ngairedith on Family Tree Circles

Enoch MADDOCK married Harriett HENDERSON in 1875

their known children:
... 1
1876 - 1943 Richard Thomas Maddock
- Richard married Alice Mary Maud NORTON (1880-1951) in 1902


... 2
1877 - 1944 James Enoch Maddockv
- James married Pearl Annie NAGLE (1892-1976) in 1918


... 3
1879 - 1952 Emily Anne Maddock
- Emily married John William Henry LOVELL in 1898


... 4
1880 - 1966 Amy Harriet Maddock
- Amy married Francis Joseph SISSON in 1904


... 5
1882 - 1950 Charlotte Jane Maddock
- Charlotte married Albert Rowland DURRANT in 1911


... 6
1884 - 1961 Helen Edith Maddock
- Helen married Thomas Walter INKSTER in 1919


... 7
1885 - 1913 Harvey Grant Maddock
On 16 Nov 1913 at Havelock, Harvey Grant Maddock, third son of the late Mr Enoch Maddock; aged 28 years. Mr Maddock was a young man well-known and respected in Havelock. He had interested hinself in all forms of sport during his residence here


... 8
1887 - 1968 Lucy May Maddock
- Lucy married Hugh George WEBB in 1919


... 9
1894 - 1976 Percy Reginald Maddock
- Percy married Dorothy Emily SISSON in 1916
- he married Catherine Mavis WRATHALL in 1924


Enoch died 10 November 1894 aged 52?
12 Nov 1894 It is with sincere regret that we record the death of Mr Enoch Maddock, which occurred at his residence near Eltham Road, on Saturday at midnight. Deceased was about 52 years of age (BDM has 57); he was an old and respected resident of the place and his demise will cause much concern. His death had not been unexpected latterly, he having suffered severly for some time past from the dread cancer, which had lodged at the root of the tongue. Mr Maddock was born in Nelson and accompanied his father when the latter took up the management of Starborough station some 30 or 40 years ago. Deceased became Inspector for the Wairau Awatere and Omaka Road Boards for about eight years, when he resigned to enter into some contracting engagements which occupied his attention till 1890. He then took the Inspectorship of the Awatere Road Board, and had occupied that position till his death. Deceased was well known publicly in connection with the contract which he and Mr Parker carried out on the Dashwood section of the Picton - Hutunui railway. Some £18,000 (2012 equivalent of $3,000,000) was expended in the course of this contact, and the trouble which arose over the work, involving Messrs Parker and Maddock in heavy financial losses, is an important matter of local history. Mr Maddock worked on the Wakamarina gold diggings for about six months in 1866. He was a member of the Foresters' Society; and in all public and private capacities in which he engaged he was noted for his sterling worth of character. A wife and several children, most of whom are young, are left to mourn a loss which we are sorry to hear has occurred in not the best of circumstances. To the family we tender our hearfelt sympathy in their unfortunate bereavement. Mrs Knight, of Maxwell road and Mr Thos. Maddock, are sister and brother of deceased, The funeral took place this afternoon
... The Awatere Road Board presented his wife with a cheque for £14 13s 3d as a token of the Board's esteem for her late husband ($2,560 in 2012)

Harriett died 30 November 1919 aged 61
31 November 1919 A one time resident of Blenheim, Mrs Harriet Maddock passed away on Tuesday morning last at the home of her daughter, Mrs Durrant, of the New Commercial Hotel, Wellington, after a long illness. The late Mrs Maddock, who was a daughter of the late Mr Andrew Henderson, was born at Okaramio in 1856, and was in her sixty-third year. Her husband, who was inspector for the Awatere Road Board, died twenty-five years ago. Mrs Maddock left Blenheim for Wellington some few years ago, and had resided there ever since.
She leaves eight children:- Richard at Otaki, James at Wellington, Percy at Levin, Mrs Lovell at Wairau Valley, Mrs Durrant at Wellington, mrs Sisson at Seddon, Mrs Inkster at Nelson and Mrs Webb at Wellington.
The funeral takes place to-morrow morning from the Church of the Nativity

- they are buried together Plot 44, Block 3 at Omaka cemetery

Henry 'Harry' Alexander GASKILL (1864-1891)
- born 25 Oct 1863 in Islington, London to Henry John GASKILL & Sarah Eliza BADDELEY. Not known when he arrived in New Zealand but Harry first lived in Wellington before moving to Marlborough

NOTE
- Harry doesn't appear to have married. He had a good sense of humour and enjoyed acting and singing on stage in the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club and the Caledonian Club in Marlborough


Marlborough Express, 6 January 1890 HAVELOCK ATHLETICS SPORTS
... The Havelock land Sports were held in Reader's Paddock, Kaituna, on New Year's Day and were well patronised. The handicappers were John BROWNLEE, H. A. GASKILL and A. ADAMS. Judge J. A. LAMBERT


Marlborough Express, 25 January 1890 CALEDONIAN CONCERT
... The Concert last evening was very unsuccessful. The partial success of the programme was more than outweighed by the discouraging meagreness of the audience.
- Mr GASKILL, however, was the success of the evening and saved the concert from failure. His inimitable powers as a comedian quite enraptured the audience, who rewarded him with storms of applause


Marlborough Express, 24 April 1890 HAVELOCK TOWN BOARD
... An account was received from H. A. Gaskill, re the erecting of a stage in the Town Hall


Evening Post, 16 February 1891 TO DRAPERS and GENERAL STORE KEEPERS
... The undersigned is open for Engagement as Assistant; thirteen years' business experience, six years in New Zealand, wholesale and retail; excellent local references. H. A. GASKILL c/o Evening Post


Marlborough Express, 23 April 1891 PERSONAL
... Mr H. A. Gaskill, of Pelorus Guardian, is laid up in Blenheim with what is believed to be typhoid fever


Marlborough Express, 11 June 1891 DEATH of Henry Alexander GASKILL
... We regret to hear that there are some unsatisfactory rumors current with reference to Mr Gaskill's death, and believing that the best thing to do was to sift the matter to the bottom, we this morning walked out to Springlands Hotel to hear what Mr Bax had to say. His story, which, by the way, is corroborated by Dr Glaghorn, is as follows:-
Mr Gaskill was staying at Mrs Minnington's when it was discovered that he had contracted typhoid fever (presumably in Wellington) and the doctor ordered his removal to the Hospital. Mr Gaskill, however, refused to go there and said he would like to go to a private house. The doctor pointed out that few people would take in a case of the sort, in fact he only knew one individual in this district and that was Mr Bax. Deceased agreed to go there, and he remained there for over seven weeks. Our attention was directed to the matter by hearing a resident declaiming against the licensee for allowing a typhoid patient near the place. He evidently did not know that typhoid, under ordinaruly cardful conditions, is not infectious, providing always that the excreta of the patient is buried or burnt, and this we are assured was done. Mr Bax has considerable experience in matters of this sort, and knows well how to deal with fever cases. But when we read in the Pelorus Guardian that the deceased was placed in "a comfortless room" we decided to see for ourselves what accommodation he had had. Hence the visit.

The room is matchlined, has plenty of light, was carpeted, and contained the usual toilet necessaries. True, there were no curtains, or hangings, or pictures, but no one, who knows anything of the furnishing of a fever ward, would think of expecting these. A special nurse was imported from Wellington and Mr Bax himself and another assistant were constant in their attendance. The deceased never complained of his treatment, but on the contrary was well pleased with the manner in which he was attended, and we think it unjust and uncalled for to blame Mr Bax as some unthinking people have done. We hear that Mr Mills has written the Hospital Board on the matter, asking why the patient was removed and the answer we have no doubt will be the same as stated above, namely that it was done in accordance with Mr Gaskill's wishes
... We hear that it is very likely that the Pelorus Guardian will be sued for libel by Mr Bax for its remarks upon the death of Mr Gaskill


Marlborough Express, 4 August 1891 PUBLIC AUCTION
... Saturday next, at 2p.m. GREEN & NOSWORTHY having received instructions from the Public Trustee (H. A. Gaskill's Estate) will sell by Public Auction at their Sale Rooms, High Street -
* 2 Portmanteaus
* 2 Chests Drawers
* 1 Fender
* 1 Sofa
* 1 Piece Linoleum
* Spring Mattrass
* Iron Bedstead
* Chairs
* Lot of Clothes
* Dinner Service
and other goods too numerous to particularise


Marlborough Express, 18 August 1891 GASKILL'S ESTATE
... We copied from the Pelorus Guardian a short time back, a paragraph stating that the effects of the late Mr Gaskill had been brought into Blenheim unnecessarily. We were shown to-day the account sales, which prove that the goods netted £52 19s (Aug 2012 equivalent of $9,870), whereas the best offer in Havelock was only £30, so that really the Public Trust Office acted in the best interests of the estate in bringing them into Blenheim for sale


Nelson Evening Mail, 5 November 1891 WRIT IS SERVED
... The Havelock correspondent of the Wellington Evening Post says that a writ has been served on the manager of the Pelorus Guardian, at the instance of Mr Bax, of Blenheim, claiming £1000 damages for an article that appeared some time back in connection with the death of the late Mr Gaskill. The case will be heard at the end of this month at the Supreme Court sittings in Blenheim. Mr W. Sinclair appears for the plaintiff and Mr A. Pitt for the paper


Marlborough Express, 2 December 1891 LIBEL ACTION
... Mr Thomas Butler BAX, hotelkeeper, Blenheim, has issued a writ against the Pelorus Guardian, claiming £1000 damages for libel. The case is of much interest. Mr Gaskell, a young man who had just been appointed secretary to the Guardian Company, went to Blenheim in April last on business, and was there taken ill with typhoid. He was conveyed to plaintiff's hotel, and lay for some six weeks in a cold and comfortless room, where he died. The Guardian published a pretty strong article on the subject, in which it was remarked that a little more humanity might have been shown to the sick man. The plaintiff took umbrage, and instituted proceedings. He offered to take £50 in satisfaction, but defendants preferred to let the case go to a hearing, and refused the offer
... Bax v Pelorus Guardain, Claim for £1000 damages for alleged libel
The following special jury was empanelled to try the case: Messrs Healy, Thompson, Dobson, Monro, Douglas, Kilpatrick, Mead, Gregory, Bush, Smith, A. McKenzie and Howard
- Mr T. B. Bax, plaintiff, said he had been licensee of the Springland Hotel till it was burnt down. He had 18 months experience in the Wellington Hospital and 4 years 7 months in the Blenheim Hospital ... more


Marlborough Express, 3 December 1891 The VERDICT

Marlborough Express, 25 January 1890
CALEDONIAN CONCERT
... The Concert last evening was very unsuccessful. The partial success of the programme was more than outweighed by the discourgaing meagreness of the audience.

The instrumental music was excellent, the two overtures by Mr and Miss CHEEK being played in scholarly and effective style

Mr G. A. KENNEDY, of Wellington, contributed two pieces on the violin, both of which were most tastefully played and were encored

Master McRAE won great applause for his Hielan fling, for which Mr KENNEDY played on the piano an accompaniment in lieu of the bag-pipes, Piper MURRAY being absent

Mr NAIRN gave a Scotch reading in a pleasing and quietly effective manner

Mr GASKILL, however, was the success of the evening and saved the concert from failure. His inimitable powers as a comedian quite enraptured the audience, who rewarded him with storms of applause

Mr T. B. CRUMP essayed the Romany Lass and sang it correctly, but without a trace of the dash and abandon with which it is imperative that this song should be accompanied

"Robin Adair" by Miss NORMANBY was sweetly sung, and a duet by this young lady and her sister (Mrs BOOTH) entitles "My Pretty Page" was given with much refinement and musical effect

"Huntingtower" was given My Miss GILLESPIE and Mr GOOLD, and Mr C. LANE sang "Jessie's Dream". Mr GOOLD gave also "Jock o' Hazledean"

Mr TANSELY sang capitally a comic song in character, accompanied very nicely by Miss TANSELY

Miss GIRLING, whom we should like to hear oftener in concerted music, sang "River of Years"

Miss SIMSON, whose clear young voice and natural demeanour make her ever welcome, sang "Comin' through the Rye" in excellent style and was loudly encored

Miss GILLESPIE essayed "The Bonnie Hills o' Scotland, but the song and the accompaniment somehow did not get on well together

"Auld Lang Syne" as a finale was simply a burlesque. The singers joined hands at the first verse, and this of course, quite killed the effect of the thing, and at the second verse the soloist burst into uncontrollable laughter and beat a hasty retreat, the rest of the company following.

The audience then dispersed. If they did not, as they were requested on the programme, "join in the chorus" they joined heartily in the laughter

see A names for introduction to the journal:
CAULFIELD War Memorial - IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE
MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM

A ... B ... C ... D ... E + F ... G ... H ... I+J+K
L ... M ... N+O+P ... R+S ... T+U+V ... W+Y

any SOLDIER known to have died as a POW is indicated by •


... E ...
EARLES, Lindsey Joseph Edward - Private 1914
- memorial has J. E. Earles
- born 1892 in Macarthur, Victoria. He attended Daylesford School
- a Clerk of Oswald St, Elsternwick
- served with 23 Infantry Battalion, A.I.F.
- embarked from Melbourne 26 Aug 1915 on HMAT Anchises
- sister, Mrs F. Lindrum, Oswald St, Elsternwick
- KILLED IN ACTION 28 July 1916 in the Battle of Pozieres aged 24
- Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
* eye witness accounts:
- 5' 4", fresh complexion, grey eyes, light brown hari
... killed in action 28.7.16, previously reported Missing
... by Private Henry Dodd, 1706 "I knew Earles very well. We were chums, I have been constantly making enquiries about him. We were together at Pozieres up to go out. Earles went out as orderly to our Capt. Kennedy to take his messages. I was in the Reserve line behind the jumping pit trench at the time he went over. Earles orders were to keep in touch with his Capt. It was reported later that Earles was missing, and that our Capt. Kennedy badly wounded. The report followed that the Capt. fell into the hands of the enemy, and has since died a prisoner of war. Earles never came back. It is believed he was badly hit by a shell. If he had been taken prisoner, I should have heard from him before now, I was wounded 24 hours later"
... all the information I can give is the last I seen of him was following Captain Kennedy. Some mates say they went in search of Earles as he had a diamond ring and they wanted to get it to send home to his wife
... I knew Earles; his name was Lindsay. He was in D. and a bank clerk in Victoria and was runner for Capt. Kennedy and was killed at Pozieres on 28.7.16 and I saw his dead body in No Man's Land. I knew him well and passed his body. He had been Coy Clerk


EDEN, John Henry - Private 1709
- born 1887, Cheltenham, Victoria to Isaac James EDEN & Sarah RIDDELL & attended Heatherton State School. He became a Tram Conductor of Heatherton, on the Malvern Tram
- served with 23rd Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne 16 July 1915 on HMAT Demosthenes
- father, James Eden, c/o Heatherton P.O., Victoria
- KILLED IN ACTION 28 July 1916 Pozieres, France aged 19
- Serre Road Cemetery No 2, France
* he had his spine injured in July 1916 when the 'Southland' was torpedoed & spent 9 months in hospital in England. (see photo at G)
* 1st cousin of Private 1060 Robert Gordon Duncan


EDGAR, Walter - Corporal 10029
- born March 1891 in Caulfield to James Finlay EDGAR (1859-1918) & Rose Ann AICKEN (1861-1900) of County Down, Ireland, he attended Taronga Road State School
- he was a Clerk of Murray St, Colac
- served with 6th Field Ambulance
- embarked from Melbourne 30 March 1916 on HMAT Suffolk
- father, James Finlay Edgard, "Roseville" 73 Alma Rd., Caulfield
- DIED OF MENINGITIS 9 Aug 1919 in Caulfield Military Hospital aged 28
* The Colac Herald, 5 Sep 1917 Writing to a friend in Colac, Private Walter Edgar says that he has been awarded the Military Medal. The young soldier, who was well known in Colac, is to be congratulated upon his achievement. He left Australia in April 1916, and has been in some big events. He is a son of Mr James Edgar, of Caulfield, and nephew of Mr and Mrs W. R. Edgar of Colac
* The Argus, 11 Aug 1919 EDGAR — On the 9th August, at Caulfield Military Hospital. Corporal Walter Edgar, M.M., loving son of the late James Finlay and Rose Edgar, loving brother of Corporal Leslie Edgar, aged 28 years


EDGERTON, Eric Henry Drummond - Lieutenant 1524A
- born 1 April 1897 at Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, to James EDGERTON, (secretary of an iron-rolling mill), & Florence 'Florrie' Grace SHACKLOCK, both Victorian-born. He was educated at Hawksburn State School and from 1911 at Wesley College, where he was very active in life-saving activities. In 1915 he passed the leaving certificate and on 14 April, describing himself as a student, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force as a private (more at link)
- served with 24th Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne 25 June 1915 on HMAT Ceramic
- mother, Florrie Edgerton, The Priory, Glen Eira-road, Elsternwick
- KILLED IN ACTION 11 Aug 1918 in France aged 21
- buried first Blangy-Tronville, later in Military Cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux:
* 5' 7", dark complexion, grey-blue eyes, dark brown hairvery boyish-looking, lithe and powerfully built
... Edgerton's letters home reveal a sensitive nature, love of beauty and a strong Christian faith: a padre wrote that the war's effect was to deepen his character and make him 'a true representative of the Master'. He is commemorated by a stained-glass window in the Cato Uniting Church, Elsternwick, Melbourne. Of his four brothers William became headmaster commander, Royal Australian Naval College; James was an industrialist and founder of the Australian Institute of Metals; and Clive, who joined the Royal Australian Air Force, was killed in a flying accident in 1935
... Three days after the great advance on 8 August the battalion went into the front line between Rainecourt and Framerville. On the night of 11-12 August, while standing talking to his men on the post, Edgerton was killed by a stray bullet from out of the darkness. No man in the 24th was more deeply mourned. He was just 21 and unmarried. On 8 November he was mentioned in dispatches


EDWARDS, Francis Thomas Aloysius 'Frank' - Sergeant 1649
- born 1888 at Carlton, Melbourne, the son of Francis Thomas EDWARDS & Annie NAGLE, he attended Christian Brother's College, East Melbourne then studied accountancy
- on enlistment he was a Clerk of "Araluen" Gisborne St, Elsternwick
- served with 39th Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne 27 May 1915 on Ascaneus
- father, Francis Thomas Edwards, "Araluen" Gisborne St, Elsternwick
- KILLED IN ACTION 30 Aug 1918 in Clery-sur-Somme France aged 30
- II. C. 16. Hem Farm Military Cemetery, (Curlu), Hem-Monacu, France
* medium height, slight build, sharp features, dark, turning grey
* eye witness report
... I saw Sgt Edward (A. Coy. H.Q. was acting C/S/W) was killed instantly by h.e. (high explosive) shell near Clery in a dugout about 6 p.m. Lieutenant Lefeure and Private Davis were killed by the same shell. He was buried at Corbie
* Frank was awarded the Military Medal on 26 Oct 1918, for gallantry in use of the Lewis gun in capturing an enemy machine post at Suzanne 24/25 August 1918
... On the night of the 24/25 August, two companies were advancing along the road in enemy country towards the village of Suzanne. When the companies got to within 50 yards of the objective, fire was opened on it by rifles and a machine gun from an enemy post in the wood on the left side of the road, and our troops had to halt and take cover. Sgt. Edwards who was in command of a platoon at the time, immediately got one of his Lewis guns in action firing on the enemy post, with the result that several of the enemy were either killed or wounded, and the remainder of the garrison fled leaving their guns. The prompt action undoubtedly saved heavy casualties to the two companies and the objective was gained without further resistance. The prompt action of this N.C.O. saved a critical situation and his conduct was most exemplary throughout the whole operation
- Due to the stress of war his father, Francis, died before the above communication was received.
* He was cousin to Patrick McGuiness who joined the A.I.F in Western Australia and was killed in action in France in 1918.
* At the time of Frank's death, the family were living at 5 Gisborne St., Elsternwick. father, Francis Thomas Edwards, died 9 November 1920 leaving a widow and two daughters.


ELDER, Howard Thomas - 2nd Lieutenant (Signalling Officer)
- memorial has H. G. Elder
- born in Footscray, Melbourne 15 July 1891, he attended Hawkesburn State School & spent five years in the Militia Forces
- at time of enlistment he was a Salesman of 30 Lorne Rd, East Prahran
- served with 5th Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne 21 Oct 1914 on HMAT Orvieto
- mother Mrs Julia Elder (nee Hinton) of Armadale"
- also, mother, Julia Elder, 30 Lorne Rd, East Prahran
- DIED OF HIS WOUNDS 9 May 1915 on board the H.S.Braemar Castle at sea, of wounds received the previous day at the Second Battle of Krithia aged 23
- Buried at sea between the Gallipoli Peninsula and Alexandria
- 24 Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey
* Howard held a commissioned rank in the 26th Signal engineers from 1913. He was promoted Lieutenant 1 Feb 1915


ELLIOT, Charles Clifton - Lieutenant 20215
- born July 1883 in East Melbourne & attended Wesley College in Melbourne
- served with 3rd Division Ammunition Column Australian Field Artillery
- embarked from Melbourne 20 May 1916 on HMAT Medic
- mother, Ellen Bessie Elliot, 44 Elizabeth St, Elsternwick
- also, mother, Ellen B. Elliot "Monkleigh", Gladstone-Parade, Elsternwick
- DIED 8 Nov 1918 at 12.15a.m. of Influenza, Broncho-pneumonia at 8th General, Rouen, France 35.3
- buried grave 9159, Block S, Plot 5, Row I at St Sever Cemetery, Rouen
- S. V. I. 14 St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France
* 5' 9¾", fresh complexion, grey eyes, brown hair
* Charles was a Station Overseer and manager at Dunkeld, Victoria before enlisting
- at time of death his mother was living at 'Clifton" 44 Elizabeth St, Elsternwick
- brother of Mark Pringle Elliot below


ELLIOT, Mark Pringle - Gunner 20283
- born April 1885 in Bairnsdale, Victoria
- Farmer growing wheat, Gladstone Parade, Elsternwick
- served with 108th Howitzer Battery 8th Brigade Australian Field Artillery
- embarked from Melbourne 20 May 1916 on HMAT Medic
- mother, Ellen B. Elliot "Monkleigh", Gladstone-parade, Elsternwick
- DIED OF ALBUMINURIA 7 Dec 1917 in 2nd Stationery Hospital, Abbeville, France Abbeville aged 32
- Plot 3, Row F, Grave 5 Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France
* 5' 8¼", fresh complexion, Hazel eyes, black hair
* brother of Charles Cligton Elliott above
The Argus, 31 December 1917 ELLIOT — Died on the 7th of December, at 2nd Stationary Hospital, France, Gunner Mark Pringle Elliot, second son of the late Edward Cludde Elliot and Ellen B. Elliot, Gladstone parade, Elsternwick, aged 34 years


ETHEREDGE, William Walter - Private 3182
- born 1896 in East Melbourne to Alfred James ETHEREDGE (1855-1929) & Mary Ann FISHER (1863-1947 ), he attended Traralgon State School and the Australian Coaching College
- he was a Chemist when he enlisted at Jolimont 19 Jan 1915
- served with 6th Field Ambulance Australian Army Medical Corps
- embarked from Melbourne 4 June 1915 on HMAT Ajana
- mother, Mary Ann Etheredge, High St, Traralgon
- KILLED IN ACTION 27 Sep 1917 in Belgium aged 21
- Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery, Belgium
* The family lived first "Dunrobin" Traralgon, Victoria, then "Dunrobin" 18 York St., Caulfield.
* Brothers who served:
Donald James Etheredge (1898-1960) 27876
Lt. Col. Alfred Robert Etheredge (1894-1982)
* Cousins who served:
Major George Murray Campigli MC (1890-1951)
Donald Hugh Campigli DCM (1896-1953)
* Traralgon Record, 2 November 1917 Mr and Mrs A. J. ETHEREDGE and FAMILY desire to express their heartfelt Thanks to their many kind friends for expressions of sympathy, letters, telegrams and cards received in their recent sad bereavement, in the death of their loved son and brother, Will, killed in action September 27th "Dunrobin," High St, Traralgon


... F ...
FINCH, Frederick Thomas - Private 3296
- born 19 Jan 1897 in Beaufort, Victoria to Alfred Thomas FINCH (1860-1938) & Eleanor KERR (1865-1904)
- Frederick was a Grocer in Caulfield
- served with 6th Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne 11 Oct 1915 on HMAT Nestor
- sister, Edna Finch, Keeron St, Dumbarton, Caulfield (also Alder St)
- KILLED IN ACTION 5 June 1918 in France aged 21.5
- Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
* 5' 6", fresh complexion, Grey eyes, dark borwn hair
* admitted to Hospital in Cairo with mumps 1 Feb 1916, discharged 21 Feb 1916. Disobedience of orders (leaving camp improperly dressed) 26 Feb 1916 cost him a days pay. Wounded in action 16 Aug 1916 admitted 13th General Hospital, Boulogne 19 Aug 1916 with gunshot wounds to head. Admitted to Hospital with Diarrhoea 17 Oct 1917, discharged 6 Nov 1917. AWOL for 37 hours in London 24 Jan 1918 cost him 7 days pay
* letter to his sister Edna on 9 July 1918 asking her if there were any nearer blood relatives than herself, for instance, is their father or any brothers still living


FLETT, Arthur Henry - Private 2655
- born 1892 in Warrnambool, Victoria to Peter J. FLETT (1855-1896) & Annie Tyler (1857-1935), he attended Warrnambool State School
- Arthur was a Painter
- served with 21st Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne
- mother, Annie Flett, 18 Villiers St, Elsternwick
- Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
- KILLED IN ACTION 3 May 1917 in at Bullecourt, France aged 25
- body never recovered, memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
* 5' 10½", sallow complexion, grey eyes, black hair


FORSTER, Leonard William 'Len' - Sergeant 5199
- memorial has I. W. Forster
- born 1893 Inkerman Rd., Caulfield to Henry William FORSTER & Jessie Graham WHEELER, he attended Caulfield Grammar School & in 1914 played Hockey for Victoria at the Interstate Hockey Carnival defeating South Australia
- enlisted from Broadmeadows
- a Stock Agent's Clerk for J. M. Peck & Sons, Melbourne
- served with 3 Light Horse Brigade Train
- embarked from Melbourne 2 Feb 1915 on HMAT Chilka
- mother, Jessue Graham Forster, 'Niagaroon', Inkerman Rd, Caulfield
- KILLED IN ACTION 1 Nov 1916 at Flers, France aged 23
- body taken by the Pioneers & buried near the Flers 'Dump', Somme
- Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
* 5' 9¾", medium complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair
* he served in Egypt and Gallipoli with the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. Later transferred to the 56th
The Argus, December 1916
... FORSTER — Killed in action in France 1st November Sergeant Leonard William, eldest son of Mr and Mrs H. W. Forster, Inkerman road, Malvern.
... FORSTER — Killed in action, on 1st November, in France, Sergeant Leonard William, late of Inkerman road, Malvern. - (Inserted by the directors and staff of J. M. Peck and Sons Pty. Ltd., as a tribute to his many sterling qualities)
* eye witness accounts:
... he was killed while on his way to the Dump behind Flers on Nov 1st, by a shell. He was riding a horse and both were killed outright
... he was Sergeat of transport to 56th Battalion. He was just going into the line (Turk's Trench, Flers) when a shell got him and his horse. He was buried behind the lines. Our Pioneers made the cross with name, no, rank
... I knew casualty. He was a man about 5ft 10ins about 28 years of age. He was on horse-back at Turks Lane, Delville Wood. He was riding along when a shell exploded near by wounding two or three men. He went back to dress them and was mounting his horse again when another shell exploded overhead killing Casualty and his horse. He was buried just where he fell
... he was killed at Fleurs. I was beside him at the time. He was buried near the hospital. I would very much like to get into touch with his people. They could write to me. He was a particular friend of mine. I have his Sgt stripes which I have kept for his people. They might like to have them and to hear from me
... I knew him very well. He being a transport Sergeant, wnet out daily to the trenches with the Mule Train which carried food and water for the men and on the fateful day he was on his way out when they shelled very heavily. He was a fine fellow no doubt and unfortunately met his death at a place called Turk's Lane on the Somme on the date mentioned. I have received a letter from his fond mother, thanking me for a letter informing her of the death regarding the poor boy
* on 19 Oct 1922 his parents send a letter from Albert Park House, Bridport Street, Victoria
*J. M. Peck and Sons Pty. Ltd
* John Murray Peck, (1830-1903), coachline proprietor and auctioneer. born on 26 January 1830 at Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America, third son of John Waters Peck and his wife Frances (Fanny), née Huntington. His ancestors had arrived at Boston in 1637 from England and helped to found New Haven, Connecticut. Brought up on his parents' farm, Peck joined Wells, Fargo & Co. In June 1853 he arrived at Melbourne in the Eagle and with Freeman Cobb, James Swanton, and John B. Lamber soon founded a carrying company known as Cobb & Co.
* Richard Oren 'Dick' Peck (1864-1925), was the second son of the late John Murray Peck, of Lebanon, Pascoe Yale, and was born close to the Moonee Ponds Creek in 1864


FRETWELL, John Dewdney - Private 4499
- born March 1893, a Clerk of 42 Blenheim St, St Kilda
- served with 6th Battalion (Infantry)
- embarked from Melbourne 28 Jan 1916 on HMAT Themistocles
- sister, Elfreda D. Fretwell, 42 Blenheim St, St Kilda
- KILLED IN ACTION 19 Aug 1916 'in the Field', France aged 23
- Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
* 5' 7½", sallow complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair
* a letter written 7 Nov 1921 from A. (E.?) D. Fretwell of Northcote Ace, Caulfield, they confirm that the nearest relation of John is his eldest brother F. R. Fretwell of South Gippsland. His sister Elfreda asked in April 1916 if they had any info on a Robert Edward Dewdney Fretwell enlisting from Queensland


FRICKER, Norman Charles - Sergeant 1704
- born 1889 in Coghill's Creek, Australia to John George FRICKER (1860-1952 school master at Chinamans Flat) & Annie Louisa TINK (1863-1950)
- he was a Clerk of Middle Park, Melbourne on enlistment
- served with 21 Infantry Battalion, 2nd Reinforcements
- embarked from Melbourne 16 July 1915 on HMAT Demosthenes
- father, John George Fricker, 57 McGregor St, Middle Park, Melbourne
- KILLED IN ACTION 26 Aug 1916 at Mouquet Farm, Somme, France aged 19
- Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France
* eye witness accounts:
- dark, tanned skin, full round face, dark hair & eyes, well built, 5' 8" or 5' 9"
... I was the last man to see Sergt. Fricker and had to give evidence as to his disappearance afterwards. He and I and Tom Watkins were all three together on August 26th during the attack at Mouquet Farm. We left the Quarry at 4a.m. and took the German first line, and dug ourselves in beyond. We were taking messages, and I took a message. The Germans began to bomb us and the two others disappeared. I had to go on in from there but never saw Sergt Fricker again. It is impossible to say whether he is a prisoner or not
... I came over from Victoria with N. C. Fricker. He was acting R.S.H. in Heliopolis, Egypt from Aug 16th 1915 for about 1 month. In July 1916 he was in France with the 2nd Div. I was talking to Lieut H. Craig about 18th Dec 1916 and we both thought that N. C. Fricker was taken prisoner about 26th Aug and I understood that Lieut Craig had written to N. C. Fricker's people to this effect
... I feel sure that Sergt Fricker is a prisoner of war and that news came through to one of the lads. We made an attack about Aug 26th at Pozieres, we went over about 3.45a.m., we took two lines and held them
... I knew Fricker and his number, He was in my Coy. B. & 6 Plt. He was the 2nd or 3rd Reinforcements and had been on the Peninsula. He was Regt. Sgt. Major in Egypt but was Sgt. when he was taken prisoner at Mouquet. Everybody in the battalion knows he was taken prisoner. It was in orders and some have had letters from him. N. Fricker has two brothers in the 3rd Division
* much was done to find Norman and it was finally determined that he was not a prisoner of war and was declared as Killed in Action, body not found



PHOTO
The Battle of Pozieres, Somme, France 23 July–7 August 1916
see Lindsey Joseph Edward Earles
& John Henry Eden
& Norman Charles Fricker

the BREACH GROOMS of New Zealand 187O-1931

* Alfred John Breach (1869-1907)
* married Emmeline RAINHAM (1873-1954) in 1896
- their known children:
1896 - Emmeline Ivy Breach
1900 - Alfred Henry Eugene Breach
1903 - Sylvia Martha Elizabeth Breach
1906 - Rubina Winifred Laura Breach


* Alfred John Breach (1890-1963)
* married Grace Eulie Faith HUMPHREYS (1891-1975) in 1914
* daughter of William George HUMPHREYS & Rosalynd BURBERY
* Grace's siblings:
1891 - 1975 Grace Eulie Faith, as above
1893 - Leo Edla May Humphreys
1896 - George Eric Keith Humphreys
1899 - George Albert Tui Humphreys
1901 - Reta Emily Green Humphreys
1906 - Albert Denzil Lines Humphreys


* Clarence 'Clarrie' Henry Breach (1892-1975)
* married Ethel Selina May COTTON (1902-1982) in 1925
* Clarence served in WWI as Rifleman 43390 with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, Reinforcements G Company. He embarked from Wellington 13 Feb 1917, his next of kin was his mother Emma Elizabeth Breach of 402 Papanui Road, Papanui, Christchurch
* Clarrie was a son of William BREACH (1861-1926) & Emma Elizabeth BAILEY of Christchurch. His mother Emma died 22 Dec 1932 in Lower Hutt when visiting him


* Edward Harmer Breach (1899-1933)
* married Ruth APPLETON (1897-1977) in 1929
* daughter of John APPLETON & Josephine Lizzie SHOULS
* Ruth's siblings:
1876 - John Appleton
1878 - Haydon Appleton
1880 - Ernest George Appleton
1883 - Frank Appleton
1886 - Esther Mary Appleton
1888 - Daisy Appleton
1890 - Lewis Appleton
1892 - Charlie Appleton
1894 - Jesse Joseph Appleton
1897 - Ruth Appleton
1899 - Rhoda Appleton
1901 - Josephine Lizzie Appleton


* Edward Leslie Breach (1898-1971)
* married Esther Helen MUSSON (1911-1966) in 1929
* Edward graduated from Canterbury University in 1928 with an M.A.
* Esther died 1 July 1966 aged 55. Edward died 28 Sep 1971 aged 73. They are buried together PROTESTANT DIVISION B Row 2, Plot 303 at Waikumete, Auckland.
The HEADSTONE reads
In Loving Memory Of
ESTHER HELEN BREACH
passed away 1 July 1966 aged 55
Also her beloved husband
EDWARD LESLIE BREACH
passed away 28 September 1971 aged 73
Forever remembered. The Lord is my Shepherd


* Fredrick James Breach (1860-1922)
* married Ellen THWAITES (1861-1935) in 1884
- their 7 known children (6 sons):
1887 - 1979 Ellen Eliza Mabel Breach
1890 - 1963 Alfred John Breach
1892 - 1964 Frederick Joseph Breach
1894 - 1900 Stanley William Breach
1898 - 1971 Edward Leslie Breach
1900 - 1958 Leonard Stanley Breach
1910 - 1981 Walter Edwin Breach


* Henry James Breach (1878-1955)
* married Agnes Margaret HARPER (1880-1953) in 1900
- their known children:
1901 - Dorothy Annie Breach
1905 - Kathleen Grace Breach
1908 - Agnes May Breach


* Kotterill Vaudre Somes Breach (1873-1949)
... AKA Donald Victor ROSS ...
* married Laura Mary MORRIS (1880-1958) in 1912
* Kotterill was the son of Moses Somes BREACH & Elizabeth Jane HEATH. In Dec 1917 he was a Farmer in New Plymouth when his name was drawn by ballot for war service with the Taranaki Reservists, 2nd Division. He died in Petersham, New South Wales


* Lawrence Arthur Breach (1900-1966)
* married Gladys May HARRIS (1901-1979) in 1921
* they had 3 known sons in Christchurch
* Lawrence was a son of William BREACH (1861-1926) & Emma Elizabeth BAILEY of Christchurch. Emma died 22 Dec 1932 in Lower Hutt when visiting her son 'Clarrie'


* Leonard Stanley Breach (1901-1958)
* married Elizabeth Myrtle ARPS (1907-1994) in Christchurch 30 June 1928
* daughter of Harry ARPS & Phoebe GIBLING
* Leonard Stanley BREACH, Carpenter aged 27, born Rangiora, Frederick James Breach (deceased) & Ellen Breach, nee Thwaites. Elizabeth Myrtle Arps, stenographer & typist aged 20, born Coutts Island, Harry & Phoebe Arps, nee Gibling, farmer. Witness: Stanley McIntosh, farmer, Kaiapoi; Charles Arps, farm labourer, Kaiapoi
* Elizabeth's siblings:
1903 - Margaret Ivy Arps
1904 - Charles Henry Arps
1906 - Linda Jane Arps
1907 - Elizabeth Myrtle Arps


* Moses Somes Breach, Reverend (1824-1913)
* married Elizabeth Jane HEATH 15 Oct 1870
- their known children:
1871 - Percival Vernon Somes
1873 - Kotterill Vaudrie Somes
1877 - Yruth Janeive Venorah Breach
* Rev Moses Breach's first wife, Hannah, died 21 Feb 1869 at Grafton Road, Auckland
* Elizabeth Jane was born BATTEN, married Richard William OVENDEN in 1863 in Islington. She was widowed in 1866 and came to New Zealand in 1867 to marry Charles HEATH in Kaipara in 1867. Charles died 2 years later and their 2 children were sent to England. She mext married Rev Moses and they lived in Smart Road, New Plymouth. Moses died 29 Oct 1913 aged 89 & buried Presbyterian Block - Row 7 Lot 18 Plot at Te Henui. Elizabeth died sometime between 1892-1913. No burial recorded at New Plymouth
*24 Aug 1882 The Burning of St Andrew's Church
*5 Oct 1882 The New Plymouth Church Scandal
*Hawkes Bay Herald, 2 June 1888 New Plymouth - A most disgraceful scene occurred today at the Presbyterian Church here. Mr Breach, who was minister several years at the old church (since burned down) has suddenly asserted some claim to the new building for alleged arrears of salary. He took possession of the church on Thursday, taking off the lock and putting on a new one, and placing a padlock on the gate. When the church committee became aware of this action, they procured the assistance of two policemen and a locksmith and burst open the door. While so engaged Mr Breach came on the scene, rushed excitedly at the constables and endeavored to force an entrance into the church. A scuffle ensued between the Police and Mr Breach which ended in Mr Breach, after considerable difficulty, being ejected from the premises. A watchman has been placed in the building all night to guard against another attempt on the part of Mr Breach to take possession.
At the Police Court on the 19th June 1888, he was charged with malicious entry to the Presbyterian Church by removing the lock from the door and replacing it with another. He was the cause of much strife.


* Norman Edgar Arnold Breach (1910-1982)
* married Violet Evelyn KINGSBURY (1903-1985) in 1931
* daughter of Henry KINGSBURY & Agnes Ann ROGERS
* Agnes's siblings:
1883 - Robert Henry Kingsbury
1886 - Alice Annie Kingsbury
1888 - Arthur George Kingsbury
1890 - Elizabeth Ann Kingsbury
1892 - Walter Samuel Kingsbury
1895 - Matthew Frank Kingsbury
1898 - Ernest Herbert Kingsbury
1900 - Eric Alan Kingsbury
1902 - 1985 Violet Evelyn Kingsbury
1905 - Leonard Gilbert Kingsbury
1909 - Raymond West Kingsbury
* Norman worked for the Post Office. He died 7 Jan 1982 aged 71 & buried Plot 1 at Rakaia cemetery


* Percival 'Percy' William Breach (1894-1964)
* married Edith HARDMAN (1895-1958) in 1918
* a son of William BREACH (1861-1926) & Emma Elizabeth BAILEY


* Robert Reickel Breach (1883-1952)
* married Nellie Metcalf HAYES in 1907
- their known children:
1908 - 1968 Sydney Robert Breach
1912 - 1982 Harold Bramwell Breach


* Rodney Breach (1893-1974)
* married Ella Jane ESCOTT (1910-1963) in 1931
* born in Chichester, Sussex, 8th of 9 children of Harry Elliott BREACH (1855-1905) & Catherine Ann AIREY (1852-1905) who married in 1881 in Tormoham, Devon
* Rodney served in WWI as Trooper 11/1292 with the Wellington Mounted Rifles, 6th Reinforcements. He enlisted from Upper Plain, Masterton. He embarked from Wellington 14 August 1915, his next of kin was his sister Mrs George Charles King (Janet) of Barnham, Sussex, England. He had a sister in New Zealand, Gladys Breach who married Thomas Murfitt JONES (1889-1952) in 1922 (see Brides link below)
* their 2 children:
1932 - 1938 Robin Breach
1933 - 1996 Derrick Rodney Breach
- Derrick graduated from Victoria University in 1956 with an M.Sc., 2nd Class Honours and was a mathematician at University of Canterbury, Christchurch


* Samson George Breach (1863-1946)
* married Emma PENGELLY (1869-1961) in 1896
* daughter of William PENGELLY & Helen PHELPS
* Samson was 1 of 9 children born in London to Levi BREACH (1828-1902) & Ann Susanna EDWARDS (1828-1868). His mother Ann died in London aged 40. His father remarried In March 1869 to Thirza WILTON (1830-1879). His father next married Elizabeth 'Eliza' McMELLYN (1831-1892) in Dec 1873 in London. On 17 Oct 1874 they sailed from London on the "Berar", arriving into Wellington 22 Jan 1875.
... The children were:
1853 - 1917 William Henry Breach
- married Betsie Annie Pearson & died in Rakaia
1854 - 1904 Mary Jane Breach
- died in Hokitika
1856 - 1913 Ellen Elizabeth Breach
- married Samuel Clarke & died in Hokitika
1857 - 1945 Isabella Sarah Breach
- married Frederick Campbell & died in Hokitika
1859 - 1952 Ann Susannah Breach
- married Philip Amberger & died in Hokitika
1861 - 1946 Charlotte Emma Breach
- married John Wallace & died in Hokitika
1863 - 1946 Samson George Breach
- as above
1865 - 1949 Lydia Breach
- married Henry Jones & died in Owaka, Otago
1867 - 1945 Jane Louisa Breach
- died in Hokitika


* Samuel Augustus Breach (1836-1915)
* married Martha MORGAN (1836-1915) in 1874
* BREACH-MORGAN At New Plymouth, Taranaki, August 21st, at the Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. Moses S. Breach (brother of the bridegroom), Samuel Augustus Breach, to Martha, youngest daughter of Captain Morgan, of Kaiapoi
* New Zealand's Burning — The Settlers' World in the Mid 1880s ... While factory dairying was thus established at Normanby, the leadership of neighbouring districts had also been wrestling with the issue. The first success, preceding Normanby by two months, was at Opunake. Here, in an exception to the general pattern, one of the big farmers, Samuel Augustus Breach, had taken the lead. He teamed up with J. J. Elwin, a New Plymouth schoolmaster who was also a dairy farmer with a valuable knowledge of dairying. By 1886 Breach employed five milkers for about 150 cows. With Breach's input of both finance and cows as a foundation, the Opunake Dairy Company had an easy launch ...
* On 10 June 1915 at Hawera, Martha, dearly beloved wife of Samuel Augustus Breach; aged 76 years
* On 13 June 1915 at Hawera, Samuel Augustus Breach; aged 79 years
* Evening Post, 16 June 1915 The Hawera Star records the death on Sunday last of Mr Samuel Augustus Breach, at the age of 79 years. Deceased was a very old Taranaki settler, and one of the first to go in for dairying on a large scale. He had a big herd and plant at Opunake years before co-operative dairying was thought of, and probably was one of the originators of the old co-operative company at Opunake which was one of the first to commence operations. In those day Mr Breach was one of the most active and prominent men in the Opunake district. The death of Mrs Breach occurred only a week ago
* Samuel's estate was certified for stamp duty at a value of £4071 which is equivalent in June 2012 to $566,737


* Sydney Frederic Breach (1881-1918)
* married Edith MURRAY (1883-1946) in 1910
* Sydney served in WWI as Second Lieutenant 25/945 with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion, C Company. He embarked from Wellington 5 Feb 1916, his next of kin was his wife Edith at Rakaia, Canterbury. Sydney was KILLED IN ACTION at Le Cateau, France on 8 Oct 1918. He was Mentioned in Despatches


* Sydney Robert Breach (1909-1968)
* married Ruth Christina GLEN (1908-1984) in 1930
* daughter of Thomas GLEN & Christina Pepperill PARKER


* Walter Archer Breach
* married Elizabeth Selina MASTERS (1890-1949) in 1920
* Walter served in WWI as Private 6/2074 with the Canterbury Infantry Battalion, 4th Reinforcements. He embarked from Wellington 17 April 1915, his next of kin was his father William Henry Breach of Rakaia, Canterbury


* William George Breach (1879-1961)
* married Phoebe Elizabeth MAGINNESS (1875-1927) in 1901
* daughter of William Henry MAGINNESS & Elizabeth RUDDOCK from County Armagh, Northern Ireland (see also the Maginness Marriages)
- the known children of WILLIAM & PHOEBE:
1902 - 1978 Wilhelmina Elizabeth Jane Ruddock Breach
1904 - 1904 Gladys Emma Amelia Breach
1906 - 1885 Enid Annie Grange Breach
1908 - 1978 William Henry Breach
1909 - 1958 Sydney Langtry Breach
*1911 - 1993 Evelyn Susannah Breach (died in Christchurch)
- Evelyn & Doris were twins
- Born 11 March in Lauriston, Canterbury (between Methven & Ashburton)
*1911 - 1942 Doris Phoebe Breach (died in Methven)
* William George Breach next married
* married Florence May HEDGE (1890-1977) in 1931


* William Henry Breach (1852-1917)
* married Betsie Annie PEARSON (1859-1941) 14 July 1877 in Doyleston, Canterbury
- their known children:
1878 - 1955 Henry James Breach
1879 - 1961 William George Breach
1880 - 1928 Ivy Alma Breach
1882 - Sydney Frederic Breach
1883 - 1952 Robert Rickel Breach
1885 - Ruby Holly Breach
1888 - 1889 Charles Wilfred Breach
1889 - Marian Bessie Breach
1892 - Annie Mabel Breach
1893 - Edward Herbert Breach
1896 - 1970 Walter Archer Breach



the BREACH BRIDES

the BREACH BRIDES of New Zealand 1877-1930

* Agnes May Breach
* married James McChayne WHITE in 1930
* daughter of Henry James BREACH & Agnes Margaret HARPER
* son of Charles WHITE & Lilias Martha JARVIS
* James's siblings:
1897 - Amy Ambrosine White
1898 - Elsie Doris White
1900 - Annie Laura White
1904 - Hughey Eric White
1905 - Norman Oliver White
1908 - James McChayne White
1910 - Cora Esma White


* Bessie Marion Breach (1891-1949)
* married Charles McKEGNEY (1892-1963) in 1920
* daughter of William Henry BREACH & Bessie Annie PEARSON
* son of Harry & Mary McKEGNEY


* Charlotte Emma Breach (1861-1946)
* married John WALLACE in 1880
* daughter of Samson George BREACH & Emma PENGELLY


* Dorothy Annie Breach (1901-1986)
* married Edward Ernest DUNDAS (1897-1956) in 1930
* daughter of Henry James BREACH & Agnes Margaret HARPER


* Ellen Elizabeth Breach (1856-1913)
* married Samuel Henry Dall CLARKE (1858-1935) in 1881
* daughter of Samson George BREACH & Emma PENGELLY
* they had a daughter, Isabella Lydia 'Bella' Clarke (1886-1965) who married Percy Morgan HAINES in 1911 and had 7 children in Wellington
* On 17 June 1913 at Park street, Hokitika, the dearly beloved wife of S. H. Clarke, after a lingering illness. Inserted by her loving daughter and son in law, Mr. and Mrs. P Haines, Mitchelltown
* On 27 Jan 1935 at Hokitika, Samuel Henry, beloved father of Mrs. Percy Haines, after a long illness; aged 77 years


* Emmeline Ivy Breach (1896-)
* married William George CHEGWIN in Christchurch 26 Feb 1920
* daughter of Alfred John BREACH & Emmeline RAINHAM
* son of John Henry Burrell CHEGWIN & Caroline 'Kate' ODGERS
* at Durham St Methodist Church, Christchurch, William George CHEGWIN aged 26, Hairdresser, born Christchurch, parents: John Henry Burrell & Kate Chegwin nee ODGERS, boilermaker. Emmeline Ivy BREACH aged 23, born Rangiora, parents: John & Emmeline Breach nee RAINHAM traveller


* Enid Annie Grange Breach (1906-1995)
* married Ronald Frederick RUDDENKLAU (1899-1981) in 1927
* daughter of William George BREACH & Phoebe Elizabeth MAGINNESS


* Evelyn Susannah Breach (1911-1993)
* married Clarence Douglas WEILY in 1929
* daughter of William George BREACH & Phoebe Elizabeth MAGINESS


* Gertrude Elsie Breach
* married Arnold Eli DOWNING in 1909
* daughter of William BREACH (1861-1926) & Emma Elizabeth BAILEY of Christchurch
* son of Eli DOWNING & Lillian Oliver TURNER
* Arnold's known siblings:
1888 - Arnold Eli Downing
1890 - Florence Lillian Downing
1893 - Elsie Amelia Downing
1895 - Ruby Eveline Downing
1898 - Pearl Victoria Donwing
1903 - William George Downing
1906 - Harold Adolphus Downing
1910 - Arthur Kitchener Downing


* Gladys Breach
* married Thomas Murfitt JONES (1889-1952) in 1922
* born in Chichester, Sussex, 7th of 9 children of Harry Elliott BREACH (1855-1905) & Catherine Ann AIREY (1852-1905) who married in 1881 in Tormoham, Devon
* Gladys had a brother, Rodney Breach who married Ella Jane ESCOTT (1910-1963) in 1931 (see Brooms link below)


* Holly Alma Breach
* married Bertram Ernest SINCLAIR (1879-1918) in 1905
* base born son of Frances Mary Ann SINCLAIR
* Bertram & Holly were Storekeepers in Rakaia
* their known children:
1906 - Margaret Annie Sinclair
1907 - Holly Mabel Sinclair
1910 - Jack Alexander Sinclair
1911 - Dorothy Grace Sinclair
1913 - Bertram Ernest Sinclair
* On 2 June 1918 at his residence, 263 North road, North-East Valley, Bertram Ernest, the beloved husband of Holly Alma Sinclair; in his thirty-ninth year. "At rest"


* Isabella Sarah Breach
* married Frederick William CAMPBELL in 1877
* daughter of Samson George BREACH & Emma PENGELLY
* their known children:
1879 - Rosetta Margaret Campbell
1880 - Isabella Lydia Breach Campbell
1882 - Susannah Campbell
1886 - Elizabeth Ellen Campbell
1889 - Catherine Glass Campbell
1897 - Frederick William Campbell


* Ivy Alma Breach
* married Richard TREVELLA in 1905
* daughter of William Henry BREACH & Betsie Annie PEARSON
* their known children:
1907 - Gladys Emma Rita Trevella
1909 - Arthur Stephen Trevella
1911 - Richard Henry Trevella


* Jane Breach
* married Thomas BROWN in 1889


* Lydia Breach (1865-1949)
* married Henry JONES in 1889
* daughter of Samson George BREACH & Emma PENGELLY
* their known children:
1891 - 1948 James Andrew Jones
1896 - 1897 John Feiston Jones
1898 - John Feiston Jones
1899 - 1921 Albert Matai Jones


* Mary Breach
* married James HARVEY in 1889


* Myrtle Eliza Breach (1890-1923)
* married James Edward BAKER in 1916


* Sarah Elizabeth Breach (1858-)
* married George TOPP in 1878
* daughter of William & Martha BREACH
* their known children:
1879 - Eliza Ellen Topp
1881 - Elizabeth Emily Topp
1882 - William Henry Topp
1884 - Eliza Annie Topp
1887 - Caroline Agnes Topp
1893 - Lily May Topp


* Susan Ann Breach (1859-1952)
* married Philip Henry AMBERYN in 1878
* daughter of Samson George BREACH & Emma PENGELLY


* Sylvia Martha Elizabeth Breach (1903-)
* married Nicholas James KELLY (1901-1938) in 1924
* daughter of Alfred John BREACH & Emmeline RAINHAM
* son of James KELLY & Margaret Mary LONERGAN


* Wilhelmina Elizabeth Jane Ruddock Breach
* married Alfred KENNISH in 1921
* daughter of William George BREACH & Phoebe Elizabeth MAGINESS


* Yruth Janeive Venorah Breach (1877-1959)
* married Henry Wilfred NORDSTRUM (1871-1918) in Kaipara 1914
* daughter of Moses Somes BREACH & Elizabeth Jane HEATH
* Yruth remarried to Alfred Duncan Gray ADAMS (1884-1966), a Horse Trainer in Auckland
* Alfred was a son of William ADAMS & Amelia Elizabeth FRYER
* Yruth died 8 Jan 1959 aged 82. Alfred died 6 Sep 1966 aged 82. Their ashes were scatterd from Waikumete


the BREACH GROOMS

Thomas James GULLERY (1848-1895) was born in Wellington to John 'James' GULLERY (1819-1900) & Mary Ann COLEMAN (1820-1876) from Ireland
- Thomas had a brother, Simon John Gullery (1851-1942) who married Clarissa Barfield BLIZZARD (1853-1896) in 1873 & had 10 children. He next married Elizabeth Ann BERG in 1901. He next married Beatrice Bentick LANDALL (1870-1944) in 1918

Thomas James Gullery married Mary Jane HARVEY (1865-1912) in 1885
They had the Portage Accommodation & Tourist House at Kenepuru, Pelorus Sound

they had 7 children:

... 1
1886 - 1946 James Henry Gullery
- born 14 October 1886
- James served in WWI as Rifleman 26/668 with the NZRB, 4th Battalion, C Company. He embarked from Wellington 12 Oct 1915, his next of kin was his sister Miss Beatrice Gullery of 124 Duchess Crescent, Hastings
- he married Margaret Elizabeth HARVEY (1890-1968)
- JAMES died aged 60 in Wairau


... 2
1888 - 1960 Amy May Gullery
- born in Picton, 4 February 1888
- Amy married Lewis Frederick GUINNESS (1880-1945)


... 3
1889 - 1952 Nathan Newton Gullery
- born 14 July 1889
- Nathan served in WWI as Private 6/1303 with the 2nd Reinforcements and Private 10/3450 with the 8th Reinforcements. He embarked from Wellington 14 Dec 1914, his next of kin was his sister Miss Amy May Gullery of 124 Duchess Crescent, Hastings. Nathan lost a leg on the Western Front in 1916
- he married Florence Edna HOPE and had 9 children
- NATHAN died 12 April 1952 in Nelson


... 4
1891 - 1973 Alice Jane Gullery
- born in Picton 18 September 1891
- Alice married John 'Jack' NOTTLE (1895-1957) in 1923


... 5
1892 - 1979 Beatrice Dorothy Gullery
- born 4 December 1892
- Beatrice married Ernest Charles LAWRENCE (1895-1975) in 1920


... 6
1893 - 1917 Lawrence Harold Gullery
- born in Picton 8 July 1894
- Lawrence served in WWI as Rifleman 12385 with the NZRB, 6th Reinforcements 2nd Battalion, F Company. His next of kin was his sister Miss Beatrice Gullery of 124 Duchess Crescent, Hastings. He embarked from Wellington 6 May 1916. Lawrence was Killed in Action 12 Oct 1917 in Ypres, Belgium aged 23


... 7
1895 - 1961 Emily Jessie Gullery
- born 10 Sep 1895, 2 months after the death of her father
- Emily married Kenneth Gordon COLMAN (1889-1948) in 1924


NOTE the Ship Hotel, in Wellington Street, Picton, was first established in the early 1850s, it was rebuilt several times. In the early 1890s it contained "four comfortable sitting rooms, a large billiard room, with an excellent table; fourteen bedrooms, and a large bath room with hot and cold water laid on. The bar is stocked with the best of wines, spirits and cordials; and a good table is kept"
It later became known as the Post Office Hotel


On the night of 22 June 1895 Thomas James Gullery visited the Ship Hotel between 6 & 7pm. In the bar was Robert Humber the licensee, a servant girl Amy Alexander, Mr Ashton and George Michael Harris.
Mr Humber said he closed his bar at 11p.m. then went to shut the front door. When he returned he saw Mr Ashton picking Gullery up from the floor and putting him on the sofa. He heard no disturbance nor saw no altercation. Gullery appeared to be in a sleeping condition. Mrs Ellen Humber told him that Gullery had had his ear clipped.
He did not observe any injury on Gullery nor any blood visible anywhere. He went to bed at 11.30, leaving Gullery lying on the couch, in an ordinary drunken sleep, or so he thought ...


re DEATH of Thomas James Gullery
Marlborough Express, 5 July 1895 The CHARGE of MANSLAUGHTER
... In the S.M. Court at Picton, yesterday, before Mr John Allen, S.M., George Michael HARRIS was charged with the manslaughter of Thomas James Gullery
Mr O'Leary, in the absence of Mr R. McCallum, conducted the prosecution, Mr W. Sinclair appeared for accused, and Mr McNab was present to watch the case on behalf of Mr Humber.
The evidence produced was similar to that given at the inquest.
The medical witnesses were severely cross questioned by counsel for accused, who quoted a number of cases of a similar nature.
His Worship, on the application of Mr Sinclair, adjourned the case at 8 p.m., until noon to-day at Blenheim

On the case being called at the Blenheim Court to-day, Mr Sinclair called Dr Cleghorn, who said that any of the three accidents:
1/ the fall over the Torea Track on Friday night
2/ the fall in the Ship Hotel on Saturday night
3/ the puncture wound over the eye,
was a possible cause of the compression of the brain which caused Gullery's death.
The instrument which caused the wound over the eye might have been applied with concussive force. A case had come under his personal notice in which a man who had had his skull fractured while in a drunken state, walked to a London hospital on more than one day for medical attendance, and dying on the fifth day. After the accident, a clot of blood was found on the base of the skull.
Also in a recent case at the Blenheim hospital a boy had been kicked by a horse and rendered unconscious only for a few minutes, was operated on the seventh day after the accidnet and a clot of blood was discovered between the dura mater and the brain, with depression of the bone. There was in this case an ounce of blood in the clot. There were cases on record in which a man went about his business for a month before fatality occurred. The rupture of the brain artery, which was the only cause of Gullery's death, might have been caused by the fall at Torea. The hemorrhage of blood if there was one at that time, might have been stopped by the pressure of blood, and excitement on Saturday might have caused a recurrence of the bleeding with fatal results.
His worship said that there was a prima facie case, and he would have to commit accused for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court. He was sorry to have to do so, for he had known the parties interested, for many years, but it was his only course.
Bail was allowed accused in consideration of one surety of £50 from Mr H. Seymour and his recognizance of £100


the VERDICT
... The sitting having been resumed, Mr Fell, Coroner, summed up in a few words. He asked the Jury to study the case well; if there was any foul play, to sift it well out and to give an independent decision.
The Jury retired at 7.10 p.m., and returned at 8.20 with a verdict that "Death was caused from compression of the brain, resulting from the rupture of a blood vessel through a fall, caused, in the Ship Hotel, by a blow delivered from George Michael Harris; and that the Jury is of opinion there was no bodily harm intended."
A rider was added "That gross neglect was shown by the landlord of the Ship Hotel in not taking prompt remedies after the unfortunate occurrence"


NOTE
his widow, Mary Jane next married Samuel Joseph HUNTER (1868-1912)
They carried on running the Portage Tourist House at Kenepuru, Pelorus Sound

they had 3 children

... 1
1899 - 1984 Marion Augusta Grace Hunter
- born 25 February in Raetihi, Marlborough
- Marion married Vernon Douglas REYNOLDS in

... 2
1900 - ? Eileen Elizabeth Hunter
- born 20 February 1900 in Blenheim
- Eileen married Edward QUANT in 1924

... 3
1907 - 1917 Gordon Stanley Joseph Hunter
On 2 April 1907 at Mrs Raymond's Nursing Home, Charles street; the wife of Mr S. Hunter, The Portage, a son
- Gordon died 23 Jan 1917 aged 9 by drowning in the Esk River, near Napier, Hawkes Bay after he fell down the bank


Marlborough Express, 28 June 1910
... The many friends of Mrs Samuel Hunter will be sorry to hear that she intends leaving The Portage, the well-known tourist resort. Mrs Hunter has let her accommodation-house for a ten years lease and intends, accompanied by her family, taking an extended trip. Mrs Hunter has been a resident of The Portage for over 26 years, and both tourists and residents of the different Sounds will regret to learn of her departure. Mr and Mrs Hunter are undecided as regards their future home


MARY JANE died 12 August 1912 in Hastings aged 47
SAMUEL JOSEPH died 17 August 1912 in Hastings aged 44
Marlborough Express, 19 August 1912 The death is announced of Mr Samuel Joseph Hunter, at Hastings; closely following on that of his wife. Mrs Hunter, who was the widow of the late Mr Gullery, of the Marlborough Sounds district, died on Monday last at Hastings; and Mr Hunter's illness terminated fatally on Saturday. The deceased gentleman, who was 44 years of age, was a son of the late Mr J. Hunter, the well-known settler of the Tua Marina district, and at one time resided in the Pelorus Sound, where he held the proprietorship of the Portage Accommodation House.
Three young children have been rendered orphans; and a number of children by Mrs Hunter's first marriage are also bereaved. A brother of the late Mr Hunter is Mr William Hunter, of Havelock, and there are also brothers at Wellington, Raetihi and Masterton. Mrs T. Higgs of Masterton, Mrs R. Pigou (Elizabeth Ellen 1872-1959, wife of Robert Arthur Comyn Pigou 1858-1933) of Spring Creek and Mrs M. O'Neill of Blenheim are sister of the deceased settler, who was much respected in both the Marlborough and Hawkes Bay districts


PHOTO
The Portage
Pelorus Sound — Where Fiordland is Fairyland

RICHARD WATSON PARKER (1835-1899)
- was born in Greenwich, London, son of Edward Stone Parker (1802-1865) & Mary Cook WOOLMER (?-1842) who sailed to Sydney, Australia in 1839 with their 6 sons & became a Methodist preacher and assistant Protector of Aborigines

He married Alice Watson JACKSON (1854-1931) in 1875
- 1 of 6 children of Adam JACKSON & Allis SIDEBOTTOM who married 1841 in Stockport, England & became pioneer settlers of Runnimede, Blenheim

On July 21 1875 at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev G. S. Harper, Mr Richard Watson Parker, of Blenheim, to Alice Watson, second daughter of Mr Adam Jackson, Runnimede, near Renwick


RICHARD & ALICE had 8 daughters:
... 1
1876 - 1963 Alice Woolmer Parker
- named after her paternal grandmother
- Alice married Robert Talmage RUSH (1876-1913) in 1899
- they had at least 10 children


... 2
1877 - 1897 Ida May Parker
- Ida died aged 20


... 3
1880 - ? Amy Armstrong Parker
- Amy married Edward Alfred Stone PARKER (1876-1946) in 1906 (they were cousins)
On 6th Feb 1906 at the Church of Nativity, by the Ven Archdeacon Grace; Amy Armstrong Parker, third daughter of the late R. W. Parker, Grove Road, Blenheim, to Edward Alfred Stone Parker, of Granity, son of the late Edward Lancelot Parker, C.E., Victoria
... A quiet wedding was solemnised at the Church of the Nativity yesterday afternoon, the contracting parties being Mr Edward Alfred Stone Parker, C.E., of Victoria, and Miss Amy Armstrong Parker, third daughter of the late Mr R. W. Parker, of Grove Road, Blenheim. The Ven. Archdeacom Grace was the officiating minister. The bride, who was attended by Miss Mary parker as bridesmaid, was given away by her uncle, Mr W. B. Parker. The bridegroom was assisted by Mr Shirley Parker as best man. The bride wore a tailor-made travelling costume of grey tweed; the bridesmaid was gowned in pink Panama cloth, with hat to match. After the ceremony a large circle of guests were entertained at afternoon tea by the mother of the bride and the customary healths were drunk. The happy couple left by the four o'clock train for Granity. West Coast, where Mr Parker pursues his vocation as lay preacher for the Church of England. In the evening a large party of young people assembled at the residence of the bride's mother, Grove Road


... 4
1883 - 1973 Mary Emma Parker
- Mary did not marry


... 5
1887 - 1960 Violet Edna Parker
- Violet married John WRIGHT in 1915


... 6
1888 - 1971 Irene Vera 'Rene' Parker
- Irene married Charles Gray Campbell GEE (1883-1943) in 1911
- Charles was in partnership with Andrew Duncan McLaughlan as Land, Estate and General Commission Agents at Blenheim until 1915


... 7
1891 - 1973 Doris Winifred Parker
- Doris married Victor Andrew LOGAN (1889-1975) in 1915
- Victor was a Telegraph Operator in Blenheim


... 8
1894 - 1985 Gladys Maud Parker
- Gladys married Roy HOLDAWAY (1894-1966) in 1920
- son of John Frederick Ernest HOLDAWAY & Mary Ann Emma KIRBY



NOTES
19 Oct 1878
... Richard Watson Parker was nominated as a Candidate for Election as Conservator to supply an Extraordinary Vacany at the Lower Wairau District


10 March 1884
... Richard Watson Parker, storekeeper of Grove Road, was a witness in Court describing a drunken fight between James Andrill and Henry Sutherly


in November 1888
... Richard applied for parcel of land No 435, as did his brother, William Benoni Parker (1837-1911), youngest son


On 10 March 1890
... Eichard Watson Parker, Storekeeper of Blenheim, filed for Bankruptcy


30 Nov 1897
... Richard is on the jury in the Court case of Mills v Christchurch Press Company in a libel action. The other jurors were: John Annear, William Cumming, Robert Beatson (foreman), William Henry Buckman, Charles John Fulton, Robert March Harding, Harry Hillam, Edward Bayley Mabin, Edward Mead, Alexander Mowat & John Charles Poole


8 May 1899
... BLENHEIM this day - Richard Watson Parker, a storekeeper, 64 years of age, a very old resident of the district, died suddenly this morning from heart disease while engaged in turning some hay in a paddock

PARKER, Richard Watson
... It is our painful dity to-day to announce the death of Mr Richard Watson Parker, storekeeper, of Grove road, which occurred suddenly this morning. The deceased was engaged with Mr W. Mills, one of his employees, turning hay in his paddock in Hutcheson street. They were working at opposite ends of a row, intending to meet in the middle of the row, and on looking up Mr Mills saw that Mr Parker had fallen; and found on going over to him that he was quite dead. The cause of death was heart disease. Deceased was sixty-four years of age on the 4th inst., and had not been ailing to the time of his death. Yesterday he was out and about as usual.
Mr Parker first arrived in Marlborough in 1865 from Australia, and about 1866 embarked in partnersihp with his brother, Mr W. B. Parker, in the business of general storekeeper. The partnership was dissolved in 1883, the deceased keeping on the business, in which he has continued up to the present time. He was also connected as a contractor with the formation of the Blenheim-Awatere railway, but unfortunately, the venture did not turn out successfully.
Mr Parker did not actively engage in local politics, although he served two terms of office on the local River Board, during the second term occupying the office of Chairman of the Board. He was highly esteemed and respected for his many good qualities by a large circle of friends, who will extend their hearty sympathy to his widow and family of seven daughters in their sad bereavement.
In consequence of Mr Parker's death the social to have been held in Wesley hall on Wednesday evening, and also the meeting of the W.C.T.U. to-morrow, have been postponed


Richard is buried Plot 7, Block 12 at Omaka Cemetery
Alice died 11 January 1931 aged 77 & is buried with him


PHOTO
Edward Stone Parker
father of Richard Watson & William Benoni Parker

the FIRE at the ROYAL HOTEL 4 March 1915
info taken from various editions of the papers of the day via Papers Past

MAN BURNED TO DEATH
Nelson, March 4 1915
... They Royal Hotel, a three-storey wooden building in Bridge Street, owned by Dodson and Son, E. Cann licensee, was gutted early this morning. The flames in the back portion spread rapidly. Some of the inmates had only time to escape. It was found later that one boarder named F. Aitken, a seaman of the scow Oban, was missing, and his charred remains were found on the floor joists.
The insurances are: On the hotel £500 in the Standard Office, and £100 in the Alliance


ROYAL HOTEL GUTTED
Narrow Escapes
... One of the most serious fires that has occurred in the city for several years broke out at 1:30 this morning in the Royal Hotel in Bridge street. The fire was first noticed by Constables Berthelson and O'Donnell, who were some distance up the street, and who took prompt steps to arouse the inmates and give the alarm. While Constable Berthelson ran to the Central Fire Station and sounded the bell, Constable O'Donnell entered the building and assisted the staff and boarders to effect an escape. The occupants were unable to save any of their effects, getting out in their night attire,

The hotel was a three-storeyed structure of wood and very old, and the flames, which had a strong hold on the back portion when the fire was discovered, spread with great rapidity. Within a few minutes the whole place was a mass of flames. Those sleeping on the first and second floors had considerable difficulty in getting out of the building, and two of the servants wrre rescued with difficulty in a more or less exhausted condition.

The Fire Brigade responded to the call in record time, and had six leads of hose playing on the flames within a very few minuts. They were none too soon, however, and only by the greatest efforts were they able to confine the fire to the hotel and an unoccupied shop adjoining it.
Mr W. Wilkens' boarding establishment, on the eastern side of the hotel, was for some time in imminent danger, and the roof actually ignited several times. The firemen, however, were able to avert serious damage to this building. The contents of the premises were hurriedly removed, and Mr Wilkens no doubt sustained some loss in the shape of damaged furniture.
The premises of Mr G. A. Day, baker and refreshment room proprietor, on the other side of the burning buildings, were also in great danger for some time, and the contents suffered considerable damage by water.
While the fire was in progress it was ascertained that one of the persons sleeping in the hotel had not been accounted for. This was Frederick Aitkin, a seaman who stayed at the house occasionally, and who occupied bedroom No 4 last night. It was impossible for some time for the firemen to get near the room, the stairs and floors being burnt. When the flames had been sufficiently subdued Constable Berthelson and Fireman Guy ascended by a ladder to the window and they were able to distinguish a body lying across the joists which had supported the floor. A bundle on the ned aroused the fear that there had been two victims, but when the room was thoroughly searched it was found that this was not the case. The body was secured with difficulty and removed to the morgue. Aitkin, who was about 35 years of age, was a seamn on the scow Oban.
The hotel and the adjoining shop, which were completely gutted, were owned by Meessrs J. K. Dodson and Sons, the licensee of the former being Mr Edward Cann


IDENTITY OF THE VICTIM Friday, March 5, 1915
The Brigade's Good Work
... It transpires that the name of the unfortunate man who lost his life in the fire which destroyed the Royal Hotel early yesterday morning was Frederick Bloomfield, not Aitkin, as was stated yesterday. He was 47 years of age, and was a native of Australia. He had been working about the district for some time, and recently joined the crew of the scow Oban.
The good work performed by the Fire Brigade is the subject of general commendation. Under the command of Lieutenant Dee, the Brigade reached the scene of the fire within a very few minutes of the alarm being sounded, and aided by a splendid pressure of water and the absence of wind, soon established a mastery of the situation.
Messrs W. Wilkens and G. A. Day, the owners of the premises on either side of the buildings which were destroyed, have each forwarded to the Brigade a donation of £10 ($1,345 in 2012), in recognition of their services.
An inquest touching the death of Frederick Bloomfield, a victim of the Royal Hotel fire, was opened at the Courthouse yesterday afternoon before Mr J. S. Evans, Coroner.
Senior-Sergeant Barrett represented the police, and Mr C. J. Harley appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of Mr Duncan, the owner, and Mr E. Cann, the licensee of the premises
After the Coroner had viewed the body, Edward Cann was called, and stated that he was the licensee of the Royal Hotel. He knew the deceased and had identified the body at the morgue. The deceased was a lodger at the hotel. He first came to the hotel about a fortnight ago, but subsequently went away, returning again on Tuesday evening last. Witness knew nothing about him. The last time witness saw him was on the previous evening about 10 minutes to 10. The deceased was then going to bed, to romm No 4 on the top floor. He was perfectly sober, He had been to the pictures, and at half-time came in and had a drink and said he was going back. He had no more drink when he returned before 10 o'clock. Witness went to bed between 10.30 and 10.45. There were five lodgers in the house besides the staff of three females and one male. Witness then described the bedrooms on the upper floors and stated who occupied them. The room occupied by the deceased led out to the passage, and the doorway led out to the passage, and the doorway was about two yards from the fire escape, which led to the back yard. The fire escape was a wooden stairway, with handrails on either side as far as the second floor, from which there was a ladder, There was one window to the room, which looked out on to the kitchen roof, which was not more than 5ft from the window. The window was easily opened. A person could walk on the roof. He did not think there was a key in the door. There was a fairly wide landing on the top floor. He was awakened by Mrs Greaves, the waitress, screaming out. He partly dressed and rushed out, and found the passage full of smoke. He went down to see if the door was open and to find out who were out, and then returned. On his way he met Constable O'Donnell on the second floor.

At this stage the Coroner said it was necessary that a plan of the building should be produced.
Senior-Sergeant Barrett said that time had not permitted of that being done, and the inquest was then adjourned till Monday morning at 10.30


INQUEST ON THE VICTIM Monday, March 8, 1915
The Inquest Continues
... The adjourned inquest on the body of Frederick Bloomfied resumed.
Edward CANN, licensee of the Royal Hotel, continued his evidence. The fire escape near the room occupied by decased (No 4 on the top floor) was not destroyed by the fire. There was also a rope in a coil underneath the window by which he could have descended on the the roof of the kitchen. All rooms upstairs were provided with ropes, besides which there were two collapsible ladders and the back staircase. There were steel fire alarms on each floor, but they were not used on the morning of the fire. He believed that all the inmates were out of the hotel. He was told that a short man (whom he thought was deceased) was outside with Stewart and the barman, When he saw Stewart, the latter told him that deceased had not been with him. After the fire was partly got under he re-entered the building, accompanied by Police Constables Berthelson and O'Donnell, and pointed out deceased's room to them. Before he retired to bed he looked all round, and everything apparently safe.

BEATTIE, a lodger, who occupied No. 3 on the third floor, was the last to go to bed. There had been persons in the sitting-room on the ground floor during the evening. Smoking was allowed. The room occupied by deceased was on the third floor, directly above the sitting room. Between was an unoccupied bedroom on the second floor. The hotel appeared to be most burned from the sitting-room upwards. No hotel effects were saved, and witness got out with coat and trousers only on.

Amelia GREAVES, waitress at the Royal Hotel, stated that she retired to bed between 10 and 10.30 p.m. She was awakened by something falling, and on pulling the window curtains open saw flames and smoke. She occupied room 7 on the second floor. She awakened her two children, and then went out into the passage and called out "Fire!". There were no signs of fire or smoke in the passage. It all appeared outside the building. She then took her children downstairs and out into the street. She had time to save a quantity of her clothing

Richard T. E. ROBINSON, who was a lodger at the hotel on the night of the fire deposed that he occupied room No 5 on the third floor. He was awakened by his room mate (Kinzett, assistant barman) pulling him out of bed and telling him to get out of the building the best way be could. He picked up his clothes and went down the back fire escape. When he reached the passage leading to the fire escape he was met by smoke, which was coming from the back of the bulding. He did not know that room 4, which he had to pass to get out, was occupied. The fire appeared to be coming from the bar parlour, near the kitchen. The window sill of No 4 was on fire.

By Mr HARLEY: The ladder from the second floor to the gound was in position, and he got down easily

Campbell C. STEWART, a lodger at the hotel, said he occupied No. 3 room on the top floor. On the night of the fire he went to bed between a quarter to 10 and 10 o'clock. Bowden and Beattie were in the same room. He was awakened by Constable O'Donnell shouting "Fire!". He lit a candle and the room was full of smoke. He called his room mates and the three of them left together. The passage was full of smoke, and he could not distinguish anything. He groped his way to the staircase and then descended the stairs. He found the housemaid, Miss Delaney, on the floor in the passage, and tried to get her down, but she would not go. Someone came and took her out of his arms and downstairs ahead of him. There was no fire or smoke on the second floor. Deceased opened the door of witness's room and said "Good night, Billy" to the barman, and then went straight to his own room. There was nothing about the deceased to indicate that he had had liquor - judging by his voice, he was perfectly sober. After witness had been out of the building some time, Cann asked him if he had seen "Andy" (meaning the deceased) and he said he had not.

Leslie T. KINZETT, barman at the Royal Hotel, deposed that he retired at a few minutes past 10 o'clock. Deceased came into the bar during the interval at the pictures. He was sober. Witness was awakened by someone shouting "Fire!" and he roused his room mate, Robinson, and told him to get out as best he could. When witness escaped from his room the passage was full of smoke. He passed Constable O'Donnell at the head of the stairs. The constable asked him to carry the housemaid downstairs, which he did. Someone said that "Andy" was upstairs, and witness and Constable O'Donnell went back to try and find him. but they could not get far owing to the flames. Some time afterwards he went to the back of the hotel, but he did not notice whether it was in flames or not.

Comstbale O'DONNELL stated that he passed the Royal Hotel on his way to the Police Station about 1.20 a.m. and everything was then all right. He remained at the station about seven minutes, and then left with Constable Berthelson. When opposite Armstrong's shop, in Bridge street, witness saw smoke, which appeared to him to be about Horton's butcher shop. When they got to Wilkens's boarding-house two little boys came out of the front door of the Royal Hotel. He then noticed smoke in the building and went inside, while Constable Berthelson went to ring the firebell. He opened the back door and found the place in flames. There was no one about, and he rushed upstairs. He met a woman coming down with a bundle of clothes. He next met the licensee on the land and said "Let's get them out". Witness kept calling out "Fire!" All on the top floor appeared to be asleep, and the place was full of smoke. The lodgers came out of the rooms and went donwstairs. He knocked at some of the doors. The place was in complete darkness owing to the dense smoke, and he could not use his lamp. There were no sign of flames. Witness described the rescue of the housemaid. On going back into the building he met the licensee, and asked him if they were all out. He said he thought so, but shortly afterwards he said he had not seen Andy, but thought Kinzett had. Witness went and asked Kinzett if he had seen him and he said he thought he had. They looked for him, and could not find him. They tried to get upstairs again, but could not do so owing to fire and smoke. Witness did not know which room was occupied by the deceased. Had he known the deceased was near the fire escape he would have tried to get him out. He told two firemen that he thought here was a man upstairs. When the flames were got under, witness, with Constables Berthelson and Wade, Fireman Guy, and the licensee went upstairs. Mr Cann pointed out the room the deceased was supposed to be in. Constable Berthelson and Fireman Guy looked through the doorway and saw the body on the floor. Witness described how the body was recovered.

By Mr HARLEY: He heard no sound from what he now knew was room No. 4. He heard no one else call "Fire!" nor any calls for help. All he heard was the screams of the housemaid

At this stage the inquest was adjourned until 2.30 p.m. to-day


INQUEST ON THE VICTIM Tuesday, March 9, 1915
The Conclusion of Evidence
... The inquest on Frederick Bloomfield, the victim of the Royal Hotel fire last Thursday morning, was concluded.
Constable BERTHELSON deposed that after ringing the firebell, he returned to the fire by which time the first reel had arrived. About a quarter of an hour afterwards he went to the back of the hotel, which was in flames and found one lead of hose playing on it. A man could have ascended the fire escape, but could not have got into the building. Volumes of smoke were coming out of No. 4 (the room occupied by the deceased). Flames were coming out of the door at the head of the fire escape, which descended on to the kitchen roof. Flames were also coming out of the windows. It was rumoured that there was a man in the building, and as soom as it was possible he went into the building with Fireman Guy. They found the charred remains of a body in romm No 4.

Joseph NESBITT, Fire Brigade foreman, stated that he went to the station immediately after hearing the alarm, and it was not more than 5 minutes after hearing the alarm that he arrived at the scene of the fire with the reel. Fireman Warren met him at the station. Within 3 minutes of their arrival at the scene of the fire they had water playing on the building. Flames were then coming out of the western side of the hotel over the unoccupied shop, but none out of the front of the hotel. He did not inquire whether there was anyone in the building as he was engrossed in getting the water started. It was perhaps 10 minutes before he went out the back of the hotel. He found Foreman Stewart attempting to get a lead of hose up the fire escape, but he had to give it up. The seat of the fire appeared to be near the kitchen. From the position of deceased's body on the floor, witness should say he had died without a struggle and had rolled off the bed on to the floor.

By Mr HARLEY: He did not hear any cries for help. There was a splendid pressure of water

Robert WARREN, fireman, deposed that from the time he was awakened by the bell till the water was playing on the fire was about 7 minutes. He went in the passage of the hotel immediately and heard someone say "There's a man inside". He ascended the stairs halfway to the first floor with the hose, but was forced back by the smoke. He did not see anyone leaving the premises. When he got outside the building he heard someone say it was only a rumour about the man being upstairs.

Crozier GUY, acting-foreman of the Fire Brigade, who resides in Waimea street, near Snow's Hill, deposed that he went to the fire on foot and when he got there the back part of the hotel was in flames. After he had been at the fire half an hour he was told by Lieutenant Dee that there was a man in a room upstairs. Witness detailed the steps taken to recover the body. In his opinion, deceased had been partly awakened, had struggled out of bed, suffocated by smoke, and on being so, fell on the floor

Cosier GUY, acting-formean of the Fire Brigade on the night of the fire, deposed that he was at the fire within 3 mintues of hearing the alarm. There was a reel there then. He detailed the steps taken to suppress the fire. He had been in and out of the building (downstairs) several times before he was told that there was a man in the building. There was nothing definite then - it was only suppisition. On hearing the rumour he inquired for the landlord. and found him with Sergeant Barrett in the centre of the road. Witness inquired as to the position of the room the man was supposed to be in, and Mr Cann pointed it out to him. He immediately sent Fireman Guy and King to report; He should think it was from about a quarter of an hour to 20 minutes after he got there that he heard about the man being in the upstaris room. There was then no chance of getting to the room occupied by the deceased. The police or the occupier of the premises usually informed the officers in charge of the Brigade if there was anyone in the building and then the firemen would direct their efforts toward saving life.

John FITZGERALD, clerk of the Licensing Committee, produced the minutes of proceedings of the last annual meeting of the Nelson Licensing COmmittee and the police report on the Royal Hotel, which included extracts from Inspector Coltman's report on the same building.
This concluded the evidence and the Coroner intimated that he would take time to consider his verdict


THE ROYAL HOTEL FIRE Friday, March 12, 1915
The Coroner's Verdict
... The Coroner, Mr J. S. Evans, S.M., gave his verdict in connection with the death of Frederick Bloomfield, the victim of the Royal Hotel fire on March 4th. He said:- "The circumstances surrounding this unfortunate fatality call for some remarks from me in view of the history of this particular house. For some years reports more or less adverse have been made to the Licensing Committee in respect of this house, though no objections have been lodged against the renewal of the license. The license has been in existance for some years. The adverse reports have been in regard to the structural arrangements of the house. It is a three-storey building. The passages and stairways were somehwat narrow. The building was old and the timber dry, consequently the inflammability of the building was increased. Repairs have from time to time been ordered and carried out. In particular the fire escapes have been under supervision. There was an outside fire escape from the top storey on to the roof at the back on the level of the second floor, and from there to the ground in the back yard. There were also ropes from all the windows on both storeys. These were in good order at the last meeting of the Licensing Committee, and they were also in good order at the time of the fire.
Attached to the report of the inspectof of licensed premises at the last annual meeting of the committee was a report from the Department of Public Health, recommending the Licensing Committee to condemn the building as being unsafe. The report of the inspector of licensed premises was as follows:- "Three storeyed wooden building, very old, fairly furnished, clean, fire escapes provided"
It is not the function of the Licensing Committee to condemn buildings and they have no power to do so. They might have power under section 10-3 of the Act to refuse the grant of a license for a building which from structural defects might be dangerous in case of fire, but their power to refuse the grant of a license is more extensive than their power ro refuse the renewal of a license already in existence. The grounds upon which they may refuse the renewal of a license are set out in section 109 of the Licensing Act. The section is as follows:- The objections that may be taken to the renewal of a license may be one or any of the following
... read more

The facts elicited in this case show quite conclusively that the structural defect of the house had nothing to do with the death of this unfortunate man. If he had been awake or wakened when the alarm of fire was given he would have had the best chance of escaping, as his room was immediately at the head of the back fire escapes. This fire escape was not destroyed by fire, though it was charred to some extent. While the fire was at its height a lead of hose was taken up this escape and played on the room occupied by the deceased. The evidence also shows that everyone in the building simply rushed to save himself, without giving much attention to alarming other persons. One inmate in escaping found a housemaid in a state of collapse at the head of the stairs on the top floor and assisted her to escape with the help of of Constable O'Donnell. There was a fire alarm on each floor, but no one sounded it. No muster was attempted of the boarders who had escaped from the building and though there was a general rumour that a man was still upstairs, the officers of the Fire Brigade were not informed until the fire had a complete hold on the building. There appears to have been a considerable amount of smoke in the building, but no fire for some time. The deceased seems to have been on his feet, and was overcome presumably by smoke. I am well aware that one cannot expect persons in such circumstances to have all their wits alert at a time like that, and I cannot lay criminal negligence to the charge of anyone, but it appears to me from the evidence that there should have been time to give more warning, and there was sufficient reason to apprehend that someone was missing, and to have informed the Fire Brigade officers much earlier than was done.

I find that the deceased met his death in a fire in the Royal Hotel on the morning of the 4th day of March, 1915, and that his death was not due to any defect in the fire escapes in the hotel. As a rider I would recommend that properly equipped fire alarm bells should be provided in all hotels capable of being sounded from each floor"


Frederick Bloomfied is buried:
PLOT 024, BLOCK 17, Church of England Area at Wakapuaka Cemetery



PHOTO
NELSON FIRE BRIGADE c1880-1920

also read the story of Customs and tariffs (1840-1940)

from the Daily Southern Cross, 7 February 1863
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

The following persons have been duly licensed to act as Custom House Agents at the Ports of Auckland, Russell and Mongonui, for the year ending 31st December 1863:

• Asher ASHER (1823-1899), Shortland-street, Central Auckland
* on 27 April 1847 at her residence, Shortland-street, the wife of Mr Asher Asher, of a son
* 11 April 1851 the Annual Licensing Day at Auckland, new applicant: Asher Asher, Commercial Inn, Shortland-street
* 20 Feb 1899 the DEATH of ASHER ASHER - took place at Tauranga on Thursday last after a short illness, in his 77th year. The late gentleman arrived in Auckland in 1846 where he resided for some years in business. He was the founder and first Superintendent of the Auckland Fire Brigade, which was also the first in the colony. He leaves an aged widow and large family to mourn his loss ... more


• John Watson BAIN (1822-1867), Queen street
* 29 June 1850 We are gratified to learn from the Report of the Minister for Foreign Relations, read before the King of the Hawaiian Legislature on the end of April, that our esteemed townsman John Watson Bain, Esq., has been appointed His Majesty's Consul for the Islands of New Zealand
* 17 Dec 1867 One of the most prominent of our citizens, Mr John Watson Bain, has gone to his long home. The deceased gentleman had been ill and confined to his house for about a week, and died on Tuesday from congestion of the liver. Mr Bain was an old Auckland citizen, and at one time held a leading position as one of the principal merchants of Auckland ... more


• BROWN, HALL and Co., Lower Queen street


• Ernest Louis BUCHOLZ (1839-1876), Custom House street
- Ernest was from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
* 2 Oct 1863 Louis Bucholz, Esq., of Auckland is recognised as consul for Denmark for New Zealand
* on 26 Jan 1864 at St Peter's Church, Wellington by the Rev Arthur Stock, B.A., Ernest Louis Bucholz, Esq., merchant, Auckland, to Ellen, second daughter of the late P. M. Murch, Esq., Wellington
* 8 Oct 1864 Ernest Louis Bucholz to be Ensign of the Auckland Militia. His Excellencey has accepted that Ernest Louis Bucholz, Esq., become Consular Agent of the Belgian Consul
* 14 August 1867 Mr Ernest Louis Bucholz is appointed Italian Consular at Auckland
* 3 Oct 1868 The Queen has approved of Mr Ernest Louis Bucholz as consul at Auckland for the North German Confederation
* 1869 - 1870 Ernest Louis Bucholz, in the Cambridge, Waikato, rates assessment list, paid 2 pence an acre on 2,000 acres - totalling £160 13s 4d (equivalent to $21,000 in 2012). He had a General Store in Duke Street, Cambridge until 1872
* On the 19 June 1876 at half-past five, at his residence, Glenburn, Auckland, Ernest Louis Bucholz, German Consul, aged 39 years. The death of Mr Bucholz demands more than the ordinary obituary notice at our hands. This gentleman expired at his residence of epilepsy, after an intermittent illness of long duration, For 14 years Mr Bucholz has represented the German Government in Auckland, having held the office of German Consul ever since his first arrival. For many years he was the Auckland partner of the firm of Krull and Co., Auckland and Wellington and afterwards he carried on the business of importer of German wines etc, in his own name, Two years ago, in consequence of failing health, he transferred his business to Messrs Kummer and Co. He leaves a wife and several children ... an obituary
* the Funeral


• Joseph COOMBE, Lower Queen street


• COMBES and DALDY, Lower Queen street


• Charles DAVIS, Lower Queen street


• Charles Wesley DRURY, Mongonui
* on 12 Feb 1863 at St Marys Church, Parnell, Auckland, By Rev Thomas Chapman, Charles Wesley Drury to Albertina Williamina HILL
* 31 March 1881 FIJI NEWS - his Excellency the Governor has appointed Mr Charles Wesley Drury to be Warden of Levuka and Chairman of the School Board l


• Samuel John EDMONDS (1824-1888), Lower Queen street


• GILFILLAN and Co, Lower Queen street


• Walter GRAHAM, Fort street


• George Samuel GRAHAM (1835-1900), Fort street


• Christopher Atwell HARRIS (1823-1891), Lower Queen street
* 4 Sep 1903 OBITUARY of his son Mr Christopher Atwell Harris who was born in Carleton Gore-road, Grafton in 1848 and died at his residence, Jermyn-street (now Anzac Ave), Auckland


• Shirley Whitfield HILL (1835-1908), Lower Queen street
... held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, 1 folder of Shirley Whitfield Hill [draft copy, unsigned]: ... Declaration by Shirley Whitfield Hill, Customs Agent; Charles Cooper, Stationer; and John Dawson, Gentleman, all of Auckland, acknowledging and declaring that they hold the lands set out in the First and Second Schedules for the purposes set out in the said Schedules, namely Lot 6 and part of Lot 36 of the subdivision of Allotment 4 of Section 10, Suburbs of Auckland, Parish of Waitemata, County of Eden, to be held as sites for the erection of a Vicarage, Sunday School and Parish Hall for the Parish of St. Barnabas.
* former Costley Training Institute ... Commencing in 1844, land in present-day Grey Lynn and Westmere (well beyond the formal extent of the colonial town) was auctioned. In 1884, the 1845 Crown Grant for Allotments 40 and 41 of Section 8 became subsumed within the Surrey Hills Estate, an extensive low-cost suburban subdivision promoted by the Auckland Agricultural Company a venture linked with large Waikato land interests. A seven-lot parcel was purchased in Richmond Road in 1885 by William Crush Daldy (c.1815-1903), Shirley Whitfield Hill (1849?-1908) and Theodore Minet Haultain (1817-1902) as trustees for the proposed Costley Training Institution. The three trustees were official visitors of the Auckland Industrial School where they had conducted an inquiry in 1883
- Shirley married Isabella Mary LUSK in 1859 & had at least 4 children (3 daughters)


• William HOBSON, Shortland street


• Alexander HOGG, Queen street


• Robert HORNE, Shortland street


• George Sargent JAKINS (1839-1928), Lower Queen street
* 23 August 1928 The death is announced of Mr George Sargent Jakins, aged 89 years, at his late residence, St Stephen's Avenue, Parnell. He was a son of the late Dr I. N. Jakins, Osnaburgh Street, London and brother of Dr Percy Jakins, Harley Street, London and was born on April 20, 1839. He came to New Zealand and settled in Auckland on December 20, 1839, having come out in the barque Neurmahal, on which the Rev Hudson was also a passenger. Mr Jakins had his first Christmas dinner with the Hudson family, at Mahurangi and New Years dinner with the Whitsons, afterwards brewers, known as Whitson and Co. He obtained a situation as salesman in the firm of Owen and Graham. In May 1863, he married the youngest daughter of the Rev John Hobbs, (Eliza) an early missionary. He then started for himself in business, afterwards joining Samuel Edmonds, as general merchants in Queen Street ... read more


• Henry Mahon JERVIS (1820-1901), Lower Queen street
- Henry married Ellen DODDS in 1854 and they had 10 children
* 21 April 1928 Mrs H. M. Jervis - A unique and interesting gathering in the form of a birthday party was held on Thursday at the home of Mrs Hawea Rees in honour of Mrs Henry Mahon Jervis, who on that day attained the great age of 96 years. Relatives and intimate friends of Mrs Jervis were present. Mrs Jervis was the recipient of many congratulations from all parts of the Dominion. It is of interest to note that four generations of Mrs Jervis' family and also four generations of Mrs Felix McGuire's family were present at the function.
Mrs Jervis is the widow of one of Auckland's well-known citizens of the early days. Mr Henry Mahon Jervis, who came to New Zealand at the inauguration of agricultural settlemnet in this colony. He took part in the founding of Wellington, New Plymouth, Wanganui and Nelson. Mr Jervis came to Auckland soon after it was founded by Governor Hobson, and was at one time a partner in the firm of L. D. Nathan. Retiring from that firm, he was agent for various shipping lines and had a good deal to do with the promotion of trading with the Fiji Islands.
Mrs Jervis was born in Sydney, Australia in 1832, and when she arrived in Auckland as a young girl of 17, the seafront was near the foot of Shortland Street, and she used to cross the gully up Queen street by a handrail wooden bridge. Mrs Jervis is still wonderfully well in health, and during her long residence here has witnessed the growth of the present city from a mere village on the waterfront
* 18 April 1933 To-morrow Mrs Henry Mahon Jervis of Auckland, one of the oldest persons in New Zealand, will celebrate her 101st birthday
* 11 July 1933 the death occurred today in an Auckland private hospital of a very old resident, Mrs Ellen Jervis, in her 102nd year


• Stannus JONES, Queen street
- from NZETC 1902 ... Mr. Stannus Jones was a Member of the Auckland City Council from 1871 to 1874. He was formerly an auctioneer in Auckland, but now resides in France. It was he who induced the Corporation to lay out the Western Park


• Edward LEYLAND (1829-1891), Shortland street
- born in Halifax Yorkshire in 1829, he was a son of Francis Alexander LEYLAND & Susanna SWALLOW. He married Emma HUGHES at Scarborough in Dec 1855, had at least 6 children, some prior to arriving in Auckland and he died 8 Feb 1891 in East Clive, Napier
on March 1879 at St John's Church, Napier, by the Rev De Berdt Hovell, John Edward, eldest son of Edward Leyland, Esq., East Clive, to Louisa Bertha, third daughter of J. L. Subritzky, Esq., J.P., Ohora, Mongonui


• Thomas Henry MABIN (1837-1904), Lower Queen street
* 21 May 1869 CORONER'S INQUEST - The adjourned inquest respecting the death by drowning of Richard Fleming took place on Tuesday at the Delta Hotel, Ngaruawahia, before B. C. Beales, Esq., Coroner.
... Thomas Henry Mabin deposed; I am a storekeeper in Ngaruawahia. I have known deceased about twelve months. He was in my employ as storeman, with a share of the profits ...
* 3 Feb 1905 In loving memory of Thomas Henry Mabin, aged 67 years, the beloved father of Mrs B. M. Salmon, who died at the Wellington Hospital on February 3, 1904
Oh, why should the spirit of mortal be proud
Like a swift-flitting meteor, a fast-flying cloud
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave
Man passes from life to his rest in the grave


• OWEN and GRAHAM, Lower Queen street


• Philip Aaron PHILIPS, corner Queen and Shortland streets
- from The History of the Jews in New Zealand ... With the numbers in the community steadily growing larger, the appointment of a permanent minister and Shohet became imperative, and in 1864 the congregation elected the Rev. Moses Elkin, a very pious and zealous man who retained his powers of patience and persuasion in spite of the difficulties under which he laboured. After ten years' service in the community, he succeeded in persuading nearly all of the Jewish shopkeepers in Auckland to close their premises on the Sabbath. Philip Aaron Philips, the President of the congregation co-operated with him to achieve this triumph. As mayor of the city he persuaded his fellow councillors to change Auckland's market day from Saturday to Friday. It helped the Jews to attend the synagogue. Handicapped by a shortage of funds, Elkin bravely conducted both the Hebrew School and the Sabbath School ...


• Edward RICH (1804-1879), Shortland street
* 29 Jan 1879 Edward Rich, a settler of 40 years standing, died suddenly of apoplexy on 27th January 1879. The Funeral will leave his late residence, Baker-street at 3 o'clock this day. Friends please accept this invitation


• George RIDINGS, Queen street Wharf
* 13 Nov 1863 George RIDINGS Wine & Spirit Merchant, Seller of Ales


• Richard RIDINGS (1808-1868), Queen street
* 16 Oct 1868 An old and respected colonist has passed away. Richard Ridings, Esq. (for the last quarter of a century a leading man in Auckland society and commercial circles), expired at his residence, Symonds-street, after a somewhat protracted illness, yesterday morning. The deceased gentleman arrived in Auckland rather more thatn 25 years ago, and for some little time after his arrival entered the Government service in the post office department. Subsequently he entered into business with the late William Connell, Esq., the firm of Connell and Ridings maintaining the first position as auctioneers until the death of Mr Commell, when Mr Ridings retired from business and left Auckland on a visit to the mother country, from whence he returned after two years' absence, Mr Ridings - who was as much esteemed for his uprightness and integrity as a man of business as for his urbane and kindly disposition - held, till within a few weeks of his death, the office of a director in two of the local companies - the Bank of New Zealand and the New Zealand Insurance Company - in the formation of which institutions he had taken an active part, and in the management of which his voice carried no little weight. Both institutions were closed yesterday afternoon, as a tribute of respect to his memory. Nor was it as a business man alone that Mr Ridings won the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. Those of his friends who had opportunities of seeing him in private life, will concur with us in saying that there are few, if any, amongst us who surpassed him in unostentatious acts of benevolence. No appeal, we believe, was ever made to him in vain on behalf of suffering humanity, and many are the sick beds and destitute homes that have been cheered by the instrumentality of himself and his amiable partner, who shared with him the luxury of doing good, and who will have now, in her time of trouble, the warmest sympathy of many firends. Mr Ridings was in the 61st year of his age.


• John ROBERTSON, Queen street


• Charles STEPHENSON, Lower Queen street


• John WILLIAMS, Lower Queen street


• Charles Berry WAETFORD (1806-1879), Russell
- Charles was born in London to Richard WAETFORD & Patty BERRY. He married Heeni Te-Ihi 'Jane' CLARK (1825-1890 born Hoko) in Waihapu on 24 Nov 1861, daughter of Captain David CLARK & Hui Pete PATUWHAKAIRI, and had at least 6 children in Russell


PHOTO
EARLY CUSTOMS HOUSE Auckland
The small store in the foreground served as the customs house for Auckland when customs duties were first introduced in 1841
from the Auckland City Library