Thursday, January 26
A century-plus of garden experience
Manaia's David and Michael Self have about 110 years of gardening experience between them – and no desire to head inside just yet.
David Self, Michael's father, started gardening in England in 1938, before he had even started school.
When his parents died it became a way for him and his siblings to survive.
"After my parents died, wherever we went my brother and I had a garden," he says. "When I was 14 I was allowed three-quarters of an acre of land (300 sqm) to keep bantams."
He also bred mice and small game for sale as well as growing and selling produce.
After emigrating to New Zealand he studied at Lincoln University before farming until he could raise enough money for a piece of dirt to call his own.
"I earned enough money to buy this five acres (2ha) and moved here in 1959," he says.
His three children all learnt to garden alongside him, helping to grow and sell plants on a regular basis.
Michael took to it like a duck to water.
"He started out in the garden as soon as he could move," David Self says.
"He would fill little pots for me and later on he always helped as the other two [children] did."
It's been a special saviour for David Self, even as his years of hard selling may have come to an end.
A health scare in England last year while visiting family spurred him to get back into the garden after a time of less activity.
"I sat down one day and ordered some seeds and it's been my saviour."
He stills sells at the Hawera Town Square markets on a Saturday and this year, Michael frequently joins him.
"I've been in and out of the nursery over the years but this year I decided to get back into it,"the younger Mr Self says.
Michael is the feature of several Lotto advertisements – notably one featuring him as tramp who is given a winning Lotto ticket by a grateful dog – and hosts a gardening show on Sky TV.
They recently celebrated their 110th combined year in gardening.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:39 26/01/2012
PETRA FINER
Self-starters: David and Michael Self still love gardening.
South Taranaki Star
David Self, Michael's father, started gardening in England in 1938, before he had even started school.
When his parents died it became a way for him and his siblings to survive.
"After my parents died, wherever we went my brother and I had a garden," he says. "When I was 14 I was allowed three-quarters of an acre of land (300 sqm) to keep bantams."
He also bred mice and small game for sale as well as growing and selling produce.
After emigrating to New Zealand he studied at Lincoln University before farming until he could raise enough money for a piece of dirt to call his own.
"I earned enough money to buy this five acres (2ha) and moved here in 1959," he says.
His three children all learnt to garden alongside him, helping to grow and sell plants on a regular basis.
Michael took to it like a duck to water.
"He started out in the garden as soon as he could move," David Self says.
"He would fill little pots for me and later on he always helped as the other two [children] did."
It's been a special saviour for David Self, even as his years of hard selling may have come to an end.
A health scare in England last year while visiting family spurred him to get back into the garden after a time of less activity.
"I sat down one day and ordered some seeds and it's been my saviour."
He stills sells at the Hawera Town Square markets on a Saturday and this year, Michael frequently joins him.
"I've been in and out of the nursery over the years but this year I decided to get back into it,"the younger Mr Self says.
Michael is the feature of several Lotto advertisements – notably one featuring him as tramp who is given a winning Lotto ticket by a grateful dog – and hosts a gardening show on Sky TV.
They recently celebrated their 110th combined year in gardening.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:39 26/01/2012
PETRA FINER
Self-starters: David and Michael Self still love gardening.
South Taranaki Star
Wednesday, January 25
Variety show comeback for theatre
The raising of an old tradition will see the Hawera Memorial Theatre receive a much-needed facelift.
Variety Shows are something that were once a regular in the theatre but haven't been held in at least a decade, says theatre manager Russ Standing but he is hoping to get them going again to raise funds for a theatre redecoration project.
"Every cent raised will go towards the refurbishment of the theatre," he says.
"We are hoping to get everybody involved."
Mr Standing says he hopes to see schools and community groups putting acts together for upcoming auditions.
"I don't know what's going to show up at the auditions."
There is no need to book a time to audition, Mr Standing says groups or individuals should just turn up when they are ready to audition.
He would like this to be the first of many annual variety shows the theatre will host going into the future.
"We want to make a difference and encourage the whole community to be involved in the performing arts in some way," he says.
"We are hoping to do this every year, it will help us to put the theatre on the map."
A lot of changes are coming for the memorial theatre and it's more than just a lick of paint.
Now guarded by the Hawera Memorial Theatre Friends Trust, Mr Standing says they intend to champion excellence in the performing arts, provide facilities that are second to none and ensure that South Taranaki's theatrical talent and audiences are not disadvantaged or diminished by relative isolation.
To do this, they have ramped up the amount of lighting in the theatre and will be updating the decor to include huge portraits of performers that have graced it's stage such as Dame Malvina Major, Eddie Low and the cast of performances such as Les Miserables.
There will be a new stage lighting facility, the grand curtain – currently the theatre's original from opening around 50 years ago – will be replaced as well as the stage blacks and smother cloth. A new PA sound system is on the cards as is sponsored community use of the theatre.Auditions take place this Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 8pm at the Memorial Theatre, Albion Street, Hawera. The variety show will run from April 14 to 21 next year.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER-SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:44 01/12/2011
Russ
Kelly Loney
Hawera Memorial Theatre manager Russ Standing.
Variety Shows are something that were once a regular in the theatre but haven't been held in at least a decade, says theatre manager Russ Standing but he is hoping to get them going again to raise funds for a theatre redecoration project.
"Every cent raised will go towards the refurbishment of the theatre," he says.
"We are hoping to get everybody involved."
Mr Standing says he hopes to see schools and community groups putting acts together for upcoming auditions.
"I don't know what's going to show up at the auditions."
There is no need to book a time to audition, Mr Standing says groups or individuals should just turn up when they are ready to audition.
He would like this to be the first of many annual variety shows the theatre will host going into the future.
"We want to make a difference and encourage the whole community to be involved in the performing arts in some way," he says.
"We are hoping to do this every year, it will help us to put the theatre on the map."
A lot of changes are coming for the memorial theatre and it's more than just a lick of paint.
Now guarded by the Hawera Memorial Theatre Friends Trust, Mr Standing says they intend to champion excellence in the performing arts, provide facilities that are second to none and ensure that South Taranaki's theatrical talent and audiences are not disadvantaged or diminished by relative isolation.
To do this, they have ramped up the amount of lighting in the theatre and will be updating the decor to include huge portraits of performers that have graced it's stage such as Dame Malvina Major, Eddie Low and the cast of performances such as Les Miserables.
There will be a new stage lighting facility, the grand curtain – currently the theatre's original from opening around 50 years ago – will be replaced as well as the stage blacks and smother cloth. A new PA sound system is on the cards as is sponsored community use of the theatre.Auditions take place this Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 8pm at the Memorial Theatre, Albion Street, Hawera. The variety show will run from April 14 to 21 next year.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER-SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:44 01/12/2011
Russ
Kelly Loney
Hawera Memorial Theatre manager Russ Standing.
Pastor floored by theatre history
A few years back Pastor Mark Trewavas, of the Hawera Assembly of God Church, mentioned to me that they were going to re-carpet their church, formerly the Regent Theatre.
"Why not cut up the old carpet and sell it off in carpet squares," I suggested. "This would give the locals a bit of memorabilia and be a good fundraising venture for the church to help fund the new carpet."
It was an idea Pastor Mark went for.
The carpet, a thick pile Axminster bearing the New Zealand fernleaf pattern, was laid 56 years ago when the Regent Theatre was first opened on Friday, April 22, 1955 by the mayor of Hawera, Mr FW Finer.
The first movie shown on the giant screen, which measured 37 feet by 20 feet and could show films in either cinemascope or vistavision, was White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
During the next few weeks movie goers watched Bob Hope in Casanova's Big Night; Paul Douglas in The Maggie; Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina; Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront; Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings in Dial M For Murder.
These were the days before television and the number one entertainment was going to the pictures, and I bet everyone who has gone to the Regent can tell a story, most of which are unprintable. The most common tale was the rolling of Jaffas down the sloped wooden floor under the seats.
In those good old days you had to stand for the national anthem before the movies started and the strict ushers used to shine their torches in your face for putting your feet up or talking.
Remember Mrs Goodey, who used to look after the kiosk in the 60s and 70s? She could roll a hollow ice-cream that was as hard as ice and stuck to your tongue. But she would always say "thank you" in her sharp voice as she took your pennies.
And then there were the boys who brought around the ice cream trays at half time. I was always in the cheap seats downstairs and by the time the boys had done upstairs there were never any left.
Getting a ticket in the 697-seat theatre was also a mission, especially if it was a Clint Eastwood cowboy movie, with people lined up to Union St corner. Reserved seats for the big blockbusters were a must.
It was also a place for the first date: a night at the pictures and a rum-and-coke at the Bamboo or a cup of tea at Victoria Cafe.
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The Royal Hotel was just one door down from the theatre so film-goers could pop in to the Royal for a quick 7oz beer at half-time. The Royal was later pulled down to make way for the TSB Bank.
Then there was the night that Paul McCann, who had been collecting moths for a least a week, let them go. The moths flew towards the light, causing an uproar and putting the theatre staff in a panic.
And a word of warning: don't fall asleep in the theatre or your mates will leave you there. That's what happened to Wayne Collins in the early 70s, but luckily for Wayne the projectionist was working late and let him out.
There was one big bloke, who used to go on a regular basis, who was so big that they had to take out a seat partition to get him seated. It was his special seat that no one dared to take.
They were strict on age classifications. I remember getting my older sister Margaret to buy my ticket to Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster (R13), only to be thrown-out part-way through for being underage. No refund in those days.
The original doors, which were armour-plated glass with the name Regent Theatre sandblasted on, now have a new home, hanging on Councillor Mike Powell's bunker in his back garden. It would be a handy place to be if World War III broke out.
The theatre finally closed on February 31, 1987.
To have a piece of the 1950s, call in to the church office, the old Regent Theatre, and choose a carpet square, any shape or size, with the starting price of $30.
- © Fairfax NZ News BY CLIFF HUNT- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:54 08/12/2011
CLIFF HUNT
Mark Trewavas, of the Hawera Aseembly of God, with a part of the torn-up carpet.
"Why not cut up the old carpet and sell it off in carpet squares," I suggested. "This would give the locals a bit of memorabilia and be a good fundraising venture for the church to help fund the new carpet."
It was an idea Pastor Mark went for.
The carpet, a thick pile Axminster bearing the New Zealand fernleaf pattern, was laid 56 years ago when the Regent Theatre was first opened on Friday, April 22, 1955 by the mayor of Hawera, Mr FW Finer.
The first movie shown on the giant screen, which measured 37 feet by 20 feet and could show films in either cinemascope or vistavision, was White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
During the next few weeks movie goers watched Bob Hope in Casanova's Big Night; Paul Douglas in The Maggie; Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina; Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront; Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings in Dial M For Murder.
These were the days before television and the number one entertainment was going to the pictures, and I bet everyone who has gone to the Regent can tell a story, most of which are unprintable. The most common tale was the rolling of Jaffas down the sloped wooden floor under the seats.
In those good old days you had to stand for the national anthem before the movies started and the strict ushers used to shine their torches in your face for putting your feet up or talking.
Remember Mrs Goodey, who used to look after the kiosk in the 60s and 70s? She could roll a hollow ice-cream that was as hard as ice and stuck to your tongue. But she would always say "thank you" in her sharp voice as she took your pennies.
And then there were the boys who brought around the ice cream trays at half time. I was always in the cheap seats downstairs and by the time the boys had done upstairs there were never any left.
Getting a ticket in the 697-seat theatre was also a mission, especially if it was a Clint Eastwood cowboy movie, with people lined up to Union St corner. Reserved seats for the big blockbusters were a must.
It was also a place for the first date: a night at the pictures and a rum-and-coke at the Bamboo or a cup of tea at Victoria Cafe.
Ad Feedback
The Royal Hotel was just one door down from the theatre so film-goers could pop in to the Royal for a quick 7oz beer at half-time. The Royal was later pulled down to make way for the TSB Bank.
Then there was the night that Paul McCann, who had been collecting moths for a least a week, let them go. The moths flew towards the light, causing an uproar and putting the theatre staff in a panic.
And a word of warning: don't fall asleep in the theatre or your mates will leave you there. That's what happened to Wayne Collins in the early 70s, but luckily for Wayne the projectionist was working late and let him out.
There was one big bloke, who used to go on a regular basis, who was so big that they had to take out a seat partition to get him seated. It was his special seat that no one dared to take.
They were strict on age classifications. I remember getting my older sister Margaret to buy my ticket to Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster (R13), only to be thrown-out part-way through for being underage. No refund in those days.
The original doors, which were armour-plated glass with the name Regent Theatre sandblasted on, now have a new home, hanging on Councillor Mike Powell's bunker in his back garden. It would be a handy place to be if World War III broke out.
The theatre finally closed on February 31, 1987.
To have a piece of the 1950s, call in to the church office, the old Regent Theatre, and choose a carpet square, any shape or size, with the starting price of $30.
- © Fairfax NZ News BY CLIFF HUNT- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:54 08/12/2011
CLIFF HUNT
Mark Trewavas, of the Hawera Aseembly of God, with a part of the torn-up carpet.
Mailbox gets civic treatment
One of Hawera's longest serving residents has had a facelift after retiring.
The 112-year-old Penfold hexagonal letterbox located on the corners of High and Victoria streets was decommissioned on June 30 this year and ownership passed to the South Taranaki District Council.
Its long-awaited repaint pleases local historian Arthur Fryer who has always had an interest in the postbox.
`That's an object close to my heart," he says.
Mr Fryer says he realised more than a year ago that it was in deep need of a paint job in appropriate colours. While he knew its time as an in-service mailbox was limited, he didn't want to see it moved and replaced with something of less character.
"My worry was the postbox would be taken away and replaced by a wooden one that doesn't have any character.
"I believe it gives character to High Street. It's an object that's worth preserving."
South Taranaki District Council property and facilities manager John Sargeant says the council was happy to take over responsibility for the Penfold and will be putting up a plaque noting its history early next year.
"We have got to work out some wording and then we will have a plaque to recognise the history and tell people that it's actually not working anymore."
He says it's been special for the council to see the postbox painted and taken care of.
"It's huge. What council stands for is the community," he says.
"That letterbox has seen the community grow for well over 100 years.
"It's seen Taranaki grow from a small pioneering few scattered villages, to what it is now and it's never been changed."
He says as a stamp collector he knows some stamps from the early 1900s are valuable, which is partly why the iconic letterbox needed to be revamped in a respectful manner.
"It symbolises New Zealand growing up."
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 14:42 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera's 112-year-old Penfold letterbox has had an upgrade after being de-commissioned earlier this year.
The 112-year-old Penfold hexagonal letterbox located on the corners of High and Victoria streets was decommissioned on June 30 this year and ownership passed to the South Taranaki District Council.
Its long-awaited repaint pleases local historian Arthur Fryer who has always had an interest in the postbox.
`That's an object close to my heart," he says.
Mr Fryer says he realised more than a year ago that it was in deep need of a paint job in appropriate colours. While he knew its time as an in-service mailbox was limited, he didn't want to see it moved and replaced with something of less character.
"My worry was the postbox would be taken away and replaced by a wooden one that doesn't have any character.
"I believe it gives character to High Street. It's an object that's worth preserving."
South Taranaki District Council property and facilities manager John Sargeant says the council was happy to take over responsibility for the Penfold and will be putting up a plaque noting its history early next year.
"We have got to work out some wording and then we will have a plaque to recognise the history and tell people that it's actually not working anymore."
He says it's been special for the council to see the postbox painted and taken care of.
"It's huge. What council stands for is the community," he says.
"That letterbox has seen the community grow for well over 100 years.
"It's seen Taranaki grow from a small pioneering few scattered villages, to what it is now and it's never been changed."
He says as a stamp collector he knows some stamps from the early 1900s are valuable, which is partly why the iconic letterbox needed to be revamped in a respectful manner.
"It symbolises New Zealand growing up."
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 14:42 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera's 112-year-old Penfold letterbox has had an upgrade after being de-commissioned earlier this year.
Foodbank
The spirit of giving is alive and well in South Taranaki.
Hawera Foodbank was in dire straits before its recent annual food drive, even having to split boxes of Weetbix to make them last for the many families in need.
Now Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson says she can't believe her eyes, the outpouring of generosity from Hawera residents to feed those in need brings her to tears.
More than 100 banana boxes are stacked in the store room, filled with enough cereal, canned food, toilet paper and supplies to last the next six months.
While having enough food to meet the demands on Foodbank is a continuing issue and more donations are gratefully accepted, Mrs Robinson says this will relieve a bit of the pressure during the coming months.
"There were total strangers, newcomers to the district, and even a doctor came in and gave us $100," she says.
Cars have pulled up outside and unloaded bootloads of food, there have even been chocolates and treats which Mrs Robinson says will go a long way towards a little bit more special Christmas for those in need.
Loose change, mostly 10 or 20 cent pieces, fished out of pockets and dropped into a collection bucket totalled $193.70.
She says it will be just a little bit easier to buy the sausages, meat and items that are hard to donate to Foodbank, not quite so many grants will have to be sought.
It's not just food – soap, clothes powder and nappies have been donated. Even a Christmas tree.
"I just can't believe that people are so generous and have so much thought for others who are less fortunate," Mrs Robinson says. "We forever write for grants to make ends meet but, praise God, it's all coming together."
It's a personal battle for her, she can remember when her husband, Bill, was laid off, age 57, and there was money going out but no money coming in.
"Being without, it's like emptying a tank, you see the water going out and it doesn't come in.
"We need people to realise the door is always open. We can't knock on everyone's door. It was the most horrible feeling I've ever had but we got over it."
Her thanks to the community that has supported Hawera Foodbank are personal as well.
"I want it to come from my heart, it's totally overwhelming. The cupboard that once was bare is now well and truly stocked up again with a great variety of food items to help many who otherwise would have gone hungry this Christmas.
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"To Tevai Barr who organised our collection, the Scouts of South Taranaki, the drivers who provided vehicles and all those volunteers who helped in so many ways, may I, on behalf of the Hawera Foodbank extend our sincere thanks," Mrs Robinson says.
- © Fairfax NZ News Love pours in at bank
PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 15:13 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson is delighted that the recent food drive was so successful. She can now give out boxes of Weetbix to hungry families instead of having to ration them.
Hawera Foodbank was in dire straits before its recent annual food drive, even having to split boxes of Weetbix to make them last for the many families in need.
Now Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson says she can't believe her eyes, the outpouring of generosity from Hawera residents to feed those in need brings her to tears.
More than 100 banana boxes are stacked in the store room, filled with enough cereal, canned food, toilet paper and supplies to last the next six months.
While having enough food to meet the demands on Foodbank is a continuing issue and more donations are gratefully accepted, Mrs Robinson says this will relieve a bit of the pressure during the coming months.
"There were total strangers, newcomers to the district, and even a doctor came in and gave us $100," she says.
Cars have pulled up outside and unloaded bootloads of food, there have even been chocolates and treats which Mrs Robinson says will go a long way towards a little bit more special Christmas for those in need.
Loose change, mostly 10 or 20 cent pieces, fished out of pockets and dropped into a collection bucket totalled $193.70.
She says it will be just a little bit easier to buy the sausages, meat and items that are hard to donate to Foodbank, not quite so many grants will have to be sought.
It's not just food – soap, clothes powder and nappies have been donated. Even a Christmas tree.
"I just can't believe that people are so generous and have so much thought for others who are less fortunate," Mrs Robinson says. "We forever write for grants to make ends meet but, praise God, it's all coming together."
It's a personal battle for her, she can remember when her husband, Bill, was laid off, age 57, and there was money going out but no money coming in.
"Being without, it's like emptying a tank, you see the water going out and it doesn't come in.
"We need people to realise the door is always open. We can't knock on everyone's door. It was the most horrible feeling I've ever had but we got over it."
Her thanks to the community that has supported Hawera Foodbank are personal as well.
"I want it to come from my heart, it's totally overwhelming. The cupboard that once was bare is now well and truly stocked up again with a great variety of food items to help many who otherwise would have gone hungry this Christmas.
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"To Tevai Barr who organised our collection, the Scouts of South Taranaki, the drivers who provided vehicles and all those volunteers who helped in so many ways, may I, on behalf of the Hawera Foodbank extend our sincere thanks," Mrs Robinson says.
- © Fairfax NZ News Love pours in at bank
PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 15:13 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson is delighted that the recent food drive was so successful. She can now give out boxes of Weetbix to hungry families instead of having to ration them.
Tribute to mountain man
Taranaki's mountaineering community gathered with family and friends to mourn the loss of Walter Fowlie this week.
Mr Fowlie, farmer, climber, amateur photographer, father, husband and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, died in Hawera on January 4, aged 86.
In a fitting tribute to their mate, the Mt Egmont Alpine Club, as well as other clubs, raised their pickaxes in a guard of honour as he was carried away.
More than 450 people attended and there was standing room only for many at the TSB Hub during the emotional service.
Obituaries were read by long-time farming friend Opunake's Ron Brewer, fellow hunter, amateur photographer, and long-time friend Neville Wallace, of Hawera, and old climbing mates Ross Beech, of Blenheim, and Paul O'Dowd, of New Plymouth.
Mr Fowlie, who influenced many Taranaki youngsters to take up mountaineering in the 1970s, became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year's Honours for his services to mountaineering.
A keen hunter as a young man, he joined Hawera's Mt Egmont Alpine Club in 1962.
The first 10,000ft (3000 metres) peak he climbed was Mt Haidinger in the Southern Alps in 1967, and he went on to climb 13 of New Zealand's 18 mountains above that height.
In 1968, he joined the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC), chaired its Taranaki section for nine years, was national president from 1995 to 1997, and received life membership when he retired.
In 1973, Mr Fowlie was a member of the NZAC expedition to the Peruvian Andes.
He introduced many young members of the Mt Egmont Alpine Club to the Southern Alps, leading club trips to the Dart, Rees and Wilkin valleys and the Nelson Lakes and Mt Cook National Parks.
He climbed Mt Cook five times and in 1976 led a club climb that put a record 13 people together on the summit.
Two years later, he led the Mt Egmont Alpine Club's successful 50th jubilee expedition to Peru.
Mr Fowlie was a field leader on the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme in Antarctica three times between 1977 and 1986 and also climbed and trekked in Nepal and Kashmir.
He was involved in search and rescue on Mt Taranaki for a number of years.
A skilled amateur photographer, he was much sought after as a guest speaker to present slide shows of his adventures, and was renowned for the unique dashes of humour he added to his presentations. He was an associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.
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He was the patron and a life member of the Taranaki branch of the Deerstalkers' Association and was foundation leader of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue Team in 1980.
Mr Fowlie owned a dairy farm at Alton in South Taranaki and was a director of the Alton Co-op Dairy Company when it merged with Kiwi Dairies in the 1980s.
He celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary last June with wife Norma.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughter Heather Nelley, two sons, Graeme and Neil, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
- © Fairfax NZ News SUE O'DOWD AND LAIRD HARPER SUE.ODOWD@DAILYNEWS.CO.NZ
Last updated 11:06 12/01/2012
e
Walter Fowlie
SUE O'DOWD
For their mate: A guard of honour at Walter Fowlie's funeral at the TSB Hub in Hawera this week. It was the first funeral held at the Hub.
Mr Fowlie, farmer, climber, amateur photographer, father, husband and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, died in Hawera on January 4, aged 86.
In a fitting tribute to their mate, the Mt Egmont Alpine Club, as well as other clubs, raised their pickaxes in a guard of honour as he was carried away.
More than 450 people attended and there was standing room only for many at the TSB Hub during the emotional service.
Obituaries were read by long-time farming friend Opunake's Ron Brewer, fellow hunter, amateur photographer, and long-time friend Neville Wallace, of Hawera, and old climbing mates Ross Beech, of Blenheim, and Paul O'Dowd, of New Plymouth.
Mr Fowlie, who influenced many Taranaki youngsters to take up mountaineering in the 1970s, became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year's Honours for his services to mountaineering.
A keen hunter as a young man, he joined Hawera's Mt Egmont Alpine Club in 1962.
The first 10,000ft (3000 metres) peak he climbed was Mt Haidinger in the Southern Alps in 1967, and he went on to climb 13 of New Zealand's 18 mountains above that height.
In 1968, he joined the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC), chaired its Taranaki section for nine years, was national president from 1995 to 1997, and received life membership when he retired.
In 1973, Mr Fowlie was a member of the NZAC expedition to the Peruvian Andes.
He introduced many young members of the Mt Egmont Alpine Club to the Southern Alps, leading club trips to the Dart, Rees and Wilkin valleys and the Nelson Lakes and Mt Cook National Parks.
He climbed Mt Cook five times and in 1976 led a club climb that put a record 13 people together on the summit.
Two years later, he led the Mt Egmont Alpine Club's successful 50th jubilee expedition to Peru.
Mr Fowlie was a field leader on the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme in Antarctica three times between 1977 and 1986 and also climbed and trekked in Nepal and Kashmir.
He was involved in search and rescue on Mt Taranaki for a number of years.
A skilled amateur photographer, he was much sought after as a guest speaker to present slide shows of his adventures, and was renowned for the unique dashes of humour he added to his presentations. He was an associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.
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He was the patron and a life member of the Taranaki branch of the Deerstalkers' Association and was foundation leader of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue Team in 1980.
Mr Fowlie owned a dairy farm at Alton in South Taranaki and was a director of the Alton Co-op Dairy Company when it merged with Kiwi Dairies in the 1980s.
He celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary last June with wife Norma.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughter Heather Nelley, two sons, Graeme and Neil, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
- © Fairfax NZ News SUE O'DOWD AND LAIRD HARPER SUE.ODOWD@DAILYNEWS.CO.NZ
Last updated 11:06 12/01/2012
e
Walter Fowlie
SUE O'DOWD
For their mate: A guard of honour at Walter Fowlie's funeral at the TSB Hub in Hawera this week. It was the first funeral held at the Hub.
Wednesday, August 31
Hawera High School Taranaki, New Zealand
http://namesdatabase.com/schools/NZ/TA/-/Hawera%20High%20School/ Hawera High School
Taranaki, New Zealand
Click below to see which schoolmates are listed in the NamesDatabase:
Taranaki, New Zealand
Click below to see which schoolmates are listed in the NamesDatabase:
"Pictures From The Past-Taranaki"
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NEW-ZEALAND/2003-09/1064983329
From: "Carol Spragg"
Subject: [NZ] "Pictures From The Past-Taranaki"
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 16:43:07 +1200
ISBN 1-877327-042
Chris Lonsdale,available at Whitcoulls $24.95
ANDERSON Dorothy, Kiore School via Stratford page 61
ARTHUR Family Beach House Opunake page 48
Avona Tearooms, Stratford page 58
BAKER Clarice Inglewood page 53
BARRY Sylvia Inglewood page 53
BEARD's Furniture New Plymouth page 17
BELL Francis Dillon Bell Block page 32
BRONS L Tailor High St, Eltham page 66
BYRN, STEVENS & Co Motor Mechanic & Engineer New Plymouth page 20
CAMPBELL Family Ihaia Rd, Opunake
CARRINGTON Frederic & Octavius page 8
CHEQUERS Tea Rooms New Plymouth page 13
Clarendon Hotel, Waverley page 84
Club Hotel Waitara page 34
CLOUGH Bert Inglewood Page 53
CLOUGH's Menswear & Drapery Inglewood page 53
Commercial Hotel, Stratford page 58
County Hotel, Stratford page 59
DENBIGH Road School via Midhirst page 51
DIXON Mr Hawera page 80
Dominion Hotel, Kaponga page 72
DUDLEY Mr Butcher Opunake page 44
"Egmont Post" newspaper, Stratford page 60
EATON Hilda Hawera page 80
EUSTACE Miss Rahotu page 41
EWEN New Plymouth pages 15 & 16
FAWCETT & HENDERSON Grocers Inglewood page 52
FORD Misses Hawera page 69
FRANK Ernie, Eva, Huiakama, page 9
FREWIN J Boot Importer Inglewood page 52
GRANT & Co Hawera page 76
GRANT George & Jane Kakaramea page 85
GRANVILLE V Bell Block page 32
HARROP's Clothiers Hawera page 81
HENDERSON & Fawcett grocers Inglewood page 52
HOPKINS Land Agent New Plymouth page 13
HUGHSON Thomas Pole Rahotu page 41
HUGHSON Geofrey Rahotu page 41
Huiakama School swimming pool via Stratford page 62
Huiroa school swimming pool via Stratford page 61
JACKSON's tank cleaning company page 47
JUDSON J Blacksmith Opunake page 44
KAKARAMEA Hotel Sth Taranaki page 85
KING A E Kaponga page 70/71
KING H C Albion Douglas Saddle via Stratford page 64
Kiore School, via Stratford pages 61 & 62
LARMAR Mary Inglewood page 53
LEPPER Maxwell Lepperton page 33
LIDDINGTON T G Art China & Crystal, Hawera page 80
Manaia Hotel, Manaia page 75
Masonic Hotel Waitara page 35
MASTERS E L & Co Toko, via Stratford page 63
McCORMICK & Co Funeral Directors, Hawera page 76
MERRION T Lepperton page 33
MOSS Pearl,Henry,Owen,Elizabeth, Keith Tataraimaka page 40
NGAIRE/NGAERE Gardens Stratford/Eltham page 65
NOLAN L A & Co, Auctioneers New Plymouth page15
Okau school North Taranaki page 37
Presbyterian Manse (1st) Stratford page 58
REESBY Bros, Butcher Westown, New Plymouth page 21
ROBERTSON Mrs Rahotu page 41
ROCHE Newton Inglewood page 53
ROGAN John page 8
SALTER T B car for hire, New Plymouth page 20
SARGOOD & EWEN New Plymouth pages 15 & 16
SHEPHERD's Tea Rooms New Plymouth page 15
SPENCE W Kaponga page 72
STEVENS, BYRN & Co Motor Mechanic New Plymouth page 20
Trocadero Hotel, Stratford page 58
SUTHERLAND Nip,saddler Inglewood page 54
Tarata Dairy Co via Inglewood page 54
TARRY James Inglewood page 54
Toko via Stratford page 63
TRIMBLE Robert Inglewood page 51
VINNICOMBE Mr piano tuner, Hawera page 80
WESTFIELD House, Eltham page 69
WESTWOOD G H Chemist Hawera page 81
WILKINSON C A General merchant Eltham page 67
ZINSLI Thos, Saddler Inglewood page 64
From: "Carol Spragg"
Subject: [NZ] "Pictures From The Past-Taranaki"
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 16:43:07 +1200
ISBN 1-877327-042
Chris Lonsdale,available at Whitcoulls $24.95
ANDERSON Dorothy, Kiore School via Stratford page 61
ARTHUR Family Beach House Opunake page 48
Avona Tearooms, Stratford page 58
BAKER Clarice Inglewood page 53
BARRY Sylvia Inglewood page 53
BEARD's Furniture New Plymouth page 17
BELL Francis Dillon Bell Block page 32
BRONS L Tailor High St, Eltham page 66
BYRN, STEVENS & Co Motor Mechanic & Engineer New Plymouth page 20
CAMPBELL Family Ihaia Rd, Opunake
CARRINGTON Frederic & Octavius page 8
CHEQUERS Tea Rooms New Plymouth page 13
Clarendon Hotel, Waverley page 84
Club Hotel Waitara page 34
CLOUGH Bert Inglewood Page 53
CLOUGH's Menswear & Drapery Inglewood page 53
Commercial Hotel, Stratford page 58
County Hotel, Stratford page 59
DENBIGH Road School via Midhirst page 51
DIXON Mr Hawera page 80
Dominion Hotel, Kaponga page 72
DUDLEY Mr Butcher Opunake page 44
"Egmont Post" newspaper, Stratford page 60
EATON Hilda Hawera page 80
EUSTACE Miss Rahotu page 41
EWEN New Plymouth pages 15 & 16
FAWCETT & HENDERSON Grocers Inglewood page 52
FORD Misses Hawera page 69
FRANK Ernie, Eva, Huiakama, page 9
FREWIN J Boot Importer Inglewood page 52
GRANT & Co Hawera page 76
GRANT George & Jane Kakaramea page 85
GRANVILLE V Bell Block page 32
HARROP's Clothiers Hawera page 81
HENDERSON & Fawcett grocers Inglewood page 52
HOPKINS Land Agent New Plymouth page 13
HUGHSON Thomas Pole Rahotu page 41
HUGHSON Geofrey Rahotu page 41
Huiakama School swimming pool via Stratford page 62
Huiroa school swimming pool via Stratford page 61
JACKSON's tank cleaning company page 47
JUDSON J Blacksmith Opunake page 44
KAKARAMEA Hotel Sth Taranaki page 85
KING A E Kaponga page 70/71
KING H C Albion Douglas Saddle via Stratford page 64
Kiore School, via Stratford pages 61 & 62
LARMAR Mary Inglewood page 53
LEPPER Maxwell Lepperton page 33
LIDDINGTON T G Art China & Crystal, Hawera page 80
Manaia Hotel, Manaia page 75
Masonic Hotel Waitara page 35
MASTERS E L & Co Toko, via Stratford page 63
McCORMICK & Co Funeral Directors, Hawera page 76
MERRION T Lepperton page 33
MOSS Pearl,Henry,Owen,Elizabeth, Keith Tataraimaka page 40
NGAIRE/NGAERE Gardens Stratford/Eltham page 65
NOLAN L A & Co, Auctioneers New Plymouth page15
Okau school North Taranaki page 37
Presbyterian Manse (1st) Stratford page 58
REESBY Bros, Butcher Westown, New Plymouth page 21
ROBERTSON Mrs Rahotu page 41
ROCHE Newton Inglewood page 53
ROGAN John page 8
SALTER T B car for hire, New Plymouth page 20
SARGOOD & EWEN New Plymouth pages 15 & 16
SHEPHERD's Tea Rooms New Plymouth page 15
SPENCE W Kaponga page 72
STEVENS, BYRN & Co Motor Mechanic New Plymouth page 20
Trocadero Hotel, Stratford page 58
SUTHERLAND Nip,saddler Inglewood page 54
Tarata Dairy Co via Inglewood page 54
TARRY James Inglewood page 54
Toko via Stratford page 63
TRIMBLE Robert Inglewood page 51
VINNICOMBE Mr piano tuner, Hawera page 80
WESTFIELD House, Eltham page 69
WESTWOOD G H Chemist Hawera page 81
WILKINSON C A General merchant Eltham page 67
ZINSLI Thos, Saddler Inglewood page 64
Tuesday, August 30
Taranaki memorials Media Gallery
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media_gallery/tid/637
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/map/taranaki-memorials#map
Locations:
57th Regiment NZ Wars memorial
Alton war memorial
Ararata First World War memorial
Auroa war memorial
Awatuna war memorial
Bell Block First World War memorial
Bird Road School war memorial
Cardiff war memorial
Clifton war memorial
Douglas war memorial
Dudley school war memorial
Eltham First World War memorial gates
Fitzroy School war memorial
Frankley Road memorial
Hawera memorial arch
Huirangi NZ Wars memorial cross
Inglewood memorial
Kaponga war memorial
Katikara memorial
Lepperton war memorial
Mahoetahi memorial cross
Mahoetahi memorial grave
Malone Memorial
Manaia First World War memorial obelisk
Manaia NZ Wars memorial
Manaia war memorial
Mangatoki school memorial
Mangorei war memorial
Manutahi memorial pool
Marsland Hill NZ Wars memorial
Matapu memorial
Meremere school war memorial
Midhurst war memorial
New Plymouth Boys High war memorial
New Plymouth cenotaph
New Plymouth memorial church
New Plymouth RSA
New Plymouth Sth African War memorial
Normanby NZ Wars memorial
Normanby war memorial
Ohawe NZ Wars memorial
Okaiawa First World War memorial
Okato Sth African War memorial
Okato war memorial
Omata memorial
Opunake war memorial
Otakeho war memorial
Patea war memorial
Pihama war memorial
Pukearuhe NZ Wars memorial
Puketakauere NZ Wars memorial, Waitara
Puketapu feud memorial cross
Pungarehu war memorial
Rahotu war memorial
St Andrews Church roll
Stratford memorial cross
Stratford memorial hall
Stratford war memorial gates
Strathmore war memorial
Taranaki Volunteers memorial
Tariki war memorial
Te Kiri war memorial
Te Ngutu o te manu NZ Wars memorial
Tikorangi school war memorial
Tikorangi war memorial
Turuturu Mokai NZ Wars memorial
Urenui war memorial
Uruti war memorial
Waihi Cemetery NZ Wars memorial cairn
Waitara First World War memorial
Waitara Sth African War memorial
Waitotara war memorial
Warea war memorial
Whangamomona war memorial
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/map/taranaki-memorials#map
Locations:
57th Regiment NZ Wars memorial
Alton war memorial
Ararata First World War memorial
Auroa war memorial
Awatuna war memorial
Bell Block First World War memorial
Bird Road School war memorial
Cardiff war memorial
Clifton war memorial
Douglas war memorial
Dudley school war memorial
Eltham First World War memorial gates
Fitzroy School war memorial
Frankley Road memorial
Hawera memorial arch
Huirangi NZ Wars memorial cross
Inglewood memorial
Kaponga war memorial
Katikara memorial
Lepperton war memorial
Mahoetahi memorial cross
Mahoetahi memorial grave
Malone Memorial
Manaia First World War memorial obelisk
Manaia NZ Wars memorial
Manaia war memorial
Mangatoki school memorial
Mangorei war memorial
Manutahi memorial pool
Marsland Hill NZ Wars memorial
Matapu memorial
Meremere school war memorial
Midhurst war memorial
New Plymouth Boys High war memorial
New Plymouth cenotaph
New Plymouth memorial church
New Plymouth RSA
New Plymouth Sth African War memorial
Normanby NZ Wars memorial
Normanby war memorial
Ohawe NZ Wars memorial
Okaiawa First World War memorial
Okato Sth African War memorial
Okato war memorial
Omata memorial
Opunake war memorial
Otakeho war memorial
Patea war memorial
Pihama war memorial
Pukearuhe NZ Wars memorial
Puketakauere NZ Wars memorial, Waitara
Puketapu feud memorial cross
Pungarehu war memorial
Rahotu war memorial
St Andrews Church roll
Stratford memorial cross
Stratford memorial hall
Stratford war memorial gates
Strathmore war memorial
Taranaki Volunteers memorial
Tariki war memorial
Te Kiri war memorial
Te Ngutu o te manu NZ Wars memorial
Tikorangi school war memorial
Tikorangi war memorial
Turuturu Mokai NZ Wars memorial
Urenui war memorial
Uruti war memorial
Waihi Cemetery NZ Wars memorial cairn
Waitara First World War memorial
Waitara Sth African War memorial
Waitotara war memorial
Warea war memorial
Whangamomona war memorial
Friday, August 26
Play the game, guard our name
Ruck and bowl again
Let victories gleam, shine on our team
Tribute to Ferdinand
by Trevor Rowe
He's our mascot, He's our boy
Taranaki's Pride and Joy
Chorus
Ferdinand, Ferdinand, with your fifteen men,
In this land - you are grand - Ferdinand
Verse
He held the mighty Springboks
He fought the British Isles
An Mooloo met her match on Rugby Park
He's after that Ranfurly Shield,
and out to show the world
That this old Bull is not out for a lark
Ruck and bowl again
Let victories gleam, shine on our team
Tribute to Ferdinand
by Trevor Rowe
He's our mascot, He's our boy
Taranaki's Pride and Joy
Chorus
Ferdinand, Ferdinand, with your fifteen men,
In this land - you are grand - Ferdinand
Verse
He held the mighty Springboks
He fought the British Isles
An Mooloo met her match on Rugby Park
He's after that Ranfurly Shield,
and out to show the world
That this old Bull is not out for a lark
Sunday, June 5
Sadness at death of old lady
New Plymouth's Barrett St Hospital was once a thriving health hub. People could drive through the grounds and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Now the gate is locked and the gardens are gone forever. Helen Harvey reports.
The million-dollar views are still there, but the once beautiful gardens have gone. The buildings haven't seen a paintbrush for decades and are in a state of disrepair. Only plaques and signwriting on faded walls give clues to the past - "Mortuary" on an old building hidden in bush, "Taranaki Hospital Board" in bold letters above old wooden garage doors that sit below broken windows.
The old Barrett St Hospital has seen better days. Since it was replaced by Taranaki Base Hospital in Westown, the buildings have been left to their fate, which one New Plymouth doctor thinks is a tragedy.
"It's like a grand old lady that is slowly dying. It's not just that it's an eyesore . . . it's a sad reflection on indecision and vandalism combined," Matthew Allen says.
The nurses' home, in particular, has been the victim of vandals and looters, who, before the arrival of the Taranaki Music Education Centre in 2003, stripped the old home of wooden doors, windows, the wooden hand rails on the stairs and marble benchtops.
Dr Allen wants to see a decision made on what to do with the site. But that is not likely to happen any time soon. The 7.6272 hectare site is owned by the Crown and held in the Office of Treaty Settlement's landbank to be used in the settlement of historic Treaty of Waitangi claims.
Te Atiawa is looking to sign an agreement in principle (a broad agreement as to what will make up the settlement) with the Crown in March next year, but the iwi hasn't decided whether it wants the Barrett St properties as part of its settlement or, if it did, what it would do with it.
A major problem with the old hospital is the asbestos in the buildings, which would be expensive to clear. That expense would have to be taken into consideration when making a decision, Te Atiawa Iwi Authority chairwoman Wikitoria Keenan says.
In 1996 Taranaki Healthcare put the estimated cost of removing asbestos at $500,000 and demolishing buildings at $700,000.
At the time Valuation New Zealand put the government valuation for the land at $1.1 million, based on a hypothetical residential subdivision.
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The site, along with the former Patea Hospital, was sold to the Government for $1m in September 1996. The Barrett St portion of the sale was worked out at $111,000 a hectare. As at September 1, 2010, Quotable Value put the capital value of the property at $3.9m and valued the land at $3.775m.
If the land is not needed for the settlement of Treaty claims it will be sold on the open market.
In the meantime the Office of Treaty Settlements maintains and tenants the buildings. "In total there are 13 leases in place on the property, managed by Darroch Ltd. The leases are with private individuals and a range of organisations, with varied usage as one might expect from a set of commercial leasing arrangements," says Office of Treaty Settlements director Peter Galvin.
He would not elaborate on how many people live on the site or what type of accommodation is available.
Ms Keenan says having people live there isn't the best.
"But I suppose with people living there at least it's being occupied, because otherwise there would be a vast area that's empty. And the Crown's not too keen to put much money in for maintenance. At least with people living there, they are up there and they keep an eye on the site."
Te Atiawa can purchase the property or some of it as part of its settlement, she says. "But we haven't made a decision on that yet. We'll be considering it. That's as far as we've got, yet. We need to work through a couple of things."
And the iwi hasn't decided what it would do with the land, if it did receive it as part of the settlement.
"Some people have said they'd like to see a marae there . . . just because some people want to see a marae there doesn't mean it's going to happen."
The whole hospital block is culturally significant because it's on an old pa site, she says.
"It used to go right across to what they now call Western Park. It was quite a big pa site. If you look at the landscape you'd understand why."
Back then it was called Otumaikuku and may have been part of 1400ha of land sold to the Plymouth Company.
"Carrington identified it quite early on as a good hospital site, because that is what they did way back in those days, put hospitals on a hill."
F rederick Alonzo Carrington picked out the hill in 1842, according to a book by A B Scanlan on the history of the hospital. But it wasn't until 1867 that a hospital occupied the site. The original plan was to move the colonial hospital from beside the Henui River, but instead buildings were removed from St Germain's Square (later the site of the Army Hall and the Agricultural Society's hall in Gill St).
Building of the second hospital started in 1887. It had soaring angles of the Gothic style popular in government buildings and schools at the time, Mr Scanlan wrote. Builders used 61,000 metres of timber, the floors were matai or kauri and there were 70 windows. The plumbing alone cost [PndStlg]200. The hospital officially moved in on January 23, 1888. One hundred years later Dr Matthew Allen helped pull down the remaining 1887 buildings after a fire and used the timber to build his house.
His family has had a long association with the hospital. Father Dennis was a pathologist and uncles Chalmers and Peter were radiologists. An aunt, Barbara Allen, was in accident and emergency.
"So, when I was a boy I used to go up and see my father at the laboratory there, which was right next to the ambulance entrance."
He used to pinch barley sugars from drawers and wander around the wards.
"Everything was immaculate and beautifully kept and clean."
In those days, the 1960s, TB testing still relied on using guinea pigs to test whether patients had TB or not, Dr Allen says. The patient's serum would be injected into the guinea pig and the patient's name attached. There was a little house in a gully full of guinea pigs with names on them.
"Unfortunately they were killed at the end. But there were hundreds of guinea pigs down there to play with."
Another thing to have changed since then is the reusing of needles. Needles used to be made of stainless steel and Dr Allen remembers an orderly having the job of sharpening and sterilising the needles.
"And, of course, in those days there was no emergency department. It was called out-patients and was in a little shed opposite the main hospital. Actually patients who presented with acute illnesses would go to their family doctor first."
Dr Allen was a house surgeon at the hospital in the early 1980s, when the mental health unit and long stage geriatrics were the only units still operating at the hospital.
"Even then we had a proper morning tea service, with white linen and silver cutlery. And a served lunch. It was all very proper."
The nurses' home was bright pink and the nurses wore pink and white outfits, he says.
"Single nurses had to live in. That was the rule. The nurses' home was just a beautiful facility with its sprung dance floor and beautifully carved balustrades."
The dance floor is still there, but the balustrades are long gone. Upstairs the different eras, representing the different additions to the home, are clearly seen in the joinery in what were the nurses' bedrooms.
In the 19th century the matron and nurses lived in the hospital. The first nurses' home was built in 1900, Mr Scanlan says in his book.
Later a cottage known as Tariki was built behind the hospital, later known as the isolation block. It was eventually moved lower down the hospital grounds. In 1905 a second story was added.
In July 1916 nurses petitioned the hospital board for better conditions and pay. The new nurses' home designed by architect Frank Messenger, opened on March 14, 1922, and was known as "The Palace".
Additions, also designed by Frank Messenger, were built in 1928, 1936 and 1945. Five years after Mr Messenger's death another was added and others followed regularly from 1867, when the first buildings were moved onto the hill.
In 1872 an addition was completed for a women's ward and for what was then called a "lunatic asylum".
In March 1916 the hospital was opened and within a month or two there were 83 occupied beds, a record. The medical supervisor's house opened in 1926, followed by the Taranaki Health Board office in 1927. A new children's ward opened in June 1923 and was named after George Tabor who died in 1914 aged 38. His mother, Rebecca Tabor, an owner of White Hart Hotel, donated [PndStlg]6000 to hospital board in 1928.
But things started to wind down at Barrett St Hospital from the 1960s when services began moving to Taranaki Base Hospital.
In 1972 Governor-General Sir Denis Blundell opened Taranaki Base Hospital, which then assumed the role of charge hospital for the province. In later years Barrett St was used for mental health patients, long-term geriatric patients, district nursing services headquarters and board offices. The Tabor Unit provided care to intellectually and physically disabled young people from 1976 to 1995.
References:
Hospital on the Hill: A B Scanlan.
Frank Messenger Architect: Ian Pritchard.
New Plymouth School of Nursing Old Girls' Association inc. Silver Jubilee 1957-82.
- Taranaki Daily News
HELEN HARVEY
Last updated 11:30 30/05/2011
The million-dollar views are still there, but the once beautiful gardens have gone. The buildings haven't seen a paintbrush for decades and are in a state of disrepair. Only plaques and signwriting on faded walls give clues to the past - "Mortuary" on an old building hidden in bush, "Taranaki Hospital Board" in bold letters above old wooden garage doors that sit below broken windows.
The old Barrett St Hospital has seen better days. Since it was replaced by Taranaki Base Hospital in Westown, the buildings have been left to their fate, which one New Plymouth doctor thinks is a tragedy.
"It's like a grand old lady that is slowly dying. It's not just that it's an eyesore . . . it's a sad reflection on indecision and vandalism combined," Matthew Allen says.
The nurses' home, in particular, has been the victim of vandals and looters, who, before the arrival of the Taranaki Music Education Centre in 2003, stripped the old home of wooden doors, windows, the wooden hand rails on the stairs and marble benchtops.
Dr Allen wants to see a decision made on what to do with the site. But that is not likely to happen any time soon. The 7.6272 hectare site is owned by the Crown and held in the Office of Treaty Settlement's landbank to be used in the settlement of historic Treaty of Waitangi claims.
Te Atiawa is looking to sign an agreement in principle (a broad agreement as to what will make up the settlement) with the Crown in March next year, but the iwi hasn't decided whether it wants the Barrett St properties as part of its settlement or, if it did, what it would do with it.
A major problem with the old hospital is the asbestos in the buildings, which would be expensive to clear. That expense would have to be taken into consideration when making a decision, Te Atiawa Iwi Authority chairwoman Wikitoria Keenan says.
In 1996 Taranaki Healthcare put the estimated cost of removing asbestos at $500,000 and demolishing buildings at $700,000.
At the time Valuation New Zealand put the government valuation for the land at $1.1 million, based on a hypothetical residential subdivision.
Ad Feedback
The site, along with the former Patea Hospital, was sold to the Government for $1m in September 1996. The Barrett St portion of the sale was worked out at $111,000 a hectare. As at September 1, 2010, Quotable Value put the capital value of the property at $3.9m and valued the land at $3.775m.
If the land is not needed for the settlement of Treaty claims it will be sold on the open market.
In the meantime the Office of Treaty Settlements maintains and tenants the buildings. "In total there are 13 leases in place on the property, managed by Darroch Ltd. The leases are with private individuals and a range of organisations, with varied usage as one might expect from a set of commercial leasing arrangements," says Office of Treaty Settlements director Peter Galvin.
He would not elaborate on how many people live on the site or what type of accommodation is available.
Ms Keenan says having people live there isn't the best.
"But I suppose with people living there at least it's being occupied, because otherwise there would be a vast area that's empty. And the Crown's not too keen to put much money in for maintenance. At least with people living there, they are up there and they keep an eye on the site."
Te Atiawa can purchase the property or some of it as part of its settlement, she says. "But we haven't made a decision on that yet. We'll be considering it. That's as far as we've got, yet. We need to work through a couple of things."
And the iwi hasn't decided what it would do with the land, if it did receive it as part of the settlement.
"Some people have said they'd like to see a marae there . . . just because some people want to see a marae there doesn't mean it's going to happen."
The whole hospital block is culturally significant because it's on an old pa site, she says.
"It used to go right across to what they now call Western Park. It was quite a big pa site. If you look at the landscape you'd understand why."
Back then it was called Otumaikuku and may have been part of 1400ha of land sold to the Plymouth Company.
"Carrington identified it quite early on as a good hospital site, because that is what they did way back in those days, put hospitals on a hill."
F rederick Alonzo Carrington picked out the hill in 1842, according to a book by A B Scanlan on the history of the hospital. But it wasn't until 1867 that a hospital occupied the site. The original plan was to move the colonial hospital from beside the Henui River, but instead buildings were removed from St Germain's Square (later the site of the Army Hall and the Agricultural Society's hall in Gill St).
Building of the second hospital started in 1887. It had soaring angles of the Gothic style popular in government buildings and schools at the time, Mr Scanlan wrote. Builders used 61,000 metres of timber, the floors were matai or kauri and there were 70 windows. The plumbing alone cost [PndStlg]200. The hospital officially moved in on January 23, 1888. One hundred years later Dr Matthew Allen helped pull down the remaining 1887 buildings after a fire and used the timber to build his house.
His family has had a long association with the hospital. Father Dennis was a pathologist and uncles Chalmers and Peter were radiologists. An aunt, Barbara Allen, was in accident and emergency.
"So, when I was a boy I used to go up and see my father at the laboratory there, which was right next to the ambulance entrance."
He used to pinch barley sugars from drawers and wander around the wards.
"Everything was immaculate and beautifully kept and clean."
In those days, the 1960s, TB testing still relied on using guinea pigs to test whether patients had TB or not, Dr Allen says. The patient's serum would be injected into the guinea pig and the patient's name attached. There was a little house in a gully full of guinea pigs with names on them.
"Unfortunately they were killed at the end. But there were hundreds of guinea pigs down there to play with."
Another thing to have changed since then is the reusing of needles. Needles used to be made of stainless steel and Dr Allen remembers an orderly having the job of sharpening and sterilising the needles.
"And, of course, in those days there was no emergency department. It was called out-patients and was in a little shed opposite the main hospital. Actually patients who presented with acute illnesses would go to their family doctor first."
Dr Allen was a house surgeon at the hospital in the early 1980s, when the mental health unit and long stage geriatrics were the only units still operating at the hospital.
"Even then we had a proper morning tea service, with white linen and silver cutlery. And a served lunch. It was all very proper."
The nurses' home was bright pink and the nurses wore pink and white outfits, he says.
"Single nurses had to live in. That was the rule. The nurses' home was just a beautiful facility with its sprung dance floor and beautifully carved balustrades."
The dance floor is still there, but the balustrades are long gone. Upstairs the different eras, representing the different additions to the home, are clearly seen in the joinery in what were the nurses' bedrooms.
In the 19th century the matron and nurses lived in the hospital. The first nurses' home was built in 1900, Mr Scanlan says in his book.
Later a cottage known as Tariki was built behind the hospital, later known as the isolation block. It was eventually moved lower down the hospital grounds. In 1905 a second story was added.
In July 1916 nurses petitioned the hospital board for better conditions and pay. The new nurses' home designed by architect Frank Messenger, opened on March 14, 1922, and was known as "The Palace".
Additions, also designed by Frank Messenger, were built in 1928, 1936 and 1945. Five years after Mr Messenger's death another was added and others followed regularly from 1867, when the first buildings were moved onto the hill.
In 1872 an addition was completed for a women's ward and for what was then called a "lunatic asylum".
In March 1916 the hospital was opened and within a month or two there were 83 occupied beds, a record. The medical supervisor's house opened in 1926, followed by the Taranaki Health Board office in 1927. A new children's ward opened in June 1923 and was named after George Tabor who died in 1914 aged 38. His mother, Rebecca Tabor, an owner of White Hart Hotel, donated [PndStlg]6000 to hospital board in 1928.
But things started to wind down at Barrett St Hospital from the 1960s when services began moving to Taranaki Base Hospital.
In 1972 Governor-General Sir Denis Blundell opened Taranaki Base Hospital, which then assumed the role of charge hospital for the province. In later years Barrett St was used for mental health patients, long-term geriatric patients, district nursing services headquarters and board offices. The Tabor Unit provided care to intellectually and physically disabled young people from 1976 to 1995.
References:
Hospital on the Hill: A B Scanlan.
Frank Messenger Architect: Ian Pritchard.
New Plymouth School of Nursing Old Girls' Association inc. Silver Jubilee 1957-82.
- Taranaki Daily News
HELEN HARVEY
Last updated 11:30 30/05/2011
Bakery woes threaten philanthropist's legacy
The financial turmoil at Yarrows looks set to claim another victim: Noel Yarrow's legacy.
The philanthropist and his wife Melva donated millions of dollars to Taranaki students and organisations through the Noel and Melva Yarrow Charitable Trust. But the trust is under serious threat after its major source of income, Yarrows the Bakers, was placed in receivership earlier this week.
The Taranaki Daily News understands the trust is well down the pecking order for receivers, behind the IRD, employees and the Westpac bank, which is believed to be owed a significant amount.
Trustee Peter Tennent said the trust was inextricably linked to the bakery.
"The most significant asset of the trust is the investment in the bakery operation. It always has been – and my hope is it always will be – and that would be in the tune of eight figures.
"Having said that, the trust has other assets but most of its income comes from the bakery."
The charitable trust was formed in 2004 to celebrate Mr Yarrow's 80th birthday.
Since then it has given large contributions to the ITU World Cup triathlon, the Rhododendron Festival and the Taranaki Cycle Challenge. Dozens of students and the schools they represented also benefited.
Mr Tennent said the trustees were hopeful receivers could trade out of the difficult situation.
"The trustees, like anyone in Taranaki, are pretty upset about the situation. It's been no secret there's been potential problems for some time. The trustees have been working with a number of parties to avoid exactly what is happening now."
He said the trust would continue to support the region but at a significantly reduced level of funding. "It will continue to do exactly what it was set up by Noel and Melva to do, which is to make a positive difference in the Taranaki community."
Husband of Rosemary (nee Yarrow), Mr Tennent said he could not speak for the whole family but there were concerns for staff, suppliers and the community at large.
"The family have worked incredibly hard, they are community-minded people, to make a positive difference."
Also as part of the trust a scholarship scheme was set up for Taranaki secondary school leavers as well as for funding towards information and food technology facilities at all Taranaki schools.
Taranaki Secondary Schools Principals Association spokesman Mark Bowden said they were unsure how it would affect them in the future.
"The vision that Noel had for young people and Taranaki I guess is at risk. It's dreadfully sad.
"We are such a fortunate province to have had the Yarrows Trust."
- Taranaki Daily News
LAIRD HARPER
Last updated 05:00 03/06/2011
On Thursday the Taranaki Daily News went to Manaia to find out what the locals thought would happen to the bakery, community and town after Yarrows went into receivership on Tuesday.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/5094505/Bakery-woes-threaten-philanthropists-legacy
The philanthropist and his wife Melva donated millions of dollars to Taranaki students and organisations through the Noel and Melva Yarrow Charitable Trust. But the trust is under serious threat after its major source of income, Yarrows the Bakers, was placed in receivership earlier this week.
The Taranaki Daily News understands the trust is well down the pecking order for receivers, behind the IRD, employees and the Westpac bank, which is believed to be owed a significant amount.
Trustee Peter Tennent said the trust was inextricably linked to the bakery.
"The most significant asset of the trust is the investment in the bakery operation. It always has been – and my hope is it always will be – and that would be in the tune of eight figures.
"Having said that, the trust has other assets but most of its income comes from the bakery."
The charitable trust was formed in 2004 to celebrate Mr Yarrow's 80th birthday.
Since then it has given large contributions to the ITU World Cup triathlon, the Rhododendron Festival and the Taranaki Cycle Challenge. Dozens of students and the schools they represented also benefited.
Mr Tennent said the trustees were hopeful receivers could trade out of the difficult situation.
"The trustees, like anyone in Taranaki, are pretty upset about the situation. It's been no secret there's been potential problems for some time. The trustees have been working with a number of parties to avoid exactly what is happening now."
He said the trust would continue to support the region but at a significantly reduced level of funding. "It will continue to do exactly what it was set up by Noel and Melva to do, which is to make a positive difference in the Taranaki community."
Husband of Rosemary (nee Yarrow), Mr Tennent said he could not speak for the whole family but there were concerns for staff, suppliers and the community at large.
"The family have worked incredibly hard, they are community-minded people, to make a positive difference."
Also as part of the trust a scholarship scheme was set up for Taranaki secondary school leavers as well as for funding towards information and food technology facilities at all Taranaki schools.
Taranaki Secondary Schools Principals Association spokesman Mark Bowden said they were unsure how it would affect them in the future.
"The vision that Noel had for young people and Taranaki I guess is at risk. It's dreadfully sad.
"We are such a fortunate province to have had the Yarrows Trust."
- Taranaki Daily News
LAIRD HARPER
Last updated 05:00 03/06/2011
On Thursday the Taranaki Daily News went to Manaia to find out what the locals thought would happen to the bakery, community and town after Yarrows went into receivership on Tuesday.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/5094505/Bakery-woes-threaten-philanthropists-legacy
Wednesday, April 6
POLICE COURT.
Tuesday, September 3. — Before H. E. Kenny, Esq., R.M. Destitute Persons Belief Ordinance, 1846. — Mr. D. Bishop appeared in compliance with a summons issued upon an information laid by Mr. Snell, the chairman of the Taranaki Relief Board, whioh reoited that John and William Henry, two children of Mary, the wife of the late John Bishop were destitute and nnable to support themselves by their own labour, and that they have a grandfather named Daniel Bishop, of sufficient ability to support them. — Mr. Bishop said he was willing to take the children to his own house, and provide for them. — Mrs. Mary Bishop (being allowed some time for consideration) refused to accept the offer. — The Resident Magistrate reminded Mrs. Bishop that on a previous application for support, she had stated that she could maintain herself if it were not for the ohildreu, and that now how could she expect the Board to relieve her if she did not accept Mr. Bishop's offer ? There was no doubt the children would be well taken care of, and she could see them whenever she liked. It migbfc be unpleasant, bat people must submit to some inconvenience if by so doing they can prevent themselves from being a burden upon the public The resources of the Board were very small, and had to be applied to oases of great neoessity. — Mr. Snell said that Mr. Bishop having offered to provide for the children, nothing more could be expeoted from him, and that therefore he (Mr. Snoll) would ask the Court to allow him to with* draw the information.Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 2026, 7 September 1872, Page 2
Tuesday, September 3. — Before H. E. Kenny, Esq., R.M. Destitute Persons Belief Ordinance, 1846. — Mr. D. Bishop appeared in compliance with a summons issued upon an information laid by Mr. Snell, the chairman of the Taranaki Relief Board, whioh reoited that John and William Henry, two children of Mary, the wife of the late John Bishop were destitute and nnable to support themselves by their own labour, and that they have a grandfather named Daniel Bishop, of sufficient ability to support them. — Mr. Bishop said he was willing to take the children to his own house, and provide for them. — Mrs. Mary Bishop (being allowed some time for consideration) refused to accept the offer. — The Resident Magistrate reminded Mrs. Bishop that on a previous application for support, she had stated that she could maintain herself if it were not for the ohildreu, and that now how could she expect the Board to relieve her if she did not accept Mr. Bishop's offer ? There was no doubt the children would be well taken care of, and she could see them whenever she liked. It migbfc be unpleasant, bat people must submit to some inconvenience if by so doing they can prevent themselves from being a burden upon the public The resources of the Board were very small, and had to be applied to oases of great neoessity. — Mr. Snell said that Mr. Bishop having offered to provide for the children, nothing more could be expeoted from him, and that therefore he (Mr. Snoll) would ask the Court to allow him to with* draw the information.Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 2026, 7 September 1872, Page 2
Charge under the Destitute Persons Belief Ordinance. —Daniel Bishop appeared in obedience to a summons issued upon an information laid by Mr. Snell, the Chairman of the Taranaki Relief Board. The defendant was asked what he had to say why an order (under the provisions of the above Ordinance) should not be made upon him to pay something towards the support of John and William Henry, who are grandsons of defendant and children of Mrs. Mary Bishop, the said children being destitute, and unable to support themselves. The defendant pleaded that he was ' not in a position to pay anything towards the support of the said children. After hearing the evidence given by Mr. Snell and the defendant, the Resident Magistrate ordered the latter to pay into Court, every Saturday, 2s. 6d. towards the support of the children in question —the first payment to be made on the 19th instant. Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 2035, 9 October 1872, Page 3
D.H'.ieI Bi«liop applied m tlm Couri Loilnterinwio »» oi'dt-r which had been made upon him on theS'iiof October, last year. This was an order, made ccder the above Ordinance, that Mr. Bishop should pny 2s. 6d. weekly towards tbe support ol two of the children of Mary Bishop, the widow of his late son. Mr. Bishop said tlmt he was miable further to continue tliio because a widowed na-ighte*' and her family had lately become dependent neon him for snpporr.. In deference to bis son's <«; I s. r request, be would, however, bo glad to take charge of Mrs. Mary Bishop's eldepfc boy, nnd b r iug liim up as one of It is own family. Notice that the application would be made having been given to the oilier side, and no person appeari'iu to rnise any objection, the Court informed Mr. Bishop that the ordor would be determined, and thut he could therefore discontinue the weekly payment. Taranaki Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 2160, 20 December 1873, Page 3
POLICE COURT.
Thursday, August 29. — Before H. E. Kenny, Esq., H.M.
Information under " The Destitute Peksons Relief Ordinance, 1846." — An information was laid under the above Ordinance by Mr. R. Snell, the Chairman of the Taranaki Relief Board, to the effect that Mary Bishop, widow of the late John Bishop, is destitute and unable to support herself by her own labour, and that she has a father, named William Billing, living at New Plymouth, of sufficient ability to support her. Mr. Billing was called upon to say why an order should not be made upon him for payment towards such support. Mr. Snell stated that Mrs. Bishop applied to the Board sometime since for relief, and, in consequence of that application, she received 2s. Gd. per week for about twelve months, or more. She was then struck off pay, but had made a second application in writing about ton days' since. The application was produced and read.
Mrs. Bishop said that she had two children, one under six and the other under four yours of age. She could maintain herself ii' it were not for the children, but she was not strong, and could not get sufficient needlework to do.
Mr. Billing admitted that his daughter was destitute, but that he could not maintain himself, and therefore could not promise to contribute any regular sum towards her support. He was seventyeight years of age. His sons managed the farm, and had to provide out of the proceeds for the maintenance of their father, mother, and sisters. His sons sometimes brought in firewood and other things to Mrs. Bishop.
Mr. Snell said that he thought if Mr. Billing could afford to spend so much a year as he did in the education of one of his daughters, he ought to be able to contribute towards the support of this one, instead of allowing her to be a burden upon the public.
The Resident Magistrate said he certainly could not interfere with the manner in which Mr. Billing chose to educate his daughter. It was the duty of every parent to provide for his children the best education that by in his power. Ib was clear an order could not be muJe upon Mr. Billing, as it was proved that he was not of sufficient ability to contribute towards Mrs. Bishop's support. Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 2024, 31 August 1872, Page 3
Thursday, August 29. — Before H. E. Kenny, Esq., H.M.
Information under " The Destitute Peksons Relief Ordinance, 1846." — An information was laid under the above Ordinance by Mr. R. Snell, the Chairman of the Taranaki Relief Board, to the effect that Mary Bishop, widow of the late John Bishop, is destitute and unable to support herself by her own labour, and that she has a father, named William Billing, living at New Plymouth, of sufficient ability to support her. Mr. Billing was called upon to say why an order should not be made upon him for payment towards such support. Mr. Snell stated that Mrs. Bishop applied to the Board sometime since for relief, and, in consequence of that application, she received 2s. Gd. per week for about twelve months, or more. She was then struck off pay, but had made a second application in writing about ton days' since. The application was produced and read.
Mrs. Bishop said that she had two children, one under six and the other under four yours of age. She could maintain herself ii' it were not for the children, but she was not strong, and could not get sufficient needlework to do.
Mr. Billing admitted that his daughter was destitute, but that he could not maintain himself, and therefore could not promise to contribute any regular sum towards her support. He was seventyeight years of age. His sons managed the farm, and had to provide out of the proceeds for the maintenance of their father, mother, and sisters. His sons sometimes brought in firewood and other things to Mrs. Bishop.
Mr. Snell said that he thought if Mr. Billing could afford to spend so much a year as he did in the education of one of his daughters, he ought to be able to contribute towards the support of this one, instead of allowing her to be a burden upon the public.
The Resident Magistrate said he certainly could not interfere with the manner in which Mr. Billing chose to educate his daughter. It was the duty of every parent to provide for his children the best education that by in his power. Ib was clear an order could not be muJe upon Mr. Billing, as it was proved that he was not of sufficient ability to contribute towards Mrs. Bishop's support. Taranaki Herald, Volume XX, Issue 2024, 31 August 1872, Page 3
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