complain of to be the one Mr. Halyday is erecting in pursuance of the notice he gave ...The building has gone on since the notice, and he has increased the building, though he has not deviated from the principle of the instruction. There is much more wood-work in the building than is usual in iron houses of that dimension, taking it proportionately, although I gave permission. I told Mr. Halyday that I thought the building would be objected to on the score of there being too much timber. The foundation and eleven feet upwards is masonry. What I complain of is the superstructure on the masonry. I have seen Mr. Halyday standing on the premises, but have not seen him taking any part in the building, or giving any instructions. He gave me the notice. I do not know Andrew Clow, or that he has been building the house ...

Southern Cross 4 February 1863

Once Andrew Clow, the builder, returned from the Wade (Silverdale district), the case continued, but was also speedily resolved.

This case was resumed this morning by the examination of the contractor. Mr. Wynn for the prosecution; Mr. Merriman for the defence.

Andrew Clow, examined by Mr. Merriman. Deposed: I hold in my hand a contract entered into between me and Mr. Halyday for the carrying out of certain works in O'Connell-street. I am the person performing the work under that contract. I am erecting the building for Mr. Halyday. I am constantly, from time to time, on the premises carrying out that work. The contract refers to the whole work above the stone and brick work. That is the specification (produced) by which I contracted, and by which I worked, with a few alterations. I deviated from the specifications in consequence of instructions I received to make the building conformable to Mr. Warner's instructions.

Cross-examined: I was merely to perform the work. Mr. Halyday finds the material. I have performed the work. I pay the men.

Mr. Wynn then gave up the case, which was accordingly withdrawn.

Southern Cross 7 February 1863

Andrew Clow seems to have arrived in Auckland 1859. He also built the industrial school on Howe Street (Ponsonby Park) when it was altered to become immigration barracks in September 1864, as well as Wellington Street Presbyterian Church March 1865, but went bankrupt in 1867.

Halyday extended his business further, by buying up the Waipareira Sawing Station in West Auckland, with land, buildings, and 2,000,000 feet of timber, two miles from Prior’s Landing, for £250 in May 1864, and provided furniture and fittings for Vialou’s Auckland Hotel in November the same year.

Come February 1865 – another Shortland Street fire burns down Halyday’s business there. At that stage, he and Mrs Halyday had eight children and a servant.

“So rapidly did the flames spread that some of the inmates of this house were compelled to seek shelter in the street with only their night-clothes on ; and the consternation of the bystanders and the family was very great when it was found that two of the children were missing. Further search was made on the premises, but no traces of their whereabouts could be discovered. Later in the morning, however, the missing ones turned up, to the great comfort of the parents. The goods in the front building were mostly conveyed from the shop to the neighbourhood of the workshop in O'Connell-street.”

Southern Cross 16 February 1865

But, he still had his O'Connell Street factory, of course. He was undertaker for the funeral of Rev. Mr Morgan of Otahuhu in June 1865, and had rebuilt his Shortland Street showroom in brick by September that year. He was a member of the Auckland Land Society in 1865.

“A large reserve stock of furniture is kept in the factory in O'Connell-street, where a number of workmen are constantly employed.”

Southern Cross 27 October 1865

In March 1867, he was one of the three undertakers for Mrs Thomas Henderson.

In February 1876, his Shortland Street warehouse burns down yet again. And still, he rebuilds. 26 Shortland Street, site of his warehouse and later known as Halyday’s Building from the 1890s, is now demolished and is a car park between Shortland Street and Fort Street.

In anticipation of the early arrival of Sir Hercules Robinson to assume the Governorship of this colony, the Government has ordered the renovation of the Auckland Government House. Mr. Halyday has been ordered to execute the requisite work in the way of upholstery, carpets, &c. The building, in respect of upholstery, is to be entirely re-furnished.

Hawke’s Bay Herald 3 February 1879

I paid a visit to the Lunatic Asylum on Saturday and found everything going on well. The new wings are nearly ready for furnishing, and Mr Halyday, the well known upholsterer of Shorthand Street, was engaged measuring the various rooms, cells, corridors, &c, with a view of an estimate for the requisites needed.

Thames Star 16 November 1880

By the 1890s, the business was known as Halyday Brothers, most likely his sons. They dissolved partnership and retired from the business in June 1892, 40 years after James Halyday began trading in Auckland, selling to the Auckland Furniture Company Ltd. James Halyday junior was appointed as Registrar of Electors for the City of Auckland in August 1893, and therefore was the registrar to handle the first election where women could vote.

James Halyday's fate in old age and retirement was a nasty accident in 1899.

At the departure of the [Boer War] contingent from the Auckland railway station an old colonist named James Halyday, aged 74 years, was knocked down by a 'bus. One of the wheels went over one of his legs and broke it. A boy also got injured, a cart going over his foot.

Evening Post, 10 October 1899

He was reported as making a good recovery by early November, but he died 5 September 1900.


A year before his accident, in 1898, Halyday finally relinquished his brick factory on O'Connell Street, according to ratesbooks in Auckland Council Archives records, to Oswald Robert Younghusband (c.1855-1923), who was apparently a shipbroker, and involved with patents for better ways to deoxidise ironsand (co-patent in 1890). Younghusband may only have been one of the members of the James Halyday Trust, however; this trust is noted in the valuation field sheets (also at Auckland Council Archives) as being the owner right through to 1919. From 1898, however, the building was leased by printer and publisher Arthur Cleave, who then bought it and owned it until his death in August 1933.

In 1910, he added two storeys to the southern end of the building, and an additional storey to the rest in 1929, forever changing the building's appearance. In 1931, there was a permit for reinstatement of printing works here, so Cleave was conducting at least part of his main business on this site.

The brick building in 1900. Image: DP 2647, LINZ records, Crown Copyright.

Southern end of the building.

Mr. Arthur Cleave, a well-known Auckland business man, died this morning after a short illness. He was born in London 71 years ago, and came to New Zealand with his parents when two-years old. Mr. Cleave was the first cadet appointed in the railways on the Auckland line, and afterwards was confidential clerk to the late Mr. A. V. Macdonald in the Auckland office. He had risen to the position of stationmaster at Remuera when he retired in order to start business on his own account.

In 1889 his first venture was the "A.B.C. Guide," and afterwards he secured a contract to advertise on hoardings at railway stations. He subsequently issued "The Auckland Provincial Directory" and "The New Zealand Bradshaw Guide," and "New Zealand Illustrated Magazine," and purchased the "New Zealand Sporting and Dramatic Review," as well as more recently "The Pictorial News." Mr. Cleave also founded the "New Zealand Motor Journal."

He was one of the pioneers of motoring in Auckland, his car being No. 1. He made the first motor-car record for a run between Auckland and Rotorua, and the first trip by motor between Auckland and Wellington, the vehicle used being a steam locomobile car. He was long ago elected a life member of the Auckland Automobile Association, for which he was honorary secretary, for some time. Mr. Cleave founded Wairakei Limited, which acquired Mr. Graham's property near Taupo. He was managing director of A. Cleave, Ltd., and a director of the White Star Co. and Wairakei Ltd.

Mr. Cleave is survived by his widow and six children. 

Evening Post 4 August 1933

Cleave's property went to the Guardian Trust in 1934, and under their ownership architect A M Bartley designed "renovations and structural alterations to premises O'Connell Street for the Perry Trust" in March 1937, according to Council records. If that was for this building, it could explain the Art Deco era lines to the whole facade.

In 1945, the property was sold to company director Arthur Joseph Hutchinson, and the valuation field sheets refer to the Boy Scouts Association at that point. Then another sale in 1946 to Mooneys (NZ) Ltd of Auckland, then a further sale in 1953 to British Trader Insurance Company (they'd leased the building from 1947), a name now forever fixed to the building after another renovation by architect Lewis Walker in 1953. Since 1966, there have been a number of owners.

Since then, it has also been known best for its nightclubs. Here are some of the names over the years:

Jilly's Cabaret
Retro
Retro Nouveau
Spurs
Steps
The Casino Club
Stilettos
and lately, the Flesh Nightclub & Lounge Bar.

As I mentioned before, though, there are fashionable retail stores on the ground floor. This one has an antique sign which I doubt is original to the building, somehow. Please do point out that I'm wrong, though.

So, here it is. I don't think Hallyday's other building, aka the British Traders Insurance Building, aka 15-23 O'Connell Street, is scheduled on the district plan, and it doesn't seem to be NZHPT registered. Sure, it looks like a mid-20th century landmark, but perhaps, underneath the additions and alterations, it still has her 19th century 1862/63 core. Hopefully, someone will take a good look.