I found this souvenir collection of images dating from c.1946 in a rare booksellers in central Auckland this week. You might like to compare them with these previous posts.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Updates for Oakley Creek history
The Oakley Creek, looking westward from Great North Road, 17 September 2006
I've updated the three online parts of Terminus: Lives at the Mouth of Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek), taking in the discovery of the incorrectly-identified "early Star Mill" photo, and that the area from Great North Road through to the creek's mouth will soon change with the Waterview connection and tunnel for State Highway 20.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Re-opening of Alice Wylie Reserve, Mt Albert
Last Saturday, I attended the reopening of the Alice Wylie Reserve in Mt Albert. This park can be found at the corner of New North Road (right side of image above), and Burch Street. It was declared a reserve in 1980, and formally taken over by the Mt Albert City Council in 1982, the year the council named it after Alice Wylie, then a sitting member. Personally, they couldn't have honoured a nicer person than Mrs Wylie, who always has a smile and a warm clasp of the hand when she meets me.
The early 1980s setting out of the park resulted in this recessed bus stop, one of my favourites in the city -- and thankfully, not painted over yet with hideous grey anti-graffiti tag-out paint. Long may it stay that way.
The gates aren't original. The first ones here were removed recently.
Beyond the gates, the park itself. A tad gloomy on the westward side, and this was a fairly bright July morning.
The installation of this interpretive sign hadn't been long completed. The groundsman, a nice chap, came along shortly afterward and cleaned everything up.
Very nice design, having a timeline history of the park instead of short paragraphs around themes and such. I did research work on this -- and I must say, I was impressed with how they presented the information. The new Auckland Council are certainly earning their marks when it comes to such signage around the city.
This corner is interesting, because just beyond those trees to the right ...
Ref. 7-A4621, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library
... was the main building used as an industrial school (1900-1917) and a little later as a school hostel for Mt Albert Grammar (1927-1971). The circular path in front has been retained.
The house was built for solicitor John Macky Alexander, a gentleman’s residence of 16 rooms with 6 acres of what was later advertised as rich volcanic land bounded by New North Road, Burch Street, and Asquith Ave, 4½ acres in paddocks and the remainder “tastefully laid out in gardens, shrubbery, and orchard”. He died suddenly in 1892.
Charles Henry and Florence Isobel Wilks bought the property. Charles Wilks was a partner from 1895 with E H Potter in the firm Tanfield, Potter & Co, crockery merchants. In March 1900, the Wilks family sold the property to the Crown for £1600, so that the Auckland Industrial School could be transferred from Parnell to Mt Albert.
There are two small memorials here.
Close to the centre of the park, this sign for the sculpture Statue of a Cloaked Woman, by Christine Hellyer (1995). For something supposed to be prominent, I couldn't for the life of me see where it was. So I asked the groundsman, who pointed it out -- in the midst of one of the rock gardens.
They've just done some lovely replanting here -- and you have to go over that to see the sculpture and read the plaque. No paths to this artwork.
For me, though, the trees are a work of art.
The owner of the bike did kindly hold off resting his conveyance against the tree until I got the shot. Very nice of him (thanks).
I knew there was another part to the park's story nearby, so headed off toward Burch Street.
This is looking back in the direction of the Alice Wylie Reserve.
Turning around, you'll see this.
According to the Mt Albert Historical Society. both the industrial school's matron Miss Sarah Jackson in 1901 and 1911, and later Sir Algernon Thomas for the Mt Albert Grammar's hostel in 1937, are said to have planted coronation oaks hereabouts. There are also supposed to be two commemorative plaques at this small reserve.
If there is such a plaque beneath this tree, the ivy hides it well.
The other oak has its plaque -- behind the tree.
The plaque simply says the oaks were planted for the coronations of Edward VIII, George V and George VI.
Back to the re-opening ceremony. Prior to the formalities getting underway, the crowd were entertained by a string quartet, and had the promise of a dainty high tea at the conclusion.
The day, though, belonged to Alice Wylie.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Friends of the Civic website
A comment came through this morning from Leonie Norton that a new website is online from the Friends of the Civic. Definitely worth a look, packed with history of Auckland's favourite cinema, and photos of the interiors and promotional material through the years.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Basque Park
Red outline of the extent of Basque Park today, overlaid on map of legal descriptions from LINZ website - crown copyright.
A reader named Philip Kirk emailed me back in early May, asking the question: why was Basque Park established?
Short answer: because, at the time, it was felt that there were too many dingy houses in the neighbourhood, and the rest of the neighbourhood (of less dingy houses) needed a kiddie’s playground.
But – here’s the long answer.
In April 1938, the City Treasurer informed the Council Town Clerk that there were three sections in Basque Road, owned by executors of George Holdship, Auckland timber dealer in the last half of the 19th century, where the rates had remained unpaid since 1932. These sections were in a gully between part of Basque Street (now closed and part of the park) and Newton Street (now Norwich Street). The executors were open to the idea that, in lieu of the overdue rates, the Council could have title to the land. The Council thought this was an opportunity to set up a children’s playground there, and the Parks Committee considered a report by the City Engineer in October 1938, which supported the proposal and urged that work proceed quickly “so that advantage may be taken of subsidised labour.”
“On account of the difficult topography, its awkward shape and smallness of size, this property could not within itself be developed as a children’s playground, but in conjunction with certain of the adjacent areas it presents reasonable opportunities for that purpose.“The gully in which it is situated is at the head of a narrow valley which stretches from Exmouth Street to Newton Gully. It occupies the back yards of a number of narrow, elongated properties fronting Norwich Street and some low-lying vacant lots off the end of Rendall Place. A watercourse follows the floor of the gully, most of which is covered with deleterious growth, and in its present state, is a potential harbourage for vermin and rats, and cannot be put to any useful purpose.”
(City Engineer’s report, 27 September 1938)
For a while, though, there was a difference of opinion between the Parks committee, which felt that the Holdship land should be taken over, and the Financial committee, which wanted the overdue rates to simply be written off. The latter committee eventually resolved to approve takeover of the property in May 1939, while the City Engineer recommended in a memo to the Town Clerk that near £5,500 worth of surrounding land should be acquired.
[Council budgeted] £1000 for a proposed children's playground in Basque Road, Eden Terrace …
(Auckland Star 15 June 1939)
The full Council approved the playground scheme in October 1939.
Children's Playground.—On the recommendation of the parks committee it was decided to negotiate for the purchase of a small area of land in the Basque Road Gully, near the intersection of New North' Road and Symonds Street, for a children's playground. The city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler, said the area was situated in a gully, and it was possible to obtain about one acre in extent. There was no children's playground anywhere in the district.
(AS 27 October 1939)
1940 aerial (from Auckland Council website) with original George Holdship estate allotments approximately marked in yellow.
From April-May 1940, surrounding landowners were approached by Council with offers to buy their land to add to the reserve.
The finance committee brought down a proposal for meeting the cost, estimated at £12,200, for the development of a children's playground in Basque Road, Eden Terrace. It was stated that £3500 had been placed on the current year's estimates, and £3300 was available from the sale of lands account, and £3200 from compensation for land taken for the central police station. The £2000 balance could be carried by next year's budget, unless other arrangements were made in the meantime. The recommendation was approved.
(AS 8 November 1940)
DECADENT AREAS."BLIGHT ON THE CITY."The opinion that certain quarters of old Auckland badly required cleaning up, as they were a blight on a beautiful city, was expressed by the Mayor Sir Ernest Davis in a report presented at a meeting of the Auckland City Council last evening. He said that the retention of such areas in their present form was a reflection on a city of such recent establishment as Auckland, and he had often asked himself what was the use of having lovely parks, and other pleasurable amenities, when, close at hand, there were areas out of harmony with the planning of a modern city …Mr J L Coakley [Chairman of the Parks Committee] said that they had already made a start at Basque Road, where old houses had been removed and three acres secured as a playing ground.
(AS 29 November 1940)
Auckland Star 31 August 1940
Congratulations to the man unknown to me who has interested himself in the youngsters of Eden Terrace and their games in the unfinished Basque Road reserve. What a difference in the conduct of these children when they are encouraged in the right way and what a pity there are not a few more men of his kind about. RESIDENT.
(AS 19 February 1942)
"I hope that this ceremony will inculcate a respect for trees," said the Mayor, Mr. Allum, when addressing the annual gathering for the observance of Arbor Day, held this morning in the new park and children's playground near Basque Road, between Eden Terrace and Newton Road.Children from the Grafton, St. Benedict's and Newton Central Schools attended the gathering, and school representatives aided in planting about 40 shelter trees, comprising pohutukawas, puriris, rewarewas, poplars, planes and acmenas …About 40 Auckland schools had applied for trees for planting this year, making a total of 18,906 trees distributed to schools during the past seven years, said Mr. Coakley, who also mentioned that the Basque Road reserve would be completed next year, and that it would be possible to provide a small area where a collection of native trees could be planted to be of some educational value to children.
(AS 2 August 1944)
NEW CITY PARKOFF EDEN TERRACECOMPLETION THIS YEARWork on the construction of a small park and children's playground in the gully between Eden Terrace and Newton Road is nearing completion. Although the work has been in progress for the past three or four years, there have been several interruptions due to the war. When completed the park will offer playing facilities to children living in a densely-populated area of the city.It is expected that the whole of the drainage work, cleaning up of the two and three-quarter acres, laying of paths and erection of fences will be completed before Christmas. The sowing of grass will be left until next autumn. In the early stages of the project the relaying of several old sewers was necessary. Filling for the lower section of the park was taken from the sides of the gully. Also involved was the closing of portion of Basque Road extending below Exmouth Street and the acquisition of several cottage properties on either side of the road. There is a frontage of 320 feet to Exmouth Street.The figure quoted on this year's City Council estimates for the present stage of the scheme was £3000. Further expenditure will be necessary next year when application is made for permission to erect several buildings, such as conveniences and shelter sheds. It is thought that shortage of building materials may hold up this work to some extent. Playing apparatus will also be provided.It is the City's Council's intention to institute a system similar to that formerly pertaining at Victoria Park whereby the children's recreation will come under the jurisdiction of the Department of Internal Affairs.
(AS 28 November 1944)
BASQUE ROAD RESERVEWORK IN FINAL STAGESThe final stage in the construction of the Basque Road reserve, in the gully between Eden Terrace and Newton Road, has been reached. At present a retaining wall is being built and concrete margins for footpaths and concrete steps are being formed. Regrading of the area is also proceeding. The work has been in progress, with interruptions, for the past three or four years. Primary function of the reserve will be to supply playing facilities for the many children living in the district. Work yet to be done includes the formation of paths and the fencing both of the retaining wall and of the boundaries of the park. The sowing of the 2¾ acres with grass will be done next autumn.
(AS 30 January 1945)
Between 1945 and 1956, however, the land use around the park changed from predominantly residential to industrial. The late 1930s ideal of providing a place for the workers’ kids to play hadn’t kept up with the times. Paths were formed, stone retaining walls built and a children’s shelter built, but that was just about it.“Concerning the use and the future use of the reserve, it is a fact that owing to the gradual industrial development the reserve has never been used as envisaged. This does not mean, of course, that the area should be disposed of, but rather that the use of same should be changed from children to adults. It is essential in all cities, particularly in heavily built-up areas, to provide a breathing space for workers, and such reserves as we have which are likely to become surrounded by industry should be retained for this purpose …“Basque Road could, therefore, be changed as stated from a children’s playground into a recreation centre for adults …”
(Memo from Director of Parks and Reserves to Town Clerk, 22 August 1956)
1959 aerial, Auckland Council website.
More land was added in 1973, and the unformed lower part of Basque Road closed and also added to the park in 1974. In the same year, the Council agreed to provide play equipment for the park (does this mean it took 35 years to provide an actual playground?)
From the late 1950s, Council policy was to try to encourage residential development around the park, especially when adjacent land later became available as a result of the development of the link between Dominion Road and Upper Queen Street. But that same road development apparently stalled development in the area while the road designations were in place. More land between Macauley and Norwich Streets was added to the park during the decade. A housing development proposal with Housing Corporation was defeated by public protest from private land owners in the area. So, in 1986 and 1987, bulk filling (20,000-40,000 cubic metres) was undertaken using fill from the Aotea Centre building site, raising levels and attempting to reduce the grade.
In 1989, Council put forward a smaller residential development proposal, but one which would have involved the building of four blocks for 53 Housing Corporation flats on the park. Debate raged over this development clear through to the mid 1990s. Meanwhile, community gardens had been set up on the park in 1993 by a justice, peace and development group from St Benedict’s parish, and supported by the local community board.
“Back in 1993, the community board had enthusiastically encouraged the small justice, peace and development group from St Benedicts parish who wanted to start an urban farm in Basque Reserve. The group had support and small donations from about 250 people. These people dreamed of improving the inner-city concrete jungle while helping local people, especially the jobless, to learn how to grow their own food and enjoy the fruit of shared labour.“And this happened. They began with a wasteland of solid clay, kikuyu and dockweeds but were soon composting richer and deeper soil. They had no water supply but a local factory owner gave them the run-off from his roof. Soon, many species of vegetables, fruit and flowers were flourishing and insects and birds came to join in the party.“The "farm" - later called St Benedicts Community Gardens - grew with minimal funds but lots of goodwill. The community board granted money. There were community days when adults gathered with food and music. The children - guided by a local artist - painted the water tank. The garden became a delightful spot where passers-by sought refuge during lunch hours. There was no fence and anyone could stroll through. Many shared the vegetables and fruit.”
2008 aerial, Auckland Council website.
But, the community gardens were cleared out. More trees have been planted in the park, a reserve made of a patchwork quilt of land titles, changed over time at the whim of changing development patterns, political ideas, and its topography.
Memorial beneath an olive tree
I had cause to visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum again on 2 July. On leaving in the afternoon, I cut across one of the grassed areas to the east of the museum, at the top of Maunsell Street ...
... and spotted this plaque, set beneath an olive tree.
PLANTED IN THE MEMORY OF
PALESTINIANS
WHO HAVE SUFFERED AND DIED
IN THEIR STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM
AND PALESTINE
PALESTINE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
AUGUST 23rd 1988 AUCKLAND DOMAIN
I sent an email via the Palestine Human Rights Campaign website. In response, Janfrie Wakim contacted me with information (thank you, Janfrie).
The present day organisation originated from a small group in 1974 called the Friends of the Arab People who got together in Auckland. Renamed Friends of Palestine, it was formalised in the early 1980s as the Palestine Human Rights Campaign. They have staged protests and pickets over the years, invited guest speakers from overseas, and held fundraising dinners for the cause of Palestinian human rights. A text book for schools has been produced to provide information on the Palestine/Israel situation.
In 1988 the olive tree was planted in the Domain, instigated by Janfrie Wakim's late husband David Wakim. The original plaque was stainless steel; in 2005, this was replaced by the present one in bronze. (David Wakim died suddenly in 2005.)
Considering the New Zealand legal system nearly carried out the arrest of former Israeli Defence Force chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon for war crimes against Palestinians in 2006 (a warrant was quashed by the Attorney General before it could be used to detain Ya'alon) -- it's a wonder this memorial hasn't had more notice. I couldn't find any trace in the Auckland Library indexes, for example. It's in a lovely spot, and passed by people and vehicles every day. I'm glad I spotted it.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Death in flames in the night
A non-New Zealand topic, this. I bought this postcard recently, and thought of my grandmother Elinor Smith who was in London during the zeppelin attacks of World War I.
The image, like a fish swimming in a dark sea, is a photo of 18 men dying in flames or falling to their death.
The feat of Lieuts. Sowrey and Brandon accounted for the second and third Zeppelin brought down in England in the space of three weeks; before a month had elapsed a fourth met its doom. It was the L31 which was brought down at Potter's Bar in the early hours of 1st October. Credit for its destruction is given, to "the anti-aircraft defence organisation," and up to the time of the inquest nineteen bodies had been discovered.The importance of the destruction of the L31 is greatly enhanced by the disclosure that its commander was the ablest and most successful of German airship-commanders, Captain-Lieutenant Mathy, who boasted that down to September, 1915, he had taken part in every Zeppelin attack in England, and he thus had obtained a knowledge of English air conditions such as no other German officer possessed. Entering the German Navy in 1900, he made a great reputation as a bold destroyer officer. When Zeppelins were introduced he entered the air branch of the German Navy, and was specially selected to watch the trials of the first two. When war broke out he was placed in command of one of the largest and latest airships. Immediately after his September visit to London he gave to an American journalist a full description of his attack on the Metropolis and he said, "The English can darken London as much as they want, but they can never remove the Thames, from which we can always get our bearings. London was darkened, but there was sufficient light on this night to enable me to see its reflected glow in the sky nearly forty miles away shortly before 10 p.m.; soon the city was outlined silent below. A large city seen at night from a great height is a fairylike picture. There is no sign of life."Then he proceeded to relate how he had dropped bombs, "with success," in the vicinity of the Bank of England, the Tower, and on certain railway stations. "There was a succession of detonations and bursts of flame, and I could see that I had apparently done great damage. I turned my L for home. We had not been hit. I have never experienced a fight with an aeroplane; in fact, I have never been bothered by them! The men are always at the guns watching for them. I am not afraid of them, and I think I could make it interesting for them."All this happened a year ago. Conditions have changed and on this his last visit, things were made "interesting" for him by London's "anti-aircraft defence organisation," and the charred remains of Mathy and eighteen of his crew were disentangled from the .burning wreckage. A "bag”, of four Zeppelin-loads of baby-killers within the space of four weeks is not a bad record for England; one can only hope that it causes disturbance in Germany.
(Evening Post 14 November 1916)
There is already a fine article on the incident online: Decisions at Potter's Bar. Also The Potter's Bar Zeppelin, and a photo of a piece of the remains of L31.
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