Ancestry and Anecdotes
Preface
In his later years Dad would often tell us stories of his younger days. He became very interested in family history and with his help we began gathering family memories and photos. This formed the basis of Memories for the 1984 family reunion at Meeanee.
We then helped Uncle Dave assemble a small booklet Stories of Port Awanui for his 80th birthday and this encouraged us to further our research.
In 1988 we published Port to Pasture – Reminiscences and Records of Port Awanui, East Coast.
Ancestry and Anecdotes has involved many family members and family information is only as accurate as that supplied to us. We have combined historical fact and personal memories in an attempt to form a real ‘family’ book.
We thank…
the many family members who have answered our pleas for old photographs, information and anecdotes,
members of our extended family, Dr Tom Brons, Maureen Culver, Sean Ellison, Anne Pahuru-Huriwai and Betty Shields for their help and support,
historians Patrick Parsons and Richard Steedman for their assistance,
Batchelor’s Studio, Gisborne Museum and Arts Centre, R Ford and J Roberts for the use of photographs.
We hope Ancestry and Anecdotes will enthuse family members to research and record their individual family histories and to preserve and label their photographs for future generations.
Stephanie and Ivan
June 1999
Contents
Anne and Rev David Hughes 7
Hannah and Frederick Oates Esq 9
Grace nee Oates and Rev David Hughes 11
Jane nee Sampson and Dr John Boyd 19
Rawinia Haupehi and Riwai te Whatikino/Kawhena 29
Riria nee Kawhena and George Boyd 33
Mabel nee Boyd and Charles Hughes 47
Port Awanui, East Coast 51
Pakihikura, Whakaangiangi Valley, East Coast 55
Omaewa, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay 75
Family Profiles and Charts 75
Family Reunions 126
Whakapapa/Ancestry Chart 131
Resources 132
Page 7
Anne and Reverend David Hughes
Anne and Rev David Hughes answered the call to Penmynydd Parish, Isle of Anglesey, North Wales in 1833. Penmynydd is a small village near the Menai Bridge just across the Menai Strait from Bangor
Penmynydd was the home of Owen Tudor who became Clerk of the Wardrobe to Queen Katherine, the young widow of Henry V.
After defeating Richard III in 1485, Henry Tudor the grandson of Owen and Katherine, became Henry VII. He was the first of the Tudor monarchs and fulfilled the ancient Welsh prophecy that one day a Welsh king would rise and sit at Windsor. Henry Tudor is buried in Westminster Abbey.
The church at Penmynydd, where Rev David Hughes preached in the 1830s, can trace its beginnings to at least the 7th century. A north chapel was added in the early 15th century while the font may be a century earlier. The pew ends in Penmynydd Church commemorate Katherine – queen and wife of Owen Tudor of Plas Penmynydd.
In 1840 the church was considerably restored with Queen Victoria contributing 40 pounds to the task of renovating the structure where the early Tudors worshipped.
No doubt Rev David greeted the Royal contribution and the renovation work with joy.
David, the second son of Rev David and Anne, was born at The Rectory in the small village of Penmynydd on 28 June 1835. His older brother, John Edward, had been baptised in Penmynydd in July 1834.
We have checked the baptism register for the parish church (Church of England now Church in Wales) for Penmynydd and the only entry for a David Hughes is: 1 July 1835 (date of birth 28 June) David son of David and Anne Hughes, address Rectory, Penmynydd.
1835 is before civil registration so the baptismal registers are the only source of information available.
The older/est son John Edward was also baptised in the parish 9 July 1834.
The father David Hughes first appears as incumbent in the parish in 1833.
David and Anne did not get married in Penmynydd.
Anne Venables
County Archivist
Isle of Anglesey 1998
By the time of the 1841 April Census Rev David Hughes and family had moved from The Rectory and the village of Penmynydd.
Little else is known of the family of Anne and Rev David, but it is probable there were more children than John and David. It is unknown where the family moved after leaving Penmynydd.
Page 8
David attended Oxford University and, like his father before him, became a member of the Church of England clergy.
David, second son of Anne and Rev David Hughes of Penmynydd attended Jesus College, Oxford, matriculating on 16 June 1853 at the age of seventeen.
Foster’s Alumni Oxonienses from Oxford University Archives
Other Oxford University Archives records show that David became a servitor at Jesus College, Oxford University, graduating with a Batchelor of Arts degree in March 1860.
[servitor – a student aided by college funds in payment for menial duties]
Crockford’s Clerical Directory shows that David was ordained as a deacon in 1865 then a year later was ordained as a priest.
Rev David junior’s first appointment was in 1865 as curate at Newbold-on-Avon, a small village near Rugby in Warwickshire.
The Family of Anne and Rev David Hughes
John Edward bpt 9.7.1834 Penmynydd, Isle of Anglesey
David b 28.6.1835 bpt 1.7.1835 Penmynydd, Isle of Anglesey
[probably other siblings also]
Page 9
Hannah and Frederick Oates Esq.
Hannah and Frederick Oates and family lived at Angler ’s Lodge in the small village of Spofforth, (20km north of Leeds), West Yorkshire. Spofforth is the location of an ancient castle which was ‘reduced from a princely palace to a heap of ruins’ after the 1461 Battle of Towton Field between the Lancastrians and Yorkists.
Angler’s Lodge, owned by Frederick was one of only five private residences in the village. It appears that Frederick was a man of private means as the 1857 Post Office Directory lists him as a ‘private resident’ and on other legal documents his occupation was described as ‘Esquire’ or ‘Gentleman’.
Grace was born to Hannah and Frederick Oates in the summer of 1848.
Grace was the eldest of six children having two brothers, Fred and Russell and three sisters, Liz, Amelia and Melinda.
During Grace’s childhood, Spofforth had a population of about 1100 folk.
As well as the usual village shops and pubs there was a National School, supported by public subscription, which catered for both boys and girls.
Spofforth’s All Saints Church served a parish of over 3000 adherents. Spofforth also had Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist churches.
Family of Hannah and Frederick Oates
Grace bpt 7. 8. 1848 Spofforth, West Yorkshire
Fred bpt 22. 4. 1850 Spofforth, West Yorkshire
Russell bpt 30. 7. 1851 Spofforth, West Yorkshire
Liz bpt 19. 5. 1853 Spofforth, West Yorkshire
Amelia bpt 28. 5. 1855 Spofforth, West Yorkshire
Melinda bpt 16. 4. 1858 Spofforth, West Yorkshire
[birth dates unknown – baptismal dates are from church records]
Page 11
Grace nee Oates and Reverend David Hughes
On 5 February 1868, Rev David Hughes married Grace Oates in Farnham Parish Church, (10km north of Spofforth), Yorkshire.
Crockford’s Clerical Directory and various census records have made it possible to trace the lives of Grace and Rev David Hughes.
Their first child, Grace, was born in 1869 in the small village of Ferrensby, Farnham Parish.
From 1870 to 1872 Rev David was the curate of Sandal Magna Parish and the family lived at Ivy Cottage, Great Sandal near Wakefield.
Their second child, a son Aubrey, arrived in 1875 while they were living at Farcet, Huntingdon where Rev David was curate for the years 1872-1877.
In 1877 the family moved to Little Waldingfield, Suffolk as Rev David had been appointed vicar to St Lawrence’s Church. Several months after their arrival, while living at Holbrook Hall, a second son Nigel Charles Russell was born.
Holbrook Hall was destroyed by fire in the late 1870s and was later rebuilt on a different site.
By the time Charles was two years old in 1879, his father had been appointed chaplain of Sudbury Union Parish. Rev David, Grace and family moved to live at The Priory, Church Street, Little Waldingfield. It was here in 1881 that their fourth and final child, Winifred, was born. The 1881 Census records that Grace, aged twelve years and Aubrey aged six years were classified as scholars but of course Charles aged three years and Winifred at three months were cared for at home where their mother employed two domestic servants.
Rev David was the Chief Enumerator for 1891 Census for the Waldingfield Area in the Sudbury Region. These census records show that the Hughes family was still residing at The Priory and that as well as the family the household contained a boarder and two servants. As sixteen year old Aubrey’s name does not appear with the rest of the family he must have left home.
During 1895 Trinity House, Sudbury became the home of Grace, Rev David and their daughters Grace and Winifred. Charles had left home to join Aubrey in ‘the Colonies’.
Page 12
CERTIFIED COPY OF AN ENTRY OF MARRIAGE
GIVEN AT THE GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE
Application Number G001380/c
1868. Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of Farnham in the County of York
No.
97
When Married.
Feb 5th
Name and Surname
David Hughes Grace Oates
Ages.
31 19
Condition.
Bachelor Spinster
Rank or Profession
Clergyman
Residence at the time of Marriage.
Ferrensby, Farnham
Father’s Name and Surname.
David Hughes Frederick Oates
Rank or Profession of Father.
Clergyman Gentleman
Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church, by License or after by me, Audreas I Morley
This Marriage was solemnized between us, David Hughes Grace Oates in the Presence of us, Frederick Oates Stephen Williams
CERTIFIED to be true copy of an entry in the certified copy of a register of Marriages in the Registerion District of Knaresborough
Given at the GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE, under the Seal of the said Office, the 7th day of November 1992
MXA 247244
This certificate is issued in pursuance of section 65 of the Marriage Act 1949. Sub-section 3 of that section provides that any certified copy of an entry purporting to be sealed or stamped with the seal of the General Register Office shall be received as evidence of marriage to which it relates without any further or other proof of the entry, and no certified copy of purporting to have been given in the said Office shall be of any force or effect unless it is sealed or stamped as aforesaid.
CAUTION – It is an offence to falsify a certificate or to make or knowingly use a false certificate or a copy of a false certificate intending it to be accepted as genuine to the prejudice of any person, or to possess a certificate knowing it to be false without lawful authority.
WARNING THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT EVIDENCE OF THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON PRESENTING IT.
Form A513MX
I HEREBY declare that all the required particulars of the Population and Houses of this Enumeration District have been Truly and faithfully enumerated by me, and have been correctly copied into this Book, and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the Book is in all respects complete and in accordance with Instructions.
Witness my had this 8th day of April, 1891.
Daniel Hughes Enumerator
1891 Census, Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, Eng.
Page 14
Aubrey left England while a teenager, travelling to New Zealand’s East Coast where he ‘jumped ship’ at Gisborne. Because of this he was told by locals that unless he found immediate employment he could be imprisoned. The suggestion was made that he may be able to obtain work on one of the large back country sheep stations. Heeding this advice Aubrey travelled up the East Coast and became a pack horse teamster, packing stores and building supplies from Port Awanui to the Williams’ family stations.
Aubrey corresponded regularly with his family in England and more than once suggested that Charles should come to New Zealand as there were advantages in the Colonies for a young man that were not available in England. So Rev David agreed to pay a return fare to New Zealand for Charles on the understanding that Charles would return to England and study for the ministry. He also gave Charles twenty gold sovereigns for the journey.
When the ship berthed at Sydney en route to New Zealand, Charles was amazed to be met on the dock by Aubrey who was off to make his fortune on the Australian goldfields. Aubrey greeted his young brother warmly and seizing Charles’ boater hat hurled it into the harbour with the remark, ‘You won’t need that out here.’ Aubrey, who had a way with words, was now known to all as ‘Spieler Bob’, no doubt for his glib talk and the yarns he could spin.
The Hughes brothers travelled to Coolgardie, Western Australia where they commenced gold prospecting. But luck was not with them. They were not successful in their search. So instead they turned to the business of distilling brackish water into a drinkable product which they sold for two shillings and sixpence a gallon. This proved to be a far more profitable venture.
Tragically typhoid fever struck the brothers and before they could reach the hospital at Southern Cross, Aubrey died of fever on 20 January 1895.
Aubrey was in his twenty-first year and is buried in the Original Southern Cross Cemetery 1891-1898, Western Australia.
Charles remained very ill for some time. Aubrey had left his belongings at the Record Reign Hotel in Gisborne, New Zealand and Charles was determined to claim them.
When his health improved sufficiently Charles travelled by tramp steamer from Albany to Sydney. On board the ship’s cook looked after him and fed him broth to help build up his strength. When Charles arrived in Sydney he found that the shipping lines were having a price war on their fares across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. The prices were written on blackboards at each ticket office and were reduced from time to time to undercut a competitor. As Charles had very little money left by this time he went from office to office and eventually managed to obtain a berth travelling steerage to New Zealand for only ten shillings.
Charles was seventeen when he left Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, to join his brother Aubrey in Australia. They were not successful at making their fortunes with gold prospecting so they set up a water distilling plant at Coolgardie. Aubrey contracted typhoid in the epidemic that swept the area. The brothers set out for the nearest hospital. On the way Aubrey said that if he did not survive, Charles was to go to New Zealand. He was to go to Gisborne, go to the Record Reign Hotel and pick up Aubrey’s saddle and bridle. He was then to go to Tolaga Bay and pick up Aubrey’s horse and dog and head up the Coast. When Aubrey died Charles did as instructed but was unable to get work until he came to the T.S. Williams’ station near Ruatoria. He saw the housekeeper who said T.S. and Mrs Williams were out but the men were working up the gully. Charles joined them. A bit later a man wearing polished
Page 17
leggings, spurs and a hunting cap arrived. He was riding a big bay horse and when he saw Charles slashing away at the scrub he called out, ‘What do you think you are doing?’ Charles replied, ‘I’m looking for a job.’ T.S. said, ‘It looks as though you’ve got one!’
And so began Charles’ life on the land in New Zealand.
– Jim Martin (as told by Charles, his father-in-law)
So Charles arrived on the East Coast of New Zealand and gained employment at Kaharau near Ruatoria with the T.S. Williams family. Here he trained as a shepherd and then, over the next few years, worked on various Williams’ properties – at Puketiti for A.B. Williams, for K.S. Williams at Matahiia and for J .N. Williams at Takapau, Waipiro Bay.
Charles eventually became head shepherd on the large East Coast station, Ihungia, inland from Te Puia, where he was in charge of sixteen shepherds. Ihungia belonged to J .N. Williams who farmed more than 100,000 acres of land on the East Coast.
While working on the various stations Charles’ mother would send him tailor-made suits and shirts from England. These he would promptly sell and with the proceeds would buy clothing more appropriate to his farming life style.
Grace, the elder daughter, married Robert Tilson a farm bailiff. The couple lived in Ireland and had no family.
Winifred, the youngest of the family, became a nursery governess and during times of employment with various French families travelled extensively throughout Europe. During World War I Grace went to the Canary Islands as a missionary nurse.
Rev David predeceased his wife Grace by several years.
As a widow Grace retired to the south coast of England making her home in the seaside town of Hove in Sussex.
Grace died October 1907 and is buried in Hove Cemetery.
Grace Oates David Hughes
m 5. 2. 1868 Farnham, Yorkshire, Eng.
bpt 7. 8. 1848 Spofforth, Yorkshire, Eng. b 28.6.1835 Penmynydd, Anglesey, Nth Wales
d .. 10. 1907 Hove, Sussex, Eng. d …………
The Family of Grace and David Hughes
Grace b ……. 1869 Ferrensby, Yorkshire, Eng.
m ……………. Robert Tilson
d ……………..
Aubrey R b …….. 1875 Farcet, Huntingdon, Eng.
d 20. 1. 1895 Southern Cross, West Aust.
Nigel Charles Russell b 10. 6. 1877 Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, Eng.
m 26. 8. 1901 Mabel Boyd, Port Awanui, East Coast, NZ.
d 15. 8. 1959 Hastings, NZ.
Winifred D b …….. 1881 Little Waldingfield, Suffolk, Eng.
d ……………..
Page 19
Jane nee Sampson and Doctor John Boyd
John McNeil Boyd was born 18 August 1819 at Parga, Epiru Province, Greece. His parents were George, a soldier in the 75th Foot Infantry stationed in this part of the Mediterranean, and Janet nee McNeil. George is thought to have later become a surgeon.
John was studying medicine when he married Jane Sampson at Berwick-on-Tweed, Northumberland, England on 21 October 1847. Jane Sampson, daughter of Thomas Sampson and Grace nee Majorbanks (or Marjoribanks) was born at Embleton, Northumberland on 11 January 1820.
George Gillespie, their first child, was born on 12 September 1848 while John was completing his medical degree at Edinburgh University..
Edinburgh University records show that John qualified for his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1850.
The John Boyd who fits your date is John Boyd MD 1850.
He qualified at a time when not very much information was required of medical students and so his matriculation entry and course schedule are fairly sparse.
Matriculation at this stage was just a signature.
The course schedule was a three or four page document giving a chronological list of all medical subjects studied, with professor’s names (Boyd studied under some very famous ones such as James Y. Simpson)
Jo Currie (Mrs)
Asst Librarian Special Collections
Edinburgh University Library 1992
Family records show that the family then moved to London where daughter Olive T. Jane Sampson was born later the same year. Doctor John then obtained a position as a lecturer at Folkestone, Kent and it was here their second son, John James McNeil, was born in 1852. The family remained at Folkestone for some years during which time a second daughter Rebecca J .C. was born in 1854 but died shortly after. Four year old Olive died in 1855. A third son William McNeil was born in 1856 but he died just before his second birthday.
Dr John, Jane and family left England for New Zealand in the early 1860s. Their eldest son George remained in England to complete his education. He lived with his Aunt Eleanor and Uncle, Mr and Mrs Marshall, at Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Page 20
After arriving in New Zealand, the Boyds spent some time ‘following various avocations in the Hawke’s Bay and Waipawa Districts’, before making their home in the Wairoa District, Northern Hawke’s Bay.
By 1863 they were living on a smallholding called Wharekiri situated on the Wairoa-Turiroa Road beside the Wairoa River just 3km from town.
Another son, William was born in Napier in 1864. As a young man William used to swim each day in summer in the Wairoa River opposite Wharekiri just before dinner. At the age of 24 years in January 1889 he got into difficulties and drowned.
William is buried in the family plot, Wairoa Cemetery.
Dr John Boyd was the Hawke’s Bay Military Settlers’ Assistant Surgeon in 1865, (The New Zealand Wars 1845-1846 pp 17 – H.G.Longley) serving in the Frasertown/Marumaru area. He saw action at Mangaruhe and was under fire on 25 December 1865. He was awarded the New Zealand War Medal.
A descendant of Dr John’s still treasures some of his surgical instruments while another descendant has the spurs Dr John would have worn during his time as an officer with the H.B. Military Settlers.
Dr Boyd was a well known figure as he cycled to and from the township of Wairoa and his riverside home Wharekiri where he ‘adopted the pursuit of fruitgrowing and gardening’. Over one hundred years later a huge magnolia tree, no doubt planted by John and Jane, is still standing on the garden terrace which was the site of the Wharekiri home.
Dr Boyd periodically visited the Armed Constabulary outposts, conducted church services in the courthouse at Clyde, was an elder in the Presbyterian church, and along with others, established the first Sunday school in the Wairoa district.
Jane Boyd was 61 years when she died 27 December 1881 after a lengthy illness and a term in Napier Hospital. She is buried in the Boyd family plot, Wairoa Cemetery.
Death of Mrs Boyd
It is with much regret that we have to announce the death of Mrs Boyd, wife of Dr. Boyd, one of our oldest settlers. The deceased died at her residence at Wharekiri between 11 and 12 o’clock on Tuesday night last after a lingering illness of some months duration. She passed some time in the Napier Hospital under medical treatment but the complaint from which she suffered (an internal one) was pronounced incurable and she was brought home to die. Only one short week elapsed from the date of her return till she breathed her last. She was buried on Thursday about 4 pm; a considerable number of settlers attended the funeral and assembled at the cemetery to pay the last sad tribute to her memory. The Rev. P.J. Riddle conducted the burial service of the Presbyterian Church in a most impressive manner and gave a short address suitable to the occasion. A few flowers were scattered on the coffin by friendly hands, earth followed and the grave closed over the mortal remains of an estimable gentlewoman, who will be long remembered by the older residents of the place for her unostentatious piety, unaffected manners, and quiet, blameless life.
Wairoa Guardian
After a few years Dr John married his housekeeper Lily Ashwin.
Their daughter Olive was born in 1888 at Wairoa. In 1907 at the age of nineteen, Olive died while visiting Christchurch. She is buried in the Boyd family plot, Wairoa Cemetery.
Dr John McNeil Boyd died 3 October 1894, aged 75 years, and is buried in the Boyd family plot, Wairoa Cemetery.
We sincerely regret to have to record the demise of a very old and widely-respected resident of this district in the person of Mr John McNeil Boyd, (or Dr Boyd, as he was familiarly known), which occurred at his residence, near Turiroa, at 8 pm. on Wednesday last. Mr Boyd, in his young days, we believe, studied for the Church, and during that period of his life came into contact with some of the leading Scotch Divines, such as McCheyne, and more recently the Bonars. He emigrated to New Zealand early in the sixties, and for some time followed various avocations in the Hawke’s Bay and Waipawa districts. On the outbreak of Te Kooti, he served in the Militia, and at the fight at Ruakituri, where Captain Carr was killed, the Military Surgeon (Dr FF. Ormond) was wounded and unable to attend to the troops. Mr Boyd then volunteered to act in his stead, as he had some knowledge of surgery and medicine. Subsequently Mr Boyd settled down on the property where he died, and adopted the pursuit of fruit growing and gardening. In the absence of any regular Sunday services he took up the work and conducted services in the Courthouse Clyde, and also periodically visited the Armed Constabulary outposts, where he was always a welcome visitor. He, in conjunction with a few others, mostly now deceased, established the first Sabbath School in this district, and from first to last has been associated with all religious work with the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder. He leaves two sons by his first wife – Mr G.G. Boyd, J .P., storekeeper of Port Awanui and Mr J.J .McN. Boyd, sheepfarmer, of Patea, Hawke’s Bay – and one young daughter with Mrs Boyd, who have the deepest sympathy of the community in their bereavement. Mr Boyd was 75 years of age. The interment took place in the Wairoa Cemetery yesterday afternoon, the funeral being attended by a large number of friends from all parts of the district. Rev. W. Raeburn conducted the burial service of the Presbyterian Church.
Wairoa Guardian
Boyd Family Plot, Wairoa Cemetery, HB.
Page 22
George, having completed his education at Newcastle-on-Tyne, joined his parents at Wairoa in 1864. Not quite sixteen at the time he joined NZ Militia. Early 1866 he enlisted in No 3 East Coast Expeditionary Force, (No 10 Taranaki Settlers). George served in various campaigns in Bay of Plenty regarding Kereopa, and before his discharge in 1866, served at Patea and Wanganui.
Copy of former application for N.Z. medal recommended by Col. T. W. Porter sometime in the 1880s.
First sworn in N.Z. Militia at Wairoa, H.B. 1864 Major Fitzgerald, not quite 16 at the time. I joined No 3 East Coast Expeditionary Force (No.10 Taranaki Military Settlers) as a substitute for Sgt. George Rees in Wairoa, Major Frazer commanding. Capt. Bear being our captain after Capt. Hussey’s death at the Marumaru, this was early in 1866. Thence ordered to Opotiki Col. Lyons commanding, under fire first at Kakariki up the Waioeka Gorge and afterwards at another engagement some miles further up.
After chasing Kereopa in various expeditions up the Waimana, we were ordered round to Patea, Col. McDonald commanding, was present at the fight at Pokai Kai and several other expeditions which I have forgotten the names of, was discharged, time of service was being up in Wanganui latter end of /66 I think.
Sold my right to land on Patea to a man called Gibbons. At the time of my discharge was serving in No. 10 Taranaki Military Settlers. Gibbons got my discharge with power of attorney, I leaving for West Coast diggings
After the landing of Te Kooti carried dispatches through from Major Lambert, Wairoa to Major Westrupp, Poverty Bay. Did secretary duty in Wairoa being called out in the N. Z. Militia under Capt. Souther. Was on Col. Herrick’s expedition to Wai Kare Moana and also served for a short time in the A.C. Force under Major Pitt getting my discharge from it in / 74.
signed Geo G Boyd
George travelled to the West Coast diggings and spent a short time trying his hand at gold prospecting but with little success. HeS did, however, recover enough gold to have made a one and a quarter inch long tiki which he wore on his watch chain. He also had a pair of gold flecked quartz cuff links. These items still remain treasured family heirlooms.
In 1868 after the landing of Te Kooti and his followers from the Chatham Islands at Whareongaonga, just south of Young Nick’s Head, Poverty Bay, George was called up by N.Z. Militia and carried dispatches from Wairoa to Poverty Bay. He served with Colonel Herrick at Lake Waikaremoana during the Te Kooti episode. For a short time he was with the Armed Constabulary Force before being discharged in 1874.
The following year, 1875, while managing Matakaoa, Hicks Bay, for Colonel Thomas Porter and Major Pitt, George met and wished to marry Apikara Taketake, daughter of Hatiwira Houkamau. Her family refused to sanction the marriage as a taumau (arranged) marriage had already been planned for Apikara.
George left the district to continue farming in the Tokomaru Bay area.
As a result of the relationship between George and Apikara, Wi Pahuru was born in 1876.
Wi married Mereaira Hira and they made their home in the Hicks Bay area. The couple had six children.
Wi Pahuru died 10 July, 1943.
Page 25
John left Wairoa as a young man and moved to Hawke’s Bay where it is thought he worked as an agent for a Hastings stock and station firm. Maori Land Court minutes record that he drove sheep to Inland Patea during 1877 for George Donnelly.
I first went to Patea in 1877. I went up with Donnelly’s sheep. I first went to Makokomiko. We went to Timahanga and put Renata Kawepo’s sheep on. Ngati Whiti made no objection to my taking sheep there – they assisted in clearing the country to enable the sheep to be put on…
J J McN Boyd
– Maori Land Court minutes 14.12.1894
John lived on the Inland Patea 10,000 acre Makokomiko, near Taihape. He farmed here for many years in partnership with the land owner Anaru te Wanikau. About this time it is thought that John had a Maori wife although no record of this marriage can be found.
In 1885 John and Anaru te Wanikau were farming the 26,000 acre Timahanga. John took up residence at Timahanga in 1886 and by 1894 had built three other whares, erected sheep yards and four to five miles of fencing. He was grazing 10,000 Merino sheep. John also helped ‘break in’ neighbouring Mangaohane. Records show that at some stage that he also farmed 101,000 acre Old Owhaoko or Mangataramea as it was sometimes known. He grazed sheep on far distant Golden Hills adjacent to Kaimanawa Forest Park.
I am a Licensed Interpreter and the working partner with Anaru te Wanikau in the sheep on Timahanga. I first went to Timahanga in 1885. I had been there before that… The sheep were put there in 1886. I went to live there that year. My homestead is at Ruhanui. We have three whares there now and about 4 to 5 miles of fencing. Also some scrub fencing in places. We have a sheep yard too… We have about 10,000 sheep on the block now. No-one has questioned Anaru’s right to be there since 1886…
J J McN Boyd
– Maori Land Court minutes 11.12 1894
John was a Licensed Interpreter and in the 1890s was often called as a witness/interpreter by the Maori Land Court to clarify and justify Maori land claims and to give appraisal of land value and potential stocking rates.
I am a settler in Patea. I am running sheep there. I know this block Mangaohane and have known it from 1876. I have lived pretty continuously in its vicinity – have not been absent. Have been all over Mangaohane except a small portion to the south – frequently mustered sheep over it. Have inspected it with the natives. Know the quality of each part of the soil – it is very patchy… In giving my estimation of the value of the land I have the feed of sheep in View. Nos 1 & 1A will carry one sheep to the acre in its present condition. Nos 2 & 2A will take one and a half acres to a sheep. 2B will give two acres to a sheep. All of No 3 will require three acres to a sheep. Nos 4 & 4A will require seven or eight acres to a sheep.
I know the hot spring at Pohokura. Have seen it. I believe I discovered it. Natives did not know of its existence. It was very small when I discovered it and no sign of bathing place. Manuka all around, nothing growing at the edge. I found it September ‘80 – following autumn I made two bathing places. On coming to Omahu told Renata Kawepo of the discovery, also several others were informed. They were surprised. Karaitiana te Rongo and Winiata were told of it and Winiata disputed its existence…
The water from the hot spring falls into Taruarau River – spring is very near Taruarau – can’t say if it is old or new spring. There is a small flow of water – 40 or 50 gallons an hour. There is no stream from it, the water trickles from it. There is native grass growing in the vicinity. A hot spring is of value I should say as regards the climate of the land.
Page 26
Heard of coal being found on Mangaohane. Saw lignite to the south of Mangaohane River. It was cropping out of the bank. Have been to the forest at the base of Otupae – birch on Mangaohane side. There was also scrub. The timber is valuable for firewood. Now the white birch is of no use for fencing…
J J McN Boyd
– Maori Land Court minutes 8.5.1890
On 22 September 1898 John married Mihi Panapa from Ruahapia. Their marriage lasted only two years as Mihi died, 1 March, 1900 aged 25 years.
She is buried in Ruahapia Marae Cemetery, Hastings.
On his return from the Boer War, Arthur lived at Makokomiko and joined his Uncle John farming in Inland Patea where they ran large numbers of merino sheep. The sheep were all blade shorn and it is reputed that a gang of fifty were employed to cope with the huge flocks during shearing time.
My Great Uncle Johnny went into Inland Patea near Mt Ruapehu and I believe he occupied thousands of acres of land in there. He ran it very well with Merino sheep. The sheep were blade shorn in his huge shearing shed. I saw the foundations and it was certainly very large – I guess about 50 yards long and 20 yards wide with the walls up to 12 feet high in places. These old buildings were made of local materials such as the plentiful beech saplings and rushes for walls and thatching. I saw one which was massive – the thatching was two feet thick while the chimney at the end was huge. The whole end was about four yards wide built of clay which, when I saw it, had been heated to such an extent that it had turned to brick. – David
John invested in real estate and owned several desirable properties in Hastings.
Before his death in 1910 John divided his time between his farms and his town home at 309 Market Street, Hastings, where his third wife Okeroa lived.
Mr J.J. Boyd Killed: Private messages received this morning stated that Mr John Boyd aged 56 years, the well-known sheep farmer of Inland Patea and resident of Hastings, was thrown from his horse yesterday and killed.
Later: This afternoon the police received a telegram from the police at Wanganui stating that Boyd’s body was found on the Pukeokuku (Pukeokahu) Road last night and it was thought that he was killed by a fall from his horse. Mrs Boyd left by motor car this afternoon for Inland Patea and it is expected that the body will arrive in Hastings tomorrow. Troubles seldom come singly and Mrs Boyd suffers a second bereavement in the death of her mother Tuke Hone Te Wharemako who died yesterday at Matahiwi near Clive.
Further Details: Taihape May 25: Mr John J. Boyd was found dead on the road three miles from his home between 9 and 10 o’clock last night. His horse slipped on a sheep sidling and evidently brought itself up on the verge of a perpendicular cutting of a creek with a drop of 12 feet. Boyd must have been shot off into the creek and fell with his head on a stone. His brother resides near Gisborne.
Wednesday, May 25, 1910 Hastings Standard
Boyd pioneering involvement in Inland Patea is recognised by the names Boyds Rocks, Boyd Hut, Boyds Bush and recently DOC’s Boyd Lodge.
John is buried in Hastings Cemetery.
Page 27
Jane Sampson
b 11. 1. 1820, Embleton, Northumberland, Eng
d 27. 12. 1881,Wairoa, H.B. N.Z
m 21. 10. 1847 Berwick-on-Tweed, Northumberland, Eng.
John McNeil Boyd
b 18 .8. 1819, Parga, Greece
d 3. 10. 1894 Wairoa, H.B N.Z
The Family of Jane and John Boyd
George Gillespie b 12. 9. 1848 Edinburgh, Scotland.
C1875 Apikara Houkamau
m 29. 7. 1889 Riria Kawhena, Tokomaru Bay, EC. NZ.
C1902 Te Pare Pikake Hui Hui, Gisborne, NZ.
d 14. 12. 1933 Puketapu, bd Hastings Cemetery, HB. NZ.
Olive T. Jane Sampson b 12. 8.1850 London, Eng
d 1. 1. 1855 Folkestone, Kent, Eng.
John James McNeil b 27. 1. 1852 Folkestone, Kent, Eng.
+ C1880
m 22. 9. 1898 Mihi Panapa, Hastings, NZ
+ C1900-10 Okeroa Wharemako
d 24. 5. 1910 Inland Patea, bd Hastings Cemetery, HB. NZ.
Rebecca J.C. b 11. 9. 1854 Folkestone, Kent, Eng
d Eng.
William McNeil b 3. 2. 1856 Folkestone, Kent, Eng
d 1. 1. 1858
William Christy Meredith b 31. 5. 1864 Napier, NZ
d 30. 1. 1889 Wairoa, NZ
The Family of Lily and John Boyd
Olive Jane Sampson b 1888 Wairoa, NZ
d 3. 4. 1907 Christchurch, bd Wairoa Cemetery, NZ
Page 29
Rawinia Haupehi and Riwai te Whatikino/Kawhena
Pokai Marae, at Tikapa on the southern bank and near the mouth of the Waiapu River, was the marae for the whanau of Rawinia and Riwai. They lived not far from the marae in a dwelling named Koira which was situated on a sheltered picturesque site on the hillside facing north. It overlooked the marae, the Waiapu River and Rangitukia and Tikitiki in the distance.
A short distance over the hill to the south was the whaling and trading settlement of Port Awanui. Here on the extensive rocky outcrops the family no doubt would have gathered their kaimoana.
Family land interest was widely spread from Tokomaru Bay in the south to Te Araroa in the north. Shares in ancestral Ngati Porou land blocks at Tikapa, Pohautea, Poroporo and Tokomaru still remain in family hands.
Maori land records give confused spelling of the family name by which the children of Rawinia and Riwai were known, being variously Whatikino, Kawhena, Kawhana and Kawana.
Rawinia and Riwai had strong family ties at Tokomaru Bay and it was here that their youngest daughter Riria/Lydia met George Boyd when he was managing Tokomaru – Ongaruru Block.
They were married 29 July 1889.
After her marriage Riria was known as Riria Poito or Poita, the Maori word for Boyd.
In 1911 registration of Maori marriages became law and in 1913 registration of Maori births and deaths became compulsory.
Fortunately George Boyd had the foresight to record, in the Boyd Family Bible, the birth of each of his and Riria’s children. George even registered their marriage and later Riria’s death in 1898 well before legislation was in place.
A granddaughter of Rawinia and Riwai’s, Te Pare Pikake Hui Hui became George Boyd’s next wife after Riria’s death.
Maori land records show that Riwai te Whatikino / Kawhena died in 1912.
After extensive research and enquiries the graves of Rawinia and Riwai have not been located. Rawinia and Riwai are probably buried in unrecorded, unmarked graves in the Tikitiki area.
In his later years Dad, a grandson of Riria’s, told me how as a six year old he had been taken by his mother Mabel to her grandfather Riwai’s tangi. Dad remembered sitting on the front of his mother’s saddle as they forded the Waiapu River. He said the tangi was held somewhere in the Rangitukia – Tikitiki area but he could never quite place the exact locality. Dad said it was a memorable occasion. It was his first encounter with a family tangi and it made a lasting impression on his six year old mind.
– Ivan
Page 30
Family of Rawinia Haupehi and Riwai te Whatikino/Kawhenua
Keiti (f) b C1843
m1 Henare Akena/ Atkins
m2 Riwai Hui Hui.
Ereti (f) b C1844
m Maera Te Hei
Nepia (m) b C1846
Kiera (f) b C1848
m Ti Horomia
Haua (m) b C1851
m Moita Paati
Riria/Lydia (f) b 1864 Tikapa
m 29. 7. 1889 George G Boyd, Tokomaru Bay
d 6. 2. 1898 Port Awanui,
bd Pokai Cemetery, Tikapa
Ko Hikurangi te maunga, Hikurangi is the mountain,
Ko Waiapu te awa, Waiapu is the river,
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi. Ngati Porou are the people.
Page 33
Riria nee Kawhena and George Boyd
After leaving Hicks Bay in 1876, George moved to Tokomaru Bay where he managed and was the first to ‘break in’ the large Tokomaru – Ongaruru Block for A.C. Arthur of Gisborne. It is recorded that George was manager here during the years 1884 – 1890. The 1890 sheep census credits him with running 14,000 sheep.
In 1879, George took Riria, daughter of Rawinia and Riwai te Whatikino/Kawhena, as his wife. While the couple were living at Tokomaru Bay their daughter Mabel was born 11 September 1879. Two years later in 1881 twin sons, Arthur and Ernest, were born at Riria’s whanau kainga, Koira, Tikapa.
By 1884 George had purchased land at Port Awanui, the coastal port serving the Waiapu area.
The children now numbered four with Alan being born at Tokomaru Bay in 1883. In 1887 Gordon was born, followed by Stanley, 1890 also at Tokomaru Bay.
On reaching school age the children were enrolled at Tokomaru Bay Maori School.
The 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption made a deep impression on seven year old Mabel for in later years she recalled and told her children … ‘ that even as far away as Tokomaru Bay at 9 o’clock in the morning it was still as dark as night and the sky rained sand’.
On 29 July 1889, at their home in Tokomaru Bay, George and Riria were married.
In 1890 Mabel remained as a pupil at Tokomaru Bay Maori School while her three younger brothers moved to Akuaku Native School, the school nearest Mataahu where George had a trading store. He also had trading stores at nearby Whareponga and further up the Coast at Tuparoa.
On 1 February 1892 Mabel, Ermest, Arthur and Alan were enrolled as first day pupils at Waipiro Bay Public School. Mabel has the distinction of being the very first name in the new school’s register. Later in the year the family moved to Port Awanui and the children transferred to the newly opened Port Awanui Public School. In 1893 Gordon joined his sister and brothers at Port Awanui Public School.
The Boyds’ first home at Port Awanui was near Seaview Hotel at the southern or wharf end of the settlement. They later bought the house, store and block of land known as Omaewa across the Waiotautu Stream at the northern end of Port Awanui. This had been the site of the trading store of Jose Manuel the well-known early whaler and trader.
Their last child, a second daughter named Nora Iritana, was born to Riria and George at Waiotautu, Omaewa 1892. She lived only seven months and is buried at Pokai Marae, Tikapa.
Page 35
The minutes of the first meeting of the Waiapu County Council (27 December 1890 in Courthouse at Te Awanui) record ‘that tenders be invited for the services of a gentleman to act as Clerk, Collector of Rates and Overseer’.
The minutes of the following meeting held at Tuparoa on 28 January 1891 record – ‘that Mr Boyd, in the meantime be asked to act as Clerk and Collector of Rates, the remuneration to be at the rate of fifty pounds per annum’.
Mr George Boyd acted in this position, apparently in a part-time capacity until 19 April 1893 when he was thanked for the manner in which he had conducted the business during the period in which he had acted as Clerk to the council.
It was also resolved that his salary, by then sixty-five pounds per annum, be paid up to 31 October 1893.
Mr Boyd was elected to Council in October 1893 and continued as an elected member until October 1899.
R.A. Allan
Waiapu County Manager 1985
It is also on record that George was Waiapu County Overseer, Collector of Rates and Dog Registration Officer for the Port Awanui area.
George was a Justice of the Peace for many years and often ‘sat on the bench’ at the Port Awanui Courthouse.
Mabel attended Miss Thornton’s Boarding School for Young Ladies during the mid-1890s.
This school was located on Napier Terrace, Napier Hill and Mabel often told her daughters of the view she could see of the Inner Harbour from the school. While at Miss Thornton’s school, Mabel developed a keen interest in music and she became a proficient pianist. She maintained this interest for the rest of her life giving great pleasure to her family during evening singsongs around the piano.
As the sea voyage from Port Awanui to Napier was often hazardous and unreliable owing to sea and weather conditions, Mabel often spent her holidays at Inland Patea with her Uncle John. She travelled there by coach, staying overnight at Kuripapango Hotel before continuing the journey next day. As Uncle John’s farm covered a very extensive area it was during these holiday times that Mabel developed her love of horses and riding skills. For the long Christmas vacation Mabel would return to Port Awanui.
In the late 1890s Mabel taught at Waiomatatini Native School near her home at Port Awanui.
In 1896 fifteen year old Ernest was enrolled at Te Aute College, Hawke’s Bay. He was joined a year later by his twin brother Arthur. Alan joined his brothers at the beginning of 1898 and the three boys remained at Te Aute College until the end of 1899.
Riria died 6 February 1898 aged 33 years, and is buried at Pokai Marae Cemetery, Tikapa beside her small daughter Nora.
After Riria’s death it is recorded in Waiapu Maori Land Court Minute Books that George had Riria’s land shares equally divided amongst her children Mabel, Arthur, Ernest, Alan, Gordon and Stanley. Land interests were from Tokomaru Bay to Te Araroa. Many of these shares still remain in the family.
Page 39
George’s next wife was Te Pare Pikake Hui Hui (known as Te Poi), Riria’s niece from Tikapa. She was only 24 years old compared to George’s 50 years and she already had a son called Edward, who died in 1905.
George and Te Pare continued living and running the Omaewa store at Port Awanui.
A daughter, Mary was born in 1899.
Three years later Te Rui (Maiti) was born but died aged eleven years and is buried with John Boyd, her uncle, in Hastings Cemetery.
George’s interest in land ownership continued and he made further purchases at both Port Awanui and Omaewa until 1906. He also obtained interest in land in lieu of debts incurred.
In 1902 George purchased Maraetai, Rangitukia and he and his family moved to the large house which contained a ballroom. This 72 acre property lay on the northern bank of the Waiapu River mid-way between Tikitiki and Rangitukia.
As Te Pare was an enthusiastic gardener they developed magnificent grounds around the house. George and Te Pare frequently travelled to Auckland and would return with unusual and exotic trees and shrubs for their garden.
At one time when I was about eleven years old I was going to the Rangitukia School and was living at Maraetai. It was a big house and I had to sleep away from the family down a long passageway. It was all candles in those days, no such things as electric lights, and you weren’t allowed to leave a candle burning. It was blown out and straight to sleep.
The farm was next to the Waiapu River, a treacherous river that we often crossed with the sheep. Sometimes the water was so deep that it was up to our stirrups and we had to hold our feet up so as not to get our boots wet.
My uncle nearly always had some wild horses and if he wanted someone light to ride them I always seemed to get the job. There was one horse that always threw me off, or else he’d go alongside a fence and rub my leg on it. This wasn’t pleasant because of the barbed wire.
– David
When John was accidentally killed in 1910 George was bequeathed his brother’s property on the corner of Market Street and Southampton Streets, Hastings. He also inherited his brother’s interest in the leased land at Inland Patea.
In order to have closer access to the farms at Inland Patea George, Te Pare, Stanley, Mary and Maiti moved from Rangitukia, East Coast, to 309 Market Street, Hastings where they lived until 1916. When she was eleven years old, in 1914, Maiti died and is buried in Hastings Cemetery beside her Uncle John.
George and his son Arthur continued to farm Makokomiko. George retained the Crown lease of Timahanga where the Boyd homestead was and also leased Mangataramea from the Crown. This area was known as Old Owhaoko but locals knew it as Boyds. George also leased the adjoining 28,000 acre Golden Hills.
Arthur was managing nearby 21,000 acre Te Kaou as well as Makokomiko but in 1912 he relinquished Te Kaou for Timahanga allowing his brother Gordon, who had managed Timahanga for two years, to return to Nuhaka.
Stanley, George’s youngest son, then took over the management of Te Kaou.
Arthur remained living at the Boyd homestead farming both Timahanga and Makokomiko.
These Crown leases allowed no compensation for improvements.
Page 40
I spent a winter at Inland Patea about 1919 or 1920. I worked on Mangataramea where there were two rabbiting gangs of about fifteen men each. They trapped and poisoned the rabbits and left them hanging in pairs on single wire fences. The rabbits were there by the thousands. My unenviable job was to break the frozen carcases apart and pack them into sacks on the pack horses and then take them to the homestead and boil them for the pigs. My hands became like lumps of stone after filling the sacks as it was just so very very cold.
Merino sheep were grazed here and they were just like large goats with their big homs. One time I had to go way back to Golden Hills and round up some Merinos for killing and to give some idea of the weight of them I could only manage to carry the hind quarters of the sheep I had killed.
Later I went fencing on Otupae and also cooked for fourteen shepherds during a two week muster. I quickly learned to hang the meat high up in the trees where the blowflies could not attack it.
I was also at Te Koau on the Ruahine Mountain Range and The Comet, which is a lovely long ridge of pumice. This was a wonderful sight when the sun was setting on it. Most of the roads and cuttings were of pumice – all white and shiny and so neatly layered.
The game in these parts had to be seen to be appreciated. There were deer – I counted 135 in one herd – pigs, rabbits, hares, pigeons, pheasants, quail and a lot of wild cattle but no wild goats.
Being so far from the sea and so high Inland Patea was a very cold place in the winter and that winter was the coldest I have ever experienced.
– David
In 1933 due to the destruction of the pasture by the enormous rabbit population and the effect of the Depression, Arthur eventually drove the sheep all the way out on foot to Stortford Lodge, Hastings.
This ended Boyd farming at Inland Patea, but the name still remains – Boyd Hut, Boyds Bush, Boyds Rocks and Boyd Lodge.
About 1913/14 George bought 30 acres of land which he called Greenmeadows Hills at Poraiti. The property, overlooking the Napier inner harbour, had beautiful views and a desirable climate. Here a home was built then in 1915 George had Greenmeadows Hills subdivided. The twenty-two sections fronting on to Boyd Road varied in size from half an acre to three acres. These he put up for auction and the land was sold.
Property GG Boyd Esquire to be sold by Public Auction at our Rooms, Browning Street, Napier. 2pm Wednesday, 15 September 1915
These allotments are healthily situated on the sunny slopes of Greenmeadows Hills overlooking the inner harbour and commanding a magnificent view of Napier and surrounding country.
There is on the property an extensive orchard of assorted fruit trees in full bearing which should yield a handsome return and materially enhance the value of those sections in the orchard area.
On Lot 6 there is a modern residence with all conveniences and necessary outbuildings forming an ideal suburban home.
Greenmeadows Hills will undoubtedly in the near future become the popular residential suburb of Napier and those in search of a sound and improving investment should make an early inspection.
Terms of payment: Quarter cash, Quarter in twelve months, Balance in 5 years at 5%.
C B Hoadley & Son Ltd, Auctioneers
(Auction Poster Book – Hawke’s Bay Museum)
Page 43
By 1916 George had sold Maraetai, Rangitukia and during the next few years several extended overseas trips were enjoyed. A property at Rose Bay, Sydney was purchased and it was here that George and his family would spend several months each year during the New Zealand winter. George and Te Pare also enjoyed visits to Bali and during these trips George collected many artefacts with which he decorated the walls of his home.
Unfortunately most pre-1931 Hawke’s Bay land records are unavailable owing to the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake and the resultant devastating fires. However, early New Zealand postal records give some indication of the whereabouts of the Boyd family during this time.
About 1921 a large property in Duke Street, Hastings became the home of George and Te Pare. They lived here for three years before moving to Silverford, a 63 acre property on Dartmoor Road, Puketapu, Hawke’s Bay. Built in 1903, the exterior of this homestead is of heart kauri and is in the ‘board and batten Elizabethan revival style’. This magnificent house, designed by well known Napier architect C.T. Natusch, is set in park like surroundings while the long driveway from Dartmoor Road is still flanked with tall oaks.
For a small girl aged eight born at Pakihikura and who had never been beyond Te Araroa and had only recently recovered from a life threatening virus – no antibiotics or penicillin in 1924 – which had laid her low for many weeks, to be told by the family doctor (Dr Davis), who lived in Waipiro Bay and was contacted by phone whenever an emergency arose, that a change in air could be beneficial for a return to health and to school was quite daunting. Grace, who was nine years my senior, and I were sent by coastal steamer, aboard the MV Mako, to stay with our grandfather, George G. Boyd at Silverford, Napier for close on two months.
One of my most vivid memories of that trip was being lifted in a basket off the wharf at Te Araroa into the boat, suspended from an overhanging crane. Sleeping in a bunk and looking out of a porthole were new experiences of course, as well as dining as the boat made its way through the swell of waves. We anchored briefly at Tokomaru Bay and Gisborne en route but it was nice to arrive at the Port of Napier where grandfather was waiting for us. I had never seen him before and my first impression was of a slightly built elderly gentleman with a white moustache wearing a cap and using a walking stick. He made us welcome and drove us in his Buick car to Silverford, beyond Puketapu.
I shall always remember the long avenue of tall trees from the gate and entrance to the property. This driveway dipped down to cross a small stream then rose steeply to reveal, through the trees, this large white and black English style home set amid lawns, garden beds and large deciduous trees. It was raining when we arrived in time for breakfast and I was excited at the large rooms and long passageways, the elaborate wall hangings and lights plus the furnishings and carpets. Also the door bells intrigued me. I fed the ducks, pigeons, fish – carp and fresh water crayfish, in the several pools. On a lower level there was a large man-made lake with water wheel, row boat and shed and we went out in the boat several times. We also joined with close neighbours for picnics along the river bank. When grandfather had business in Napier I went along with him and on one occasion he stopped at a restaurant and bought me an icecream topped with a pink wafer biscuit, my first ever and it was ‘yummy’.
However, it was always nice to get home again and not many weeks after our return our youngest brother Emest Dudley was bom, and I had benefitted from the holiday.
– Uli
George, Te Pare or ‘Granny Poi’ as she was affectionately called, and family lived at Silverford for many years.
For some years I drove sheep and cattle between Taneatua in the Bay of Plenty, Matawhero near Gisborne and Stortford Lodge, Hastings. Often when a droving run ended at Stortford Lodge I would ride to Silverford and spend the night with Grandad, Granny Poi and family. They were always
Page 44
pleased to see me and made me most welcome. As soon as I arrived Granny Poi would take any of my dirty clothes and after dinner I would spend the evening with Grandad in his book lined study. I was usually up and gone before daylight but a good breakfast would be set for me, my washed and pressed clothes would be piled waiting and a substantial cut lunch would be ready to see me on my journey.
About fifty years later Ivan took me back to Silverford for a short visit. I was amazed to find that Grandad’s study had hardly changed. The wallpaper was the same and I’m sure the leather armchairs were the ones that I remember sitting in all those years before.
– Russell
George died at Silverford at the age of 86 years on 14 December 1933. His ashes were placed in his brother John’s plot in Hastings Cemetery where Maiti, Te Pare and George’s daughter, also lay.
Mr. G.G.Boyd Former Coast Resident
Mr. George Gillespie Boyd died at his residence, Silverford, Puketapu, Hawke’s Bay, on December 14, 86 years of age. Born in Edinburgh, he was the eldest son of Dr. John McNeil Boyd, who came to New Zealand and settled at Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay. In the year 1864 he followed his parents out to New Zealand, and though so young enlisted in the Police Constabulary, and in the Maori Wars he distinguished himself as a dispatch rider and scout. In the pursuit of Te Kooti he was often close on the heels of the Maori warrior. He was one of the defenders of the Blockhouse at Wairoa and fought both in Taranaki and at Opotiki. Mr. Boyd later took up farming and was the first to ‘break-in’ the bush-clad Tokomaru-Ongaruru block, owned by the late Mr. A.C. Arthur, of Gisborne. He afterwards combined farming on his own account with trading at Mataahu, Tuparoa, Port Awanui, and Rangitukia on the East Coast. He took an active interest in local affairs, and for many years was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Waiapu County Council. In later years he went to Hawke’s Bay, and in retirement gradually withdrew from public life. He was a member of the Turanganui Masonic Lodge for many years, and only resigned because of advancing years and the passing of old associates. He is survived by five sons and one daughter by his first marriage, and by one daughter by his second wife, who survives him. There are numerous grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. A son-in-law is Dr. E.P Ellison, Medical Officer in the Cook Islands. Mr. Boyd was an example of that early generation of strong, healthy, and virile pioneers who, overcoming the difficulties and the hardships, and ignoring the inconveniences of the early days, helped by dint of hard manual toil and honest sweat to make the East Coast of New Zealand what it is today. He passed away in the quietness of his picturesque home, amid the scenes he had loved so well during his long and active life.
Newspaper Obituary
Following George’s death, Te Pare continued to live at Silverford for some years before returning to Tikapa after a late marriage to ‘Skipper’ Kingi (Kingi te Rotoatara). Te Pare died 16 May 1956 at Tikapa aged 81 years and is buried in Pokai Marae Cemetery, Tikapa. Silverford was sold in 1958.
On one of my visits to Hastings to stay with Granny and Grandad I was taken to Silverford for the afternoon in the big black Ford V8 car. I was most impressed with the long oak tree lined driveway and just loved the big house with its long corridors, stained glass windows and what, if my memory serves me correctly, appeared to be swords, spears and other artefacts hanging on the walls. The visit must have been during the springtime as there seemed to be huge areas of yellow daffodils everywhere in the spacious grounds.
– Ivan
Page 45
Riria Kawhena
b C1864
d 6. 2. 1898 Omaewa, Port Awanui, EC
bd Pokai Marae Cemetery, Tikapa, EC.
m 29. 7. 1889 Tokomaru Bay, EC.
George Gillespie Boyd
b 12. 9. 1848 Edinburgh, Scotland
d 14. 12. 1933 Puketapu, HB.
bd Hastings Cemetery, HB.
The Family of Riria and George Boyd
Mabel/Meipara b 11. 9. 1879 Tokomaru Bay, EC
m 26. 8. 1901 N Charles R Hughes, Port Awanui, EC.
d 10.6. 1955 Hastings H.B.
Arthur/Whakatihi (twin) b 23. 7. 1881 Koira, Tikapa, EC
m 26. 1. 1918 Josie Kirkman, Havelock North, HB.
d 12. 1. 1946 Hastings, HB
Ernest/Ngararoa (twin) b 23.7.1881 Koira, Tikapa, EC
m Heke Nukutaurua, Wairarapa
d 23. 5. 1953 Christchurch
Alan/Arana b 13.6.1883 Tokomaru Bay, EC.
m 1. Jane Gerrard 2. Agnes Lima 3. Elizabeth Goldsmith
d .. 7. 1955 Gisborne
Gordon/Potene b 28.6.1887 Tokomaru Bay, EC.
m 14. 7. 1906 Myrtle Glass, Wairoa
d 16. 3. 1964 Waipukurau
Stanley/Tanara b 19. 2. 1890 Tokomaru Bay, EC.
m Iranui Potae
d 26. 12. 1974 Hastings, HB.
Nora Iritana b 4. 11. 1892 Waiotautu, Port Awanui, EC.
d 18. 6. 1893 Port Awanui, EC.
bd Pokai Cemetery, Tikapa, EC.
The Family of Te Pare Pikake and George Boyd
Edward b 14. 7. 1896 Port Awanui, EC.
d 15. 7. 1905 Port Awanui.
Mary b 23. 8. 1899 Port Awanui, EC.
m 10. 10. 1928 Dr Edward Ellison, Puketapu, HB.
d 6. 12. 1973 Rotorua,
bd Taradale Cemetery, HB.
Te Rui (Maiti) b 14. 6. 1902 Port Awanui, EC.
d 2. 3. 1914 Hastings, HB.
Page 47
Mabel nee Boyd and Charles Hughes
By 1901 Charles Hughes, or Charlie as he was now known, was living at Waipiro Bay and working for the Williams family on Takapau Station. During the weekends the young people of the district would gather at various functions and it was during these meetings that Charlie met Mabel Boyd, a young school teacher from Waiomatatini, Waiapu Valley, EC., who became his future wife.
Mabel Boyd and Charles Hughes were married 26 August 1901 in a ceremony that was held at the Boyd family home, Port Awanui. At the wedding ceremony Tom Walford was the best man and Bessie Brooking, later to become Tom’s wife, was Mabel’s bridesmaid.
The young couple made their home at Waipiro Bay. The little cottage they owned was situated just above the beach and across the creek from the main village. It was here in 1902 that their first child Arthur was born.
Shortly after this Charlie was offered the position as head shepherd of Ihungia Station and as a house went with this position the family moved. Ihungia, one of the large East Coast sheep runs, 24 km inland from Te Puia, was owned by J.N. Williams.
Between 1890 and 1903 massive development in the form of felling, burning, clearing and grassing had taken place on Ihungia so Charlie’s job involved considerable stock work with both sheep and cattle on the newly broken-in land.
During the next four years the family increased by three more sons – John in 1903, David in 1904 and Russell in 1906, all born at Ihungia. Until the cottage at Waipiro Bay was sold some years later it became a seaside retreat for the family.
Page 51
Port Awanui, East Coast
Mabel and Charlie knew the value of education and, as Arthur was approaching school age, the family moved to Port Awanui where a school was available. Here they lived at the southern end of the settlement in a house owned by Mabel’s father and ran a small store.
While living here their first daughter Grace was born in 1907 followed in 1909 by another son Bob. In May 1910 the older members of the family viewed the spectacular Halley’s Comet and in later life often recalled the event with tales of awe and wonder.
About this time George Boyd passed his ownership in Omaewa land (about six and a half acres) to his daughter Mabel while the Awanui sections he owned were passed on to his son-in-law Charlie.
We moved to Port Awanui from Ihungia in 1906 when I was about three. Dad had the shop at the port end. The store was part of the house we were living in at the time. It was almost next door to the blacksmith’s shop, operated by Harry Walworth and his assistant George Goldsmith.
About 1910 we left our first shop and home, and moved along the beach, across the Waiotautu Stream to Omaewa, where we had a larger house and Dad had a large separate store premises. Our grandfather, George Boyd, had formerly lived there. Much earlier, Jose Manuel had also lived there. The olive tree Jose is reputed to have planted is still there by the side of the Waiotautu Stream, just near where we lived.
– John Port to Pasture
When we first lived at Port Awanui Dad had a cow, an old red and white one we called Genevieve. Most fine mornings we would dress early to go with our Dad to milk, each of us with our little enamel mug to stand beside and behind him. After he had taken the first squirt of milk from each teat, which made a loud noise hitting the bottom of the empty tin bucket, he would reach out and fill our mugs. And wasn’t that milk delicious! With white froth on our lips we were the happiest boys in the world.
– David
As the main road entered the township just two chains in front of our shop at Omaewa, we were the first to see anything coming in and the last to see anything leave. I loved watching the large bullock teams and the beautiful horse carts and wagons which arrived with huge loads of wool and left piled high with stores and timber for the large stations.
– Russell Port to Pasture
Shortly after the move to Omaewa in 1910 another son Fred was born. At the two-storeyed Omaewa house the family of six boys and a girl had more room. Many of the children spoke of the broken harpoons, oars and old whale bones that they found under the house and they all vividly remember the prickly pear bushes that grew near the house.
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We had a two-storeyed house at Omaewa and we boys slept upstairs. I know it was two-storeyed because we had heard that cats always landed on their feet when they fall. So one night we took our cats upstairs and while one boy dropped them out the window everyone else watched and sure enough it was true – they landed on their feet all right. The cats didn’t seem to mind the rough treatment as they still continued to come up onto our beds whenever they could.
– Russell Memories 1984 Reunion
During my time at Port Awanui our school was often without a teacher. Then we had to walk or ride to Waiomatatini Native School. During winter we often had to walk along the side of the hills because the roads were just bog holes where wild cattle roamed. They sometimes chased us.
– David Port to Pasture
During the period Charlie and Mabel lived at Port Awanui they catered for the social needs of the district as Charlie owned and ran the local hall which was used extensively for dances, social gatherings, silent picture shows and travelling entertainers. Some members of the family still have in their possession monogrammed crockery and initialled cutlery used during this time.
As Mabel was a talented pianist she was in considerable demand to play at both social events and church functions. From Mabel’s love of music her children developed a lasting enjoyment for all things musical.
While we were at Port Awanui George Kirk bought the first car in the district – a 1908 Overland and took all us kids for a ride on the beach. Also I remember the opening of the first bridge across the Waiapu River at Tikitiki in 1914. It was a really lovely day and hundreds were there. All we youngsters went swimming and two Hughes’s very nearly drowned themselves but I was not one of them – too scared.
– John Memories 1984 Reunion
Noel was born at Christmas time 1911 while Tilson arrived mid-1914. This brought the family number to eight boys and one girl. Also living with them was Molly Burke who was the same age as Grace.
When we lived at Port Awanui, Dad bought a new buggy. He owned three beautiful young horses. He used to harness Sailor and Dan – a beautiful white – usually on a Sunday and away we would drive very fast along the beach from Port Awanui to the mouth of the Waiapu. Then Dad would go for a swim across the river – he was a very strong swimmer. After a picnic on the beach at Tikapa we would drive back home along the beach with the horses’ manes and tails streaming out in the wind. Dad never sold these horses as I can clearly remember them on the farm at Pakihikura where they died of old age.
– Russell Memories 1984 Reunion
In 1984 Sharon and I decided to have our Christmas holiday at Port Awanui with our family and a few friends. We arrived at the beach at Port Awanui after an exciting four-wheel drive down the Waiotautu Creek bed. We found absolutely nothing there except piles and piles of seaweed and driftwood. We pitched our camps on the only clear flat area near the mouth of the creek and when Ivan and Stephanie arrived to show us around, we were very surprised to learn that our campsite was almost on the very spot, Omaewa, where our grandparents had had their home and store just over seventy years before. While we camped at Omaewa, particularly in the evenings, I had a strong feeling of the presence of folk, especially family members, who had lived here in the past.
On exploring the area we were able to identify many of the things we had heard our older uncles speak of – Jose Manuel’s olive tree, Granny’s prickly pear bushes, the concrete steps which must have led to Rose Hotel and The Flat where the school and courthouse had stood. We found lots of old bottles, broken Willow pattern crockery and heaps of rusty horseshoes.
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I was particularly intrigued by the deep channel that had been blasted through the papa rocks in order to allow the lighters sufficient depth to berth at the wharf which by now had long since been demolished.
We had intended spending our entire holiday here as we had heard great stories of the abundance of kaimoana. Unfortunately the fish were not plentiful and when we went diving the rocks had been stripped bare. The place was fished out so we moved on. We visited Pokai Marae at Tikapa and I was delighted to find my great-grandmother Riria’s grave and headstone. This trip gave me great satisfaction.
– Kasper
Further information and photos on Port Awanui contained in:
Port to Pasture – Reminiscences and Records of Port Awanui, East Coast
by S.L. and I.C.Hughes 1988
Freda Kirk, Reginald Kirk, Tui Duddy, Arthur Hughes, Mack Collier, John Hughes
Robert Carswell, Molly Burke, David Hughes, Erina Collier, Pat Duddy, Mona Duddy, Russell Hughes
Norman Carswell, Raumata Collier, Raymond Kirk, Stone Collier, Myrtle Carswell, Grace Hughes, Bob Hughes
– Port Awanui School 1914
School, Stables and Cell Block, Court House and Police Residence – The Flat, Port Awanui
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‘Pakihikura’, Whakaangiangi Valley
With the bridging of the Waiapu River at Tikitiki, road transport from Gisborne to Te Araroa began to develop rapidly and the death knell was beginning to sound for the small coastal ports such as Port Awanui.
In 1915, realising that time was running out for the family to remain at Omaewa, Charlie obtained a 40 year lease of Pakihikura, a 640 acre farm which lay in the Whakaangiangi Valley near the confluence of the Taurangakautuku and Kopuapounamu Rivers eight miles south of Te Araroa.
By 1915 Charlie was again working for the Williams family as manager of the large Whakaangiangi Station that was later cut up for returned servicemen settlement farms. For some time Mabel and the children remained at Port Awanui continuing to run the store. At weekends Charlie would return home to the family and the older boys would ride to Pakihikura, the new farm, to feed the dogs and milk the cows in the cowshed – a makeshift structure comprised of a few sheets of corrugated iron attached to manuka posts. Newly felled bush, logs and rocks covered the paddocks which were skeleton fenced. The rocks and boulders were loaded onto carts and taken to be dumped in gullies while the logs were snigged away to form rough fences.
For many years it was all hard work.
One time when we older boys were helping Dad pull foxgloves on a hill paddock, Dad complained of not being able to see. Dad suffered from head sweat and had been wiping his forehead a lot. Consequently the mixture of sweat and foxglove sap had got into his eyes. We hurriedly helped him home and after thoroughly washing out his eyes with water were all very relieved and thankful when his sight returned.
– David
During the early part of 1916 a galvanised iron whare was erected by Charlie and Robert le Forrester, ‘French Bob’ from Port Awanui. The Whare had a living room, a big bedroom and a smaller bedroom. It had a lean-to roof and a verandah that ran across the front with a bathroom at the end. There was a large corrugated iron chimney serving the immense fireplace.
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It was into The Whare and several tents that Mabel, Charlie, their nine children and Molly Burke moved in 1916.
Here, in The Whare, their second daughter Uli was born a short time later.
The Omaewa home, shop and hall at Port Awanui were systematically dismantled and transported by horse drawn wagons and drays to Pakihikura. This building material was destined to be used for the construction of a new home and farm sheds. The seventeen mile trip took two days as there were numerous streams and rivers, including the infamous Waiapu River, to ford on the way.
A large fourteen room bungalow was built about two hundred yards from The Whare. Harry Neilson, a Scandinavian who could do anything in the building trade, was employed to erect the house as Charlie was still working at Whakaangiangi three miles away.
The house piles were split from a puriri tree felled on the property while the rafters were of kauri and the floor of heart matai.
It was a very fine house when completed and with a tennis court, a croquet green, beautifully kept lawns and flower gardens, Pakihikura became well-known throughout the district for social gatherings. Mabel and Charlie were renowned for their warm hospitality to all.
Further children were born to Mabel and Charlie, Ken in 1918 followed by May in 1919 and Coe two years later. Dudley, their last child, was born in 1925.
Mabel continued her interest in horses and was often seen out riding. At Ihungia and Port Awanui she rode side-saddle on Sailor but at Pakihikura her horse was King Cole who was very flighty and so she always rode him astride. It is reputed that King Cole could even open gates.
Mabel’s elaborately tooled side saddle is now in the Gisborne Museum and Art Centre.
Although the large house had been built, The Whare continued to be the sleeping quarters for the boys and any of their friends.
Tilson and I were sleeping on our own in The Whare one night when a severe earthquake woke us. The corrugated iron chimney was much the worse for wear. It flapped and rattled as most of the sheets of iron were loose and really scared us. Tilson carried me along the verandah in his arms. We both ended up in one bed much safer and happier in the other room.
After the potatoes were harvested Dad used to lay them out on the floor in one room of The Whare. Two huge old sows found them and were happily helping themselves to fresh spuds. They heard us coming and we were met by them full tilt at the verandah edge. We swerved to one side and only just managed to side step them as they charged on out.
I got a terrible fright one very dark wet night when Tilson and I were walking to The Whare with our big coats on. The horses panicked from under the trees where they were sheltering. We could see nothing but could hear their hooves splashing in the water close to us. Once again mighty Tilson grabbed and cuddled me saying, ‘Be quiet boy and stand still.” Good old Tilson
– Ken
There was a lot of hard work on the farm but no one seemed to worry. I remember being woken in the mornings by Dad passing The Whare whistling tunefully on his way to milk at 5.30am! It was a great way to start the day.
– Tilson
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The house was lit by gaslight that was produced in the gas shed near the house. We were never allowed near when Dad was working there. He would fill the tray with new carbide powder and then put it in the big accumulator tank. The spent carbide was thrown on the duck house floor and this set like hard white concrete. When water dripped on the new carbide powder, acetylene gas was given off and this would build up under pressure and was piped into the house.
Often in the evening we children would sit around the table making newspaper spills. Dad would cut the newspaper into strips of the right length and we had to fold them correctly then put them in the spill container on the mantelpiece. These would be used for lighting the gas jets and Dad used them to light his pipe. The gas flame gave a lovely warm soft light.
– Coe
Pakihikura was a complete change of lifestyle for the older children. At Port Awanui they lived next to the sea with rocks, sand and seafood right at their front door whereas at Pakihikura bush and native bird life was nearby.
I have never seen such bountiful rocks as there were at Port Awanui. There were plenty of channels and holes in which the crayfish lived and at different parts of the rocks people could collect whatever type of shellfish they wanted – kuku, paua, pupu and kina were plentiful, as well as octopus…. At spring tides the folk from Tikapa would come down to these rocks with pikau on their horses and ride home later loaded with crayfish, shellfish and all kinds of fish.
– Russell Port to Pasture
Uli, Ken, May and I often played on the edge of the bush at Pakihikura using leaves as sheep and cattle and sticks to build little cattle yards. The Darby and Joan moreporks who sat in the ponga trees in the bush would watch us and would sometimes swoop down low over our heads. We often saw and heard the kokako singing their beautiful songs in the tall rewa rewa tree by the house. When the tawa berries were ripe we all had purple mouths. Mum ‘kept us going’ with castor oil or liquorice powder on a Saturday moming.
Coe
Port Awanui School was only a walk away up the hill from their Omaewa home. At Pakihikura the nearest school was an eight mile ride to Te Araroa, weather and river crossing permitting, and so it wasn’t long before Charlie, along with other parents, organised a petition asking for a school of their own to service the children living in the valley.
…the Williams had donated five acres for the school and ‘enough for the teacher’s cow and horse’…
– Whakaangiangi School Jubilee 1979
This enabled Whakaangiangi School to be built and on 23 June 1919 the school opened.
…the teacher’s log shows an entry of fifteen first day pupils, Myrtle, Robert and Norman Carswell, Grace, David, Russell, John, Fred, Bob and Noel Hughes, Walter, Julian, Jack, Rosamund and Nigel Walford.
– Whakaangiangi School Jubilee 1979
In 1936 the school was reclassified as Whakaangiangi Native School at the request of the Department of Native Affairs. When Native/Maori schools were transferred to Education Board control in 1969 the school reverted to its original name.
The Whakaangiangi School Football team played a combined team from Tikitiki, Rangitukia, Waiomatatini and Ruatoria schools and defeated them 31 to 0!
How this came about – there was a banner donated by Mr Billy Walker to be played for by the four schools, Horoera, Te Araroa, Hicks Bay and our school. Our school won the banner that year.
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When there was a combined team to be picked from the four schools to play the southern schools, the colour of the jersey was decided on. Our school was the smallest and the others said it was a toss up between Te Araroa and Hick’s Bay seeing they were the biggest. Mr Thompson, our teacher and coach, said, ‘No. We won the banner and the colours to be wom are ours, green and white.’ So the other three teachers said, ‘If that is the case you play them on your own.” Mr Thompson said, “We will, and we will beat them.’ And we did! Mr Thompson was so pleased with our efforts that he gave both teams oranges.
– Bob Memories 1984 Reunion
Going to Te Araroa to play rugby on Saturday moming was something I will always remember. It meant getting up a little earlier in the moming to catch my horse that I’d groomed during the week to look her best. The horses had to be shod to protect their hooves. We could all manage do that, thanks to Bob in my case. We lived furthest out so would leave 7.30 – 8am. Then over the river to Haerewas’, sometimes two to a horse. Next to Hoopers’ and so on until we had the whole team mounted. Sometimes a horse had got out or couldn’t be caught, so all hands would round it up and if anyone had slept in we would catch the horse while they got ready. Some would ride bareback but it didn’t make much difference. Then off we’d go to town eight miles away.
One of our great thrills was when a car came along, going the same way. We’d spread across the road and start galloping, pretending we didn’t know anyone was behind us. The cars had to keep a safe distance behind because of the stones flying from the horses hooves. After a while we’d let them go and chase them until the horses had had enough.
Eventually we’d arrive in town and tie our horses at the horse rack provided and head for the beach. We always reckoned a paddle in the waves would help us win. It didn’t always work that way, but I think we weren’t game not to try it.
-Ken Memories 1984 Reunion
We often watched our older brothers shoeing horses in the hamess shed and they would let us turn the handle on the forge. We loved to see the sparks flying and the horse shoes glowing red hot in the coke.
– Coe
I can remember Bob and Fred getting their own herd of cows. They had about sixty and share milked on a farm owned by Mr Metcalfe. After three or four years they brought their herd over to Dad’s farm. We had a big problem making Dad’s cowshed and yard big enough to handle over one hundred cows. This number of cows was unheard of north of Ruatoria and it was all hand milking but this is where Eric Evans came on the scene selling milking machines. This put Charlie Hughes and family in the big time – we were the first in the area to have milking machines. We were also the first to spread top dressing manure by horse power and top dressers.
My main job was getting the spring cart with Kate the horse to take the cream out. Kate was wonderful. We had four gates to open and pass through. When we reached a gate she would stop until I jumped from the cart, ran past her and opened the gate. Then she kept coming through the gate and as soon as I hit the back of the cart she was up and away to the next. I also had to pick up the neighbours cream on the way. Then it was over the river to the truck, lift the cream cans on to the truck and head off home. It was quite exciting when all was going good.
Mr Fairley was a great neighbour. On the days when the Kopuapounamu was flooded Old Bert, dressed up for the wet and on his horse, would yell out, “Follow me boy!’ And he would lead the way. Sometimes the water would come in the cart.
Old Bert and Kate were great company.
– Ken
We had a herd of cows at Pakihikura and the older boys ran another herd over at Metcalfes’. When the boys left home the two herds were amalgamated and Dad, Ken and the two workers ran this larger herd. We always had plenty of calves to feed and lots of milk. Dad had three large drums that he piped skim milk into. The curd and whey was fed to the pigs and Mother would also feed it to the chooks. We had a lot of chooks and every now and then Dad would kill six of them, then after school
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Coe and I would pluck them down at the creek. We had a lot of ducks too and it was my after school job to round them up and in the laying season I would nearly always take home twenty duck eggs. Mother sold any surplus eggs.
Of course we had pigs too – a large white boar and Phyllis the sow who always had plenty of piglets. Dad cured our own bacon and sold the surplus pigs. Dad killed a beast each winter and would corn the meat, but he killed a mutton whenever needed. The meat was hung on hooks in the shed under the tanks and kept very well there in the cool.
Dad ran two sheep to the acre and this worked well with the cows. Each autumn Dad would burn off the danthonia grass on the riverbed flat. In the spring the new grass would come away so well that he would use that paddock to fatten the lambs. He sold the lambs in December as fat lambs. Our pets went with the ewes and we were paid twenty-five shillings for each lamb. Dad banked that for us. We all had money boxes in the safe. I just loved the shearing time, the wool, the dogs and the busy men.
– May
It was not unusual for sixteen or seventeen children to be seated at the kitchen table as Mabel had a very big heart and would mother any child in need. When Jane, her brother Alan’s wife died she took in the four children for many months. Children from back country stations were always made welcome and would stay at Pakihikura so as to enable them to attend school. When the rivers flooded the Walfords’ house, which was built on the lower river terrace, the Walford family of six would move in with the Hughes family until conditions improved.
With so large a family and only one pair of hands each, our parents worked long hours to provide for our well-being and we in turn learned from an early age to carry out set duties. It was well organised team work thanks mainly to our mother. There were family occasions to remember, especially at Christmas when many of the older members of the family would return to share the festivities.
Meal times around our large kitchen tables with we children seated on long forms was quite a sight, with Dad at one end carving a large roast and Mum at the other with two or three dishes of steaming vegetables and a large pudding. Grace was always said, possibly so that we could all get an even start!
– Uli Memories 1984 Reunion
Meal times were quite a ritual with Dad carving the roast – usually hogget but beef too in winter and Mum serving the vegetables at her end. Then there were puddings. Rice if Dad put the meal in the oven, or a wonderful steamed or boiled roly-poly or jam tarts with lots of fresh cream. Mum was a wonderful cook and Dad was pretty good too.
– Coe
Mother and Dad each had their own vege garden. Mother’s was near the house and Dad’s was down by the cow shed. Great was the competition as to who could grow the largest cabbage or whatever, so veges were always plentiful. Mother grew hops along her vege garden fence and Ken and I would pick the ripe heads and store them in bags. They smelled lovely and Mother used them in her bread making.
– May
Mabel would order large quantities of stores at a time – half a ton of flour, 250 pounds of sugar, sacks of rice and a barrel of vinegar, would be included in her winter order which would tide the family over the rainy flood season. The stores were collected by the older boys in the cart, from the jetty at the mouth of the Awatere River at Te Araroa. If however, the weather was bad or the sea conditions rough, the little coastal ship would not stop but continue on down the coast to Gisborne or even Napier. Sometimes it was almost a month before the stores arrived and so a backlog of essential grocery items was a necessity.
The Taurangakautuku River ford caused many problems. Often the river would flood and the boulders would go bashing and crashing noisily down towards the sea. Pakihikura would then
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be isolated for two to three days at a time as the ford, the only access, would be well under water.
We used to walk across the river to school but when the river was high we rode across on our horses. If the river started to rise while we were at school the teacher would let us go home early but we never missed any schooling because of the river.
– May
I went to Gisbome at the age of twenty to work with John in his service station. I went back up home to Pakihikura for a few days holiday and when that was over went to return to Gisborne by car, which I had left at the school. Dad thought it would be a good chance to come to Gisborne with me. The river was quite high so in the moming we saddled up two horses and set off to cross the Taurangakautuku – Dad in his best suit which he didn’t wear very often. When we got to the river, Piko and Dad got on one horse and I was on the other. But the others got into trouble midstream. Piko slid off the tail taking Dad with him. Then they both started arguing, so Dad missed his trip to Gisborne.
– Tilson Memories 1984 Reunion
When the river was down low we used to bring the car over the river crossing. We had a car shed near the school and kept the car there mainly. If we younger ones had been out to a dance or party at night we would park the car in the shed and sleep there as Mother made us promise never to cross the river in the dark.
– May
One night there was a dance on the lawn and Mum and Dad had hung Japanese lanterns with candles in them and the adults danced to music played by two locals on piano and saxophone. The garden was lovely and we little ones watched in our nighties from the verandah.
Other things that always gave me a thrill were the beautiful clothes that Mum, Grace, Mary and the other women wore in the 1920s. I can still remember the beautiful taffeta frocks embroidered with rhinestones and georgette with bead embroidery so heavy that we could hardly lift them out of the tissue paper. Mary had a green one with peaks that hung down below her knees. This was the Charleston period and even at five and six, May and I could give a demo.
Later when we grew up, tennis parties were our thing and in the winter the Hunt Ball, the Hospital Ball and local hops in Hicks Bay and Te Araroa. Ken and Tilson had to chaperone us.
– Coe Memories 1984 Reunion
There was always plenty of music at Pakihikura. The piano that Mabel’s father had bought her many years before was in the kitchen while the new piano that Charlie had bought was kept in the front room.
Fred would buy records and bring them home – ones that made us laugh and also ones of women’s voices who sang really beautifully. Everyone in our family enjoyed music and most of us played some sort of instrument. Dad could play Chop Sticks. In the evening when we waited for the men to come in for dinner Mother would play the piano and Coe and I would dance and dance.
– May
It was Christmas 1935 and I was nearly six years old. Mum, Dad, Charles the baby and I, went to Pakihikura. Arthur and Bruce stayed with our Aunty Pearle and Uncle Aubrey Mayo. We arrived at Whakaangiangi late in the afternoon and were transported to the homestead per horseback doubling behind one of Dad’s brothers. I think I drew Uncle Bob. When we arrived I recall the kitchen with the huge table loaded with all sorts of goodies. Grandad was sharpening the carving knife with the steel and Granny and our aunties, only young girls really, laying the table and although I was hungry I was too excited to eat much. After tea Dad took me out to The Whare to go to bed. This was some distance from the house – out through the back gate – surrounded by flax bushes and with some trees behind the outside dunny.
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The next day we all went down to Port Awanui for a picnic and swim and to do some beach exploring. I remember the old trolley rails going straight out to sea. Dad said they used trolleys on these tracks to bring goods to and from the lighters that ran between the ships and the end of the rails. We had a really great picnic lunch and all had a sleep or rest until we had to go back to the homestead so that Grandad and the uncles could milk the cows. That is my first real recollection of Grandad in his gumboots and black singlet and braces leaning back on the cowyard rails filling his pipe and having a laugh with Dad and me. And after milking taking the cream cans across the creek on the konaki.
But as usual our visit was too short but very enjoyable for all that. Dad took Mum, Charles and me home then the next day went to Marumaru to get Arthur and Bruce.
– Dudley
My earliest memories of Granny and Grandad are of when I was six years old in 1936 and went to live with them at Whakaangiangi so I could go to school. They were lovely and kind to me and I always knew I was their pet as I was their eldest son’s first son.
Grandad was fun. He would always wake me up at 9 o’clock at night to listen to the wrestling on the radio. He used to make a large amount of butter and would let me eat as much of it as I wanted. They really spoilt me.
– Frank
My Pakihikura Station Home 1919 – 1940
Happy days, I loved so much,
Where peace and sunshine dwelt.
Music that my Mother made,
With family all around –
Music, I put first in thoughts
As music was our base;
Constantly we joined in song,
In harmony and grace.
These Memories, are our treasures,
Jewels we love to keep –
Of home and hearth and family,
This all made
Life so sweet.
– May Memories 1984 Reunion
Pakihikura beyond flooded Taurangakautuku River. Whakaangiangi School in foreground 1953.
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‘Omaewa’, Hastings
In 1940 country life came to an abrupt end when Charlie and Mabel decided to move from Pakihikura. It was on May’s 21st birthday that she drove her parents and Coe south. After looking at various small holdings they eventually settled in Ikanui Road, Stortford Lodge, Hastings, naming their new home Omaewa.
May and Coe were the only two of the family who were living at home at this stage.
In Ikanui Road they had a large section and while Mabel maintained an excellent flower garden, Charlie continued to live an almost rural lifestyle as he ran a few sheep, a cow, the odd pig or two, some hens, Muscovy ducks and a dog. He also had a huge vegetable garden.
Mum and Dad weren’t used to living in close proximity to neighbours and decided to keep Muscovy ducks. They were rather a concern when they waddled into the garden and around the house and were more of a problem when they got airbome and had close encounters with the power lines. Then there was a loud quack and a shower of feathers. They had to go.
Mum and Dad never did get used to life away from the farm though Dad did manage to ride a bike when he worked at Watson’s soft drink factory. Mum had a croquet mallet that never ever got used but she did enjoy her garden and a neighbours’ small son who loved staying overnight with us. He would hide his pyjamas and koala bear under his arm so we wouldn’t know he was coming to stay. Mum always made room for another child even though she was in her 70s.
– Coe
Mum often told me of an amusing incident when Ereti, from Te Araroa, first visited Mum and Dad at Ikanui Road. Mum had gone to much trouble to train two cypress trees into an archway across the front path. Ereti stood and looked at the tree arch for some moments then turned to Mum and said, “By jove Mabel, how do you make your tree grow with roots on the top too?’
And when I asked Dad how he liked living in Ikanui Road, he said it was great as now he was able to walk to the pub and have a pint or two without Mum even missing him.
– Ken
Although Charlie was over sixty when they moved to Hastings it did not take him long to learn to ride a bike.
My visits to Ikanui Road were always enjoyable and full of fun. Grandad always managed to involve you in what he was doing and had a fund of amusing humorous tales that he delighted in telling.
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At the end of the day he would sit in his easy chair with his pipe and a glass of Scotch talking while Granny prepared the meal and joined in the laughter.
I remember telling Granny that I would like to go to the pictures one night. She told me there were no buses back after the pictures but Grandad said I could take his bike. Anyway after the pictures on the way home a policeman stopped me and told me I would have to walk and push the bike as I had no tail light. When I mentioned this at breakfast Grandad said he wondered why the policeman didn’t go crook about the headlight as his old bike had neither. Grandad thought it was a great joke when I told him I was too scared to get back on the bike and walked all the way back to Ikanui Road.
I will always remember our Grandmother as a gracious lady and Grandad as a very jolly gentleman.
– Dudley
Granny, as I remember, was a very kind and softly spoken lady who spoilt my brother David and me a lot. We used to sit under the feijoa tree near the back door and Granny would bring us a sugar bowl and two teaspoons. Then we would gorge ourselves on the wonderful ripe fruit and sugar. I can still smell her cooking on the range and see, in my mind’s eye, the cameo she wore on her clothing which was buttoned to the neck. I was seven when she passed away and it was my first experience of someone dying and it saddened me deeply.
Grandad was quite bald I remember. He had some hair at the sides and a moustache which Mum trimmed periodically. I was fascinated with his pipe and the smell of his tobacco. One day when a large cigar was about to be lit he noticed my interest and said, ‘You can puff on it as long as you smoke it all.’ ‘Okay,’ was my reply and away I went. After a few deep puffs I felt quite nauseous and then I was sick. I’ve never been a smoker since and I realise I owe Grandad a tremendous debt. I learnt a lesson that day.
David and I used to play in their garden with our cousins. I recall David and Graeme setting fire to a neighbour’s hedge with matches they had stolen. What a fracas that caused. The fire brigade was there and half the neighbourhood. I don’t think the boys sat down for a while after that event!
– Clive
I remember the ‘delicious’ warm smells in Grandad’s garden shed where he kept the mash and pollard for the chooks, the strings of onions hanging from the rafters, the bunches of garlic drying, the stored pumpkins in the corner and the other produce that he had harvested from his garden. I found the combination of these smells very comforting. I also recall being scolded once by Granny for popping the large unopened fuchsia flowers.
– Ann
I remember very clearly the many Sunday aftemoons spent at Granny and Grandad’s home in Ikanui Road. After afternoon tea we all sat in their sitting room while Granny played her piano. We children loved to escape into the garden to explore, play hide-and-seek and sometimes sample the feijoas that grew near the tank stand. Granny’s home-made bread cut very thinly was a special treat and also to sip the warm and frothy milk as Grandad milked the house cow.
– Del
Omaewa, as the Ikanui Road house was called, always had a bright well-kept garden, immaculate lawns and a low neatly trimmed hedge that ran the length of the path leading towards the house. A feature was the cypress tree arch that formed a tunnel over the path. In the summer there were Granny and Grandad’s enormous sunflowers with big sun-like faces – they were huge and tall! Granny and Grandad gave me seed from their flowers and for many years I have grown the big happy faces as they remind me of Granny, Grandad and Omaewa.
My many visits to stay at Omaewa are filled with pleasant memories – the glass of stout before the delicious evening meal – the evenings spent playing cribbage or singing around the piano – the odd puff on Grandad’s pipe or cigar – the times we went swimming in the river near the Chesterhope Bridge and cleaning the car on the river bank before returning home – helping Grandad at the cordial factory – helping with chores like feeding the chooks and getting in the fire wood – family Christmas and New Year parties spent with cousins not seen very often – the 1951 Golden Wedding celebrations when there was almost a full muster of family members – the trips up the Taupo Road with Uncle Tilson in his
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timber truck and stopping on the side of the road here and there to have a shot at the rabbits with his pea rifle. I don’t think I ever hit one! Such wonderful childhood memories of my many holidays with Granny and Grandad.
– Ivan
The house in Ikanui Road was something I always thought of as very special – although I suppose it was in fact rather small and of quite ordinary design. Nana proudly showed me the wartime photo of Uncle Tilson on a horse in front of the pyramids – his two mates were on camels and I was always secretly disappointed that he wasn’t too. On the mantelpiece in the lounge was the ‘magic’ ship-in-a-bottle. There were three flying plaster ducks mounted in formation on the wall. These took my fancy and I succeeded in knocking one off and breaking it. Mum sent me to my room – the small bedroom at the front of the house. After a short spell of solitary confinement I decided to seek freedom by jumping out of the window. Unfortunately this was directly above Nana’s prize cactus garden and my howls of pain gave me away immediately. I avoided a thrashing only because everyone was too concerned about removing the many prickles and trying to restore the garden.
There were nice smooth river stones on a path to the back of the house where the tank stood. I can still hear the comforting sound of the pump which ran intermittently day and night pumping water from the well. A separate garage housed Uncle Tilson’s immaculately polished black car – it was a real treat to be taken out in it as it had to be polished again immediately on return.
– Nigel
For a while Charlie worked for the well drilling firm of Willan & Co. before moving to work at Watson’s Aerated Waters, a cordial bottling factory in Heretaunga Street.
Grandad worked for some time in a cordial factory and out the back where he worked we were allowed to sample the thick toffee-like caramel that came in 44 gallon drums. He always seemed so genial and thrilled to see us enjoying ourselves.
As a twelve year old I was told that if I couldn’t eat half a dozen eggs for breakfast then I wasn’t a Hughes. I can vividly recall the struggle to do this along with the interesting side effect.
Granny once sent me a pocket knife for a Christmas present with the request to please send back a penny as a token of payment because, she explained, that you did not give a knife for fear of cutting a friendship, but it was quite in order to sell a knife.
– Bruce
When staying in Hastings I sometimes went to work with Grandad at the soft drink factory. We would place the dirty bottles on to the conveyor line and after they had been through the water sprays we would inspect them. Most would be clean and would be sent to the filling plant but the occasional dirty one would have to be cleaned on the inside with a brush and put through the washer again. I was allowed to drink plenty of aerated cordial drinks so I enjoyed working with Grandad.
One time I called to see Grandad at Watson’s factory but found he wasn’t there. The barrel of liquid glucose was open and as nobody was around I dug my finger in and licked it. I knew it was wrong so I intermittently peered around the side of the building to see if anyone was coming. As I was by myself I had many many fingers full of liquid glucose. Grandad did not come so I returned to Ikanui Road. That night Grandad said that while I was pinching the glucose Mr Watson was in the office above the storage area watching me steal his glucose. I was too busy watching at ground level and did not look up.
Grandad was a very jovial gentleman who always had a funny joke to tell. He was quite rotund in later years and Granny had to sew a vee of material into the back of his trousers. He had a rack of pipes in the kitchen and would alternate them. I remember Granny as having fine features and white hair and she always carried herself as a lady. Her grooming, speech and deportment were impeccable. Granny was loving, understanding and commanded respect from all who knew her.
– Earle
I have only faint memories of Granny and Grandad but I remember Granny as a very stately upright lady who was very well organised. I can still see her snow white hair in plaits worn across the
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top of her head. Grandad I remember as a very bald, very gentle man who was very friendly towards us younger kids and who would guide us gently around the place. I have a clear picture of his well organised garden shed with the sickles, scythes and other tools all neatly hanging in their places around the walls. After Granny died Grandad came to stay with us for a while on our dairy farm at Brookfields.
– Kasper
In 1955 after Mabel died, their youngest daughter Coe, her husband Neil and children Janne and Graeme moved into Omaewa, Ikanui Road to live with Charlie.
After a short illness Mrs Mabel Hughes died at the Hastings Memorial Hospital on Friday aged 75 years. In her earlier days Mrs Hughes was an active participant in Women’s Institute affairs.
Mrs Hughes was the eldest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs George Gillespie Boyd, Puketapu. She spent her early years on the East Coast where she took an active interest in Women’s Institute and also the Gardening Circle in Te Araroa. She also represented the E.C. Provincial Executive at Dominion conferences of Women’s Institute.
For the past 15 years Mrs Hughes has been living in Hastings where her main hobby has been gardening.
In 1901 she was married to Mr Nigel Charles Hughes at Port Awanui, Ruatoria. The golden wedding anniversary was celebrated four years ago when there was a large family reunion in Hastings. Mrs Hughes is survived by her husband and 12 children, being 8 sons Jack (Hastings), David and Russell (Nuhaka), Bob (Pukekohe), Fred (Paeroa), Noel and Tilson (Hastings) and Ken (Paeroa), and 4 daughters Grace (Mrs E Evans, Katikati), Uli (Mrs J Martin, Glen Eden), May (Mrs E Fairey, Meeanee) and Coe (Mrs N Treacher, Hastings).
– HB Herald Tribune 13 June 1955
I remember the large family gatherings in the living room at Ikanui Road. We gathered around Nana as she played the piano and we all sang the old favourite tunes of the times, Horsey Keep Your Tail Up, Ten Little Girls On The Village Green, Red River Valley, everyone singing at the top of their lungs, Uncle Dave with his eyes shut and the little ones at the front clustered around. Nana was such a darling. I felt as though I was her favourite granddaughter, but I guess everyone felt the same. She was a gentle soul and I remember lots of little details – her lovely white hair all gathered into a net with a velvet hairband, sitting on her knee watching her lovely hands with the veins so prominent and her watch with a leather cover.
Graeme and I used to call Grandad ‘Beau’. I think it was because he would creep up behind us and go ‘Boo’! After Nana died Mum, Dad, Graeme and I went to live with Beau in Ikanui Road. Graeme and I loved to hear his stories of the Coast. We were very lucky to have spent so much time with our Grandad. He was very patient and spent lots of time teaching us how to tie a bowline and a reef knot. He spent hours sawing wood for our winter fires and the wood burning range in the kitchen. I can never remember him being cross with us. He had a lovely patient nature.
I have wonderful memories of Ikanui Road. It is part of my life that I often ponder on.
– Janne
When Nana passed away our family moved in with Beau at Ikanui Road. I must have been seven or eight but still have very clear memories of those days. For a young boy Beau’s home was fascinating with lots of interesting old bits and pieces to play with or just to look at. Outside it was a great place with big trees to climb and places to pitch my pup tent and camp overnight. There were dark old sheds to explore and a chook house with drums of wheat and mash and molasses to dip fingers into.
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Inside, the house was dark and spooky with a big old clock on the mantelpiece and some old Maori adzes and tools from their East Coast days. I would follow Beau into his study and watch him roll his tobacco and pack his pipe. I can recall the smell of the tobacco in the old tobacco jar.
There was a heavy old steel safe and whenever the house was empty, and the coast was clear, I would get the key from its hiding place and open the heavy door and play with the gold sovereigns. I would count them and stack them on the floor and just feel the weight of them. Then I would carefully put them back exactly where they had come from. That was my secret and I never shared it with anyone.
– Graeme
My fondest memory of Grandad was a time after the passing of Granny when Willa and I with Steven as a baby spent about a week at Ikanui Road.
Grandad was a very gracious host and insisted on cooking us a meal of steak and kidney and very nice it was too. He was so disappointed because he had forgotten the doughboys so he insisted on repeating the performance the next night with doughboys. It was just delicious.
– Arthur
Charlie died in 1959, four years after Mabel.
Headstone Hastings Cemetery
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Mabel Boyd
b 11. 09. 1879 Tokomaru Bay, NZ
d 10. 06. 1955 Hastings, NZ;
m 26. 08. 1901 Port Awanui, N.Z
Nigel Charles Russell Hughes
b 10. 6. 1877 Little Waldingfield, Suffolk England
d 15. 8. 1959 Hastings, N.Z
The Family of Mabel and Charles Hughes
Arthur Charles b 25 .05 .1992 Waipiro Bay
m 28. 10. 1929 Te Araroa Eva Bedford
d 06. 03. 1949 Pakihikura, Te Araroa
John George Aubrey b 15. 9. 1903 Ihungia, Waipiro Bay
m 06. 04. 1933 Auckland Mary Capstick
d .08. 12. 1983 Tauranga
David Alan b 02. 10. 1904 Ihungia, Waipiro Bay
m 20. 02. 1929 Wairoa Ena Mayo
d 25. 11. 2000 Waiuku
Thomas Russell Cuthbertson b 26. 04. 1906 Ihungia, Waipiro Bay
m 14. 09. 1931 Wairoa Gwladys Brown
d 30. 10. 1982 Hastings
Grace Lydia b 25. 09. 1907 Port Awanui
m 04. 04. 1934 Pakihikura Te Araroa Eric Evans
d 17. 07. 1986 Auckland
Bob Embleton Boyd b 05. 06. 1909 Port Awanui
m 04. 09. 1939 Christchurch Margaret Stevenson
d 25. 05. 1986 Gisborne
Fredrick Omaewa b 26. 08. 1910 Omaewa, Port Awanui
d 23. 04. 1983 Auckland
Noel Nigel b 23. 12. 1911 Omaewa, Port Awanui
m 09. 03. 1940 Greymouth Joyce Thomson
Donald Tilson Gillespie b 04. 07. 1914 Omaewa, Port Awanui
m 10. 05. 1947 Hastings May Bull
Eleanor Uli b 03. 08. 1916 Pakihikura, Te Araroa
m 27. 12. 1939 Te Araroa Jim Martin
Kenneth James b 17. 04. 1918 Pakihikura, Te Araroa
m 06. 02. 1946 Opotiki Elsa Abbot
d 11. 08. 2000 Paeroa
Mabel Nora (May) b 12. 06. 1919 Pakihikura, Te Araroa
m 08. 03. 1943 Hastings Ted Fairey
Frances Estelle (Coe) b 23. 10. 1921 Tokomaru Bay
m 07. 06. 1947 Hastings Neil Treacher
Ernest Dudley b 06. 04. 1925 Pakihikura, Te Araroa
d 13. 04. 1926 Pakihikura, Te Araroa.
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Arthur
Arthur was born at Waipiro Bay, but by the time he was ready to begin his schooling the family had moved to Port Awanui. Arthur finished his education at Kings College, Auckland. On his return to the Coast he worked on various farms.
In 1929 Arthur married Eva Bedford at Te Araroa. The couple continued a farming way of life living mainly on the East Coast. They had two sons and two daughters. When Arthur’s parents left for Hastings in 1940, the couple returned to manage the home farm, Pakihikura, Whakaangiangi Valley.
Life As It Was. Frank and I were children during World War II when basic food supplies were issued through food coupons. Dad asked if we would forfeit sugar in our tea so that we could accumulate the sugar coupons and use the sugar for preserves and making jam. After a long time enough coupons had been saved for us to qualify for a whole bag of sugar. Today’s kids think of a bag of sugar as 1.5kg in a paper bag but not so in ‘our days’ when this was a 70 pound jute bag of precious white gold.
Our bag of sugar duly arrived at our box near the Whakaangiangi School when Kash Traders delivered the three monthly supply of groceries from Ruatoria and it was now up to Frank and I to ferry them home across the river on horse back. Quite a task for two kids aged twelve and nine but it was all part of living in those times.
When school came out we caught our horses Friday and Gilbert. They had been grazing all day in the school horse paddock and then stood patiently as we loaded our pikau (a jute sack with the top sewn then split across one side in the middle to form two compartments) which balanced when loaded evenly, this time with smaller grocery items, when draped over our horses’ withers. Frank balanced a kerosene box filled with two full cans of kerosene for the household lamps while I had a pikau and the bag of sugar draped across the withers of old Friday.
As we left for home across the river everything was well under control. There would be absolutely no fooling today – not with this IMPORTANT cargo of sugar and especially as the fruit was already ripe on the trees and waiting to be picked and preserved.
Then disaster struck! Upon reaching the first tributary, and completely without warning, Friday stopped suddenly and immediately dropped her head to drink long and hard. Alas! the bag of sugar slid down her shoulder to plop into the mud and flowing water.
I shall never forget that fateful day as two kids dressed in white shirt/blouse and navy serge shorts/gym tunic struggled against massive odds to retrieve 70 pounds of sugar that had suddenly turned to 140 pounds of sticky syrup as it dripped down our heads, ran down our clothes, then finally trickled off our toes and horses leaving a trail of syrup as we rode home in silence to face the music.
Poor Mum, there was no wonder she tumed grey at an early age.
– Mabel
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During World War II Arthur was an active member of the local Home Guard while Eva contributed to the war effort by participating in the assembling and packaging of Red Cross parcels for the troops overseas. Eva was also, for many years, a volunteer distributor for the Red Cross meals on wheels service.
Equine Escapades. As a young boy growing up on Pakihikura the daily routine of schooling and living were inextricably tied up with horses. As the number of years between then and now near almost half a century it is with fondness that I recall a number of ‘horsey’ incidents.
The Clothesline The backyard at the old house was possibly a hundred metres long with a gate at either end. It was common to ride through the backyard in moving from one part of the farm to another. The clothes line which traversed the backyard was a length of number eight wire supported by wooden props. This day Frank and I were riding towards the backyard when he issued the challenge of a race to the far gate. I quickly established a lead and turned to see where the competition was when I was forcibly dismounted by the clothes line coming into violent contact with my neck. The bad news was that I lost the race – the good news was that I was riding bareback at the time.
Mowing the Lawn. At the front of the house was a grass tennis court where I swear the grass grew faster than anywhere else on the farm. One of my chores was to mow the lawn and was doing so one afternoon when Frank asked if I wanted to go with him to round up the cows. I responded with alacrity and jumped onto the horse behind his saddle. We were happily cantering across the paddock when his horse put its hoof into an old grass concealed post-hole. The inevitable gravitational forces took over, one consequence of which was a stirrup striking half and inch below my left eye. Fortunately the horse was okay. Mum was not amused when confronted by her two sons one of whom was bleeding profusely. Frank, quite rightly, got the biggest bollicking because he was the eldest.
Missed Schooling. Living as we did on what was effectively an island, it was normal practice to ride to school in winter across the river. The headwaters of the river further up the valley comprised a large watershed which meant the river could rise quite rapidly in flood conditions. It needs little imagination to predict the decision of a teacher when confronted by a young boy, who had to ride home alone across a river prone to the above, with the query, ‘Please sir, can I go home now as I’m worried about the river?’ From the look Mum gave me on a few occasions I’m not so sure she considered I would be in danger either. It wasn’t my fault that sometimes the sun came out shortly after I got home following my early departure from school. But I don’t think I have been too educationally disadvantaged from my self induced absences from Whakaangiangi Native School.
– Ken
My brother Arthur and I were nineteen years apart in our large family. He was bom in 1902 and I, the tail ender, in 1921. I have very vivid memories of Arthur’s visits – he was always just visiting because he was farming at Te Kumi inland from Cape Runaway so his visits meant he usually arrived late at night after we young ones were in bed. On hearing his voice we were out of bed like shots. I can remember waking one night to the sound of Arthur’s voice and the old wind up gramophone playing ‘The Trail of the Lonesome Pine’ – a hit then in the 20s. Arthur would be in riding gear and had his valise with extra clothes in.
May and I were flower girls at Arthur and Eva’s wedding and often spent our school holidays with them. He would cut wonderful rump steaks for us and then later in front of the open fire we would eat Jonathan apples from their orchard.
I admired my handsome eldest brother and always felt he and our eldest sister, Grace, were very much alike.
– Coe
Arthur was a keen gardener and enjoyed the farming life while Eva was very interested in all types of handcraft, particularly spinning, knitting, tatting and dressmaking. On leaving Pakihikura, Eva and family made their home in Gisborne.
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The Family of Eva and Arthur Hughes
Frank HUGHES m Patricia Lanigan
Graham HUGHES + Michelle Owen
Rebecca
Joshua.
Michael HUGHES + Mary-Ann Fryne
Angela
Karen m John CRISP
Emma
Sarah
Leeann m Stephen MURRELL
Jasmine
Dannielle
m Gerda
Mabel
m John Robinson
Pamela
Brent ROBINSON m Caroline Loye
Ken HUGHES
m Gail Geddes
David HUGHES m Britt Odmyr
Jennifer m Ashok BHULA
Elaine
m Douglas Howard
Deborah m Gregory SHELTON
Daniel
Andrew
Blair
Mabel, Frank, Eva, Ken, Elaine
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John
John was born at Ihungia inland from Te Puia. He attended Port Awanui, Waiomatatini and Whakaangiangi schools.
With a strong interest in cars and mechanical things many of his jobs revolved around the automotive trade.
In 1933 he married Mary Capstick in Auckland. The couple made their home in Gisborne. John ran the Star Service Station and for a time drove taxis and the service car between Gisborne and Wairoa. After working in Orange, Australia the couple returned to NZ and lived in Eltham then Thames before settling in Hastings where John went into partnership with his younger brother Tilson. Here they ran the Super Service Station in Heretaunga Street. Mary and John had three daughters.
John and Mary’s final home was in Tauranga where John was employed by a large wine and spirits merchant. Mary, an experienced showroom saleswoman, had her own dress shops in both Hastings and Tauranga.
As a child I really enjoyed the Christmas holidays spent at our beach cottage at Te Awanga. I enjoyed mainly the visits we had from our many uncles, aunts and cousins. They were real family gatherings.
– Del
I clearly recall an incident while living in Pepper Street, Hastings. The electrical wiring in the house must have been faulty because whenever any of us girls switched on the sitting room light, the whole house fused. This time, after much mumbling while replacing the fuse, Dad lined us all up to show us how to turn the light on properly. Ready. BANG!! We girls all dissolved into giggles and disappeared as soon as we could.
– Carol
On retirement John spent much of his time travelling, gardening and winemaking. He was also an avid rock hound and a keen collector of coins.
Mary enjoyed doing poker work, millinery, dressmaking and beaten brass work.
I have a fond memories of Uncle Jack, with his snow white goatee, and dear Aunt Mary. We, on one of many pilgrimages around the family, stopped in at Tauranga for the night. As was the custom at Uncle Jack’s, the adults adjourned to the cellar to taste the pea-pod, rose hip and parsnip wines he was so fond of making. Ages later Dad and Mum arrived back into the house to the smell of Aunt Mary’s delicious roast. Dad sat down and read the newspaper for a while but the light in the lounge seemed dim. He raised the paper to the standard lamp in order to caste more light on the subject grumbling all the time about how dark it was. Mum exclaimed, ‘Tilson, you’ve got your sunglasses on!’ We were all more wary of Uncle Jack’s fine wine after that episode.
– Sally
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The Family Of Mary and John Hughes
Kerry
m Bob CRUTCHLEY
Glenn CRUTCHLEY m Robyn
Elizabeth
Megan m Peter COLAHAN
Thomas
Lucy
Del
m Peter ELLIS
Jason ELLIS m Emma Storey
Hugo Ellis m Maria Konings
Toby
Alexandra
Carol
m Peter SCOTT
Tania m Michael POOK
Denver SCOTT m Niki Macdonald
Kerry, John, Del, Mary, Carol.
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David
David was born at Ihungia. He attended Port Awanui School, but often, when the school was closed through lack of a teacher, attended Waiomatatini School along with other Port Awanui children. He went to Whakaangiangi School before leaving to work at Inland Patea. From here he made his way to Nuhaka working as a ganger on the construction of the railway line.
Working with taxis, trucks and graders appealed and he became a mechanic with the Wairoa County Council.
David met Ena Mayo and they married in 1929 at Wairoa. The couple made their home in Nuhaka and raised a family of five sons and a daughter.
It was a real challenge trying to make enough to live on during the Depression. In 1931, I eventually built up a herd of dairy cows from here and there and this was our salvation. I used to leave home at about five in the morning to milk the twenty-four cows by hand, then separate off the cream and carry it to the bus a quarter of a mile away. Then in the afternoon it was the same procedure. So I wasn’t around home for any length of time. But I can still see Ena sitting at her sewing machine making pants for our four boys who were our early family. Flour bags, very well bleached with most of the stencilling washed out, were used for linings while the best part of old trousers or coats made the outers. It was hard work but we pulled together and raised our family gaining much happiness and enjoyment from them all.
– David
David had a small dairy farm and for many years was a familiar figure as he delivered milk to the villagers on his push bike. Being very community minded he held many public positions. For over 30 years he drove the Nuhaka school bus, and as he also coached school rugby and was school caretaker, knew all the village children individually.
In the ‘twenties I drove a Ford canvas sided bus and also a Ford with steps up the back. Then for six years during World War II, I drove a Fargo owned by Ronnie Boyd who was lost in an air raid over Germany. From about 1957 until I retired in 1981, I drove Education Department buses. Back in the ‘forties, because of the shortage of petrol, I had to bring all the children in one load. Imagine 78 children in a bus with seating for 40!
– David
Ena and David were regular attenders and keen supporters of their church.
In 1982 David and Ena moved to Wairoa where Ena continued to welcome all to her cheerful home with its colourful flower garden.
David continues his interest in bowls and his love of music has seen him keep up his piano playing. David’s keen interest in family and local history keeps him busy.
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The Family of Ena and David Hughes
Dudley HUGHES
m Betty Hunter
John HUGHES m Lesley McKean
Celeste
Barthlolomew
Grant HUGHES + Melanie Symes
Rhian
Bronwyn m David HUNT
Murray HUGHES m Briget Skelton
Jacob
Grace
Isaac
Arthur HUGHES
m/d Willa Strum
Stephen HUGHES m/d Shelley Johnson
m
Martin
m Karen Collier
Ronald HUGHES m Carla Rogers
Carl d.i.
Danielle
Jarod
Aubrey
Bruce HUGHES
m/d Judy Brady
Chris HUGHES M Dale Simpson
Craig
Marie
Darryl
Stephen
Kathy m/d Ed MORGAN
Briar
Mark HUGHES m Marie Payot
Elizabeth.
Charles HUGHES
m Betty Brown
Alan d.
Colin HUGHES m Lisa
Craig
Joanne
Roslin
Penny
Beverley
m Ian Robertson
David ROBERTSON m Pamela Stephens
Natalie
Matthew
Daniel
Nicholas
Anna
Natalie
Hamish ROBERTSON + Marie Stoker
Eli
Neil HUGHES
m Marie Mettam
Carl
Michelle m/d Brian McLEAN
M Carl HUGHES
James
Grayson
Bridget
Angela
Page 85
Russell
Russell was born at Ihungia and while still a small baby the family moved to Port Awanui. After a few years at Port Awanui School he, along with others of the family, was a first day pupil at Whakaangiangi School when it opened in 1919.
Russell was always good with animals and enjoyed working with them. At an early age he became a drover, driving sheep and cattle from the East Cape to Stortford Lodge, Hastings and on occasions into the Waikato district. He then returned to the farming life, first as a shepherd and then as a farm manager.
In 1931 Russell married Gwladys Brown in Wairoa.
The couple made their first home at Tangihanga in the Whakaangiangi Valley during which time their two sons were born.
When Dad and Mum were married it was Depression time and Dad was manager of Tangihanga. The nearest neighbours were many kilometres away and Mum had never been used to such isolation so Dad gave Mum a small piglet for company. Dad said that when he would retum on his horse in the evening quite often she would walk to meet him bringing her family consisting of the piglet, a cat, a dog and a pet lamb. It was like someone from Noah’s ark.
Later Dad had a position as shepherd at Pahnui, Kopuawhara. There was no hot water system at the Pahnui house so we heated water on the stove when we required small amounts but when large quantities were required for baths Mum would light the copper and carry buckets of hot water into the bathroom and pour them into the bath. After a bath in the winter I would rush out to the wash-house open the copper’s firebox and squat on the concrete foundation with my back to the warmth of the flames. One night I put my back too close to the cast iron firebox and it burned my flesh. I still carry the scar. The copper was used for many purposes such as boiling the Christmas pudding in its flour bag container, making soap from sheep tallow and heating water to scald the bristles off a pig after slaughter.
I remember Mum and Dad taking us for a picnic in the dray behind the old draught horse to Pukenui Beach at the back of the farm. We used to ride our horses to that beach quite regularly to collect pipis. Occasionally Dad would patrol the nearby beach on his horse during the clear frosty nights in mid-winter. Sometimes he would find a frost fish which for some unexplainable reason had stranded itself on the beach. It was delicious to eat.
Dad always milked a cow or two and although there was a milking shed on the property he seldom used it. He would just squat with the bucket between his legs and milk the cow wherever it stood in the paddock.
During the war meat, butter and tea were rationed and these commodities were only available in exchange for ration book coupons and payment. As mutton, butter, milk and cream were plentiful on the farm Mum used to take these to her sister in Wairoa whenever we went to town. In return Aunt Avis would give us all of her spare tea coupons. These were very precious to Mum as she was very fond of her cup of tea. Whenever anyone arrived at our farm gate she would rush inside and put the kettle on the
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wood-burning stove or in later years plug in the electric jug. Mum’s biscuit and cake tins were never empty.
During the war the US Marines landed at Opoutama Beach so the school children walked up the hill to watch the landing craft come ashore from the warships anchored in the bay. The marines had no idea where they were but had orders to take the beach but not to fire ammunition. They were friendly towards us and gave us candy and cigarettes from their rations. Dad set up a small industry of shooting wild goats, curing the hides with salt, alum etc. and selling the beautiful soft white hides to the Americans.
– Earle
After several years managing farms in the Wairoa district the family moved to Hikutangi, Nuhaka. Russell and Gwladys were very keen gardeners and won many prizes in the flower and vegetable sections at the local show.
Russell enjoyed all types of fishing while Gwladys was always an active member of the Women’s Division Federated Farmers, Country Women’s Institute and the church.
Dad had a way with animals especially dogs and always maintained a very strong pack of heading and huntaway dogs. He took every opportunity to train them when working sheep on the farm and I have seen him working at one time, three separate mobs of sheep with a dog completely in charge of each mob. He entered in all the local dog trials with considerable success. Two of his dogs, Rowdy and Guy, both of which he sold to well-known dog trialist Jack Wedd of Hastings, went on to win many NZ National Dog Trial titles. He was very proud and pleased with their successes.
For many years Dad kept the odd beehive or two. Unfortunately the bees, although very good workers, were of a wild and highly excitable strain. We enjoyed the luxury of the beautiful honey but always gave the hives a wide berth.
Wherever they lived Mum and Dad maintained beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. Mum spent many hours in her garden and I can remember the beds of chrysanthemums, delphiniums, poppies, salvias, gladioli and others as the seasons changed. One year, she decided to try her hand at daffodils and planted a large number along the fence where they could be admired by visitors approaching the house. All went well and when spring arrived the bed looked a real picture – a blaze of golden heads and lush green foliage. Unfortunately, a week before the visit of the local Women’s Gardening Circle, the blaze of colour must have attracted the attention of our horses and one morning we woke to discover the golden heads on the ground and the horses happily munching the leaves. Mum was devastated! We spent the day trying to repair the damage and Dad added an extra couple of barbed wire strands to the existing fence but the damage had been done. The following year, with all the precautions in place, the daffodil bed was a beauty to behold.
– Ivan
Russell and Gwladys retired to Hastings in 1960. Russell had several jobs before becoming a park keeper at Cornwell [Cornwall] Park where he took personal pride in the maintenance of the flower gardens. Gwladys continued her keen interest in church and women’s groups.
Russell’s dogs Rowdy and Guy
Page 87
The Family Of Gwladys and Russell Hughes
Earle HUGHES
m/d Hilary Powell
Wayne HUGHES m Lisa Alexander
Kerry m David GRANGER
Sydney
Sam
Shan
Evan HUGHES m Tracey Kent
+ Elizabeth Robertson
Ivan Hughes
m Stephanie Glanville
Graeme Hughes m Jenienne Bamford
Jordan
Barry Hughes m Jeanette Stephenson
Emma
David
Harley
Elizabeth, Earle, Evan, Tracey, David, Kerry, Wayne, Lisa, Shan, Hilary, Sam, Sydney
Jeanette, Barry, Graeme, Ivan, Stephanie, Harley, David, Emma, Jordan
Page 89
Grace
Grace was born at Port Awanui and was the first daughter after four sons. She attended both Port Awanui and Whakaangiangi schools completing her secondary education at Iona College, Havelock North.
Grace trained as a nurse at Wellington and was one of the first nurses sent to Napier at the time of the 1931 earthquake. While nursing at Whakatane she met Eric Evans whom she married in 1934 at Pakihikura.
The couple had a son and a daughter.
After many moves from as far afield as Auckland to Hokitika, they lived in Matamata, where for fifteen years Eric was a partner in a plumbing and sheet metal business.
Christmas holidays were usually spent at the wonderful beaches in the Bay of Plenty, interspersed with the occasional trips for family reunions at Hastings or Ashburton. A camping trip to a remote piece of Maori land at Colville in 1946 was the occasion for a couple of infamous family incidents.
On the trip over in the family Willys 77 complete with camping gear on the trailer, I was detailed to keep watch out the back car window as the rough and hilly roads on the Coromandel coast were negotiated. I was very quiet until almost at the end of the journey I announced to Dad, ‘If you don’t stop soon you’ll lose all of the tent poles.” Dad’s reply was unrepeatable, but fortunately the lost poles were recovered by retracing the last few miles.
The second incident occurred when we were under canvas. One night there was a heavy downpour and by daybreak the large annex of the tent was sagging under the weight of a giant pool of water. Dad was adamant that the roof should not be touched but Mum wanted him to clear the water. For some reason known only to Dad he finally acquiesced and gave the centre of the roof an almighty heave just as Mum, with raincoat over her nightie, was entering the tent after her morning ablutions. She passed through the waterfall and was drenched and the holiday very nearly terminated there and then. Little matter that Dad also proved his point when the roof immediately started to leak.
This incident certainly increased the resolve of all members of the family to start saving for a beach bach. In 1947, the year of the polio epidemic, a beach front section at Omanu, near Mt Maunganui, was purchased for one hundred and twenty pounds and Dad’s Fibrolite workshop from Western Street, Matamata was transported over to become the embryo of a bach. Early memories are of the car often getting stuck in the sand on the new road to the section and the mandatory chore of pulling bracken fern – Dad had a theory that this would eventually kill it.
– Nigel
The family eventually settled in Auckland where Eric worked at John Burns and Grace fettled crockery at Crown Lynn Potteries and later worked at Robinson Industries.
Grace enjoyed golf, winning many trophies and also spent much time in her garden. She was a founding member of the Matamata Rose Society. Eric’s leisure pursuits included reading, carpentry and trout fishing.
Page 91
Following Eric’s death in 1971, Grace moved to a unit in Royal Oak where she developed a beautiful garden.
As a child I sometimes used to stay with Aunty Grace in Auckland. I remember her flat in Royal Oak as being a place of peace decorated with memories of a lifetime. Every morning was begun with a cup of hot water, ‘to get things going’ and every day included a walk in the park under One Tree Hill. She was slim and beautiful even into her old age. The last time I visited she mentioned she was missing Uncle Eric and had been too long on her own.
– Sally
The Family of Grace and Eric Evans
Nigel EVANS
m Jan
Karen m Christopher O’MEEGHAN
Sophie
Grace
David EVANS m Katrina Wards
Richard
John
Elizabeth
m Geoffrey BOWYER
Joanne
Page 93
Bob
Bob was born at Port Awanui and attended Port Awanui and Whakaangiangi schools completing his education at Gisborne High School. After leaving school he worked for the Witters family of Gisborne before returning to the Coast to work for a short time for the butcher at Te Araroa. Bob then returned to Pakihikura where he and Fred share-milked on Metcalfes’ farm.
Bob was always a farmer. He had hens, calves, lambs and piglets. He kept bees too. Bob rode a horse that would jump fences for him and he made flax whips.
– May
In 1936 Bob flew to the South Island to join Fred and Noel working in the West Coast bush. After a time wheat harvesting in Canterbury with Fred, the two brothers moved to Franz Josef where they became provision packers and guides on the glacier.
Bob got his steam tickets while working around the mills on the West Coast and did drive some of the mill engines. Bob and Meg stayed with me on their way up north.
– Noel
It was here on the West Coast that Bob met Meg, a Scottish girl who was working at Grahams’ Boarding House at Waiho. After their marriage the couple moved to Hastings where Bob worked at Tomoana Freezing Works.
One New Year I was on holiday at Ikanui Road and as a special treat Granny and Grandad let me stay up late to see in the New Year with the adults. Shortly before midnight Uncle Bob mysteriously disappeared and as the rest of us loudly counted down the final seconds of the old year I thought it rather strange that Uncle Bob had not returned to join us in the merriment. However, my mind was set at rest a moment or two later when there was a knock on the door, and when opened, revealed Uncle Bob standing on the threshold with a piece of coal which he presented to Granny. To the delight of the group he was rewarded with a piece of cake and a glass of sherry which he consumed with reverence. This was my introduction to the old Scottish custom of First Footing.
– Ivan
After returning to the farming life in the Bay of Plenty, Bob and Meg moved to the Auckland district where they farmed for some years at Pukekohe.
When our Dad visited Meg and Bob on their farm at Pukekohe he was most amused to see a line of chooks sitting on the milking machine pulsator bar. They were having a ride back and forth, back and forth in time to the pulsator and Dad wondered if they ever got seasick and fell off.
– Tilson.
Page 95
Uncle Bob was great at making hangi. I remember Uncle Fred’s 60th at Kopu in particular. The day before the party everyone helped to prepare the kumara, puha and pumpkin, and to pick a HUGE pile of watercress for the hangi. The next moming Uncle Fred, dressed in his usual attire of blue bib-and-brace and followed closely by his black Labrador Snow, set the fire at 6am with the help of much arm waving and direction pointing from Uncle Bob.
The stones fell into the pit at about 7.30 and the coals were raked out by willing hands. By 8am the hangi was set and the huge earth oven steamed silently in the comer of the garden all day. We anxiously waited amid stories of Pakihikura and bottles of Uncle Fred’s home brew.
Late afternoon came and Uncle Bob declared it was time! He set about pulling the steaming sacks and sheets off the huge pile of food. Aunty Grace and Dad struck up a haka. There was much laughter as they rolled their eyes and stuck out their tongues in unison. I can still smell the kumara and taste the puha and smoke flavoured pork as it fell into our mouths.
– Sally
After a trip to Scotland, Meg and Bob settled in Auckland and Bob obtained employment in the council’s propagation nursery. The couple eventually retired to a lifestyle block at Makauri near Gisborne. Here Bob indulged in his lifelong passion for both horticulture and agriculture. As well as a few sheep and cows Bob kept bees, poultry and pigs. He also cultivated a large flower and vegetable garden.
On an autumn day in late March 1992, a small family group gathered on the eastern bank of the Turanganui River just below the cenotaph in Gisbome to bid a final farewell to Meg and Bob. In compliance with their wishes their ashes were mixed and scattered, along with a few flowers, on the outgoing tide.
– Ivan
Page 97
Fred
Fred was born at Port Awanui and attended Whakaangiangi School. He went to Gisborne High School for a short time but found boarding life at the school’s Rectory too regimented after the free and unconfined lifestyle on the farm. So he returned to Pakihikura and eventually share-milked a herd of cows with Bob on Metcalfe’s farm.
In 1934, after selling the cows, Fred joined Noel and travelled to Christchurch. They worked for a short time at the freezing works before cycling to the West Coast where they obtained a job laying tram tracks in the bush at Bell Hill. After eighteen months Fred joined the tree felling gang, then when Bob arrived about 1936 Fred and Bob went to Canterbury to harvest wheat.
Fred and I had been working in the bush on the West Coast for about a couple of years and then when Bob arrived he and Fred teamed up and went harvesting on the Canterbury plains. From there they went to Waiho working at Franz Josef on the glacier where they spent a lot of time on the ice. They took me up to the first hut once, great fun with the keas but scary on the glaciers though. Fred went to the deep south then came and lived with me for a while before he also went north.
– Noel
Fred returned north to work at Tomoana Freezing Works, Hastings.
Christmas dinners at Omaewa were always very special. The meal was held in the garage on two long trestle tables, the adults at one and us youngsters at the other. For us it also had another very special meaning for as usual, above our table, Uncle Fred had tied an old sock high in the rafters and the contents of that sock in the rafters was the focus of our attention. Would Uncle Fred remember us? Would Uncle Fred have something for each of us? What amount would Uncle Fred give us this year? All these important issues were uppermost in our minds as we ate our Christmas dinner. The waiting seemed interminable. When the meal was over Uncle Fred, with much pomp and ceremony, would retrieve the sock from the rafters and would hand each of us a shiny half-crown piece. There were never too many nor too few – always just the correct number. Such wealth! To a youngster on an allowance of threepence a week the half-crown piece was treasure indeed.
– Ivan
Fred came to us at Komata in the 50s. He was at a loose end and had nowhere to go. He did odd Jobs for us and built a woodshed behind the garage. I took over some old corrugated iron for the roof and Fred said, ‘I’m not using that b…… stuff. Get me a new lot.’ Later he bought a hill sheep farm and nearly knocked himself up cutting the gorse. From there he retired to Kopu by the river.
– Ken
During the 1950s Fred had a sheep farm at Paeroa and eventually retired to a small riverside holding at Kopu, Thames. Here he enjoyed gardening, fishing and yachting on the wide and often unpredictable river.
Page 98
One very hot summer Stephanie and I stayed for a few days with Uncle Fred at Kopu. Shortly after we arrived I noticed that Uncle Fred’s big black Labrador dog, Snow, was limping. He sat down near me and pathetically held his paw up for me to see. I eventually found and removed a large thistle from between the pads. From then on big Snow was my devoted friend. He followed me everywhere and even insisted on sleeping draped over me in my low narrow camp stretcher. With Snow as my bed mate and the hot summer weather I found it most difficult to get much sleep.
During one day we were intrigued to see Snow guiltily making frequent trips to the spare bedroom after which he would be seen burying something in the vegetable garden. On investigation Uncle Fred discovered that the new sack of dog biscuits, which was stored in the spare room, had been broached and Snow was busy laying down a secret stash in case he fell upon hard times. Uncle Fred knew that I had some beehives. As we were leaving to come home he disappeared into his large well filled implement shed and eventually reappeared with his honey extractor. He insisted I was to have it as by then he had given up keeping bees. It saw many more seasons of active service and I always thought of Uncle Fred as I was robbing my hives.
– Ivan
Fred died in the Auckland Hospital in 1983. His ashes were placed in his parents’ grave in Hastings Cemetery.
Fred harvesting wheat
Page 101
Noel
Noel was born at Port Awanui and did his schooling at Whakaangiangi School where in 1927 he gained his Proficiency Examination and was dux of the school.
He worked at Pakihikura before moving to Tangihanga to help Russell.
In 1934 he travelled to the South Island with Fred.
Early in ‘34 Fred and I set off south. It was a service car from Gisbome, train from Napier and the old Tamahine inter-island ferry from Wellington. It was our first introduction to a train and our interpretation of the ‘clickety clack’ was a cracked wheel under our carriage. Should it be notified to the guard? But we reckoned that the guard wasn’t deaf and the other passengers were untroubled So it was on with the trip. The boat trip was OK and we landed in Lyttleton [Lyttelton]. I started off with 45 pounds and Fred about the same. We found work in Christchurch in the freezing works and that gave our bank balances a boost but then a strike came up so we were not going to sit about.
We bought a bike each, a tent fly and provisions and decided to move on. It was rather hectic for a while getting used to cycling. Fred’s bike got away from him somehow on a downgrade and apart from a loss of some skin and a bent handle bar we soon settled to the task and headed for the West Coast – enjoying the challenge.
We biked through Kaikoura, Picton, Havelock and Rye Valley to Nelson – there were so many roadside flowers from there on. After a ride in a truck piled high with cases of apples and an unfortunate collision in the Buller Gorge which tipped us over the bank, we arrived at Reefton just on dark with our bikes in one piece though badly bent. For our help the boss in charge shouted us a feed and a beer at the local hotel. We camped the night in the open and next morning a bike expert with a torch and a few bashes here and there had our charges ready for the road again and we headed for Greymouth. We eventually found work in the bush at Bell Hill. On weekends we roamed the hills and streams. There were colours of gold to be found in most creeks.
After 18 months Fred joined the tree fellers while I had visions of driving a loco hauling the logs to the mill. So I studied hard and got my steam ticket both locomotive and stationary. I enjoyed the challenge and eventually took over the big engine, hauling permanently from the bush to the mill at Ruru. I had realised my ambition. I moved around a lot and drove in Hokitika and Ross. Grace and Eric had a home in Hokitika and when they moved to Auckland I bought it.
The grandest sight I have ever seen was at Ross. It was said that every five years the rata trees put on a flower display. I was driving a stationary engine at Ross and it just happened – the forests covering the hills were just ablaze.
I loved the Coast, the work and the people.
– Noel
In 1940 Noel married Joyce Thomson, a West Coast girl, and the couple eventually came north to settle in Hastings. Here Noel worked at Watties where he steamed five boilers prior to joining the army at Trentham. After his discharge he continued to work in Hastings at Nolan’s Concrete then for many years at Holts.
The couple have two sons and a daughter.
I often think of the trip Mum, Dad, Nigel, my children and I made to Hicks Bay in 1990 as connecting four generations – Granny and Grandad, Dad, me and my children. As we came within sight of Mount Hikurangi, we stopped and Dad introduced my children to the mountain.
We visited the old farmhouse at Pakihikura where Dad had lived as a boy. I remember seeing scraps of pretty floral wallpaper on the walls and imagined how proud Granny must have been of it. My children excitedly explored the old house, tip-toeing over broken floor boards until they noticed a dead sheep underneath. They were both fascinated and horrified – city kids!
I think of the old house, my grandparents whom I never knew and my father’s childhood, whenever I see red hot pokers in flower. They seemed to surround the house, echoing the colour of the rusted iron roof.
– Kim
Noel has always enjoyed music, working with wood and wood carving. He has made several beautiful wooden musical instruments.
In 1994 Noel and Joyce moved to Lower Hutt where they continue their keen interest in keeping beautiful vegetable and flower gardens.
The Family of Joyce and Noel Hughes
Nigel
Wade HUGHES
m Gail Buchanan
Sherry m
Garrick
Nathaniel
Kim
m David BAGULEY
Lauren
Genevieve
Noel
Nigel, Kim and Wade
Page 105
Tilson
Tilson was born at Port Awanui and after attending Whakaangiangi School went to Gisborne High School where he became a member of the First XV Rugby team.
On leaving school he returned for a short time to help with milking on the Pakihikura farm before working with John at the Star Service Station in Gisborne. After a stint at a large motor firm in Gisborne he moved to the Ford Co. garage in Palmerston North.
When war broke out, I joined up and went with the 2nd Echelon as a member of the Medical Corp. We spent six months training in England before being sent first to Egypt then on to Greece. We were captured by the Germans and were marched the length of Greece, taking only a week to do it. We were imprisoned at Camp 18A in Austria near Vienna and it seemed as though it was six months before we got a decent wash. Later we were taken to Stalag 8B in Germany and this was the furthest north prison camp – right up on the Polish /German border. We were taken to France by rail, in cattle wagons, to work in the fields for the Germans, but we wouldn’t do the labouring work as we were Medical Corp men. I was a POW for four years.
– Tilson
After his discharge, Tilson returned to Hastings and in 1947 married May Bull, ‘the girl across the road’. The couple have two sons and a daughter and lived for many years in Nottingly [Nottingley] Road. Tilson worked for the Internal Marketing Division before joining Attwoods as a truck driver. In the late 1950s he went into partnership with John at the Super Service Station in Hastings before working at Cyclone making barbed wire until his retirement in 1979. The couple took up tramping and enjoyed trips as far afield as Waikaremoana, Heaphy Track and Otago.
I remember one tramp we did when the cliff was so steep that I put a rope around May’s waist and just hauled her up. Another time we were climbing in the Kawekas and were standing on the very edge of a deep escarpment just quietly admiring the view. The next thing we knew was a jet fighter plane on manoeuvres from Ohakea, or somewhere, swooped down and buzzed us. It was so close that we could see every rivet and marking on the huge thing. It was just a few feet above us. And the noise was just deafening. The whole place seemed to shake. It took us ages to settle down after that as we had got such a fright!
– Tilson
In 1992 the couple moved to Havelock North where Tilson and May keep a beautiful large garden. Tilson continues his interest in mechanics, while May enjoys bowls, spinning and weaving.
Page 109
Uli
Uli was the second daughter and first and only child to be born in The Whare at Pakihikura. She attended Whakaangiangi School and then had correspondence tuition before completing her secondary schooling at Gisborne High School.
Uli was a typist for the stock and station firm of Williams and Kettle in Gisborne until her marriage to Jim Martin, a teacher at Whakaangiangi School.
The couple were married at Te Araroa in 1939.
They have two daughters.
After eight years living in New Brighton, where Jim had a teaching position, the family moved to Auckland as Jim had gained a lectureship at Auckland Teachers’ Training College. After a period as Maori Service Inspector, Jim became Senior Inspector for the Auckland District.
With a background in teaching, the summer vacation was always special for our family. With Christmas behind us we would gather together our camping gear – tent, flooring, beds, table, chairs, cooking and eating utensils etc. and head off north, east, south or west of Auckland to various camping grounds to enjoy the outdoors for a period of two weeks or longer. As the years passed we had the opportunity to share, with Grace and Eric, a section along the beach front at Whitianga. So for the next several years we headed off there with our camping gear and building tools to join the Evans family in the construction of our only beach cottage. It was an experience to remember and a proud combined effort.
– Uli.
In 1988 Uli and Jim moved to Havelock North, then in 1994 settled in Hamilton.
Uli has always been interested in gardening and is a staunch member of her church. Jim has maintained a keen interest in cricket and bowls.
Page 113
Ken
Ken was the first child to be born in the large new Pakihikura homestead.
He attended Whakaangiangi School before having secondary schooling by correspondence.
Ken worked on the farm with his dad before joining Russell on Tangihanga.
I remember one time Dad gave me a box of butter to take to the grocer in Te Araroa. I was on my horse when he reminded me to call in at the pub on the way home and get him a bottle of whisky. But I was too scared to go into the pub by myself so went home without the whisky. Of course this didn’t go down too well with Dad. He was not pleased.
– Ken.
When he was 19 years old, Ken and Piko Carlson took over the management of Tangihanga.
On his 23rd birthday he joined the army and served in the Pacific Islands for four years.
In 1946 Ken married Elsa Abbot in Opotiki.
After share-milking in the Bay of Plenty for six years the couple bought a 50 acre block of land at Komata, Paeroa and started their own dairy farm which was gradually increased in size until they were farming 185 acres.
They had four sons and a daughter.
In 1975 Ken and Elsa left the farm and retired to Paeroa where Elsa enjoys golf while Ken fishes, plays bowls and follows rugby. A keen handyman Ken has always been able to help their sons with machinery repairs, welding and steel work.
Both Ken and Elsa enjoy their garden.
Ken and Piko
Page 117
May
May was born at Pakihikura and after her primary education at Whakaangiangi School went to Gisborne High School.
May always wanted to train as a nurse but was unable to do so as she was needed at home to drive the car for her mother. However she often relieved, for two weeks at a time, at Waipiro Bay Maternity Hospital or Te Puia Hospital.
In 1940, on her 21st birthday, May, Coe and their parents moved from Pakihikura. After looking at various smallholdings they eventually settled in Hastings.
May worked for a short time at Sister Guffy’s private hospital in Napier. She then completed an apprenticeship in hairdressing and obtained employment with Harry Powell.
I was hairdressing for Harry Powell in Napier in 1941. Harry played the cornet and belonged to the band. When the soldiers went away, the band marched from the Parade down Emerson Street to the railway station and the soldiers joined in as the band passed by. Harry asked me to watch out for the band so he could join in as it came past his salon. Standing outside our doorway was a soldier with his kitbag. We talked as we waited then when the band came Harry and the soldier joined in. I went back to work. A few days later the lady who worked in the shop next door told me that this soldier had written to her and asked if I would write to him. I thought, “Why not?”, so I did! And that is the way it happened. Ted and I have been happy ever since and enjoy our life together.
– May
May married Ted Fairey in Hastings in 1943. The couple made their home at Brookfields, Meeanee where Ted milked cows and had a milk run in Napier. May and Ted later converted their dairy farm to an orchard. In 1987 the couple retired to Napier to a home overlooking the sea and a golf course.
May and Ted have a daughter and a son.
May has always been involved with her church and has enjoyed pottery, painting and her family. Both Ted and May played golf and Ted has retained his keen interest in sport and orcharding.
Page 121
Coe
Coe was born at Tokomaru Bay. She attended Whakaangiangi School before going to Gisborne High School. After leaving school Coe gained a position as a nursery governess at Tikitiki where she was in charge of three children and supervised their correspondence lessons.
On moving to Hawke’s Bay with her parents in 1940, Coe gained employment in Roaches’ drapery shop in Hastings then James Smith in Wellington.
For a time during the war years Coe was ‘man powered’ to work initially at the Wellington Nurses’ Home telephone exchange before being sent back to Hastings to work at Land and Highway [Heighway], the canvas manufacturers, making jungle tents for the American Army.
Coe married Neil Treacher in 1947 in Hastings and has a daughter and two sons.
For some years, while Neil had a milk run, the couple bought, redecorated and sold house properties in Hastings.
After Neil’s death in 1967, Coe moved to Havelock North where she worked at several plant nurseries and garden centres for many years.
In 1989 Coe took a belated trip overseas working two months in Surrey and in the South of England and two months in Europe. While in England Coe visited Little Waldingfield where her grandparents had lived and where her father had been born.
In retirement Coe enjoyed golf, plays bowls and bridge and is an enthusiastic gardener.
Page 125
Dudley
Dudley was the baby of the family and was very special to his immediate older sisters.
Everyone was heartbroken when, just a week after his first birthday, he died.
I clearly remember that this was a very sad time for us all and I recall the four of us little ones – Uli, Ken, Coe and myself sitting on the back steps while older brother Russell taught us the Lord’s Prayer.
– May
Dudley is buried in a small cemetery on the bank of the Kopuapounamu River in the Whakaangiangi Valley, not far upstream from Pakihikura.
Russell tending Dudley’s grave.
Page 127
Meeanee Reunion 1984
[back row]
Evan
Kathy
Mark
Bruce
Susan
Graeme
Deborah
Brett
Dianne
Robert
Barry
Jeannette
Shan
Doug
John
Ann
David
Kerry
David
Wayne
Paula
Kathy
Bruce
Penny
Bronwyn
Dulcie
Earle
Karen
Terry
Helen
Stephen
Graeme
Janne
John
Hilary
Ken
Gail
Betty
Charles
Betty
Philip
Karen
Adele
Leigh
Valerie
Athol
Kas
Sharon
Elaine
Mabel
Geff
Elizabeth
Nigel
Jan
David
Anne
Sally
Janice
Stephanie
Ivan
Dudley
May
Ted
Trent
Elsa
Deane
Ken
Coe
Grace
David
May
Glen
Tilson
Sarah
Uli
Jim
Gerda
Frank
[front row]
Rochelle
Sonya
Renee
Kylie
Blair
Angus
George
John
Duncan
Bart
Celeste
Richard
Carl
David
Andrew
Trent
Bevan
Joanne
Karen
Amanda.
Page 129
Paeroa Reunion 1997
[back row]
Jacob
Phillip
Adele
Terry
Dean
Trent
Joanne
John
Karen
Chris
David
Katrina
Neil
Kerry
David
Kylie
Emma
Karen
Sarah
Karen
Dudley
Leeann
Natalie
Amanda
Natalie
Lesley
John
Graeme
Janne
Eleanor
Olivia
Robert
John
Bevan
Pam
Anna
Nicholas
Beverly
Frank
Gerda
Del
Peter
Bevan
Angela
Daren
Charles
Rachael
Ann
David
Bruce
Marie
Betty
Valerie
Ken
Elsa
Jim
Uli
David
Athol
Coe
Elizabeth
Nigel
Jan
Ivan
Stephanie
Helen
Stephen
[front row]
David
Matthew
Mark
Ian
Daniel
Jasmine
Rebecca
Janice
Page 131
WHAKAPAPA/ANCESTRY CHART
DAVID HUGHES (REV)
ANNE
DAVID HUGHES (REV)
1835 – 19..
M 1868
GRACE OATES
GRACE
AUBREY
N.CHARLES R. HUGHES
1877 – 1959
m 1901
MABEL BOYD
1879 – 1955
ARTHUR C.
JOHN G.A.
DAVID A.
T. RUSSELL C.
GRACE L.
BOB E.B.
FREDRICK O.
NOEL N.
D. TILSON G.
E. ULI
KENNETH J.
MABEL N. (May)
FRANCES E. (Coe)
E. DUDLEY
WINIFRED
FREDRICK OATES
HANNAH
JAMES McNEIL
1747 –
JANET McGREGOR
JANET McNEIL
1790 –
GEORGE BOYD (DR)
JOHN Mc. BOYD (DR)
1819 – 1894
m 1847
JANE SAMPSON
1820 – 1881
GEORGE G. BOYD
1841 – 1933
m 1889
RIRIA KAWHENA
C1864 – 1898
MABEL BOYD
1879 – 1955
ARTHUR
1881 – 1946
(TWINS)
ERNEST
1881 – 1953
ALAN
1883 – 1955
GORDON
1887 – 1964
STANLEY
1890 – 1974
NORA
1892 – 1893
PARIOHE
MAIUA
TAMATI MOKOERA
HINE MAIKIKU
RIWAI TE WHATIKINO/KAWHENA
– 1912
m 1889
RIRIA KAWHENA
C1864 – 1898
MABEL BOYD
1879 – 1955
TAIROA
TE KANA TAKIRAU
HINE MAIKUKU
RIWAI TE WHATIKINO/KAWHENA
– 1912
ARIA
HINE WERA
WARIHI HAUPEHI
RAWINIA HAUPHEI
RIRIA KAWHENA
C1864 – 1898
TAHO
HINE WHAINOA
ROKO HAMURE
WARIHI HAUPEHI
RAWINIA HAUPHEI
RIRIA KAWHENA
C1864 – 1898
Tribe: Ngati Porou, East Coast
Whanau Marae: – Pokai Marae, Tikapa, Waiapu Valley, East Coast
Page 132
Resources
Births, Deaths and Marriages Records
Cemetery Records
Department of Land Information
Family History Centres
Gisborne Museum and Arts Centre
Hawke’s Bay Museum
Maori Land Records
National Archives
National Library;
Behind Every School – Kay Matthews
Boyd Family Bible
Big Country of the North Island – Peter Newton
Crockford’s Clerical Directory
Hiruharama School Centennial 1895-1995 – Monty Soutar
Historic Poverty Bay – J A McKay
Historic Sheep Station of the North Island – Colin Wheeler
Old Wairoa – T Lambert
Olive Branches – Bob McConnell
Original Southern Cross Cemetery 1891-1898 Booklet
Port to Pasture – S L & I C Hughes
Rambles in North Wales – Roger Redfern
Shell Guide to Wales
Sunrise on the Hills – Christopher Lethbridge
Te Araroa – Bob McConnell
Waipiro Bay School Centennial Pictorial Booklet – Piki Haere
War Medals to Colonials. N Z Wars 1864-72 – Richard Stowers
Whakaangiangi School Jubilee Booklet
Wharekahika – The Story of Hicks Bay – Lloyd Lawson
100 Years of Waiapu – Charles Rau
Stephanie and Ivan enjoy genealogy which they believe should be readily available to all. Although time consuming they find this hobby rewarding.
Stephanie is interested in researching and recording family and local history. She is a member of Hawke’s Bay Committee of NZ Historic Places Trust.
Ivan enjoys black and white photography and the copying and naming of old family photos. He is a member of Napier Camera Club.
Both Stephanie and Ivan are members of Hastings Heritage Trails Committee and enjoy U3A activities.
ISBN 0-473-06072-8
Original digital file
HughesIC1765_AncestryAndAnecodotes-1.pdf
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Format of the original
BookDate published
June 1999Publisher
SL & IC HughesAcknowledgements
Published with permission of Author and publisher
Accession number
463035Supporters and sponsors
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