Jun 1 2015

1890: St John’s Wesleyan Church, Nelson, New Zealand

The former St John’s Wesleyan Church at Nelson represents the seventh location in New Zealand found to contain extant historic stained glass windows by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Two single-light stained glass windows were erected in St John’s between 1890 and 1893 are both are very recognisable scriptural designs by the firm that were popular throughout the company’s stained glass production period between 1861-1899.

The first window was erected during the construction of St John’s in 1889/90 and is dedicated to the memory of Mary Webber Cock (nee Chigwidden), who died in 1881.

The scriptural verse in this window comes from Psalms 100-4;

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving”

Beside the window is a brass plaque dedicating the window to the memory of Mary Webber Cock:

“In Loving Memory of Mary Webber
Wife of John H. Cock
Who died 20th August 1881, aged 25 years.”

The second window was erected in March 1893 and is dedicated to the memory of Mary’s husband, John Honeycomb Cock who died in November 1892.

The verse in this window comes from is Psalms 84-1;

“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O. Lord of Hosts.”

The memorial brass plaque near the window reads:

“In Loving Memory of John Honeycomb Cock
Husband of Mary Webber.
Died 7th November 1892, aged 44 years.”

Photos of the windows at St John’s are courtesy of Eelco Boswijk, Nelson, New Zealand, 2015.

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John Honeycomb Cock was the son of Joseph Cock and Mary Anne Honeycomb and arrived in New Zealand with his father aboard the barque “Violet” from London on the 5th July 1864[1]. His father, a mining Captain, had been sent out to report on the “Dun Mountain” chromite and copper mining property near Nelson[2].

Around the age of sixteen John was employed as a junior clerk at Nelson by the New Zealand coastal shipping company “Nathaniel Edwards & Co”. By his early 20’s his abilities and shrewd business acumen was so highly regarded by the company that he was sent back to England in 1871 to take position as the company’s London manager[3]

At West London, on the 20th May 1875, John married Mary Webber Chigwidden at the Wesleyan Chapel on Denbigh Road at Bayswater[4]. The couple later returned to Nelson where John resumed the General Manager position with Nathaniel Edwards & Co. He also engaged in joint shipping company ventures with his brother Joseph Henry and later was General Manager of the “The Anchor Steam Shipping Company.”[5] John and Mary were also active members of the Wesleyan Church congregation and he held positions as the Wesleyan Circuit Steward and a Trustee of St John’s.

The couple made their home at the Port of Nelson and in June of 1879 Mary placed an advertisement for a general servant to assist her with household duties in anticipation of the arrival of their baby.[6] In October she gave birth to a son named John Scantlebury Cock. Sadly the infant only survived two days and died on the 21st October 1879[7].

Two years later Mary died on the 20^th August 1881 at the age of 25[8]. As a mark of respect the Wesleyan Church was draped in black and at the Port of Nelson the flags on ships and shore establishments were all lowered to half-mast[9]. Mary was buried with her infant son John in the Wesleyan section of the Wakapuaka Cemetery at Nelson[10]

The couple never had any surviving children. John never remarried and immersed himself into his shipping business ventures and his appointments within the Wesleyan Church.

The Wesleyans have a long history in Nelson which dates back to the establishment of the settlement in 1841. The foundation stone of their first chapel was laid by a Mr. Tucket in June 1843 on the corner of Bridge Street and Waimea Road[11]. This church would only last about fourteen years.

The foundation stone of the second church was laid on a new site in Hardy Street by Donald Sinclair, Esq., former speaker of the Provincial Council, on the 17^th November 1857[12]. By the late 1880’s this second church had also outgrown the congregation and was deemed uneconomical to maintain and so they decided to remove the old building and build a new one on the same site.

The foundation stone of the current church was laid on the 24th September 1889 by the Governor of New Zealand, Lord Onslow. The occasion was deemed such an historic event that the afternoon was observed as a holiday for the people of Nelson. Thousands attended the ceremony and the streets were decorated with bunting and flags along the route that the Governor and Lady Onslow would arrive by. Remarkably, an historic photo of the occasion still exists which shows the immense crowd surrounding the foundation site. Eighty-six year old Mr Foy and Ben Crisp, two of Nelson’s most revered senior Colonists, were given prominent seats near the dais. Both had witnessed the laying of the second church foundation stone in 1857.

Amongst the many customary artifacts that were placed beneath the new foundation stone were some of the items salvaged from the previous time capsule;

“In a cavity of the foundation stone was placed a glass jar containing the following coins, papers, &c:- Half a sovereign, half a crown, a florin, a shilling, a sixpence, a penny, two half-pence; minutes of the New Zealand Wesleyan Conference, 1889; New Zealand Gazette, Sept 19. 1889; Nelson and Richmond Circuit plan of services, and balance sheet of quarter to June 30, 1889; copies of EVENING MAIL of July 18 and September 23; copy of colonist of September 24; parchment statement re foundation stone; and from the old bottle, newspapers, including copies of the Colonist of 32 years ago, and coins…”[13]

The Governor was presented with a handsomely handcrafted wooden casket containing a decorated silver trowel and other tools, all of which were manufactured by craftsmen from Nelson. A silver shield on the casket bore the words:-

“Presented by the Trustees to His Excellency Earl of Onslow, Governor of New Zealand, on laying the foundation stone of St. John’s Church, Nelson, Sept. 1889.” [14]

After difficulties with the first building contract, Fitzwilliams, Doidge, and Stringer took over the construction of the church to the designs of architect ‘Dugelly’ of Napier for a reported £1039. 6s.[15]

John Honeycomb Cock was a liberal financial donor to the church building fund and had also financed the church’s first stained glass window dedicated to the memory of his wife Mary. When the church was opened in March 1890, amongst the descriptions of the fittings and furnishings was the window which was created by the North Melbourne firm of Ferguson & Urie. The New Zealand Colonist tabloid of 16^th April 1893 reported:-

“…The side windows, eight in all, are of similar design, but on the east side the fourth window, that naarest [sic] the south end, is a handsome stained glass memorial window of floral design, erected by Mr John Cock in memory of his late wife, and the words “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving” form part of the design…” [16]

This single-light window is an unmistakable piece of workmanship by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of North Melbourne and was a popular design produced by the firm from their stained glass production period from 1861 to 1899. Similar examples of this design can be found throughout Victoria and Tasmania in Australia. The window contains Gothic floral and geometric patterns with a central ribbon design containing a piece of bible scripture. The portion of verse in this window comes from Psalms 100-4; “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving”

Beside the window is a brass plaque dedicating the window to the memory of Mary Webber Cock: “In Loving Memory of Mary Webber, Wife of John H. Cock, Who died 20th August 1881, aged 25 years.”

John Honeycomb Cock died of heart disease on the 7th November 1892 aged 44. The tabloid obituaries described him as a kind, generous and self-sacrificing man who “did good by stealth”[17]. He was highly regarded by the Wesleyan’s and the people of Nelson. Amongst the numerous public and private appointments he held were; Wesleyan Circuit Steward and Trustee of St John’s and had he been appointed lay treasurer of the Wesley Home Mission Fund in 1879[18]. He had a long association with Nathaniel Edwards & Co where he started his career as a sixteen year old. He was a Chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board,[19] General Manager of the Anchor Steam Shipping Company[20] and in 1883 had been appointed a Justice of the Peace[21]. For many years he was also in partnership with his brother Joseph Henry as “John H. Cock & Co” which was taken over by his brother in January 1886[22].

In February 1893, the Honorary Secretary of St John’s, Mr William Afleck Bethwaite, received instruction from the Wellington architects, Turnbull & Sons, to have a new stained glass window erected in St John’s to the memory of J. H. Cock, at which time it was stated that he; “…hopes to have the window finished by the anniversary of the church, which will be held next month…”[23]

Just over a month later, on the 25th March 1893, New Zealand’s “Colonist” tabloid reported:-

“MEMORIAL WINDOW.- There has just been erected in St. John’s Wesleyan Church a stained glass window, with inscription, intimating that it has been placed in the Church by many friends to the memory of the late Mr J. H. Cock. The window in question has been placed opposite to one, similar in design, which was erected by the more recently deceased to the memory of his wife who predeceased him.”[24]

The portion of verse in this window comes from is Psalms 84-1; “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O. Lord of Hosts.” [25]. The memorial brass plaque beneath the window reads:

“In Loving Memory of John Honeycomb Cock Husband of Mary Webber. Died 7th November 1892, aged 44 years.”

At St John’s anniversary services held on the 26th March 1893 the Reverend F. W. Isitt took the subject of his sermon from the scripture on this window.

St Johns is no longer a consecrated church. In 2011 the church was put up for sale[26] and subsequently purchased by the Boswijk family who have since preserved its Heritage and renovated it to become a highly successful function and performance venue[27].

These two historic stained glass windows in St John’s not only represent excellent examples colonial stained glass by the Ferguson & Urie Company, but as a link to the colonists and history of Nelson.

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to the eagle eye of my Kiwi cousin Janice Ball for identifying and bringing these windows to my attention and for sending some of the great research leads from New Zealand.

Thanks to Eelco Boswijk, owner of St John’s, for contributing the photos.

Foot notes:

[1] Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Vol XXXIII, Issue 71, 7th July 1864, page 2.

[2] Journal of the Nelson and Marlborough Historical Societies, Volume 1, Issue 3, November 1983. Chromite and the Dun Mountain Copper Mining Company, page 10.

[3] The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Biography Joseph Henry Cock (accessed 20150204)

[4] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 203, 14 August 1875, page 2.

[5] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 63, 13 March 1880, page 4.

[6] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 150, 25 June 1879, page 1.

[7] New Zealand Cemetery Records, Wakapuaka, Nelson. WKWS07021 Wesleyan Plot 021, Block 7.And NZ BDM 1879/8724.

[8] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 198, 20 August 1881, page 2.

[9] Colonist, Volume XXV, Issue 2939, Monday 22 August 1881, page 3.

[10] Wakapuaka Cemetery, Mary Webber Cock, record WKWS07021_A, Wesleyan, Block 07, plot 021, interred 22 Aug 1881.

[11] New Zealand Colonist & Port Nicholson Advertiser, Vol 1, Issue 94, 23rd June 1843, page 2.

[12] Colonist, New Zealand, Issue 9, 20th November 1857, page 2.

[13] Nelson Methodist Centenary Souvenir 1842-1942, Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, pages 11-12.

[14] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 212, 25 September 1889, page 2.

[15] Nelson Evening Mail, Vol XXIII, Issue 324, 23rd December 1889, page 2.

[16] Colonist, New Zealand, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5778, 16 April 1890, Page 3.

[17] Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X111, Issue 4264, 8 November 1892, page 2.

[18] Colonist, Vol XXII, Issue 2502, 25 January 1879, page 3.

[19] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXVI, Issue 255, 7 November 1892, page 2.

[20] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 63, 13 March 1880, page 4.

[21] Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 3900, 12 June 1883, page 4.

[22] Colonist, Vol XXVIII, Issue 4377, 17 February 1886, page 3.

[23] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXVII, Issue 42, 20th February 1893, page 2.

[24] Colonist, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7589, 25 March 1893, Page 3.

[25] Nelson Evening Main, Volume XXVII, Issue 72, 27th March 1893, page 2.

[26] http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/6904501/Historic-church-for-sale (accessed 28 Jan 2015)

[27] http://www.theprow.org.nz/places/st-john-s-methodist-church/ (accessed 28 Jan 2015)

Short link to this page: https://wp.me/p28nLD-2EN

Apr 4 2014

1881: St Michael and All Angel’s, Porangahau, New Zealand.

The ongoing research to find extant Ferguson & Urie stained glass has revealed many of their works of art in remote locations, sometimes thousands of kilometres from the company’s workshops in North Melbourne.

The latest discovery is in the tiny township of Porangahau on the South East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The Anglican church of St Michael and All Angels in Porangahau is now the sixth location in New Zealand found to contain an historic Ferguson & Urie stained glass window. This window is the only one known to have been created by the company as a memorial to a soldier who died in an armed conflict in the Antipodes.

Photos: From St Michaels, Porangahau, NZ, Janice Ball, New Zealand 11^th March 2014.

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[See all attached files]

The idea for a memorial stained glass window in St Michael’s was conceived as early as 1878 when the Porangahau congregation began to raise subscriptions to build the church.

On the 22^nd of July 1878 it was reported that a local land owner by the name of John Davis Canning had presented £125 towards the cost of a stained glass window to be erected in memory of his brother, Davis Canning, who fell in action at Ruatikuri during the Maori Wars on the 8^th August 1868[1].

Two years later, in September 1880, a tabloid correspondent described the progress of the church construction and of the stained glass window they wrote:

“…The effect, seen when sunlight falls on it, is grand, and the chiaroscuro well defined – in fact the whole would do credit to a large old world cathedral, and is, I believe, not equaled in this colony. It is grand – more cannot be said…”[2]

St Michael’s was consecrated on Friday 11th February 1881 by the Bishop of Waiapu and the following Tuesday the Hawke’s Bay Herald described the three light stained glass window in great detail. The Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of Melbourne were explicitly mentioned as the firm who made it;

“…One great feature, internally is a large stained-glass east window, containing three lights and tracery. The subjects are the baptism of our Lord, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The draperies about the figures are of the richest quality of antique glass the colors being so arranged as to blend harmoniously, while all crude or harsh coloring is avoided. The background is light grisailler work, so subdued as to make the subjects stand out prominently. On the lower panels and in the tracery are suitable emblems and monograms. The general effect is exceedingly rich and handsome. Beneath it is a brass plate bearing the following inscription:- “This window is erected by the family, in memory of Davis Canning, gent., who fell in action at Ruatikuri, 8th August, 1868 whilst leading the advanced guard,” The window is from the firm of Ferguson and Urie, Melbourne…” [3]

The precise description of the window given in 1881 matches that of the east window in St Michael’s today. The photographs taken by Janice on the 11^th March 2014 leave absolutely no doubt that it is the work of Ferguson & Urie, but there is a strange anomaly with this window that appears to have gone undetected for possibly fifty years or more!

Beneath each of the biblical scenes is a reference to a chapter and verse from St Mark in the King James Bible which would aptly describe the event depicted above but the chapter and verse beneath the first two are under the wrong windows!

The reference under each window is currently shown as;

“Mark c.15 v.25” – (“And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.”) This reference is located under the first window on the left which depicts Jesus being Baptised by John in the River Jordan. Below this is the Lamb of God or ‘Agnus Dei,’

“Mark c.1 v.9” – (“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised of John in Jordan”). This reference is located under the centre window depicting Christ being crucified. Below this is the Pelican in the act of self-sacrifice feeding its own blood to her young.

“Mark c.16 v.6” – (“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him”). This reference is, correctly, located under the right window depicting Christ emerging from the tomb in the Resurrection. Below this is the phoenix rising.

Logically, the reference “Mark c.15 v.25” should be under the centre window depicting the Crucifixion and “Mark c.1 c.9” should be under the first window depicting the Baptism.

On the 27^th Feb 2014, descendant Davis Canning wrote:

“It [the window] was completely redone (removed, repaired, releaded and reinstalled, rededicated etc) in the early 1960’s I think and was in good condition even then. I was responsible for the complete restoration of the church in 1998 and the east window was in such good condition it did not need any work done on it. I think it is still sound and has an exterior cage over it so it is not damaged by bird strike…”

The 1960’s restoration would seem to be the most likely point in time that the pieces of the window with the bible verses were re-installed in the wrong order. It could be argued as to whether the lower scenes depicting the Lamb and Pelican are also under the wrong scenes, meaning that possibly the entire lower sections of the window have been swapped.

It’s not known whether there had been any other restoration work done on the window prior to the 1960s, but most historical stained glass windows usually require some significant conservation work every fifty years or so depending on their level of exposure to the weather.

There have probably been many events in the last 130 years that could have decided the fate of this historical window. Its most recent miraculous escape from disaster occurred in December 2011 when a fire broke out in the church and destroyed the altar. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the altar space only and there was no reported damage to the window[4].

Every step of the research draws you deeper into the history of the window. It’s not just a remarkable piece of work by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company, it has a story to tell of its own, apart from the biblical one, such as who was it dedicated to and who was the donor? There is also the remarkable coincidental link to another memorial stained glass window to the Canning brothers on the other side of the world which I’ll explain further on.

John Davis Canning (1822-1883)

John Davis Canning (1822-1883) was the donor of the stained glass window at St Michael’s in Porangahau.

He was born at Ogbourne, St Andrews, Wiltshire, in 1822 and arrived at Port Cooper (Lyttelton), New Zealand aboard the “Cornwall” on the 10^th December 1851with another brother, Charles[5]. He later proceeded to Hawke’s Bay circa 1852 where he took up “Oakburne” located between Waipukurau and Porangahau.

On the 1^st of July 1863, he was commissioned to the rank of Ensign in the New Zealand militia[6] and on the 4^th of May, the following year was promoted to Lieutenant[7].

The years 1868 and 1869 were tumultuous times for John Davis Canning. In November 1867 his mother Elizabeth (nee Tanner) died aged 74 at Weyhill near Andover[8] and in August 1868, at the height of the Maori wars, his younger brother Davis rode off to join Colonel Whitmore’s troops in the hunt for the Hauhaus and was killed at Ruakaturi on the 8^th August 1868.

Just over two weeks after the death of his brother he married Elspeth McQueen (1837-1920) at Mangatarata farmstead in the central Hawke’s Bay area.[9]

Between 1869 and 1872 John and Elspeth had three children but Elspeth became ill and was invalided back to Wiltshire for the benefit of her health. In 1881 John began to make arrangements for his return to England to visit Elspeth and in mid-February of 1881, he placed advertisements in the newspapers to sell a number of his short horn cattle, draught horses, and Cotswold rams at public auction[10]. By late March he was temporarily residing at the Hawke’s Bay Club in Napier and on the 28^th of March he advertised that was looking for a suitable house in Napier for short-term lease;

“WANTED, in eligible situation, with a good view and a desirable situation on the hills, a Commodious House (furnished), with good garden and grounds, for a period of at least three months. Apply, stating particulars, to John Davis Canning, Hawke’s Bay Club, Napier. 28^th March, 1881”[11]

On the 24^th of October 1881 he resigned his commission as a Justice of the Peace[12] and shortly after returned to England. His health declined over the following two years and he died at Marlborough on the 20^th September 1883 aged 61. [13]

“News has been received by cable of the death of Mr John Davis Canning at Marlborough, England, on Thursday last. Mr Canning was one of our earliest settlers arriving about 1855 [sic]. At one time he was in partnership with Mr John Harding in the Mount Vernon run, and on dissolving the partnership Mr Canning for some time occupied part of Mr Tiffen’s Homewood run, subsequently removing to Wallingford, where he acquired a considerable tract of native land. There he resided until he left for England, about two years ago. Mr Canning was an excellent judge of stock, and his importations, especially of shorthorns and horses, did much to improve the stock of Hawke’s Bay.”[14]

John was buried in the Ogbourne, St Andrew’s Churchyard in Wiltshire. His gravestone still exists and although the memorial text is fading with time it still can be read;

“John Davis CANNING, Who died Sept 20th 1883, Aged 61 years.”

(click for full image)

In 1884 his sister Elizabeth commissioned a stained glass window to be erected in St. Andrew’s in Memory of her brothers John and Davis. Legend has it that the window in St Michael’s at Porangahau was a copy of the window in St Andrew’s in Wiltshire:

“The east window at St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Porangahau was given by the family in his memory and is a copy of the window in the church at Ogbourne, St Andrews…”[15]

Unfortunately, this legendary tale is not true. The stained glass window at St. Andrews in Wiltshire was erected three years after the window at St Michael’s at Porangahau in New Zealand and it doesn’t follow the same biblical theme, or resemble the figurative work in any way whatsoever.

The memorial text on a brass plaque at the foot of the Canning memorial window at St Andrew’s church in Wiltshire reads;

“TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN DAVIS CANNING WHO DIED SEPT 20th 1883 AGED 61, ALSO DAVIS CANNING WHO DIED AUGUST 8th 1868 AGED 39. THIS WINDOW IS DEDICATED BY THEIR SISTER, ELIZABETH MARY MOORE, A.D. 1884.”

(click for full image)

The upper half of the window at St Andrew’s depicts four women representing “Fortitudo” (Fortitude), “Temperantia” (Temperance), “Justitia” (Justice), and “Sapientia” (Wisdom).

The scenes in the lower half of the window depict what I believe are four of the acts from the Corporal Works of Mercy. On the other side of the world, the Ferguson & Urie window at Porangahau in New Zealand depicts Baptism, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

John’s wife Elspeth eventually made a full recovery in England and in the early 1890s returned to New Zealand where she resided at Napier in good health into her advanced years[16].

Elspeth died in New Zealand in 1920 at the age of 86[17].

Davis Canning (1829-1868)[18]

The Ferguson & Urie stained glass window in St Michael’s is a memorial to Davis Canning, the younger brother of John Davis Canning.

When Davis actually arrived in New Zealand is not known, but can reasonably be assumed to be 1852 or later. His brothers John and Charles arrived aboard the “Cornwall” from England in December 1851 but Davis was not listed as a passenger on the same ship with them.

Davis resided at “Oakburne” near Porangahau with his brother John. At the age of 39 he was described as a “young man full of adventure.”[19] It was probably inevitable that this adventurous spirit would lead him to joining the militia. Sometime in late September or early August 1868 he rode off and joined Colonel Whitmore’s government forces to fight against the Hauhaus led by the Maori rebel “Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki.”

On the 8^th August 1868, during a battle at Ruakituri, Davis Canning and a Captain Oswald Carr were shot dead[20];

“…On the 8th the force was well up the gorge-like valley of the Ruakituri, and the advance-guard led by Mr. Davis Canning, a gallant settler from Hawke’s Bay, was hot on the trail of the Hauhaus, who were heard shooting pigeons in the distance. Early in the afternoon Captain Carr (Hawke’s Bay), who had been an officer in the Royal Artillery, reconnoitered through the bush along the river-bank, and reported that the Hauhaus were halted a short distance up the river. The swift and ice-cold river was forded several times and the European and Maori force advanced to the attack. Captain (afterwards Colonel) Herrick with part of the force moved on to take the Hauhaus in flank and reverse, and when his men were in position Whitmore directed the advance-guard to push forward. It was soon driven back, leaving both Canning and Carr dead on the field. The former was shot dead while gallantly leading the men…”[21]

Ten years later, in July 1878, his older brother John Davis Canning subscribed the amount of £125 towards a stained glass window to be erected in memory of his brother in the yet to be erected St Michael’s Church at Porangahau[22]. In September of the same year the Hawke’s Bay Herald reported something similar but with a differing cost for the window;

“…J. D. Canning, Esq., of Oakbourne, has given a superb stained glass window of the value of £150…”[23]

St Michael’s was consecrated by the Bishop of Waiapu in 1881 and the Ferguson & Urie stained glass window to the memory of Davis Canning still exists to this day.

Beneath the window is a brass plaque inscribed:

“This window is erected by the family, in memory of Davis Canning, gent., who fell in action at Ruakituri, 8th August, 1868 whilst leading the advanced guard.”

Another memorial to Davis appears at Ruakituri Cemetery Reserve near Wairoa. A brass plaque is mounted on a rock cairn in memory of Davis Canning[24] and Canning family lore has it that this plaque went missing after a flood in the late 1800’s and was missing for over a century until being found in the 1980’s-90’s in a creek bed two miles away.

The plaque has the wording:

“IN MEMORY OF DAVIS CANNING, KILLED IN ACTION 8^th AUGUST 1868”.
“NE CEDE MALIS SED CONTRA”[25]

(Latin: “Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them”)

Significant historical newspaper transcriptions:

Hawke’s Bay Herald, NZ, Vol 12, Issue 969, 15 August 1868, page 3.

“IMPORTANT FROM THE FRONT. SEVERE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN FORCES UNDER COL. WHITMORE AND EX PRISONERS…

…We deeply regret to add that among the killed were Capt. Carr of Petane and Mr. Davis Canning, two esteemed settlers of this province…”

Star, NZ, Issue 97, 4th September 1868, page 3.

“…The advance guard, comprising several of the armed constabulary, and led by Captain Carr and Mr. Canning, advanced to the front of the enemy’s lines and were on the eve of carrying the position when the hau-haus poured in a hot fire, which forced them to take cover. The action then commenced hot on both sides; and in another attempt to charge the position, Mr Canning and Captain Carr lost their lives…”

Hawke’s Bay Herald, NZ, Vol XXI, Issue 5133, Monday 22nd July 1878, page 2

“Our Porangahau correspondent writes: – The need of a church has long been felt and numerous gentlemen having promised subscription to the amount of £365, it is hoped that the good work will speedily be accomplished. It is proposed that the sum of £600 be collected for the above purpose, exclusive of the sum of £125 presented by J. D. Canning, Esq., of Oakbourne, for a stained glass window, in memory of his brother, the late Mr Davis Canning. A series of concerts are to be given for the purpose of raising funds to furnish the sum required. The following gentlemen have already subscribed:- J. Nairn, £100; George hunter, £50; J. D. Ormond, £50; Rev S. Williams, £50; A. St. Hill, £10; J. White, £50; T. Spencer, £5; Trust Fund, £50. Total £365.”

Hawkes Bay Herald, NZ, Vol XXI, Issue 5792, 13th September 1880, page 3.

“PORANGAHAU

[FROM AN OCCASSIONAL CORRESPONDENT]

WAINUI, September 10.

By favour I was permitted to see the memorial window which has just been put in at the Porangahau Episcopalian Church, now in course of erection. As I understand, it was presented by Mr John D. Canning, of Oakbourne, in memory that gentleman’s late brother, Mr Davis Canning, and as a work of art it does great credit tothe artist, and as much to the selector of the design. It is in the mediaeval style, Gothic, with teinte brilliante of the Rennaissance. The effect, seen when sunlight falls on it, is grand, and the chiaroscuro well defined – in fact the whole would do credit to a large old world cathedral, and is, I believe, not equalled in this colony. It is grand – more cannot be said.
Although the church is by no means finished, yet, as far as the work has gone, it is a great credit to the contractor, Mr Holt, of Napier, and also to his foreman of works, Mr. Wm. Smith, for, though I am no judge of builder’s work, I profess to distinguish between conscientious, well finished, straight forward labor, and work done in a slovenly style – and the former is the case with the church. As far as it is finished the work is solid, and, what is more, the acoustic properties promise to be good. To sum up, the work, when finished, will be, and ought to be, a credit to so small a place as Porangahau.”

Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 5906, 15th February 1881, page 3.

“CONSECRATION OF PORANGHAU CHURCH.

On Friday last the new church at Porangahau was consecrated by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Waiapu. The design of the building is striking. It consists of a nave, chancel, tower with spire, and a commodious vestry. It is seated for 100 persons, but there is space for additional seating accommodation when required. One great feature, internally is a large stained-glass east window, containing three lights and tracery. The subjects are the baptism of our Lord, the Crucifixion, and the Resurection. The draperies about the figures are of the richest quality of antique glass the colors being so arranged as to blend harmoniously, while all crude or harsh coloring is avoided. The background is light grisailler work, so subdued as to make the subjects stand out prominently. On the lower panels, and in the tracery are suitable emblems and monograms. The general effect is exceedingly rich and handsome. Beneath it is a brass plate bearing the following inscription:- “This window is erected by the family, in memory of Davis Canning, gent., who fell in action at Ruatikuri, 8th August, 1868 whilst leading the advanced guard,” The window is from the firm of Ferguson and Urie, Melbourne. The services on Friday were three in number, those in the morning and evening being attended by the European settlers, that in the afternoon by the Porangahau natives. The Bishop preached in the morning, and the Rev. De Berdt Hovel in the evening. The Revs’ S. Williams, J. Shearman, and F.E.T. Simcox (the incumbent of the parish) were also present and took part in the ceremonies. The offertories amounted to £31. The church, which is dedicated to St. Michael, was designed by Mr B. W. Mountfort, of Christchurch, the contractor for the work being Mr Robert Holt, and the builder Mr W. Smith, of this town. The building reflects great credit on all concerned in its arection, [sic] and is by far the prettiest ecclesiastical edifice to be seen in the country districts of Hawke’s Bay. The furniture is exceedingly good of its kind, the silver fount [sic]having been given by Mr. J. Nairn, of Pourerere, and the embroidered chancel mat by Mr C. A. M. Hirtzel. The site upon which the church stands was presented by Mrs T. Crosse, of Mangamari.”

Dominion, NZ, Vol 4, Issue 1031, 21st January 1911, page 16.

“Oakburne,” the residence of Mr. Davis Canning, is one of the prettiest homesteads on the road between Waipukurau and Porangahau. It lies a few miles past Wallingford, and on an eminence which admits of a splendid view of the surrounding country. At the back of the residence is a fine plantation of pine trees, while farther down is a big orchard of six hundred trees, some of which are over forty years old. The name of Canning is inseparably linked with the agricultural and pastoral history of Hawke’s Bay. Mr. John Davis Canning, father of Mr. Davis Canning, was one of the early stock-breeders in the district when there were few such, and it is he who gave a lead in the system of using nothing but the best stock. He was one of the exhibitors at the first agricultural and pastoral show held at Havelock North, and he specialised not only on Short-horn cattle and sheep, but also in horses, pigs, sporting dogs, and fowls. A man of very broad and enlightened views, and with an earnest sympathy, which endeared him to all who had the good fortune of his acquaintance, John Davis Canning is described by contemporaries as one of the finest types of the pioneer settlers who built their homes out in the wilderness. In his early days he was a colleague of the late John Harding, of Mount Vernon, and was employed by that equally strenuous pioneer some time in the fifties. Mr. Canning came to New Zealand in 1851, in the good ship Cornwall, and he took up “Oakburne,” about half a century ago, and held big Native leasehold sections, which aggregated 40,000 acres. He was married in 1868 to a daughter of Mr. McQueen, of Inverness. A bereavement clouded the happy memories of his first years of married life at “Oakburne,” It was in 1867 or 1868 and the Maori troubles were blazing in their insurrectionary outbursts. Davis Canning, who resided at “Oakburne” with his brother, was a young man full of adventure. He was smitten with the fever, and one evening rode away with a captain’s commission, through to Napier and on to Poverty Bay, where he was shot dead with Captain Carr at Ruakaturi. It appears that both he and Captain Carr were the victims of their own rashness, and in these days of militarism and threatened war it is interesting to record in what a simple manner two lives were thrown away.

Mr. John Davis Canning.

It is interesting to record some further particulars of Mr. John Davis Canning. He was born at “Ogbourne,” St Andrew, Marlborough, Wiltshire, England, in the year 1822, and was the son of the late M. Davis Canning. The Cannings of “Ogbourne” and of “Oakbourne,” in Hawke’s Bay, are a branch of an old English family of which Lord Canning, a former Viceroy of India, was a member. Mr. John Davis Canning was educated in his native place. He landed first at Lyttelton, and then came up to Hawke’s Bay, where he afterwards selected the present fine property. He introduced the Cotswold variety of sheep, and spent lavish sums of money on good stock. Amongst his horse importations was the draught stallion Dugdale, said to be the finest of his class. In 1883 Mr. Canning went to England to see his wife, who had been invalided there, but the trip resulted in his death. It is satisfactory to record in the face of this severe bereavement that Mrs. Canning regained her health some eight years later, that she returned to New Zealand, and that she now resides in Napier, in very good health.

Mr. Davis Canning.

Mr. Davis Canning, the present owner of “Oakburne,” was borne there, but was educated at the Marlborough Grammar School and at Clifton College, where formerly, by the way, Mr. James Allan, M.P., received some of his first instruction. Mr. Canning went to Clifton College in 1885, and left in 1891. He was an enthusiastic out-door sportsman, and got his cap both for football and cricket, and still takes a keen interest in those pastimes. After leaving England he resided for a time at Hastings, “Oakburne” having been leased, but when the lease expired he returned to his home, and took up the study of farming and agricultural matters with the same keen interest which was evidenced in such a marked degree by his father…”

Acknowledgements:

My thanks to:

My cousins Janice and Cleeve Ball for following up on the clues in New Zealand and undertaking the long trip to Porangahau to meet the Canning descendants and photograph the window.

To Davis Canning for the email correspondence and additional clues on the Canning family history in the Hawke’s Bay New Zealand.

To Duncan & Mandy Ball in England for the correspondence and photos from Ogbourne, St Andrew’s, Wiltshire.

Footnotes:

[1] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 5133, Monday 22nd July 1878, page 2.

[2] Hawkes Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 5792, 13th September 1880, page 3.

[3] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 5906, 15th February 1881, page 3.

[4] Hawke’s Bay Today, NZ, On-line edition, Saturday 24th December 2011.

[5] Lyttelton Times, NZ, Vol 1, Issue 49, 13^th December 1851, page 5.

[6] Hawke’s Bay Herald, NZ, 27th Jul 1863, page 1.

[7] Hawke’s Bay Herald, NZ, Vol 7, Issue 494, 28th May 1864, page 4.

[8] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume III, Issue 27, 1 Feb 1868, page 2.

[9] Evening Post, NZ, Vol IV, Issue 175, 5th September 1868, page 2.

[10] Daily Telegraph, Issue 3009, 16th February 1881, page 3.

[11] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 5933, 29th March 1881, page 1.

[12] Daily Telegraph, Issue 3219, 24th October 1881, page 2.

[13] Daily Telegraph, Issue 3804, 20th September 1883, page 2.

[14] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 6662, 25^th September 1883, page 2.

[15] Matatoa: Fathers & Sons, Hilary Pederson, Te Hanganui Partnership 2011.

[16] Dominion, NZ, Vol 4, Issue 1031, 21st January 1911, page 16.

[17] NZ BDM record 1920/5550.

[18] Date of birth 11^th July 1829: From Canning family bible. (detail from descendant Davis Canning , via email Janice Ball 26 Feb 2014)

[19] Dominion, NZ, Vol 4, Issue 1031, 21st January 1911, page 16.

[20] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol 12, Issue 969, 15 August 1868, page 3.

[21] The New Zealand Wars: A History of the Maori Campaigns and the pioneering Period: VoL II: The Hauhau wars, (1864-72), Chapter 25.

[22] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 5133, Monday 22nd July 1878, page 2.

[23] Hawke’s Bay Herald, Vol XXI, Issue 8192, 30^th September 1878, page 2.

[24] http://www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/national-monuments-war-graves/list-historic-graves-and-monuments

[25] http://www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/national-monuments-war-graves/list-historic-graves-and-monuments

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Sep 8 2013

1945: James Auld, Lead-lighter & Glazier (1873-1945)

James Auld (1873-1945) is recognised as an employee of the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company between 1888 and 1898. He was also a grandson of the principal partner of the company James Ferguson (1818-1894).

Photos from family history collections dating from 1898 from Australia & New Zealand.

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James Auld was the second eldest of nine children and was born on the 27^th of August 1873 at his parent’s chandlery and grocery business premises in Flinders Street Melbourne. His parents, Thomas Auld (1838-1913) and Janet Kay Ferguson (1844-1925) were natives of Scotland who married in the West Melbourne Presbyterian Church in 1871.

His mother was the second eldest daughter of James Ferguson, a principal partner of the pioneering stained glass company Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne.

It had long been suspected that James Auld had been an apprentice to his grandfather’s stained glass firm but no evidence had previously been found to make any association with him and the Ferguson & Urie Company despite it being known in later years that he was a Glazier and Lead-light craftsman by trade.

The first clue comes in 1891 when The Ballarat Star of 15 May 1891 reported the prizes awarded at the Ballarat Juvenile Industrial Exhibition. In Class 17 it listed “J. Auld, Melbourne” as Silver Medal winner for “stained glass windows”. At the time this report was published James Auld was just short of his eighteenth birthday.

In August 1896 another clue reveals him as an employee of his grandfathers stained glass company. A Ferguson & Urie employee named, James ‘Jim’ Urie (1870-1896)[1], the son of James Urie[2], died. An account of Jim Urie’s funeral in the local tabloids referred to the names of his coffin bearers as:

“…the deceased’s fellow employe’s – Messrs. J. Scott, C. Hardess. F. L. Lording (sic), J. Murdoch, J. Auld, and E. R. King…” [3]

One of those employees listed was James Auld. Many other confirmed employees of the firm were also listed as pall bearers, such as; John Scott[4], Charles William Hardess[5], Frank Clifford Lording[6], E. R. King[7], James Ferguson Jnr[8], and J. M. Gilligan[9].

It can be surmised that James Auld was apprenticed to his grandfathers firm when he was about the age of fourteen or fifteen years of age (circa 1888) where he started learnt his trade with firm.

In 1890 Ferguson & Urie partner James Urie died[10] followed by James Ferguson in 1894[11] and the business ceased trading in 1899[12].

James spent some time in Western Australia circa 1898, but for how long is unknown. The last dated photograph of him in Victoria was in Melbourne in June 1899 and sometime after this he left for New Zealand where he gained employment with “Robert Martin, Ltd”[13] sometime between 1900 and 1903. This firm were decorators in Manners Street Wellington[14] and whilst they were primarily renowned for their wall papers and other decorations, they had their own dedicated stained glass department under the direction of stained glass artist Chester Edward Carter (1862-1908)[15]. At the 1898-99 Auckland Exhibition the company was awarded a first prize for a stained glass window[16]. In 1900 the Wellington Industrial Association published a detailed report of their visit to Robert Martin Ltd in Wellington. The article provided an in depth description of the company’s business premises and stained glass department and of the specialist employees it stated;

“…Special men have been procured by Mr. Martin for each branch of the work here described – men having both English and Australian experience…” [17]

James Auld married Charlotte Mary Clarke (1876-1937) in Wellington on the 9^th April 1903[18] and between 1904 and 1915 they had seven children;

Ian Kay (1904-1992), Marion Una (1906-1977), Stella Mary (1907-2010), Eric James (1908-1998), Jessie Olive (1910-2009), Irene Florence (1913-1914) and Frances Norma (1915-1987).

In 1907 James returned to Melbourne with Mary and their first three children, Ian, Marion and Stella aboard the “Maheno” in November 1907[19]. Family lore has it that they intended on staying in Australia but within a short time were reminded of the Australian summer heat and they subsequently returned to New Zealand circa mid 1908.

In 1913 James formed a business partnership with a Mr. Patrick Gleeson as “Auld & Gleeson”[20] in Gisborne and by the 1930’s they had premises in Taranaki Street Wellington advertising as Oil and Colour Merchants, Leadlight Makers, Glass Bevellers, Painting supplies, Wallpapers, Window Glazing, and Bevelled Mirrors.

In 1915 Auld & Gleeson were awarded a Government tender at Gisborne to supply “…paints, oils, colors, etc…” “…for the period ending June 30, 1916…”[21] This undoubtedly increased their trade turnover and along with their reputation for quality workmanship and materials enabled them to expand and employ more craftsmen in the trade. In 1920 they advertised for an apprentice, requesting a “Smart Lad” to learn the lead-light and glazing trade at their premises in Gladstone Road at Gisborne[22]. Later they were able to expand the business to include premises at Napier.

In many of the New Zealand electoral rolls, James’s occupation was listed as a “Glass Merchant,” “Lead Glazier,” and other variations of the same.

In December 1938 James visited his six surviving sisters at Moonee Ponds in Melbourne and it’s thought that at this time he gifted them a handmade lead-light fire-place screen, most likely of his own workmanship. The screen still exists and has been handed down to Australian descendants of his sister Isabella Stella Burleigh (nee Auld 1884-1980).

James’s wife Mary died on the 23rd of August 1937 at the age of 62[23] and was buried in the Karori cemetery. James died eight years later on the 12^th of February 1945[24] at the age of 71 and was buried with Mary.

The other partner in “Auld & Gleeson”, Patrick Gleeson, sold his business interests in the company and retired to Auckland where he died in 1965 aged 78 [25]. The new business owners, “Smith & Smith,” retained the “Auld & Gleeson” Company name and built a new warehouse in Jackson Street Petone in the mid-1960s where James Auld’s second eldest son Eric was an employee of the firm until his retirement in the 1970s.[26]

James’ second eldest daughter, Stella Mary Fowler (nee Auld 1907-2010), lived to the extraordinary age of 103 years and in her lifetime she had revealed very little of her father’s history in the glazing trade. After she passed away in 2010 five extraordinary pieces of family history were uncovered.

The designs for Ferguson & Urie stained glass windows:

Among Stella’s family history items, were four hand-drawn and water colour painted designs for secular stained glass windows [images]. One rectangular window depicts a woman with long blond hair surrounded by the letters which make up the word “INDUSTRY”. On either side of her are two bluebirds in diamond-shaped quarries and the rest of the window depicts floral designs with the inclusion of three crimson bullseyes above and below the central image.

The second design is of a rectangular window which depicts another image of the long-haired woman picking and eating an apple from a tree. The surrounding floral designs include fourteen glass bullseyes of varying colours.

The third design is of an arch-shaped window of simple leadlight design with no figurative element and the fourth design depicts three long thin rectangular windows incorporating arch shapes with glass bullseyes of varying sizes and colours.

Along the edge of two of the designs, stamped in purple lettering, are the words, “For Ferguson & Urie”[27]. It is not known whether this series of windows were ever made but written in pencil on the reverse of one of the designs is what appears to be the dimensions for the windows and the name “…for Johnston” and at the bottom is what appears to be an estimate for the creation of the windows of “15/- per foot.”

Based on the patterns and designs for the windows it is estimated that the drawings were most likely created in the mid to late 1890s. No other detail is known.

The E. L. Yencken Glass Cart Photo:

Another of Stella’s historical items was an original photo of the employees of the “E. L. Yencken” lead-light and stained glass Company of Melbourne. The photo depicts a horse-drawn cart adorned with lead-light glass panels that had been decorated for the eight-hour week procession and has the company employees next to it.

At the top of the cart can be seen the Royal Crown with the numbers “888.” Below this, within the lead-light windows can be seen the letters “E” and “R” on the far left and right of the cart. The date of the photo can only be estimated as between 1901 and 1910 as this is the period of King Edward’s (E.R) reign from the 22nd January 1901 until his death on the 6th of May 1910. The Eight Hour March, which began on April 21st 1856, continued each year until 1951 and since then Australian workers continue to enjoy the Labour Day public holiday celebrated by a public holiday on the 2nd Monday in March each year.

It’s not known how Stella came into possession of these historical artifacts but it can reasonably be assumed that they originally belonged to her father James Auld.

Significant transcriptions:

Evening Post, New Zealand, Vol CXXXIX, Issue 37, 13th February 1945, page 1.

“AULD.- On February 12, 1945, at his residence, 82 Jubilee Rd., Khandallah, James, dearly-beloved husband of the late Mary Charlotte Auld, and father of Ian, Una, Stella, Eric, Jessie, and Frances; in his 72nd year.”

Evening Post, New Zealand, Vol CXXXIX, Issue 37, 13th February 1945, page 1.

“AULD.- The friends of the late James Auld are invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave our Chapel Tomorrow (Wednesday), February 14, 1945, at the conclusion of a service, commencing at 11 a.m., for Karori Cemetery. Robt. H. Wilson and Sons, Ltd., 164 Adelaide Rd.”

New Zealand – Evening Post Issue 40, 16 February 1945 Page 3.

“MR. JAMES AULD

The many friends of Mr. James Auld will regret to hear of his death at Wellington on Monday morning after a brief illness. Born in Melbourne Mr. Auld came to Wellington 47 years ago to the firm of Robert Martin, Ltd. In 1913 he joined Mr. P. Gleeson and started business in Gisborne, subsequently expanding to Wellington, Napier, and Petone. He retired from active business six years ago. Being of a kindly and reserved nature he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. He was a member of the Khandallah Bowling Club and also of the Masonic lodge. His wife predeceased him seven years ago. He is survived by two sons, Mr. I. K. Auld and Mr. E. J. Auld, and four daughters, Mrs. C. H. Fowler, Wellington, Mrs. A. T. Robinson, Mrs. D. Lee, and Mrs. S. R. Vincent, Gisborne. Six sisters reside in Melbourne.”

References:

Robert Martin Ltd, Wellington New Zealand.

Footnotes:

[1] The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 24th August 1896, page 1.

[2] James Urie (1828-1890) was a principal partner in the Ferguson & Urie stained glass firm.

[3] North Melb Courier & West Melbourne Advertiser, Friday 28^th August 1896, page 2

[4] John Scott (1850-1919), appears in the 1887 Ferguson & Urie dinner portraits.

[5] Charles William Hardess (1859-1849), appears in the 1887 Ferguson & Urie dinner portraits

[6] Frank Clifford Lording (1860-1944) appears in the 1887 Ferguson & Urie dinner portraits.

[7] A photo of “E. R. King” appears in the 1887 company dinner portraits.

[8] James Ferguson Jnr (1860-1945), appears in the 1887 company dinner portrait.

[9] A photo of “J. M. Gilligan” appears in the 1887 company dinner portrait.

[10] The Argus, Melbourne, 23rd July 1890, page 1.

[11] The Argus, Melbourne, Wednesday 18th April 1894, page 5.

[12] The Ferguson & Urie Company closed in July 1899 after a 46 year history.

[13] Shop interior, including wallpapers, Robert Martin Ltd, Wellington. Shore Bennett, Beverley Doris, 1928- :Photographs. Ref: 1/2-173024-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22578337

[14] Evening Post, New Zealand, Vol XXVI, Issue 33, 8th August 1883, page 4.

[15] Evening Post, New Zealand, Volume LXXVI, issue 81, 2^nd October 1908, page 7.

[16] Auckland Star, NZ, Vol 30, Issue 39, 16th February 1899, page 6.

[17] Evening Post, NZ, Vol LIX, Issue 125, 28th May 1900, page 2.

[18] NZ BDM: 1903/2577, Presbyterian Church Kent Terrace Wellington.

[19] PROV, index to Unassisted Inward Passengers, Nov 1907, Fiche 328, page 003.

[20] New Zealand – Evening Post Issue 40, 16 February 1945 Page 3.

[21] Poverty Bay Herald, NZ, Vol XLII, Issue 13754, 5^th August 1915, page 6.

[22] Poverty Bay Herald, NZ, Vol XLVII, Issue 15219, 18^th May 1920, page 1.

[23] NZ BDM: 1937/27935, age 63.

[24] NZ BDM: 1945/28964.

[25] Patrick Gleeson born Cowwarr, Victoria, Australia VIC BDM: 1886/17478, died Auckland New Zealand age 78, NZBDM: 1965/27070 age 78.

[26] Janice Ball (nee Auld) – email 28^th August 2013.

[27] Copies of items from James’s grandson, Errol Vincent, New Zealand 2010.

Acknowledgements:

My gratitude to the Auld family descendants from New Zealand who have liberally contributed some fantastic family history and magnificent photos which appear on this and many other articles on the web site.

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Jun 12 2013

1875: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Akaroa, New Zealand.

St Peter’s Anglican Church in Akaroa contains one of only seven rare examples of Ferguson & Urie stained glass found in New Zealand to date.

The window in St Peter’s was erected circa 1877 in the east sanctuary as a memorial to two young men, C. Allan Nalder a Solicitor, and Randal Sayle a district surveyor, who both drowned as a result of a boating accident when their yacht “Ripple” capsized in Tikau Bay on the 12^th January 1875.

Photos taken 2^nd October 2010 and kindly contributed by Errol Vincent, NZ.

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The first Anglican Church at Akaroa was built c.1852 in Church street to the designs of Samuel Charles Farr (1827-1918). Circa 1863, the Resident Magistrate at Akaroa, John Watson[1], donated the land for the new Church at Rue Balguerie, Akaroa, and builders Checkley, Bates and Newton began construction of St Peter’s in 1863. It was consecrated by the Bishop of Christchurch, Henry John Chitty Harper (1804-1893), on the 27^th of November 1864[2].

In response to the need for more room, in 1876 architects Cane and Drewett (Thomas Cane 1830-1905 & John W. Drewett) presented the plans for the enlargement of the church, which included transepts and extended sanctuary, and on completion of these extensions, it was officially re-opened for services on St Mark’s day on the 25^th April 1877[3].

In relation to the date the Ferguson & Urie window was erected, noted historian Dr. Fiona Ciaran records that the following was reported in the Lyttelton Times of 1875:

“…The LT records the studio and the arrival of the window [(6 April 1875, p2]…”[4]

In April 1877, two years after the arrival of the window, a statement of subscriptions and expenditure was published with mention of an amount paid to Ferguson & Urie:

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Vol 1, Issue 78, 17th April 1877, page 3.

“ACCOUNT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS AND EXPENDITURE MEMORIAL WINDOW…”
“…Paid Ferguson and Urie…£46-3-1…”

Transcriptions of some significant source records:

Colonist [NZ], Volume 1861, issue 1861, 12 January 1875, page 3.

“Monday.

“Mr. Randall Sayle, late of Nelson, was drowned on Saturday afternoon, at Akaroa, during a trial trip of the yacht Ripple, which he had just purchased. Mr Nalder, junior, a lawyer, was also drowned. A squall struck the yacht, which sank in deep water”.

Star, [NZ] Issue 2133, 12 January 1875, page 2.

“THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT AKAROA”.

“The following is a detailed account of this sad accident, of which a brief telegraphic account was published yesterday.
As has been already stated, the yacht Ripple, which was built at Port Chalmers, was brought to Lyttelton to compete at the late regatta in the yacht race, which she won. Mr Sayle, who was at the regatta as captain of the Akaroa four-oar crew, taking a fancy to the yacht negotiated for and purchased her, got her unrigged and sent down to Akaroa by the Bruce on Jan. 7. The day following her arrival at Akaroa, Mr Sims, one of the survivors of the accident, commenced to re-rig her, and finished his work on the morning of the 9^th. Mr Sayle was very anxious and excited to get the work done so that he could have a trial trip of his purchase, and, accordingly, in the afternoon, himself, Mr C. Allan Nalder, Mr A. Westenra of the bank of New Zealand, and Mr W. Sims started for a cruise. The yacht was narrowly watched at starting and for some time afterwards by different persons on shore as she appeared to some who understood those matters not so stiff under canvas as she had been represented to be. At starting, two reefs were taken in the mainsail, and, subsequently, another one, the jib being also replaced by a smaller sail. The wind at the time was from the north-east, blowing rather gustily and fresh on the Akaroa side of the bay; on the opposite side it appeared as if the wind was stronger. The first part of the cruise was run down the harbour past the buoy of Green’s point, then a tack was made to winward, when the yacht fetched near Tikau Bay, she was then again put about. Mr Sayle was at the tiller and holding the main-sheet in his hand, when Mr Sims, noticing that she was heeling over too much, called out to Mr Sayle to let go of the sheet. As this was not done, Mr Sims twice more made the same request, but Mr Sayle was as one paralysed, looking at the others, but apparently unable to do what was required of him. The vessel heeling over more, the ballast shifted, and the yacht immediately filled and went down at, about a mile from the shore, in some six fathoms of water. The four, who were all swimmers, having got clear of the vortex caused by the sinking vessel, at once struck out for the shore. Mr Westenra and Mr Nalder being near each other, and Mr Sims and Mr Sayle a little distance from them. As they swam, Mr Nalder addressed Mr Westenra more than once, and wished he could get his coat off, which Mr Westenra told him was impossible, but kept cheering him up with hopes of their reaching shore safely. Mr Westenra supposes they must have swam nearly half way to shore when he heard a call from his fellow swimmer. He turned round and found he was alone, Mr Nalder having sunk to rise no more. At this time the beach was not to be seen, but struggling on, Mr Westenra at last reached the shore, exhausted and almost insensible. In the meantime, Mr Sims had kept near Mr Sayle, and they had been swimming some time, when Mr Sims noticed his companion apparently losing strength, and faltering and saying that he was afraid he could not keep on. Mr Sims then swam behind him, and catching hold of the serge coat which Mr Sayle wore, held him up whilst still swimming toward the shore, until he found they were both sinking, and that unless he let go, they must both go down together. Thoroughly exhausted, but reluctantly, Mr Sims let go his hold, and shortly afterwards Mr Sayle must have sunk. At this time, Mr Sims knew nothing of the others. He had heard a cry which he thought came from Mr Nalder, but whether it was of encouragement or despair he could not tell. Resting a little, and getting himself free from his boots, he again commenced swimming towards shore, which he ultimately, with great difficulty reached, and there found Mr Westenra. After taking off and wringing their clothes, they started for the Maori pah, and when on the hill, they noticed that Mr Bridge’s yacht, the Scud, had started from Akaroa, and was making for the scene of the accident. The Maoris treated them very kindly and hospitably, making them tea, and wanting them to change their clothes, which both declined to do; the Natives volunteered also to take them to Akaroa in a dingy. A fire was then lit to draw attention of those on board the Scud, but, owing to the peculiar haziness of the atmosphere, it could not be seen. However, the Natives getting out their dingy, took them, and, succeeding in drawing attention, put them safely on board. Mr Nalder was well known throughout the province, but Mr Sayle was not so well known. Both gentlemen were single, and the latter held the appointment of district surveyor at Akaroa. The fatality occurred about five o’clock in the evening, and, when known, caused quite a consternation in Akaroa, both gentlemen being held in more than ordinary esteem and respect.”

Lyttelton Times [NZ], Volume XXII, issue 1325, 1 December 1864, page 4.

“CONSECRATION OF ST. PETER’S AKAROA

On Sunday morning, the 27^th day of November, the Bishop of Christchurch was met at the usual hour for divine service by the minister, churchwardens, and some of the inhabitants of Akaroa after the form prescribed, when the Rev. William Aylmer, M.A., the incumbent, read the petition praying his Lordship to consecrate their building, to which petition, consent was given according to the prayer therein contained. The ceremony of consecration and the dedication immediately followed. The Bishop having received the instrument of conveyance, presented to him, by which we learnt that the area of ground upon which the church was erected had been the gift of Mr. John Watson, the Resident Magistrate at Akaroa, declared the same to be dedicated to the use of the Episcopal Church, and henceforth to be known by the style of St. Peter. Being the first Sunday in Advent the psalms and Lessons for that day were read instead of those usually chosen at a consecration in this diocese; the second Lesson, containing the narrative of the cleansing of the Temple by our Redeemer. His Lordship afterwards preached from Matthew ix. Chapter and 29^th verse – “According to your faith, be it unto you.” His sermon was a plain, but forcible explanation of the nature and quality of a saving faith, remarkable for the earnest tone in which he strove to bring home the necessity of such a faith to his hearer’s apprehension while he dwelt strongly upon the privileges which they would henceforth enjoy in making public prayer and supplication unitedly to Him who had promised that wheresoever two or three were met together there to be present with them. After the conclusion of the sermon, the Holy Communion was administered. The choir had prepared a musical treat, and sang Jackson’s noble Te Deum in F – in a manner which, if it left anything open to regret, was only that so inspiring a composition should not be the rule instead of the exception. The chants and hymns chosen for the day, were also well sung – the congregation joining throughout, intelligibly bearing their part in the service. After evening service, the Bishop administered the rite of confirmation, and addressed in his happy, affectionate, and impressive manner, those upon whom he had laid his hands, exhorting them, and all those who had preceded them, to help one another to fight the good fight and never be ashamed of he glorious calling whereunto they had been called. If another regret again obtruded, it was only that his Lordship was not able to be a more frequent visitor to the district of Akaroa.”

Akaroa Mail &Banks Peninsula Advertiser [NZ], Vol VII, Issue 704, 13 April 1883, page 2

“OBITUARY NOTICE

On the authority of a letter received by the last mail from England, we hear from Mr. A. H. Westenra of the decease of Mr John Watson, for many years the Resident Magistrate of Akaroa, and for some years the only Stipendiary magistrate in all of what is now Canterbury. It appears almost like going back to pre-historic times to write of the deceased gentleman, and his connection with Akaroa and the public service of the Colony, more especially, too, as but few who are now among us had the opportunity of hearing from his own lips the reminiscences of his earlier Colonial career.
From what we remember and have heard of our deceased fellow-colonist and former kindly neighbour, we understand that he was born at Ballydarton, in the County of Carlow, Ireland, his father being John Watson, Esq., who was then considered the first and best master of foxhounds in the United Kingdom[5]. This love of sport and horsemanship has descended, the present master of the Melbourne pack, which position he has honourably held for many years, being a half brother[6] of the deceased; while every old Akaronian must well remember the late gentleman’s pride in horses, even to breaking them in, the last one, we believe, that he owned and broke here being a horse named by him Blarney.
Mr Watson, we believe, came to this colony in November or December, 1843, with Captain – afterwards Admiral – Fitzroy, but in what capacity we do not know. It is a matter of colonial history that he distinguished himself at Kororareka, in the Bay of Islands, at the contest with the then redoubtable chief Heki. Shortly after this he must have been sent to Akaroa, succeeding Mr C. B. Robinson, the first R.M. here. From that date until 1869 or ’70 Mr Watson was one of us, strict in his duties and straightforward in his intentions, Like other men, he had his official peculiarities, but for unostentatious kindness, in which his widow was always a ready and eager helper, and more than aid, his name was in those days proverbial. The site of St. Peter’s Church section was a present from the deceased gentleman, who always, while he was amongst us, took a deep interest in Church matters, and otherwise interested himself in the advancement of the town and district; in fact, his and Mrs Watson’s aid and advocacy, combined with the Rev. W. Aylmer’s efforts, resulted in the present Church being built. Many and very many of the “old identities” of this district will be very sorry to read of Mr’s Watson’s bereavement, and though she is far away will still sympathise with her as a friend, although out of sight, but not out of mind to them. Most of us know that although a non resident the deceased gentleman still held property among us, notably the residence or Mr H. C. Jacobson, and a freehold on the German Bay hill. To quote Mrs Hemans:-

“Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers wither at the North wind’s breath, And stars to set; but all Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death!”

Stained Glass windows of Canterbury, New Zealand, Ciaran, Fiona. Dunedin, N.Z.: University of Otago Press, 1998, p153.

“W370. E sanctuary, 3L, 2740mm x 1630mm.
The Risen Christ Blessing in Majesty.
Unsigned: [Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, Melbourne].
Undated: 1875.
Commemoration: C. Allan Nalder and G.R.F. Sayle, drowned in Akaroa Harbour, 9 Jan 1875 [plaque]. Both worked in Akaroa, Nalder as a solicitor and Sayle as a surveyor [MDCB N3, S74].
Donor: Public subscription.
Documentation: The LT records the studio and the arrival of the window [(6 April 1875, p2]. NZCN reported that more money was needed for the window which would cost approximately £60 [5, no. 9 (July 1875), p.103]. At a vestry meeting on 29 Sept 1877, which he attended while on a visit to the parish, Bp Harper noted that this window had been installed without a faculty. A formal request for a faculty was to be made [VMB (unpaginated)], but there is no faculty entry in the BR.
Note: This window may have been obtained from this studio as a result of an advertisement first placed by Ferguson, Urie and Lyon in NZCN, 1, no 5 (Feb 1871), p.16.”

(Abbreviations: BR: Christ Church Anglican Bishop’s Register. NZCN: New Zealand Church News. MDCB: Macdonald Dictionary of New Zealand Biographies. LT: Lyttelton Times. VMB: Vestry Minute Book).

Footnotes:

[1] Akaroa Mail &Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Vol VII, Issue 704, 13 April 1883, page 2

[2] Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, issue 1325, 1 December 1864, page 4.

[3] http://www.akaroa.com/places-worship/saint-peters-anglican-church-1864

[4] Stained Glass windows of Canterbury, New Zealand, Ciaran, Fiona. Dunedin, N.Z.: University of Otago Press, 1998, p153.

[5] Press [New Zealand], Volume X, Issue 1162, 30 July 1866, page 3

[6] George John Watson (1829-1906)

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Errol Vincent for contributing the photos and for his and Ann’s enthusiasm for the history. Errol is a great great grandson of James Ferguson of the stained glass firm ‘Ferguson & Urie’.

Thanks to Dr. Fiona Ciaran for signing my copy of her book ;-), ‘Stained Glass windows of Canterbury, New Zealand,’ which has been an invaluable resource for this article.

Short link to this page: https://wp.me/p28nLD-1X8

Apr 13 2013

12-04-1875: Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Port Chalmers, New Zealand.

The foundation stone of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, at Port Chalmers, New Zealand, was laid on Wednesday the 7^th of June 1871 [1] by Bishop Samuel Tarratt Nevill (1837-1921) [2] and was constructed of volcanic Breccia stone to the designs of architect Robert Arthur Lawson (1833-1902) [3].

The donor of the historic Ferguson & Urie stained glass window was John Elmer (1823-1874). Elmer was born in Barking, Essex, England, and was a Master Mariner by profession. He arrived aboard the ‘Thetis’ on the 1^st of August 1854 with his wife Rosetta nee-Lovell, a son, and two daughters [4]. He became a landowner in Port Chalmers, Deborah, and Sawyers’ Bay areas and later became a councillor in Port Chalmers [5].

In early 1874 John Elmer commissioned a single light stained glass window depicting the crucifixion, from the North Melbourne stained glass firm Ferguson & Urie. Unfortunately he died at his residence ‘Wickliff Terrace’ at Port Chalmers on the 18^th June 1874, aged 55 [6], before the window was to be erected.

On the 12^th April 1875, the New Zealand press reported that the window had been installed and that it was believed to be the first stained glass window erected anywhere in the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin [7].

Photos were taken 2nd April 2013 by Cindy Ballantyne on commission. Historical photos with permission Bill & Evelyn Lloyd & the Hocken Library, University of Otago, NZ.

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Otago Daily Times, Issue 4102, 12 April 1875, Page 4

“A very beautifully-executed stained glass window has been placed in the Holy Trinity Church, Port Chalmers, and is, we believe the first introduced into any church of the diocese. It was presented to the church by the late Mr Elmer, of Port Chalmers, and was prepared in Melbourne. It is a choice work of art, and is illuminated with a central figure of the Crucifixion, surmounted by the Agnus Dei, with a lower staining of a pelican feeding its young, according to the once vulgarly-received idea, and which has been introduced as typical of Christ’s sacrifice. The illumination forms the central division of the chancel window, and adds greatly to the general effect of the interior of the church.” [8]

The window was erected in the centre of the three light chancel window of Holy Trinity. In March 2013 Mr Bill Lloyd from Port Chalmers provided the following detail from research conducted by his wife Evelyn for the book “Safe Harbour” [9], which was produced to mark the 120th Anniversary of Holy Trinity in 1994:

“Mr John Elmer, had donated a beautiful stained glass window to be placed in the east end of the church but he died in 1874 before this could be carried out. At a vestry meeting on 26th August a motion was passed “that, this vestry sanction the placing of the memorial window in the memory of the late Mr John Elmer as proposed by his executrix (possibly his wife) the said window to occupy the centre light of the three light window in the east end of the church” [10].

“…In 1946, two new pieces of stained glass were placed on either side of the Elmer Window and did not match. A benefactor gave a new matching centre light and the John Elmer window was transferred to the north side window of the chancel, I believe the pelican roundel was removed at this time. Literally nobody knew the window was there[11]. Evelyn the organist became aware of it one Easter morning when the sun shone through the window and cast coloured lights onto the organ as she played. About 2000, the Elmer window was releaded and moved to the north side of the nave at the same time as protective glass was placed over all of the stained glass in the church…”

“…It would appear that there was no record of its origin, because, at a vestry meeting on 25th September, 1946 “Mr Brown stated that he felt sure that it was a memorial window.” The lower part of the window (the pelican) was removed and replaced by the dedication “Given by Mr John Elmer, in memory of his mother 1870…” [12].

It’s not known what became of the original lower stained glass piece that depicted the Pelican feeding its young.

John Elmer’s wife, Rosetta, died aged 67 on the 10^th August 1887.

Holy Trinity was eventually consecrated on the 6th October 1907 by Bishop Samuel Tarratt Nevill (1837-1921), who also laid the foundation stone of the church 36 years earlier in 1871[13].

Otago Daily Times , Issue 2913, 8 June 1871, Page 5

“PORT CHALMERS.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND”.

“The above ceremony took place at Port Chalmers yesterday, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon…”

The Bishop accepted the crown grant of the land and placed a bottle in the cavity of the foundation stone containing a manuscript with the following words:

“…The foundation stone of Holy Trinity Church, Port Chalmers, was solemnly laid on this 7^th day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1871, by the Right Reverend Samuel Tarratt Neville, M.A., Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Dunedin…”

Otago Daily Times , Issue 3850, 19 June 1874, Page 2

“DEATHS…”

“On the 18^th June, suddenly, at his residence, Wickliff Terrace, Port Chalmers, John Elmer, Esq., aged 55 years.”

Otago Daily Times , Issue 7946, 10 August 1887, Page 2

“ELMER.- On the 13^th July, suddenly, at her residence, Wickliffe terrace, Port Chalmers, Mrs Rosetta Elmer, youngest daughter of the late George Lovell, Esq., late of the city of London, widow of the late John Elmer, Esq., and mother of John Elmer, J.P., of this colony; in her 67^th year of her age. London papers please copy.”

Otago Witness , Issue 2300, 31 March 1898, Page 11

“Biographical Notes of Settlers of the First Decade…”

“Elmer, John, born Barking, Essex, 1823; was by profession master mariner; arrived by Thetis in 1854; became landowner in Port Chalmers, Deborah, and Sawyers’ Bays. Was councillor Port Chalmers Council. Mr Elmer died June 18, 1874. Elmer, John (son), well known at Port Chalmers (where he was in business for number of years), Waitati, and Dunedin. Mr Elmer died March 3, 1895”.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14027, 7 October 1907, page 7.

“CONSECRATION SERVICE AT PORT CHALMERS”.

“The consecration of Holy Trinity Church, Port Chalmers, attracted a very large congregation yesterday, the church being crowded. The foundation of he church was laid in 1871 with masonic honours, and the service held yesterday was largely attended by Freemasons in full regalia. The church building having been cleared of debt, was duly consecrated by the primate, Bishop Neville…”

Footnotes:

[1] Otago Daily Times, NZ, Issue 2913, 8 June 1871, Page 5

[2] Biography: Samuel Tarrat Nevill (1837-1921)

[3] Biography: Robert Arthur Lawson (1833-1902).

[4] Otago Witness, NZ, Issue 165, 12th August 1854, page 1.

[5] Otago Witness , Issue 2300, 31 March 1898, Page 11

[6] Otago Daily Times, NZ, Issue 3850, 19 June 1874, Page 2

[7] Otago Daily Times, NZ, Issue 4102, 12 April 1875, Page 4

[8] Otago Daily Times , Issue 4102, 12 April 1875, Page 4

[9] “Safe Harbour”; Evelyn E. Lloyd, Holy Trinity Church (Dunedin, N. Z.), 1994.

[10] “Safe Harbour”; Evelyn E. Lloyd, Holy Trinity Church (Dunedin, N. Z.), 1994.

[11] In reference to the lower ‘Pelican’ at the base of the window which had been hidden by the Reredos for many years.

[12] Email correspondence, Bill Lloyd & Ray Brown, 20 March 2013.

[13] Otago Daily Times, Issue 14027, 7 October 1907, page 7.

Thanks to:

Janice Ball for the follow up action in New Zealand.

Bill & Evelyn Lloyd, Holy Trinity Port Chalmers, for the correspondence, information, and permission to include the c.1900 interior photo from Evelyn’s 1994 book “Safe Harbour”, and for obtaining the additional photos with permission of the Hocken Library, University of Otago, (permission grant date 8 May 2013). The images included have the required citation.

Cindy Ballantyne, Port Chalmers, for undertaking the photographic commission.

Short link to this page: https://wp.me/p28nLD-1Ou

Feb 3 2013

1878: St Mark’s Anglican Church, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.

The first historical stained glass windows to be erected in St. Marks were created by the Colonial Stained Glass firm from Victoria, Ferguson & Urie, of North Melbourne. The triple light window depicted “St. Mark and the lion” and was erected as the principal east window in the chancel circa 1878. Another two Ferguson & Urie windows, depicting ‘Hope’ and ‘Faith’ were erected in the north and south sides of the chancel in 1879.

The 1982 St Mark’s Church History book by Hilary Reid [1] recorded the following information:

“The church was embellished and beautified as well as enlarged for, in 1878 too, a lovely stained glass window was donated anonymously for the east window. It was later revealed that Mr. J.C. Seccombe, the brewer of Newmarket was the donor. In April, 1879, Mr Edwin Hesketh wrote to the vestry offering from his mother and brothers and himself two small stained glass memorial windows for the chancel.”

Photos taken: 22^nd January 2013.
(Photos by Janice Ball, nee Auld, Great Great Granddaughter of James Ferguson of the Ferguson & Urie Stained Glass Company. Photo of original chancel window in 1902 is reproduced from St Mark’s Church history book, page 39, with permission of Hillary F. Reid, M.A. 5th Feb 2013, others from Auckland Library ‘Sir George Grey Special Collections’).

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(Note: Some elements of the Hesketh windows are not original Ferguson & Urie work. It’s my opinion that the head of the figure depicting ‘Hope’ and the head of the Angel at the foot of ‘Faith’ are complete replacements from early restoration or conservation work.)

In 1878, after alterations to St Mark’s were completed, a description of the chancel window depicting “St Mark and the Lion” was reported in the papers as being made by Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne for £150[2]. The article indicated that the window was “the gift of a member of the congregation” who was later revealed to have been Mr John Carroll Seccombe, the owner of the Great Northern Brewery. The chancel window lighted St Mark’s for nearly 60 years before it was destroyed by a suspicious fire which started at midnight on the 4^th of April 1935[3]. Two other smaller windows donated by the Hesketh family survived the fire.

John Carroll Seccombe (c.1834-1892):

The donor of the original chancel window was John Carroll Seccombe. His father, Richard, began small scale brewing operations in New Plymouth in 1846 and later migrated north to Auckland and circa 1856 took over the Albert Brewery[4], which was founded circa 1847 by George Partington[5]. In December 1860 Richard Seccombe began construction on the Great Northern Brewery on Khyber Pass Road in Auckland and commenced brewing operations on the 24^th May 1861[6]. The company used the rampant lion symbol from the family crest as its logo and it later came to be known as “The Lion” brewery. After Richard Seccombe retired the business was continued at the helm of his second son John Carroll Seccombe. On the 16^th of February 1892 J. C. Seccombe died at the Lake Takapuna Hotel after an extended illness, aged 58. At the time of his death there were an estimated thirteen hotels within the Seccombe brewing empire. His funeral was held at St Mark’s Anglican Church in Remuera on the afternoon of the 17^thand the cortege comprised an estimated 30 carriages plus foot mourners and a considerable number his brethren from the Remuera Masonic Lodge. The prominent Auckland Solicitor Edwin Hesketh played the “Dead March in Saul” on the organ at the close of the service[7].

The Great Northern Brewery brewery continued for a number of years with his wife Isabella Harriet Seccombe (c.1836-1902) & Alfred Seccombe as directors[8] and circa 1914, ‘Campbell and Ehrenfried’ took over the business. Successive mergers occurred with other brewing companies in the following years and eventually morphed into the company known as “Lion Nathan Ltd” which formed in 1988 and expanded to become one of the largest wine and spirit merchants in Australasia.

The Hesketh Windows:

Two smaller single light windows in the chancel were donated by the Hesketh family in 1879 and were also made by Ferguson & Urie of North Melbourne. These windows miraculously escaped serious damage during the fire in 1935.

The stained glass window on the north side of the chancel depicts “Hope” and has an angel holding a ribbon below with the text “I am the resurrection and the life”. A brass plaque below it states that it was erected by the widow of Emanuel Hesketh (Caroline nee Nelson[9]). Emanuel was an early schoolmaster in Auckland[10], who died aged 51 years[11] on the 28th May 1864 [12].

The window on the south side of the chancel depicts “Faith”. An angel below is holding a ribbon with the text “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord”. A brass plaque below the window states that it is in memory of Frederick Hesketh who died aged 27 on the 23rd February 1872[13] and was erected by his brothers. The figurative depiction of “Faith” is from a cartoon used by Ferguson & Urie in other windows by the firm at Christ Church Hawthorn in Melbourne and All Saints Church in South Hobart. The original cartoon is based on a series of original paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) that depict “Faith, Hope & Charity”.

Emanuel Hesketh, his wife Caroline, and sons William, Charles, Edwin and Frederick were natives of Manchester in England and arrived in Auckland aboard the “Caduceus” from London on the 19^th May 1859 [14]. The youngest son, Samuel, remained in England with an uncle and arrived later in 1863[15]. The head of the family, Emanuel, was a well educated man having been a school teacher and was later appointed a schoolmaster in Auckland[16]. The Hesketh boys benefited greatly from their fathers experience as an educator and were also keen sportsmen who were selected as members of Auckland’s “Newmarket Eleven” Cricket team[17] as early as c.1863 and were instrumental in the formation of the Auckland Suburban Rugby Club in 1891[18].

Emanuel Hesketh ( c.1813 -1864):

The patriarch of the family was Emanuel Hesketh who was born in Manchester circa 1813 and married Caroline Nelson in Manchester in 1837. Emanuel was a teacher and later a school master in Auckland. Emanuel died at Remuera on the 28^th of May 1864[19] aged 51. In later years his wife Caroline resided at her son Edwin’s substantial home “St John’s Wood” (also known as Hesketh House) at Epsom in Auckland, which later became part of the Auckland Diocesan Girls High School circa 1903. Caroline died on the 25^th of May 1886[20] aged 73.

Edwin Hesketh ( c.1843 – 1898):

Edwin Hesketh became a prominent barrister in the Auckland area. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in October 1865[21]. He married Jane Parnell on the 27^th December 1867 at St Mark’s Remuera[22] and in early 1870 entered into partnership as solicitors “Hesketh & Richmond” [23]. In February 1878 he was appointed as secretary of the Auckland Solicitors’ Society[24] and in March of the same year was nominated as Governor of the Grammar School by members of the Board of Education and General Assembly[25]. Edwin, like his parents and siblings, was a staunch supporter and liberal donor of St Marks Anglican Church in Remuera as well as being Vestryman, Synodsman, Chancellor of the Diocese, and Church Organist. He was an accomplished musician who also donated the first organ to St Mark’s Church in 1872-73[26] and befittingly was the first to officially play it at the re-opening of the church in May 1873[27]. He remained the church organist, and sometimes the choirmaster, for many years even though increasing deafness reduced his enjoyment of music. In 1881 Edwin was nominated as a candidate for the Eden district[28], but declined to enter politics in favour of his profession[29]. Outside of professional life he was a keen bird breeder and Vice President of the Auckland Chrysanthemum Society[30]. Edwin Hesketh died aged 55 on the 23^rd of July 1898[31]. His peers in the legal profession held him in such high esteem that the sitting Judge (Conolly) of the Supreme Court adjourned all sittings until 10 am the following day[32]. His funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Remeuera. The original organ that Edwin had donated in 1872-73, was destroyed in the 1935 fire. The ‘Faith’ and ‘Hope’ stained glass windows dedicated to his father Emanuel, and Brother Frederick survived.

Frederick Hesketh (c.1845-1872):

Frederick Hesketh is commemorated in St Mark’s by a Ferguson & Urie stained glass window depicting “Faith”. While working as a chainman with O’Meara’s survey party near Rivershead he left early on the morning of the 23^rd of February to wash a shirt in a nearby waterhole. His fatal mistake was not taking a friend with him to the waterhole as he subsequently fell in and drowned after suffering a seizure. His friends, having found him face down in the waterhole some considerable time later, attempted to revive him by archaic methods that would not have saved him even if they had found him earlier:

“…Ryan and I then went to the body, took his boots and socks off, and rubbed his feet, body, and hands for an hour. We observed no marks on the body. Ryan also cut his wrist with a razor, to try and draw blood. No blood flowed from the wound at the time. We then became satisfied that he was dead…” [33]

The jury at the inquest returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”. A brass plaque at the foot of the stained glass window in St Marks indicates that it was erected in his memory by his brothers.

Charles Hesketh (c.1842-1930):

Charles Hesketh began his early career as a farmers hand and later joined the firm of auctioneer Alfred Buckland where he remained for over 20 years and on Buckland’s retirement, brought the business and entered into partnership with Alexander Aitken as Hesketh & Aitken in the grain and produce business[34]. He saw active service during the first Taranaki war and the Waikato war, and was a recipient of the New Zealand Medal[35]. He was a keen Cricketer and Hon Secretary of the Newmarket Cricket Club[36]. He had an instrumental part in the raising of the Parnell Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1866[37], and was a past master of the Remuera Freemason Lodge, member of the Auckland Council Licensing Bench, and a Councillor from 1893 to 1900 and served on the Remuera Highway Board and school committee. Charles Hesketh was an active supporter and liberal donor of St Mark’s Church. He died at Tauranga on the 13th February 1930, aged 88[38].

Samuel Hesketh (c.1849 – 1939):

Samuel Hesketh remained in England with an uncle when the family emigrated in 1859 and arrived in Auckland on the 7th February 1863[39] at about the age of fourteen, he was later articled to his brother Edwin in the legal profession and after passing his exams in 1878 “In an extremely satisfactory manner”, was admitted as a barrister of the court[40]. He was a senior partner in the legal firm Hesketh, Richmond, Adams and Cocker and later Hesketh and Richmond and became the head of the company after his Brother Edwin’s death in 1898. He was a chairman of the Epsom Road Board, a member of the Manukau Water Supply Board, and a member of the Reform Party and a personal friend of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Hon William Ferguson Massey[41]. For many years he was a member of the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland and a liberal supporter of St Mark’s Church in Remuera.

Samuel Hesketh died on Sunday 8^th January 1939, aged 89 and was buried on the 10^th of January, “…The long cortege left the residence, “Fernacre.” 89, Gillies Avenue, Epsom, for St. Mark’s Church, Remuera, at 2 o’clock…”[42]

William Nelson Hesketh: (c.1838-c.1880):

William was the eldest son of Emanuel and Caroline. Nothing further is known of his life other than he had returned to England at some point.

Significant tabloid transcriptions:

New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5152, 22 May 1878, page 3.

ST MARK’S CHURCH, REMUERA

“This church, situated as it is on the rise of the hill on the Remuera Road, has lately been undergoing extensive alterations, which have just now been completed. These alterations consist of an addition to the southern transept, the lighting of the church with gas, the removal of the pulpit, and substituting in lieu thereof a desk and lectern. The whole of the works have been executed with great taste and judgement, and reflect the greatest credit upon those who have carried out the same…”

“…On entering the nave by the main entrance of the church, the visitor is at once at once struck with astonishment at the pleasing and handsome view which is presented to the eye on looking at the east end of the church. The large gothic window in the chancel, some 15 feet by 10 feet, is of stained glass in three panels, representing the figure of St. Mark and the lion, burnt in the most soft and tasteful colours, the features, hands, and robes of the figure being exquisitely blended together, and shewing most prominently the various degrees and shades of light. The two side panels consist of rich and delicate work, executed in bright and cheerful colours, add greatly to the effect of the figure in the centre panel. The whole of the interior is surrounded by a handsome floral border, surmounted by the figure of an inverted dove. The effect of this magnificent window, which surpasses anything of the kind in Auckland, is very imposing, and fills the chancel with a halo specially appropriate to that portion of the church. We are informed that this window, which was made by Messrs. Urie and Ferguson, of Melbourne, at the cost of £150, is the gift of a member of the congregation, and who has also generously placed it in its present position…”

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 80, 4 April 1935, page 9.

“FIRE MYSTERY. ST. MARKS CHURCH…”

Fire completely destroyed an organ valued at between £3000 and £4000 and considerably damaged the chancel and sanctuary in St. Mark’s Church, Remuera, at midnight last night…”

“…Splendid work by the brigades resulted in a remarkable save. Most of the damage was confined to the organ, although valuable stained glass windows above the altar were damaged…”

Foot notes:

[1] St Mark’s Remuera 1847-1981: The Story of a Parish, Auckland, 1982. Hilary F. Reid, M.A.

[2] New Zealand Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5152, 22 May 1878, page 3.

[3] Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 80, 4 April 1935, page 9.

[4] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 988, 16 December 1856, Page 2

[5] New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 112, 26 June 1847, Page 4

[6] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1470, 17 January 1862, Page 3

[7] Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1892, Page 4

[8] Bay Of Plenty Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 3975, 21 March 1900, Page 1

[9] Caroline Hesketh died 1886 aged 73; NZ BDM 1886/2470.

[10] Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 38, 14 February 1930, Page 5

[11] Emanuel Hesketh died 1864 aged 51; NZ BDM 1864/3402.

[12] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2141, 31 May 1864, Page 10

[13] Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 662, 24 February 1872, Page 2

[14] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1221, 20 May 1859, Page 2.

[15] Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 7, 10 January 1939, Page 11

[16] Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 38, 14 February 1930, Page 5

[17] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 1724, 28 January 1863, Page 4

[18] Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 165, 14 July 1891, Page 4

[19] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2141, 31 May 1864, Page 10

[20] Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 120, 25 May 1886, Page 2

[21] New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 600, 14 October 1865, Page 5

[22] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3261, 30 December 1867, Page 2

[23] New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1864, 6 January 1870, Page 4

[24] Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2462, 12 February 1878, Page 3

[25] Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2501, 30 March 1878, Page 2

[26] New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2783, 30 December 1872, Page 2

[27] New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2899, 14 May 1873, Page 3

[28] New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6204, 5 October 1881, Page 5

[29] Observer, Volume 3, Issue 57, 15 October 1881, Page 68

[30] Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 188, 11 August 1898, Page 2

[31] Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 172, 23 July 1898, Page 5

[32] Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 173, 25 July 1898, Page 5

[33] New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2523, 26 February 1872, Page 3

[34] New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6000, 9 February 1881, Page 4

[35] Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 38, 14 February 1930, Page 5

[36] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1604, 11 September 1862, Page 1

[37] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2821, 10 August 1866, Page 3

[38] Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 38, 14 February 1930, Page 5

[39] Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 7, 10 January 1939, Page 11

[40] Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2445, 23 January 1878, Page 2

[41] William Ferguson Massey – founder of the Reform Party and 19th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1925.

[42] Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 7, 10 January 1939, Page 9

Acknowledgements:

Thanks to Janice Ball for finding the original article about the chancel window in 1878 and then undertaking the 400km round trip to Auckland with Cleeve to see, and photograph, the remaining “Hope” & “Faith” windows by Ferguson & Urie, and also for sending me the copy of the St Mark’s Church history book – ( ‘St Mark’s Remuera 1847-1981: The Story of a Parish, Auckland, 1982; ‘Hilary F. Reid, M.A.’) and for her tenacity in following up the research clues from the New Zealand side of our small world.

Thanks to Hillary F. Reid, M.A. for permission to include a copy from page 39 of the St Mark’s history book (via Janice Ball, 5th Feb 2013), and the Auckland City Library (also via Janice, 11th Feb 2013) for the additional photos, from the ‘Sir George Grey Collections’, of the chancel of St Mark’s prior to the 1935 fire.

Short link to this page: http://wp.me/p28nLD-1zq

Jun 6 2012

31-08-1878: St. Matthews Church, Dunedin, New Zealand.

A rare Ferguson & Urie stained glass window exists in St Matthews [1] Church at Dunedin, New Zealand.

On the afternoon of the 21st of May 1878, a young boy by the name of James Ernest Maitland died as the result of a horrific coach accident that occurred between Palmerston and Moeraki.

The memorial stained glass window to the Maitland boy was designed by Ferguson & Urie’s senior stained glass artist David Relph Drape and was selected by Mr. Thomas Austin of New Zealand in 1878. The Otago Witness newspaper in New Zealand ran an article about the window on the 31^st of August 1878, with the mention of Ferguson & Urie as the makers. On the 6^th of January 2010, the original pencil sketch design for the window was found amongst a collection of Drape’s stained glass designs at the State Library of Victoria. The window has the memorial text at the bottom “IN MEMORIAM JAMES ERNEST MAITLAND 22 MAY ____”. At some time the window’s history the bottom right corner that contained the year “1878” was broken and was replaced with a plain coloured piece of glass.

Photo of the window by Errol Vincent, New Zealand, 5th October 2010.

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The following are historical accounts of the coach accident as reported in the tabloids of the time:

Otago Witness, New Zealand, Issue 1396, 31^st August 1878, page 7.

“A stained-glass window has lately been placed in St. Matthew’s Church, in memory of James Ernest Maitland, son of Mr J. P. Maitland, who was killed in the late terrible coach accident. The window was erected by the choir of St Matthew’s, of which the deceased was a chorister for a long time, and the Carisbrook Cricket Club, in which Ernest Maitland’s name will long be remembered as one of the most promising juniors. The chaste design and colouring of the window reflect credit on the builders, Messrs Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, and on Mr Thomas Austin, who selected the plan when recently in Melbourne”.

Otago Witness, New Zealand, Issue 1382, 25th May 1878, page 10.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Oamaru, May 23rd.

It is difficult to ascertain fully the extent of the injuries received by the passengers on the coach which met with the accident yesterday. The medical men have been too much engaged to attend to the numerous inquiries. It is equally difficult to arrive at any definite conclusion as to the real cause of the accident. Several passengers give different versions of the matter. Some say that one of the traces broke or got loose, and dangling about the horses legs, caused them to bolt; others that the boy Maitland fell from his seat on the box and dragged the reins out of the driver’s hands in his fall. Others state that a bolt came out, and that the two portions of the coach became severed, and that the horses bolted with fore part of the vehicle, leaving the main body to run down hill as best it might. The latter seems the most probable cause, as all agree in saying that the horses bolted with the fore part of the coach, and that the coach continued to run rapidly down hill, notwithstanding that the brake was applied with all force by the driver and the boy Maitland, who was sitting on the box on the near side. It appears that there were about twenty persons in the coach, including the driver. Of these, nine were inside, six on the box, and the rest at the back and on top. Those on the box were – Maitland, Hill, and Fulton, the two latter having Mr Strode’s two sons on their knees. Mr Nichols and Mr Hunter were on the outside seat at the back, and two others were on the rack below them, and one or two on the top. Most of the passengers had walked up the hill to relieve the horses, and had not long resumed their seats when the accident occurred. When the horses bolted several of the passengers at the back of the coach jumped off, none of them being severely injured by doing so. The coach appears to have run down the hill at a rapid pace. The driver applied the brake on one side, and Maitland did so on the other side, in obedience to the bidding of the driver, but failed to check the speed of the coach. After going about a hundred yards it seems to have swerved, and run off the road, tumbling over and over down the embankment, for a distance of some forty or fifty feet, its further progress being stopped by a wire fence. Just before the coach went over, Mr Bishop, of the Sun newspaper, who was on the top, jumped off and fell with his head against a rock, inflicting a nasty scalp wound. He also sprained his ankle, rolled over the embankment, and was picked up insensible, remaining in that state two or three hours. He is, however, progressing favourably. The extent of the injuries received by Mr Nichols and young Maitland you will find recorded in the evidence of Dr Hazard. The poor lad Maitland, after lying all night at the National Bank, whither he was taken at the request of the Manager, expired shortly after 10 o’clock this morning. From the first it was evident that he was beyond hope of recovery. He never regained consciousness. His body, and that of Mr Nichols, were forwarded to Dunedin this evening by train. Mr Nichols was thrown violently on his head, and expired about a quarter of an hour afterwards. Mr Francis Fulton, in addition to being severely shaken, had one of the small bones of his lame leg broken, and is likely to be laid up for some time. The two sons of Mr A. C. Strode escaped almost miraculously. In addition to bruises and severe shaking, it is said one of them dislocated his arm. They did not come on here, but resumed to Dunedin. I believe Messrs Hill and Hunter were both severely shaken and bruised, the former receiving a cut on the knee-cap which will cause him to be confined to his room for some time, while the latter had one of his arms badly hurt. Another passenger named Connor, brother to one of the witnesses at the inquest, also received severe injuries, but the extent of them I cannot find out. He is in the hospital, and doing very well. Mr Goddard, the driver, received several very severe wounds on the head, one of which is very deep, in addition to other injuries. He ha 3at times during the day teen out of his mind, but is much better this evening. When Borne of the uninjured passengers or those only slightly wounded lifted the coach up, Mr McNicol and others were found underneath it. How they escaped being killed or severely injured is a mystery. According to the statement of one of the passengers, the coach seems to have bounded over several persons in tumbling down the hill. Of all the passengers those inside seem to have fared best. None of them appear to have received any injuries worthy of mention. The spectacle presented after the accident is described as appalling. The sufferers were strewn in all directions, and lying; in every conceivable position, some insensible and some conscious, but unable to move. Blood was freely flowing from most of them. The feelings of those who were injured, but conscious, must have been terrible, seeing that they were far away from any source of help, or any means of sending for assistance, and dependent entirely upon any chance passer-by. It was fortunate that Mr Bell happened to pass by that lonely spot, and for his prompt action in driving to Hampden and telegraphing for assistance he is deserving of praise, as is also Mr Back for speedily responding to the call by tending a special train. Long before the special train arrived in Oamaru, arrangements of a perfect nature had been made at the Hospital for the reception of the sufferers, while abundance of cabs and expresses, with mattresses and blankets, were waiting at the railway station. Goddard has been driving on the same road for seven or eight years, and has always been looked upon as a careful driver. It is remarkable that the only accident of any note he ever met with was reserved for his last trip, and that too when his final journey to Moeraki had nearly been completed.

Otago Daily Times, New Zealand, Issue 5083, 3 June 1878, page 7

THE INQUEST.

An inquest on the bodies of Mr Charles Nicholas and Master J. E. Maitland was commenced on May 22, before Mr Parker, Coroner.

The first witness called was Alexander John Fergusson, duly qualified medical practitioner residing in Dunedin, who deposed that he had seen the body lying in the premises of the Northern Hotel, and identified it as that of Charles Nichols, of the firm of Dalgety, Nichols, and Co. He had also seen the body lying at the National Bank. It was that of James Ernest Maitland, a son of Mr J. P. Maitland. He thought Mr Nichols between 50 and 60 years of age, and Master Maitland about 14 years[2].

John Hazard, duly qualified medical practitioner, at present residing at Oamaru, deposed that he made an examination of the body lying at the Northern Hotel, which had been identified as that of Mr Nichols. He found a comminuted fracture of the bones entering into the formation of the left orbit. The superior maxillary bone was broken into fragments. The left eye-ball was disorganised. These injuries were sufficient to account for death. He had also examined the body of James Ernest Maitland, and found a very severe lacerated wound commencing at the right eye brow and extending to the back of the head, entirely denuding the bone of the forehead. There was also a very extensive comminuted fracture of the frontal bone and right parietal bone. Deceased had also sustained a fracture of the right pelvis, with very severe laceration of the neighbouring parts, and a lacerated transverse wound on the left knee, in addition to several minor contusions in different parts of the body. The injuries received were quite sufficient to cause death.

Thomas Hunter, commission agent, residing at Wellington, deposed that he was a passenger by the coach which left Palmerston about 2 p.m. for Moeraki on Tuesday. He could not say how many passengers were on the coach. He was sitting on the outside back seat with Mr Nichols, two more passengers sat below them on the rack, and two and two others on the roof just above witness and Mr Nichols. The inside appeared to be full. He knew the Horse range. Up to the time of reaching the hill nothing, so far as he was aware, was wrong with the coach. The driver was perfectly sober, and had driven at a steady pace the whole time. When the coach was about a quarter of a mile down the bill, witness became aware that the horses were bolting. Two men below witness dropped off almost immediately, and witness followed them, but Mr Nichols kept his seat. One of the passengers on the roof also dropped down. The coach then went down hill at full speed for about a hundred yards. When he got up he could not see the coach, but the horses with both fore wheels were some distance ahead of him. Three of the horses were standing and another lying down, the pole being partly entangles with its legs. After walking a little distance witness was the remains of the coach down an embankment about 40 or 50 feet from the road. It appeared to have been stopped in its descent by a wire fence. When witness left the scene of the accident the deceased, Charles Nichols, was not dead, but he was frightfully mangled and breathed with great difficulty. He (deceased) was lying at the bottom of the gully. The lad – Maitland was lying close by him.

To the Foreman: There were ten of twelve persons on the outside of the coach, including the driver, and with exception of two on the roof they appeared to be all comfortably seated.

To the Jury: There were only a few parcels on the roof. He did not know how many the coach was supposed to carry. The inside appeared to be full. In jumping off he (witness) sustained some slight bruises on his left side and arm. He could not say whether or not the brake was acting.

W. Connor, lately of Tokomairiro, deposed that he was a passenger by the coach from Palmerston to Moeraki yesterday. He left the latter place about two o’clock. Nothing went wrong until at the top of the Horse Range. He could not say how many were on the box seat or inside the coach. On the roof on the luggage were two passengers. The last witness, Mr Hunter, and Mr Nichols were on the back seat, and he and another sat on the luggage. There were six passengers outside, besides those on the box seat. There was not much luggage on the roof. They had just reached the crown of the hill when some one cried “Trace loose.” After he heard this the coach commenced to go very fast, and he dropped on to the ground, and held on to the vehicle, running behind it. He saw what he thought was a trace loose, flapping on the near side. He could not say whether the brake was acting or not. He heard it grating up to the time he left the coach. From the place where he jumped off to that where the coach fell over there was an embankment for a distance of six or seven chains. Before the coach went over last witness and two others jumped off. He did not see the vehicle fall. When he saw it next it was 40 or 50 feet down the embankment. The top was smashed, and the body on its side, some of the wheels were broken. He saw the fore carriage about five chains farther down the road, with what appeared to be two horses lying beside it. He went back along the road, and at the place where he heard the cry he found a piece of iron, called the tree, that holds the trace, with a link of the trace, lying on the road.

To the Jury: He did not pick them up. When he saw Mr Nichols he was lying three or four yards from the remains of the coach, bleeding profusely from the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. He was alive then, but died about 20 minutes afterwards. Master Maitland was lying with his feet on Mr Nichol’s legs, and was fearfully cut above the abdomen and head. Witness did not know, of his own knowledge, when he died. Goddard was sober, and drove steadily and carefully. Witness could not say whether the cry came from inside the coach. The horses were, he thought, very steady. His brother, who was an inside passenger, was hurt.

To the Jury: He did not see the pole of he coach after the accident. He and another man removed the coach from the three passengers who were underneath.

The inquest was then adjourned till the 6^th June to obtain the evidence of the driver and Mr Fulton.

The Funerals of the late Mr Charles Nichols and Master James Ernest Maitland, who were killed by the recent coach accident, took place on the 24^th ultimo, at the Northern Cemetery. There was a large number of mourners, and the bodies were interred close to each other, and the service was read jointly by the Rev. R. L. Stanford and the Ven. Archdeacon Edwards.

Grey River Argus New Zealand, Volume 07, Issue 3061, 7 June 1878, page 2.

COACH ACCIDENT INQUIRY.

Wellington, June 8.

The adjourned inquiry into the cause of the recent coach accident, by which Mr Nicholls and young Maitland, were killed, took place to-day. Goddard, the driver appeared in court with his head bandaged up. He gave evidence, that when the coach had descended the Horse Range about two or three hundred yards, the trace of the offside pole horse came loose, and this caused the horses to take fright, and they broke into a gallop. In crossing a water course on the road the coach jerked violently and the king bolt came out, and the brake then had no control. After going a short distance the coach capsized. The Jury returned the following verdict: “That Chas. Nicholls and James Ernest Maitland, met their death accidentally, and that there is no blame to be attributed.”

Foot notes:

[1] The foundation stone of St Matthews was laid, with Masonic honours, on the 11th of July, 1873 and was opened on the 3rd of December, 1874, costing £4,854 4s 3d.

[2] James Ernest Maitland was age 16 at time of death. Born 1862 (NZ BDM:1862/1889), died 1878 (NZ BDM: 1878/2211)

Acknowledgments:

My gratitude to the late Errol & Ann Vincent for undertaking the massive 2,000 km round trip to follow this up and take the photos of the stained glass window.

Short link to this page: http://wp.me/p28nLD-11u

Apr 9 2012

01-08-1890: Advertisement in the Mataura Ensign, New Zealand.

The Mataura Ensign, New Zealand, Vol 14, Issue 1001, 1^st August 1890, page 8.

An advertisement appeared in the Mataura Ensign, New Zealand, with a picture of a secular window on the left and an ecclesiastical window on the right of the advertisement text.

“FERGUSON & URIE Glass Stainers, import every description, plate and sheet window glass, 281 and 283 (Late 10) Collins St. East, Melbourne.”

The Mataura Ensign, New Zealand, Vol 14, Issue 1001, 1st August 1890, page 8.

Mar 20 2012

1881: St. Saviour’s Church, Templeton, New Zealand.

St Saviour’s was built by a Mr Dethier of Christchurch to the designs of Speechly and Crisp on land donated by E. M. Templar for just over ₤400.

In 1867 the New Zealand press wrote the following of the windows:

“…It is well lighted, the east window being a rose over five lancets, and a large circular window at the west end…”[1]

St Saviour’s opening service occurred on Sunday the 3^rd of November 1867[2] and it consecrated on Thursday 17^th December 1868[3] by the Bishop of the Diocese.

A page from St Saviour’s history book includes the following entry:

“1881: Stained glass for east window arrives from Melbourne.”[4]

This entry gives the impression that the windows that were in place in 1867 may have only been plain or cathedral glass and the stained glass that exists today were erected circa 1881.

In 1998 the New Zealand Stained Historian, Fiona Ciaran, attributes these windows to Ferguson & Urie in her book Stained Glass Windows of Canterbury, New Zealand [5].

Photos taken 03/10/2010, courtesy of Errol Vincent, New Zealand.

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[1] Press, Volume XII, Issue 1560, 6 November 1867, Page 2

[2] Press, Volume XII, Issue 1560, 6 November 1867, Page 2

[3] Press, Volume XIII, Issue 1775, 19 December 1868, Page 2

[4] St Saviour’s Church, Templeton, New Zealand, church history book page 31.

[5] Stained Glass Windows of Canterbury, New Zealand. Fiona Ciaran, University of Otago Press, 1998. page 175.

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Errol & Ann Vincent for their enthusiasm for this family history and for undertaking the 1500 round trip to Templeton for the photos. Errol is a 2xGreat Grandson of James Ferguson of the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company.

Short link to this page: https://wp.me/p28nLD-us

Feb 12 2012

22-09-1860: Taranaki Relief Fund

When the Native Insurrection occurred in New Plymouth, New Zealand, the inhabitants of Melbourne subscribed liberally to Taranaki Relief Fund for the benefit of the suffering settlers.The sum collected, amounting to nearly £3,000, was placed in the hands of the committee formed of the most influental citizens of Melbourne. Amongst the extensive list of prominent North Melbourne identities was included “Ferguson,Urie” as well as other names closely associated with the firm Ferguson & Urie.

The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 22nd September 1860, page 5.

“TARANAKI RELIEF FUND.”

“A meeting of the inhabitants of Hotham was held last evening, at the Iron Store, Errol-street, for the purpose of organising a committee to collect subscriptions in aid of the sufferers through the rebellion of the natives of New Zealand […]”

“[…] Councillor King moved the first resolution, as follows:-

‘That, in the opinion of this meeting, the privations now being endured by the volunteers, militia, and their families, and the destitution of other colonists in New Plymouth, caused by the rebellion of the Maoris in that province, loudly call for prompt sympathy and aid from the inhabitants of Hotham […]”

“Councillor Cook moved the next resolution, as follows:-

‘That a committee be appointed for the purpose of collecting from the inhabitants of the district, contributions, either of money or suitable goods, in aid of the sufferers by the rebellion in New Plymouth; such committee to consists of […]”

The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 22nd September 1860, page 5.

Ferguson and Urie

Colonial Victoria's Historic Stained Glass Craftsmen 1853-1899

Category New Zealand

1890: St John’s Wesleyan Church, Nelson, New Zealand

1881: St Michael and All Angel’s, Porangahau, New Zealand.

1945: James Auld, Lead-lighter & Glazier (1873-1945)

1875: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Akaroa, New Zealand.

12-04-1875: Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Port Chalmers, New Zealand.

1878: St Mark’s Anglican Church, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.

31-08-1878: St. Matthews Church, Dunedin, New Zealand.

01-08-1890: Advertisement in the Mataura Ensign, New Zealand.

1881: St. Saviour’s Church, Templeton, New Zealand.

22-09-1860: Taranaki Relief Fund

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